First zero waste 'refill' store opens up in Milton Keynes

My Refill Market in Stony Stratford started life as a market stall in 2018, launched by 39-year-old MK mum-of-three Karen Jouet.

Karen became passionate about reducing the amount of plastic people use and wanted and protecting the planet for future generations.

“My real concern for the environment started ten years ago when we were having our first baby. I was really upset about the amount of waste having a baby would produce and we bought our first set of cloth nappies," she said.

“We know that, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish. To make a difference, we have to refuse what we really don’t need, reuse what we have, reduce our overall consumption, recycle as much as we can, and compost, or ‘rot’, everything else.”

The concept of zero waste shopping is simple. Customers bring in their own bags, containers, and jars, fill them up with exactly what they need, weigh the produce, and then pay.

Everything from locally sourced dried food and household cleaning products, to sustainable toothbrushes and package-free shampoo bars is available at the store.

The popularity of zero waste shopping has increased massively in recent years as people all over the world are starting to recognize that small changes in how we consume can have a massive positive environmental impact.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support there has been from local residents; not only for being regular customers, but also through fundraising and volunteering their time,” said Karen. “Without their amazing support, I could never have achieved this!”

My Refill Market is situated next to Odell’s Yard on Stony Stratford High Street. For more information, search for ‘My Refill Market’ on Facebook.