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Manila Bulletin devider Environment and Sustainability devider This 'sari-sari store' along Maginhawa Street shows it's possible to be an eco-conscious consumer

This 'sari-sari store' along Maginhawa Street shows it's possible to be an eco-conscious consumer

Published Nov 13, 2023 09:43 pm

Step into the lively space of Maginhawa St. Eco Store, where a kaleidoscope of colors welcomes you to a curated selection of sustainable and locally sourced products that won’t break the bank. 

Established during the pandemic, the eco store adopts a vibrant maximalist style reminiscent of a sari-sari store. Its backdrop features a marine mural by environmental activist AG Saño, underscoring the importance of marine life.

From implementing a bring-your-own-container policy to encouraging sustainable shopping choices, the store aims to help consumers lower their ecological footprint by promoting a low-impact lifestyle.

A sustainable story

Dakila Cutab, co-owner of Maginhawa St. Eco Store, seized the chance to open a sustainable boutique after the previous tenant left the nearby space where he resided.

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Maginhawa St. Eco Store co-owner Dakila Cutab

Cutab draws inspiration from his eco-friendly practices and appreciation for nature, which birthed the eco store.

“Involved ako dati sa mountaineering and scuba diving. Every time rin na pupunta kami ng wife ko sa wet market or grocery, nagdadala kami ng containers (I used to be involved in mountaineering and scuba diving. Every time my wife and I go to the wet market or grocery store, we also bring containers),” said Cutab. 

The eco store frequently joins bazaars to promote a low-impact lifestyle, with stalls in various locations such as the UP campus and UP Town Center. By March 2024, it will open its third branch in UP Shopping Center. 

Low-impact offerings 

The eco store sources its local coffee beans from Kalinga, Mt. Apo, and Sultan Kudarat. It offers a diverse range of flavors, including house blend, French roast, toffee, and vanilla — ideal for students burning the midnight oil or employees chipping in overtime hours.

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The coffee beans are sourced locally.

If you seek a soothing beverage, opt for tea instead. Choose from chamomile, hibiscus floral, blue lotus, mulberry leaves, and rose buds tea to enhance your tea collection with a touch of variety. 

Pair your coffee or tea with books from local writers, too. Maginhawa St. Eco Store has a curated selection of books to immerse yourself in, with independent publishers from San Anselmo Press, Southern Voices, and Librong Lira.

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A collection of books from local writers and indie publishers.

As you indulge in reading, snack on the store’s best-selling trail mix for a flavorful accompaniment. This enticing snack blend includes organic golden flaxseeds, dried mangoes, rolled oats, roasted almonds, and granola — creating an interplay of flavors and textures for your enjoyment.

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Trail mix featuring various types of peanuts, organic dried berries, and oats.

The green boutique's refilling station also reduces waste by eliminating single-use items. Customers bring their own containers to refill with alcohol, handmade all-natural handmade soap, and disinfectant, thereby reducing disposable packaging consumption. 

Green takeaways 

In the quest to curb global warming, Cutab advocates for collective small steps toward achieving minimal waste. 

“Hindi natin kailangan mag-practice ng perfect type na zero waste. Ibig sabihin, small steps but collectively. Mas kailangan natin ng millions ng population to practice living a low-impact lifestyle (We don't need to practice the perfect type of zero waste. This means taking small steps, but collectively. We need millions of people to practice living a low-impact lifestyle)," said Cutab.

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The store features jewelry infused with 'Reiki' healing energy.

Maginhawa St. Eco Store is a testament to the growing movement of environmentally conscious businesses and their commitment to providing sustainable alternatives. 

In a consumerist society that plagues the environment, it’s our duty as consumers to adopt eco-friendly shopping practices and foster a collective shift toward sustainable consumption.

It’s crucial to note that the due date to do our part was yesterday. But through mindful purchasing, opting for minimally packaged products, and supporting eco-friendly brands, we actively champion the protection of this planet — our one and only home.

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