About Us

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Jess and Jen are "localvores" with a "zero-waste" philosophy. Our friendly neighborhood grocery store features Alaskan-grown, made and/or manufactured food and cooking items, fresh local produce, personal care products, household cleansers, gifts, and more. The atmosphere promotes "slow shopping" (we know your name, the music is relaxing and the baked goods smell soooo good). Our products are fair trade and either entirely unpackaged (you bring your own containers or use our new or repurposed containers), or they are packaged with eco-friendly and reusable options. All products have been carefully vetted based on their impact to the planet, considering the materials/ingredients they are made from and packaged in and their carbon footprint (which can be significant when shipping to Alaska and why we try as much as possible to source from Alaskan vendors). This careful selection process provides convenience and peace of mind by ensuring the products at Blue Market AK are eco-friendly. We also address shopping-overload anxiety by reducing the number of choices, focusing on healthy foods and products from vendors who we know and trust. Blue Market AK is a one-stop-shop for quality, locally-made products and food items. Every item is displayed not only with a clear description of ingredients and their origins, but also with the item’s unique story, including its environmental impact. People who shop at Blue Market AK consciously give back to the planet, every day.

WHY OPEN AN UNPACKAGED minimal-waste STORE in Alaska?

Well . . . . .

BECAUSE. . . . .

Because disposables and even recyclables never go away, so refusing and reducing them makes sense.
Because more convenient unpackaged options will help modify our society's disposable, quick-fix shopping habits.
Because the oceans and earth need us to pay attention.
Because Alaskans care about the wilderness.

We Believe . . . . .

We believe in taking steps to change waste-producing purchasing habits.
We believe that people want to participate in change.
We believe in the global trend to return to a simpler, friendlier, slower paced lifestyle.
We believe package-free shopping is a process of changing habits that our culture is ready to embrace.

We Are ready to Join the Global MINIMIZING WASTE TREND

The Alaska Zero Waste group has over 700 members.
The environmental impact of single-use plastics are being taught in our schools.
The SWS composting program started in part because our landfills are in danger of reaching capacity.
Anchorage has banned plastic bags.
Spring clean-ups in Anchorage are evidence that plastics are a blot on our beautiful landscapes.
The local food movement supports farmers and addresses issues with food security.

Our Founders

Jennifer Gordon, a 25-year Alaskan resident and Jessica Johnson, who spent her childhood in Alaska and returned here to raise her own child, have come together to see this business come to fruition. They are tirelessly working hand-in-hand as they partner in the vision, planning and execution of Blue Market AK. Read more about their inspiration and background here.