It’s World Refill Day, a global day of awareness to prevent plastic pollution by accelerating the shift to systems designed for reuse and refill rather than single use. It’s an opportunity for all of us to take another look at the packaging waste on the products we use and resolve to do better.

Held every year on June 16, World Refill Day started in the UK, and went global in 2021. The idea of refilling feels old-fashioned, but it makes so much sense.

Refilling used to be the norm

When I was a kid, the milkman delivered milk to our house in glass bottles. On delivery day, we’d put our empty bottles on the doorstop, and the milkman would drop off new bottles and take the empty ones away to be sterilized and refilled. The system worked like a charm.

Over time, massive supermarkets appeared on the scene and put the milkman out of business. The world shifted toward mass food production, single-use plastic packaging and big-box stores. Small butchers and grocers, where people shopped with their own bags, disappeared from our towns and cities.

It’s hard not to be dismayed these days when walking around the supermarket. Plastic is everywhere! The World Refill Day website reports that half of the plastic we use goes into single-use packaging, and less than 10% of plastic is recycled.

It seems governments have lost in interest in anything related to sustainability, especially here in North America. Ontario’s successful beer bottle return program is under threat as Beer Stores across the province are closing thanks to our government’s policies of selling alcohol in every supermarket and corner store. And the jury is still out on whether the privatization of our recycling programs will deliver the promised benefits. 

But, we as consumers can make a difference this World Refill Day by resolving to make small changes to our shopping habits.

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BYOC programs offer hope

I’ve been a fan of BYOC (bring your own container) programs since I discovered local refillery and bulk supply store Molloy’s back in 2018. At Molloy’s, I refill air freshener spray, all-purpose cleaner, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, and laundry soap. And I buy bulk dishwasher tablets packaging-free.

For groceries, I refill my own containers with non-perishable goods at Bulk Barn.

Along with the environmental benefits, these refill programs save me money. I can refill a spice jar for pennies, saving several dollars each time. And if a recipe calls for a small amount of an ingredient, I buy only what I need, cutting down on food waste.

Unfortunately, beyond smaller specialty stores, refill programs are non-existent in Canada. Our large grocery chains claim they care about sustainability, but a look around their stores reveals little to no progress has been made.

We need more product innovation

During our recent vacation, I saw a windshield washer fluid refill station at an Irving gas station in Nova Scotia. I have never seen that in Ontario, and it made me wonder why we’re not seeing more innovation in the refill space.

A quick look in the pantry reveals some obvious opportunities. Things like vinegar and cooking oil could easily be refilled. For cleaners, why aren’t refills available for floor cleaner, window cleaner, and toilet cleaner? (Check out this post for my simple DIY toilet cleaner, and this post for my no-plastic window cleaning routine.

In the home office, the switch to a refillable eco-tank printer has saved a lot of plastic waste and money. But I have to wonder why refillable pens are no longer a thing. I have a couple of good pens but finding refills for them is next to impossible.

And for cosmetic products, why don’t more companies offer refillable compacts like the ones I bought from Pure Anada, or the refillable lipstick holders that The Body Shop sells in some countries?

It’s my hope that if consumers get vocal enough about packaging waste, we’ll see more companies get creative and offer refill options. Until then, let’s all do what we can to support the programs that exist.

How you can participate in World Refill Day

The call to action for World Refill Day is to reject single-use packaging and look for refill opportunities. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Use a refillable mug for your takeout coffee or tea. Most coffee shops will give you a discount for using your own mug. Even better, make your coffee or tea at home.
• Fill up your reusable water bottle before leaving home instead of drinking bottled water. And pack an empty water bottle when you travel. Refill stations are much more common than they used to be.
• Use your own containers and buy cleaning products and dry goods at a local refillery or bulk food store.
• Avoid food delivery services. Cook at home or dine-in at your favourite restaurant.
• Replace your bottles of personal care products with unwrapped bar products.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables or use reusable produce bags.
• Shop in person at local businesses rather than big online retailers.
• Reuse single-use packaging as much as possible.

And don’t forget to tell your friends how much money you saved! It might encourage them to take action.

What innovations have you seen in refillable products? Drop me a comment below to let me know.