SUSTAINABLE SWAPS. Greta Bergeron, owner of The Juggery refill shop located in Market On River in Chippewa Falls — who is soon to be a mother for the first time — now finds herself searching for low-waste alternatives to common baby products. She hopes hopes the refill shop will become be a space where moms can purchase plastic-free infant care essentials on a local level.

Chippewa Valley mothers may have these products on their wish or grocery lists: diapers, wipes, bottles — even an assortment of seasonally-themed onesies.

Greta Bergeron, owner of The Juggery refill shop — located in Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls) — who is soon to be a mother for the first time, is now experiencing similar preparations.

She — along with many other environmentalist mentors I have learned and collaborated with in Eau Claire — believes in a world where safer, less plastic-intensive products are available to our community.

This world, naturally, includes products mothers and caregivers need to purchase — and Greta hopes to bring more low waste products to them.

“I hope to be that place where moms can go, trust what they're buying for their homes and know that it will be safe and good for them, their families — and also good for the environment.” — Greta Bergeron, The Juggery

“The hard thing — for being a new mom — is not knowing what (products are) necessary versus not,” Greta said. “I am constantly learning myself and I want to share that information with people so it's more well known.”

Prior to investing in new alternatives, Greta tests products out — for safety and long-term use — and gathers educational insights to then share with other caregivers in the Chippewa Valley, she said.

One area Greta hopes to explore in the low-waste alternatives realm of infant care, is cloth and reusable diapers. EBSCO writes a disposable diaper is estimated to take 550 years to decompose in a landfill; one of many reasons leading consumers like Greta to make the switch.

Greta Bergeron, owner of The Juggery — and soon-to-be mother — pictured above.

She also noted reusable cloth wipes and nursing pads as potential opportunities for reducing one's  carbon footprint.

Items already tested and embedded in Greta’s daily routine include hand-made or low-ingredient cleaning solutions — including unscented castile soap — which allow repeated use of products otherwise tossed to the landfill.

These routines likely won’t change for Greta in motherhood, but she hopes to show customers the benefits of making the switch to a low-waste product in infant care.

“I know I'm going to save money in the long run rather than getting sold into buying all of these different baby products that may or may not be necessary,” Greta added.

In The Juggery’s current refill menu, Greta offers body wash, shampoo, and other fragrance-free and non-toxic body care products for all ages — including infants. As Greta’s journey toward motherhood continues, she emphasizes the importance of accessible, local eco-conscious products that align with her values.

“I hope to be that place, where moms can go — trust what they're buying for their homes — and know that it will be safe and good for them, their families and also good for the environment,” Greta said.

The Juggery operates within Market on River in Chippewa Falls. To learn more about its low waste offerings and bulk refill products, visit in-person (128 W River St Ste 103) or online at thejuggery.com.