Refill stores are gaining more and more popularity. While they’re not everywhere and many people don’t have access to them yet, I’m hopeful they will start to become the norm. That being said it can be intimidating to walk into a refill store for the first time not knowing what to expect. So I thought I’d give you a little how-to guide on how to shop at a refill store.
How to Shop at a Refill Store:
1. Containers
You can bring your own containers like jars, tins, bags, etc. but if you don’t have any/enough you can most likely purchase containers from the store! Now that you have containers just remember to bring them each time you visit so you don’t have to purchase new ones every time!
2. Weigh/Tare
Before you start filling your containers you need to weigh them! This allows the weight of whatever containers you’re using the be deducted from the weight of the product so you’re not paying for the container that you brought.
Every store will be different in how this is done but it’s usually one of two ways. Either the employee will help you weigh them at the front and write the weight on the container (or a piece of paper). Or there will be scales that you can use yourself. Simply place your container on the scale and write down whatever weight it is!
3. Fill up your containers!
Now it’s time to stock up on all the wonderful refillable products they have in store! This can range from cleaning products to personal care products, and so much more! Use this opportunity to replace products you normally buy in plastic with non-toxic and sustainable products instead.
4. Check out the other sustainable products
Most refill stores carry a lot of well-known sustainable brands. Now is your chance to check them out!
5. Time to
Take your purchases up to the front to pay. For your refillable items, they will e weighed again and the weight 0f the container that you wrote down will be deducted so you’re only paying for the product! This saves so much money. For most products, you’re actually paying for the container every time. So now each time you reuse and refill you’re no longer paying for packaging!
Related reading:
Zero waste shopping in Manitoba
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared to shop in a refill store. It’s really not so hard ut I get that it can be intimidating the first few times.
If you’re from Canada, I urge you to check our Milieu Market. Based in my home province Manitoba. They offer all kinds of sustainable products, locally made products and of course, refills! You can save 15% with my code LRD15.
Thank you so much for reading! Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspiration!
Leave a Reply