Recently published on WLLW, this interview with Koala Eco co-founder Jessica Bragdon, explored how family and the Australian landscape have shaped Koala Eco’s mission to create healthy and sustainable cleaning products.
When Jessica Bragdon and her husband, Paul, couldn’t find natural, non-toxic cleaning products, they decided to create their own. The result was Koala Eco, a brand that combines their love for nature with a commitment to sustainability and wellbeing. Drawing inspiration from Australia’s rich flora and their shared belief in simple, sustainable living, Koala Eco has become a symbol of environmentally-friendly innovation. In this interview, Jessica discusses the brand’s origins, the importance of connecting with nature, and how small, mindful choices can make a significant impact on personal health and the planet.
What inspired you to start creating natural and environmentally-friendly cleaning products?
Koala Eco began as a solution to a problem my husband Paul and I encountered as new parents: the lack of natural, effective and non-toxic cleaning products. When we couldn’t find what we needed, we started our own company.
I grew up in New England with my twin sister and younger brother, where my grandmother instilled in us a love for nature during long hikes through the forests around her home. My siblings and I spent our childhood outdoors, riding horses and skiing. Paul’s upbringing in rural Western Australia on a remote sheep and wheat farm similarly nurtured a deep connection to the natural world. These shared experiences shaped our commitment to living simply and sustainably.
This commitment became even more urgent after our second son, Arthur, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just five weeks old. Though it was unrelated to anything we could control, facing such a diagnosis changed everything. Thanks to incredible care, Arthur fully recovered, but the experience strengthened our determination to prioritise health and nature in every aspect of our lives. Koala Eco grew from this resolve – a way to create safe, environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions that are kind to both people and the planet.
What is your favourite product in your collection and why?
The Multi-Purpose Cleaner holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first products we created. Its versatility and the uplifting scent of lemon, myrtle and mandarin make it a joy to use. It also makes me think of the boys as babies as we developed it to clean their highchairs; we wanted something to kill germs without worrying about toxic chemicals on their trays.
How has the Australian landscape and biodiversity influenced your product development and brand philosophy?
Australia’s rich biodiversity is at the core of Koala Eco. Our mantra is simple: More Nature, Feel Better®. Connecting with nature is one of the most accessible and meaningful ways to enhance personal wellbeing. It’s a form of natural medicine, and the relationship is reciprocal – when we care for nature, it cares for us.
One easy way to foster this connection is by using household and personal care products that are derived from nature and safe for the planet. Koala Eco products are crafted with pure essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lemon myrtle, peppermint and rosemary. These oils, extracted from the bark, leaves or fruit of plants, are powerful and celebrated not only for their ability to eliminate bacteria and microbes but also for their health and mood-enhancing properties. The aromas they release allow you to breathe in the healing power of nature. We are inspired by Australia’s unique botanicals, like eucalyptus, tea tree and lemon myrtle, which have been used for centuries for their natural cleaning and healing benefits.
"Connecting with nature is one of the most accessible and meaningful ways to enhance personal wellbeing. It’s a form of natural medicine, and the relationship is reciprocal – when we care for nature, it cares for us."
JESSICA BRAGDON
Can you share more about the term Ecopsychology and how it plays a role in what you do?
Ecopsychology explores the connection between humans and the natural world, emphasizing how our mental and physical wellbeing is tied to nature. This idea influences everything we do at Koala Eco. We believe that bringing nature into everyday tasks – like cleaning with products with aromatherapy essential oils – can uplift mood, reduce stress and remind people of their connection to the Earth. It’s about fostering harmony between people and the environment. As a purpose-led brand inspired by and centered around the natural world, we want our community to connect with and experience nature.
Your products are known for being biodegradable and non-toxic. Can you walk us through the process of sourcing and selecting natural ingredients?
We start by identifying ingredients with proven cleaning and antibacterial properties; we use essential oils from native Australian plants. Our sourcing process prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices, working with suppliers who share our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. We rigorously make sure they meet our safety, efficacy and biodegradability standards. We are certified Made Safe, Vegan, Non-Toxic, Cruelty Free, Allergy Certified and in the process of getting full EWG certification.
How do you approach packaging design to balance sustainability with practicality?
Our packaging uses 100% recycled and recyclable materials, including bottles made from recycled plastic and recycled glass options. Balancing sustainability with practicality means designing packaging that protects the product while minimizing waste. We’re constantly exploring new technologies and materials to improve this balance. For instance, we have concentrates and refill options to help reduce single-use packaging.
We measure impact by assessing factors like biodegradability, our supply chain and the recyclability of our packaging. We source sustainable ingredients and have expanded our refill and concentrate options to reduce our impact further. Partnering with environmental initiatives like 1% for the Planet also helps contribute to broader conservation efforts.
Our goals include developing even more sustainable packaging solutions and expanding our refill and concentrate solutions to make it easier for customers to reduce waste. We’re also exploring new product categories that align with our commitment to natural, environmentally-friendly living. Collaborations with other like-minded brands and organisations are on the horizon, and we’re excited about innovations that will push sustainability forward.
Can you elaborate on community-based initiatives like 1% for the Planet, the People and Parks #NaturePact, and the Critters Program?
Koala Eco isn't merely a brand rooted in sustainability. We aim to transcend traditional boundaries and integrate a deeper purpose – to bring nature into daily life. Our ethos: More Nature, Feel Better®, isn't just a slogan; it encapsulates our entire philosophy.
We are proud sponsors of the Critter Scholars Program. An initiative by the Oceanic Society, which pioneers nature-based tourism globally in pursuit of a mission to improve ocean health, the Critter Scholars Program provides youth from disadvantaged communities in the Bay Area with the opportunity to partake in enriching wildlife experiences and interactions. We also sponsored the People & Parks Foundation’s #NaturePact initiative, which encourages participants to commit to spending intentional time in nature every day for a month and reap the transformative mental health benefits.
As partners of 1% for the Planet, we reaffirm our dedication to the environment globally. A portion of every Koala Eco product sold contributes to protecting the land, forests, rivers, oceans and wildlife, supporting sustainable food systems, and tackling issues surrounding climate change.
How do you incorporate wellbeing and mindfulness into your life and daily routines?
Mindfulness is central to both my personal life and our business. I try to get outside, rain or shine. Even the shortest walk can help reset the body. I start my day with a quiet morning ritual, often involving a run in nature to ground myself. We encourage our team to take two hours a week as part of their paid work week to spend time in nature. We try to practice what we preach.
