Overview
Every year, billions of plastic bottles are used once and thrown away — clogging oceans, streets, and landfills. Refill Everywhere envisions a practical, fun, and cost-saving system that makes reusing the default.
The Problem
Single-use plastics dominate beverage and household goods, creating mountains of waste. Recycling is inconsistent and often ineffective — only about 9% of plastics are ever recycled. Meanwhile, consumers pay more for packaging than the actual product. Companies are trapped in a cycle of wasteful distribution, while cities bear cleanup costs.
The Idea
Refill Everywhere proposes a global network of refill stations — from soda fountains at corner stores to bulk dispensers in supermarkets. The infrastructure already exists: millions of soda fountains and dispensers in convenience stores, fast-food chains, and supermarkets worldwide. With small upgrades — QR codes for payments, a simple rinse station, and collapsible reusable bottles — the system could transform overnight.
For vendors, it’s a huge PR win: soda and syrup producers can lead the charge in going green, while stores position themselves as sustainable pioneers. For consumers, it’s not just about reducing plastic waste — the syrup inside a soda costs only a few cents per bottle. Cutting packaging and transport costs means prices could drop by half or more, delivering real savings that disproportionately help middle- and lower-income families.
A refill economy makes sustainability affordable, not elitist. Everyone benefits — from families saving money at the checkout to global ecosystems spared from plastic pollution.
How it Works
Eliminating waste and lowering costs while increasing convenience.
Refill
Consumers use collapsible or reusable containers at everyday refill stations.
Scan
Quick QR-code or tap-to-pay systems handle purchase at the point of fill.
Reuse
Containers get rinsed, reused, and kept in circulation instead of in landfills
Why it Matters
- Cuts billions of single-use bottles and packaging from circulation.
- Saves consumers money while giving companies a socially responsible edge.
- Makes sustainability fun, easy, and scalable worldwide.
Download the Builder's Toolkit
Use the toolkit to adapt Refill Everywhere in your community, business, or school. Learn how to set up refill hubs, design QR-based payment systems, and partner with beverage companies.
Get Involved
Every Evovox concept is open-source. If this idea speaks to you, there are three ways to help it grow
Fund
Contributions go to EcoVox’s general fund to support the development of this and other concepts. We’ll use your email from the receipt to keep you updated (opt-out anytime).
Collaborate
Builders, designers, and retailers can adapt the toolkit and test new refill models.
FAQ
Is this a nonprofit?
We’re a public-service blueprint studio. Concepts are released free for anyone to build.
Is this open-source?
Yes—concepts are free to adapt and share.
Where does my contribution go?
Contributions currently go to EcoVox’s general fund to support toolkits, explainers, expert review, and development of all concepts. When a concept enters a dedicated funding phase, we’ll notify contributors first.
Will I be credited?
Yes — you may optionally be listed on our Supporters page or on individual concept pages. Just reply to your confirmation email.
Can companies partner?
Yes—please use the contact form to connect.
Will you run pilots?
We publish blueprints openly. Partners are welcome to run pilots, and we may collaborate directly where there’s strong alignment.
Partner with Us
Universities, NGOs, and companies—let’s collaborate on research, pilots, or bringing this to market.
