Because of the strange, challenging, and rapidly changing times, Flapper Press Green Marketplace is adding new "green products" to our Shop, and we are excited about sharing new products from small businesses that support sustainable living and green alternatives to household and personal products that you use every day.
When we went searching for small businesses who fit our mission statement for the Green Marketplace, we were thrilled to find EcoMe Reusable Storage Bags. Made from non-toxic silicone material, these bags are a perfect addition to your "green" kitchen, providing leak-proof storage and easy care. They are microwave and dishwasher safe—and you can even put them in boiling water and the oven!
I recently interviewed EcoMe Reusable Bags creator Jolie Tres about her wonderful new product!
EG: Flapper Press is so excited to feature your EcoMe Bags in our Green Marketplace! Because of the pandemic, plastic bag use has increased, and it makes me crazy! I’m constantly looking for green alternatives, so your bags were such a welcome sight. Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and the story of how you created your wonderful EcoMe Bags.
J: I grew up in a small town playing outdoors, riding horses, and helping with neighbors' farm animals. Our community was very mindful of food waste and pollution. I’ve always had a passion and respect for nature. After I moved to a bigger city in the United States, I noticed the waste in single-use plastics such as disposable silverware, cups, and plates, and of course plastic bags.
I decided to make a small contribution to help our planet by creating these all-natural, silicone bags that are reusable, convenient, and help you store food for longer.
EG: Alright, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Tell me all about the impressive specs of the EcoMe Bags.
J: The bags are made of 100% food-grade silicone, FDA approved, BPA free, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and tasteless. They are air tight, freezer, boil, and microwave safe. Easy to write and rewrite on.
One set includes 4 color-coded bags: white, red, blue, and green. Bag size is 7.9 x 6.9 with a 30 oz capacity, which makes it fit perfectly in your handbag, lunch bag, or backpack. They stand upright and are easy to fill through a wide opening. You can wash them in your dishwasher and reuse them countless times, saving money and the planet!
EG: Covid-19 has dominated the headlines, and I’m afraid that the Climate Crisis is having to take a backseat these days. Can you tell me your thoughts on the harsh reality that we all need to face about the state of our beautiful planet?
J: Climate Crisis is a reality that affects us all, and though we may not be able to change the manufacturing laws or legislation, we can each do our part by reducing toxic waste, waste that is destroying ecosystems, our oceans, and entrapping endangered animal species.
EG: In your opinion, what are some basic steps that we can take to make our lives greener, more sustainable?
J: Choose bulk products from local farms—they taste better and have lower impact on our environment. Plant more trees and plants, grow organic veggies, and refuse to buy/use single-use plastics. You can start today by making your contribution to our planet while taking advantage of this amazing and versatile EcoMe product.
EG: Thank you so much for talking to me. We look forward to featuring your products on our site. Are there any particular organizations or websites that you could suggest to learn even more about green living?
J: Yes, I can suggest to read books about a zero-waste lifestyle, such as Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too by Beth Terry, following inspirational Instagram accounts, and watch documentaries such as What the Health, Forks Over Knives, or the just released Down to Earth with Zac Efron and Darin Olien.
I'm also a contributing member of WWF animal protection and participate in fundraisers to help protect our natural resources.
It is our mission to reduce harmful plastic usage and show people a smarter choice.