TODAY, Thursday, 16 June, is World Refill Day and to mark it Thurrock Nub News would like to introduce you to a borough resident who has launched a not-for-profit social enterprise company that has already proved a popular innovation across the borough.

Katie Sparks is the lady behind The Refill Cabin which she takes around the borough on a weekly basis in her converted and recycled 1965 horsebox 'Ermintrude', selling all kinds of foodstuffs and household necessities that residents can purchase by filling up their old containers.

She says: "I started the Refill Cabin because of learning of the future of the planet if we don't change quickly. I was able to do to make a difference for my children's future.

"So when I was made redundant by EasyJet because of the effects of Covid-19, I had a sum of money that I thought I would invest in this social enterprise and help others in the area to have a refill shop.

"The cabin gives the community the option to reduce their plastic waste and all types of waste by refilling their own containers with goods reducing waste going to recycling or landfill, all this and not costing the earth. People have the perception that refill is more expensive when a lot of the time it's cheaper. We have natural, organic, vegan, gluten free options and a few sweets and treats."

Katie and Ermintrude can be found weekly at

• Monday - South Hornchurch, St Johns Church, Southend Road.
• Tuesday – Stanford-le-Hope, Hardie Park on Hardie Road
• Wednesday - Chafford Hundred, All Saints Church, Beacon Centre, Drake Road.
• Thursday – Stanford-le-hope, Essex Wildlife Trust Thameside, Mucking Road
• Saturday - South Ockendon, Thurrock Garden Centre, South Road
• Free delivery can be arranged through Ecofresh dairy.

Katie is also happy to take Ermintrude to community events and visit schools to show children who to help the environment. On Sunday they will be at Grays beach Park for the T100 event.

You can find out more via her website www.refillcabin.co.uk or her Facebookand Instagram pages, search - refillcabin.

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