Our Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier, visited a business in Earls Colne to mark World Refill Day.
World Refill Day’s mission is to encourage us all to stop using plastic food packaging, which is harmful to the environment and to our own health.
On Thursday (16 June) Cllr Schwier paid a visit to Ecolne Refillery. At the shop people can do their usual weekly food shop by buying items in the quantity they need, filling their own containers or those they buy at the store.
Cllr Schwier, Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and local Councillor for Hedingham division, said: “It’s been brilliant to witness first-hand how simple and enjoyable shopping from a refill store can be.
“To completely cut out the plastic packaging from my weekly shop is unthinkable in a supermarket, but here it makes total sense.
“What’s more, I don’t have to buy more than I need – I can pick and weigh out the exact amount to avoid food waste and cut unnecessary extra costs too. I’ll certainly be coming back.”
The Ecolnes Refillery was started by Rachel Sprunt and Cherry Mckean, who became friends through a local Facebook Group for people interested in sustainability.
Rachel said: “Through the local Facebook group it became clear that many people wanted to refill locally so after a year of planning we were able to open the doors in April this year.
“It has been well received by customers who are new to refilling and by experienced ‘refillers’ alike.
“What we love most is that it gives people a real buzz to refill and do their bit for the environment, which we love to talk about and hopefully inspire one another to make those changes in the process.”
Ecolnes Refillery offers a wide variety of products – from dried and fresh foods to cleaning products and toiletries.
World Refill Day was organised by campaigning organisations Refill and the City to Sea Campaign.
To learn more about how you can cut down on single-use plastic, check out the Love Essex website and the Circular Economy Directory.