How to Take Part in Word Refill Day
Shockingly, 50% of the plastic we create every year goes into single-use packaging. Sadly, less than 10% of this plastic is recycled for further use.
Thankfully, the UK and the rest of the world is building the infrastructure where refillable lifestyles can thrive. Remembering to bring your refillable products with you to shops and cafés is the first step, but finding the motivation to continue the habit can be a barrier for many people, this is where World Refill Day comes into play.
What is world refill day?
World Refill Day is a global campaign set up by City to Sea, an environmental organisation founded in the UK, dedicated to eradicating plastic pollution. The main aim is to help accelerate the transition from single-use plastic, to reusable products, helped by promoting refillable systems and infrastructure.
To promote refilling, City to Sea has set up a free Refill Return app, connecting people to places that offer anything from refillable water and coffee, to baking ingredients, to household cleaning products. Users can find refillable stations near them on an interactive map and can also add stations themselves if they spot new places on their travels. So far, an estimated 100 million single-use plastic bottles have been saved each year thanks to the app.
How can I get involved?
Take part in Refill’s #5DayChallenge. For five days you can choose a new refillable swap or stick to one that works for you. Swap your usual takeaway coffee cup for a refillable one, or try something new and head to your nearest refillable store to stock up on dried foods, baking ingredients or even pet food - don’t forget your refillable containers!
Remember that you don’t have to buy anything new to start refilling. Use old jars, tupperware and bottles around the house - just make sure they’re clean!
We suggest making swaps in the workplace first, get your hands on a quality, reusable bottle, cup or flask to carry your water, tea or coffee rather than purchasing a single-use plastic packaged drink. Lots of larger chain supermarkets now offer hot drinks as part of their meal deals, which you can fill-up with your own thermal flask or bottle. Most coffee shops will also offer discounts when you use a refillable cup rather than a disposable alternative.
What should I use to get started?
•pictured: 1. RADIUS Travel Coffee Cup, 2. VINNIE Travel Bottle, 3. Sassy Travel Cup, 4. Eco Bags (Pack of 3)
Why not try taking a coffee cup to your local café to fill up with your favourite latte, or take an insulated bottle with you to festivals, sporting events and outdoor concerts to stay hydrated via refillable water fountains. Perhaps you could also fill up with your favourite soda, soup or even spices at your local refillable grocery shop, and don’t forget to bring reusable cotton bags for your fruit and vegetables too.
Making the first step towards your refillable journey can be the trickiest one, but once you get started, there’s no limit to what’s possible.
Source material - https://www.refill.org.uk/world-refill-day/
Please note, we are promoting this scheme of our own accord and are not partners with Refill, we just want to support a fantastic cause.