In the mid-seventies a seed was planted, a vision to create a market garden known as Common Property, growing organic vegetables to connect young and marginalised people with the land.
Ten years into their initiative, their farm was producing more vegetables than the collective of families could eat.
It was then that Founders Jim Kebbell and Marion Wood decided to take their pioneering produce to the people of Wellington, opening their first official store in 1991.
Almost 30 years since their initial vision, Commonsense Organics has gone on to become a well-loved blooming business, boasting five stores across Wellington and Auckland.
Organic pioneer and Common Property visionary Frances Wood was the inspiration for growing organically, at a time when this concept was relatively unknown.
Together Jim Kebbell and Marion Wood (daughter of Frances Wood) and the Commonsense whānau have proven that, with a loyal customer community, credible brand and thriving business it is possible to sell stuff that is good for you and good for the earth.
Across their stores and online Commonsense Organics have led the way in New Zealand is offering a wide range of fresh organic produce, organic groceries, health & beauty products, cleaning products, baby products and more.
They’re incredibly passionate about what they stand for and do and regularly partake in environmental and socially responsible initiatives and campaigns across NZ.
As this month’s Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, an initiative encouraging us to pause and reflect on our daily habits, with individuals, businesses and the wider community coming together to help ensure cleaner streets, oceans, and a beautiful planet for all.
Reinforcing the need for the Plastic Free movement and bringing further awareness to our current depletion of our earth’s resources, 29th July also marks Earth Overshoot Day – the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year!
Determined by Global Footprint Network and for many a scary stat, it highlights just why communities and businesses fighting for positive proactive change are so important to our global society.
Since the beginning, Commonsense has been committed to creating a kinder and more ethical future for everyone.
One big step for Commonsense towards minimising their plastic waste has been to ensure almost all of their fruit and vegetables are available loose.
When packaging can’t be avoided they have opted for paper bags that are recyclable and home compostable.
They strongly encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags and containers and sell reusable produce bags for this purpose.
Alternatives to assist with the reduction of single-use plastic in our daily lives that Commonsense Organics recommend include;
- Caliwoods reusable drinking straws, smoothie straws, stainless steel pegs
- Reusable food wraps
- Rethink bulk bin and produce bags
- Stasher reusable silicone sandwich and snack bags
- Keepcups and Ceramic coffee cups
- Ecostore dish brushes and reusable heads
- Ecotanka water bottles
- And Commonsense Fairtrade shopping bags
