Reno entrepreneur’s passion is helping customers use less plastic
Author: Jannelle Calderon
The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines zero-waste as going beyond recycling and composting at the end of a product's life cycle, to use materials in ways that preserve value, minimize environmental impacts and conserve natural resources. The practice involves “no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” Brown does not consider herself “zero-waste” but “low waste,” which has been a slow process throughout the years, especially because there wasn’t a “refillery” in Reno before Replenish came around. As she switched to more environmentally friendly and sustainable products her inspiration and lifestyle needs brewed into an opportunity. Brown attributes the stronger presence in Reno to Northern Nevada’s outdoor culture, a hyper awareness of environmental issues Lake Tahoe is nearby, and habits that may have leached from California, Brown’s home state. “I think that the concept behind the store is so much more of what we need in this world today. That's really what keeps me going. And I love it. I love having this store. And it makes me feel good,” Brown said. “I'm part of a tiny bit of a change.”