Welcome to the #RefillRevolution: Saving the planet one plastic bottle at a time

This local refillery is making it easy for Calgarians to begin their zero waste journey as Canada moves towards banning single-use plastics.

Canada is sinking in plastic waste.

A study released in 2020 by the Canadian Government stated that "Canadians throw away over three million tonnes of plastic waste every year and only 9% ends up getting recycled — even if it gets put in the blue bin."

In a greater plan to move the country towards zero waste by 2030, Canada has announced that by the end of 2021 certain single-use plastics will be banned in Canada.

Michelle Fentiman, owner and founder of the low waste luxury boutique, Without Co. feels that this new bill is not as far-reaching as she’d like it to be — but for now, it’s a good start in the right direction.

"In essence, this bill is supposed to tackle single-use plastics, specifically within the food and beverage industry. All of the products that are coming under fire are like single-use stir sticks, plastic straws, and plastic bags — it doesn’t include items like a clamshell that holds strawberries."

What she does see as a win for this bill is that it will force packaging companies to get innovative.

"I'm really excited about the government forcing all of our hands in the direction of compostable packaging alternatives," she says. "There’s going to be so much more demand for the compostable alternatives that hopefully it all becomes more affordable for everyone — because right now environmentally friendly packaging, we all know, is more expensive."

So while we’re waiting for more bills like this to get put into place, there’s no harm (and it’s actually encouraged) in beginning to live more environmentally friendly and more waste-conscious.

Where to begin when tackling zero waste at home

Fentiman says that the best way to start your zero waste journey is just to think about the number one thing that you're throwing out the most and Google a swap for it.

"The most effective way to make the swap in your house is to tackle the big polluters. Look at what’s going in the garbage and recycling bin, and what little sustainable swap you can make," she says, adding that by tweaking that one little thing, that’s how you make the biggest difference within your household waste.

She recommends if you’re not sure where to start, begin with cleaning supplies and bathroom products.

"Think about how often you go through Lysol wipes or your Windex bottle — there are so many sustainable options. Use natural cleaning products that you get refilled and reusable rags. This is an easy one to cut waste and transition to zero waste."

This will divert so much waste out of your garbage.

"In the bathroom, if you think about especially women, we have so many products like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash there’s either a solid version of anything we need or there’s always the refillable option," says Fentiman.

She explains that bar forms are actually more economic and cheaper. "It’s like buying the most concentrated gorgeous product ever, but you’re not paying for the water content or the bottle!"

Fentiman pointed out that 33% of all household waste is food packaging so she gave us a few more swaps that can make a world of difference:

• If your favourite drink comes in a plastic bottle, trade it for an aluminum packaged option — aluminum is the easiest material in the world to recycle.

• If your family goes through a ton of plastic bags, swap them for a reusable Stasher. You can clean them in the dishwasher and reuse them for years and years. It’s a better quality product and it’s better for the environment.

• If you do buy a package of greens in a clamshell, there’re a million ways to reuse it. Fentiman uses them as cupboard organizers, storage for other products, or a container to store her face clothes.

• Always look for the term ‘compostable, which means it completely breaks down into organic matter, rather than ‘biodegradable’ which is a greenwashing term that simply means micro-plastics — not the green alternative that it’s marketed to be.

How Without Co. is spearheading the #refillrevolution in Calgary

"We have over 80 products in bulk," says Fentiman. "Like literally everything from facial serum to toilet bowl cleaner, there's honestly a refillable option for any product in your home."

Prior to COVID Fentiman had just launched their ‘Doorstep Refill Program.’ Being completely contactless it was obviously well utilized during the pandemic.

All you have to do is fill out the form on their website and specify what you need refilled — this can be anything from dish soap, laundry soap, body wash, bath salts. Then just leave your bottles on your doorstep and Michelle and her team will then come and fill them up!

"I am like a modern milkman — I have lots of fun," she laughs, adding we tour around the city saving the planet one plastic bottle at a time!

This article was featured in the Calgary Citizen newsletter on June 09 2021. Read the full newsletter here.

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