Story by Chris Green, Rockford Register Star
If you need a little inspiration or ideas on how to live a more sustainable life and show the planet some love, Rockford now has a store for that.
Ade Villatoro started EARTH Zero Waste as a vendor at City Market. In November, she opened her own store at 327 W. Jefferson St.
On Saturday, Villatoro will be celebrating her first Earth Day as a business owner.
Ade Villatoro started EARTH Zero Waste as a vendor at City Market. In November, she opened her own store at 327 W. Jefferson St.
On Saturday, Villatoro will be celebrating her first Earth Day as a business owner.
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"It's basically an awareness day where we can all come together and do a little part, even if it's not something that we normally do. It's a day that gives us all an excuse to just be a little bit more conscious of our footprints."
And for others who have been considering living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, Villatoro said Earth Day can be that stepping stone to living "a beautiful, sustainable relationship with earth."
That journey, she said, can begin at home, at work or even at her store where a variety of daily and environmentally-friendly products are sold.
"I basically sell you a lot of products that are from the earth to go back into the earth, hence the name," she said.
Prominently displayed in the store is the refill station where customers can get a refill on several daily-use items such as dish soap, toothpaste and mouthwash tablets, facial products, and shampoos.
"I like to suggest that once you're done using those items, bring in those containers and refill them with an eco-friendly version," Villatoro said.
Instead of using dishwasher tablets that are wrapped in plastic and do not always dissolve, Villatoro suggests using a plant-based dishwasher tablet with an eco-friendly rinse aid. She also sells concentrated detergent sheets and specially made tablets to clean toilet bowls.
"One thing I love about the store is it's very Montessori like for adults. Everything is hands on and it makes doing chores a little bit easier and more fun."
As for Earth Day activities, Villatoro is encouraging the public to bring the kids to the shop Saturday to learn how to make planters out of toilet paper tubes with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful and learn how to compost with Allyson from Owl’s Roost Farm.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford zero waste store invites residents to learn more about the three R's
