FAQs

Discover the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

1. What is a refill shop?

A refill shop allows you to buy food and household products without unnecessary single-use plastic packaging. You can buy exactly the quantity you need, helping to reduce waste and food waste for a more sustainable lifestyle. Pre-Covid, refill shops were popping up in every town and every farm shop. But things have changed. If you're lucky enough to have a refill / zero waste / eco store near you – use it as much as you can. We really need your support right now!

2. Can I buy refill groceries online?

Yes. Simply choose the quantity you'd like, add it to your basket and we'll weigh and pack your order before we send it out via Royal Mail. Our dried food products are packaged in paper bags, helping to reduce plastic waste. We recommend storing products in jars as soon as they arrive to maintain their freshness.

3. I live locally and want to refill but don't know where to start?

Bring your reusable containers and a shopping list – we can help you every step of the way. Read our blog: how to shop at a zero waste store.

4. Can I buy small quantities?

Yes. Whether you need just enough for one recipe or want to stock up, you can order the amount that's right for you. Buying only what you need helps reduce both food waste and unnecessary spending.

5. Why buy from a refill shop instead of a supermarket?

Refill shopping helps reduce single-use packaging and allows you to buy exactly the amount you need. It's a simple way to cut down on household waste while supporting independent businesses committed to sustainability.

6. Is refill shopping better for the environment?

Choosing refill products helps reduce single-use packaging, lowers household waste and encourages a more circular and sustainable way of shopping. Small changes, such as reducing packaging, buying only what you need, and choosing ethical brands, can make a huge impact.

7. How do I use dried beans and pulses?

There are lots of benefits of using dried beans and pulses. Kidney beans, cannellini beans, black beans and chickpeas need to be soaked for 8-12 hours and then cooked for an hour before adding to recipes. Alternatively, freeze cooked beans on trays before storing in containers.

 

8. How many dried beans do I need for my recipe?

Most recipes include tinned beans – but dried beans are better in our opinion. If you’re using dried beans instead of tinned beans but confused about how many to use – the general rule is that dried beans roughly triple in weight when soaked and cooked. A 400g tin of dried beans contains around 240g of drained beans, so you will need to use about 80g dried beans per tin.

 

9. What brands do you stock?

Some of the eco friendly, sustainable brands we stock at The Good Lyfe include Suma, an ethical worker's co-operative; Hodmedod's for UK grown oats, peas, chia seeds, linseeds, quinoa and split peas; UpCircle for natural skincare; Honest Toil for extra virgin olive oil, Bee's Off for Cornish honey; Redecker for handmade brushes; Handmade Tales for reusable face pads and menstrual pads. Our greetings cards are designed by artists Jade Fisher and Laurie McCall.