Cut off a slice of soap ( above ) or pump as much shampoo , lotion , liquid detergent or household cleaner ( left ) as you like into reusable containers to purchase by the ounce at The Ritual Refilll in north Laguna .
Pauley believes that sustainability moves people toward a more minimalist mindset . “ That is really good for your mental health ,” she says . “ People who have less can focus more on doing things than buying things . It gives your life more fulfillment .” takeout containers and consistently wins the Wyland National Mayor ’ s Challenge for Water Conservation . If ever there was a place for refillable home and beauty products , surely this is it .
“ We loved the concept and would drive as far as an hour to visit our favorite refill shops from San Diego to LA ,” Hall says . “ We felt that a similar shop would really resonate with our town .”
BECOMING ECO-CONSCIOUS To get started , Pauley suggests doing a “ trash audit ” and making little swaps here and there rather than overhauling everything at once , which can feel overwhelming .
“ Look at your trash can . What are you throwing in there ? Is it bathroom packaging waste ? Refill it . If it ’ s food packaging , you can shop at a farmers market ,” she says . “ What material is it ? Is it plastic ? Is it cardboard ? Because the plastics are the problem right now .”
Both Pauley and Holland recommend starting in one room . As a first step , Holland advises switching hand and dish soap for refillable options . “ It ’ s an easy swap ,” she says .
REDUCE , REUSE , REFILL Hall and Holland , who both grew up in Southern California with a deep appreciation for nature and the ocean , worked for years in the retail and apparel industries where they witnessed the incredible amount of waste generated by consumers . With The Ritual Refill store , they wanted to provide an eco-friendly alternative .
“ Whether it ’ s single-use products or fast fashion , there is so much waste produced in consumerism everyday ,” Holland says . “ This inspired us to start a business where we could offer more sustainable swaps like refilling your essentials and buying secondhand clothing .”
Peruse the rack of vintage and repurposed apparel , slice off a piece of bar soap or bring a clean container and get it filled with all-natural products priced by the ounce . Reusable glass and aluminum bottles may also be purchased — and customers will get 5 % off their next refill when they bring back the bottle ; clean glass jar donations are also accepted for the shop ’ s freebie basket . Free local delivery is offered , too .
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