On a gloomy afternoon, the small cafe at Preston Park buzzes with the usual chatter and clinks of coffee cups. Among the patrons is Ruth Watson, the vibrant 36-year-old founder of Ecologico. As raindrops gently patter against the window panes, Ruth, with her infectious enthusiasm, unravels the tale of her social enterprise, shedding light on the community-centric ethos that underpins her fantastic endeavour – Ecologico.
As the conversation flows, it’s evident that Ecologico isn’t just a business; it’s Ruth’s way of stitching together the fabric of her community. Based in the heart of Tees Valley, Ecologico has become a haven for those seeking eco-friendly alternatives and a sense of belonging. With a dedicated focus on promoting accessibility, sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion and equality, Ruth’s vision is as clear as the droplets trickling down the glass beside us.
“I’m from Seaham originally but now Teesside is home.” Ruth shares her journey from education, charity work and now entrepreneurship. The transition wasn’t just a career shift but a personal awakening spurred by motherhood. “When I got pregnant, I started looking at products I was going to use and I was like, oh my god, you just don’t question the contents of the products you use. You just do what you’ve always done because ‘that’s life’ and it’s ‘easy’.” she reflects. It was this self-reflection that sowed the seeds of Ecologico.
We get a lot of people from communities that you might not expect, like a lot of trans customers or people who have mental health problems or disabilities… there’s absolutely no judgement from us.
Ruth’s initiative has transcended beyond a just business entity, morphing into a communal sanctuary. The environment she’s cultivated is particularly inviting for individuals who often find themselves on the fringes of community. “We get a lot of people from communities that you might not expect, like a lot of trans customers or people who have mental health problems or disabilities… there’s absolutely no judgement from us” Ruth says, her face lighting up with the kind of empathy that only stems from lived experiences.
The inclusivity extends to the array of products Ecologico offers, each selected and tested by Ruth herself. “All of the products are chosen by me, I’m not selling anything that I don’t believe in.” she asserts. Her meticulous selection process isn’t merely about retail integrity; it’s an emblem of her unyielding commitment to the community she serves. “We don’t use products tested on animals, only me and my children” she jokes.
Amidst the quiet hum of the cafe, Ruth’s narrative takes a pragmatic turn as she unveils her fundraising efforts for a eco-van. This isn’t just about wheels on the road; it’s a vehicle for expanding Ecologico’s outreach across Tees Valley, bringing eco-consciousness, education, and community support to more doorsteps. The van epitomises Ruth’s ambition of morphing Ecologico from a local initiative into a mobile community hub.
“There’s this van… it’s perfect… it’s got all the solar panels on it, and a fridge so we can redistribute food with it… those things are there [foodbanks], but if you don’t have a car or… you’re not mentally well enough, how do you get out to go and get that free food?” Ruth says, her words resonating with the stark realities many face. The van isn’t merely a vehicle; it’s a symbol of accessibility, of bringing the community closer, one mile at a time.
I’ve never asked anybody for anything and when this opportunity came up, I was like, we need this!
The fundraising journey, is about persistence and envisioning the ripple effect of each contribution. “I’ve never asked anybody for anything and when this opportunity came up, I was like, we need this!” Ruth’s voice, with a blend of hope and determination, reverberates through the quiet cafe, echoing the ethos of Ecologico – a venture born from £25 and a dream, now on the cusp of mobilising a whole community.
As the sky gradually clears, casting a soft glow on Preston Park, Ruth’s narrative leaves an indelible imprint – a testament to the boundless potential nestled within community, empathy, and a dash of eco-conscious enterprise. Her story isn’t just about Ecologico; it’s a narrative of how one individual, armed with resolve and heart for her community, can sow the seeds of change, nurturing a sanctuary where inclusivity, sustainability, and camaraderie blossom amidst the urban landscape of Tees Valley.
It’s not just the products on the shelves or the fundraising for the van that epitomise Ruth’s mission; it’s the warm smiles, the open conversations, and the sense of belonging that echo through the digital aisles of Ecologico. It’s about fostering a space where every individual, regardless of their background, can find solace and a voice in the eco-conscious future Ruth is creating.
We do need to look after each other, it’s not hard to be kind.
As Ruth delves into the essence of community engagement, it becomes evident that Ecologico is not just a pitstop for eco-friendly purchases, but a melting pot for nurturing environmental and social consciousness. “We do need to look after each other, it’s not hard to be kind.” Ruth muses.
Her endeavour extends beyond the confines of her mobile shop, transcending into the digital realm through the Ecologico blog and social media platforms, where she keeps the community abreast of eco-conscious practices, products, and the ongoing journey of the van fundraiser. It’s about forging connections, sparking dialogues, and nurturing a community bound by a shared ethos of sustainable living and mutual respect.
The journey of Ecologico, much like the nurturing ethos it embodies, is a testament to the ripple effect of change one individual can start. As Ruth steps into the drizzle as we head outside to take a photo, It’s hard not to feel hopeful for a better future, every small step towards fostering community and environmental consciousness plants a seed for a greener, kinder world.
With Ruth at the helm, Ecologico is not just a shop, but a beacon of community spirit, heralding a future where sustainability isn’t just a choice, but a collective endeavour embedded in the heart of Tees Valley. And as she ventures forth, van fundraising in tow, the narrative of Ecologico continues to unfold, painting hope on the canvas of community, one eco-conscious stroke at a time.
If you would like to support Ruth and Ecologico you can email her, visit the website, follow on social media or check out the crowdfunder to help her reach her goal!
