8 Ways to Take Your Green Bazaar Shopping Up a Notch!

Hello, fellow eco-warriors! Like most of you, when I decided to shift to using eco-friendly products to help save the environment (which isn’t always an easy task), I soon realized that eco-bazaars is the best place to go. There we can find merchants that are kind to Earth offering loads of environment-friendly products and services, so we can do green shopping for our food, fashion, and home needs all in one place.

Surely, like I do, you have plans in your calendar to visit and buy at the latest eco-friendly bazaar happening in your town. So I am sharing these tips so you can enjoy your green shopping more and even take your green bazaar experience to the next level!

1. List down the things that you actually need to buy. Just like in any shopping activity, planning is the key to being able to shop for all you need and stay within your budget. What with tons of organic soaps and shampoo, native bags, local fresh fruits, cause-driven products, ethical fashion, refillables, and eco-friendly personal care items, etc., to be found in an eco-bazaar, it is quite possible to hoard and buy excessively which is of course, not our goal. For example, do we really need to buy a new eco bag when we already have a lot stashed at home?
   Think also if you have family and friends who will be celebrating their birthdays soon and add their names and your gift ideas in your list. Perhaps you can find an eco-friendly alternative which you can gift to them.


2. Get to know the shops that will participate in the fair. Check the event's website and see the different shops that will be joining to sell their products. View their products so that you can get an idea of their items and compare these with your list. Study also the shops for the purpose of checking if they are indeed green businesses. Sadly, there are also stores who just pose as responsible and fake their way in joining green business bazaars just for monetary gain.


3. Make sure that you got the date, time, and location right. Events like this (and other trade fairs) are usually held for a specific number of days only and which could be moved to another location by the succeeding weeks, season, or year. So make sure you got the date, time, and location details down to pat. Otherwise, you might find yourself looking for the fair in BGC when it is yet to be held there by next week, and is still being enjoyed somewhere in Quezon City.
   
   
   

   


4. Bring your containers and eco bags. Eco-friendly trade fairs usually have refilling stations so make sure you have with you clean and dry containers and eco bags to catch all your goodies. Some shops may offer reusable containers that you can buy, but in order for you to practice reducing and reusing, take a look at home for empty containers that you can bring with you instead.
   Be resourceful. You can also bring old paper bags and gift wrappers or even banana leaves to wrap your finds with. Offer to wrap your own purchased goods especially when there are buyers in line so the store sellers, who are committed to help us with our sustainable living, can have more time to serve more people. 


5. Share the event on your social media account. We all want a better, sustainable planet so why shouldn't we use our social media accounts to promote this cause. Share the poster of the event and while you’re at it, why not do no. 6 too.


6. Be a personal shopper. Maybe some of your friends are interested in supporting green businesses but don't have extra time to visit one. Offer to shop for them. This way you can help a friend and help the shops make more sales too!
   
   
7. Take along friends and family with you to the event. Take this chance to teach your friends and family on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and help mother Earth. Show them that it is possible to change our buying habits and make conscious choices that will be our contribution to saving our home planet. 
   

   
   
8. Visit as many shops as you can! Who knows the next store might help you realize more ways to live in a more sustainable way and help other cause-driven businesses and individuals. Be generous for the Earth. Take photos of the event and share them on your social media accounts. Inspire more people to join and take part in this journey.

Bonus tip: Find and follow online these market fairs and the participating stores. Surely, other events will pop up for your next Earth-loving purchase so make sure to mark them in your calendar to not miss them. If you need your items now, you can order to them online. Remember, no step is too small for a greener and cleaner planet.

Please like, share, and comment below your thoughts and if you share the same practices or have other tips to shares when going to up our shopping game in eco-friendly fairs! Please subscribe for more content like this in your inbox! 💓🌏

My Product Finds at The Good Trade PH Summer Fair

I was lucky to have time to visit the first kick of The Good Trade Summer Fair at UP Town Center last April 13, 2019. It was also my first time to visit the mall dubbed as the place “where great minds come together to shop and dine” which I had been planning to visit since last year, so it was two points for me that day, hooray!

So armed with my list I went there like an eco-warrior aiming for the kill! But no violence here! It’s just me trying to end my habit of using single-use plastic and disposable items that are harmful to the environment.

And now without any further ado, here are my fantastic finds! Take a look and see which ones you'd like to buy too, and, just maybe, you’d find the inspiration to put up an eco-friendly business in the future to sell zero-waste items as well.

1. Castor oil from Artem – So my first purchase is castor oil from Artem Skincare and Apothecary. I did plan to buy castor oil that day but I was planning to do so at Landmark, Trinoma just before I go home, but since it’s available there, I decided to buy it. Take note that Artem do refills! I brought with me an empty bottle that day, unfortunately though, I wasn’t able to dry it properly so I had to buy a bottle from them for P30. Fifteen (15) milliliters of castor oil is P60 so in total, I spent P90 for one 15 mL of castor oil. Castor oil at Landmark is P148 for the same volume so I got to save 58 pesos! I compared Artem’s castor oil and Landmark's castor oil when I got home and they don’t seem to differ.

Castor oil from Artem Skincare and Apothecary

2. Camomile tea flowers from Artem – Artem’s stall looks very pretty especially because of their lovely dried flower tea in huge clear jars. My mom drinks camomile tea from Twinnings because it is good for her stomach, so I was excited to find lovely dried camomile flowers being sold there. I bought 250 grams and the owner Trixia gave me instructions on how to make the tea. Just a few buds are enough for a small cup. Filter is not needed as the flowers don't disintegrate in the water. You can also bring a container where you can keep your dried flower purchase.

Camomile tea flowers from Artem

3. Bamboo toothbrushes from Druid and A to ZeroWaste. Bamboo toothbrushes come in two variants, one with regular off-white nylon brush and one with black-colored, charcoal-infused nylon brush. The lifespan of a bamboo toothbrush is 3 months just like plastic toothbrushes or until the nylon becomes frayed. Unlike plastic ones though, bamboo or wood is compostable. So going for a bamboo toothbrush helps reduce the number of old plastic toothbrushes in the garbage. Remember though that the nylon brush is still plastic and must be removed from the wooden body and thrown in the non-biodegradable garbage bin. Tip: Bamboo toothbrushes are available in different stalls for different prices. Some come with a box which is nice if you intend to give the toothbrush as a gift for friends so ask the stalls if they have boxes.

I have forgotten which comes from which store but they all look quite lovely to me.

4. Reusable menstrual pad from Druid - This is the last item that I bought. I was thinking if I should get a regular pad, a night pad, or a panty liner and finally decided to go for a night pad because I thought it is the largest trash I generate each time i have a visit from aunt flo. When I got home though, I thought I should have bought all three, but that time, I only got a small budget left for just one. Maybe next time! Tip: There are other stalls selling cloth menstrual pads which look more colorful than Druid’s. Explore your options but as for me, my deciding factor to choose Druid’s is because it has waterproof cloth for the back or outer side of the pad, which I believe other pads from other sellers did not have.

Outer, waterproof side of the cloth night pad

Inner side of the cloth night pad

5. Tooth powder from ZeroBasics– Toothpowder was on my list, but I was just looking for a P20 toothpowder advertised somewhere in The Good Trade’s event page to give it a try but I could not find it. What I got instead is a full jar of 110 grams worth P180. It says on the label that it contains mineral-rich ingredients to restore the strength of the enamel and maintain healthy teeth and gums. One hundred ten grams are a lot so I am now looking for a friend who might want to try the tooth powder so we can share the bottle and split the cost. (Do you want to share?)

110 grams of ZeroBasics Tooth Powder is plenty!

6. Organic shampoo bars from Mayumi Organics – I wish I had more money with me so I could have bought more organic shampoo bars from Mayumi Organics. The bars are so fragrant and lovely for the hair, especially color-treated hair. You can choose from various scents and properties. I was chatting with a friend while shopping and she asked me to buy for her the Green Apple Shacoon bar (shampoo and conditioner cylindrical bar). Mayumi’s shacon bars are good for dandruff and priced at P160 at 65g. I got a hair fortifying shampoo bar which also helps lessen hair fall, is sulphate free, and contains Vitamin B5 to strengthen and condition hair.

Green Apple Shacon Bar from Mayumi Organics 

Hair Fortifying shampoo with gugo from Mayumi Organics

7. Bamboo milk tea straw from A to ZeroWaste – I already own a stainless steel straw (which has already been to many restaurants already and almost got left behind in the cinema, too!) and have in fact given dozens away last Christmas to family and friends. This time I opted to give the bamboo straw a try for my milk tea and frappuccino days. I got this for P35. Now my next project is finding the right tumbler to use with my bamboo straw and what establishments will allow me to use my own tumbler and not push me to buy their own-logo infused ones.  

Smooth milk tea bamboo straw from A to ZeroWaste

8. Oatmeal cookies from The Goody Train  – I got 3 pieces of oatmeal cookies for P100. I honestly did not know much about the background of the store when I purchased from them (considering that I researched about the merchants before going to UP), but I’m sure they are zero waste too since they passed The Good Trade’s screening and customers can have their takeaway in their own containers. The cookies are a nice treat to bring home after a day of zero waste shopping.

Oatmeal cookies from The Goody Train

9. Free Loofah! I got this freebie from ZeroBasics (where I bought the tooth powder) and the owner said she saw these lying around somewhere in Batangas and thought to pick them up and share them to others for free this free stuff she got from nature!

Remove the dried outer skin before using!

Are you now looking forward to visiting The Good Trade Fair too? Don’t forget to bring ecobags to catch all your goodies as well as clean and dry containers for your fragile, liquid, and/or edible purchases and refills! And also don’t be shy to ask questions from the sellers about their products. Remember that knowledge is our power in achieving a zero waste, eco-friendly lifestyle and ultimately defeating climate change.

(Texts and photos from Elle in Business)

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A Good Lifestyle For You From The Good Trade

A Good Lifestyle for You from The Good Trade

Are you looking forward to adopting a low or zero-waste, sustainable lifestyle? After you have reviewed your day-to-day habits and vowed to reduce the amount of stuff you waste or throw away each day, the time for you to shop has come! Of course, you know by now that you must start to shop responsibly and only choose products that will help you reduce waste and live a sustainable and eco-friendly life. Then, get to know The Good Trade PH, and consider it as your ally as you shop your way to sustainable living.

The Good Trade Fair at UP Town Center (Photo by Elle in Business)

The Good Trade organizes zero-waste and sustainability fairs and gatherings where environmentally and ethically conscious men and women can come together to converse, sell their goods, and/or shop. It is the brainchild of Jana Bunagan, who is into stock trading as her career and social entrepreneurship as her vocation, focusing on her advocacy to give back and help people achieve and enjoy a sustainable lifestyle. 

Jana began her passion projects in 2016 with Clover Hartly, now converted to Create Good, an online initiative divided into three categories: Re-Store  –  a pop-up space that gathers local brands that help various causes; Refresh – an avenue where one can donate used wedding and event flowers to hospices and shelters; and The Street Store – also a pop-up space but dedicated to giving the needy a chance to shop for free. Volunteers, especially store assistants, are welcome in these ventures. All these three are still up and running and creating positive impact in their respective cause.

Donated shoes at The Street Store (Photo from The Good Trade PH)

     The Good Trade came into Jana’s mind two years later, specifically in May 2018, when the zero-waste sustainable lifestyle became a trend. Her experiences in organizing pop-up spaces enabled her to quickly put up The Good Trade’s first fair with less than three months of preparation.

     The Good Trade’s first event was held in July 21 – 22, 2018 at the Bonifacio Global City Central Square where it was able to gather 35 merchants. 

The challenge then was how to bring merchants outside their comfort zones as most of them were only starting up, used to online selling, and consider the financing and manpower aspects in joining a bazaar a huge ordeal. But as they say, good things come to those who persevere. Fast forward to the present, The Good Trade is now having its Summer Series composed of four weekends in four locations. Recently (and successfully) concluded fairs were held in U.P. Town Center (April 13-14), and Ayala Malls The 30th (April 27-28). Next locations in the series are: 

-          Glorietta 2 (MRT/Makati), May 4 to 5

-          Alabang Town Center, May 11 to 12

(Photo from The Good Trade PH)

Some zero-waste and sustainable products being sold include organic soaps and shampoos and other personal care with minimal or no packaging or in reusable or biodegradable containers, bamboo toothbrushes and drinking straws, biodegradable cleaning materials, cloth sanitary pads, ethical fashion, fair trade food products, and many more.

https://www.facebook.com/mayumiorganics/ (Photo from The Good Trade PH)

Aside from being a venue for conscious shopping, The Good Trade Fair also hosts talks and workshops from good impact organizations. There will also be recycling stations, repair stations, and donation stations as well. Anyone can go to the Fair and shop as there is no entrance fee. Just visit The Good Trade’s website for details on future venues and partner merchants.

Information for Merchants

For interested merchants, they can visit The Good Trade website and check the dedicated page where interested merchants can apply. Only applicants that fall under at least one of the following categories will be considered:

• Bulk Food + Homemade Snacks (Package free food)
• Cause-driven (Fundraising, Provides livelihood for a community)
• Sustainable Travel (Eco-tourism)
• Ethical Fashion (Uses deadstock fabric + fair trade)
• Upcycled (Uses old materials and turns them to something useful)
• Refillables + Vegan Personal Care (Cruelty-free skin products)
• Zero-waste Tools (Alternatives to single use products)

Rates depend on the venue inclusive of taxes.

My Personal Experience

      I was able to visit the first leg of their Summer Series at UP Town Center and the merchants there were all helpful and very friendly as you can see here at my photo with Angelica, chemist and owner of Mayumi Organics, and at my short video with Trisha, proprietor of ARTEM Skincare + Apothecary. I enjoyed shopping and I will share with you my haul on my next post so you can see what items you might like. I am certain that you too will enjoy shopping and conversing with great like-minded peeps in this very, very good event of The Good Trade. 

Angelica of Mayumi Organics (Photo by Elle in Business)

Trisha of ARTEM Skincare + Apothecary (Video by Elle in Business)

Finds at National Food Fair 2019

     The National Food Fair 2019 is awesome! I finally got to visit the fair, and I can definitely say that I became PART of the fun: learning about the country’s native products and tasting them all in one venue!

       I promised some very enthusiastic participants in the fair that I will include them in the blog I will be writing about the fair tonight (in the hopes that I can promote them for the last day of the National Food Fair 2019). So I am now bringing you this short and sweet pictures post that I hope will make you decide to include visiting the fair for your Sunday.

     Here goes!

     I bought empanadas from Gem's Empanada, Ilocandia. It is the first empanada stall that you will see once you enter the Luzon area. The owner, Miss Gem, said her daughter has a stall offering the same goodies at Robinson's Galleria. Unfortunately, I missed the name, so perhaps you can ask her and then, please let me know! Haha! Special empanada is P60 each.

          Here's where I bought pili nut tarts for P50 which contains 19 pieces of tarts. They also have butterscotch, malunggay chips, and other pili nuts in jars. This is Luchie's from Daet, Camarines Norte.

     Jedidiah Food Industry is from Bulacan and I bought from them turmeric pandesal at P15 per pack and turmeric (luyang dilaw) at a very cheap price of P25.

     I also bought Sunrise Corn Coffee from Agusan del Sur, a mango from Guimaras, and latik suman also from Camarines.

     Other goodies I saw include laing, vigan longganisa on a stick (which i got to sample and ate while walking around the venue), lots of coffee varities, wines, seasonings, plants, and and one bayong stall near the entrance. 

      DTI is also promoting their pinyapel in which they source pinya (pineapple) leaves from Bukidnon to create different types of packaging like coffee sleeves.

     I got to meet the very friendly and smart DTI Junior Researcher Cindy Maldecir who explained to me about the concept and happily obliged for a twofie with me.

Coffee sleeves made of pineapple leaves

     Famous chefs also grace the event to show twists in various recipes. For today, Chef Boy Logro and Chef Sheilla gave a really fun cooking demo.

     Tomorrow is the last day of the fair so do drop-by and get to watch these live cooking demos, enjoy free samples, and take home delicious Filipino products at very affordable prices.

2019 NATIONAL FOOD FAIR

Do you miss certain delicacies from your hometown or that sumptuous meal you had from your last out of town trip? Or maybe you are a dynamic player in the food industry and want to get the feel of what’s up in the Philippine food industry in 2019?

Then go ahead and visit the 2019 NATIONAL FOOD FAIR at the SM Megamall, Mandaluyong!

Image from DTI Philippines National Food Fair 2019 Event Page

                                                                                                                    The National Food Fair Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show is a yearly event held by the Department of Trade and Industry every March of the year since 2012. The fair is a special event that showcases varieties of local food products from different regions in the Philippines.

The event starts March 14, 2019 (Thursday) and wraps up on March 17, 2019 (Sunday). Daily hours of the fair are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

        If hearing speeches is your thing, here is the programme:

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM	Registration
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM	Opening Ceremony National Anthem Prayer Welcome Remarks and Introduction of Keynote Speaker Keynote Address Ceremonial Opening	Usec. Abdulgani M. Macatoman Trade Promotions Group Sec. Ramon M. Lopez Department of Trade and Industry DTI Sec. Ramon M. Lopez USec. Abdulgani M. Macatoman Asec. Rosvi Gaetos Assistant Director Marievic Bonoan Guests
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Press Conference

            

          Otherwise, just go there and enjoy learning about Philippine cuisine, and of course food shopping!