Managing a store that sells plastic-free and natural products is a challenge. We want to tell you how we do it because it is an aspect that we consider very important in terms of the transparency of our business.
In the previous post we told you how Alma Eko was born , how my individual concern about the environment led me to create a broader commitment and to want to be part of the solution in an even more active way. I wanted to help others and make the transition to a more sustainable life easier for them.
WE STRIVE TO FIND THE BEST
The products you will find in our online store are selected with great dedication . We are based on three pillars :
- We prioritize the natural
We try to make our products as natural as possible, with organic and ecological ingredients . We try to avoid those that contain petroleum derivatives and potential toxins and endocrine disruptors , such as sulphates or silicones.
- Ethical and sustainable production
It is very important to us that the production and distribution chains of our products are respectful of the environment and the people who work in them. That is why we collaborate with ethical companies that are committed to human rights and caring for the planet.
- Proximity and craftsmanship
We aim to ensure that a large part of our catalogue is produced locally, as we know that distribution and transport generate polluting gases and the closer the origin of the product, the less carbon dioxide emissions we generate. We are also interested in artisanal production , which is much more environmentally friendly than industrial production.
Well, these are our pillars, what we take into account when making our decisions, but it is not always an easy task . In our store, for example, you will see products that come from India. Of course, it is not a nearby place. But in these specific cases, it is always about suppliers who work on ethical projects that try to dignify the lives of these workers. We believe that supporting these types of initiatives is also important.
WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC?
Petroleum derivatives sometimes drive us crazy. We have realized that the plastic industry is so powerful that it is practically impossible to escape from it today. We have come to the conclusion that the biggest problem is single-use plastics . And we invite you to put all your energy into eradicating them from your life and to be more self-compassionate when you cannot find the perfect alternative to some products that are truly difficult to change.
In our search for alternative products, we have come across some products that contain a very small percentage of petroleum derivatives, such as polyester. Sometimes, to protect a cosmetic, extend the durability of a product or provide stability to a fabric, there is no other alternative. In fact, we are convinced that there is an alternative, but production costs would skyrocket so much that marketing would be unviable.
Fortunately, there are more and more options for bioplastics , which are affordable and biodegradable, so they do not contribute to the pollution of our oceans and the environment in general. However, the mass production of these materials is not as environmentally friendly as we would like. In some areas, the crops needed to obtain these products are replacing local flora.
A DEEP REFLECTION
For these types of questions, when we consider whether a product should be part of our catalogue and we discover that, for example, part of the lid contains a plastic part, we stop to think and ask ourselves some questions : Have we found a better alternative? Does the product have other qualities that make it worthwhile? Is this product better than its 'conventional' substitute? After reflecting on these aspects, we already have our answer.
In this way, although at Alma Eko we consider ourselves a plastic-free store , because it is our goal and we dedicate our energy to it, you can find some products that contain small percentages of petroleum derivatives, although we always continue working to find better alternatives .
Of course, we are committed to movements such as Zero Waste , Plastic Free, Low Waste or Low Plastic (the latter perhaps a bit more realistic). All of them are committed to caring for the planet from the perspective that resources are finite and it is in our hands to make responsible use of them and stop polluting the oceans with our garbage.
CAN YOU HELP US?
And now it's your turn. How about helping us make our catalogue 100% plastic-free? Although our efforts are focused on finding products without petroleum derivatives, sometimes it's not easy to find the ideal alternatives and we'd be delighted if you could send us any suggestions you've found that have worked for you.
And this thing about taking care of the planet is something we all do together.
