In recent years, the zero-waste lifestyle has become increasingly popular in the Philippines due to the growing number of businesses that provide Filipinos with resources that help in cutting down, if not eliminating, trash.
The Philippines generates about 35,000 tons of solid waste daily, more than 8,600 tons of which are from Metro Manila alone, according to Aldrin Plaza, urban development officer for the sustainable development and climate change department at the Asian Development Bank.
Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and other non-biodegradable waste thus become vital players in promoting a waste-less future and sustainable lifestyle. Those interested in joining the movement, here are five of the many emerging local brands offering products that help reduce solid waste:
The Soapranos
This brand offers a range of personal care and beauty products made of natural ingredients and infused with essential oils such as rice bran oil and coconut oil. It takes pride in selling their shampoo and lotion bars naked and in using canvas cloths and reusable tin cans as packaging.
At P150 apiece and P500 for a pack of four, their luscious and giant bath bombs are substantially cheaper than other brands. Moreover, they offer 5 percent discount on refills for those customers willing to return their empty tin cans.
Apart from their skincare line, the brand also boasts an extensive lineup of handcrafted makeup products, fragrances, and massage oils.
Ka Nami Pasador
Most women prefer to use disposable sanitary pads because they are convenient, not knowing that some of these non-compostable pads end up in landfills and sewerage systems. They also pose health hazards due to dangerous chemical components from fragrances and plastic.
This online cloth pad shop based in Negros Island offers organic menstrual pads that are built with a leak-proof layer and are available in adorable prints. These pads, priced at P120 each, can be reused for up to three to five years depending on the care and use. Among its bestsellers is the bamboo charcoal cloth pad set, which consists of four regular and overnight pads.
Hamsa Earth-Conscious Collections
This Bacolod-based shop started as an advocate of reducing waste before venturing into an actual business last year, according to its Instagram post.
It offers reusable straws that come in several colors and various materials such as metal, bamboo, and silicone. It is well-known for its bamboo straws and bamboo toothbrushes that are chemical-free and are made from sustainably grown bamboo.
Hamsa Earth’s products now include reusable cloth wipes and cloth diapers, which are alternatives to tissue paper and disposable diaper.
The Green Switch
From reusable silicone food bags to spill-proof travel cups, this brand helps reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for plastic bags that can potentially harm the environment.
The multipurpose storage bags it offers are durable and perfect for holding all kinds of food and liquids, whether it’s sandwich or soup. It is also great for traveling since one can enjoy the convenience of on-the-go meals whether at school or at work. Its airtight seal completely secures the bag’s content and ensures the food stays fresh.
Anytime Menstrual Cups
Another alternative to disposable sanitary pads is the menstrual cup, which is now popular in other countries. This local brand makes this innovative product available here in the Philippines.
It offers menstrual cups that fit right to prevent leakage. Each cup is made of medical grade silicone and can collect three times more liquid compared to tampons and sanitary napkins.
PHOTOS FROM THE BRANDS’ FACEBOOK PAGES