New Antigonish Pharmacy Offers Prescriptions In Reusable Containers

ANTIGONISH–Teasdale Apothecary Co. is open for business in Antigonish today and they provide something other pharmacies in the province don’t.

The Glass Vial Movement allows customers to get their prescriptions refilled in reusable glass containers instead of single-use plastic.

To enroll in the program, participants will pay a small, one-time deposit of between $2.00 and $3.00 per vial, which can be refunded when the bottle is returned, or remain in the system for future use.

The vials and their lids will be cleaned by customers before they are returned and sanitized with medical-grade disinfectants by the pharmacy before reuse.

Co-founder Alicia Teasdale said the main focus is to reduce plastic waste and keep material out of landfills.

“So for both the pharmacy and the store itself, our main goal is to really curate a collection of products that help folks reduce everyday plastics and disposables in their lives,” said Teasdale.

She also said the work to get the business up and running was done almost exclusively by a small circle of three people.

“We did take on the project ourselves. My sister’s partner is a carpenter and power engineer and so acted as our general contractor, and so between the three of us we did all of the demolition to our building ourselves and all of the renovations, aside from the wonderful trades folks we had come in helping us.” Teasdale said.

Teasdale added that the work was completed within nine months. Teasdale Apothecary Co. is open at 65 Beech Hill Road in Antigonish.

Zach Pottie is a reporter with 101.5 The Hawk, in Port Hawkesbury, a Huddle content partner.