When you walk into Roseville’s Village General Store & Refillery you’ll certainly find a place to refill your earth-friendly laundry detergent, rolled oats, and body wash, but what you won't find is judgment, says owner Colleen Rathe. “We offer a safe space for members of our community to ask questions, gather, and learn together without fear of ‘doing it wrong.’ Rather than saying this is what you need to do or change, we want to meet customers where they’re at in their journey toward a more eco-conscious lifestyle.”

The store offers environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday products such as personal care, home cleaning, pantry staples, and even gift cards made from seed paper. Careful considerations are taken when sourcing and selecting ingredients that aren’t only better for the environment but also for you. The business also hosts workshops and presentations by local experts on green living and sustainability.

For Rathe, her shop isn’t just about reducing plastic waste—it’s about recognizing the urgency for change and taking steps, no matter how small they are. 500 Vernon Street, Roseville 916-800-2474, villagegeneralstore.co

Earth + Plant offers a wide range of goods, from eco-friendly and toxin-free home and kitchen items to refillable personal care essentials and cleaning supplies (shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaning spray, etc.). They also carry plants and plant accessories.

The woman-owned, first-of-its-kind brick and mortar in Folsom is dedicated to sourcing eco-friendly, natural alternatives to everyday products.

“Every item available has been meticulously hand-vetted to ensure it meets stringent criteria for ingredient transparency, sustainable production or packaging, and the absence of harmful ingredients,” says owner Kelly Olsen. “Our mission is to empower the community with products that are healthier for your home and the planet. It's a win-win!” 411 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 300, Folsom, 916-836-3056, earthandplant.com

The husband-and-wife team behind Cool’s Lokl General Store wanted to create a marketplace for local farmers, ranchers, gardeners, creators, and homesteaders to come together and share their passions with other members of the community—and that is exactly what they’ve done.

“Lokl is largely community-driven, meaning we try to carry as many local vendors as possible,” says co-owner Hope Mendes. In addition to refilling services, their shelves are stocked with an impressive selection of local meats, fresh eggs, raw milk, a variety of bulk dry goods, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, natural skin care products, health supplements, and even unique local art and gifts. They also offer an assortment of kitchenware, ensuring customers can find everything they need for a sustainable lifestyle, all under one roof.

 “There has been a huge shift recently in how people view their food. They’re interested in where it's coming from and are waking up to the fact that a lot of the food we purchase is shipped in from other countries, highly processed, and not supporting our local communities in any way.” 2966 State Highway 49, Unit F, Cool, 707-304-4880, loklgeneralstore.com

Karrie Rutherford, owner of Auburn refillery and online store, Rutherford Reserve, knows her refill products inside and out—and for good reason, as all her refills are handmade by her.

For over 20 years she’s been making and selling cleansing and moisturizing products with ingredients such as mango butter and pumpkin seed oil at local farmers' markets and craft fairs. Three years ago, Rutherford opened a physical storefront, in addition to an online store. 

“I like to say that all my products make you feel good and smell good," says Rutherford. “There are many refilleries across the country and even in other countries, but I'm one of the very few that creates all their products.”

Rutherford Reserve offers a variety of unique goods, from shampoos, fragrances, and non-toxic household cleaning products to facial care and even pet shampoos. “I [doubt] big corporations are going to go to the hassle of a refilling option, but why should we be throwing away perfectly good containers just because they’re empty?” 853 Lincoln Way, Suite 110, Auburn, 916-833-8040, rutherfordreserve.com

The culinary world is witnessing a remarkable transformation: the rise of zero-waste restaurants. This innovative approach to dining out isn’t just about tantalizing the taste buds but also about nurturing the planet. Omakase Por Favor is a one-of-a-kind eatery that combines a Japanese raw bar experience with traditional coastal Mexican cuisine. Executive Chef Jeana Marie Pecha is pioneering zero-waste dining in our region and redefining the restaurant experience by meticulously eliminating waste from every aspect of their operation.

 “We make the most of every ingredient by using scraps for flavorful sauces and crafting aioli from mushroom trims,” says Pecha. “No part [of our ingredients] go to waste. Even the remnants find purpose through fermentation, contributing to our sustainability goals. In the end, any excess product is repurposed in our gardens or serves as potential feed for our furry friends, including goats.”

Omakase takes creativity to the next level with menu items such as koshu, a Japanese-style seasoning created from excess lime peels that perfectly enhances their fish dishes; they even have a version of “Sprite” made from leftover lemon rinds. Their dynamic menu strategy and mindful practices, such as avoiding over-ordering and implementing a rotating menu, guarantees each ingredient fulfills its purpose without unnecessary excess.

“Our journey toward being a zero-waste restaurant is a commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and a healthier future—every ingredient is treasured.” 640 Twelve Bridges Drive, Lincoln, 916-472-5503, omakaseporfavor.com