So, we were buying the ‘green’ brands (Ecover, Method, Faith In Nature), but the plastic problem come recycling day was OBSCENE. Some of it would be recycled via our (overflowing) boxes but the likelihood was it would exist forever. It seemed crazy that these plastic bottles – with all the resources required to produce, fill and ship them – had finished their life so quickly in our home. When we read the horrifying study that only 9% of all plastic produced has ever been recycled, we knew we had to do something differently. Surely it made sense to just keep the bottles and refill them?
Working from home meant we had to confront our output visually on a daily basis. In previous careers we’d helped launch and expand Ecover in the UK, creating the advertising that propelled it into the mainstream from health food and niche stores. Then, we joined the board at City to Sea, to grow the award-winning worldwide Refill initiative, which helps people live with less plastic. We’d also worked with young children, and during forest school sessions witnessed their passion for nature and the future of the planet. That jarred, the climate crisis, deforestation, microplastics, excess waste - it all felt like a big dirty secret to keep.
Listening to Natalie Fee speak in Bristol, as she launched her book 'How To Save The World For Free’, made us look again at how people can reduce their dependency on single-use plastic. Like many others, our family had easily adapted to carrying and refilling water bottles. We felt we could do the same with simple, practical products that are better for people, families, homes and the environment.
RE.STORE was the logical development of these ideas and interactions; a super-easy and convenient way to reduce plastic and waste by reusing and refilling the bottles in our everyday lives, and helping to restore some balance to the planet. We originally thought about a shop on our high street (it had become such an important part of our 'lockdown life' ) but we know people are busy. For multiple reasons, not everyone can make it to a refill store to purchase the weeks supplies carrying their empties and holding a toddler. That’s why we are making it easy for people to tread a little more lightly on this earth.
We are still learning, but RE.STORE’s ambition is to help people live a low-waste lifestyle so everyone can be part of the solution. Refill, Rinse, Repeat.
If you live locally and have a business or make a product you think would fit well within our store, then get in touch - we would love to hear from you.
