Innovation

This business emerged from Patron’s and Maggi’s desire to make a positive impact on the environment, as Patron explains that “everything we do is for the well-being of the planet.” Terra Refill's mission is to strengthen responsible consumption through different dynamics that teach the core issues of sustainability.

Their innovation consists of an eco-store where people can buy different products with containers that are not harmful to the environment like glass containers, paper bags, cloth bags, and other alternatives to transport products instead of plastic. Their purpose is to reduce all the organic waste we generate daily and be more aware of its impact on the environment.

To avoid unnecessary waste, Terra Refill's shopping system consists of refilling the clients’ containers with the product and the amount needed. Terra Refill also offers workshops where they teach their clients how to recycle, compost, make eco-bricks, and other actions that contribute to the environment's well-being. “We want to help more families to live a zero-waste lifestyle.”

Inspiration

Patron was inspired to create a sustainable retail store in Mexico after living in Europe for a couple of years. “One time, I was in the supermarket, and I noticed, especially in the fruit and vegetable section, that there was plastic everywhere even though it wasn’t necessary.” She explains that the contrast between European environmental education and Mexico’s was the key to creating their business along with her colleague Maggi. “We did everything in a period of six months, and that was when Terra Refill opened its doors in December 2018; it has been an amazing path.”

Overall impact

Since 2018, Terra Refill has made an impact on the environment by recycling and avoiding unnecessary waste. “All the garbage we generate as a business is our responsibility.” Terra Refill’s innovation avoided the use of 726,635 plastic products like straws, bags, and packages. They also prevented the waste of 416,500 disposable products like tampons, female pads, coffee capsules, and others.

Mexican society is getting to know this lifestyle and changing their habits to contribute to the environment's well-being. “Many people have approached us to tell us that they had no idea they could buy like that, which is incredible.” Like Patron said, “we are disrupting the traditional Mexican habits of consumption” by giving them an eco-friendly alternative to grocery shopping that they never had.

Business benefit

Terra Refill wants what is best for their clients but also what's best for their employees. This is why employees have a safe workspace, making them more engaged and dedicated to providing a better service to customers. As a result, customers are more likely to visit again and recommend the store, resulting in an increase in income for Terra Refill. Their initiatives also contribute to the economic growth of the company and its employee's growth. Since public opinion plays a big part in a company's success, being an eco-friendly store will give a good impression to present and future clients.

Social and environmental benefit

Their framework's objective is to implement their "zero waste" model in Mexican culture, turning it into a model that other businesses can follow and replicate, from a local to an international level, to continue with a worldwide goal. The environment benefits from their initiative because Terra Refill counts on mostly organic products and seeks good alternatives for consumers and the environment.

Since they collaborate with only local suppliers, they contribute to increasing income and providing new job opportunities for Mexican workers and their families. Likewise, there is an educational benefit for Mexican society because they promote responsible consumption among citizens: to be more aware of our waste's impact on the environment.

Interview

Rocio Patron Rivera, Co-founder