Shifting to paper bags isn’t the only way we can wind down our carbon count. Bryan Benitez McClelland shows there are several creative ways to safeguard our planet. He takes ecotourism a step further with environmentally sustainable products that also support indigenous people.
I am an eco warrior because… I believe that we all have a choice when it comes to the product we choose to buy and use. And so, as a manufacturer, I like to make sure the products and services that I offer are environmentally responsible, as well as job-creating for the people that need them the most.
I’m passionate about… Working on my brand, Bambike, which involves building bamboo bicycles in Tarlac. I’m also developing another brand, Bambowtie, which is making bamboo bow ties. Both are done with the help of a Gawad Kalinga community, so it directly employs about 20 people.
For nature trips, I usually… Guide my water kayak trips. Rapid Stream is a kind of kayak ecotourism adventure up in San José, Tarlac. It’s an accessible day trip, so you can just take about a three-hour ride to our site and then we spend half a day going down this kayak adventure for about 12 and a half kilometers down Bulsa river. Then we have a native organic meal at the end. It’s a great way to get out in nature and have fun.
I believe in being eco-friendly because… we have only one planet. People need to start to reduce, reuse and recycle, and I want to lead by example.
I believe in being a responsible consumer because… at the rate things are going, we can’t maintain this quality of lifestyle for everyone. We need to start having a sustainable conscience with regard to purchasing.
When it comes to my diet, I… typically eat whatever I want, but I have a quirky guideline which helps me eat well: meatless Mondays, tofu Tuesdays and whole wheat Wednesdays. That’s pretty much it!
But I eat local organic food if possible, and not so much beef, just because that again is not so sustainable. So mostly fish and chicken and lots of vegetables.
As much as possible, I use products that… are pro-poor, pro-Philippines and pro-environment, so Human Nature products really suit me in this front. They are locally made, they don’t do animal testing, they create jobs for the poor. It is a true social enterprise. My favorites are Human Nature bug spray, rejuvenating massage oil, pure strength oil-fighting facial wash, shaving eucalyptus oil and bamboo body scrub.
Other products you’ll find in my bathroom are… Bench glory body spray, Axe deodorant stick, Katinko Ointment and Safeguard body wash.
I don’t use perfume; instead… I let my natural musk speak for itself.
When it comes to grooming myself… I’m a pretty low-maintenance guy, but definitely, brushing teeth is important.
Nowadays, I spend the most time… grooming my hair. Especially since it’s long. Let’s just say makulit ang kulot ko! I’ve been growing my hair because I’m hoping to donate my hair to Locks of Love.
One of my quirks is… I like to do things myself. I’ve been cutting my own hair for about a decade now.
I love surfing because… when you go out on the water, it’s just you and the ocean, waiting for the right wave. And when you’re in that moment, you’re not really distracted by anything else. You just kind of zero in on being in the right place and the right time and going for that natural thrill.
A surfing spot I frequent is… a secret spot in Luzon, although another not-so-secret spot is in Liwa, Zambales. I stay at a spot called the Circle, an awesome surf hostel.
Top tip
Human Nature has opened a flagship store in Quezon City, which is a one-stop shop for all things natural and all things Filipino. It houses natural and organic personal-care products from Human Nature, along with select third-party goods that share a similar nationalistic and environmental sensibility.
The philosophy of supporting products that are 100-percent made in the Philippines is reflected in the impressive space, which uses pressed bamboo for its flooring, shelves and in-store design. Human Nature is the Philippines’ largest brand of natural personal-care and cosmetics products, all 100-percent free of harmful chemicals.
The Human Nature flagship store is at 460 Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City. To learn more about Human Nature products and advocacy, visit www.humanheartnature.com; tel. 9315787. You may also visit Rustans, Shopwise and Beauty Bar for a select line of Human Nature products.