A ZERO WASTE PROPOSAL - SHAMPOO EDITION

This is a business idea I would like to throw out there, since I don't have the "resources" to back it up, hoping someone will take on the task of implementing it...But before I get into it, I'd like to look at the "tinge" (sachet) mentality first. A lot, if not most, of Filipinos have this mentality. May it be because we think it's cheaper, more practical, easier, or a matter of what we can afford, it boils down to 2 major cons...it is, in fact, more expensive in the long run, and produces so much garbage.

I've been seeing some efforts to minimize trash through using ecobags and reusable straws and I'd like to contribute to this #zerowaste movement with this idea. SHAMPOO and SOAP...Items we use everyday in each household. I will not delve into the formulation or ingredients because I believe that's the easiest part. There are already several brands that are organic, natural or eco-friendly. And since I make these items for personal use, I believe we can bring down costs even more if this were to be made at a bigger scale. So, what am I driving at? Distribution! Having this reach the masses, more people, more consumers, at an affordable price. I would like to think of myself as part of the middle class, I buy at least 500ml bottles of shampoo and soap, or sometimes make a gallon of soap then use/recycle old pump bottles. So if I were to go to those refilling stations for my soap and shampoo, I doubt that will make a dent to the trash problem as compared to converting another person who uses a sachet of shampoo everyday.

 THE IDEA

1. Produce eco friendly shampoo and put in 5 gallon bottle dispensers
2. Supply to sari-sari stores nationwide. (Optional supply to groceries, department store, etc.)
3. Price per "pump" (5-10ml or sachet content equivalent)
4. Consumer opts to bring own bottle or bottle sold separately in sari sari store.
5. Tarpaulin that shows and explains the benefits (environmental, financial, etc) of this system.

 Easy right??? NOT! Unfortunately, there are a LOT of "politics" involved in launching this project. This will clearly go against a lot of big companies, FDA, rules, etc. If you are aware of how things go here in the Philippines, you will understand what I'm driving at. It would be safe to say that, there are a lot of brilliant ideas, a LOT of ways to solve the problems we have, but without EVERYONE'S cooperation, yes, it may happen, but at what co$t??? An otherwise simple and affordable idea turns into a complex expensive burden that solves nothing! Haaaaaay nakooooooo! (SIGH!)

P.S. I only shared the basic idea for shampoo above but I already have it clearly mapped out, it's that "barrier" that has me stuck! Anyway, I also have an idea for coffee that isn't 100% done yet. Again, having the same concept of being environment-friendly and affordable at the same time.