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Alive Wholefoods: Conscious
Commerce & Community Connection

April 2024 – Words & Photography by The Punch

In the heart of Bali's bustling streets, Alive Wholefoods is all about conscious commerce and community connection. Founded in 2017 by a group of friends with a shared vision, Alive's genesis originated from a collective desire for a comprehensive shopping experience — one that prioritized health, sustainability, and community well-being. This shared aspiration drove the founders to establish a space where conscious consumption was paramount, filling a void in the local market where such options were scarce.

From its inception, Alive has challenged the norms of traditional grocery shopping, creating a path for a more sustainable and equitable future. By prioritizing local sourcing, waste reduction, and community support, Alive isn't just redefining the grocery experience — it's igniting a movement. With every purchase, customers become active participants in a mission to create lasting change, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and empowerment.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Alive goes beyond mere consumption and sales. An invitation to engage in community efforts, educate team members, and leave Bali in a better state for future generations.

LOCAL & SUSTAINABLE SOURCING

Alive's commitment to quality goes beyond product standards; it's deeply intertwined with a dedication to supporting local communities. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alive recognized the importance of supporting local businesses. This renewed focus has led Alive to strengthen its relationships with Bali-based suppliers, ensuring that the store's offerings directly contribute to the economic vitality of the region. By sourcing locally, Alive not only upholds its commitment to quality, but also drives resilience within the local community, creating a unique relationship that benefits all stakeholders.

Alive's commitment to supporting local suppliers and artisans is reflected in its selection of over 1000 locally sourced products. Each item is carefully selected to not only meet quality standards, but also align with the values of sustainability and community engagement. Beyond seeking excellence, Alive prioritizes brands and producers who demonstrate a dedication to positive impact, whether through sustainable farming methods or philanthropic endeavors.

WASTE REDUCTION

Recognizing the inevitable waste that occurs in grocery stores, Alive has implemented innovative strategies to minimize its environmental footprint. Leftover products and ingredients that may not meet aesthetic standards are repurposed in the kitchen to create soups, juices and other culinary delights, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Any produce that doesn't make it to the shelves, as well as all kitchen waste deemed unsuitable for donation, finds a new purpose through composting with Urban Compost. This organic matter is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, which is return to local farmers. By doing so, Alive support regenerative farming practices, enriching the soil and nurturing the land for future cultivation.

Alive also has a bulk section in the store that allows guests to shop or buy as needed. This initiative was born out of a desire to reduce unnecessary packaging and empower customers to make sustainable choices. By offering a variety of products in bulk, customers have the flexibility to purchase only what they need, minimizing both packaging waste and overconsumption. Whether using a paper bag provided by the store or bringing their own containers, customers can fill up on essentials without contributing to landfill waste.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Alive's commitment to the community extends beyond its walls, with initiatives aimed at supporting local organizations and promoting self-sufficiency in Bali. The partnership with SOS Indonesia not only highlights the need for greater local resilience, but also provides practical support to those in need. By donating meals to SOS, Alive plays a direct role in addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable members of the community.

The store recently partnered with Dungbeetle, a sustainability-focused organization. Through this collaboration, Alive contributes to environmental conservation efforts by planting trees with every transaction. This innovative approach not only aligns with Alive's sustainability ethos, but also gives customers the opportunity to contribute to reforestation efforts with every purchase.