When Nicole Meckley recently moved into her new four-acre property, she discovered how much trash a family of five could produce. Meckley, a “natural healer, vegan, eco-enthusiast and lifelong student of sustainable living,” wanted to change that.
Her sister-in-law, who lives in Portugal, complained about the amount of plastic she saw washed up on the beach. In response, Meckley founded Kemerton Recharge and Refresh, 82 Commerce Drive, Spring Township, the first store of its kind in Berks County.
Kemerton Refill & Refresh is what is called a refill store. At a refill store, each customer buys a glass container that they can fill with soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, olive oil, or vinegar. All products sold in Kemerton Refill & Refresh are sustainable, non-toxic and cruelty-free,” reads its website.
Meckley spent a year researching a business plan and how to bring the idea of zero waste to the area. The grand opening took place on November 20.
“The zero waste mission has been very well received within the community and customers are eager to share store information with friends and family members,” Meckley said. “Most customers are eager to learn how to minimize single-use plastics and make them a role model for their children.”
Meckley said the hardest part for her and her clients is breaking old habits that are convenient for consumers but inconvenient for the planet.
“It’s usually the first and hardest step for individuals to move forward on the zero waste path,” she said. “Learn to take a washable reusable towel instead of paper, or refill a reusable water bottle instead of taking a plastic bottle out of the fridge.”
In 2022, Meckley plans to expand its product list and create educational groups to raise awareness about waste reduction. It also plans to expand Kemerton Refill & Refresh with a second location in Berks.
“Caring for your body and the planet without chemicals and with as little plastic as possible goes hand in hand,” she said. “It gave me the foundation to grow my business into a retail space with a new focus on educating and providing zero-waste, no-compromise products.”
Kemerton Refill & Refresh is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed on sunday and monday.
For more information, visit https://www.kemertonrefillandrefresh.com/, email: KemertonRefill@gmail.com or call: 484-577-4670
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