The Renew Refill Station has found a permanent home in the Otter Student Union (OSU). The Sustainability Office at Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) announced the new feature via Instagram on Monday, Sept. 22. The post was met with enthusiasm from students.
“I walked by today and was so SHOCKED AND SO THRILLED TO [SEE] THIS !!” commented @tearsfromyourvalentine. Other supportive comments like, “right onnn” from user @kelsey_ferrando and “this is so cool!!!!!” from @erinbaturaaa could be found under the initial post.
Wonderfil, the company behind these refill stations previously came to campus in April, showcasing the stations and advocating for sustainability across college campuses.
Located on the first floor between the Sea Store and ATM, the display contains four cleaning products on tap for student-use: Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Magic Soap, Rustic Strength Hand and Body Wash, ECO Laundry Soap and a moisturizing vanilla shampoo. These products are all made with sustainable ingredients suitable for all skin types, hair types and lifestyles.
“Last semester’s Refill Day, where the Otter Student Union hosted a Wonderfil refill station for one day to gauge student interest, was a great success. As a result, we successfully deployed a long-term refill station in the OSU last Friday, Sept. 19,” said Amelia Eichel, CEO of Wonderfil.
Using the Renew Refill Station is a simple process. Bring your desired container, select the soap or product you are interested in, pull the lever and watch the price and ounces be calculated in real time (similar to a gas station). Once you have reached your desired amount, return the lever to its original position and pay with card on the designated spot.
Eichel explains that Wonderfil dedicated two years improving this technology.
“We are now the only refill technology company in the country certified for container-agnostic and viscosity-agnostic dispensing,” said Eichel.
The Renew Refill Station provides a sustainable and cheaper option for CSUMB students to take advantage of. However, it is a technology that needs to be developed more to work properly to please the needs of the students at CSUMB. With the help of the Renew Refill Station, CSUMB students can contribute to saving the planet and help themselves out by saving money.
Photos by Jocelyn Corona