What is World Refill Day?

It started as just “Refill Day”, a UK based day to raise public awareness about where people can refill their water bottles. Also encouraged more businesses to sign up to allowing the public to refill, and campaigning for more public water refill points.

This year City To Sea, who run the campaign, have not only gone global with World Refill Day, but have also extended the campaign to all reusables. From coffee cups to containers and bags to bottles. This matches the changes in their app. The Refill app allows consumers to see which of their local businesses accepts different kinds of reusables. Very handy when on the go. 

This year (2021) World Refill Day is Wednesday 16th June. Check out the hashtags #choosetoreuse and #contactlesscoffee on the platform of your choice to see the conversations. Also follow @refillhq.

Consumer power or consumer blame?

The challenge of some of these consumer actions is that although it can be seen as empowering consumers to take control. Gives people hope that they have power to make a difference. It can also be seen as blaming consumers for the choices of companies and the regulations of governments.

I believe that it takes all three groups working together to make change. Governments and businesses have to know that consumers are ready for change. But consumers also need governments and businesses to make some brave decisions. In my opinion City to Sea are working on campaigning at all three levels.

My posts about reusables & refilling

I have written quite a few posts about different reusables, my experiences and tips. Do drop me a message, or comment below, if you have any questions about any of these posts. 

Hot drinks on the go. Reusable coffee cups took a real hit at the beginning of the pandemic but they are back with many places learning that #contactlesscoffee is possible. Check out the Refill app to see where near you is taking them. 

If your favourite local coffee shop is hesitant send them this link. It shows shops how to serve coffee in reusable cups safely.

Bagging it up. Carrier bags and net veg bags. This was written when the carrier bag tax was a new thing!

How to food shop with less packaging. Covering all aspects of reduced packaging food shopping. 

Where to food shop with less packaging. Mostly London centric with links to a few nationwide lists. 

Adhering to my values in the new normal. Covers the reusables I take with me when out and about. Written between COVID lockdowns 1 and 2 in London.

Zero waste travelling. Ideas that can be used here in the UK as well as abroad, a weekend or a longer break. 

Waste reduction travel tips. More tips from a very different trip.

Heads up on shampoo, what’s in yours. Covering the different options and some personal stories.

Let’s talk reusable period products. Lots of reuse options, my friends discuss what works for them, tips and challenges.

Parenting with cloth nappies. Guest post from my friend Rebecca 

Plastic straws there is an alternative and the follow up post No Straws Please! Following my journey to not be given a plastic straw for a whole year. A lot has changed but they are still out there.

Flying with coffee cups and water bottles. Not too much of this happening right now!

Clean water every where you travel. Maybe one for 2022! 

Why do I choose to reuse?

• Reducing my waste (both recyclable and non recyclable)
• Saving resources, as if there is less demand less is made
• Saving money, it’s much cheaper to not buy disposables in the long run 
• Time saving, as I don’t need to spend time buying items, I just reuse or refill.
• The interesting conversations using them creates.
• Normalising reuse. Other people seeing me doing this and feeling it’s ok for them to do it too.
• The unexpected bonuses! Eg napkin discounts, extra free stuff, the biggest slice of cake, cup discounts. 

What will you choose to reuse this World Refill Day? 

I would love to hear about any changes you are planning to make.
Do share your tips and adventures below.