Friends launch mobile zero waste shop in north Essex

Graphic designers Charlotte Kirby, from Leavenheath, and Ellie Giles, from Tiptree, are on a mission to make the area a greener place to live in with their joint venture named The Refill Den.

The business is a mobile zero-waste shop based in Tiptree which can provide packaging free, cupboard essentials to surrounding remote villages which have little access to shops.

The women, who have worked together as graphic designers for four years, came up with the idea in October after struggling to access their own plastic free supplies during national coronavirus lockdowns.

Charlotte, 31, said: “Being zero-waste means we sell a range of common household goods ranging from herbs and spices to flour and pasta, all of which are completely free of packaging.

Ellie and charlotte

“The idea is that you bring empty containers and jars to us to refill and we charge by the weight of the product.

“As well as dried foods we will also have a selection of cosmetics, cleaning products and homewares.”

The Refill Den was launched on Saturday starting out in West Bergholt with a range of basic options.

Ellie and charlotte

Ellie, 22, said: “The aim is to reduce single-use plastic pollution and encourage more people to jump in and become more aware of their own waste.

“We have a unique pod that will travel from location to location, bringing you your delicious treats.”

Ellie and charlotte

Visit refill-den.co.uk to pre order all of your goodies, selecting your preferred pick up location and time from the route.

Here's a step-by-step guide of how it works:

1. The Refill Den team park up in a convenient place in your local area. Remember to bring your jars and containers from home. The team has free paper bags or reusable jars to buy if you forget yours.

2. You choose the products you need to stock up on. The team weighs out your products and puts them into the containers of your choice.

3. You pay for your goods by cash, card or contactless.