As the effects of climate change hit home, more people are making thoughtful decisions about the products they purchase – and they’re buying local, Sunshine Coast News reports..
Sustainable Sunshine Coast businesses are reaping the rewards of establishing themselves as forces for good, long before it was ‘cool’ to do so.
Many of the business’ founders were driven by personal challenges that forced them to seek an alternative, while others felt compelled to act, to make a difference.
Meet the region’s eco pioneers.
Maroochydore resident Ami Bateman suffered from debilitating headaches for two years before deciding to eradicate toxins from her home.
She was able to do away with plastics and harmful chemicals in every area except one – cleaning products.
Ami realised that even products marketed as ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ were still full of allergens.
When Ami teamed up with Sian Murray, who she met through a mutual friend, the dynamic duo was able to create what many thought was impossible – Australia’s first B Corp-certified cleaning brand.
They launched Pleasant State in March, 2021 after 1500 backers pledged more than $87,000 as part of a crowdfunding campaign.
They established a warehouse in Coolum Beach, designed attractive and functional glass and silicon bottles and employed a chemist to create three cleaning bars: Stay Glassy, Tub Scrub and Homebody Multi-Purpose.
Pleasant State has become a sustainable beacon, building a community of more than 25,000 people, saving 50,725 plastic bottles from landfill, providing 25,363l of toxin-free cleaning products and raising $10,053 for charity partners.
The impressive start-up is kicking goals in the business world, winning the Sunshine Coast Business Awards small retailer and SheEO Venture awards in 2021.
FULL STORY
Meet our eco-pioneers who have been leading the way with sustainability before it was 'cool' (Sunshine Coast News)
