Why Refill and Reuse?
The average American household uses about 25 bottles of cleaning products per year. All those plastic bottles take a toll on the environment. Here’s why refill and reuse is a more sustainable option:
-
Reduces plastic waste – Reusing bottles avoids sending more plastic to landfills or oceans. Plastic takes over 400 years to break down.
-
Saves money – Refills cost 20-50% less than buying a new bottle each time. Reusing what you already have saves even more.
-
Uses less energy – Manufacturing new bottles takes resources and energy. Refilling uses fewer resources and reduces your carbon footprint.
-
Less chemicals – Some refill stations use eco-friendly cleaners with plant-derived ingredients. Even big brands are offering greener formulas now.
Where to Find Refills
Luckily, it’s getting easier to find refill stations for cleaning products in many areas. Here are some options to look for:
Grocery Stores
Many large grocery store chains now have refill stations right in the cleaning aisle. Bring your empty spray bottles or jugs to fill up with household cleaners like window spray, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent, and more.
Prices are very affordable compared to buying new. For example, I can refill a 32 oz spray bottle for just $1-2. Brands carried are often eco-friendly ones you may not find elsewhere.
Big Box Stores
Large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco are adding refill stations too. They carry major brand name cleaners like Method, Mrs. Meyers, Tide, and Seventh Generation.
Prices tend to be a bit higher than grocery stores. But it’s still cheaper than buying a new bottle each time.
Bulk Stores
Natural food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts have bulk cleaning sections. Bring your own reusable containers to fill up. Options tend to be green cleaners and concentrates that you dilute at home.
Prices per ounce are very low, though the upfront cost seems high if buying large amounts. Great to split with friends!
Refill Shops
In some cities, zero-waste refill shops are opening up. These focus just on reusable packaging and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
Prices are similar or a bit more than big box stores. But you’re reducing waste supporting a local business. Worth checking your area!
DIY Refills
Make your own DIY cleaning concentrates using simple kitchen ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, Castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils.
Mix up just what you need each time. Reuse containers you already have at home to store. This option is cheapest of all!
Tips for Refilling Cleaning Products
Here are some tips to make refilling cleaning supplies easy and effective:
-
Clean bottles thoroughly before refilling – rinse well and wash with hot water and dish soap if needed.
-
Carefully follow dilution instructions for concentrates. Mixing too strong wastes product. Too weak leaves you with a bad cleanup job.
-
Label your reusable bottles so you remember what’s inside. Masking tape and a marker works!
-
Use funnels if refilling into a small mouth container to avoid spilling.
-
Start small if trying concentrates and DIY formulas. Mix 1-2 cups until you find dilutions you like.
-
Add your own essential oils to unscented bases for natural scents you enjoy.
Bottom Line
Refilling and reusing cleaning bottles just takes a small change to your shopping habits. But it makes a big impact on reducing plastic waste and your environmental footprint. And it saves money!
With more options becoming available locally, it’s easy being green. Next time you run out of cleaner, try a refill station rather than buying new. Our planet will thank you!
