Refill & Reuse

mom&pop 05

Earthwell Refill is a family-run shop in Kensington San Diego. They are your go-to place for all high-quality natural products from self-care to home care. You bring in your empty plastic bottles or take a donated container and get as much or as little as you need.

I had a lovely time chatting with owner Katrina Oprisko. She and her husband opened the store over seven years ago when they noticed a lack of places that sold natural products in San Diego. They struggled to find a spot to rent when they first opened since people at the time did not understand the concept of a refill store. However, when they finally opened, initially in North Park, they received a positive response. They later moved to Kensington where they are located now and have continued to expand their inventory to include gift items like jewelry, candles, and reusable lunch boxes.

Katrina and I talked about our own journeys toward becoming more sustainable. The conversation was easy, all while she moved about the store organizing and unboxing inventory. She pointed out all her favorite art on the wall, some made by her daughter, some gifted, some by local artists. You could tell that the shop had a strong mission and was supported and loved by the community that they built. I left with a jar of natural toothpaste, a handful of samples, and a warm feeling.

So next time you have to buy a product that you frequently use that comes in plastic containers like dish soap, detergent, toothpaste, or shampoo try looking into a refill shop! Not only are you preventing plastics from our overfilling landfills and oceans but you may be supporting families like the Opriskos.

This is part of an ongoing passion project of mine called mom&pop where I talked to and photograph small businesses that I discover and love. This is an older post that I am transferring onto Substack. If you liked the story be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next one (-: