Local Business Shout Out: Just Act Natural – Appleton, WI

I had the pleasure of meeting J.C. just a few short weeks after Just Act Natural had their official opening on Earth Day at a local Chamber of Commerce event. Since our initial encounter I have stopped by their location in Downtown Appleton. The timing of my visit worked out perfectly as I ended up purchasing a beautiful bamboo cutting board and other utensils for my mom’s birthday (apparently myself and siblings know my mom well as she also got a cutting board from my sister!)

I could easily get engrossed for hours with all they have to offer. Please welcome, J.C. and Dianne to the business community and stop by their store at 129 E. College Avenue, Appleton. You can also follow them at Twitter at www.Twitter.com/JustActNatural.

Below is an article that Holly Lawton wrote on Just Act Natural – reprinted with permission from Holly.

Environmentally conscious shops are trickling into Appleton and the surrounding areas. The newest of these, Just Act Natural, opened in downtown Appleton on Earth Day, April 22, 2009, and is already seeing a stream of shoppers delighted to discover the store. Opening a truly green store has been the dream of owners J.C. and Dianne Paustian. Originally from this area, J.C. worked at the Dolphin Research Center in Key West, Florida, learned about the fragile ecosystem in that area, and became an advocate of the environmental movement. Dianne became even more conscience of the movement with the birth of their children.

Upon entering the shop, customers encounter organic clothing. Good Karma, the organic branch of the popular Life is Good brand greets shoppers. Not only are T-shirts for adults available, but adorable organic baby clothes can also be found. Interesting to note, no wire or plastic hangers can be found; all hangers are made from 100% recycled paper!

A walk through the store offers an education in how everyday products can be made from reused materials. Recycled #5 plastics are made into stylish bowls, strainers, plates, and storage containers.  Kwytza is a company that repurposes restaurant chopsticks into folding baskets. The Green Glass Company from Westin, Wisconsin, takes bottles and turns them into great looking drinking glasses.

Klean Kanteen manufactures stainless steel beverage containers in an effort to move away from the popular, less eco-friendly plastic containers. One of its more interesting containers is the wine carafe; it provides an easy way for bike riders to carry wine to a picnic!

New parents looking for eco-friendly baby products can begin their search at Just Act Natural. The Paustians, parents of two small children, stock a flushable diaper system that is amazing.   Stop in for a quick lesson on truly disposable diapers while also checking out the natural toys.

Books, cleaning products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body lotions, bamboo wash clothes and countless other natural products can be found in this amazing shop.

Just Act Natural is the culmination of the owners’ passion for the environment. A great deal of research is put into products before stocking them in the store. The Paustians understand that too many companies have jumped on the environmental bandwagon and simply “greenwash” products (Greenwashing is the disingenuous labeling of products as environmentally friendly), and they carefully stock only items they know are genuinely natural.

If you are interested in other all natural products click here.

Holly Lawton is an Examiner from Milwaukee. You can see Holly’s articles on Holly’s Home Page.