More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A mum's bid to tackle the plastic festering in her waste bin has led to the creation of her own pop up refill store.
The Circle Refill Hub, located on Parkfield Road, Rainham will open to customers on Sunday.
Liz O'Hanlon's local refill centre will help residents to turn their single use plastics into reusable, useful items, rather than being destined for the landfill.
The 37-year-old had been living in the area for ten years and noticed there was a growing demand for a zero waste service in the Medway Towns.
She said: "It was started because I was looking for a refill centre for myself and the nearest one was in Faversham.
"I was waiting and hoping it would come but it just didn't."
The lockdown gave Liz, a charity sector worker, the opportunity to put her plans into motion and pilot schemes at local fayres helped attract more interest in the project.
She said: "The idea is to make it really easy for people to bring down those plastic bottles.
"It is trying to make it as easy as possible to replace single use plastics with refills."
However, the mum-of-two said the message is not to pressure people into becoming "eco warriors" overnight but rather to make it accessible for all.
Living in a way which is environmentally friendly need not be expensive, Liz adds, and she encourages everyone to try and make little changes.
Her pop up refill centre will stock eco-friendly alternatives to common household items such as compostable sponges, bamboo straws and soap bottles.
But Liz says the ultimate aim is for a big company to put her out of business who will "see this as the right way to be".
Liz will be making an appearance with her products at Nutmegs Patisserie in the High Street as part of the Rainham Garden Safari on Saturday.
The Circle Refill hub will launch a day later on Sunday and will run between 10am and 40m.
She is encouraging customers to book a slot online to ensure compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines but hopes this will only be a temporary measure.
For more information or to book a time visit www.thecirclerefill.com
