articles

How Simple Bare Necessities Is Helping NJ Live More Sustainably

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By Thyra Kelly April 27, 2026

New Jersey residents are becoming increasingly mindful of the waste we create, and the familiar mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is taking on new meaning as more people look for practical ways to shrink their footprint. One local business making that shift easier — and far more accessible — is Simple Bare Necessities, a sustainable refillery shop committed to low-waste living.

Reduce: Cutting Down on What We Bring Home

The first step in sustainability is simply reducing the amount of packaging and disposable products we consume. Simple Bare Necessities helps customers do exactly that by offering everyday essentials — like shampoos, soaps, cleaners, and personal care items — in bulk, without the single-use plastic. Shoppers can buy exactly what they need, nothing more, nothing less, and avoid the waste that comes with traditional retail packaging.

Reuse: Giving Containers a Second (and Third) Life

Refill culture flips convenience on its head in the best way. Instead of tossing out bottles every month, customers bring their own clean containers from home or pick up a donated one from the shop’s community bottle library. Filling up on products you already love means fewer plastics in the trash and a major shift toward long-term habits that benefit the planet.

Recycle: Closing the Loop Thoughtfully

Recycling still plays an important role, especially when done correctly. Simple Bare Necessities educates customers on which materials are truly recyclable in New Jersey, helping reduce contamination and increase the effectiveness of local recycling programs. The store itself prioritizes ethical sourcing and recyclable packaging for the goods it carries, keeping the full product life cycle in mind.

Small Choices, Big Impact

Sustainable living doesn’t have to be complicated. You don't need to replace everything you have all at once. Whether it’s refilling a bottle of hand soap (instead of buying a new one) or switching to a package-free kitchen scrub, these small adjustments add up fast. With shops like Simple Bare Necessities leading the way, New Jersey families have a straightforward, accessible path to reducing waste and making everyday routines more eco-friendly.

What Can You Get?

At Simple Bare Necessities, shoppers will find practical, low-waste essentials that fit easily into everyday routines. Get as much or as little as you need:

Self-Care Essentials

  • Whipped body butter in refillable glass jars
  • Bulk shampoo, conditioner, deodorants, and body wash
  • Hand soap and lotion refills

Home & Cleaning

  • Dish soap and laundry detergent refills
  • All-purpose cleaning concentrates
  • Reusable cleaning cloths and scrubbers

Candles & Aromatherapy

  • Hand-poured soy candles in reusable glass vessels
  • Essential-oil based scents made without synthetic fillers

Pantry Staples

  • Bulk rice, beans, oats, all purpose flour, and granola
  • Coconut oil 
  • Handmade pastas
  • Spices, teas, coffee, oils, vinegars, and sweeteners


Where can you find Simple Bare Necessities?
Simple Bare Necessities is located 17 Main St, Sparta NJ 07871. Look into your local farmers' market to see if they pop up near you!

Hours:

Monday    10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday    10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday  10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday  10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Friday  10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday  10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday   11:00 am - 3:00 pm