Gooseberry makes saying 'no' to plastic a little bit easier

Press Release 21.01.2012

Gooseberry is a nettbutikk selling plastic-free solutions for the whole family. Established in 2010, it is best known as the Norwegian source of Klean Kanteen, the popular brand of stainless steel BPA-free drinking bottles from California. Sprig Toys, Glob natural paint, Makedo toys, Green Toys, Wean Green and To-Go Ware are amongst the lineup of products in the shop. In addition to selling to the public, Gooseberry is now the agent for many of the brands it represents as a retailer.

"Our customers come to us for find high-quality plastic-free products. Avoiding Bisphenol-A (BPA) and the other chemicals in plastic is becoming a big issue for families in Norway", says Heather Mason, Daglig leder of Gooseberry. "Our products are very popular amongst parents of young children, sports enthusiasts, grandparents, and anyone who likes their water to taste like water instead of plastic." Our lines of toys are responsibly made, inspirational, durable, and give parents the peace of mind that their children won't be exposed to toxins while playing.

Gooseberry is an enkelpersonssforetrak based on a small farm in Tinn, Telemark. It's online shop can be found at www.gooseberry.no, and retail outlet in the neighbouring village of Atrå.

 

Contact: Heather Mason, Daglig leder, heather@gooseberry.no, mobile: +47

91117569

Gave og Interiør messe stand E01-24

notes:

Location and inspiration:

Gooseberry is based on a small farm in Tinn, Telemark. The farm served as an inspiration for the business. "We brought our big ideas for an eco house to Norway, and made as many environmentally-friendly decisions about the house as possible when we were restoring it in 2009." The house has a high-efficiency wood boiler and solar hot water system which keep the electricity bills and the family's carbon footprint low. It's location beside the Gjøyst river inspired more environmentally-friendly decisions. "We only use biodegradeable soaps and cleaners in our house and on the farm", says Heather. "I ask our overnight visitors to come with their own earth-friendly shampoo too." Finding these products in the supermarket is next to impossible, Heather says, and the idea for the business was born. "I asked myself why simple 'green' products were so hard to find in Norway."

Since the farm has a lovely old kitchen garden with apple, rips and gooseberry trees, the name Gooseberry seemed a natural fit.

 The farm now hosts a large vegetable garden (which was the site of an organic gardening class in 2011), and 8 Norsk Vild Sau who help to maintain the fields. The activities on the farm, as well as recipes, notes about the nettbutikk, and events are written about on the Gooseberry blog, www.gooseberry.no

The dangers of plastic: what is Bisphenol-A?

What is BPA and why should we all be worried about it finding its way into our bodies? It is a complex subject that we will attempt to cover without over simplifying. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a substance that makes plastic hard. It was been used for decades in plastic polycarbonate items like packaging, toys, and other household items – including those that are in direct contact with food and drink.

BPA mimics the hormone estrogen, and it is believed that this can cause unwanted reactions in the body, especially for small children. BPA has been linked as a potential source of a range of human health problems including early onset puberty, heart disease, obesity, and even cancer.

Background of Heather Mason:

Heather is a marketing professional who has worked with small and large clients in Canada and Great Britain since 2000. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and a Master of Science in E-business from Aberdeen Business School. Gooseberry brings together Heather's passion for ethical products and an 'organic lifestyle' with her skills as a marketer.