Refill, reuse, repurpose: Chickpeace, Kelowna's new refill store opens
Allisha Heidt is a local girl bent on making a difference to our planet. After graduating from UBCO, she focussed her studies on sustainability planning. Zero waste education and reducing plastic consumption became her passion and in 2019, Allisha founded Chickpeace, a zero-waste refillery store in Kelowna.
After COVID delayed her opening, she is now up and running.
“It is our goal to help empower you to redefine your purchasing practices by providing you options for ethical and package free consuming," she explains on her site. "We in turn hope to reduce the amount of abhorrent plastic in its entirety, make the world a better place and brighten the future for forthcoming generations.”
The refill store is stocked with the best curated zero-waste bulk and lifestyle products available locally and online with a strong emphasis on B.C. and Canadian made. Familiar brands you may recognize include Canoe/Bright Jenny, Gratify, Kaslo Pasta, Ogo Pogo Salsa, QB gelato, Rad Jamz and Unearthed Organics.
The store is located at 103-1851 Kirschner Road but there is also an online shop organized by categories that include: Cleaning, Everyday Bulk, fermentation station, Green Beauty and Lifestyle. Check out the website here.
More than a refill store, Allisha has also created Chickpeace's Community Kitchen. This Interior Health-certified facility will be available to be rented for both short term and long-term including workshops, cooking classes and more. Allisha is also offering consulting services for zero waste education and outreach programs to help your organization learn more.
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