In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is the time to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises as alternative shopping options.
My social media feed has been filled with posts on panic buying, in fear of getting infected with the novel coronavirus. Photos show unusually long lines in supermarkets with carts filled with products.
People are hoarding alcohol, tissue paper, and masks alongside food products for personal consumption. Others buy in bulk to resell at a higher price. This behavior puts others in danger because they get deprived of the means to protect themselves.
I got curious if any local brands, especially in the zero-waste sphere, are offering similar products. I looked around Facebook and found some offering alternatives:
Food supplies
Session Groceries
It’s easy to get fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers with Session Groceries. Place your order via their website, Android app, or iOS App and get it delivered to your doorstep. Follow their Facebook page for order cutoff and delivery schedules and other updates.
Products: various vegetables and fruits, rice
Service areas: NCR, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna
Email: sessiongroceries@gmail.com
Contact Numbers: +639457701458 | +639982965048
Non-food supplies
Refill ‘N Beyond
This package-free brand of home and body essentials from Tagaytay City is back in business after the Taal eruption. They are currently selling unscented hand sanitizers.
Photo from Refill ‘N Beyond’s Facebook page
PRICE LIST:
- Customers with container/bottle
- P100 (500mL)
- P250 (1,000mL)
- Brand-provided container/bottle
- P150 (500mL)
- P280 (1,000mL)
Note: The cut off of pre-order is March 14.
OTHER PRODUCTS: body wash, hand wash, laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, dishwashing liquid
MODE OF DELIVERY: Open to meetups or delivery within Nuvali, Tagaytay/Alfonso, and Muntinlupa areas
HOW TO ORDER: email refillandbeyond@gmail.com with PRODUCT NAME, QUANTITY (indicate if you’ll provide container), and CHOICE OF DROP OFF/MEETUP.
💡TIP: the most effective hand sanitizers are alcohol-based with at least 60% alcohol content
The Sopranos
Looking for 70% isopropyl alcohol? Health and beauty zero-waste brand The Sopranos has it in stock. Refilling stations will also be put up in Makati and BGC next week. You may get in touch with the owner for more information.
Photo from The Sopranos FB page
PRICE: P250 (500mL)
OTHER PRODUCTS: Chlorophyll Foaming Face Wash, natural soaps, dry shampoo, etc.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Courier
HOW TO ORDER: fill up the order form here
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I hope this list will be of help, especially for those who don’t want to risk going out.
Please do not support those who take advantage of this situation. Report to DTI those who sell overpriced alcohol and masks. Take a screenshot of their post & profile then send those to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
I will update this page should I encounter more or feel free to message me in case you have suggestions.
Dear reader, keep in mind that hand sanitizers and alcohol only provide quick sanitation. Our best defense is still frequent and proper handwashing with soap and clean, running water. That, and avoiding unnecessary travel, boosting your immune system, and practicing coughing/sneezing etiquette.
Also, avoid spreading unverified information online so we don’t cause any more panic. Take care!