Darlene del Mundo is the Manila-based ecopreneur behind By Nature Handmande Soaps – a line of handmade soaps made from natural ingredients including olive oil, honey, herbs and spices. By Nature soaps have drawn a cult following among Filipina consumers, lured not only by its benefits (consumers rave that using By Nature soaps cured their skin allergies) but also by its “Go Green , Go Natural” ethic. The ten year old solo venture has since expanded, with Darlene making and selling other natural skin products such as lip balm, sunblock lotion and body moisturizer. For Darlene, By Nature is not only a business but a means of keeping up and promoting an environment-friendly lifestyle. In this interview, Darlene dispenses some green travel tips.
 
Q: What do you usually pack to ensure that you keep up with your environment-friendly lifestyle even while traveling?
 
A: When I travel, I always make sure that I have my reusable canvas bags with me in case i go shopping for stuff. I also bring my own toiletries (handmade soaps and my other products) so I don't need to use those provided by the hotels. At least that lessens their (hotel management's) need to replace the toiletries. If a lot of us did so (bring our own toiletries), that would save a lot of small packaging from being disposed.
 
Q: Why do you prefer to use reusable bags instead of plastic bags?
 
A: I prefer using my canvas bags because I get to avoid taking home small plastic bags that won't be of use anymore (like for garbage). I bring of my canvas bags along with me when I know I'll be buying stuff in bazaars or the mall. Q: What do usually shop for while traveling? A: Biodegradable products are not available everywhere, but if I do see one that I can really make use of, I'd surely buy a couple just to support the cause.
 
Q: What is the advise that you can give to people who want to travel green?
 
A: Aside from bringing your own toiletries (hopefully, the biodegradable ones, too) and reusable bags, you can also bring other things along. Bring your own meals and pack them in your own containers so you don't need to buy packaged food. If you'll be staying in hotels that have eco-friendly objectives, do support them. Re-use the towels the hotels provide and avoid having the sheets changes if they're still clean.
 
Q: What are the benefits of leading an eco-friendly lifestyle.
 
A: I would like to believe that my green lifestyle has and does rub to others. It would really take time, but there's always a beginning for change.