Refills - a sustainable alternative

Waste disposal is a key problem we grapple with in the urban ecosystems today. All forms of disposal, be it landfills, open dumping or incineration, have a harmful impact on the environment. Recycling is not a great solution because the ‘effective’ recycling rates are still very low globally.

Reducing waste in the first place needs to be the way forward. And Refills can be a great solution, with potential to create a win-win-win situation for the environment, consumer and the manufacturer.

Big sized packs/refills have lower per unit cost than the single use/smaller packs - so consumers win.

Based on the upcoming environmental regulations, manufacturers are soon going to be charged for the management of waste their products create. So investing in refill based innovations will be a better return on investment than in waste management.

And of course, refills mean lesser environmental waste from single use and smaller sized packaging.. And earth loves that!

So I look for refill options whenever I am in store. How about you? Do you like the idea of refills? If not, what are the barriers you have faced?

By the way, below is a picture of refills being transported by bike in Indonesia, to reduce plastic waste (Image: Siklus; Report: WEF). How about a HH care refill carts which brings your detergent, floor cleaner, dishwasher all in one go to your doorstep?! Personal care refill carts, multi branded refill carts, single branded refill carts - possibilities are immense!