As the face of a 23,000-strong crowd of eco-warriors, Jamie Stott is first and foremost a bricks-and-mortar retailer. Someone who wants to connect with customers through a shared passionate for sustainably and ethically sourced products. Someone who can see a plastic-free world.
At any of the Ecolateral stores, you can refill your containers with shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid or a variety of natural cleaning products. Not only are you reusing your plastic containers, but you are also avoiding purchasing more plastic. All for an equitable cost to that of a regular synthetic version.
Jamie is using Plastic Free July to raise awareness that there are easy choices to make daily to reduce our environmental impact.
“Plastic-free bamboo undies are a game-changer, you won’t know it until you try it.”
“But there is more to it. I can assure you the stack of bamboo socks for $5 from the local big box hardware retailer won’t have had the scrutiny that ours have.
“I am responsible for my supply chain. This means I ask difficult questions about the origin to its end of life. When I am convinced of the ethical and sustainable standards of the products, then I will stock them in my stores.
“I do this research to make it easy for consumers to make a simple choice.
“There are important choices to make with the packaging, too. I have even changed suppliers because they kept using styrofoam for their packaging.
“Regarding consumer choices, the easiest option is reusable shopping and produce bags. Here in SA, we’ve been fantastic in this sense for so many years now.
“Fast fashion is a genuine concern globally, and I want consumers to think more about what they are wearing. Natural fibres are so gentle on the skin, whether it is bamboo, GOTS certified organic cotton, or hemp. It feels different. It feels luxurious. And it is not made from a non-renewable source like petroleum. Who wants to wear plastic?”
Like most retail businesses, COVID-19 had a huge impact on in-store sales for Ecolateral. Never one to stop, Jamie has engaged a consultant to make the most of the digital opportunities.
“It is about growing the Ecolateral online community and still making them feel like they are part of something special. For me, that sense of community is so important. I’m staying true to the intent of the owners who built Ecolateral and Waste Not Want Not Eco Shop before me.
“I have hope when I see consumers complaining about unnecessary packaging, they can really send a message by rejecting excess plastic, by speaking to their retailers and asking for change or switching to plastic-free options.
“There is a shift in consumer awareness, as we talk more about climate action and net-zero targets. Most of our customers are choosing to be more environmental.”
Ecolateral extensively supply plastic-free alternative products for the home, garden, body, beauty, and gifts. They also stock sustainably sourced slow fashion, baby and kid products, personal care and health. Find out more at www.goecolateral.com.au
