Foodsmiths helps environment with new eco-friendly fill station

Bill and Tammy Watts, co-owners of Foodsmiths in Perth, ON have introduced an eco-friendly fill station they recently developed and installed in the store.

Bill and Tammy Watts, co-owners of Foodsmiths in Perth, ON have introduced an eco-friendly fill station they recently developed and installed in the store.

Comprised of 11 fustis and three large stainless steel containers, the station dispenses everything from olive oil to laundry detergent, with more products to come. It was a team effort, with Bill Jones, Foodsmiths’ store manager, helping with the design of the station.

“We've always been into bulk in a big way; we carry over 400 dry bulk items,” said Bill Watts. “It makes sense from an environmental and economic perspective to reuse containers to shop for everyday items. Now we can offer liquid bulk items as well. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to fill. It's all about cutting back on waste."

Bill says Foodsmiths has also been proactive in phasing out single-use plastic. “Eventually we will no longer offer plastic shopping bags at our cash.  Instead, we encourage customers to bring in their own reusable bags, or they can purchase one of our reusable bags or a paper bag. We also plan to have a 'bring one, take one' reusable bag depot for customers to use." 

Foodsmiths introduced the eco-friendly fill station with a launch party in August, with over 600 customers in attendance. Customers either purchased a jar to fill with product, or brought a clean container from home. 

For every container a customer brought in from home during the launch party, Foodsmiths donated 50¢ to the Lanark Highlands Food Pantry.  This initiative raised $160 in total.