Deena’s Success Built on Being Better for Earth

We were so excited to be able to partner with Our Footprints Eco Store & Refillery this month for our new monthly ‘Being Better’ Challenge as not only did it give us a fantastic local prize collaboration, but we got to learn more about what the incredible Deena Aspinall, and her fantastic team at the store are doing day-in, day-out to make our job of ‘Being Better for Earth’ that much simpler.  We were delighted to hear from Deena about what they do, why it matters and why she thinks striving to be a little more eco-conscious equates to being a better human.

What makes Footprints an ‘eco-store’ and specifically differentiates you from any of the eco-friendly products we might find in big box grocery stores?

Our commitment to reducing waste at the source. A key difference is that many of our products are offered in refill format, meaning customers can reuse their own containers rather than continually purchasing new plastic packaging. You can bring in virtually any container and refill essentials like laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, and all-purpose cleaner.

In addition, we carefully research the companies we partner with to ensure they align with our values. This includes evaluating their environmental impact, ethical sourcing, and overall business practices. Our goal is to provide products that are not only better for the planet but also responsibly made from start to finish.

Tell me your top 3 favourite products and why?

My top three products are:

1. Shampoo and conditioner bars from High-end hippie- they last such a long time and make my hair feel amazing

2.  Konenki skin care- this skin care for women’s changing skin was founded by a woman right here in Kamloops.

3. Anything from the Mint Cleaning company- they smell amazing and work so well. Plus, they are women- and BC-owned. 

We hear a lot about ‘greenwashing’ these days (in the same way that ‘pink washing’ became a token gesture that corporations used to leverage cancer for marketing). Help us understand what greenwashing is, why it matters, and how we can try to avoid falling for it.

Greenwashing is when a company markets a product or brand as environmentally friendly without meaningful action to back it up. It often shows up through vague claims like “eco-friendly,”“natural,” or “green,” without clear definitions, certifications, or transparency. In some cases, brands highlight one positive feature while ignoring a larger environmental impact, creating a misleading impression of sustainability.

This matters because it erodes trust and makes it harder for consumers to make genuinely responsible choices. When companies invest more in marketing themselves as “green” than in actually improving their practices, it slows real environmental progress and puts truly ethical businesses at a disadvantage.

To avoid falling for greenwashing, it helps to look a little deeper. Check for credible third-party certifications, clear ingredient lists, and transparency about sourcing and manufacturing. Be cautious of overly broad claims or packaging that “looks” sustainable but doesn’t provide real substance. Asking questions - like where a product is made, how it’s packaged, and what happens at the end of its lifecycle- can also go a long way.

At the end of the day, informed consumers are powerful. Supporting businesses that prioritise honesty, accountability, and measurable impact helps shift the market toward real sustainability rather than just the appearance of it.

Thank you for collaborating on our first ‘Being Better’ challenge with your discount code.  Our ‘Being Better’ challenges are designed around thinking about how we can all try to show up in the world as better humans. Why is eco-conscious purchasing an important part of being a good human to you?

Thank you for including us in the ‘Being Better’ challenge. We’re so glad to be part of something that encourages thoughtful, positive change.

For us, eco-conscious purchasing is an important part of being a good human because it reflects an awareness that our everyday choices have a broader impact. The products we buy don’t just appear on shelves. They come from natural resources, supply chains, and people. Being mindful of that helps us make choices that are kinder to the environment and more respectful of the individuals involved in creating those products.

It’s not about being perfect, but about being intentional. Choosing to reduce waste, support ethical companies, and invest in more sustainable options is a way of taking responsibility for our footprint and contributing to something bigger than ourselves. Small, consistent choices - like refilling instead of rebuying, or supporting businesses that prioritise transparency - can add up to meaningful change over time.

At its core, eco-conscious purchasing is about care: care for the planet, care for people, and care for future generations.

Thanks to our ‘Being Better for Earth’ challenge, we have heard quite a few ideas about how people are doing their part to protect Earth this month.  I’m sure you have a few that we haven’t heard, though - care to share your top tips for easy everyday steps to make a difference?

It’s been so inspiring to see how many people are stepping up in small but meaningful ways. Those everyday choices really do add up.

A few simple, approachable habits we always love to share:

• Start with what you already use most.Look at your daily routines—cleaning, personal care, laundry—and swap just one or two items for refillable or low-waste options. It’s an easy entry point that creates immediate impact without feeling overwhelming.

• Reuse before you recycle.Recycling is great, but reducing and reusing are even better. Bring your own containers, bags, and bottles whenever you can. 

• Buy less, but better.Choosing higher-quality, longer-lasting items (even if it’s just one at a time) helps reduce overall consumption and waste. Thoughtful purchasing goes a long way.

• Support businesses that align with your values.Where you spend your money matters. Supporting companies that prioritise ethical sourcing, sustainability, and transparency helps push the entire industry in a better direction.

• Give yourself permission to start small.Sustainability isn’t all-or-nothing. Even one small change—like switching to a refill, saying no to a plastic bag, or choosing a more conscious product—makes a difference.

At the end of the day, it’s about progress, not perfection. When more people make small, consistent changes, the collective impact is incredibly powerful