What is a refill store? We visited one in Medford to learn how the process actually works

It feels like refill stores and low-waste shops are starting to become more common across New Jersey, but a lot of people (ourselves included) may not fully understand how the process works until visiting one. We recently visited Love Thy Nature Refillery in Medford to learn more about how refill stores operate and how they help reduce packaging waste through reusable containers and bulk products. The process was actually much simpler and more approachable than expected - customers bring containers from home, weigh them before filling, refill products like soap and detergent, then only pay for the amount they need. We also learned about some of the store’s broader sustainability initiatives, including flexible plastic collection partnerships and composting efforts. We put together a short explainer blog post for anyone curious about trying a refill store for the first time. Curious if anyone else has visited refill stores or found other low-waste swaps in NJ that were easier than expected? https://sustainablesouthjersey.org/what-is-a-refill-store-inside-love-thy-nature-refillery-and-how-refilling-works/