Sustainability is not a destination, but a journey. Ronda McNulty and Pat Nolan follow this concept in their own lives, and are now working to introduce sustainable products and practices to the community of South Haven.
Their zero-waste store, A Sustainable Home (or ASH), is the first of its kind in the area, though not the first business for the owners. “Pat and I have both been small business owners for twenty-plus years, living and loving our entrepreneur spirit,” Ronda says. “Pat owned and operated a well drilling business and convenience store with her husband until he passed, and has since retired. I owned Coastal Kitchens & Interiors with my husband, and still work alongside him in McNulty Construction today.”
A Sustainable Home will initially offer laundry, home cleaning, and bath products by the ounce, allowing customers to purchase by refilling containers, eliminating the need for single-use plastic. Shoppers can bring their own container, purchase a reusable one from ASH, or upcycle a cleaned receptacle. Other products featured, like Home Essentials, will be sustainably-sourced, using all natural and/or organic ingredients, by local makers if possible. They are already planning to add bulk grocery items, like pantry staples, and local produce and eggs, when in season.
“A Sustainable Home is just a natural part of my daily life,” Ronda says. “I have been practicing a natural/organic lifestyle at home for the past fifteen years, and have most recently been transitioning to a zero-waste home.” The current date for their Soft Opening and Ribbon Cutting is May 15th, 2023, on-site at 264 Broadway Street in South Haven.
Pat and Ronda have been a part of the community of South Haven “for what feels like a lifetime”, and they feel it has become their extended family. “Our mission is to bring this convenient Zero Waste approach to our family, friends, and community we love so much,” they say. “We will be bringing awareness to the ever-growing problem that plastic presents to the planet and the future of our next generations. Adopting a Zero Waste lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard, it’s one step at a time, and small changes can lead to big results.”
The new home of ASH is currently being renovated, and their social media page shows their quick progress. Moody On The Market will keep you updated during this fantastic new business journey, as the community eagerly awaits opening day! Congratulations!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
