You vote with your Wallet
A good way to protest against the companies and industries that you don’t like is simply don't buy their products.
In my search for trying to produce an eco surf wax that was also a brand, I came across a few local businesses that seem to be making an effort to express and show some care for the planet through their actions and not just words. I’m sure that if I employed a marketing manager, they would tell me to only promote and write about my own products. Anyway I think the world needs a lot more companies doing the right thing so I’ll try and give a few of the local ones a bit of a plug. My definition of local might be a bit broad.
When I'm making purchasing decisions, I often ask myself, Do I need it? Can I make it myself? Can I find the one I already own? Can I trade, barter, repair the one that I have? Can I negotiate to rent it, buy it second hand or borrow it?
Wet Suits & Swimwear
Second Hand
I'm pretty impressed with all the second hand shops in Byron Bay. I would say that some people who live in Byron Bay can be very generous in their giving. I will single out Global Ripple and the Salvation Army in the Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate credit for selling a variety of second hand wetsuits at good prices. If you have a wetsuit you no longer use you might consider giving it to one of these places.
Abysse
Abysse could possibly make the most stylish wetsuits I have ever seen. I enjoyed reading their sustainability page. Plenty of swimsuits to choose from. In particular if you're a women who loves to surf they have a good range which will keep the sun off with a zipper on the back.
Porter Street Byron Bay (Moving to new location soon.)
FAE
FAE. Great range of swimwear. I enjoyed reading their sustainability page.
Porter Street Byron Bay
Hakea
Hakea Great range of swimwear. I enjoyed reading their sustainability page.
McTavish
I'm pretty please to see a lot more organic cotton and recycled nylon creeping into their fashion range. Probably has a lot to do with Bob McTavish being a close friend of the Patagonia Founder.
91 Centennial Cct. Byron Bay
snorklebear
Looks like classic Byron Bay. snorkelbear
2/1 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay
Patagonia
I would say that Patagonia wetsuits have become a lot cheaper over the last couple of years. If they sell more wetsuits then I'm sure the price will come down more and they will have a bigger budget to help make their wetsuits more eco friendly. I give Patagonia credit for being a pioneer and I am sure the're making it easier for some of the smaller fashion labels.
58 Jonson Street Byron Bay
BHUMI
A range of organic cotton clothes, bed spreads, towles etc.
Shop 2/20 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Sunscreen
Santos Organics has alot to say about sunscreens. Read about it here.
Surfpaste is available in a lot of local outlets and online.
Fortuna Sunset Gets the Santos tick of approval.
Oyster Suncare is available in a lot of local outlets and online.
Clothes Repair
Sewing Circle Collective
I'll give a plug to the Sewing Circle Collective who work out of the Myocum tip shop. I have a soft spot for upcycled clothing. Maybe they can do repairs as well.
Eating and Drinking
Byron Bay Farmers Markets
I live walking distance to these markets. Easy to buy packaging free organic fruit and vegetables. I enjoy going every Thursday morning. A great place to catch up with friends and neighbours.
Mullum Farmers Markets
Every Friday morning. Easy to buy packaging free organic fruit and vegetables.
Fundies
I have a soft spot for brunch at Fundies. Next door to the Byron Bay Post Office.
Mini supermarket and cafe aiming for 100% organic.
Santos
I have a soft spot for all three Santos Stores.
Mini supermarket and cafe aiming for 100% organic.
The Source Bulk Foods
A great place to go packaging free with a variety of organic products.
107 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
81 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Tintenbar Distillery
I used to belong to a gin drinking club in Yeppoon. The Tintenbar Gin was voted the world’s best.
100% organic. Everything Tintenbar Distillery produces is an extremely high standard.
Can usually be found in the local bottle shops.