Less waste and litter for a more beautiful Bled: ‘Na kilo’ Zero Waste Store

In May 2023, NA KILO, Bled's first zero-waste store opened its doors at the site of a former petrol station. The concept of zero-waste shopping is nothing new – just something that has been forgotten. Join us in co-creating Bled's green story and embark on a journey towards a higher quality of life – one characterized by less waste, more responsible practices, and an overall higher standard of living.

The volume of collected waste is on the rise

In 2022, the local waste management company Infrastruktura Bled collected 494 kg of municipal waste and 161 kg of mixed municipal waste per capita in Bled alone. The increase in waste collection, encompassing both mixed and separately collected waste, cannot be attributed solely to tourism in Bled. During the tourist season, the amount of waste increases and depends on the number of tourists. According to the available data, Infrastruktura Bled estimates that tourism contributes to a 30% increase in waste production (factoring in overnight stays, day guests, and parking ticket sales).

© Jošt Gantar

What goes in a mixed waste container?

The amount of mixed waste being collected is also increasing due to improper recycling practices. Mixed waste includes: plastic-coated paper, cellophane, dirty packaging that cannot be cleaned, paper and plastic packaging tainted with food residue, small amounts of Styrofoam and grease-soaked film, diapers, sanitary products, fabrics, leather, worn-out shoes, sewing scraps, vacuum cleaner bags, adhesive tapes, pens, cat litter, films, photographs, rubber items, cork, porcelain, light bulbs, cigarette stubs, swept rubbish, and plastic items like ski boots and toys.

Infrastruktura Bled also highlighted a growing concern, and that is the inclusion of biodegradable waste in mixed waste. Bio-waste should be composted or placed in biodegradable or paper bags and disposed of in the brown bin. They highlight the fact that separate collection of bio-waste is essential, as improper handling presents a major environmental burden. Bio-waste that should go to the brown bin includes vegetable and fruit peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, filter bags, spoiled food, food scraps, paper tissues, paper towels, paper bags, garden waste (branches, grass, leaves, old potting soil, flowers and weeds). Meat scraps belong in mixed waste and waste cooking oil is collected and disposed of separately.

Embracing less waste as a way of living

Minimizing waste production is a decision and a lifestyle that initially requires organization and smart shopping. We can all make a big step forward towards reducing waste by changing our shopping habits, and questioning ourselves about what we truly need and how we will use it. We should first rethink our habits, strive not to make unnecessary purchases, reduce the use of resources (with particular focus on cutting down drastically on single-use plastics), refurbish, maintain and repair – and only when these options are exhausted, focus on recycling properly.

© Jošt Gantar

How to reduce and prevent waste

A simple and practical solution for packaging-free shopping is right at your fingertips – just visit Na kilo, a shop managed by KGZ GOZD Bled, which brings together a network of local farmers, producers and vendors to offer a wide range of products. Make a list of items you need, gather empty tubs, bags, pickling jars and storage containers, take them with you to the shop and fill them with your favourite products.

Shopping at Na kilo

You have entered the Na kilo shop with your reusable packaging. Now what? You weigh the empty packaging, fill it with your chosen products and then weigh it again. If you forget your packaging at home, don't worry – the shop staff will provide you with some pre-cleaned and disinfected second-hand glass jars for free, and glass packaging and cloth bags are also available for purchase. And here's an idea - if you have a large quantity of glass jars with lids at home, you can take them to the Na kilo shop, where they will be available free of charge to forgetful (and initially not-so-skilled) shoppers. If you need help with your shopping, the staff will be happy to help you. 

Products from local suppliers 

Na kilo offers a wide range of food and other locally produced items and is currently working with more than 15 suppliers from the region. For the products that are not available in Bled and the surrounding area, they work with suppliers across Slovenia. 

Na kilo offers bread and baked goods, vegetables and fruit, grains, nuts, dried fruit, sweets (including chocolate, kremšnita (Bled cream cake) and Riklijeva rezina (Rikli’s slice), beverages and teas (including beer and wine), selected meat and dairy products, fresh local milk and eggs, pasta, jams and honey, Taste Radol’ca pre-prepared meals in jars, frozen štruklji and bread, vegan products, ointments, tinctures and a wide range of products for home use - washing powder, fabric softener, cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues, reusable wipes and much more. 

The shop also offers a wide gift selection: various types of brandy and liqueurs, jams, teas and honey of the Bled Local Selection brand, clay products and wooden jewelry by Gozdni mož. 

The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 noon.

There are also three vending machines in the car park of the shop, where you can buy fresh local eggs from the Jarc farm, local meat from Pr' Rožman and dairy products from the Prnikar farm in Triglav National Park. 

Don't let shopping become a one-off plastic habit 

By reusing your packaging, you can reduce waste and shop responsibly. This way of shopping strengthens and supports the local community and Slovenian farmers - get to know the suppliers, their heartfelt products and the stories that add a special, personal, touch to the food and drinks you consume. 

Nika Pirnar

Public relations for Bled Tourist Board