beyond bags
Earth Worthy's Mission to Transform How We Shop
Words Ali Gerritsen
Jessica Clark of Earth Worthy Bags has founded a visionary enterprise and is on a mission to redefine the way we approach consumption, championing ethical practices and sustainability.
In 2014 and 2015, Jessica Clark, founder of Earth Worthy, was living in Bangladesh a year after the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse—a tragedy that claimed 1134 lives and left over 3000 injured. Working in environmental advocacy at the time, Jess sought to build connections between Australia and Bangladesh where many of the products we purchase here in Australia are made.
“It was horrific and one of the largest factory collapses in history. Being able to work and connect with organisations making a difference sparked how we could further build connections between Australia and Bangladesh.”
Jess aims to unveil the stories behind our purchases and dissolve the disconnect between the people involved and the environmental impacts.
“It is so hard to understand where the goods we purchase are made these days, who makes them and how they are treated. Also to understand what impact this has on the environment.”
Earth Worthy was born out of this vision, officially taking shape in 2019.
“Earth Worthy was an opportunity to build these connections and bring people in Australia closer to how products are made and who makes them while also celebrating traditional crafts and artisan talents,” Jess says.
Earth Worthy now operates as a social enterprise, providing safe, fair, and flexible employment opportunities for former garment workers.
“The organisation we partner with in Bangladesh is a fellow social enterprise, currently employing 15 people, the team has doubled since our first order in 2020. We embrace their craft on traditional handlooms so that they can maintain their communities and not move into the city for factory work.”
Jess emphasises the need to make sustainable alternatives readily available on supermarket shelves, considering the environmental impact of plastic waste.
“The plastic bag ban was coming into effect in Australian supermarkets, but rather than removing plastic bags, thicker, more heavy-duty plastic bags were sold, adding to the plastic problem and often not being reused. Even the reusable green woven bags were made from plastic. Today you can no longer recycle soft plastics in supermarkets even though the majority of products are wrapped in them. It is a problem and we need to make alternatives to plastic more accessible on supermarket shelves.”
Earth Worthy bags are crafted from jute, a highly sustainable fibre with a short growth cycle, minimal water requirements, and little to no pesticides.
“It was a no-brainer to make a sturdy bag, that could eventually compost back into the earth in a full circular life cycle, unlike plastic bags – where every plastic product ever made still exists on earth today!”
“We want to continue to build our certifications and awareness in our work here in Australia through organisations like Social Traders and B Corp.”
Jessica Clark
Earth Worthy provides genuine, local options for ethical and earth-friendly products, furthering employment opportunities in Bangladesh, and growing the team responsibly. The partnership with local businesses for custom orders, like branded merchandise, has proven successful in expanding their impact.
“We have already partnered with amazing local businesses including Darkes Forest, Easy Agile and Miller’s Local Bakehouse to create branded merch. They can be shopped, used for events, or given to staff. By providing businesses access to branded merch that is great for people and the planet they can show their customers that they are choosing suppliers who are doing good by people and the planet. It can be so hard to find products that are genuinely green and ethical and we want to give businesses that option.”
Earth Worthy continues to garner attention, the enterprise was nominated for and awarded the Australia Post Local Hero Award in 2023 and the Social Responsibility Award in the Clean and Conscious Awards in 2022 where they took out gold, silver and editor’s choice for multiple products.
As Earth Worthy grows, it continues to bridge the gap between conscious consumers in Australia and the artisans in Bangladesh, every purchase has the power to make a positive impact on people and the planet.
“We want to continue to build our certifications and awareness in our work here in Australia through organisations like Social Traders and B Corp,” Jess says.
The Hauler Bags stand out as Earth Worthy's most popular items, versatile for beach trips, picnics, or overnight stays. Complemented by their throw/picnic blanket/beach towel range, these products also make for thoughtful and eco-friendly gifts. Customers can enjoy a 20% discount on bundled items through the Earth Worthy website.
“We are in 50+ stores around Australia and a couple in NZ, but we love local! Locally Thirroul + Co have been wonderful supporters of Earth Worthy and we are so proud that they are our local stockist.”
For custom orders reach out to jess hello@earthworthy.co