Spring Clean The Sustainable Way — 3 Product Picks To Refreash At New Way Refillery In Grand Junction

Plastic presents a challenge for our planet, infiltrating its way into even the most remote corners of our ecosystems. But what if I told you there is a way to combat your carbon footprint while simultaneously supporting a local business and your body? Enter: Grand Junction’s New Way Refillery.

Lindsay Knecht is a nutritional therapy practitioner, certified herbalist and proud owner of New Way. She has a steadfast commitment to zero waste, leading to all of the products at New Way adhering to organic standards. Her shop boasts clean, hypoallergenic and biodegradable ingredients, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability and personal well-being.

“I’m always preaching to clients that what we put on our body is just as important as what we put in our body,” Knecht says.

Photos by Lindsay Knecht

Beyond liberating yourself from the mental and physical burden of endless plastic bottles, you also don’t need to worry about the products carried by the refillery. The accredited herbalist and nutritional therapy practitioner has already done the homework for you, meticulously curating the product lineup. Each item undergoes an in-depth vetting process — Knecht delves into sourcing, supply chain, ethical considerations and overall sustainability practices. A dominant principle in this evaluation is to ensure that the items align with New Way’s commitment to environmental well-being.

New Way’s mission is to serve the residents of the Grand Valley and Western Colorado. The organization acts as a source to help reduce residents’ single-use waste by providing affordable bulk options for body care and household cleaning supplies.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own clean, empty containers for refilling, but fret not — there is also a variety of bottles and jars available for purchase. The process begins with weighing your empty container to establish its “tare weight.” You then select your desired products, and with assistance readily available, fill your container to your heart’s content. Finally, reweigh the container to determine how much of the product you acquired and the corresponding price.

Knecht emphasizes that practicing sustainable habits is gradual, and she says it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning.

“Give yourself grace and know nothing happens overnight,” she explains. “Refill a few items as they run out and see how it feels for you. Every bit helps.”

Here are three recommended purchases to give your sustainable spring cleaning some momentum.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

As the temperatures rise, so do the number of laundry loads. Laundry detergent is the refillery’s most robust selection. Ecos is the most popular brand and is widely acknowledged as a “cleaner” home + garden option for individuals with sensitivities. Many customers have been refilling their old laundry jugs with this for years. While practically any container suffices, canning jars or even neglected empty growlers make excellent vessels for the product.

The laundry options extend to pods, strips, powder and a concentrate. Prices start at 16 cents per load. One popular laundry add-on is the Oxygen Brightener, available both packaged and in bulk. This color-safe bleach alternative can be mixed with water to serve as an all-purpose cleaner as well.

BODY LOTION

The sun is shining, and with it, more skin is exposed. Safeguard your primary layer of natural protection by maintaining well-hydrated and moisturized skin. Not to mention, lotion is super easy to refill.

The Canadian company Oneka is their primary body care brand. Their lotion and face cream are cult favorites. Regulars sometimes refill three to six bottles per visit to stock up. The harsh climate here in the high desert makes this nourishing lotion a staple. Additionally, do not overlook the sunscreen that is also available in bulk.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

When spring has sprung, so has the human’s innate desire to cleanse their living spaces. Allpurpose cleaner is a must-have this time of year. Most of Knecht’s choices are in the form of a dissolvable tablet. Simply drop one into approximately 20 ounces of warm water, dissolve and kickstart your cleaning spree. There is also cleaning powder, where you can explore the store’s range of concentrated cleaners like 20% vinegar, glass cleaner and floor cleaner. This allows you to tailor the dilution to your liking.

Knecht’s personal favorites include the tea tree-peppermint Home Cleaning Scrub. This is an effective foaming abrasive cleaner for stovetops and bathtubs, available in both individual packages and bulk. For a surprisingly enjoyable toilet-cleaning experience, try the individuallysold Bowl Dazzler Toilet Bombs. These are perfect for tackling hard water stains.

Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.