The plastic-free movement has spread to Johannesburg, with the first plastic-free grocer opening in the Fourways area, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to regular shopping.
Opened in March, the Refillery aims to play a part in reducing the world’s plastic pollution crisis due to the devastating environmental impact of non-biodegradable and single-use plastic packaging. Plastic packaging has contributed to damaging the Earth, with the impact often felt the most in the ocean, with the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ covering an estimated 1.6-million square kilometers of the sea.
Joburg residents can now shop in an eco-friendly setting at Cedar Square in Fourways.
The shop works on a weigh-and-pay basis, where patrons can either bring along their own glass jars or purchase a brown bag or jar offered by the store. All the products sold at the grocer are ethically-sourced and at least 75% are organic, while an estimated 95% are sourced locally.
The store offers free home delivery for purchases over R500 and also has a call-and-collect facility to provide an easy alternative for those with busy schedules. It is the first step towards promoting a more sustainable living-plan for locals in Gauteng.
Residents can purchase a variety of items, from grains, cereals, dried fruit, herbs, spices, and pasta to superfoods and more. Not only does the store sell food items but also a list of goods that cater to a ‘zero-waste lifestyle’, such as personal hygiene items and toiletries, and even ingredients to make your own eco-friendly goods.
There is even on-tap homemade lemonade available for customers as they wander around the store.
Picture: Facebook, the Refillery
