World Refill Day is an annual City to Sea campaign that strives to prevent plastic pollution and encourage living with less waste. By switching to refillable products, you can help reduce plastic waste and support a more sustainable shopping approach. Choosing to reuse means being part of a global movement that raises awareness, increases demand for sustainable alternatives, and saves millions of pieces of plastic from ending up in landfills and waterways. In this blog, we share 8 great reasons to make the switch.
1. Cut Single-Use Plastic
Using refillable products is one of the best ways to reduce plastic waste. Every year, 300 million tons of disposable plastic—like bottles and bags—are produced, and 8 million tons end up in our oceans.
An Oceana study found that refill systems could prevent 390,000 coffee cups from entering the sea in Denmark each year. Imagine the global impact if more people switched to sustainable shopping choices like refills!
2. Save Energy
Plastic production uses a huge amount of energy. For example, producing a 500ml plastic water bottle can use up to 2,000 times more energy than tap water. By refilling your bottle, you not only reduce plastic waste but also save energy and money.
3. Reduce CO2 Emissions
By choosing refillable products, you can cut carbon emissions linked to manufacturing, transport, and waste disposal. Research from The LCA Centre found that buying a refill instead of a new product can save up to 70% CO2—a big win for the planet!
4. Conserve Resources
Plastic production requires valuable resources like water, oil, and natural gas. It takes three litres of water to make a one-litre plastic bottle—a huge waste when refilling is an option. Sustainable shopping choices like refillable products help conserve these resources.
5. Refill, Not Landfill
The average UK citizen throws away 400kg of waste per year—seven times their body weight! Of the 26 million tons of waste produced annually, 14 million tons go to landfill. Landfills release harmful chemicals into soil and water and account for 25% of methane emissions, a gas far more potent than CO2.
By switching to refillable products, you can help reduce waste and protect the environment.
6. Save Money
Sustainable shopping isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet too! For example:
- Disposable period products can cost £5,000 over a lifetime, but a menstrual cup or reusable period pad lasts up to 10 years and helps reduce plastic waste.
- Our natural dry shampoo powder, clay face masks, and tooth powders come in refill sachets, which are cheaper to ship, reduce waste, and offer discounts.
7. Enjoy More Convenience
More zero-waste shops and refill stations are popping up, making sustainable shopping easier than ever. With refillable products, you:
- Use your own containers
- Only buy what you need
- Reduce packaging waste
As more businesses offer refillable options, accessibility will continue to improve.
8. Support a Circular Economy
By choosing refillable products, you support a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than thrown away. Businesses, communities, and individuals can all play a role in reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future.
Get Involved
Looking for more ways to get involved? Download the Refill App here to find lots of useful resources like local refill stations, plastic-free shopping options, and more.
