Supplier stories: Quit single-use garbage bags thanks to TOMbag
By Lottie Dalziel
In Founder, Sasha Pestano's words, "TOMbag is on a mission to rid the world of single-use garbage bags with sustainable and reusable alternatives”.
"Nowadays, there is a reusable alternative to anything possible - from reusable cotton swabs to reusable kitchen towels. Garbage bags were probably the last item that didn’t have a reusable counterpart,” explains Sasha.
“It is estimated, that in Australia, households use over 3.3 billion single-use plastic garbage bags every single year. This number excludes garbage bags disposed of by commercial and industrial sectors. I started TOMbag believing that the problem with single-use garbage bags deserves more attention and that it needs to be solved”, - concludes Sasha.
When it comes to TOMbag's USP (aka unique selling point) the team have thought of it all. Their reusable garbage bags are made with certified recycled plastic - rPET - which means they use discarded plastic bottles to create their products. Using waste as a resource, TOMbag tries to generate none - they offer to all their customers an opportunity to upcycle reusable garbage bags at the end of their lifecycle.
TOMbag reusable garbage bags have a set of unique features - they are easily washable, 100% waterproof and extremely durable, so, unlike single-use garbage bags TOMbag reusable garbage bags don’t tear or leak. In addition, TOMbag’s inner lining has special antibacterial qualities which prevent unwanted smells.
Did you know that it's a myth that garbage must be bagged in a bin liner? In Australia this is far from the truth! TOMbag has contacted every Australian local council (yes every one!) and the feedback from most (they are still waiting for the few) is that loose garbage is completely OK, but many forward thinking councils (The City of Sydney, for example) actually encourage not to use a single use plastic garbage bag!
About the author
Lottie Dalziel is the founder and editor in chief of Banish. She has a passion for the environment and wants to help educate and inspire individuals to make small changes towards a more sustainable future. Stay up to date with her latest challenges on Instagram @banish.au or Tik Tok @lottiedalziel.