Every product we sell gets used in our house. Every single day.
That’s where it started. Back in 2014, we couldn’t find eco products that were actually built for real family life. Tough enough to survive three boys, a cat called Kiki and our five chickens (Maudie, Bertha, Honey, Sheila and Mabel). 10+ years ago everything eco was beige. Think back to stainless steel drink bottles and the original totes. All were plain to signify that they were in fact ‘eco’. We discovered certified eco inks and processes that allowed colour to be added safely so we could create art on our sustainable designed products.
The rules were simple: we had to want to use the products ourselves, and they had to handle our months of testing and trials.
Colour Was Always Part of the Plan
We believed from day one that choosing sustainable products shouldn’t feel like a compromise. You shouldn’t have to give up beautiful things to do the right thing. That’s why we’ve now collaborated with over 30 artists to bring fabulous designs to everyday essentials. The workshop is always bursting with colour.
We’re based at 123 Bridge St Studios in the heart of Nelson City. A creative hub shared with 23 other brilliant businesses. Photographers, potters, jewellers, hat makers, architects, web designers, and the Sublime Coffee Café right out front.
We don’t run set retail hours. Keep an eye out for our footpath sign when you’re passing, or drop us a message to find out when we’re in that week. Locals know the drill! Message Emma on 0212932709 or via any of our social media channels.
I’m Emma. Alongside the daily running of The Green Collective, I teach Pilates here in Nelson. A natural extension of a career spent as a Physiotherapist, helping people move well, feel well and live well.
My husband and I are raising three boys, which has sharpened our focus considerably. When you’re watching small humans grow up, the choices you make start to feel a lot more real. We try to lead by example, certainly not perfectly, but intentionally.
We also work with as many local Nelson and New Zealand businesses as possible, and we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by some genuinely talented, creative and entrepreneurial people. That leads to some fun collaborations and giveaways, so keep an eye out.
Reduce, reuse, recycle has always been our mantra but we’d add re-purpose, re-fresh and re-create to the list. We’re always looking at everyday habits and asking: could this be better?
That curiosity has led to some unexpected places. I’ve become a bit of a matchmaker for waste, connecting materials that would otherwise be thrown out with organisations who can give them a new life. Recent examples: retired kite surfing kites repurposed into post-surgical drainage bag covers for Cancer Society volunteers. And our limited banner bags made from expired advertising and event banners with expired child car seat straps.
Keep in touch with us. Tell us about an artist you wish we worked with, or a product you wish we made. Ask questions, share ideas. Your reviews and ideas may spark something!
