Meet Full Circle Sustainability: Kicking Off Our October Tenant Spotlight
Welcome to October! As we turn the page to a brand-new month, we are thrilled to launch our October Tenant Spotlight series. This month, we are shining a light on an incredible organization that is redefining what it means to live eco-friendly in Topeka: Full Circle Sustainability.
If you've ever wanted to live more sustainably but felt overwhelmed by the time, cost, or logistics involved, Full Circle is here to make low-waste living easier. Housed at the CRC CARE Center @ Stout since it opened in 2023, they are on a mission to create systems that help busy people live sustainably without overthinking it.
An Origin Story Rooted in Community
The idea for Full Circle sparked back in 2019 during a conversation between co-founders Robert and Justine the very first time they met. Sharing a passion for accessibility, they dreamed of a "sustainability hub" where people could easily eat, shop, and live sustainably in Topeka.
The vision began taking shape in July 2020 when Robert launched the Topeka Growers Group, a local grocery delivery service. By 2022, Justine expanded operations with bulk soap refills, and by 2023, they officially transitioned into a nonprofit with a physical home.
For Full Circle, finding a home at the CRC CARE Center @ Stout was a game-changer. Thanks to affordable rent and shared amenities like conference rooms, media centers, and reception services, they were able to grow from a small-scale delivery service into a thriving physical storefront that has even doubled its space in the past year.
More Than a Store: Unique Services for Topeka
Full Circle fills vital gaps in our community that you won't find anywhere else in the county:
Sustainable Groceries & Bulk Soaps: They are the only place in Topeka where you can buy liquid soaps without single-use packaging, alongside year-round local veggies and meat.
Recycling & Composting: They provide recycling and composting services that are especially helpful for renters and apartment residents.
Community Education & Events: From free Fix-It Clinics and clothing/item swaps to educational workshops, they bring people together to learn and share.
Changing Lives: The "Hero" Story
The real heartbeat of Full Circle's work is the tangible impact they have on individuals. Take Caitlin Friesen, one of their very first customers from their veggie delivery days in 2020. Dealing with heart health issues, Caitlin's medical team recommended eating as much local, organic food as possible. Finding Full Circle felt like serendipity. Ordering fresh food year-round without navigating multiple farms or farmers markets made healthy eating seamless, and Caitlin’s health has notably improved—leaving her doctors deeply impressed.
Looking Ahead and Getting Involved
Full Circle has massive dreams for the future—from expanding local food distribution across northeast and central Kansas to partnering on large-scale recycling and composting infrastructure.
They also work hard to debunk the myth that sustainability is only for the affluent, offering free community services and budget-friendly ways to live green.
Want to get involved? You don't even have to spend a dollar to help! Spreading the word, inviting them to speak at an organization, or introducing them to local decision-makers makes a huge difference. Plus, check out their upcoming October opportunities:
Holiday Décor Swap: Oct. 10, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Details here)
Curbside Yard Waste Collection (Volunteers Needed!): Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 21 (Learn more here)
Fix-It Clinic: November 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Details here)
Stay tuned all month long as we dive deeper into Full Circle Sustainability's mission, impact, and vision for Topeka. To learn more right now, visit the Full Circle Sustainability Website or check out their Facebook Page!