What do toothpaste tablets, build-your-own straws and colorful little silicone pucks called food huggers have in common? Aside from being things you may have not known exist, they’re among the hundreds of eco-conscious items available at Sunkissed Pantry and Mission Refill, the South Coast’s only zero-waste businesses. By ditching plastic for reusable materials, both shops hope you’ll see one person’s empty jar of pasta sauce as another person’s treasure.
What does that mean? On top of housing the low-impact products above, Sunkissed Pantry and Mission Refill act as refill shops, where soaps, salts, sprays and more are stored in bulk and sold by the ounce. Here’s how it works: Bring an empty jar or bottle (glass is best, but anything works) and place it on the scale to tare it. Then grab a tag and press it to the screen on a connected device to scan the tare weight, attach the tag to your container, and you’re all set.
Don’t have a container? Both locations offer freebies that have been cleaned and sanitized, with the hope that you’ll pay it forward and donate one on your next visit. Containers can be purchased as well. Donations of clean, reusable items are welcome, and monthly and annual memberships reward customers with discounts and access to events.