Refill Without the Refill Shop

Can't access to a refill shop or don't have the sleek glass jars to reduce your waste? These obstacles shouldn't prevent you from shopping with less packaging. With a little creativity and community, you can embrace low-waste living by making the most of what is available to you. Here are some simple ways to get started.

Join a Refill Co-op or Bulk Buy with Friends

Sometimes it’s easier (and cheaper) to refill as a group. Set up a WhatsApp group or similar with neighbours and friends to share bulk orders for things from pasta to cleaning products. You could even rotate who collects or divides the goods—it’s a great way to build community and cut packaging.

Dilute Concentrates & Use Block Soaps

Block soaps like Marseille soap are incredibly versatile. Grated and diluted, they can be used in a wide range of liquid soap recipes—from dishwashing to body wash to household cleaner. One great example: homemade laundry liquid. It’s affordable, plastic-free, and kinder on skin and the planet.

Shop Local Markets with Your Own Containers

Your local market is likely to have loose fruit, veg, nuts, and baked goods—all without the plastic. Just remember to bring your own containers or bags. Most stallholders are more than happy to pop your items into a jar or wrap, especially when you explain you're trying to reduce waste.

Common Containers You Can Reuse

You don’t need to buy fancy jars or high-tech dispensers. Everyday packaging waste can be repurposed beautifully. Here are some clever, low-cost ideas:

• Jam or sauce jars – perfect for kitchen cupboard staples or leftovers

• Juice or milk bottles – ideal for liquids like homemade cleaners or refilled shampoo

• Salt or spice containers – refill with herbs or spices

• Ice cream tubs – stackable storage for cereals and freezing leftovers like soups.

• Coffee or biscuit tins – great for dried goods including teas

• Fabric wraps – make your own from old scarves or cloth scraps for wrapping bread, fruit, or veg

This World Refill Day, City to sea is on a misson to make refill easier with their new app. The app acts as a directory connecting people with options to eat, drink and shop with less waste. Download the app to input your favourite refill spots and help others find theirs!

Why not let us know what you do?

The Sunny Jar Team x