What Is A Refill Store?

Most stores welcome you to fill any clean empty container you have. Such as:

• Plastic containers that you've cleaned out: laundry detergent container, cleaning spray bottle, etc
• Glass containers that you've cleaned out: pasta sauce jar, olive oil bottle, spice jars, etc

If you are in need of a container, refill stores have a few options for you:

• Buy a pre-filled container (to be refilled over and over again)
• Buy a new empty container (glass, aluminum, or compostable) you can fill
• Grab an empty donated container that has been sanitized

Refill stores carry eco-friendly nontoxic products that match their values. Every owner is different and has their own standards. If you have questions, ask. They love talking about the products they carry and why they think they are great for you and the planet. 

Most stores prioritize locally made items from small companies. You won't find the common brands found in big box stores. That's because these products don't meet the store owner's sustainability or safety requirements. Most mass produced products that are marketed as "green" or "eco-friendly" are greatly misrepresented.

Refill store owners want to make zero waste living as affordable as possible. Depending on what you are used to buying and what you replace it with, the price might be lower or higher. Here's why:

• If you're already buying high quality, organic products, refilling may be cheaper because you've eliminated the cost of packaging.
• If you're used to buying low cost products from big box stores, refilling may be more expensive. This is because you will be getting better quality products.
• Local, small batch, handmade items are more expensive than mass produced products.

Yes, it helps a lot. Here's why:

Empty plastic containers placed in your recycling bin aren't guaranteed to be recycled. The pumps and sprayers for hand soap and cleaners are not recyclable. The bottles are only recyclable if your local recycling facility has the capability to handle it. In 2018 it was reported that only 9% of plastics were recycled. That number is closer to 5% today.

Plastic containers that are recycled can only be down-cycled. This means it can only be used to make something that is even harder (or impossible) to recycle. Eventually, the recycled plastic will be incinerated or sent to a landfill. In both cases, toxic chemicals and microplastics get released into the environment.

Definitely! Your local refill store is your community's eco hub!

• They will connect you with other businesses that make zero waste living easy such as a local composting service.
• They host workshops and events that help you live sustainably and meet fellow eco-minded individuals.