Simply This

Simply This is a family-run business based in Manchester, UK, passionately dedicated to making sustainable, plastic-free living both accessible and stylish. Born out of a commitment to reduce waste and offer practical eco-friendly alternatives, they specialize in crafting high-quality, reusable products that help individuals and families significantly lower their environmental footprint.

The Problem They Address: Plastic Waste and the Need for Alternatives

Simply This was created in response to the pervasive issue of single-use plastic waste, particularly in the realm of food packaging. They understand that:

• Single-use plastics (like sandwich bags, cling film, and disposable cutlery) contribute massively to landfill, ocean pollution, and microplastic contamination.
• Many people are eager to reduce their plastic consumption but struggle to find convenient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
• There's a growing desire for products that align with ethical and sustainable values, offering a local, handmade touch.

Simply This steps in to fill this gap, providing everyday essentials reimagined for a zero-waste lifestyle.

Mission and Ethos: Making Plastic-Free Living Simple and Sustainable

While Simply This, as a small family business, may not publish a formal mission statement, their operations and product focus clearly articulate their core ethos:

• To empower individuals to live a plastic-free life by offering practical, high-quality, and reusable alternatives to single-use items.
• To reduce waste at both the consumer and production level, championing durability and reusability over disposability.
• To promote sustainable living through accessible products and a conscious business model.
• To create beautiful, handmade items that bring joy and functionality to eco-conscious choices.
• To be a local, Manchester-based business that contributes to the city's growing sustainable economy.

Their name, "Simply This," suggests a philosophy of simplicity and sufficiency – that "this" one reusable item is all you need, replacing a continuous stream of waste.

Key Product Offerings and Approach:

Simply This focuses on crafting a core range of reusable products, often made with care and attention to detail:

1. Zero Waste Reusable Sandwich Wraps:

   • These are a flagship product, designed to replace single-use plastic bags or cling film for packing lunches.
   • Typically made from durable, food-safe materials (e.g., cotton with a waterproof, food-grade lining like PUL or beeswax-coated fabric), they are easy to clean and can be used repeatedly.
   • They often come in various attractive patterns and designs, adding a touch of personality to sustainable choices.

2. Cutlery Wraps (or Pouches):

   • These are designed to carry reusable cutlery (fork, knife, spoon, sometimes a straw or chopsticks) on the go.
   • They eliminate the need for disposable plastic cutlery when eating away from home.
   • Made from fabric, often with compartments or a simple roll-up design, they are compact and easy to carry in a bag or backpack.

3. Other Goodies:

   • In addition to their core wraps, "other goodies" would likely include complementary zero-waste products that align with their mission. These might include:
     • Reusable produce bags: For shopping loose fruits and vegetables.
     • Reusable snack bags: Smaller versions of sandwich wraps for snacks.
     • Washable cotton rounds: To replace disposable makeup wipes.
     • Fabric gift bags: To replace single-use wrapping paper.
     • Beeswax wraps: Another popular alternative to cling film.
     • Reusable shopping bags: Durable tote bags for groceries and errands.

4. Handmade and Local:

   • As a "family business making" these items, it implies a strong element of handmade craftsmanship and local production in Manchester. This resonates with consumers who value supporting small businesses, local economies, and knowing the origins of their products.

Impact and Contribution to Sustainable Living:

Simply This, though a small business, makes a significant contribution to the broader movement for sustainability:

• Direct Waste Reduction: Every sandwich wrap or cutlery wrap sold directly prevents countless single-use plastic items from entering the waste stream.
• Promoting Circular Economy: Encourages a shift from a linear "take-make-dispose" economy to a more circular one where resources are kept in use.
• Behavior Change: By providing attractive and practical alternatives, they help normalize and simplify plastic-free habits for everyday life.
• Support for Local Economy: As a Manchester-based business, they contribute to local employment and economic activity.
• Inspiration: They serve as an inspiration for other small businesses and individuals looking to make a positive environmental impact.
• Education by Example: Their products implicitly educate consumers about the alternatives to single-use plastics and the ease of adopting more sustainable practices.

Simply This represents a positive trend in consumerism, where thoughtful design, local production, and a strong ethical compass combine to create products that are good for people, good for Earth, and good for the community. They embody the idea that small, everyday changes can collectively lead to a substantial positive impact on the environment.