More Wins, Less Plastic

That difference it’s making is evident as that number continues to climb. Teresa says she often gets comments from people about lowering the usage in their own homes or businesses. “They say ‘I now have to put out recycling every month instead of every two weeks because we are watching our plastic consumption’ so it’s huge. People can quantify it in their recycling bin.”

Teresa explains why keeping plastics out of the recycling bin is the aim. “Our ultimate goal is to keep what’s available in circulation as long as possible. When you look at recycling statistics, 9% of plastic worldwide gets recycled, so you think you’re doing your part by recycling, when in fact the chance of something getting recycled is really quite low. So best to use what you have.”

Eager to jump at any and every chance to cut down on plastics, FILL also promotes a circular economy. “We’ll do whatever to try to reduce plastic or find a way to use it. If something comes in a bucket, we then find someone who needs buckets, so instead of purchasing new ones they get one of the new ones we received.” Teresa continues, “That way, a new container isn’t produced… We try to do as much as possible to have as little or no plastic at the end.”

Customers often bring in more containers than they need for their own fill, adding them to the bin of donated plastics to be sanitized for other shoppers to use. For those who are in for the first time, getting started is easy. Shoppers can bring in their own plastic containers or jars, choose from the bin of donated clean ones, or buy new reusable containers when they arrive at the shop. The container is weighed empty, then filled with the product and re-weighed to determine the price.

And what to fill those containers with? From dish soap to hair gel, people are often amazed at the selection. The shampoo section alone offers about 20 different options, with choices for gentle and moisturizing, anti-dandruff, or scented or unscented – much like the hair care aisle at most stores, there’s a huge variety.

While many of the products are organic, FILL also carries products that aren’t. Teresa is intent on making it accessible for more people to cut down on their plastic usage. “Let’s face it, not everybody can afford organic products. They’re more expensive, plain and simple.”

So, FILL found a brand that is a better price point but still eco-friendly. Teresa gives some examples, “…$4 for dish soap… $3 for hand soap. So again, very affordable prices that are lower in plastic content, but still not the price point of the organics.”

Along with household essentials like laundry soap and dishwasher tabs, shoppers also find lots of items for giving what FILL dubs “the gift of sustainability.” From charcuterie boards to planters, 90% of their products are made in Canada including many from Okanagan and BC suppliers.

Teresa’s passion for less plastic is impossible to miss, and her team’s enthusiasm is inspiring. “I love connecting with the customers, and so many people say the customer service is amazing, but part of it is that when they leave, they’re leaving on a high because they’ve actually done something for the environment… …and we love to celebrate that with them too.”

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FILL Vernon’s Refill Store, in the Shops at Polson Mall

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More Wins, Less Plastic

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