Condensing a big bottle of laundry detergent into the size of a smartphone.
That's what Port Moody-based Tru Earth decided to create two years ago when the idea of reducing plastic and chemical waste was top of mind for its founders.
Since then, experts say the eco-friendly "eco-strip" company has eliminated more than 5.2 million plastic jugs and has rewarded the young Tri-City business with its first-ever national recognition.
Tru Earth was the recipient of the 2022 Clean16 Award for retail and consumer products this week, which honours Canada's top environmental leaders who've contributed to a cleaner, greener economy.
"To be recognized for advancing the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years is exciting," co-founder and CEO Brad Liski told the Tri-City News upon winning the award.
"I congratulate all the other winners and the giant strides they are making. It is with thanks to our entire staff and our customers, the #TruChangeMakers, for working with us to achieve this great accomplishment. We hope our collective efforts will inspire other Canadians to take similar action. As our first ever environmental award we know that this is just the beginning of what we can accomplish when we all work together to make true lasting change that helps save the planet."
According to Tru Earth's website, its hypoallergenic and paraben-free strips are small but designed to tackle full loads of laundry.
The product, along with others like wool dryer balls, multi-surface cleaners and stainless steel straws, has allowed the Port Moody business to avoid upwards of 94 per cent in carbon emissions.
Clean16 adds Liski has also "donated the cleaning power for 10,099,456 loads of laundry to families in need across the globe."
Tru Earth was one of more than 1,000 nominees for the Clean16 awards this year — the first hardware was handed out 10 years ago by Delta Management.
For more information on Tru Earth, you're encouraged to visit its website.
