About The Purple Wheel
The Purple Wheel was started by Durham local Sunshine Alvarez. Sunshine has been a sustainability advocate her whole life, always researching and learning ways to live more sustainably - for herself and for the world. The Purple Wheel is what happened when she decided to take that advocacy further.
Refill stores exist, but they're usually one shop on one side of town. That works for some people and not at all for others.
Coming to you works for more of them. At the farmers market, at your apartment building, at your office.
A storefront of our own is the goal, and we're working toward it. But going mobile first means we're not asking anyone to drive across town to shop sustainably - we're bringing refills to the places people already are. When the shop opens, we'll keep coming to you.
Purple Wheel Founder, Sunshine Alvarez
The origin
The name came from the two things I love most: the color purple and the idea of a wheel - something that keeps moving, keeps coming back, keeps showing up in your neighborhood. The Purple Wheel launched in 2026 with a handful of pantry staples, and we're excited to keep growing our offerings, and our partners!
Why refills?
The average American throws away more than 100 plastic bottles a year - and that's just personal care products. Add cleaning supplies, pantry packaging, and single-use bags, and the number climbs fast.
Refilling isn't a sacrifice. It's usually cheaper per ounce than branded alternatives, you get exactly the amount you need, and you end up with one jar you use forever instead of a recycling bin full of things you hope get recycled.
Say hello
Questions, press inquiries, partnership ideas, or just want to talk zero waste - I'd love to hear from you.