Give Refill a Go This Plastic Free July (and Beyond)

Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people to reduce plastic in their day-to-day lives. At CAG Somerset, we see it as a great opportunity not to try small, practical steps that fit into everyday routines.

It’s not about eliminating plastic overnight. It’s about starting wherever you are and exploring what’s possible.

Plastic is deeply woven into modern life, and part of the challenge is that once it’s created, it tends to stick around. A disposable coffee cup can take around 30 years to break down, while a plastic drinks bottle can last up to 500 years. That’s why even small reductions in how much we use can make a real difference over time.

A Helpful Material — Used More Thoughtfully

Plastic isn’t all bad, it’s actually a very useful material. It’s durable, lightweight, and can be shaped for all sorts of uses. The opportunity is to use it more thoughtfully, especially when it comes to single-use items that are quickly thrown away but last for generations.

While changes at a national level are happening, like bans on some single-use items and the introduction of deposit return schemes, it can sometimes feel slow or distant. The good news is that there are simple, positive actions you can take locally too.

Refill in Somerset: A Growing Community Effort

Across Somerset, community action groups are helping make it easier to reduce waste by encouraging reuse, repair and refill. These options are becoming more visible, more accessible, and more part of everyday life.

Green Ilminster’s Share and Repair Shop offers refill options for a range of household cleaning and personal care products — from washing-up liquid to body wash. You can bring along whatever container you already have at home, whether that’s a large jar or an old bottle, and reuse it again and again.

In Taunton, Lesser Litter, now run by the Ethical Food Collective, is another great example. Located in the town centre, it offers a wide range of package-free food and household essentials. You can fill up on everything from porridge oats to herbs and spices, choosing exactly the amount you need.

They even have the option to make fresh peanut butter in-store, straight from peanuts into your own container.

The process is simple: bring your container, have it weighed, staff will fill up the amount you need and then pay. It’s straightforward, flexible, and often a great way to reduce waste and avoid buying more than you need.

Small Swaps That Work for You

One of the great things about refill is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s about finding the small swaps that work best for your lifestyle.

You might start by:

• Refilling cleaning products like washing-up liquid or surface cleaner
• Switching a few bathroom essentials such as soap, shower gel or conditioner
• Trying refill for dry foods or ingredients you only use occasionally

Refill can also help keep things fresh and reduce waste at home — especially for items like herbs and spices, where it’s easy to end up with more than you need.

A quick look in your cupboards might reveal containers you can reuse, jam jars, tubs, bottles, ready for your first refill trip. Who said you can’t take your shampoo home in a wine bottle!

No Pressure — Every Try Counts

It’s completely okay if refill doesn’t work perfectly for you straight away, or if it only works in some areas of your life. Giving it a go still counts.

Even choosing refill just once means one less packaged item, and those small actions add up across our communities.

Ready to Give It a Go?

If you’re curious, why not try one small refill swap this month? There’s no need to change everything, just start with one thing and see how it feels.

Small steps, taken together, can lead to lasting change across Somerset.