Library
Angela Starey
55
Happy New Year!
Does the idea of starting the year plastic free appeal to you?
Whether or not you do New Year’s resolutions, perhaps you’re thinking of trying new ways to live more sustainably in 2025? Let us help you by suggesting one way to make it easier, more convenient and more fun. Introducing… The Refillable Van, a mobile, zero-waste pop-up shop that comes to us right here at CCCU.
The Refillable Van arrives at Augustine House Library. Photo credit: @ccculibrary (Instagram)
Ever thought of swapping out your toothpaste or deodorant for a plastic-free one? Would you like to be able to refill your bottles of cleaning products rather than buying (yet another) plastic bottle each time? Or maybe you fancy trying your hand at making your own cleaning products from natural ingredients?
So many intriguing and tempting personal care and cleaning products on sale. Photo credit: @ccculibrary (Instagram)
Saving you time and giving you peace of mind
Whilst reducing our consumption should always be the number one goal, there are inevitably going to be many things that we need to buy. However, with a bewildering array of products out there – and so many companies making expansive eco claims – how do you know if their credentials are genuine or if they’re just greenwash? It takes time to research products to discover what alternatives exist and to reassure yourself that your choices will make a genuine difference – time many of us just don’t have in our busy lives.
The good news is that there is somewhere you can access right here you at CCCU, where the research has already been done for us. Where all the products have been chosen so that we can make purchases safe in the knowledge that things genuinely are plastic free, environmentally friendly and vegan. What a relief to know that our money is going to support companies that are committed to doing ‘the right thing’.
Photo credit: @ccculibrary (Instagram)
Let me introduce you to Sue and her amazing Refillable Van! As part of our commitment to championing sustainable futures for all our students, staff and alumni, CCCU has partnered with The Refillable Van to help make zero waste shopping easy and accessible for everyone. It may be small, but Sue’s van is an absolute treasure trove and Sue herself is a very friendly and happy to share her extensive knowledge of her products.
In this video, Sue introduces you to some of her products:
Video footage credit: @ccculibrary (Instagram)
Sue doing refills for a customer. Photo credit: The Refillable Van
Here’s a small taster of what’s on offer:
- Refills of cleaning products, including washing up liquid, laundry liquid, fabric conditioner
- Refills of personal care products such as hand soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Plastic free toothpastes and deodorants
- Loose dry foods, herbs, spices
- White vinegar, oils, citric acid, bicarb of soda
- Ecofriendly dog shampoo
- Plastic free homewares and gift ideas
And much, much more! (Top tip: the dark chocolate brazils are amazing, and Fairtrade too!)
The huge range of dried foods available from the van. Photo Credit: Angela Starey
Refillable Van ethos
- Sue only stocks products from individuals and brands who share her vision to reduce waste and create a positive environmental impact.
- All products are vegan and eco friendly
- Sue strongly believes in supporting small, local producers, which helps keep your environmental impact as low as possible. She only works with UK based producers and suppliers and has a growing list of Kent based suppliers.
Photo credit: Angela Starey
So, if you’ve resolved to try living more sustainably in 2025, here are some words of encouragement from Sue:
“Everyone that makes a change to zero waste, no matter how small, makes a positive impact on our environment. No change is too small – every change counts”
When and where can I find The Refillable Van?
For ultimate convenience, on the last Thursday of every month the Refillable Van visits Augustine House (right hand side of the building, in the Goods-In Loading Bay) 11.30am – 12.30am and Verena Holmes from 1-3pm.
Alternatively, if you live locally you might be able to catch Sue at one of her many pop-up slots around South East Kent https://www.refillablevan.com/find-us
Just bring your empty bottles and containers (although Sue does have some spares if you forget!)
Happy refilling!
For more details about The Refillable Van and the products on offer
by Vicky Mason, D O’Donoghue and Angela Starey.
Image credit for header photo: Angela Starey.
