First of all - we LOVE that you’re thinking about refillable products. They’re a tried and tested way of reducing your carbon footprint, minimising the amount of single-use plastic we throw away, and reusable containers look great!
Refilling can be quick and convenient, all whilst helping the planet and supporting local businesses. Here’s an example; we’ve all been tempted by cute reusable coffee flasks - like these Rice Husk ones on our website, and they save you a little bit of money every time you treat yourself to a fancy coffee. Well, what if we told you that you could take that principle, and apply it to other stuff around your home?
If you find yourself feeling guilty for using so many plastic packets, then we’ve got some simple suggestions coming your way. We’ll talk about what refillable products to invest in, where to get them, and why it’s a great practice. We cover refillable food and drink swaps, how to integrate refills into your cleaning routine, and some great beauty swaps you may never have even heard of. Refillable mascara? Yep, read on to find out more!
Food & Drink
One of the most exciting refills is your kitchen goods. A trip to your local refill shop is a great place to get high-quality staples - like rice, pasta, and cereal - whilst also exploring some interesting new options. Lentils, beans, and split peas are a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets, which have their own benefits when it comes to reducing carbon footprints and consuming more ethically. Plus, they’re delicious!
Something that you might not consider, is being able to refill your herbs and spices. You can keep the little glass jar from your first buy at the supermarket, and take it to get refilled at your local zero waste store, and it’s often cheaper. Maybe there’s a recipe that you really want to try, that calls for a spice you simply don’t have - you can get exactly the amount you need to give it a go, without it sitting in your cupboard for ages afterwards.
Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to admit that old-fashioned sweet shops are charming. Your home can look just like it - especially if you swap to glass mason jars.
Trust us, our favourite section of the refill shop is the one with the chocolate-covered stuff. It’s affordable, and a treat - you deserve it!
Hey EcoVibe, how do I find one of these amazing shops near me?
We’re glad you asked! We have a handy shop finder so that you can support local businesses whilst you shop:
Cleaning Products
It turns out that per person, per year, we use 30 plastic cleaning bottles - unless you make the swap for reusable, refillable bottles. Our plastic-free cleaning refills will reduce your carbon footprint in this area by a mega 94% - it’s a no-brainer!
Don’t let them scare you, either - they’re SUPER easy to use. We recently wrote another blog about how they’re as simple as 1, 2, 3!
Personal Hygiene & Cosmetics
When it comes to deodorant, we go WILD - and no, it’s not what you think. If you want to take a walk on the WILD side, then why not switch it up with a refillable deodorant?
WILD’s refillable deodorants can actually reduce the amount you sweat over time, and smell amazing to boot! We love their coconut dreams scent - it makes every day smell like a holiday!
If you’re feeling fresh and flirty, you can swap out your mascara to a refillable option, too. We get that making changes to your routine can be scary, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific tastes. But don’t worry - Zao has you covered. Their Aloe Vera mascara formula is great for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and palm-oil free, so it’s really something to bat your eyelashes over.
And don’t worry, when you make the switch, you won’t have to bin all of the plastic from your old mascara. The used wands can be donated to rescue charities to help care for baby animals - check out Wands for Wildlife. We love their innovative use of waste products!.
Whether you’re just refilling your coffee cup, or you have a full pantry to stock, every small step can help us to encourage real change. We’ve talked about the amazing variety of stuff at refill shops, and how you can spice up your cupboards, beauty routine, and cleaning skills by using more ethically sourced products. W! You’re on track to becoming a refill icon in no time.
If you decide to use any of the products above or use our shop finder to go local, let us know on social media and in the comments!