05 May 2017

Bulk is Back!

This month we introduced THREE new bulk items at the store.  Lately we have been hearing from a lot of customers who are interested in ZERO-WASTE LIVING.  These folks aim to reduce or eliminate non-recyclable waste from their lives, and do so by changing their lifestyles and buying habits.  One great way to reduce waste is to refill your own containers with bulk items.
Our newest refillable items are dish soap, liquid laundry detergent, and shampoo!
WHY REFILL???
REDUCE PLASTIC - Every 20L container of shampoo we refill saves 40 shampoo bottles worth of plastic.  Yes, plastic is recyclable, but there are serious environmental consequences caused by the production of plastic, and inherent in the recycling process.  In addition, plastic cannot be recycled indefinitely.  Most plastic is only recycled 7-9 times before its fibres become too short.  By comparison, glass and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. 

REDUCE TRANSPORTATION – Buying in bulk allows products to be transported efficiently.  The overall footprint of the product is smaller in the truck, and fewer cardboard boxes are required than with individually packaged product 

SAVE MONEY – Compared with the same product in its original packaging, here are the savings: 
Unscented Company Dish soap 750ml – Save $1.50 by refilling
Unscented Company Laundry soap 1.95L (78 loads) – Save $4 by refilling
Oneka Shampoo 500ml – Save $6 by refilling!


THE PRODUCTS:

Oneka is a Quebec-based company started by power couple Philippe Choiniere and Stacey Lecuyer, who want to make a positive impact on people's health and the water ecosystems. Before starting their business, Stacey had been suffering from eczema for over 20 years and Philippe had been allergic to synthetic fragrances all his life.  
Their shampoo is hypoallergenic, non-drying, and leaves hair shiny and healthy.  It is safe for coloured hair too. 
Around here it’s a favourite for staff and customers, and our go-to hypo-allergenic shampoo.  It’s also great if your home is on a septic or grey water system because it is easily biodegradable.  Many of us have learned to appreciate the unscented product as-is for a fresh-feeling clean.  Others spice it up with their choice of essential oils! 
Our second great new bulk brand is the Unscented company.  
Our staff like the dish soap because it foams nicely and cleans well.  The Unscented Company has taken strides to build their company around sound environmental and social practices, and have been certified as a B-Corp.   
They prioritize doing business with Canadian, privately owned and family-run businesses.  Their website has a list of further goals to decrease their environmental footprint: http://www.theunscentedcompany.com/sustainability/http://www.theunscentedcompany.com/sustainability/
Stone store staff have tested all new bulk products and they have our seal of approval. Come try them for yourselves and let us know what you think!