Many of us are familiar with the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, but did you know it’s in that order for a reason? Reduce and Reuse are two of the most important ways we can address waste, and visiting a refill store can help us do both!
1. Select Your Container: If you need a refill on liquid shampoo and conditioner, hand soap, dish soap, or laundry detergent, a great place to start is just to use whatever container your product originally came in. If you have an empty plastic shampoo bottle, for example, hang onto it for use at the refill store. If you’re visiting the bulk food section of the grocery store, you might use a jar you saved from pasta sauce, or some other container you have on hand.
2. Find a Store Near You: If you’re not sure where your closest refill store is, check out this list on the Zero Waste Marin website. Many grocery stores now have bulk food sections as well.
3. Weigh Your Container: Once you’re at the store, there will be a scale for you to weigh the container you brought with you. This step is to ensure that you can subtract the weight of the container itself, and only pay for the weight of the product. Typically there is a sticker or piece of tape for you to write the weight on the container.
4. Refill! Fill each container you brought with your desired item.
5. Enjoy reducing waste! You did it! Refilling can be intimidating when you do it for the first time, but once you figure out the method that works for you, it can be a great way to reduce waste.