It seems that the green movement is everywhere these days – in the news, politics, fashion, and even technology. It only makes sense – at the rate the environment is deteriorating, if we want our future generations to enjoy the same planet we have today, we need to take action now.
However, going green is more than just about helping preserve the environment. Embracing a greener lifestyle also means improving your overall health and quality of life. As good as that sounds, many people feel that “going green” is a daunting task involving sweeping lifestyle changes and paying more for every day goods.
Well, here’s some great news. You CAN go green without having a huge impact on your lifestyle or your wallet! Here are 7 stores that offer eco-friendly products for just about any household need. Best of all, most of these products are remarkably affordable compared to their non eco-friendly counterparts.
1. White Brick Oven – Bread like it was made 100 years ago
This unique bakery is run by Mardia and Mustaffa, a couple who used to produce bread wholesale. After retirement, they decided to take things easy – by baking bread. Their brainchild is White Brick Oven, an artisan bakery that produces real bread from organic and natural ingredients.
Here, bread is made the original way, a process that typically stretches over two days. They use the natural leavening process to raise the dough, which is then gently folded and pulled to develop the texture. They even mill their own flour for the bread, using a slow-grinding stone mill to preserve the organic grains’ nutrients. Finally the wood-fuelled brick oven is fired up, and 30 minutes later – heavenly nutrient-packed bread!
White Brick Oven is located in the village of Kubu Gajah, Sungai Buloh. They will make your bread to order but you have to pick it up from their place. Or you could visit Jasons at BSC, MacroB at SS2, or Justlife at IPC, The Gardens, Puchong, Malacca and Penang to try their wares. You can also visit White Brick Oven on Sundays for Tea and Scones and a tour of the facilities. But do book in advance because there is limited space.
For more information, visit: whitebrickoven.com
2. Melvita – French organic beauty products
Melvita was started by Bernard Chevilliat, a French biologist, beekeeper, and lover of nature and beauty, who also had a deep fascination of traditional wisdom and knowledge.
In 1977, Bernard and his brother started a bee farm in the middle of the French countryside in order to be close to nature. They were joined by Nûriël, Bernard’s wife, and in 1983 they founded Melvita, offering a range of cosmetic products based on products from the hives. Other products made with natural ingredients, floral waters and plant oils soon followed and the company grew steadily.
Melvita was a pioneer in organic cosmetics and today has grown to become one of France’s leading brands, offering a full range of natural and organic cosmetics, toiletries and other personal care products.
You can buy Melvita products at their boutique store in Mid Valley or 1Utama, or you could shop at their online store.
For more information, visit: my.melvita.com
3. Mija EcoKids – Everything you need for your precious little greenie
Mija Ecokids is started by Michelle Teo, a certified Health Science Aromatherapist. She had a successful New Age store but gave that up to focus on motherhood. However, the business bug was strong and Michelle got the idea for Mija Ecokids when she was searching for eco-friendly toys and clothing for her son.
Calling itself an “integrated eco-friendly and organic online retail store”, Mija Ecokids offers a complete range of products for babies and mummies – from organic clothing and toys to skincare and room decorations. And just about everything in between.
Mija Ecokids promotes green lifestyles and a more minimalist way of living. As such, their products are selected based on their limited threat to the environment and human health, and are sourced from certified fair-trade organizations. They believe that promoting safer, healthier, and more sustainable lifestyles begins by helping mothers nurture their kids in as natural an environment as possible.
You can buy Mija Ecokids products online, and they also have a physical office you can contact. For more information, visit: mijaecokids.com.
4. IDOCARE – Eco-conscious household cleaning
Idocare produces a line of environmentally-conscious cleaning products that work just as well as chemical cleaners, only they are non-toxic and are formulated from fully biodegradable ingredients.
Idocare was started by Singaporean Humaa Rathor, who left her job when she gave birth to her first child. At that time, Humaa was concerned about the toxic cleaning chemicals normally being used in homes and opted for safer options so that her baby would be exposed to as little harmful stuff as possible. But she soon realized that being “non-toxic” was really expensive. So she decided to create her own affordable range of cleaning products. And
Idocare was born.
Idocare’s products are free of parabens, NPEs and optical brighteners which are harmful to humans. They are also eco-friendly being free of phosphates and manufactured in line with the Zero Waste Philosophy.
You can buy Idocare products online or at selected outlets in the Klang Valley. For more information, visit: idocare.com.sg/where-to-buy-malaysia
5. Tiny Tapir – Green products for the whole family
Tiny Tapir bills itself as Malaysia’s “first shop selling unique and innovative products in support of sustainable living”. Tiny Tapir is also working with several Malaysian NGOs to source for products that can be made at home by single mothers, to help them get out of the poverty trap.
Tiny Tapir 1.0 started in 2004 when a few friends took a hard look at their consuming habits and decided that Mother Earth deserved better. Back then it was known as Fem Choices, an online store which sold products for women like menstrual cups and cloth pads. In 2008, the friends decided they really should put some serious effort into the business. So they expanded the range of products, spruced up their site, and rebranded as Tiny Tapir.
Tiny Tapir currently offers eco-friendly products for daily use that are more community conscious and chemical-free. And it saves you money as well. From clothing to toys to bags to cleaning products, the store has something for just about any need.
For more information, visit: tinytapir.com
6. TM Farms – Fresh organic groceries from the farm to your doorstep
TM Farms was started in 2009 as an integrated organic farm. The unique thing about them is that their produce and livestock are grown and raised on 100% natural, virgin jungle. And you get to have your groceries delivered to you every week.
The produce is delivered in a recyclable cardboard box and they collect the previous week’s box to use again next time they deliver. Plastic bags are only used when absolutely necessary. The only thing is that you can’t really choose what goes into the box. What you get each week varies according to season and availability. You can tell them your favourites and they will try to include that (when possible) but that’s not a guarantee. Then again, having a box of fresh surprises delivered to you weekly sounds interesting, no?
Deliveries are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, depending on your location. Besides fresh vegetables, TM Farms also sells organic fruits, and free-range chickens and eggs. For more information, visit: tmorganicfarms.com
7. Little Green Planet – another organic grocery delivery service, but has more stuff
Little Green Planet are also online grocers who grow their produce on their own organic farm and deliver them to your doorstep. The difference is that they also have a physical store you can visit at Bandar Utama.
Besides fresh produce, the Little Green Planet also sells dried goods (such as beans, nuts and grains), noodles, beverages, confectioneries, seafood, condiments, supplements and just about everything else you would expect to find in a typical supermarket (including non-food items like clothes and fertiliser) – only, it’s all organic.
Besides the business aspect, Little Green Planet also has a group of volunteers who try to create awareness of green issues by organising events to promote sustainability. These include recycling campaigns, tree and flower planting in public places and talks to educate the public about why it is important to have a clean, healthy planet.
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