Southern Replenish Refillery opened its doors in September 2021 and so far, Janet BoullemeteUkangsin, owner and operator, has saved 1778+ plastic bottles from a landfill. After two years in business, she has seen two other zero waste refillery stores close their doors. One was in Pensacola, Florida, but now those customers drive to Alabama to refill their bottles.

People who care about refilling plastic bottles are willing to make the extra effort, just as people concerned with natural ingredients are willing to pay more for what they are NOT exposing themselves to. This concept needs to reach more people who care. “If Target and Walmart would start implementing this refill concept, I could retire,” says BoullemeteUkangsin.

Customers as far west as Mississippi and east as Navarre, Florida, travel to Southern Replenish Refillery. For the new year, BoullemeteUkangsin has goals to make an even bigger impact, she will close the brick-and-mortar store to become more mobile. Offering local deliveries and being at pop-up locations will be more convenient for customers and offer opportunity for exposure and education. Her website will be updated to reflect these changes during December, but she will always be available to customers by phone or text.

“Preventing plastic pollution is my passion and I will keep doing that as long as I can. Opening new avenues to RECYCLE BY REFILL is important, to reach more people and for our environment,” says BoullemeteUkangsin.