FAQs
FAQs:
Q: How do I refill?
A: 1. Choose your container. You can purchase a bottle, use a deposit jar, or you can bring your own containers (Containers must be clean and dry, please. This is per the manufacturers of the products, as they need to ensure the integrity of their product). We also have community donations available that we have re-cleaned and sanitized.
2. Get the weight of empty jar (or tare). Weigh your container at the self-weigh station, grab a tag to record the tare weight as well as product information.
3. Fill your container. Get as much or as little of the beautiful, people and planet-safe product you would like.
4. Make your purchase. Bring your containers to the register and we will weigh them, subtract the tare weight, and voila, you pay only for the product you want!
5. Repeat & Tell all your friends about us!
Q: Are products more expensive than buying them at a big store or online in a plastic bottle?
A: Sometimes yes and sometimes no. There are a few reasons for this, and also some good news. We work with closed-loop suppliers. This means that our partners take on the added work of collecting and sanitizing containers that they ship in. This costs more than having you (or us) throw away, or 'recycle' a container. You know what's cheap? Virgin plastic. But while the monetary cost is small, the environmental cost is great. Products we carry are also made with ingredients that are safe for people and the planet. These quality ingredients are often more expensive than cheap detergents and chemicals, or ingredients like Palm Oil (the extraction of which has devastating effects on the environment). Lastly, partners we work with are also paying their employees living wages. So, sometimes refilling may cost more. Sometimes it doesn't. It depends. But here's the good news: We are investing in a circular economy, and by shopping here, you are, too! As companies see consumers investing this model, more will be willing to participate (financial incentive), and this will drive prices down and make sustainable options more affordable. Also, we are happy to help you find the most affordable products! And while some home and body products can carry these higher prices for these reasons, we've found that spices, herbs and teas tend to cost just a fraction of the cost of pre-packaged counterparts. Yay!
Q: This sounds like a lot of effort. Is it worth it?
A: We are all constantly marketed that life is busy and everything needs to be fast and convenient. But fast and convenient has become synonymous with 'throw away' and we are tired of living in a 'throw away' world. We just have this one home and think that we should take care of it. We know now that recycling is not the answer. Reducing and reusing needs to be our focus. And that means refilling! We have the ability to make an impact by reducing our own household waste, but also sending a message as a larger community reducing our waste. We are voting with our dollars for the world we want to see.
Q: So what's the benefit of refilling at my local refill shop instead of just buying online?
A: If you choose to shop locally, you get the benefit of refilling exactly what you want and need. We promise to be transparent and honest with you, absolutely zero greenwashing here! You also get to support a company that is supporting your community. We make donations to local community organizations (some past donations have been to: Corner Shower and Laundry; Keep Growing Detroit; Affirmations; Make Food Not Waste Detroit, Planet Detroit) and we host educational workshops, and share resources. If you have some ideas for ways that we can help support our community, give us a holler! We are here to support the community and we are so grateful to you for supporting us!
Q: I'm so busy that it's hard for me to make it in, can I still get refills?
A: Our local delivery option allows you to have the zero waste goods you need delivered right to your doorstep! Local delivery is fast, free for orders $25+ and is a great option for busy lives. Bulk liquid refills come by default in sanitized community donation containers. If you would like them in a deposit jar or a purchased bottle, add them to your cart and send a 'note to seller' to let us know which items you would like in which container. Please leave a cooler out on your porch once you place your order (delivery is same day up to four days) to protect your goods from weather and nosy squirrels (yes, they've been known to steal a lotion bar or two). If you live in a locked apartment building, please let us know where is best/safest to leave your package.
Q: I love this idea but I don't have a refillery in my community. What can I do?
A: Never fear! This model is growing, so let's definitely keep spreading the word and building this circular economy! Check out the directory Litterless to see if you already have an option in your area. We now offer shipping for folks who are outside of this local community and still want zero waste goods. We ship plastic-free, using the USPS (because they are already coming to your doorstep every day, so no added drives) and you have the option of additionally making your delivery carbon-neutral. Shipping is free for orders $100+.
Q: What does 'closed loop' mean?
A: Closed loop means that a supplier takes their shipping container back to sanitize and reuse. Most of our suppliers operate with this model, and the ones that don't either only use already repurposed containers, or we have a repurpose in place.
Have a question you don’t see here? Shoot us an email: together@walkinglightly.net and we’ll get you an answer. Thanks for being here to read this! We’re really grateful for your interest.