Quezon City to roll out sari-sari store refill hubs

MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to address plastic pollution, the Quezon City government will soon roll out refill stations for basic commodities in sari-sari stores across the city.

The city government partnered with Greenpeace Philippines and Impact Hub Manila for the “Kuha sa Tingi” initiative ahead of the celebration of World Refill Day tomorrow.

Under the partnership, refill stations would be installed in sari-sari stores, where consumers can bring their own reusable containers to refill basic commodities such as liquid detergent, fabric conditioner and dishwashing liquid.

An initial 30 “Tindahan ni Ate Joy” sari-sari stores were selected for the pilot rollout of the project.

“Being sustainable and eco-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive. Our partnership with Greenpeace and Impact Hub only proves that shifting to zero waste and limiting our plastic generation is inclusive, affordable and accessible to all, including those from all socioeconomic sectors and urban areas,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Marian Ledesma, zero waste campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines, said the partnership highlights how cities, communities and local businesses are taking the lead in tackling plastic pollution by advancing business models based on reuse and refill systems.

“Accessible reuse and refill systems are at the heart of ‘Kuha sa Tingi.’ We want to give consumers simple, affordable and convenient access to zero waste alternatives for their daily needs,” she said.

Studies showed that over 164 million sachets are being used every day in the Philippines. According to the United Nations, around 36 percent of all plastic used globally goes into packaging, while around a third of all plastic packaging leaks into the environment.