Local refill shops: a fresh approach to sustainable shopping

Plastic waste in shopping is a significant issue, and it’s everywhere. Did you know that by shopping at local refill shops for key food essentials, cleaning supplies, and personal care products, you can help protect the environment?

This simple yet effective approach of shopping has many benefits. It helps:

• reduce plastic waste: by bringing your own containers, such as jars, tubs, and bottles, and refilling them with the products needed, you significantly cut down single-use plastic use.
• save Money: by purchasing only the needed amount, you reduce waste
• create a fun family experience: visiting refill shops can be an enjoyable and educational activity for the whole family.
• develop long-term sustainable shopping practices.

Next time you shop, consider visiting local refill shops such as Elmbridge Community Eco Hub, Ecocentric Us, and Born From Necessity. They are already making a difference in the borough. Read what they said about their work towards a more sustainable lifestyle and how you can join the refill journey.

Elmbridge Community Eco Hub

“Since opening our small refill counter at the Elmbridge Community Eco Hub in Feb 2022, we have helped to save 4347 plastic and glass containers from entering landfill. We ask people to bring their own container, weigh whilst empty, top up with as much or as little product as they need, then reweigh the container. We charge the difference meaning you only pay for what you take. Our aim is to make a difference not make a fortune hence we charge as close to cost price as possible".  

"Our store list is small, offering household cleaning products and personal hygiene products. When empty, the bulk containers are returned to the manufacturer where they are cleaned and reused. The refills we stock are hand made in Oxford and delivered in bulk by electric vehicle, further reducing carbon emissions.”

Location: 1 Hersham Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1LH
Visit the Elmbridge Eco Hub website or follow them on Facebook or instagram.
 

Ecocentric Us

“The aim of Ecocentric Us is to reduce single use plastic by offering refillable options of essential wholefoods and household and body care products. We work mostly with UK brands to reduce our CO2 emissions as well".

"People bring their jars, spice jars, tupperware and bottles which they can refill and reuse many times. By doing so they are reducing single use plastic by a significant amount. Our shop has been open for a year now and the amount of plastic saved from landfill is as follows:

• 3,112 plastic bottles by refilling household and body care products.
• 6,473 plastic bags and packaging through customers using their own containers and recycled paper bags.
• 412 oil bottles by refilling various oils.
• 473 peanut butter tubs/jars”.

Location: 7 The Parade, Claygate, KT10 0PD. Open every day with varying hours. 
Follow Ecocentric Us on Facebook or instagram.
 

Born from Necessity

They describe themselves as:

 "A natural lifestyle store, eco-friendly grocer and refill pantry that offers sustainable, plant-based and organic products. From fresh, tinned and cupboard foods to household cleaning and personal hygiene". 

"Our mission is to make it easy and affordable for individuals to embrace a natural way of living. We strive to source responsibly, reduce waste and build a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for conscious choices that support their health and the environment".

Location: 84 Walton Road, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 0DL
Visit the Born from Necessity website.
Follow Born from Necessity on Facebook and instagram.

For more information, visit these local refill shops and join the refill journey to make a positive environmental impact.

Find more tips about you can join us on our journey towards a more sustainable Elmbridge.