Dukkan Kadikoy Council Waste Free Shop

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In an effort to improve my Turkish and learn what’s going on in my neighbourhood, I regularly check out the Kadikoy Council website. That’s how I discovered their initiative, Dukkan Kadikoy Council Waste Free Shop. It sells products and foods that are long-lasting, ecologically sustainable, produced from indigenous seeds, non-poisonous and seasonal, sourced from local producers and cooperatives. They value women’s labour and support craftsmen by including traditional handmade products.

Products are brought direct into the shop creating minimal waste, and everything is sold unpackaged or in returnable/reusable packaging. Paper receipts have been replaced by e-archive invoices and they have an instore water purification system to encourage people to refill their water bottles rather than always buying new bottles of water. In normal times you can bring your own glass jars and other containers and weigh and pack purchases yourself. During the COVID pandemic you had to buy their glass jars and other packaging items instore. These are still available and reusable. The prices are very reasonable, as is the cost of the products being sold.

What can find in Dukkan Kadikoy?

Looking for a metal straw or metal food containers for your lunch? Want organic cleaning products sold in containers you can refill? Need cloth nappies and safe baby products? After a silicon baking sheet or prefer to buy flour without metres of packaging? Almost given up hope of finding a menstrual cup in Istanbul? Then Dukkan Kadikoy is the place for you. Browse through the photos below to get an idea of what they have.

Dukkan Kadikoy is located about 50 metres down from the Feneryolu Marmaray stop and has an entry off Bagdat Caddesi. On the Cadde side look for the bright purple sign for Potlaç, a café and workshop run by a women’s co-operative. This initiative was started by the council in 2016 and enables women to network and engage with each other to learn new skills, sell their products and earn an income.

Want the money you spend in Istanbul and Turkey to go on meaningful projects? Check out my post on buying gifts that give back from initiatives run by NGOs and other groups helping women and displaced people to help themselves.

Planning to come to Istanbul or Turkey? Here are my helpful tips for planning your trip.

For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com.

Don’t pay extra for an E-VISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off.

However E-SIM are the way to go to stay connected with a local phone number and mobile data on the go. Airalo is easy to use and affordable.

Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.

I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide website AIRPORT TRANSFERS.

ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I use Booking.com.

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my bespoke guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.

Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!

However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.