Founder of the Wally Shop

Parley caught up with Tamara Lim, founder of The Wally Shop, to find more about how the company is tackling plastic pollution. Based out of Brooklyn, The Wally Shop is changing up the grocery game with package-free deliveries that come straight to your door. Their circular model of reusable packaging and locally sourced ingredients combines the best elements of same-day delivery convenience with a responsibility to the earth.

Through her previous job managing the packaging and shipping category at Amazon, Tamara became increasingly aware of the degree to which customers are gravitating towards more ecological options. She also came to understand the failure of current distribution models and recycling infrastructure to appropriately address the issue of waste. Identifying an opportunity to bridge the gap between business and the necessity to pick up after ourselves, Tamara strives for a better, more circular solution free of plastic — one with packaging that can be returned and reused in a closed-loop system.

Where do you see the Wally Shop going?

At the moment we are focused on continuing to avoid trash, one order at a time. We recently hit 1k pieces of trash (prevented) from going to landfill, which we are really excited about, and launched operations in Manhattan. The idea is to continue expanding from here. The more we can scale the technology that allows to fulfill orders, the more waste we can prevent.

We have built the company in a way where everything is integrated and in line with our values. All the produce is local and from food collectives or farmers markets. So even as we continue to expand to different cities that have shown interest, we are looking to set up every operation in a way where all the produce is local, and we are being completely transparent about where everything is coming from and how much it costs.

What is the role of entrepreneurs in the environmental conversation?

It is huge! People keep flocking to things like bitcoin or Silicon Valley, however, the environment is the one thing that connects and unites us all. Without it, none of the other things are possible. There is still so much to do in this space, and so much opportunity.

Who, or what, inspires you to take action?

I grew up in Taiwan, that actually happens to have one of the best recycling rates in the world. However, being on an island, I would go out for walks my dad and find plastic waste everywhere. I remember him telling me how clean everything used to be before. It is him who taught me to care, and who inspires me to do what I do everyday. I am also inspired every time that we get encouraging comments from people who are loving the service and what The Wally Shop is doing.

Any advice for people looking to take action or get involved in the cause?

Start with something small. Bring your own cup places and you’ll begin to realize how easy it is and how many uses it has. Also, say something. Although it might seem insignificant, if enough people use their voice to bring attention to something then it slowly begins to change. The small things matter.

Favorite sea creature/spirit animal?

Sea turtles. They’re so wise and always go with the flow.