Eco-living in Manila isn't as hard as you think. Drop by these spots where you can buy environment-friendly products and eat Earth-friendly food.

1. Echostore
Address: Ground Level Serendra Piazza, Mckinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (901-3485); G/F The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (470-2688).

Everything's eco-friendly at this small shop: From personal care products, home cleaning helpers, health supplements and gift items.   Echostore, which opened its first branch in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City in 2008, is all about leading sustainable lifestyles.   All the products are locally-made, reflecting the ideals of Echostore's social entrepreneurs, Jeannie Javelosa, Chit Juan, and Reena Francisco: health, fair trade, and care for the environment.

Says Javelosa, "We were fired up to put up a one-stop shop that would offer alternatives helping everyone live a sustainable lifestyle." Most of the items on the shelves are products made by marginalized groups, creative industries, women prisoners and even by the urban poor.   Echostore also leads several campaigns such as "Recycle for a Cause," and a feeding program named "Malunggay Green Kids", which turns the owners' ideals into tangible solutions.

2. Human Nature
Address: Unit 9-D Mahinhin Street, UP Village, Quezon City (332-7885, 332-9858); 463 Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City (931 5787); Unit SFR09, Santana Grove, 7202 Soreena Drive cor. Dr. A. Santos Ave., Paranaque City (828-4572).

Launched in 2008 by eco-warrior Anna Meloto-Wilk, her pro-environment stance helped shape Human Nature's line of personal care products which uses non-toxic raw materials and packaged using recyclable materials. From hair and body care to kids products, all items are locally-made and provides livelihood to Gawad Kalinga residents and communities.

Shares Meloto-Wilk, "We take our responsibility of being nature's stewards very seriously."