What if stepping into a refill shop for the first time could change the way you see your whole community?

This week, I’m joined by Julie Darrell, owner and founder of Bring Your Own Long Beach. Since 2017, Julie has been helping her community cut down on single-use plastics, rethink consumption, and find approachable ways to live more sustainably.

We talk about what really happens inside a refill shop — from the first-time nerves to the “aha” moment when you realize how easy and empowering refilling can be. Julie also shares what it’s like raising teens in a low-waste household, how she’s built community through local partnerships, and what keeps her grounded through the ups and downs of running a values-based business.

It’s a conversation about small steps, local action, and the quiet power of community care — a reminder that systems change starts with the choices we make every day.

Takeaways

• Refill shops make low-waste living simple, practical, and community-driven
• Refilling can be intimidating at first, but it’s easy and empowering once you try
• Sustainable living doesn’t have to be expensive — it’s about using what you have
• Teaching teens about consumption and waste builds lifelong awareness
• Community partnerships strengthen local action and keep small businesses resilient
• Burnout is real in sustainability work, but community and purpose help you keep going 
• Plus, possibly the greatest zero waste birthday idea OF ALL TIME!

Connect With Julie

BYO Long Beach (Website)

Bring Your Own Long Beach (Instagram)

BYO Long Beach (Instagram)

Resources

Algalita Marine Research and Education

Circular Economy Month

How to Refill in Your Own Containers (Blog post)

How to Have a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids (Blog post)

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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