Center Goods

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T he first change Lexington resident Erica Bouchard Rabins made when she decided to be more eco-friendly involved laundry detergent. For years, like most people, Erica thought using the recycling bin was enough. That remained the case until she came across EPA data. As she explained to me, “About five or six years ago, I saw EPA data that said, at that time, only 8.7% of plastic was actually getting recycled. I didn’t really realize that when I was piling up my recycling bin. I sort of thought, ‘Great, I’m doing the right thing! I’m putting as much plastic as I can in there.’ When I saw this data, I realized I was doing nothing to help the environment because this plastic actually wasn’t getting recycled. What I realized is that the way to help the environment is to reduce my plastic intake altogether. I looked for laundry detergent because that was the biggest plastic jug in my recycling bin. What I found was a company making powder. I only use one tablespoon. It comes in a plastic-free container, and I have it in bulk. I refill that container over and over, and I don’t need plastic anymore. That sort of started me on my journey.”

But finding the powder proved more difficult than Erica imagined. “While researching, I found a lot more products that I could slowly introduce and phase out plastic in so many parts of my life, and I started looking for local sources where I could get this stuff, and I didn’t find any. I was hoping someone else in Lexington would open a store like this so I could shop here, but they didn’t, so I decided to do it!”

The journey has led to Center Goods opening in Lexington. Center Goods is an eco-friendly store that focuses on sustainable products. Erica told me, “We sell things to help you cut your waste, and particularly, your plastic waste. That can come in a lot of different forms, but the heart of the store is the refills. You can bring in any container from home and refill it with soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and dish soap. You never have to buy a plastic bottle again! You can reuse the same container for years. That’s a great way to start cutting your plastic waste.”

Erica is cheerful, helpful, and knowledgeable! She is thrilled to share her extensive understanding of environmental concerns as well as the contents of anything in her store. It’s been a huge learning experience.

In a little over a year, the results are starting to take shape, she told me, “I have the benefit of seeing the cumulative effect of what a bunch of people making a small change can look like–what that looks like to me is 5,000 refills in a year…I hope that number continues to grow.”

The store overflows with natural light and the inviting calmness of earth tone punctuated with the occasional flourish of bright colors. It’s a clean and happy space. Front and center are the wide variety of refills, but that’s only part of the story. Explore the store, and you will find all sorts of useful items for your home. If your goal is to completely eliminate plastic packaging from your life, you will find bar shampoo and conditioner, and toothpaste tablets! For men, there are shaving soaps and brushes.

And if you are not quite ready to join the refill culture, Center Goods sells lovely gifts that you can feel good about giving. There are pretty linens, aprons, bowls, tea sets, and other ceramics and tableware items. Soy and beeswax candles and essential oils provide you with a safe option to add a fresh scent to your home. There are pet items and decorative items to choose from, and cards and gift bags that wrap it all up for you!

Erica told me, “I try to support artisans and Fair Trade organizations…Marginalized communities are often hit hardest by climate change, and I think that they deserve support and places to sell their wares. I have jewelry, gift items, and kitchen items from Fair Trade organizations that are beautifully made. I think it helps keep cottage industries going in some of the poorer places in the world.”

Lexington is a community that supports small businesses, and Center Goods tries to do the same with the suppliers it chooses. By creating a circular economy of sustainable products, Center Goods is hoping to effect change and leave a positive footprint on the path for our children to follow.

Erica told me, “I think when people start saying,’ Oh, well, It’s just me–I’m just an individual. Does it really matter?’ I really think it does matter. You don’t have to be perfect. You can just start with one thing, and it really can make a difference! I passionately believe that our individual choices do matter–and that’s why I have this store.”

So, the next time you are in the store staring at the shelves stocked full of plastic containers, take a moment to reconsider–you can make a different choice–one that actually matters. Then visit Erica at Center Goods and learn about more sustainable and healthy options for your household. And, before you leave, don’t forget to purchase one of their lovely reusable shopping bags for your next visit!

 

 

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Lexington Place Condominiums

30 Waltham St, Lexington, MA 02421

Phone: (781) 816-5022

Regular Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm / Monday – Closed