Home Sweet Home

Ten and Co. is a haven for eco-friendly household staples.

WHO: Christen Irwin. CLAIM TO FAME: An early adopter of low-waste living, Christen started designing, importing and selling reusable Swedish sponge cloths in 2013 as an alternative to paper towels. A single cloth can replace the use of upwards of 30 rolls, she says. “Once it reaches the end of its life span — anywhere from four to 12 months — it’s compostable.” HOME BASE: Last August, Christen opened Ten and Co.’s first brick-and-mortar store in Oakville, Ont. It sells a mix of her own products and other carefully vetted items. “I wanted to make sustainable products really accessible, attractive and not overwhelming,” she says. Favourite finds include recycled blankets handwoven in Mexico by Indigenous artisans, biodegradable household brushes from Germany, enamelware dishes and more. HOT TIP ON LOW-WASTE LIVING: “Start by replacing one simple thing in your day-to-day life,” says Christen. “Instead of a single-use water bottle, use a reusable one every day. Then, switch to using reusable beeswax wraps instead of plastic.

It’s slow and steady, but it starts to snowball in a really good way.”

BELOW LEFT: A selection of Ten and Co.’s thoughtfully chosen household goods. BELOW RIGHT: Owner Christen Irwin with the Swedish sponge cloths that started it all. $6 each.