Take Action!Grace McClainZero waste Fort Collins, Zero waste refill bar

What is a Zero Waste Refill Bar?

Take Action!Grace McClainZero waste Fort Collins, Zero waste refill bar

Considering ditching single-use plastic or making a habit switch for a cleaner product is so exciting!! And we are so looking forward to meeting you at Fort Collins’ new zero waste shop & refill bar. Here’s a rundown of the things to note before stopping in.

  • Step 1: Bring your own clean & empty reclaimed or repurposed containers.

    Not sure which container is best for certain products? Here’s a list of our favorite reclaimed and repurposed jars, etc:

  • Glass baby food or other smaller jars -> Tooth Powder/ Tooth Tablets

  • Salsa/ peanut butter/ mason jars/ etc -> Laundry Powder/ Dishwashing Powder

  • Fancy Wine/ liquor bottles -> Soaps/ All purpose cleaners/ Shampoos/ Body Wash

  • Fancier wide mouth/ shallower jars -> Creams/ lotions

  • Repurposed spray bottles -> 1-6 oz size great for hydrosols, spray deodorant/ etc

  • Repurposed Pump bottles -> 8 oz ish is great for lotions/ shampoos/ conditioners

Save money and stop the spread of single-use-plastics by bringing your own containers, as you’ll pay only for the amount of product that you need and no packaging!!

*** We do have a few reclaimed and new containers in the shop if you don’t bring your own.

  • Step 2: Drop off your containers, let us know what you’d like, and come back by to pick up the refilled jars. Or you can shop around while we fill them right there.

  • Step 3: Bring your plastic free products home and use the product right out of the container or, if preferred, transfer to another one for daily use.

  • Step 4: Come back in and refill any time. And don’t forget to ask us about the loyalty program for repeat refillers!!

Grace has never been into the status quo, and loves to think outside of the bag. She has a passion for ethical and earth friendly apparel and accessories. And is inspired by minimal living and the organization necessary for living joyfully with less.

Take Action!Grace McClainplastic accessories, single use plastic, zero waste

Are you Accidentally Accessorizing with Single Use Plastic?

Have you ever realized that plastic has become an accessory to our everyday life? Whether it is the plastic lining inside of paper Starbucks rendering it unrecyclable or the plastic bottle you snag on the way to catching your flight, or your “vegan leather” bag. Without thinking about it, it is easy to find yourself literally dripping in plastic. And I’m sorry to be the bearer of this tough love but, it’s ugly! 

Take Action!Grace McClainplastic accessories, single use plastic, zero waste
Are you Accidentally Accessorizing with Single Use Plastic?
Take Action!Grace McClaingoing zero waste, zero waste, wind energy, carbon emissions, climate credits

The Struggle that is "Going" Zero Waste

That is just it, we are “going”… and quite frankly I don’t think we will ever truly “get” there! Don’t get me wrong, I am an internal optimist but I am also a realist and I don’t like to set myself up for failure. And to be honest, sometimes life just happens, shit happens and well, you miss the mark. For example, my partner and I have been “going” zero waste for a few years now and we are so far from a mason jar of trash per year but we have made some huge steps for our lifestyle. I am both proud and yet constantly feeling like a failure… if you feel me, here are some heart felt reminders for when you feel stuck on this shared epic journey:

Take Action!Grace McClaingoing zero waste, zero waste, wind energy, carbon emissions, climate credits
The Struggle that is "Going" Zero Waste
Take Action!Grace McClain

How to go from Bulk Buying Food to Refill Buying for even greater benefits

Buying in bulk is thought to be inherently sustainable because you are using one packaging element to hold more- this is kind of true. It is also supposed to be cheaper, which is definitely true because you aren’t paying for packaging. But really the only way to bulk buy with a zero waste approach is to bring something you already own to refill instead of using the containers provided by the store. Filling up a plastic bag with slightly more quantity is no different than buying oatmeal in already packaged plastic.

Take Action!Grace McClain
Take Action!Grace McClain

The Refill Revolution is coming for your Hygiene + Cleaning Supplies

What if I told you that you never had to buy personal or home hygiene/ cleaning products in single-use plastics again? Would you want to know more? Because it is possible.

Take Action!Grace McClain