To mark Plastic Free July, I thought I would interview my old friend Christine, who runs a one-stop shop for those wanting to reduce their use of single-use plastics. Here she explains what her company can offer.
When did you start your business, and what drove you to do it?
I originally had a reusable nappy business, and menstrual products were a sideline to that. However, I realised that many of my menstrual product customers didn’t have children and didn’t want to wade past the nappy stuff to get to what they wanted. So I launched Earthwise Girls in 2009 to offer a dedicated “one-stop shop” for reusable menstrual products.
What is the ethos of the company, and what sort of products do you sell?
Sustainability is at the core of our business. We want to help people to reduce their waste by switching to reusable, sustainable alternatives. Our main business is reusable period products, such as washable sanitary pads, period pants and menstrual cups. We also sell plastic-free shampoo and conditioner, soap bars, bamboo toothbrushes, loofah washing-up pads, plastic-free deodorants and many more products for a low-waste lifestyle.
What’s is the biggest-selling item in your shop?
Earthwise reusable sanitary pads. They are budget-friendly, easy to look after and highly rated. The single pads are also 15% off for Plastic Free July…
Has the worry about plastics and climate change helped grow your business? How have you seen attitudes change over the years?
We’ve definitely seen an increase in interest in plastic-free products. In particular, people who wouldn’t class themselves as being eco-warriors are now picking the planet-friendly option.
David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series had a huge impact, with sales increasing by almost 50% the month after it went out.
We also found that during the Covid lockdowns people were prepared to try different ways of doing things. Perhaps it felt easier, as people were working from home or furloughed.
What is the toughest thing about being self-employed?
Taking time off and switching off. I won’t have a holiday this year and I haven’t had more than a week off at a time in 15 years. I also find it hard to switch off when I’m at home, so although I tend to keep office hours, I am often working evenings and weekends from home.
What other plastic-free products would you like to see being developed?
Many people prefer a liquid hand wash, so one you could mix yourself using a tablet would be amazing.
I also think food packaging needs a huge rethink. Plastic is widely used for food for many reasons, but long-term we need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics.
If readers could only purchase one product from your shop to make a difference this Plastic Free July, which would you recommend?
If you’re menstruating, then reusable period products. Over your lifetime you’ll get through around 12,000 single-use products. They contain plastic, are wrapped in plastic, and you probably wrap in more plastic to throw away. Reusable pads or menstrual cups will last 5-10 years and also save you money.
If you’re not menstruating (or already a convert!), change how you wash your dishes. Most dish sponges are made with virgin plastic and are not recyclable. Switch to a loofah washing-up pad, which is grown from a plant and is fully biodegradable and compostable when finished with. Wooden dish brushes with replaceable heads are another great sustainable option.
Where can we find your shop?
Check out Earthwise Girls online!
Thanks, Christine! I hope this gives you some inspiration for Plastic Free July. Do have a look at Earthwise Girls and take advantage of a 15% discount on Earthwise single menstrual pads this month.
I have more ideas to live greener in this post, 36 easy ways to reduce your waste.
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