Maker Spotlight

We love shining the spotlight on people who make good products and add more good to the world. We ask each of our featured makers the same 6 questions, but we learn something new — every time. You might, too.

This month we’re featuring Sacha Dunn, Founder and CEO of Common Good.

Sacha founded Common Good in 2010 to combat single-use plastics and create safe, sustainable home and personal care products. As a mother, she wanted truly non-toxic, refillable options that were better for people and the planet. Common Good led the modern refill revolution, setting a new industry standard, and their mission continues as they develop new products that allow us all to live more sustainably. 

Also, as a Certified B Corporation, Common Good is committed to social and environmental responsibility, ensuring their operations positively impact the planet and their customers.

Here's our Q & A with Sacha:

What does being eco-friendly mean to you?

Sacha: Being eco-friendly means making thoughtful choices that reduce our impact on the planet. It’s about understanding the full life cycle of the products we use—where they come from, how they’re made, and what happens to them after we’re done with them. At Common Good, this philosophy drives everything we do, from our refill stations to our plant-based formulations. We aim to offer solutions that make it easier for everyone to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

What's your biggest climate change fear/concern?

Sacha: My biggest concern is that we’re running out of time to reverse the damage we’ve done. The effects of climate change are already here, and they’re hitting the most vulnerable communities hardest. We need to act now to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable practices, or we risk leaving a damaged world for future generations. And while our personal actions and choices matter, the biggest thing you can do to prevent a climate disaster is to vote. And write to your electeds. A handful of companies create the vast amount of carbon and we need regulation if we’re to prevent the worst of climate change.

If our readers could only do one green thing, what would it be and why?

Sacha: If I had to pick just one green action, it would be to reduce single-use plastics. Plastic pollution is a massive problem, and it’s one we can all tackle by making lifestyle changes and demanding our retailers and brands provide sustainable options so we can buy the products we need without creating a ton of waste. (Oh, and vote. It’s the most important thing!)

What's the biggest 'bad habit' YOU have as it relates to eco/sustainable lifestyle that is a challenge for you? (Flying, eating meat, ziplock baggies, take out food, etc.)

Sacha: I’ll admit, I still struggle with finding sustainable clothing for my family, especially for my kids. They grow so quickly, and it can be expensive to buy eco-friendly options that they’ll only wear for a short time. They’re older now and love thrifting but it’s a work in progress, and I think that’s an important message—being eco-friendly is a journey, and we all have areas where we can improve.

What started you on your eco-journey?

Sacha: What started me on my eco-journey was a trip back home to Australia, where I was reminded that refilling laundry bottles was the norm. I returned to New York determined to combat the wastefulness of single-use plastics by creating a line of refillable household soaps and cleaning products. As a mom, I wanted to ensure the products we made were non-toxic and safe for my kids and dog. When I started researching the so-called green products we were using, I was shocked to find many contained skin-irritating and hormone-disrupting chemicals. This led me to create formulations that met the strictest chemical regulations worldwide. Good for people and good for the planet.

What is your favorite aspect of the eco products you make or one in particular?

Sacha: My favorite aspect of our products is their simplicity and effectiveness. Our Glass Cleaner, for example, is a great reminder that you don’t need harsh chemicals to get a clean home. It’s made with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients—unlike the conventional glass cleaner—and cleans just as well! Plus, it smells amazing—cleaning is hard enough without posing a serious health risk!

Bonus Question: What question should we ask that we didn’t?

Sacha: I think a great question to ask would be: "How do you stay hopeful about the future of our planet?" It’s important to acknowledge the challenges we face but also celebrate the positive changes and innovations happening every day. Staying hopeful keeps us all motivated to keep pushing for a better world.

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Thanks so much, Sacha, for truly living your tagline: Be a Force for Good. There's no doubt your business has paved the way for many others like yours in refill industry, and your products are customer favorites here. You are definitely What's Good.

Note to our customers:

To sample or purchase Common Good products at What's Good, check out our online collection or stop by the refillery within our brick-and-mortar shop. We currently stock their refillable dish soap, glass cleaner, and multipurpose cleaner. (We're still working out some details on how we offer refills online. Send us a note if you have ideas or questions about refills. Thank you!)