MONTCLAIR, NJ — If a plastic-free future becomes a reality, it will be partly thanks to entrepreneurs like Rachel and Daniel Garcia.

The Garcias, who own Dry Goods Refillery in Montclair, say they’re running New Jersey’s first “plastic-free grocery store.” The shop allows customers to refill more than 275 commonly bought grocery items with reusable containers, including olive oil, spices, chocolate chips, coffee beans, dish soap and laundry detergent – just to name a few.

According to the Garcias, all the items you’ll find on the shelves of Dry Goods Refillery are acquired through more sustainable and carbon-neutral-certified supply chains. And with New Jersey’s new plastic bag ban now in effect, it’s the perfect time to think outside the box when it comes to how we do our grocery shopping.

As a mother of two young boys, Garcia was seeking a way to combine her love for quality food and experience as a former retail buyer. Eventually, she decided it was time to use those strengths to help move the needle where it mattered most: her kids’ future.

Garcia said that Dry Goods Refillery was born as a way for everyday people and parents like herself to have a daily impact on the amount of waste they produce, without sacrificing quality ingredients for their families. Meanwhile, it’s also a way to redirect community spending to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain, she added.

The Garcias launched their business in Maplewood in 2020 – right as the coronavirus pandemic was ramping up. But the pandemic didn’t squash their dream, and they managed not only to survive – but to grow.

After a successful first year, the Garcias realized they needed to expand to a larger space and moved to 193 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair.

In June, Dry Goods Refillery marked another milestone, becoming part of New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJSNAP), which provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets.

The store – which also offers online shopping and shipping – has attracted fans that include U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, who recently paid it a visit.

Viral marketing videos extolling a “plastic-free future” have also helped to get the word out (watch one here).

Patch recently got a chance to ask Rachel Garcia a few questions about Dry Goods Refillery, the state’s new plastic bag ban, and the unique challenges she encounters with her business. Check out her replies below.

How has New Jersey's plastic bag ban affected your business, if at all? Do you find more customers are willing to give the "refill" philosophy a chance lately?

The plastic bag ban hasn't changed our day to day business too much at Dry Goods Refillery. We’ve always operated without the concept of providing plastic bags and many of our current customers are very habitual about bringing their own containers for refill, and bags, as well. It has, however, been a great step in the right direction for New Jersey and has really brought the topic of plastic waste to the front of mind, which ultimately does help our mission and the idea of people becoming more mindful about the ways they can reduce single use plastics in their everyday routines.

You're a "Plastic-Free Grocer" ... what exactly does that mean?

Dry Goods Refillery is a bulk refillery and grocery store. We allow our customers to refill their own jars, containers or bags from home and take only the quantity of each item that they actually need of over 275 different items. Although we allow and encourage the reuse of plastic by our customers for refilling, we do not support or work with any products that come in single use plastics. We meticulously source our shop to ensure that it is stocked in the most planet-friendly way possible. We support a network of carbon neutral suppliers, we source our produce through local farms whenever possible, we work with many local Montclair and NJ makers and businesses, and other companies who support a closed loop, circular system to ensure as little waste as possible. We are also responsible for any small amounts of plastics or waste we do incur, and pay third parties to ensure that they are truly recycled and reused properly.

Are there any unique challenges with your business model, and how do you overcome them?

The hardest hurdle is getting people to see this way of shopping as approachable and fun -- which it definitely is! Whether you are a refilling pro or new to the idea of shopping this way, our staff is there to help you every step of the way and teach you how to make sustainable swaps that you're comfortable with. There is zero judgment at Dry Goods Refillery and our mission and movement is all about consistency…not perfection. Whether you walk in with your jars in hand, or just pop in off the street to see what we're about, we promise you'll be met with a smile and a positive attitude to help show you what we're all about.

Additionally, people sometimes fear this way of shopping is going to be more expensive. Although some items can be a little more expensive when sourced locally or in small batch, many items are cheaper based on the idea that you're only taking what you actually need. We also strive to do what we can to include as many members of our community as possible and currently not only accept SNAP benefits, but offer a 20% discount for any customers that utilize them on any eligible items.

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