As the world awakens to the importance of sustainability and eco-conscious living, Michelle Teh, a passionate environmental science graduate and a devoted mother, is paving the way for a brighter future. Her incredible journey as a mumpreneur has not only redefined the way we approach baby care but also inspired a movement towards greener and more sustainable parenting practices. At the heart of her journey lies a simple yet powerful vision: to protect our planet for the benefit of our children and generations to come.
A Mother’s Vision
Earth & Me, the brainchild of Michelle, has its roots in her personal experiences and her unwavering commitment to a cause greater than herself. It all began when she made the life-altering choice to leave her career as a medical underwriter and dedicate herself to full-time motherhood. This significant transition allowed her the time for reflection, and it was during one of those everyday diaper changes that a moment of profound realisation struck her.
The sheer volume of disposable diapers and wipes she used for her children was alarming. The knowledge that these seemingly innocuous items would eventually find their way into landfills, contributing to the growing environmental crisis, was a wake-up call. Michelle felt a deep concern, which sparked her quest for a solution. Her mission was clear: to reduce the carbon footprint associated with baby care and cater to the needs of eco-conscious parents like herself.
This quest eventually led to the birth of Earth & Me, a brand that has been making waves in the baby care industry. Earth & Me is not just another diaper brand; it’s a movement dedicated to providing eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for families while protecting the Earth. Michelle’s story is an inspiring testament to how one person’s vision and unwavering dedication can drive positive change on a global scale.
Sustainability: A Core Focus
Earth & Me places a pivotal emphasis on sustainability. The primary focus has been on choosing the most natural and sustainable materials for its diapers, moving away from the plastic-based conventional diapers that can take centuries to decompose.
Furthermore, all the raw materials and production processes for Earth & Me diapers are free from harmful chemicals, bearing relevant accreditations and environmental certifications. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but ensures the safety of babies, including those with sensitive skin.
A Unique Proposition
Earth & Me stands out with its organic bamboo diapers and natural cleansing wipes, crafted from natural and sustainable materials. Earth & Me Biodegradable Baby Diapers biodegrades by 61% 75 days under SGS testing, where as their Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes biodegrade in 45 days in a municipal facility. In contrast, conventional disposable diapers and wipes are predominantly made of plastic, which takes 100-500 years to breakdown.
The eco-conscious approach of the brand does not stop at the product itself. Earth & Me employs 100% recyclable packaging, reduces plastic usage in deliveries, and collaborates with manufacturers that have relevant certifications and source materials from sustainably managed forests.
A Journey of Perseverance
As a mumpreneur, Michelle Teh faced the challenge of managing her responsibilities as a full-time mother while building her brand. She did not have a business background, but her unwavering perseverance and commitment to the noble intention behind Earth & Me kept her moving forward.
“The primary challenge in developing Earth & Me has been managing my responsibilities as a full-time mother to two young children while building this brand. Launching a startup demands substantial time and effort, especially when it comes to establishing brand awareness,” says Michelle.
When asked about how she manages her business and kids, she mentions that setting clear boundaries between work and family time, prioritising tasks, and delegating or outsourcing responsibilities played a key role in her effective time management strategy.
A Personal Mission
What keeps Michelle motivated is her personal mission to protect the Earth for her children and future generations. Her commitment to leaving a greener planet is evident in the positive feedback and reviews she receives from customers, motivating her to continue her efforts.
“Through Earth & Me, my hope is to inspire a growing community of parents to embrace sustainability and embark on a greener parenting journey. It’s essential for us to take these steps to leave behind a healthier planet for the generations that follow,” she said.
When asked about what’s next, she mentioned that they have plans to introduce training pants to their range. “Excitingly, we have plans to introduce training pants to our range soon, designed to meet the needs of older toddlers. This expansion aligns with our commitment to providing eco-conscious solutions for families at every stage of their parenting journey,” says Michelle.
Michelle Teh’s journey as a mumpreneur with Earth & Me is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Her dedication to eco-friendly parenting and sustainable living is an inspiration for all parents and entrepreneurs looking to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Earth & Me’s story is a reminder that small steps can lead to significant change, and that with determination and a green vision, we can protect the Earth for generations to come.
