The City of Asheville just launched the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge, a program to inspire residents to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic.

This is the final phase in the city's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Project, which began at the end of 2022. You may remember a big part of this initiative was the consideration of a single-use plastic ban — but a provision in the NC state budget, passed in September 2023, bars local governments from banning single-use plastic.

The key features of this challenge involve the Pass on Plastic Pledge and the Less Plastic Bingo social media challenge. After signing up to participate in the citywide bingo game, you'll receive a card in your inbox. All the prompts on the card provide valuable ways to reduce your consumption, but one really caught our eye: Share your own plastic-reducing life hack. So we thought we'd step up to the plate.

(Re)fill me in

There are several refill stores in Asheville, where you can stock up on essentials while curbing your environmental footprint. Supporting local businesses and shrinking your plastic use? We call that a win-win.

Ware, 797 Haywood Rd., Ste. 101
You can take plastic packaging out of the equation by refilling your personal care and home products, from facial oils to all-purpose cleaner.

To the Brim Refill Store, 145 Charlotte Hwy., Ste. 60
Restock locally and nationally sourced eco-friendly products by the ounce, including home cleaning and bath + body products.

Prelude Provisions, 126 Elkwood Ave., Unit 101, Woodfin
This vegan grocery is full of delicious items and low-waste + compostable kitchen gear — and be sure to check out the abundant bulk section (with lots of organic options), offering everything from black lava salt to household staples like laundry detergent.

French Broad Food Co-Op, 90 Biltmore Ave.
Come with containers in tow to restock your spice cabinet in the co-op's bulk department. Plus, if you're after a caffeine kick, there's an expansive selection of bulk coffee and tea.

West Village Market, 771 Haywood Rd.
Besides offering a wide array of local items, the shop lets youto avoid an incorrect modifier refill containers with products ranging from seeds, grains, and granolas to home + body care.

Pro tip: Products at your local farmers market often use less plastic packaging — just don’t forget to bring your tote bag.