A global pandemic couldn’t stop Chris Simmonds from turning his passion for sustainability into a living by opening not one but three brick and mortar locations in Hampton Roads. Less Than are a small chain of zero waste refill shops offering sustainable alternatives.
You can find Less Than’s three shops located in Norfolk, VA Beach, and Hampton. Inside you’ll find on offer a wide range of naturally-derived products to help our community live more waste-free everyday lives. Amongst the plethora of products included are household staples such as laundry detergent, hand soap, dish towels, and more. The store also offers various personal care items like lip balm, deodorant, and shower essentials.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring their containers to fill with dry or liquid goods by the ounce. Less Than does collect glass containers from the community, which are available for use with purchase. The purpose of the refill station is to reduce the amount of trash we as consumers introduce to our Earth.
On a trip to California, Simmonds became acquainted with what it means to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Unfortunately, the store he was visiting didn’t have a website, so he couldn’t buy products from them when he returned to Virginia. He then set his sights to open three physical stores in Hampton Roads, in addition to setting up an online storefront for customers near and far.
Simmonds hopes that his stores can help people change their shopping habits and become more mindful of the environment. “I wanted to create a shift in the way people think about their products, like where did this come from, how does it fit into my life, and when I finish with it, what happens to it?” he explained.
Less Than features an in-house brand while also partnering with local brands and mom-and-pop shops. As a result, you’ll find these and more offerings on the shelves: tinctures from Traditional Agriculture, handmade cotton goods from Roving Rose, small-batch soy candles from Fringe and Fire candles, and indulgent skincare options from Ocean Soaps ETC.
Simmonds does his best to stock as many products that are sans-package as possible. Materials utilized in packaged items are recycled paper and glass and biodegradable bamboo to leave a smaller carbon footprint.
“The problem with waste is that it impacts us on both a local and global levels,” said Simmonds. As of 2020, the cumulative collection of plastic is over 8 billion tons worldwide. Its rampant use sees it always in constant demand while inflicting harm on our planet’s now precious ecology and climate. “When people come to our stores, we want them to look for what changes can be practical and realistic for their lifestyle.”
As of last month, Less Than has been in business for one year. Despite opening during the pandemic, the stores have seen their sales flourish. “People want access to sustainability,” said Simmonds. “This is something they’ve seen take off in California or New York, and they’re hoping these establishments will catch on elsewhere.” Simmonds joyfully reports that the Hampton Roads community support has been extraordinary.
Check out the online store here: www.golessthan.com
Follow Less Than on social media:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/golessthan
IG: @golessthan
Twitter: @golessthan
