Jamie McKenzie, Owner of Rise Up Refill
Hey there! I'm Jamie, a mom of 3 and the person behind Rise Up Refill. My family and I live in the gorgeous, green mountains of Vermont, and one of our older kids is currently enrolled at college in Massachusetts. My zero-waste journey started back in 2018, when China stopped accepting our recycling due to the immense quantity of soiled materials being shipped over. I learned how most of what we “recycle” actually ends up in landfills or even worse, the oceans. I was truly disheartened, so right then I pledged to reduce my family's consumption of plastic, especially single use. Witnessing our society's disposable nature has been both revealing and empowering. It has shed light on our individual ability to influence change and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. After six years, I am proud to open Rise Up Refill, a business dedicated to assisting our community in reducing plastic consumption and making a positive impact on the environment. I will offer an array of plastic-free, bulk home and body care products, including laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, and cleaning solutions. My suppliers prioritize environmental sustainability, employing natural ingredients and closed-loop programs. Customers bring their own containers to fill or can buy a refillable container at the store to use over and over again. Together we can reduce plastic pollution, lower our carbon footprint and create a healthier environment for our families and community.