Danny Alexander is a co-founder of the Australian-based environmentally conscious tissue producer Who Gives A Crap. He established the company along with Simon Griffiths and Jehan Ratnatunga in 2012 after they learned that 2.3bn people across the world don’t have access to a toilet. The three colleagues launched Who Gives A Crap with a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo. Simon sat on a toilet in their draughty warehouse and refused to move until they had raised enough pre-orders to start production. They delivered their first product in March 2013.
1/ Why did you set up Who GivesA Crap?“We set up the business to solve two problems. The first is environmental — the environmental damage our industry is doing is horrendous, and we set out to prove that it’s possible to create and grow an environmentally conscious business. And the second is societal — about 40% of the world lacks access to a toilet. That’s why we donate half of our profits to help build toilets. “We have also tried hard to make our image beautiful, delightful, and appeal to an audience that wasn’t just “green.” We care about making our product as green as possible, though! Like any business, we aim to grow as much as possible. Rather than growth for the sake of growth, we’re keen to grow in orders to ensure that everyone on earth has access to a toilet.”
2/ What tissue products do you use in your home?“Toilet paper, tissues and kitchen towel. Who Gives A Crap brand, of course!’
3/ Are they high-quality, private label, branded toilet paper products? Why do you prefer these specific types of products?
“I’m biased, but I think they’re the highest quality—both in terms of softness and strength and in terms of the general delight I get from using them! I love that they make me, and our customers, feel good about their decisions.”
4/ How do you buy your products? Online, in bulk, at a local super market, etc?“Online. I hate shopping!”
5/ What have you noticed about the availability of tissue products in your home country compared to when you’ve travelled abroad? “Depending on the markets I’m in, the availability of environmentally-friendly options changes a lot. I’m sad to see it’s still so hard to find good quality recycled paper products here in the US!’
6/ Is using environmentally- friendly tissue products important for you? Do you use green products at home?“I sure do. We can’t look the other way anymore and I want to be on the right side of history. I want to preserve nature for future generations, for wildlife and for people, so my team and I are working hard to make it easier for people to align their purchases with their values. I’d love to work with mills, manufacturers, and others who share this desire to genuinely make a difference, so if you’re reading this please do reach out!”
