I’ve never worked with a company who simply sells products. Every one of them exists for the purpose of looking after people and planet; selling products is a just vehicle to carry out this mission.

CaliWoods is no exception.

CaliWoods believes there is a better way to do things. Through motivating information, developing sustainable lifestyle products, and sharing fresh ideas for doing life better, CaliWoods are leading New Zealanders towards a more sustainable existence.

I’ve been a CaliWoods shopper and supporter since they began in 2017. Shay, founder, and I met at a market in Kingsland, Auckland.

I shared about my obsession with her straws soon after, and since then we’ve become proper mates.

You know how every blogger on this earth says “I got this from my friends over at ENTER BRAND NAME HERE”? But really, they don’t know the brand owners name, or if they do, they’ve maybe had one conversation before - the word ‘friends’ is a little misleading.

Well, I can legitimately say “I recently trialled some new products from my friends at CaliWoods and here’s what I think of them.” Shay and I are legit friends. We voice message, hang out, have dinner with our partners, and we are going to a festival together in summer too. Does that qualify?

Without further explanation, here are some product reviews from CaliWoods. It' still makes me grin to look at the picture above and see how CaliWoods has grown from straws to SO much more. Go Shay!

Dishbar

This little gem replaces three plastic bottles of dishwashing liquid. It’s handcrafted, made in Aotearoa New Zealand, and zero waste! Families with kids adore this because they don’t have little Bobby squirting the dishwashing liquid everywhere and wasting heaps of product. As a hiker, I love taking it on tramps- it’s just so flipping easy to travel with.

Unless you’re also in the bush, the CaliWoods Dishbar sits on your kitchen bench. Simply wet your dish brush a little, scrub it on the bar, and wash your dishes. It foams up just like normal dishwashing liquid and does a great job.

Silicone Stretch Lids

I won’t lie; I nearly didn’t trial these because I am good with sticking to containers and beeswax wraps. But I am so glad I did. They’re the best for putting over little jars that you just cannot find the right size lid for, they save dishes because you can pop it over the bowl instead of scraping into a new container, and they make hosting or potlucks a breeze.

The Silicone Stretch Lids are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe, plus they are ideal for things like onions or fruit which don’t pair well with beeswax wraps (they make them sink forever).

Reusable Paper Bags

If you just cannot get off that paper bag wagon, it’s best you grab a reusable one. Sure, paper bags can be composted and reused a few times, but eventually they get wet or damaged. Using paper bags may be better than plastic, but single-use is always best to avoid, no matter what the item is made from.

These reusable paper bags are made (in Aotearoa New Zealand) to last. You can throw them in your washing machine when they’re dirty, or wipe them out. The flat bags are best for sandwiches or grabbing something from the bakery. The standup pouches are best for bulk bin trips or snacks. Keep in mind the standup pouches have domes; you fold the top over and do up the domes to close it. These can be difficult to close at times, so I wouldn’t recommend them for children.

Long-Handled Copper Razor

Although I rarely shave, this beauty does the trick when I get around to it! The long handle is excellent for a swift motion and provides more control as you glide. The blades are easy to replace, and once you have saved 40+ used blades, send back to CaliWoods for recycling.

I recommend drying your safety razor after use so the blades stay sharper and then razor stays more beautiful over it’s lifetime. This razor should literally last you a life time. A life time of avoiding stupid single-use razors, saving money, and loving that sexy copper look.

Use this razor for whatever hair removal you need! It’s unisex. It’s plastic free. It’s great.

While I hope these products are helpful in your home too, CaliWoods’ key focus (and strength) is education. They work hard to provide constant information around how to adopt more sustainable habits, and how to think beyond the basics of sustainable living.

For example:

How to go waste-free at festivals

How washing our clothes is polluting the ocean

Sustainability: How to make a difference at work

CaliWoods also launched an open letter to Government, calling for a sustainable economic reset. 330+ businesses signed and came together to urge the Government to spur sustainable possibility into reality during the economic reset that the nation was experiencing due to COVID19. This was presented to the Finance and Expenditure Committee and they responded positively!

CaliWoods Tumbler

I thought I’d leave my current favourite CaliWoods product until last. It’s winter right now, and I like my tea SUPER hot. So, I make my tea in my Caliwoods Tumbler so it stays hot! This is a life hack for mothers who reheat their coffees four times before completion too.

You’re so welcome.

Read CaliWoods helpful blog posts here.

Shop CaliWoods eco shop here.

Use code ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off! (CaliWoods branded products only)

As a rule, I only work with brands I love, use, and can whole heartedly back. I send the brand a large list of questions to answer first, and trial the product properly before saying yes to anything. This is a sponsored blog (I can't pay my electricity bill with free products), but 100% my own words, photos, and opinion.