Ever wonder what tastemakers and stylish shoppers have in their shopping bags?

We asked Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, sustainability advocate, cofounder and president of Rags2Riches and Things That Matter, about her zero-waste starter kit, her go-to baby wash and some beloved local products that create positive impact.

Messy Bessy’s Little Warrior sanitizers

Messy Bessy Little Warrior. I don’t leave the house without this! It smells awesome, is made from plant-derived ingredients, and it works! And the best part is, it is manufactured by a local social enterprise that provides education, employment and rehabilitation for at-risk young adults.

Visit Messy Bessy, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall
Baby care starter set from Human Nature

Human Nature baby wash. This is my son’s goto baby wash. My toddler loves bath time so it is important for me that the products he uses are safe and sustainable. Human Nature is also a company that inspires so much goodness and love for country and the environment.

Available at Marketplace, P1 Level, Power Plant Mall

The Rockwellist tote

The Rockwellist tote by Aranaz and R2R. The Rockwellist tote is a beautiful tote/summery beach bag that makes use of natural fibers and recycled tarpaulins from Power Plant Mall. It also has a handwoven drop-in purse made by the R2R artisans using scrap fabric. We are proud to collaborate with one of our design partners in R2R, Aranaz and, of course, Power Plant Mall.

Subscribe to the Power Plant Mall newsletter to find out how to get your own The Rockwellist tote

SIP Burrito utensil and straw set

SIP Burrito. SIP is a company that cares about the environment and creates products that can help you start your zero-waste lifestyle. They sell metal straws, tumblers and utensil sets that you can bring with you to avoid using those single-use plastic disposables. My favorite is the SIP Burrito (metal version). It comes with a set of utensils, chopsticks, a straw, a milk tea straw and a straw cleaner.

Available at Common Room, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall

R2R Joaquin card holder

R2R Joaquin card holder. It is a simple, understated product that can fit about 20 cards. I used to put all my cards in my wallet but because they were piling up in number, I needed a simple card holder that would make everything visible and easily accessible. The Joaquin is handwoven by our R2R artisans using upcycled scrap fabric.

Available during R2R pop-up shops at Power Plant Mall and via www.rags2riches.ph or www.thingsthatmatter.ph