Eco-health: good by you, the community and the planet

Meet eco-health: a new category in healthy living

 

What is eco-health?

Eco-health is pretty much as it sounds - products that are not only good for us to consume or use on our bodies or in our homes (the ubiquitous ‘healthy’), but equally good for the planet and good for the community (eco – our environment literally and figuratively). 

From seed to ‘shelf’, these products have been ethically and responsibly created, are planet-friendly and only contain the good stuff. 

Why eco-health? Why not just use ‘healthy’ or ‘better-for-you’?

When we opened our (virtual) doors in 2020 we set out to create a better market that provided a way for Australians to get better-for-you products into their homes at affordable prices. These days the terms healthy and better-for-you seem to be used with abandon. The challenge that we were faced with was how to comprehensively describe and communicate all the good that our brand partners were doing in addition to the incredible ingredient integrity of their products. 

Stocking products that are natural with unrefined and readable ingredients that are nutritious and organic was a non-negotiable for us. But it was equally as important for us to know where and how the ingredients were sourced and how they were produced, packed and distributed. We also wanted to ensure that our brand partners shared our same ethos and were acutely focused on doing their part to make the world we live in more equitable and sustainable. 

And so a new category, eco-health, was born. 

What makes a brand or product eco-health?

Before we stock a product, we ensure it complies with our defined eco-health criteria. We know that perfection is not always possible and above all, we reward progress. We appreciate that every brand and business has its own unique journey and circumstances and while every box may not be ticked, our brand partners are fully committed to improving their practices and making a positive impact. We are proud and humbled to support brands that are striving to make a difference in the world and are prioritising sustainability and social justice.

And of course as a company, we abide by and uphold these very same values and principles.

 

Eco-health criteria

Interested in our criteria and what makes a brand eco-health? Here are a few of the key questions we ask when assessing a new brand partner and its products:

What’s inside: we work with nutritionists and naturopaths to assess ingredient integrity.

• Does it taste good? We taste everything (a hard job but someone has to do it)!
• Are the ingredients nutritious and readable? 
• Is a product natural, minimally processed and contain no nasties?

We are hyper-focused on products that are healthy and good for the whole family. We say no to fads, restrictions and calorie counting. We don't say no to sweets, but rather view everything in moderation and embrace the ones without additives.   

How it does good: here we look at the entire product life cycle and how the brand conducts its business. 

We evaluate how the ingredients are sourced.

• Are responsible, fair trade sourcing practices used and supply chain ethical? 
• Are regenerative farming practices and principles followed?
• Is testing cruelty free?

We review how the product is manufactured. 

• How and where is a product manufactured and is sustainable packaging and practices prioritised?
• Is the brand and product locally owned or made in Australia? We first and foremost champion Australian brands but also support global brands that have the best product in a certain category or are adopting eco-health practices in a remarkable way. 

Finally, we look at the operations and priorities of our brand partners. 

• Does the brand have sustainability practices that go above and beyond? Are they measuring and striving to reduce their carbon emissions?
• Do they support key causes and social good? Are they committed to positive change through initiatives and programs?
• Is the brand inclusive? Is it women or minority founded? Is it a family-owned, independent or small business? Does it have diversity and inclusion practices? 

True to our motto to embrace progress (while striving for perfection!) we are continually reviewing and challenging our criteria and will continue to do so. 

 

How does Wholesome embody eco-health?

Following the same value system in our own operations that we require of our suppliers is fundamental. We run our own business sustainably and with purpose. 

• We do our part to protect our planet’s finite resources by prioritising ground delivery to minimise carbon emissions and partner with Greenfleet to offset all carbon emissions from our deliveries. All our packaging is post-consumer recyclable or reusable. We are working hard on a solution to remove all plastic packaging (currently small plastic bags are used to protect glass bottles from breakage during transport) but aren’t quite there yet. 
• We have formal sustainable practices around recycling and renewable energy to minimise carbon emissions from our office and warehouse operations.  
• We are a woman and minority founded business and support diversity and inclusion hiring practices.
• We support social justice and enabling access to healthy groceries through our GIVES program by donating free memberships and healthy meals through our not-for-profit partner OzHarvest.   

Have an eco-health product recommendation?

We are always on the lookout for new products! We find new products and brands by scouring social media, researching online trade publications and websites, shopping local stores and welcoming suggestions from our member community. 

Have a suggestion on a product or brand that fits the bill? Email [email protected].