Plastic.
It seems like it’s in everything these days—from takeout containers and food packaging, to toys, personal care products, electronics, and household goods. Plastic can even be found in the clothes and shoes that we wear.
It’s a material that certainly makes our lives easier and more convenient, so why does it get a bad rap?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the problems with plastic start with how it’s made. Plastic production requires an immense amount of energy and fossil fuels, reducing our global supply of these limited resources and negatively impacting our planet. Since many plastic items are designed to be used just once, essentially they’re manufactured to be thrown in the trash.
Plastic is not biodegradable, so instead of breaking down, plastic will just sit around for hundreds of years. Have you ever been to a national park or the beach and paused to take in the beautiful scenery only to be repulsed by the sight of trash?
Plastic pollution makes pretty places ugly.
The Problem with Plastic
Not only is this plastic waste unsightly, but as it sits, it can release chemicals and tiny fragments of plastic into the environment, harming humans, animals, and plants alike. The chemicals released during the production and disposal of plastic contaminates both soil and water, with devastating effects on farming and the food chain.
Plastic pollution in our oceans poses an especially high risk to sea creatures. Most of us have probably seen the photos of marine life trapped, maimed, or killed by plastic waste. This pollution not only threatens marine life, but also endangers a critical component of our food supply.
The detrimental impact of plastic on human biology was outlined in a recent article from BMJ Global Health. BMJ reports that the chemicals that leach from plastics can contribute to the development of cancer and a host of other chronic health issues. Plastic pollution can also harbor disease-causing organisms, leading to increased transmission of dangerous infectious diseases.
As a society, we rely so heavily on plastic. Can anything be done to change the way we make and use it?
What we can do about it
The present model of plastic production and use is known as a linear plastic economy. Items are intentionally designed to be used once and then thrown away. To reduce plastic waste, the UNEP recommends that we change the linear plastic economy into a circular plastic economy.
What does that mean? Basically, instead of making single-use plastic items, we should aim to repurpose them and get as much use out of them as we can before discarding them.
That sounds like a pretty big task. So is there anything that you can do?
We’re happy to say that the answer is yes! And it doesn’t even require a drastic lifestyle change!
You can help the world move toward creating a circular plastic economy simply by reusing the plastic bottles and other containers that you already have around your house.
Well, how do you do that?
There are lots of different ways that we’re excited to share, but shopping at a refillery is an excellent place to start.
Refillables for the win or Sustainable Shopping (or something better)
What do refill shops have to do with reducing plastic pollution? We’re so glad you asked!
Refill shops, like Green Thistle Emporium, are stores that sell household and personal care products in bulk in an effort to reduce the need for single-use plastics. The goods at refill shops are kept in large reusable containers and are designed to be used with refillable bottles. You can bring your own bottles or purchase reusable ones at the shop. Every time you refill a plastic bottle or container, you are actively helping to decrease plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.
But we’re not only a refillery! At Green Thistle Emporium, you’ll also find eco-friendly, sustainable goods like solid shampoo and soap, paperless towels, washable dusters, upcycled and repurposed clothing, and an assortment of bamboo articles. These products are designed to be used again and again, reducing your reliance on single-use plastic. And because we’re passionate about the environment, when you shop with us, we are happy to share creative ideas about how you can live more sustainably and reduce your ecological footprint.
Why Green Thistle is Special
Green Thistle Emporium is a collective of artisans and small-business owners who are passionate about community and sustainable living. As individuals, we can all do our part to reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet, but we’re convinced that we can do it more effectively together. At our Race Street storefront, you’ll find a wonderfully unique collection of upcycled and handmade items, but you’ll also find like-minded friends.
Swing by for a chat about incorporating sustainability into your daily life, check out what we have in stock, or attend one of our community events designed to foster creativity and connection. Together, we can make Fort Worth and the world a more beautiful place!
Many of the goods sold by refill shops are manufactured by small, local businesses. This means that when you buy from a refillery, you’re bolstering your local economy and supporting small business owners. Interestingly, this can also have a positive impact on the environment.
Big corporations operate large factories that consume lots of energy and mass produce single-use plastic. More energy is expended as these items get transported from their manufacturing location to stores throughout the country.
In contrast, purchasing local goods made by smaller operations reduces the amount of energy required for product manufacturing and transportation. Moreover, these products are often packaged in sustainable materials like paper, cardboard, and other biodegradable substances. These materials are better for the environment because they are purposefully designed to be reused, recycled, or composted.
In addition to being better for the environment, buying bulk goods from refill shops is also better for you. The products sold by refill shops are natural. They contain less or no harsh or potentially harmful chemicals, and are thus healthier and safer for you and your family to use.
From an economical standpoint, buying in bulk can be more cost-effective as the price per unit tends to be lower. That’s great news in today’s economy! By purchasing bulk items, you have the flexibility to get as much or as little as you need. This reduces potential waste from unused products while also saving your hard-earned cash.
We hope this blog post has answered your questions about refill shops and inspired you to help foster a culture of change when it comes to plastic consumption! If you’re not local to Fort Worth and would like some help on your sustainability journey, we recommend checking out Litterless. This awesome website features a state-by-state guide to refill shops, zero waste stores, and composting services. You can also find a curated list of their top recommended zero waste products.
And for those of you who do live in Fort Worth, we invite you to stop by Green Thistle Emporium! We are currently the only brick-and-mortar refillery in Fort Worth, and as such, we offer bulk household cleaning supplies and beauty products as well as a wide selection of eco-friendly goods.
But we’re much more than a refill shop!
