An Albert Road outlet has led the charge for Bunbury stores to become more environmentally friendly.
Eco Warehouse was founded by Michael and Natalie McAllister with the aim of reducing plastics and increasing environmentally-friendly business practices.
“We realised if we wanted more sustainable stuff then we’d have to buy it from over east and thought well, if we want it then other people will probably want it as well,” he said.
The store has delivered household products such as wraps, bottles, food storage containers, bodycare products, cleaning products and food made from alternatives to plastic-based materials.
Mr McAllister said the store’s stock worked effectively without the reliance on plastics.
“That’s what we’re about is providing the alternatives that are out there,” he said.
“There’s heaps of awesome products out there but, for some reason, they just haven’t been brought into one spot.”
They have received positive feedback from community members and local businesses.
Mr McAllister noted, following the McGowan Government’s announcement to ban single-use plastic bags in mid-2018, awareness of the issue has quickly increased.
“The awareness is getting out there now that something has to change and that is why these things are starting to hit the media and people’s attention,” he said.
“There are a lot of people that are really passionate out there and think that it’s got to go to zero, all of a sudden.
“We think that if everyone just takes a step, does one little thing towards it, then that is going to create big change.”
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Ray Philp said going eco-friendly was a good marketing initiative.
Mr Philp said consumers have become more conscious about each material and product’s effect on the environment. He also said people found switching to more environmentally-friendly products was a cost-saving positive.