By Dinushika Gunaratne, Founder of Sustainablee Yours
Sometimes, a business begins with an idea. Other times, it begins with a feeling that something needs to change. For me, Sustainablee Yours began with a little of both.
My journey towards building Sustainablee Yours started long before the brand itself came to life, through my work in waste management and environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka. Over the years, I worked closely with communities to create awareness and encourage more responsible practices. I realised that meaningful change requires more than awareness; people need practical, accessible ways to make sustainability part of their everyday lives. What started as a professional commitment gradually became a personal passion: to make sustainable living easier for everyone.
Along the way, I discovered talented local artisans and community groups transforming discarded materials into beautiful, useful products. I was inspired by their creativity and resourcefulness, but also recognised the challenges they faced in reaching wider markets and growing their businesses. I wanted to bring their products to more people while creating meaningful opportunities for the people behind them.
In 2018, Sustainablee Yours was born from this vision: a lifestyle brand that brings together conscious consumers and local makers through thoughtfully curated, locally sourced and sustainable products.
For me, Sustainablee Yours has always been about more than selling eco-friendly alternatives. It is about supporting local livelihoods, encouraging responsible consumption and building relationships with the communities we work with. We believe that products can be beautiful, functional and practical while also being kinder to the planet.
Sustainability and Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
Sustainable living also has an important connection with tourism. As travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences and meaningful connections with the destinations they visit, supporting local artisans, choosing locally made products and reducing waste can contribute to more responsible tourism practices. These choices can help strengthen community livelihoods while allowing visitors to experience the creativity, culture and craftsmanship of Sri Lanka.
For me, true sustainability is about finding a balance between protecting our environment and uplifting our communities. The journey continues to remind me that sustainability is not about being perfect or changing everything overnight. It is about the small, mindful decisions we make every day.
This World Sustainability Day, I encourage everyone to start with one small change. Choose to reuse, support local businesses and be more thoughtful about what you consume. Sustainablee Yours is my way of contributing to that change, one product, one partnership and one conscious choice at a time.
Because a more sustainable future is something we build together, through the choices we make today.
