I’ve always loved the wisdom of the old Chinese proverb: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
Many of us haven’t always had the time, desire, or motivation to make choices that are best for the environment. Life is busy. I get that.
However right now seems to be the second best time to start fitting in more environmentally-friendly choices. Because it is becoming increasingly more apparent that those choices are also the healthiest ones for ourselves and for our children, in addition to the planet.
Clancy and Giovanni Dametto are enabling just that – good, informed, impactful choices – conveniently, and right in the heart of Bolton.
“Two years ago, it became clear to us that there was almost no avenue for us to be eco-friendly” says Clancy. “We watched documentaries. We did research. We learned, for example, that only 9% of plastic is recycled** in Canada. In the end we knew that we absolutely had to step up and do everything we can to help save our environment for future generations.”
The couple opened the doors to Viva Earth Refillery in Bolton in April this year. “Our inspiration is to provide a cleaner environment, and supply natural products without harmful chemicals” says Clancy who has an educational background in Health Sciences with a degree from Western University.
Her husband Giovanni is a plumber by trade. He has expanded his skills by becoming a water filtration specialist. During this training he says he learned that the average person in North America consumes up to 5 grams of microplastics per week* through food and water consumption. That’s about the same amount of plastic as in a credit card. This was one of the genuinely concerning facts that motivated them to want to reduce plastic waste as much as possible, helping to keep microplastics out of the ecosystem.
“The concept of the refillery is as easy as it sounds” Clancy explains. “Everything you use on a daily basis at home can be refilled here without creating any waste.”
You simply bring in a clean container from home, weigh it, fill it with your desired amount of product, and then re-weigh it. If you prefer you can purchase a refillable container made with sustainable materials at the shop.
“We all have to go to the grocery store every week to purchase our hygiene products and cleaning products, so you may as well go to the refillery. That way you can get great premium products without contributing to the 3,000,000 tons of waste** that is generated each year in Canada” she continues.
Viva Earth Refillery offers a large variety of hygiene products including personal care from head to toe. You will also find a great selection of natural body lotions, face creams, shampoos and conditioners, body washes, hand soaps and much more.
“We also pride ourselves in supplying numerous household cleaning products as well” adds Clancy. “These include multi-surface cleaners, disinfectants, window cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, laundry detergents, softeners and the list goes on and on.”
In closing the dedicated young couple wants Caledon to know that “We are very honoured to be able to provide our community with a low waste store. Our goal is to provide amazing everyday essential personal care products and cleaning products and eliminate unnecessary plastic waste. Today is the perfect day to start living more sustainably. From our team at Viva Earth Refillery, we thank you for all your support and look forward to meeting you soon!”
You will find Viva Earth Refillery at 308b Queen Street South in Bolton. Phone: 905-951-8482
The shop is open: Tues – Fri 10:00am-6:30pm, Sat 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun 11:00am-3:00pm
You can also go to their website and order online for pick-up or delivery on request.
You can follow them on social media at:
Instagram: vivaearthrefillery
Facebook: Viva Earth Refillery
**Government of Canada, re: Plastic Waste and Pollution Reduction
