Submitted by Kimberly Haidinger
(March 7, 2026) — With plastic production skyrocketing and recycling rates stubbornly low, a new children’s book and local refillery are teaming up to help families rethink how everyday purchases shape the future.
Local author and climate advocate Kimberly Haidinger will celebrate the launch of her latest middle-grade nonfiction book, A Kid’s Guide to Economic Activism for the Climate, during the free community event “Refill the Future” at Reboot Eco, 131 River Road in Middletown on March 15, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This drop-in event invites families, educators and community members to explore practical ways to reduce waste and take climate action through everyday choices.
Haidinger’s book, the second in the Climate Vocabulary Series, helps middle-grade readers understand how money, markets and consumer choices influence environmental change. “When kids learn that every dollar they spend is a vote for the kind of world they want, they begin to see themselves as participants in the economy, not just consumers,” Haidinger says.
The event will take place at Reboot Eco, a Middletown-based refillery where shoppers bring their own containers to refill household products such as soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent, eliminating disposable packaging entirely. “Most stores sell products in packaging designed to be thrown away,” Haidinger says. “Refill stores flip that idea on its head. Instead of buying new plastic every time, you simply refill what you already have.”
Event Activities:
· Meet the Author – Book signing and conversation with Kimberly Haidinger
· Kids Art-from-Trash Workshop – Led by the book’s teen illustrator, Luna Hansen, see how to turn everyday materials into creative art while learning how small actions make a difference
· Refill Shopping Demonstrations – Learn how refilleries help eliminate plastic packaging
· Community Conversations – Share ideas and explore sustainable household practices
For more information, call 860-573-8610 or email kahaidinger@gmail.com.
