Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Yardley Refillery opened in September.
According to activist and author Bea Johnson, the five concepts of “zero waste” are almost poetic: “Refuse what you do not need; reduce what you do need; reuse what you consume; recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce and reuse; and transform the rest.”
Enter Jaime Alford. The idea had been in the back of her mind for the 20 years she had spent working in the fragrance industry, trying to predict what trends would affect fragrance sales in the future. All the while, she had watched the “zero waste” movement evolve in other areas of the world as part of the sustainable cultural practices that were only beginning to catch on here. She had read news of “refillery” shops opening in California and some other American urban areas and that they were beginning to emerge in the suburbs.
“Refillery” is a term used by the zero and low waste industry for a store where shoppers can bring their own containers or purchase reusable ones to fill with bulk essential goods that have more sustainable and health-conscious profiles.
The business launched in June, but Yardley Refillery opened in September with Jaime as president, Karin McLaughlin, vice president, Karin’s husband, Dan, as director of operations, and Jaime’s life partner, Rob Knab ,as director of product science. The Refillery describes itself as a “woman-owned business with some amazing men by our sides.” Both families have lived in Yardley for more than 20 years. Both have three children each.
Those who have ever tried to open an item that came with layers upon layers of plastic, encased with bubble wrap and then housed in a cardboard box and have asked themselves, “Was all this really necessary?” will appreciate the mission of Yardley Refillery: To make a better future through the enabling of low-waste living. It exists to help people reduce excess plastics and packaging. To that end, the focus is on quality essentials for a healthy home and offering replacements for common household goods and routines.
“Products are sold by weight or each, so you can buy what you need, a great benefit in an uncertain economy,” says Jaime, and it makes me think that the Yardley Refillery is in many ways the anti-big-box store.
Yes, I buy at those too, but I’ve come to realize that unless you’re a family with a dozen children and unlimited pantry space, buying in bulk may lead to more waste and inconvenience than economy.
Beyond both economy and ecology, the Yardley Refillery harks back to village stores of the past where the folks came not just for goods but for a sense of camaraderie, the “we’re all in this together” vibe. “We are aiming beyond a store, to be a place to bring sustainable and wellness connections to life. We imagine hosting events, talks and featuring like-minded businesses in our space,” says Jaime.
And you won’t be environmentalism shamed at the Refillery either. “We fully recognize that being sustainable ain’t easy,” says Jaime, “and so we are in the spirit of constant learning and improvement ourselves, hoping to inspire you to adopt new routines, one at a time.”
The store’s message is that for people who want to lighten their footprint on the earth and leave it a more hospitable place to live for those who will follow, the goal is progress not perfection.
The Yardley Refillery located at South Main Street and Afton Avenue with convenient parking in the back is now open seven days a week. Bring in your own container, or buy one of theirs, and they will show you how simple it is to weigh, tag, fill and pay.
“Our customers are invited to slow down, breathe, and explore our open, bright, and beautiful space. We are taking time to get to know people like shops used to do back when people felt more connection to shop-owners and fellow shoppers. We authentically care about our shoppers’ needs.”
There will be a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
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