In Kelowna, the movement towards sustainability and environmental consciousness finds its home at FILL, Kelowna's premier refill store. Founded by Teresa Sanders and owned together with Gabi Goossen, FILL embodies the spirit of reducing plastic pollution through its innovative refill concept.
Offering a range of toxin-free, plant-based, organic products, from shampoos to laundry soaps, FILL not only supports local and Canadian-made goods but also champions a circular economy.
"Only 9% of plastic worldwide is actually recycled," Teresa shares, highlighting the dire need for solutions to combat plastic pollution. FILL's mission is to reduce this overwhelming reliance on single-use plastics by offering a sustainable alternative that doesn't compromise on quality or effectiveness. "We're proud of the plastic pollution reduction we've achieved, saving over 360,000 plastic containers from entering the environment," Teresa adds, a testament to their impact and dedication.
Sourcing products is a careful process at FILL, with a strong emphasis on quality and community. "We spent a whole year researching our suppliers," Teresa explains, ensuring that every product on their shelves meets their high standards for sustainability and effectiveness. This commitment extends to fostering relationships with local suppliers, creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
FILL’s shelves are stocked with customer favourites, including the Mint Cleaning Scrub, known for its effectiveness and pleasant scent, thanks to essential oils. "It's a great replacement for harsher cleaners, with cleaner ingredients for your house and body," Gabi notes. Other top product lines include Om Organics and Carina Organics, offering everything from organic face care to salon-quality hair products.
FILL encourages customers to start small. "Finish what you've got," Gabi advises, promoting a gradual transition to more sustainable products. This approach not only makes sustainability more manageable but also more affordable, with FILL’s refill options offering significant cost savings over traditional retail.
Beyond the store, Teresa and Gabi are active in the community, organizing garbage cleanups and looking to start an ambassador program to further engage residents in sustainability efforts. As for growth, the vision extends beyond Kelowna, with hopes to bring FILL’s refill concept to more communities, always prioritizing the planet and people in their expansion.
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