Sayonara Single-Use

Local business owners and advocates in Bellingham are helping the community transition away from single-use plastics with convenient and novel solutions. 

Story and photos by Clay Dinehart

There is a creature that lives in our waterways, dwells in our landfills and swims within our very own blood: plastic. Once broken down to microscopic size, this creature seems hard to escape. However, in the town of Bellingham, Washington, where the Salish Sea meets the Cascades, residents are fighting back against a global problem with creative solutions.

In minutes, Leah Foster is ready to be anywhere in the community with a wide sustainable collection of necessities.  // Clay Dinehart

A truck decorated with blue and orange flags and filled with household items from dish soap to toothbrushes, Foster’s Pumped Bellingham was the first refillery in the city.  Refilleries provide plastic-free solutions by transferring goods from bulk containers into reusable options like glass jars. Pumped Bellingham fills a creative niche, by using convenience to vanquish single-use plastics. Foster’s business model involves delivering refillable goods to the doorsteps of customers at affordable prices.

“I was looking for some low-waste dish soap, and the things I wanted didn't feel super accessible,” Foster said. “That was the inspiration. If I need access to this, other people probably need access.” 

Leah Foster, owner of Pumped Bellingham stands on the waterfront with her best-selling dish soap.  // Clay Dinehart

As the sun peeked through the clouds, she discussed her goals for Pumped Bellingham.

“Cut down on the single-use plastic waste, but also to do it in a way that suits you and your lifestyle and your personality,” Foster said. “A lot of these things can be really boring, and I don't want it to be boring. I want it to be fun.”

Pumped Bellingham is sure to excite both lovers of retro vehicles, and those looking to make a positive impact on the environment. Her truck carries more than just soaps and detergents; it carries proof that environmental entrepreneurship, although difficult, is possible. 

Peter Fraiser, co-owner of The Hotel Leo sits with their reusable soap dispensers. // Clay Dinehart

The Hotel Leo is nestled in the heart of downtown Bellingham. The historic building blends Bellingham's past with the present by preserving the nine-story red brick exterior and adding a three-story modern wing. 

Frazier’s goal was to build an efficient and sustainable business in the typically high-waste hospitality industry.  He hopes the hotel can exemplify what it means to care for the Pacific Northwest.

To help eliminate The Hotel Leo’s contribution to waste, Frazier enlisted Foster to supply items like shampoo and body wash that go into reusable containers. 

Not only is Frazier thinking about the environmental impact of The Hotel Leo, but also the community. 

“One of the greatest joys of being in hospitality is inviting people from other places to enjoy the Pacific Northwest,” Frazier said. “A huge part of that is not only the great natural beauty, but the responsibility to care for it.”

Eleanor Hines, North Sound Bay Keeper and Lead Scientist at RE Sources. // Clay Dinehart

As a salty breeze rolls off the Salish Sea, Eleanor Hines, lead scientist at RE Sources, discusses the broader issues of plastics. She has applied her masters degree in environmental toxicology risk assessment from Western Washington University toward keeping the North Sound safe for all those who depend on it.

“There's so much plastic out there that it truly is a global problem. There's no place on this planet that is plastic-free anymore,” Hines said.  

While the situation seems dire, Hines provided some ways people can combat the rising tide of plastics.

“Sharing with other friends and making it more of a community experience where you are trying to reduce your single-use water bottles,” Hines said. “Make it a little more fun and challenge each other and drive each other to do better.” 

Clay Dinehart is a fourth-year marketing major and photographer focused on creating engaging images that spark curiosity.