Lauren Grimshaw - Eco-conscious Brands
Today on the blog we chat with Lauren, the woman behind Eco-conscious Brands - a web-based platform which provides resources and support for eco conscious brands to be successful, make an income and reach a wider audience. As a small conscious brand we know first-hand how hard it is to stay afloat in an industry that isn't accustomed to ethical and eco practices. This new platform is exciting to see and something we know will be so useful to help eco conscious brands make an impact. We wanted to get to know Lauren a little better and hear from the expert just what it means to live an eco lifestyle.
"Green is the future of business and there are never been a better time than now to share your impact with the world." - Lauren Grimshaw
Lauren wears our Navy Crew Neck T-shirt
Tell us a bit about yourself:
"I was born in the UK but moved to Norway with my family when I was young. I was lucky enough to live by the beach growing up and visit incredible places like the Great Barrier Reef. I also found my passion for photography at a very young age. After high school, I went on to study Environmental Management with a major in Sustainability. Once finishing my degree, I combined my content creation skills with my knowledge and background in green business practices and started Eco-Conscious Brands! I now live the “digital nomad” life and split my time between Norway and Bali!"
When did you first start your journey towards an eco lifestyle?:
"I have been passionate about the environment and protecting wildlife since a young age, but it wasn’t until I started my degree in Environmental Management that that I started living more sustainably and making conscious consumer choices."
What made you decide to start living more eco-friendly?:
"Living in one of Norway’s best surf towns and regularly travelling when I was younger is what I believe to be the reason I committed my life, study and business to the environment. When you move from a country that rains a lot to one where the sun shines most days of the year, it’s hard not to be inspired!"
Lauren wears our Beige Crew Neck T-shirt
What was the first step you made towards living a more sustainable-lifestyle?:
"I have been vegetarian for over 5 years and this choice was motivated by the impacts of the agricultural industry on native wildlife and the natural environment. When I started my degree, I realised the power of individuals and that’s when got involved in Plastic Free July and giving up the “big four” – single-use bags, straws, coffee cups and water bottles. After that, I jumped straight in and started living “zero waste”. However, I found this to be a bit too extreme in the long run so I now try to just do the best I possibly can and make the most sustainable decision in every situation!"
What has been the hardest thing you've had to give up on your eco journey?
"To be honest, I don’t think I have had to give up anything! I am a big believer of being an imperfect environmentalist and doing what you can without making sacrifices. However, it can be really hard to find eco-friendly alternatives at times. Making conscious consumer choices means you often have to be a lot more organised, patience and you have to be willing to do a lot more research about items you are purchasing. Living an eco-friendly lifestyle also makes you question how your products were made; who made them; and if you really need to spend your money or if you can make do with what you already own."
Has it been easy to talk to your friends and family about making better choices for the environment?
"Very easy! I am a millennial, so my generation is overall very conscious – most of my friends from my hometown are educated about environmental issues and try to minimise their impact in some way or another! My mum is very economically sustainable and hates waste of any sort; my dad actually went vegetarian last year; and my sister is a huge supporter of Greta Thunberg. I also have heaps of friends that are also eco-friendly business owners!"
Lauren wears our Navy Crew Neck T-shirt
What is the number one piece of advice you would give to someone who has just decided to live more eco-friendly and sustainable?
"Don’t be so hard on yourself and don’t think you have to do it all – it’s not about being perfect. I think people often believe sustainable living is only about glass food containers, organic produce and a capsule wardrobes, and while I love all these things, I think it’s important to remind yourself, you’re doing enough just trying your best and educating yourself. Don’t forget, donating, voting and volunteering are some really simple ways you can help product the environment and contribute towards a more sustainable future!"