We are excited to introduce you all to some kick ass local, women-owned businesses - First up: Sustaining Bliss! We caught up with Bonnie from Sustaining Bliss during their soft open to learn more about why they went the route of opening a zero waste shop during a global pandemic. Pretty inspiring stuff - Read on below!

How did you come up with the idea for Sustaining Bliss?

** The inspiration for Sustaining Bliss came from my children.  As a parent, you just assume the responsibility of teaching your children all the ways of being a good human, yet I found them teaching ME.  I would laugh as they would pick out containers I put in the trash and move them into the recycling bin, or when running out the door instead of grabbing a plastic water bottle which is convenient, they would instead take a couple more minutes to fill up a reusable bottle.  But I think the big light bulb moment came when I started shopping for them for Christmas. Their wish lists were full of eco-friendly products like compostable phone cases, reusable facial rounds and upcycled goods I couldn’t find locally, only online. And that got me thinking… if our children are choosing to be more eco-conscious to help preserve their future, how can we help make it more mainstream and accessible?  It was then I realized that our community was really missing out on an opportunity and we needed to start the conversation on sustainable living.

What does it mean to live an eco-friendly/zero waste lifestyle? 

** When you adapt a zero waste/sustainable lifestyle your intentions are to meet all your needs in the present while not compromising the needs of the future generation.  I don’t know how much longer we can survive in a linear economy where we take raw materials, make them into a product and then dump them into a landfill.  The end goal is to eliminate excessive waste and move into a more circular economy where you can reduce, reuse and recycle.

Why now? What's the biggest lesson you've learned from launching a storefront during a global pandemic? 

** If not now, when? Right?! I believe one of the many lessons 2020 has taught us is that when you see something that is not right, you must do something about it. In regards to sustainability, it starts with education and conversation. I was amazed to see the images of cities that saw an immediate drop in air pollution when they were in lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.  And that’s just from humans staying inside and not traveling for a short time period.  Can you imagine the impact if we combined that effort with reducing the waste in landfills?

What is the first step you would recommend towards a waste free lifestyle?

** The first step is evaluating what’s currently in your trashcans. Go into your bathroom and see what’s sitting in the wastebasket. Are there empty shampoo bottles?  Mounds of cottons balls?  Rolled up toothpaste tubes?  Each one of these items can be replaced with refillable, reusable and compostable alternatives. The key is to consider what is taking up the most space in your trash and how can you find a more eco-friendly alternative that won’t add to our landfill.  Can the item be replaced with something that is reusable?  Instead of bringing another plastic bottle into the home, is there a place where you can refill your essential using the same bottle?  The same goes with packaging. Most consumers don’t understand that when you’re purchasing products you’re also paying for the packaging that the product is in which you will immediately throw away.  So in other words, you’re paying upfront for trash. Who wants to pay for trash? You just want the product itself, right?

What (in your opinion) is the number 1 reason for a zero waste lifestyle? 

** There is something cathartic about making eco conscious decisions that not only directly impacts your quality of life but also impacts the health of the planet as a whole. There are not many things we are truly in control of…but the actions you take today, big or small, can be very powerful.

What is your current favorite product in the shop? 

** I’m pretty obsessed with our refill station. Every time I refill a bottle with a home essential (hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc), I get a little giddy knowing that it is one less plastic bottle going into the landfill.  On our first day we refilled 14 bottles. If we could do the same every day for a week, a month, a year….can you imagine the HUGE pile of waste we would save?  (insert huge sense of accomplishment!)

(For me, Abby personally) what is a good zero waste razor? I hate throwing away razors, so use them far beyond their useful point, but am terrified of straight razors. 

** I totally relate on the fear of straight razors. Confession time: I have not personally made the investment on a zero waste razor. But I have been researching and inquiring with like-minded individuals who have made the brave step.  I’ve heard rave reviews on the Leaf Razors.  They have a two step “safe” process of loading the razors. You snap them in the paper before loading them into the razor head. The blades are all stored in a Blade Tin and when the tin is full you can send it back to Leaf who will recycle them for you.   f you try them out I would love to hear your feedback ☺

Same story with toothbrushes - I tried bamboo brushes for a while, but is there another option? 

** I have not found another eco friendly toothbrush yet. I heard rumors of a “recyclable” plastic version coming out. I’m a little hesitant and confused on that concept but keeping my eyes and ears open for more brush options. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for your time, Bonnie! And thanks for opening such a great shop. Sustaining Bliss's (brick and mortar) grand opening will be Tuesday, September 1st. And if you can't check them out in person, be sure to check out their online shop.

Soft opening schedule continues this week:
Monday { noon - 6pm }
Tuesday { noon - 6pm}
Wednesday- CLOSED
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday { noon - 6pm}
Saturday { 10am - 3pm}
Sunday - CLOSED

Sustaining Bliss storefront is located at 27 W McKinley Way Poland, OH and opens on Tuesday, September 1st. 

All Photos used with permission c/o Sustaining Bliss's Facebook Page