FOR most people, watching a heartbreaking video about a plastic straw stuck inside a turtle’s nose would only compel them to react with a cry emoji. But for Ivy Jane Sumabong, that video was strong enough to make her take action beyond the screen.
She decided to open Luntian Lokal, a one-stop shop for everything you would need to start your sustainable lifestyle. From bamboo toothbrushes to delicately scented perfumes in pocket-sized tins, Luntian Lokal offers a plethora of unique yet useful products that leave zero waste.
Know your options
The Luntian Lokal founder started her online eco-store by selling ecobars, solid shampoos and conditioners that come in squares wrapped in paper. Most people wouldn’t think about the impact of their shampoo bottles, but they do add waste once they’re empty and thrown away. Ecobars leave nothing once you’re through with them.
“I want people to know their options,” says Ivy, who was once, like most people, unaware of the impact of their daily choices. “If people don’t know that they have options, they’ll continue their wasteful lifestyles.” Her passion to inform people about sustainable alternatives brought her to different trade fairs around the country. From there, she found suppliers that would help her bring more sustainable goods to Cagayan de Oro City.
Today, Luntian Lokal sells a variety of sustainable goods -- some of which you would never have thought existed. If you think that perfume can only be sprayed, think again! They sell solid perfumes that come in pocket-sized tins. If you don’t want stainless steel straws because they just don’t offer the same straw “experience”, Luntian Lokal sells reusable silicone straws-- a bestseller among moms who have kids that love to bite on straws.
The online store carries all kinds of products that help change your wasteful lifestyle into an informed and sustainable one. It’s time to swap your plastic bags for woven totes whenever you have to go to the market. Luntian Lokal’s totes are even stylish enough that they could double as beach bags for your next trip to Camiguin.
Status of sustainability
Ivy shares that, by bringing these products to the city, people have become more interested in sustainable living. “It’s nice to see people stop and be shocked when they see certain products like the reusable sanitary pads,” she shares of her experience during one of Centrio’s exhibits in which Luntian Lokal had joined. From her experience, people’s curiosity about these products is what helps them make better choices, and ultimately, create a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.
But, how are people from Cagayan de Oro responding to sustainable products? Ivy shares that the younger generation seems to be more interested in discovering and testing these products, compared to older folks who have become accustomed to living life with plastic. Still, she continues in her personal mission of introducing sustainability to where it needs to be talked about.
Ultimately, Luntian Lokal is more than just a store that sells eco-friendly goods. It’s an expression of one’s concern for the ever-worsening condition of the environment. The Luntian Lokal founder hopes that more people realize the impact of their habits and switch to more sustainable alternatives.
Luntian Lokal accepts orders through their Facebook page “Living Luntian” and Instagram account @luntianlokal.