BYOB Green Concepts -- Paving the way to a a plastic packaging-free revolution

Green Living Column, Pencinta Alam July 2014

BYOB Green Concepts -- Paving the way to a a plastic packaging-free revolution

By Wong Ee Lynn

<gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com>

We all know how most of our plastic waste end up in landfills, rivers and oceans. We know how our plastic packaging profligacy ends up endangering wildlife, marine life and even domestic and farm animals. Green Living has been advocating reducing, reusing and recycling for years, but for many years there weren't many alternatives to recycling the empty plastic packaging that our household cleaning solutions and personal care products come in. 

For years, our standard response has been to reduce the amount of cleaning agents we use, to clean with cleaning solutions and soaps less frequently and only when necessary, to use cleaning solutions such as vinegar and baking soda (which unfortunately comes in packaging, too) and to buy eco-friendly products that come in biodegradable packaging or post-consumer recycled plastic packaging. This means that choosing eco-friendly alternatives often becomes an expensive and tiresome option, rather than something we can and should all do as a matter of course. 

Sometime last year, however, other Malaysian Nature Society forum members started to recommend a retail outlet known as BYOB Green Concepts (Bring Your Own Bottle)   where one can purchase cleaning solutions and shampoo/soap refills for a very reasonable price. Green Living decided to visit the outlet in Damansara Kim.

We were greeted at the entrance by a robot constructed out of empty containers to collect used bottles in. This is a brilliant idea, as first-time visitors and passersby who stop by without empties could then make use of the donated bottles and containers without having to go home, collect their empties and return another day. What a good way to share and reuse resources, and reduce the fuel usage of those who would otherwise have to return another day! 

The store concept is commendable and the layout and store design are consistent with their emphasis on the 3Rs. We love the pallet furniture and the repurposed bottles and cans as part of their interior decoration. The store has very clear signs on their products and price range, which is helpful. 

We also love it that they have many informative posters on plastic waste and waste reduction tips placed strategically all around the outlet. 

The store manager very kindly allowed me into the staff area to take photographs of the jerry cans filled with different soaps and cleaning solutions. Service was quick, efficient, polite and friendly. 

Apart from conventional dishwashing liquid, cleaning solutions and personal care products, BYOB also has a plant-based, eco-friendly range of cleaning solutions known as "OMG". 

We should all do whatever we can to reduce waste and reduce our environmental impact and BYOB Green Concepts is a good place to start. 

For more information, please visit the following links: BYOB Green Concepts on Facebook: BYOB Malaysia

List of outlets in Malaysia: Outlets Location

BYOB Green Concepts Damansara Outlet

Address :No,15, SS20/11, Damansara Kim,47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.Contact Person : Clytia WongTel : 012 2455480Google Map Link : http://ow.ly/ahsfVGPS co-ordinates : 3.134820, 101.626256Opening hours: 10am-6pm on weekdays.10am-4pm on weekends.Closed on Wednesday

BYOB Kuchai Avenue OutletAddress : 1-1-1 Jalan Kuchai Maju 13, Kuchai Avenue Service Apartment, 58200 Kuala LumpurTel : 014 - 9703703Contact Person : Mdm. ChewGoogle map link : http://ow.ly/ek1t4 (opposite Kuchai NSK Hypermarket)Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1030am - 5.30pmWeekends & PHs: 10am -6pmClosed on Tuesday

BYOB Kuching OutletAddress :3025, Sublot 8,Ground Floor,Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce,93150 Kuching. Tel : 013-8106863 / 016-2028160Contact Person : Ms Lilian LeeOpening hours :Mon - Fri : 8am - 6pmWeekends : 8am-1pmClosed on SundayGoogle Map : http://goo.gl/maps/ZxmYv 

BYOB Sibu Outlet (Sarawak)Address :No.9, Lorong Pedada 20D,96000 Sibu, Sarawak.Tel no : 016-8781090Contact Person : Mdm. Kathleen LauOpening hours :Mon - Sat : 8:30am - 5:30pmClosed on SundayGoogle Map : http://goo.gl/maps/B1etH

BYOB Miri (Sarawak)Ground Floor Lot 2154,Saberkas Commercial Center,98000 Miri,SarawakTel : 016-8538998Contact Person : Mr. MingOpening hours :Mon - Sat : 8:30am - 5:30pmClosed on SundayGoogle Map : http://goo.gl/maps/fpnaa

BYOB Limbang (Sarawak)Lot No. 17, Jalan Merdeka,98700 Limbang, Sarawak.Tel : 0198195757 (Mdm. Wong)Opening hours :Monday to Sunday including public holiday from 8am to 6pm. Google Map : http://bit.ly/S6A31x

BYOB Bukit Tinggi, Johor.No.8, Jalan Mangga 1, Taman Kota Jaya,81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor.Tel : 012-4881114Contact Person : Mr. ChanGoogle map link : http://bit.ly/1jVjGiZOpening hours: Mon - Fri: 1030am - 5.30pmClosed on Sunday and Public Holidays


BYOB Temerloh (Pahang)No. 13, Jalan Bahagia 31,Taman Sri Bahagia,28000 Temerloh,Pahang.Tel : 014-9203986Contact Person : Ms. TanGoogle Map : 3.450902,102.40912 - Google Maps