MEET THE TEAM

EMMA – Co-Founder & Director

About me: Having been raised in an environmentally and health-conscious family, I’ve been fortunate to have developed a strong foundation and interest in these topics from an early age. Later in life, I began to learn much more about the bigger waste and plastic challenge our modern world faces and the role I (and we) can play in minimising this. Of course, our individual waste reduction efforts are certainly just one piece of the greater collective environmental responsibility we face as humans, but equally, it’s individual action that is powerful when it’s adopted by the masses, and that’s worth pursuing. This motivates me everyday and makes doing what we do constantly exciting and inspiring, as change is happening and it’s wonderful to witness.

My 5 favourite products: 

Swag Bags – my very favourite product. So easy to use, and all-natural fabrics. Produce stays incredibly fresh for up to 2 weeks, meaning far less waste and less shopping trips in general.

Bugsee Bee Reusable Bamboo Wipes – as mum to a little one, these washable wipes are on constant rotation in our household! They’re used for everything from wiping little bottoms to wiping up spills, in-place of wet wipes when out and about, and for blowing noses in place of tissues. This brand in particular make such a lovely soft velour finish, it’s gentle on the most sensitive skin with no synthetics.

Detox-A-Pit – what a product! Discovering this was a total game changer. I no longer need to use deodorant of any sort, at all! I just do a ‘refresher’ detox of my pits every few months and I’m good to go again, scent-free.

Amor Luminis Shampoo & Conditioner Bars – I’ve tried many brands, and this one is consistently wonderful for my hair type. They leave it silky, soft, moisturised and super clean for days.

Article 22 Peacebomb Necklace – such a beautiful example of turning a negative into a positive (live landminds are recovered and turned into jewellery, supporting artisans and helping clear this ongoing dangerous issue in Laos). I’m a big fan of investing in timeless jewellery to keep for years to come, and knowing that it has supported this cause makes it all-the-more feelgood. 

My top tip for mamas: reusable cloth nappies are nowhere near as intimidating or difficult as in days gone by – today’s cloth nappies, are amazing! Super easy to use, super easy to wash, and comfortable for bub. The key (and my top tip) is to develop your routines – setup all the necessary stations in the house; your change station with nappy bucket (with lid), your sink or toilet area to remove solids that’s close by your change station and laundry, and a regular daily / nightly routine to wash and replenish your nappy stash. Once you’re in the flow, it becomes incredibly easy and just part of your day. Incorporating reusable wipes in place of disposable wet wipes is no extra effort when using cloth nappies (or even when using disposables but looking to remove one extra single-use item) – just wet with water from the tap (I opt for warm water for bub’s comfort) and you’re good to go. When out and about, simply wet with your water bottle if without running water. Pop them in with your load of nappies and use again and again. Cost-saving, gentle for bub and waste free.

LEAH – Co-Founder & Operations Manager

About me: I’ve been lucky to have been brought up in a family who has been environmentally conscious from the get-go. Em and I grew up on a permaculture farm, fed a vegetarian diet from birth, and our parents only purchased and used natural products. So going zero-waste was a logical next step in our adult lives. It’s not about being perfect, I do what I can. I heard a quote once saying “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly” which I love and like to live by.

My 5 favourite products:

Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray – I absolutely adore this item! It is so easy and convenient to use and it’s quick freezing, so I can have large, chunky ice cubes in no time! And being entirely plastic free, it will last a lifetime.

Elate Refresh Foundation – what a beautiful brand this is, and this foundation is my favourite item in the line. It’s so light (quite like a BB cream or tinted moisturiser, but with the ability to build it up if need be), it blends like a dream so you feel and look like you’re not wearing anything at all, and the ingredients are completely natural and toxin free. I adore!

Tribe Earth Incense – I love everything about this incense; the way it smells, the way it is handmade in small batches, and the hands that make it! The owners are the most amazing, genuine local couple who have a passion for all things eco and sustainable. You can really trust this brand.

Shampoo With A Purpose bar – I love this one as it’s a shampoo and conditioner bar in one! So easy and convenient and it does an amazing job!

Muhle Safety Razor – so beautiful to look at, so affordable (with the price of replacement blades), so kind on the planet. What’s not to love?

My top travel tips: I love travelling (who doesn’t?) and it’s important that my ethics can align whilst I’m on the road as well as when I’m settled somewhere. My top tip for travelling with a low impact is to travel with bar products (soap / cleanser / shampoo) in a round tin instead of carrying bottles - it takes up less room and weight and is plastic-free - win win! Second tip would be to carry wet products (such as my toothbrush) inside a silicon Stasher bag. Thirdly, I like to bring Dirty Hippies Shower In A Bottle for trips when I won’t have easy access to running water (e.g. camping). I also adore taking micellar water in a glass bottle (which I get from our Bulk Bar), then using with a reusable face wipe to remove dirt, grime and makeup when I again may not have access to a shower (or even when I do!). And my last essential that I just can’t go anywhere without, is my reusable stainless steel water bottle!

BRITT – Assistant Store Manager

About me: I was lucky enough to be raised in a family that encouraged recycling, op shopping and looking after nature. I always carried these values with me. However, in 2014, I took my zero waste living to the next level when I worked for a big US retailer. I was blown away at the amount of waste that came in with every shipment. It was shockingly eye-opening. The chemicals on the clothing, the amount that we were told to throw away that was supposedly 'faulty'. It really shifted the way I lived and the purchases I made. Every time we consume - whether it be food, clothing or even dental floss - it all makes an impact on the environment, whether it be great or small, so I enjoy knowing that I have a choice and am making positive choices, wherever I can.

My 5 favourite products:

Stasher Bag – I use mine for bulk food, toiletries when I travel or phones/camera when I’m at the beach. They’re also great for frozen fruit storage.

Perth Soapworks Shampoo Bar – it lathers up really well and leaves my hair shiny and manageable. It also doubles as a shave bar and I love that it comes packaging-free.

Coconut Cutlery Set – I keep it in my bag at all times. It’s great for eating at markets and on planes. I oil it every now and then with coconut oil to keep it strong.

Mokosh Cleansing Powder – it’s three products in one which is great for me. (cleanser, mask & exfoliator). It leaves your skin feeling soft vs. stripped.

Menstrual Cup – once you start using a menstrual cup, you really realise how much waste you were producing without one. It’s extremely convenient and easier than you’d think.

My top tip for food shopping: zero waste food shopping starts with a good kit; in mine you’ll find a large shopping bag, produce bags, a Stasher Bag and empty jars. With that said, I am certainly guilty of being unprepared at times! When this happens, I find an empty box to use in place of a bag, or use paper mushroom bags in place of produce bags (which I later use until they are falling apart and ready to compost). I try to shop local at bulk stores and farmers markets but if I do find myself in a big chain market, a good tip is to avoid the isles. Unpackaged goods will typically be on the outside aisles, with all the packaged stuff on the inside. That way I avoid that jar of vego spread I really don’t need!

PAULINE – Customer Service Assistant and DIY Workshop Facilitator

About me: I am passionate about zero waste living as I’m concerned about the waste management and climate issues our planet is currently facing. I’m a big believer in the mantra “change starts from within” and that’s why I always try my best, everyday, to minimise my personal waste impact. I am also a big fan of DIY, making everything from self-care items through to cleaning products; I try to make as many things from scratch as possible. It’s a great way to get creative while doing a great thing for the environment.

My 5 favourite products: 

B-Wrap Stack Hemp Beeswax Wraps – I love these wraps! They are so handy and I use them every single day to wrap everything from cut veggies to pieces of cheese, leftovers etc. They smell delightful! (Think golden goey honey.)

Redecker Dish Brush w/ Replaceable Head – this Dish brush has to be one of my favourite item I own! It’s such a beautiful object and stands very elegantly in a glass jar above my sink. It’s also the best tool to use with my dish soap for a 100% plastic free dish washing routine. Better yet, the heads are replaceable (so the handle isn’t wasted each time bristles wear out) plus the whole thing is compostable at the end of its life cycle.

Cheeki 1L Insulated Water Bottle – this bottle is the perfect size for me as it fits in my bag and it keeps my drink cool all day long (and I only need to refill it 2 to 3 times a day to get my daily water intake)! 

Juju Menstrual Cup – thank god for the cup! No more waste during my cycle and I seriously don't even notice that it's there.

Bugsee Bee Reusable Face Rounds – I use these everyday in the shower to wipe my face with a cleansing oil. It’s the best feeling, the bamboo fibers are so soft that it’s become a pampering ritual that I look forward to every night. I will never buy disposable cotton round ever again!

My top zero waste beauty tip: this would have to be my cleansing oil ritual; I make the oil from scratch using only a few ingredients (jojoba oil, castor oil, sweet almond oil and lavender essential oil). I apply it on my face in the shower and wipe it with a bamboo reusable face round dampened in very hot water. This method is a gentle yet very effective way to remove makeup, deeply clean the pores and dissolves any dirt and impurities accumulated throughout the day. The smell of lavender is also a great way to sooth my whole body and prepare myself for a good night of sleep.

ALEX – Customer Service Assistant

About me: I’ve always had a strong passion for the ocean and conservation and as my awareness of our pollution issues grew, I realised I needed to reduce my footprint on Mother Earth. As I began to educate myself on the flaws in our ‘disposable and convenient’ systems, I started to look for alternatives that would lead to a more wholesome and sustainable lifestyle.

My 5 favourite products: 

Sun Butter – the only locally made, liquid suncreen in a reusable tin - all others on the market come in a solid form, so I love this for its ease of use and natural ingredients.

Soapberries – nature's gift! Soapberries (aka soap nuts) are such a simple, completely zero-waste way to wash your clothes, with zero-additives of any kind and no waste at the other end. They can also be used for a variety of other purposes, so very versatile.

Stainless Steel Pegs – made to last forever, these are such a great investment as you never need to buy pegs again. They work incredibly well (with a super tight grip) and I love that you can leave them outside without worrying about sun or rain damage over time.

Shampoo With A Purpose Bar – is the most wonderful natural hair product that is great to travel with, and two products in one is so convenient and effective

Hair Oil – I love to make a little hair oil using several items from our bulk bar. It’s the perfect nourishment, especially in summer when my hair gets a bit too much salt water

My top tips for starting out with zero waste living around the home:

• Use a bucket in the shower to collect any excess water then use it to water pot plants, the veggie garden or to fill the pet bowl
• Start a compost bin or worm farm to divert fruit and veggie scraps from heading to landfill
• Schedule a time to prepare food for the week in order to avoid packaged products such as hummus or nut milk that can easily be made at home
• Repurpose old sheets or towels into bench wipes, washable ‘paper towels’, handkerchiefs, tea towels or produce bags
• Swap tea bags for loose leaf tea in a reusable strainer
• Try making your own simple recipes for natural cleaning or beauty products rather than supporting brands with plastic packaging