Mt. Lebanon market is filling, and refilling, needs to reduce waste
At times, when she reflects upon opening an environmentally friendly market, Holly Rudoy wonders a bit.
鈥淚f you told me a year ago that I鈥檇 be doing this, I wouldn鈥檛 have believed you,鈥� she said, smiling. There was a lot of research ahead, tons of preparation and a formidable amount of uncertainty.
But she persevered and launched Wonderfill Low Waste Market last winter, in the Sunset Hills section of Mt. Lebanon. And she wonders about that decision rarely and only momentarily.
Wonderfill, at 370 Broadmoor Ave., is a 鈥渞efillery,鈥� a shopping option that is gaining popularity across the continent. Instead of purchasing products at a conventional grocery, Wonderfill customers can buy refills of laundry detergent, dish soap and other products in the amounts they need 鈥� reducing potential waste. Payment is based on the weight of the product acquired. Many of the products are locally sourced.
The store operates out of a modest two-story building that appears to be a cottage, but is not. The area, Rudoy said, has been zoned commercial since the 1970s. Signage is not ostentatious.
Patrons can fill containers they own, purchase from the store or select from free containers that are available. 鈥淭he point is to eliminate single-use plastic,鈥� Rudoy said. 鈥淭his keeps people from buying a full bottle of a product. Buying things here kind of eliminates packaging.
鈥淓verything we have is compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. There are no harsh chemicals with our products, no artificial colors. I don鈥檛 think we have any plastic. We also have some concentrated products, which also cuts down on waste.鈥�
She pointed toward a laundry detergent that 鈥渋s very concentrated. It is 37 cents an ounce and you need only two tablespoons per load.鈥� Rudoy said another item, which she referred to as 鈥渦nbleach,鈥� has about 30 uses, including laundry, carpets, mattresses, sponges, and deck scrubbing.
Her neatly appointed shop has a formidable number of products and items, including locally sourced beeswax candles in the image of puppies. There also are tote bags made from recycled cotton, reusable dish cloths and other goods.
Rudoy, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon as well as her husband, Bruce, had to work hard at opening the store. She initially needed a site, of course, and received a fortuitous boost from Eric Milliron, manager of economic development in the municipality, 鈥渨ho suggested this place.鈥�
Rudoy said her permit was approved in December, 鈥渟o we really did not gear up until January.鈥� She did participate in Mt. Lebanon蘑菇视频 Uptown Winter Market before the holidays, 鈥渨hich was a success for us. We thought, 鈥楬ey, this might work.'鈥�
It has, according to the owner. 鈥淓very month, things have gotten better and better. About 50% of our customers are regulars and we are getting new customers. People living nearby walk in. It蘑菇视频 really word of mouth.鈥�
Clare Moore, a teacher from neighboring Dormont, is among the regulars. She appeared with her daughter on a recent Wednesday, filling at least one bottle.
Rudoy, and her wares, also are appearing at two South Hills farmers markets: in Uptown Mt. Lebanon the second Saturday of the month through October, and in Bethel Park the first Tuesday through September. Wonderfill, she added, also does special events for nonprofits.
About 500 refilleries, registered with the Refillery Collective, exist across North America, according to Rudoy. There are few in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the largest being in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
Although Holly is the owner, this is a family endeavor for all. Husband Bruce, an attorney in Pittsburgh, 鈥渉elps me with everything.鈥� Daughter Maddy, 27, a nurse, helps test products, and son Zach, 25, a tech consultant, assists with the website and logo.
They are filling, and refilling, needs.