Making the choice to switch to refilling is a commendable and impactful decision, but refilling comes with risks that you agree to take on as the consumer. Skipping Stones Refillery is committed to offering you sustainable, natural and local options so you can eliminate single-use packaging. This requires thinking 'outside the box' until a new norm is established in our consumer culture. Whilst existing laws and regulations are quite clear regarding labeling and packaging in a linear economy of use and discard, there is little to no legislation regulating the bulk-refill style of consumerism within a circular economy. Just like your consumer habits will need to change, and may seem unorthodox to many not yet following the circular economy philosophy, refill businesses are also trying to change, and lead the way forward to safe, and sustainable. Here are some important conditions for you to acknowledge before you agree to take on the risks of refilling, and some tips on how to mitigate the risks when using a Bring Your Own Container system (BYOC). 1. Label: Remove old labels from your BYOC and affix new ones every time you refill with a different product to avoid confusion about the contents. Labeling laws are some of the strictest in Australia and the world. They exist to inform you and protect you. Labels typically include product name, type, manufacturer, expiry dates, suggested uses, instructions, dilution rates, ingredients, advised storage conditions, hazards and first-aid responses. Removing old labels from your repurposed containers/bottles/jars alleviates any instant confusion between your new refill and the original contents. Despite products being eco-conscious brands, you can imagine the risks of putting yellow dish liquid in a honey jar, or a fun and brightly coloured cleaner in a drink bottle. It's better to stop and ask the question regarding contents, than accidentally assume what it is. The new product should have it's own new label added. Product info and SDS (Safety Data Sheets) are available on this website, and at the point of purchase. If you are ever in doubt about what a refilled product is, discard it. Providing your number to receive a detailed receipt during payment may assist in tracking your refill purchases. 2. Clean & Dry: Your BYOC must be completely free from contaminants. This will ensure the safety and quality of your refilled product. We often use the word 'chemical' to be negative, but all ingredients have chemical compositions. Even clean water can cause a chemical reaction when mixed with specific other ingredients. Two products intended for the same use may have completely different chemical compounds or active ingredients. I am not a chemist and don't expect you to be one either, so avoid the risk and refill clean containers only. 3. Appropriate container: Your BYOC must be suitable for the refill product you're using it for. Most containers are intended by the manufacturers to be used once, and discarded. Airtight lids pop open, safety seals break open, screw-top lid threads misalign, plastic seams split, pumps and sprays break, and plastic degrades, among other quality and aesthetic degradations. Whilst I commend you for giving every container it's longest and best life, please ensure each one is safe and fit-for-purpose, every time. - Visible: Refill a container that is transparent, so you can recognise the contents, and your refiller can easily see when to stop refilling, without spills. - Washable: Refill a container with a wide-mouth opening, to allow proper cleaning of your BYOC between refills. - Useable: Refill a container with a pouring spout, pump or spray, if that's how you intend to use the contents, to avoid spills and waste. - Recognisable: Refill a container that you, your family and visitors will identify to match its contents, and store it in an appropriate location. Eg. Use a laundry jug to refill laundry liquid and store it in the laundry cabinet, not an old food jar stored under the kitchen sink! - Space appropriate: Refill a container that is safe for it's intended location and users. Eg. plastic may be preferable over glass in a slippery bathroom, or with children accessing it.