January. This time of year many folks make new year's resolutions....over here we just figure it's a good time to get back to basics. TBH, owning a refill store can be hard. We fight overconsumption, but in order to make retail work, we also need the holiday season spending. It can feel like an oxymoron.
So for us, right now, the back to basics, is also really nice. So what are my favorites in the shop? How do I refill? Pro tips?
I think the easiest place to start is the kitchen. We always say, if you're new here, start with ONE thing at a time. Going 'zero waste' or 'plastic free,' doesn't happen overnight. AND it's not sustainable (both eco-sustainability wise, but also habit forming sustainable) to swap out your whole house...so the easiest place? Sponges and dish soap. Most kitchen sponges are plastic...and they get gross really quickly, so they end up in the trash. We carry two types, our reuseable kitchen sponges, which are awesome, washable, and never get gross and stinky because they have a charcoal liner in the middle, AND our fully compostable sponges. Both are great! IMO, it's also great to have choices to meet folks where they are at: those of us that are super crunchy and those of us that just aren't and like what we are used to. (but also not too many choices, because, decision fatigue anyone else!?!)
A quick tangent (skip this paragraph if the nitty gritty isn't for you) on microplastics.... The reuseable sponges are made from ocean bound plastic. For some folks, this brings up concerns about microplastics.....I too have these concerns. Any clothing or materials made from ocean bound plastic that is touted as eco does shed off microplastics...Ideally these would be washed in filtering bag like a Guppy Bag. Do I always do this 100% of the time? TBH, no, But for me materials that are made of reused materials, particularly those that are causing greater problems in our oceans, are a bonus. It's not perfect, and yes, ideally every washing machine would have commercial filters like this (I haven't actually researched this particular one, just adding as an example....many are hundred of $$), but I think finding multiple solutions to problems is not a bad thing.
AND what goes with sponges? Dish soap. Again, two choices, but not too many! Both WORK (we promise...we've converted many a dawn user).
My personal favorite is our solid dish soap, which is available in unscented and lemon. It lasts MONTHS, and is easy to use. I love me a solid because its more cost effective and doesn't require shipping water around.
BUT we also understand that more than a few folks get a little overwhelmed by things 'too different' or 'too crunchy,' so if you're not ready to try the solid, the liquid dish soap is also awesome and refillable. We always recommend, if your budget allows, to fill one on the counter, and a larger refill size, underneath the sink. Habits that are sustainable are easiest to keep and running out of dish soap is never fun (unless you want an excuse to skip the dishes).
SO a reminder, 1) we now have REWARDS for those near and far and for those near 2) 64oz or more is always 10% off
And when you've successfully upgraded and deplasticized your kitchen dishes, let us know when you're ready to stop spending money on paper towels. We have choices (but not too many!)