‘Small changes can make the world of difference’
Yas Batchelor, from London, traded corporate life for running her own eco-business so she could spend more time with her children.
Most days, I’m at my home workshop, making eco-friendly beeswax wraps. They’re a brilliant replacement for clingfilm, made by spreading beeswax on to fabric so that it becomes sticky enough to cover food and keep it fresh. My kids – Rohan, 19, Mia, 17, and Lara, 15 – sometimes help me, or sit and chat to me while I work.
I used to work in marketing and loved corporate life, but it had its challenges. I felt it was noticed if I had to leave work for one of my children; it was difficult striking the balance.
This became even harder when Mia was diagnosed with a genetic condition that affects her immunity, involving regular trips to Great Ormond Street Hospital. I resigned from my job so I could be there for her, though luckily we could live off my husband’s income.
I started thinking about what I could do instead. Being raised by Indian parents, I’d been taught to waste nothing. My mother would always find uses for old containers or scraps, and I’d been trying to reduce my plastic usage, too. In particular, I was using too much clingfilm. I’d heard about using beeswax wraps to keep food fresh, so I bought ethical beeswax and used a Youtube tutorial to learn to make them. They were so effective, and friends asked me to make wraps for them, too.
I also discovered kitchen sponges can take 15,000 years to decompose, so I started creating eco-friendly versions. Next, I made reusable cotton pads from bamboo fabric. Soon it became clear that I could turn it into a business, so in January I launched my Urban Green Company website. It was a steep learning curve as I did everything myself, but the business is expanding and I’ve just hired someone to help me make the products.
I probably work even more than I did when I was in marketing, but it’s all on my own schedule and I can work around Mia’s appointments. I’m passionate about what
I do; if I can keep any plastic out of the ocean, it feels worthwhile. I’ve found a new purpose and get to spend cherished time with my family. For that, I feel incredibly lucky.
urbangreencompany.co.uk