Mayo business No Plastic Thanks strives to reduce plastic consumption
A NEW refill market business in Castlebar, the first of its kind in the county town, aims to change the way locals do their weekly shop, by reducing the amount of packaging and single use plastic being consumed.
No Plastic Thanks launched in January 2021, with their pitch at the Castlebar Farmers’ Market on Fridays, and it has now been extended to the same location each Saturday.
It is run and founded by Rosie Joyce from Keelogues, Ballyvary, and Alex MacNaughton from London.
After only using containers for a couple of hours until you take your shopping home, much of our plastic is sent to landfill or incinerated.
By reusing what you have already and refilling, we conserve natural resources and reduce pollution from the extraction, manufacturing and disposal of unnecessary packaging, not to mention what ends up on our roads, parks, waterways and seas, damaging our wildlife.
Rosie Joyce comments on how the enterprise came to being: “The idea was born when we moved back from London in April 2020, and found it difficult not having a way to shop plastic free in Castlebar. We had been spoiled in London with many refill and zero waste shops in our neighbourhood.
“After months of extensive research, preparation and logistical planning, we are delighted to be trading each week. It’s hard work, but the rewards and benefits for our environment and the community far outweigh battling the wind and rain.’’
How it works is simple. Customers bring their own containers, of any shape or size, and refill from a range of everyday products including rice, pasta, cooking oils, oats, nuts, seeds, spices, household cleaning products and body products. The container is weighed first, filled with the amount the customer wants and then weighed again so you only pay for what you buy.
“We always love it when people are surprised at how inexpensive their bill is. Shopping this way not only means you are doing your bit for the environment, but also for your pocket.
“Many of the items cost less than in a supermarket and, more importantly, you only buy what you need, therefore reducing food waste,” enthuses Rosie.
No Plastic Thanks started by selling just 30 products on day one and has already over doubled their offering, including a broadening of their organic range, based on customer requests and recommendations.
All of the household products are environmentally friendly and sustainably produced, with washing up liquid being one of the most popular items. Based on washing up liquid sales alone, already 200 bottles have been saved from being sent to landfill.
All stock is bought in bulk by the business, in paper packaging where possible, so it is easily recyclable. The coffee on sale comes in compostable bags and a closed loop system has been formed with one of their main suppliers of cleaning products, where 20 litre containers are taken back and refilled.
As the Castlebar Farmers' Market is outdoors, it is a safe way for people to shop during the pandemic. To minimise contact, Rosie and Alex refill all the containers themselves.
Some customers leave their bags and containers and pop back later after they pick up their other shopping, while most people love to chat while their purchases are prepared due to many finding the restrictions really challenging and socially isolating.
No Plastic Thanks is at Market Square, Castlebar, every Friday from 8am - 4pm and Saturday from 9am - 4pm. Their full list of products are available to view on https://www.noplasticthanks.ie/