Susie Warren understands that as humans we aren’t perfect, but when we can, we like to make the right choices for ourselves, our family, and the planet. After learning about the negative environmental effects of the chemicals used in most cleaning products, and the amount of disposable plastic that goes to waste, she was inspired to make a change. She launched e.sup, which stands for Ending Single Use Plastics. While it seems like a big mission, it’s one where every little change counts. This is why they have created a beautiful range of Australian-made, zero-waste cleaning products that deliver powerful, effective cleaning, whilst being a great way to easily cut down on plastics in your home. All of their cleaning products are naturally based and free of toxins, delivering the deepest of cleans without any of the nasties. Here, Susie talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Many years ago, whilst dabbling in DIY home cleaning, I uncovered a few scary facts that I wasn’t aware of:
- more than 90% of most spray home cleaning products we buy are water,
- the chemicals that are in everyday cleaning products are mostly made from petroleum and/or are to some degree toxic for humans or the oceans they end up in, and
- just how much disposable plastic is in most cleaning products.
The world is drowning in plastics and waste in general, and the idea of conscious living and trying to leave little impact on the world we live for the future of our children became more and more important to me.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
It was many years from my first ideas and dabbling in making my own cleaning products at home to launch. Once I had researched various ingredients and worked out what I was happy to include in the formula, and perhaps more importantly what I didn’t want to include, I found a Sydney-based lab to take what I had created to refine, test and manufacture the products. Then it was a big decision whether to go ahead and take the plunge!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Working with the lab and finding the power of natural enzymes in cleaning was definitely one of the breakthroughs. It is a fairly expensive ingredient for a cleaning product but one of my primary goals was to make quality products. We believe we have devised a product that works really well and is safe for all the family to use.
