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 Adrienne McNicholas, co-founder of Food Huggers®. 

Since food is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions from landfills (primarily methane, which is far more potent than carbon dioxide) around the world, reducing the amount of food we throw in the trash is extremely important. With this in mind, Adrienne and her industrial designer friend, Michelle Ivankovic, launched Food Huggers in 2013 as a Kickstarter campaign. Their goal was to design the best possible tools to help people reduce food waste at home. 

Made from FDA approved food grade silicone (which is 100% BPA- and Phthalate-free), Food Huggers reusable food savers ensure that leftover fruits and vegetables are kept fresh long enough for them to be enjoyed, instead of tossed in the trash. And – with their lifetime guarantee, Food Huggers products can be used over and over again, thereby replacing tons of single-use plastic wrap, bags, or foil that you might otherwise have bought and then tossed, which also reduces the strain on landfills. 

Food Huggers has grown into an influential business with a team made up of people from around the world, all working together to deliver products that help make choosing sustainable options more easy and enjoyable. 

So, without further ado, here's our Q & A with Adrienne:

What's Good:  What does being eco-friendly mean to you?

Adrienne: Eco-friendly living is a commitment to being a responsible steward of the planet starting with the natural resources in our local communities. It means embracing sustainable practices, reducing waste, and making thoughtful choices that benefit not only ourselves but future generations as well.

What's Good:  What's your biggest climate change fear/concern?

Adrienne: One of my biggest fears is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As climate change progresses, we're seeing more devastating hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. These unpredictable events catch communities off guard, cause immense damage and feel incredibly difficult (if not impossible) to predict. 

What's Good:  If our readers could only do one green thing, what would it be and why?

Adrienne: My advice would be to embrace reusable products whenever possible. Single-use items, especially plastics, contribute heavily to pollution and waste. By switching to reusable alternatives like cloth bags, water bottles, and food containers, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact while saving money in the long run.

What's Good: 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.)

Adrienne: Taking long hot showers are my moment to unwind. Knowing that water is a precious resource, I feel quite guilty about how long I can find myself standing in the shower and lost in my own thoughts instead of thinking about conserving resources. 

What's Good: What started you on your eco-journey?

Adrienne: My eco-journey began thanks to my incredible mom. She was an original hippie who embraced sustainable living long before it was trendy. Growing up, I watched her make eco-friendly choices like recycling, repurposing, and creating her own natural products. Her example planted the seeds of environmental consciousness that have since blossomed into my own eco-lifestyle.

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

Adrienne: What I love most about our eco products is how fun and user-friendly they are. We've designed them to be not only environmentally superior to single-use alternatives but also a joy to use. The vibrant colors, clever designs, and satisfying functionality make sustainable living feel like a delightful upgrade rather than a sacrifice.

What's Good “Bonus” Question: What question should we ask that we didn’t?

Adrienne: A great question to ask would be, "What's your favorite eco-friendly product from another brand?" I think it's important to celebrate and support the amazing work being done by other companies in the sustainable living space. Personally, I'm a huge fan of solid shampoo bars. They eliminate the need for plastic bottles and make hair care a zero-waste experience.

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Thanks so much, Adrienne, for sharing your thoughts on sustainable living. Your bonus question is a great one – it resonates with us, since What’s Good is a woman-owned micro-business in the “eco” space that supports other women-owned micro-businesses who are trying to make a difference in the world! Thank you for sharing the love. You are What's Good. 

Note to What’s Good customers: In support of Food Huggers’ commitment to reducing food waste at home, we’ll be sharing their samples in every order this month. Enjoy!