This Unique Corner Store in Louisville Sells Sustainable Products for the Body and Spirit

Can one person affect positive change?

When it comes to sustainable living, it's easy to wonder if the actions of one person really can make a difference.

I often question whether my efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle amount to much of a payoff. However, after talking to Leslie Delgado, I'm convinced every action matters. Leslie Delgado is the owner of Peace of the Earth Refillery, a zero-waste shop in Louisville, Kentucky, and in a recent conversation she explained that living sustainably is about "progress over perfection."

According to Leslie, even choosing two sustainable items to incorporate into your lifestyle matters: "Not everyone can afford an electric car or solar panels on their house," she said. The Refillery aims to be an accessible way for Kentuckians to live more sustainably. 

Leslie opened Peace of the Earth Refillery in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood to give customers a way to purchase natural and plastic-free bath, body, and home products. I visited the store on a rainy April afternoon and loved browsing the selection. 

Large glass dispensers showcased an array of products, including shampoo, conditioner, and facial cleanser. In another part of the store, large containers held laundry detergent, liquid dish soap, and all-purpose cleaner. There were also Kentucky-made teas, baking mixes in glass jars, colorful wool dryer balls, jewelry, kitchen sponges, reusable plastic bags, and many more items for sale. 

Leslie pointed out a display of soap bars by a company called Positive Attraction Soap Co. She explained that a mother-daughter duo in Beattyville, Kentucky, makes the product. I smelled several of the soaps and loved each more than the next. 

One of The Refillery's main priorities is reducing the use of plastic, and the store has systems in place to help customers shop plastic-free. Shoppers are welcome to bring their own glass jars or take some from a community donation bin to fill with products in The Refillery. The store collects the jars and then sanitizes and labels them. Importantly, customers only pay for the product they put inside the jar. This way, you can "only get what you need," Leslie explained. A large wall sign declared that the company has kept over 5,000 containers out of landfills!

Customers love the shop's business model. Leslie shared how it's been "humbling" to see how the neighborhood has embraced The Refillery and incorporated it into their routine. She called her corner store "the best location."

I knew I wanted to purchase a few products to try in my home, but the more I browsed the store and talked to Leslie, the more products I wanted to try. I picked up a set of bar shampoos and conditioners made by a company called Dip. Leslie explained that she uses and loves their shampoo and conditioner, and the bars last a very long time. She has used the same large-size bar for 14 months and counting! I was sold. I also filled a paper bag of bath salts to try—the citrus scent was irresistible!

As I checked out, I told Leslie I've had my fair share of struggles with natural deodorants. Leslie quickly and generously found a sample of the one she recommends: a deodorant cream made by Little Seed Farm. I've since tried the deodorant in the Blue Tansy Rose scent and like it!

I can't wait to return to The Refillery and try more of their products. Leslie was so welcoming, and I'm confident she can help me find exactly what I need.

For more information, visit Peace of the Earth Refillery's website and Facebook page.

There are many ways to celebrate Mother Earth in Louisville. One option is enjoying one of the sustainably-run restaurants, like Mayan Cafe and In Season Harvest Kitchen. Another is taking one of the city's beginner-friendly hikes. There are also 11 state parks within 100 miles of Louisville, each with amazing ways to enjoy the outdoors!

You can also support sustainability through shopping with The Landmark Project, an apparel company selling t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, socks, and more while supporting conservation efforts.