YYC Feature: EARTH FRIENDLY WRAPS
Melanie Poirier is ‘helping mother earth, one wrap at a time’
Small changes, real impact. This is the guiding belief that inspired Melanie Poirier to create handmade, reusable beeswax food wraps and eventually launch her business ‘Earth Friendly Wraps’. She recognized that choosing reusable wraps instead of plastic helps household reduce their environmental footprint and this may inspire others to make similar changes: throw a pebble in the water and watch the ripple effect. Poirier has made waves of her own by educating consumers about various alternatives to single use plastics, not only in regard to her own product but other eco-friendly house products as well. Her success proves that even the smallest of businesses can propel forth ideas that are critical for collective change.
What inspired you to start making reusable beeswax food wraps? When and why did you launch your company?
“I first got the idea to make beeswax wraps while searching through Pinterest for DIY projects a few years ago. I’ve always loved making things myself, and it was around that time that I became interested in reducing my consumption of single use items in my home. So I bought some beeswax pastilles and made a small batch of reusable wraps, which didn’t turn out great! I still used them though, in the spirit of not wasting.
A couple of years later I was trying to think of something I could make and donate for a friend who was raising money for her dogs surgery, and I offered to make some for this cause. My sweet friend was very interested in these wraps, not for her fundraising effort, but instead encouraged me to take my wraps to the public! So after some trial and error, and a few false starts, Earth Friendly Wraps was born!
I wanted to start this little business to do my part in trying to spread the word on how making even small changes in your home can make an impact on helping the environment and eliminating single use plastics in your day to day life.”
“Beeswax is a fantastic ingredient to use for reusable wraps! It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it provides a water resistant barrier, but it is also breathable…it is all natural, edible and it never goes bad!”
Why do you think it’s important that consumers make the switch from using plastic/ziplock bags to eco-friendly food wraps ? What difference can someone make by doing so?
“I feel it is so important to try and make any kind of change to reusable products, especially in the kitchen, where so much waste can be created! The impact that these items have on the environment is staggering, and it is heartbreaking to see how much destruction they cause to our land and oceans, and to all of the life living in these spaces. Even making one small switch, such as using beeswax wraps instead of ziplock or cling wrap, can have an impact over time. While the reusable wraps can’t be used in every way that a ziplock bag can be, it can replace many functions and that feels amazing to know that you’re doing your part to try and heal Mother Nature!”
Why use beeswax? Where do you source it from?
“Beeswax is a fantastic ingredient to use for reusable wraps! It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it provides a water resistant barrier, but it is also breathable enough to not let moisture build up underneath, helping keep food fresher for longer! Another amazing thing about beeswax is that it is all natural, edible and it never goes bad!
My beeswax comes from local beekeepers just south of Calgary. I’ve purchased from them a few times now and am very happy with the quality of the wax”
It’s awesome that each of your wraps are handmade and completely unique! What sort of feedback have you been getting from customers about your product?
“I really value feedback from the people who buy my wraps, and I always try to improve my product based on this feedback. So far I’ve received really positive feedback, but my wraps are not always perfect! So if ever I miss the mark with a batch, I always do what I can to make it right with my customers.”
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your entrepreneurial journey? Do you have any advice for fellow ethical entrepreneurs?
“When I first started putting my product out there for people to buy, I was overwhelmed with people’s response and interest! I quickly realized that I was way out of my comfort zone as a budding “entrepreneur”, (my day job is in health care) and that the timing wasn’t right for me to really be able to jump in with both feet. So I hit the pause button for about a year and started back up last fall. This time around I feel more excited about the process and I’m ready to see what the future holds! So that being said, make sure you are in the right headspace and that the timing is right before trying to start in the business world!”
What is your dream for your business over the next five years?
“At this point in time I’m just focusing on being in the moment and keeping this an enjoyable pastime I do outside of my regular busy life. I always hope to improve my product and getting the word out on this and other low/zero waste products. I feel that exposure and education about alternatives to single use plastics is the most important goal here, and less about promoting my product specifically. I am just going with the flow and believe that whatever will be, will be!”
What is your favourite quote or piece of advice?
“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned over the last five years is how important it is to let things go; anger, hurt, fear- anything that doesn’t serve you! So one of my favourite pieces of advice is ‘Let that sh*t go’!”
Find her at:
@earthfriendlywraps