Article by Hollie Wornes from T: The New York Times Style Magazine Australia
T Australia sat down with Koala Eco co-founder Jessica Bragdon to get her tips on making simple, eco-conscious changes at home and to debunk common misconceptions about sustainable living.
What does it really mean to live more sustainably? Is it about overhauling your transportation, changing your diet, or revamping your entire home? For Jessica Bragdon, co-founder of Koala Eco, a leading Australian natural home and cleaning products brand, sustainable living is far simpler than that.
“People often think they need to completely overhaul their lifestyle or make extreme sacrifices to live sustainably, but that’s not the case,” Bragdon tells T Australia. “Sustainable living can be integrated gradually.”
However, not everyone has the luxury to adopt these changes at their own pace. Bragdon and her family faced this reality when her son, Arthur, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness called Neuroblastoma. This urgent situation forced them to make significant adjustments quickly, including creating a non-toxic living environment. One of their first steps was finding natural cleaning products that worked and were actually affordable. When options proved elusive, Bragdon and Paul Davidson decided to make their own.
In early 2017 Koala Eco was born, offering a line of home cleaning products made with 100% pure Australian essential oils, combined with vinegar, sugar-based biodegradable alcohol, and plant-based surfactants. Today, Koala Eco’s range has expanded to include products for home cleaning, laundry, personal care, pets, and accessories like tea towels — with its eco-conscious initiatives going beyond ingredients, with refill options available to reduce waste.
Since its inception, Koala Eco has established itself as a leader in the toxic-free space, thanks to its soothing scents of lemon myrtle and eucalyptus, affordability, and effective results. The brand is now stocked in over 2,000 stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as with wholesalers globally. It has secured a prominent place in major supermarket chains, including IGA, QE Foods, and Harris Farm — and its growth continues. Next month, Koala Eco will be available in over 120 Airbnbs across Australia and, to further embrace the rise of eco-conscious travel, will be launching an essential minis travel pouch.
What are some common misconceptions about sustainable living that you’ve encountered?
“That it’s too expensive because eco-friendly products and practices have higher upfront price points. Energy-efficient appliances like washing machines and fridges can be more of a cost up-front, but they often lead to long-term savings. Reducing water consumption, and buying durable, reusable products can lower utility bills and reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving money over time (and you could always channel the savings you make by repairing and re-wearing your clothes into these appliances).
We’ve heard some people assert that sustainability is only about protecting the environment or for environmental activists. Again, there is a broader way of looking at this. Sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and economic factors. It includes supporting fair labour practices, promoting community wellbeing, and making mindful financial decisions. Living sustainably means considering how our choices impact not just the planet, but also society and future generations.”
In addition to using eco-friendly products, what are three other lifestyle changes that can complement a sustainable home?
- Being mindful of waste, using up food scraps and leftovers (which also potentially saves households a lot of money).
- Being scrupulous with recycling. It’s important to separate out paper, glass, metals and hard plastics from regular household or office waste, and make sure these items are clean before taking them to recycling centres or in the recycling bin for your local authority’s regular curbside collection. Many stores and recycling centres will take e-waste like batteries.
- Other things to consider are reducing how much clothing you buy: opt for re-wear, recycle, or repair (it’s also more creative). Buy local and get shop receipts emailed to you so they’re not printed out on thermal paper. Buy refills whenever possible. Think about what might be going into landfill from your home, and try to avoid that happening as much as possible.
Beyond just in the home, do you have any other simple tips that can make a big impact?
Simple adjustments, such as conserving energy, or opting for public transport, can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle without major disruption. Some people assume that eco-friendly options are difficult to find or inconvenient to implement in everyday life, but this is also a myth. As more companies adopt eco-friendly practices and offer sustainable products, these choices are becoming more accessible and convenient. Online shopping, local markets, and even large retailers now provide eco-conscious alternatives, making it easier than ever to choose sustainably.
