Ecology and Co
Ecology&Co is a social enterprise and artisan producer of distilled alcohol-free spirits, consciously crafted in New Zealand. Some of the profits are used to invest in entrepreneurial startups in developing countries.
About
Ecology&Co is a social enterprise that measures its success on its ability to positively impact people and the planet.
It was started by husband and wife team, Will and Di, after Di realised that drinking alcohol was the culprit behind her chronic insomnia and struggled to find an alcohol-free alternative to her favourite gin and tonic.
“There are a million different reasons for wanting a little less alcohol, but not many truly satisfying alternatives to that complex bitter-sweet botanical palette and aroma you get from a gin and tonic.”
Ecology&Co’s distilled alcohol-free spirits are handmade from natural botanicals - distilled and blended to give a flavour-packed, aromatic equivalent to the real thing. Their drinks are not only alcohol-free but also free of artificial flavours, aromas, sugar, and carbs.
Will and Di try to source their ingredients from local, organic producers where possible and ensure that all of their botanicals are sourced from slave-free supply chains, through trustworthy and transparent suppliers.
“At our core we strive to operate ethically, transparently, and with sustainable practices.”
Ecology&Co has committed to funding social justice and environmental initiatives. They regularly work with Kiva, a non-profit organisation that provides microfinance loans to small-business owners in developing countries.
“Through Kiva we have helped fund projects in over 67 countries since 2018.”
Will and Di focus on projects at the intersection between development and the environment - specifically funding entrepreneurial women in business who are working with renewable, sustainable resources to help them grow and expand their small businesses.
They recently helped a woman buy new varieties of plants to help her grow her fruit stall and helped another woman bring affordable solar lighting to remote and lower-income homes in Africa.
“We chose projects that are in line with our own goals and practices. We want to see women thrive and be able to provide the best lives for themselves and those around them.”
Will and Di say that one of their measures of success is how much they are able to give back. Kiva allows them to find people with the same values that they can support in their business too.
