As a farmers market shopper, you’re probably already reducing your single-use plastic consumption, but did you know there’s a new business in town that helps you further reduce your reliance on plastics? To begin our new monthly “Did You Know?” segment, we’re highlighting The ReFill on 42 Spring Street in Newport, a business that offers customers the ability to reuse and refill containers with household cleaning and personal care products.
How does it work? Simply bring your own container, weigh, fill up, weigh again, pay, and repeat! The ReFill has an array of products from face wash to dish soap. Check out their product list here.
So why is reusing containers and reducing single-use plastics so crucial? You may have heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: Plastic is now everywhere, and it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon.
It takes 500 to 1,000 years for plastic to decompose.
Worldwide, almost 300 million tons of plastic enter the waste stream every year.
35.7 million tons of that total waste are produced in the US.
The average American generates 286 pounds of plastic waste per year.
The US is the top generator of plastic waste worldwide.
75% of all plastic produced has become waste.
The issues facing us today may seem daunting, but our everyday actions can shift the trajectory of our future in a healthier, more sustainable direction. Many island organizations and businesses are finding ways to make that easier.
"Living a perfectly zero-waste life is simply not possible for most of us. But we can take small steps in the direction of sustainability. From reusable jars and washable produce bags to cling wrap alternatives and non-disposable razors, every decision counts, no matter how small." – The ReFill
We could not end this piece without acknowledging the tireless work of one of ACT’s community gardeners and volunteers, Pam Gilpin, who inspires us to take small steps in the direction of sustainability. Pam provided the statistics above and—instead of getting discouraged—has made it a habit to pick up trash on an island beach every morning and catalogue it for Clean Ocean Access. Pam suggests starting a waste reduction journey by not putting bananas in a plastic bag at the store because they already have their own packaging!
PS ACT has great new reusable shopping tote bags, with pockets to keep tender produce tender, and find your keys without having to rummage through every item in the bottom of your bag. Available at the ACT Welcome Stall at our famers markets, with every purchase supporting our programs.
