From selling microfibre clothes to having an online store for eco-friendly goods, James and Lee-Ann Wilson are providing sustainable products at an affordable price to the market
Q: How did your journey with Amaroo Eco begin?
A: I was selling microfibre cloths for many years, covering an area of approximately 800 kilometres. Then we had a baby come into our lives — my wife was a university lecturer at the time, so it made sense that I stayed home and became “Mr Mum” (which I loved). But I still wanted to help out, so we created our first eco-friendly business called Go Green at Home more than 12 years ago, which has now evolved into Amaroo Eco. We changed the name because we were getting confused with a business selling solar panels. Amaroo is an Aboriginal name meaning “beautiful place”, and we truly believe that Australia is a beautiful place.
Q: What was the initial vision behind Amaroo Eco, and how has that changed?
A: We wanted to create an online store that sold eco-friendly products at a reasonable price. When we started, if the words “sustainable” or “environmental” were mentioned, people were charging up to four times the price and everyone wondered why people were not making the change. We wanted to change that and make things more affordable. We did not get into business to make a million dollars; we wanted to make a difference … and I believe that we are making a difference.
Q: Why is it important to use sustainable products?
A: We only have one planet; there is no back up. There is an island of rubbish floating in the ocean and rubbish washing up on our beaches every day. Recycling is not the answer, as there is only so much we can recycle. Making products out of other materials that does not have to be recycled I believe is the way to go — and we could do so much more. Every product that we sell, we personally use.
Q: What is your favourite Amaroo Eco product?
A: I would have to say our Soap Nuts. They are simply amazing and straight from Mother Nature herself. These little berries can be used for so many things — as a laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, car wash — I even wash my dogs with Soap Nuts. They are anti-bacterial, antifungal economical, effective and easy to use. I have seen so many people with skin allergies get amazing results from switching to these. There are times I cry telling stories of some of the people this amazing product has helped.
Q: What are three things we can do today to be more sustainable?
A: We have a saying in our business:
“The hundreds of choices we make each day impact the environment. Sometimes it’s a big decision … Sometimes it’s as small as changing your toothbrush or the way you clean your clothes.” Change your toothbrush to a more sustainable version. Change the product you use to clean your home, clothes and self. Tell others what you are doing; share the message.
Q: What’s next for Amaroo Eco?
A: We are always looking to find good quality products to add to our range. So far this year we have added dental floss and cotton buds, with more to come. Our family will stay strong and continue to make a difference every chance we can.
For more information about Amaroo
Eco, visit amarooeco.com.au
