One of the first things Teal McGurk noticed when she moved to Northern Ireland from her native Canada was a lack of sustainable options.
And keen to make a difference in her new surroundings she formed Do Your Bit NI.
Her tagline is simple: Big or small, every bit counts.
Speaking to Belfast Live from her home in Co Down as we launched our #Do1Thing campaign, Teal's passion for her work was clear to see.
She travels across markets in Northern Ireland selling her wares to a growing customer base.
She said: "When I opened Do Your Bit at the end of 2017, people were not so aware of it [sustainable swaps].
"They were aware of things like bamboo toothbrushes, and a lot of people were making those swaps because they were cheaper swaps, more accessible swaps and things that aren't very tricky to make.
"Whereas, for example, a shampoo bar could be a bit trickier.
"As time has gone on, there are people that would have over a dozen things that would be on my market table.
"They've done the bamboo toothbrush, they've done the natural deodorant - they're maybe going towards reusable menstrual pads, reusable make-up wipes.. and things they didn't actually realise had plastic in them, they're now trying to swap."
Teal said that she sees every swap as like a vote.
She explained: "If everyone makes one swap, two swaps, three swaps, we can make such a massive change.
"As a consumer, I always say that everything we buy is like a vote. If you buy plastic wrapped carrots in Tesco then Tesco is going to stock those If you buy loose carrots then Tesco is not going to stock the plastic ones anymore.
"I really do think that every plastic-free swap or low waste swap we make can have such a big impact locally and around the world."
Belfast Live's #Do1Thing campaign is encouraging our readers to make small changes to their lives to help in the fight against climate change. Have a look at our special hub here.
- Videos by Belfast Live's Harry Bateman
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