From the restorative walks we take to clear our minds to the potent botanicals that power our formulas, nature takes centre stage in everything we do here at Koala Eco. As a purpose-led, family business, we’re always working on incorporating more earth-friendly practices into Koala Eco, like our switch to using recycled and recyclable rPET plastic bottles almost two years ago.  

While the findings from last year’s United Nations climate conference emphasised the necessity for multinational corporations and world leaders to take immediate action to address the global climate change crisis, there are still ways that we as individuals can reduce our impact on the earth and live more sustainable lifestyles. From choosing electric cars to partaking in rewilding projects, these are the sustainably-minded actions we’re working on adopting this year.

Create or join a rewilding project

With awareness around the conservation of nature growing, it’s only natural that more actions are centred around restoring it too. Rewilding takes a progressive approach to conservation, not only protecting existing natural landscapes but focusing on restoring and growing it. While rewilding is often used in relation to reintroducing wildlife to their natural habitats or repairing damaged ecosystems, it can also take place on a smaller but equally as important scale. 

An increased understanding of the benefits of nature on mental health has given rise to the concept of urban rewilding; think rooftop herb gardens, green spaces within the city, introducing native plant species into pre-existing gardens, and incorporating biophilic design into existing and future projects. Look into joining a rewilding initiative near you or create your own - a simple apartment rooftop garden can serve as a way to introduce nature back into the concrete jungle and maybe even help you bond with your neighbours!

Avoid single-use plastic

While most of us have bought reusable water bottles and try to be diligent about taking keep cups to cafes, single-use plastic often manages to sneak into our lives. Making simple switches like using reusable mesh bags to buy your fruit and vegetables in, opting for face masks that come in a jar over sheet masks, and keeping a set of travel cutlery in your bag to avoid plastic options can go a long way. (Remember Koala Eco's bottles are made from recycled local curbside plastic, and are recyclable and refillable.)

Change your approach to shopping for clothing

The concept of a circular economy works to minimise waste and prevent products from ending up in landfills. While each new piece of clothing produced has a carbon footprint, opting for vintage or thrifted clothing comes without the footprint attached to producing new fibres and dyeing and bleaching garments. Plus, opting for vintage or second-hand clothing gives garments a new lease on life, allowing beautiful pieces to transcend generations. 

If you’re opting for new clothes, take a considered approach to shopping and invest in timeless pieces that will be worn for years to come. A good rule of thumb is to see if an item passes the 30 wears test; the concept was coined by Livia Firth, founder of sustainable business agency Eco Age, and encourages people to only buy clothing if they can see themselves wearing it at least 30 times. 

Opt for electric

With a myriad of marques now producing electric car models, ditching petrol is more viable than ever before. As they’re battery-powered, electric vehicles are free from exhaust emissions, reducing harmful air pollution, with research showing that lifetime emissions of EVs are up to 70% less than that of a regular petrol engine.

Switching to environmentally-friendly household products

One of the key issues preventing customers from making informed decisions about their household products is a lack of transparency. Unlike other industries, cleaning products don't require a full ingredient list, making it easier to be swayed by greenwashing. Here at Koala Eco, we’re proud of the plant-based ingredients that go into each product, which is why we display our ingredient lists in their entirety on the back of each bottle as well as online. In addition to our products being powered by pure botanical essential oils, the solubilisers and surfactants that go into a Koala Eco product are plant-based and biodegradable, meaning they will break down and won’t make their way into waterways and contaminate the ecosystem. Shop here.