While the world is unsuccessfully trying to fight global plastic pollution and the world leaders can’t come to terms with how to tackle this vast problem, a small town non-profit is showing the way.
Terre Haute, Indiana, United States, January 7, 2025 — reTHink, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Terre Haute, Indiana, operates a unique zero-waste store to provide local residents with plastic-free, natural products aimed at reducing environmental harm and supporting sustainable consumption practices.
reTHink, Inc.’s Groundbreaking Zero-Waste Store to Combat Plastic Pollution and Promote Sustainable Living
In the heart of Terre Haute, Indiana, reTHink, Inc. has been quietly revolutionizing sustainability with its Zero-Waste Store, where all household and skincare products are free of plastic packaging and made only with natural safe ingredients. Established in 2020 during the pandemic, this innovative retail space is part of reTHink’s mission to combat environmental pollution and empower communities to live more sustainably by making it easier for local residents to transition to plastic-free, natural alternatives for everyday essentials.
Founded by Dr. Shikha Bhattacharyya in 2015, reTHink, Inc. has long been committed to environmental stewardship through education, community programs, and hands-on solutions. The Zero-Waste Store is the organization’s latest effort to address the growing plastic pollution crisis, which is contributing to environmental degradation across the globe. The store offers a range of sustainable products, all free from plastic packaging, made by simple natural ingredients, and aims to make eco-friendly living both accessible and affordable for everyone.
“Our goal with the Zero-Waste Store is to provide a tangible solution to the growing environmental challenges caused by plastic waste,” said Dr. Bhattacharyya, Founder of reTHink, Inc. “Too often, people feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem or unsure where to start. We wanted to create a one-stop shop that makes it easy for people to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.”
A Sustainable Shift: Why Recycling Alone Isn’t Enough
The concept of zero waste is not new, but reTHink’s approach takes it a step further by focusing on preventing waste before it even begins. While recycling is a common method for waste management, reTHink emphasizes that it is not a comprehensive solution to the global plastic crisis.
“Recycling is important, but it doesn’t solve the bigger issue of overconsumption and the reliance on plastic,” explained Dr. Bhattacharyya. “If we really want to reduce waste, we need to rethink how we consume and choose products that don’t create waste in the first place.”
The Zero-Waste Store aims to educate the community on the importance of reducing plastic use in daily life. Through this initiative, reTHink offers an alternative to products that typically come in plastic packaging. Instead, the store provides natural, plastic-free products for personal care, household cleaning, and daily living.
One of the store’s signature offerings is its shampoo bars, which eliminate the need for plastic shampoo bottles. In the United States alone, more than 500 million shampoo bottles are discarded every year, contributing significantly to the global plastic waste problem. With products like shampoo bars, laundry powder, and biodegradable dryer balls, reTHink is helping to reduce the waste stream while offering practical alternatives that are just as effective as their plastic-laden counterparts.
Local Impact: Supporting Small Businesses and the Community
An important aspect of reTHink’s mission is supporting local businesses and keeping resources within the community. Many of the products sold at the Zero-Waste Store are made locally, which helps reduce transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
“By sourcing products from local makers, we not only help our customers reduce waste but also contribute to the growth of small businesses here in Terre Haute,” Dr. Bhattacharyya said. “This is about building a local economy that values sustainability and empowers individuals to make conscious consumer choices.”
In addition to the store, reTHink operates several other community-focused programs, including four local community gardens and a plastic upcycling workspace. These initiatives provide the community with opportunities to learn more about sustainability, gardening, and waste reduction while promoting hands-on solutions to environmental issues.
The Zero-Waste Store is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of income level. In addition to affordable pricing, the store offers a range of products that cater to different needs, from personal hygiene to cleaning supplies, making it easier for consumers to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle without a significant financial burden.
Educating the Public: A Community Resource for Sustainability
reTHink’s Zero-Waste Store isn’t just a retail space—it’s also an educational resource. The organization plans to host workshops, events, and community outreach programs to help individuals understand the impact of plastic pollution and learn how to make small, sustainable changes in their lives.
“Many people don’t realize how easy it can be to reduce their plastic consumption,” said Dr. Bhattacharyya. “By providing information and resources on alternatives to single-use plastics, we hope to inspire more people to take action and make better choices for the planet.”
The store is designed to be a hub for sustainability education, offering not only eco-friendly products but also the knowledge and support needed to make informed choices. Through this initiative, reTHink is working to build a stronger, more sustainable community that values environmental responsibility.
The Path Forward: Building a Zero-Waste Future
reTHink, Inc. continues to push for greater environmental consciousness and action in Terre Haute and beyond. The opening of the Zero-Waste Store is part of the organization’s broader strategy to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable living at the local level.
“As a community, we have the power to make a difference,” Dr. Bhattacharyya said. “By adopting more sustainable practices in our daily lives, we can collectively reduce waste and pollution. The Zero-Waste Store is just one way we’re helping people take that first step.”
Looking ahead, reTHink plans to expand its programs, further grow its educational efforts, and continue advocating for sustainability both in Terre Haute and across the country.
About the founder
Dr. Shikha Bhattacharyya founded reTHink, Inc. in 2015 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability through community empowerment. With four community gardens, a plastic upcycling workspace, and a new Zero-Waste Store, reTHink offers practical solutions for reducing waste and harmful chemicals in everyday life.
Dr. Shikha Bhattacharyya is a Pharmacist, a Biochemical Engineer, and holds a PhD in Biomedical Studies from Baylor University. In her journey as a health professional she realized that we can’t achieve optimum health unless we create a healthy environment. “Unless our oceans are free of plastic, our water is cleaner, our soil and food are better, human health will keep degrading.” She feels that the biggest change will be made when all of us realize that we can’t depend on the governments and corporations to make things better for us. Also known as Dr. Bee, Shikha believes in taking responsibility for our actions and using consumer power to drive a shift.
A 2023 Cox Conserves Hero, Dr. Shikha Bhattacharyya has been recognized for her work and awarded accolades including the Community Educator Award by the City of Terre Haute, the Green Lights Award by Earth Charter Indiana and the Hoosier Resiliency Heroes recognition from the Environmental Resiliency Institute at Indiana University.
For more information, visit www.wabashrethinks.com.
Media Contact
Shikha Bhattacharyya
Founder and Executive Director
Email: bethechange@wabashrethinks.com
Website: www.wabashrethinks.com
Contact Info:
Name: Shikha Bhattacharyya
Email: Send Email
Organization: reTHink, Inc.
Website: http://www.wabashrethinks.com/
Release ID: 89150093
Should you come across any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within this press release’s content, we urge you to reach out without delay by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our committed team will promptly address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to resolve any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information remains our utmost priority.
