The Zero Waste Store helps Somerset residents access clean products and reduce waste

Jar The Zero Waste Store’s old location in the Glades Court Mall in Somerset County. Photo: Provided.

Shop Jar The Zero Waste Store & Refillery on the Alleghenies Marketplace

****UPDATE: The JAR Zero Waste Store recently expanded to a larger location just down the street in the historic Shenk Building next to Trinity Park, located at 127 W Main St.

The first steps inside Jar the Zero Waste Store make a good olfactory impression–soaps, fresh locally roasted coffee, herbs and beeswax candles combine into a warm and welcoming scent. Barkman’s passion for the environment, eco-friendly products and recycling led her and her family to replace mainstream brands of everyday products with cleaner options years ago. But, she said, “The only way I could get these products was through cleaning subscription boxes or driving to another city.”

The search for these products fueled her desire to bring more options to the Somerset community. She shared, “My friend Emily Mauri and I were going to start a zero-waste subscription box, offering items specifically from Somerset and Florida, where Emily resides.” The idea evolved into a storefront in both locations. Barkman’s store, Jar, was located in the Glades Court Mall and recently expanded to a larger location just down the street in the historic Shenk Building next to Trinity Park, located at 127 W Main St..

“I got in touch with a business coach through Startup Alleghenies and I met him once a month. I worked diligently on my business plan, and he directed me in what I needed to do,” Barkman said. “I really don’t think I would have been able to do this so quickly and seamlessly on my own. Startup Alleghenies was able to put me in touch with the resources I needed to get my business going. They share our passion for making our community better and they want you to succeed.”

Read more about The Zero Waste Story here.

Bulk soaps and cleaners are purchased to refill and reuse containers reducing disposable waste. Photo: Provided.

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.