REFILL, REVEL IN, REPEAT. EC Refillery hopes to decrease the single-use plastic in the area. (Submitted photos)

According to National Geographic, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean in terms of weight than there are fish. And, more than 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away in the United States every year. Add that to the laundry detergent bottles, food containers, and other single-use plastics we now use in almost all aspects of our lives. Sure, some are recyclable, but we currently recycle only 9% of all plastic waste. The rest goes to the landfill.

The Gladitsch family.

These facts are undoubtedly daunting, but shops all over town (and the world) are popping up to make a difference in our choices as consumers and to lessen the impact we all have. “Going zero-waste for some can be overwhelming and most don’t know how to start,” said Greta Gladitsch, owner of A new eco-friendly shop, The Eau Claire Refillery, said. “One switch can save so much in so many ways.”

This new shop, 207 N. Barstow St., sources laundry soap, cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, and other personal care products from other local stores in a larger, closed loop system where she can refill her own shop whenever needed. “I would love to help the surrounding area put less waste into landfills and opening a zero-waste and eco-friendly store was a great starting point,” Gladitsch said. 

All it takes is an open mind and the willingness to try something new to make a huge environmental difference. Plus, this family-owned shop is here to help. “I want to welcome everyone to stop in and we will be happy to help provide ideas on how to start a habit of zero-waste that will work for your lifestyle,” Gladitsch said. And, no container? No problem. There’s some at the store for you to get, too. 

Next time you go to buy your typical, single-use products, think about where that plastic will end up down the line. 

Keep an eye out for the grand opening of The Eau Claire Refillery on (hopefully) Oct. 1 and learn more about their zero-waste practices at eauclairerefillery.com.