How to use activated charcoal powder

Activated charcoal is a highly porous and detoxifying natural substance that draws bacteria, chemicals, dirt, and other micro particles from the skin and hair. Here are three easy ways to incorporate medicinal grade activated charcoal into your daily routine to naturally cleanse and purify your natural skin care, hair and body. 

Whiten teeth

Activated charcoal powder can be used to whiten teeth and promote good oral health. It draws out oils and stains from teeth and helps to balance pH levels in your mouth to prevent bad breath, gum disease and cavities. 

To use:

Dip a clean, wet toothbrush into the activated charcoal powder and brush teeth gently for two minutes. Spit carefully and rinse well. Repeat daily to achieve noticeable results in two weeks.

Cleanse skin

Cleanse your skin with a homemade activated charcoal facemask. The highly porous substance binds to and helps pull oil and dirt out of your pores, making them less visible. 

To use:

Mix ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with ½ teaspoon of bentonite clay using a wooden spoon in a glass bowl. Add enough water to form a smooth paste. After cleansing, apply the mask evenly. Leave on for up to 10 minutes, then wash off and moisturise.

Hair wash

When used on your hair, activated charcoal draws out oil, dirt and toxins, just like it does for your skin. Plus, because activated charcoal won’t leave the residue regular shampoos will, your hair will feel lighter and have more volume.

To use:

Massage ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder into your dry scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and follow with your regular natural hair care routine.

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Natural Evolution

Business ideas can arise in the most unlikely circumstances. For Robert Watkins, the idea to produce the world’s first green banana flour occurred when he accidentally drove over a hand of green Lady Finger bananas on his farm in Tropical North Queensland. Now this second-generation farmer is leading a commercial food waste movement with innovative technology that is reducing tonnes of food waste and creating a benchmark for food processing globally.

Over five million tonnes of food is discarded annually in Australia. Not only from households, but along the whole supply chain costing the Australian economy over $20 billion annually. Robert Watkins is aware this issue seeing first hand, at farm level, the quantities of fresh produce discarded weekly due to strict supermarket guidelines. “Week after week I would have to dispose of perfectly good bananas because they were considered unsaleable for the supermarket giants,” Robert recalls. That was until late one summer afternoon in 2010 when Robert accidentally drove over a hand of Lady Finger bananas that had been baking in the Tropical North Queensland sun. The crushed green bananas resembled the appearance and texture of flour which instigated the idea for Natural Evolution Foods first product, Green Banana Flour.

After numerous test batches, Robert and wife Krista started producing small 6-kilogram batches of green banana flour in their kitchen which they sold through Roberts families’ café. “We were surprised by how quickly our green banana flour was selling. Before we knew it, people where phoning orders in and we were months behind in production,” Krista recalls. The demand for green banana flour forced Robert to refine production processes and after six months, he had designed the world’s first banana peeling machine which increased output to 300 kilograms per week. “It wasn’t long until these quantities sold out too,” Robert recalls. In August 2014, Natural Evolution Foods secured a grant to build the world’s first and only pharmaceutical grade banana flour factory which increased output allowing Robert and Krista to keep up with demand, expand their product range and enter overseas markets.

Natural Evolution Foods is the first company in the world to commercially produce green banana flour and has made incredible scientific discoveries. One of the most significant is discovering the highest natural resistant starch found in a variety of bananas grown in Tropical North Queensland locally known as Lady Fingers. Robert and Krista are now taking interest for international commercial use of their trademarked and patent pending technology, NutroLock. “What began as a purpose and use for tonnes of wasted bananas each week has evolved into a new market for all growers and not just for their waste,” Robert says. “Growers finally have the option of another marketplace for their produce, can earn more for their higher grades of bananas, and save on packaging and freight by supplying Natural Evolution Foods.”

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How to ferment vegetables at home

Fermenting vegetables at home is a great way to reduce your food waste, improve gut health and save money.

Step 1: Choose your fermentation equipment

Fermenting vegetables does not require a lot of specialised equipment. Vegetables can be fermented in a dedicated fermenting crock, a clean glass bowl or glass mason jar.

Step 2: Prepare your vegetables for fermenting
Almost any vegetable can be fermented aside from vegetable high in chlorophyll, like kale or spinach. You can ferment one vegetable alone or create a mix of vegetables, along with complimenting herbs and spices. Grate, slice, chop, or leave small vegetable whole. The different ways you prepare the vegetables will produce different results.

Step 3: Use salt, whey or a starter culture

Salt and water is all you need for lacto-fermentation, with sea salt being the best option. Many recipes call for fresh whey as a ferment starter, but it isn’t necessary. Using salt will give the same result. You can also use a vegetable starter culture for a faster fermentation, but it isn’t essential.

Step 4: Use water to prepare the brine

You will need enough brine to be able to submerge the vegetables completely. The best fermentation results are achieved with a 2% brine. For every 100 grams of vegetables, you need 2 grams of salt. Filtered water is essential, in particular, water that is free of chlorine, chloramines and fluoride. Chlorine and fluoride will not support a healthy ferment as they kill the microbes.

Step 5: Weigh the vegetables down under the brine

Once the vegetables have been prepared, place them into the chosen fermentation vessel and weigh them down under the brine. Keeping them in an anaerobic environment during the fermentation period is important. Use a small glass, ceramic cup or plate to keep the vegetables submerged.

Step 6: Leave the vegetables to ferment at room temperature before moving them to the fridge

The fermentation time will depend on numerous factors, including temperature, the quantity of salt and the nature of the vegetable. After leaving the vegetables to ferment at room temperature for three days, taste it. If they are not as acidic as you would like, leave them and taste after another three days, and so on. Once you are happy with the taste, move them to the fridge.

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Sustainable living inspired a sustainable business

Adversity can often be a catalyst for positive change. For Talia and Luke Borda, founders of That Red House, a second cancer diagnosis prompted a sustainable and organic change that led to a new business distributing a natural laundry product which changed their lives and many others around the world.

In 2002, Luke was diagnosed with cancer and after undergoing seemingly successful treatment, in 2006, his second diagnosis confirmed their ultimate fears. In a bid to improve their health, Talia began researching chemicals and ways they could reduce their chemical exposure by switching to organic food and using toxin free products. “I was horrified to discover the extent of what we were unknowingly exposing ourselves to every day,” she recalls. After a few years of living their new lifestyle and the birth of their second baby, Talia and Luke decided they wanted to take their sustainable pursuits one step further. They sold their house in the leafy eastern suburbs and began the process of building an eco house and sustainable organic produce garden in the Adelaide Hills. “It was a massive task with two little ones and one on the way, but it was an amazing decision and one we are thankful for every day,” Talia says.

With this new organic lifestyle however, Talia was struggling to find an organic and grey water safe option for the laundry that allowed them to safely use on the vegetable garden. “I really needed a 100 percent chemical free, biodegradable and preferably organic detergent that actually worked on three dirty little boys,” Talia recalled. After much research, Talia discovered soapberries, the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree, native to Nepal.

Soapberries contain a substance called saponin, in the pericarp (flesh) of the fruit, which acts as a natural soap. They have been used for thousands of years throughout the Himalayas for a multitude of purposes. To harvest the berries, the trees are scaled manually and the berries are picked by hand by local communities, native to the area. They are harvested, dried in the sun, deseeded and packed. “No chemicals are used at any stage of the process, they are 100 percent certified organic and completely raw,” Talia says.

After using soapberries for a few years, Talia and Luke decided to take the plunge and start their business, That Red House, in 2013. “I discovered them, loved them and decided that the world needed to learn about my little secret too,” Talia says. They imported around 600 kilograms of soapberries which quickly sold out. “It was clear that people were ready to embrace the idea of a completely natural way to clean their clothes, and were becoming wise to the chemicals used in mainstream detergents and cleaning products.”

Now Talia and Luke distribute That Red House Organic Soapberries all over Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Mexico, Bermuda and across Europe. They have expanded the range to include Laundry Tonics made from 100 percent pure essential oils which can be added to the soapberries for fragrance. “Our aim at That Red House has always been to strive for a sustainable, organic, eco-conscious, zero-waste, chemical free way of life,” Talia says. “This supports our desire to maintain the health of our loved ones and the planet which can never be replaced.”

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Sustainable homewares made on a corner block

Heart-warming beauty lies in businesses built from humble beginnings and handmade products crafted with care. Natalie Lane who has turned her passion project into a thriving business from a corner block in Brisbane has never looked back.

After returning from backpacking around India, Natalie printed her travel photos into an album to relive the moments from her trip. Years later, she rediscovered the album on a bookshelf and was surprised at how few times she had viewed it. Flicking through the pages, Natalie found it hard to pick only a couple of photos to frame, and wished to display the whole album and change the page at any time. Within that split second, the idea for a book frame was born.

Formally an industrial designer, Natalie combined her skills with her environmental passion to design an artisan range of sustainable frames. “I was eager to work in a business where values of respecting the environment would be part of the company culture and would be a guiding light for decision making - so I started one,” she says. After developing a successful prototype, Natalie launched her environmentally sustainable business, Corner Block Studio in 2015 with her debut product The Book Frame - a wooden adjustable hanging frame to display an open book. Soon after, The Record Jacket Frame and Card Frame evolved.

Living sustainably has always been an integral part of Natalie’s life and instilling environmental values into every aspect of her business is no exception. Natalie sources two groups of timbers for making the frames, recycled hardwood and new pine. She works with experienced timber mills to acquire high quality reclaimed timber from de-commissioned buildings including bridges and homes, and process them to premium quality standards. “Using recycled timbers is not an easy option, we choose to use it anyway because we think it’s important to protect our bush lands and forests,” Natalie explains. Every hardwood frame is designed to showcase the timbers natural characteristics and details of its former life such as small nail holes or a squiggle left by a creature. “It’s a joy to discover these unique features as we make each frame,” she says.

Using her business to share her environmental values, Natalie is careful about the materials she chooses and aims to create modest, long lasting designs with minimal impact on the planet.  Natalie chooses to make her products from timber for its natural, re-purposing and decomposing qualities. “Timber is not energy-intensive to process, compared with alternatives such as plastic and metal, and net carbon dioxide intake of a hoop pine plantation is of great benefit,” Natalie explains.

The future is exciting for Corner Block Studio as Natalie works on designing and creating prototypes for new products. While she is gathering feedback, choosing materials and preparing to hand-make the first release in early 2018, we’re eagerly waiting with anticipation.

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These eathically made sustainable undies are mighty good

Imagine if your undies were ethically made, environmentally friendly and came with a carbon offset. This was the idea for Hannah Parris and Elena Antoniou, founders of Mighty Good Undies, an ethical and sustainable underwear brand that supports communities and offsets carbon emissions from the production of each garment. 

With a decade of experience in public relations working with many brands from luxury to fast fashion, Elena started to feel there was something devastatingly wrong with the whole system and wanted to do something about it. She was drawn to develop an ethical brand that not only produced good quality garments but empowered consumers to make better choices for the planet.

Hannah, an accomplished social science researcher specialising in environmental impact, was already working in the ethical textile space and had made strong connections with internationally recognised organic and Fairtrade suppliers and production mills. She had met with organic cotton farmers and makers, and through this was able to see a positive side of the fashion industry where the production of environmentally friendly garments could sustainably support its producers and suppliers. Together, the powerhouse duo set out to create an environmentally friendly brand that encompassed high ethical standards, and in April 2016 Hannah and Elena launched Mighty Good Undies. 

With transparency at their core focus, Hannah and Elena choose to only work with trustworthy and certified farmers and manufactures to produce their garments. Their manufacture, Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills, has a partnership with cotton producers, Chetna Organics, and together the companies have Fairtrade and Organic cotton (GOTS) certifications for all Mighty Good garments. Their Fairtrade factory commits to Fairtrade benefits for all workers in addition to offering subsidised housing, educational fees for all children up to university level, free transportation to and from work, subsidised meals, medical care, interest free loans, annual bonuses and guaranteed yearly pay rises. “When you support a Fairtrade brand, it means quite simply someone was paid a living wage in a safe environment,” Elena explains. 

Hannah and Elena strive to be as conscious as they can in every decision they make. One of their core philosophies is to not use plastic packaging, instead they use certified organic cotton draw sting bags. In addition to this, they have matched up each pair of Mighty Good Undies with an internationally certified carbon emissions offset. For every garment sold, Mighty Good company purchase 1 kilogram of carbon emissions. “This is just another small way of us trying to look at our business holistically and mitigate any damage we may cause through our business,” Hannah says.

Eager to expand their range and tackle other eco-issues, Elena and Hannah are in the process of developing a washing bag that mitigates microfibres in the washing machine, a problem that has increased with the excessive use of synthetic fabrics. What mighty good work!

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Tim Silverwood - a passionate advocate for protecting our oceans

Growing up in an environmentally friendly household, Tim Silverwood developed a keen interest in sustainability throughout high school and later furthered his environmental pursuits at university and through a career in conservation. Tim spent many years throughout his twenties travelling, but it was a trip around Asia that awakened him to the true impact of plastic pollution and waste. “I was shocked and devastated to witness rivers choking on trash, beaches covered in pollution and waste being dumped directly into mountain streams. I realised that waste and pollution were serious issues and only getting worse, I wanted to do something to turn things around,” says Tim.

An avid surfer, Tim felt compelled to help the ocean he loves so dearly. In 2009, Tim’s desire to change the state of plastic pollution coincidentally lead him to two like-minded people, Amanda Marechal, and Roberta Dixon-Valk. Amanda, a keen surfer, initially came up with the idea of collecting rubbish after each surf and, after consulting with her friend Roberta, a marine ecologist, together they formed the concept of Take 3. After Tim was introduced to the pair in 2009, they decided to officially register and launch the organisation in 2010.

Witnessing pollution and littering made Tim more aware of the disconnect that exists between humankind and the biosphere that sustains us. “Humans have quickly forgotten, or conveniently ignored, the fact that we are living, breathing animals that share a remarkable biome with millions of other living creatures. We are not separate from the natural world; we are part of it. The pollution from single-use plastic and other complex human-made materials marks a key moment when a species, us, is sacrificing life for future generations and countless innocent creatures. I simply can't justify the price we are currently paying in the pursuit of a convenient lifestyle,” says Tim.

Amanda, Roberta, and Tim have always known there was something special about the #take3forthesea action. “It is so simple, catchy and gives anyone, anywhere the opportunity to give back to our spectacular planet,” says Tim. They have seen huge growth in public awareness of the Take 3 message without the need for expensive advertising campaigns or media promotions. While they have directly visited over 150,000 school students and delivered hundreds of community activities, their major impact has been through social media with the Take 3 hashtag (#take3forthesea).

In 2011, Tim joined a three-week expedition to study the accumulation of plastic in the North Pacific Sub-Tropical Gyre, commonly referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. “It was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the vastness of the ocean and the scale of the plastic pollution pandemic,” Tim recalls. Seeing the problem firsthand motivated Tim and he began building his network of colleagues globally who were similarly committed to addressing the problem. This gave Tim the platform to stand up and demand changes with confidence. “I knew more than ever that change was critical and entirely possible,” he says.

Tim points out that there is no ‘floating island of plastic’ in the North Pacific nor in any of the five major oceanic gyres. “Yes, there are higher levels of plastic gathering in these naturally occurring ocean vortices, but the plastic is still highly dispersed, mostly small, microplastics, and not always on the surface, it descends deep into the water column,” he said. Tim believes the media has largely contributed to the misunderstanding of the ‘garbage patch’ which has resulted in lots of attention to bold plans to clean it up, but Tim says this is not the ‘silver bullet’ answer to the problem. “If we are serious about solving plastic pollution we have to stop the problem at the source. That means addressing our consumption, our waste production, our waste management and the leakage of our waste into the environment and waterways,” he says.

“I have always loved the expression that, we are the people we have been waiting for,” says Tim. “As someone who has been working on this issue for over ten years, I can proudly say that we have come an incredibly long way.” Waste and plastic pollution are now key issues discussed in all sectors of society in countries like Australia, the UK, and many other areas. Tim believes the only reason people are discussing plastic pollution solutions is because people have taken action themselves by liking photos on Instagram, signing petitions, sharing viral videos, watching documentaries, purchasing reusable products and picking up rubbish. “As Dr. Seuss writes in The Lorax, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,’ " says Tim. “So, whatever you are doing, keep it up, and do a little bit more.”

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How to filter your water with charcoal

Kishu Binchotan charcoal is an active carbon made from tree branches.  Due to its extremely porous structure, Binchotan charcoal is renowned for its ability to absorb impurities, unwanted tastes and odours from water such as chlorine and releasing beneficial natural minerals. It can also be used to purify indoor air, keep closets, drawers, and refrigerators free from odour, dampness and mould and improve the health of soil and plants.

 

Kishu charcoal is made from Japanese Holm oak, which grows on the forested hills of Kii Peninsula. Oak trees are not logged, but instead, branches are cut off selectively leaving the tree alive and healthy. To make Kishu Binchotan charcoal, oak branches are stacked inside kilns and baked at incredibly high temperatures over several weeks. Oxygen is then shut off and turned on again and its flow slowly increased. This centuries-old process turns wood into carbon, and at up to 98 per cent, Kishu Binchotan charcoal has the highest content of carbon of any charcoal making it one of the purest and highest quality charcoals available on Earth.

 

How to use Kishu Binchotan charcoal to filter water

1. Before using, boil the Kishu Binchotan charcoal stick for 10 minutes, remove and allow to and cool completely. It is now ready to be used. Re-boil the charcoal stick every two to three weeks to get rid of everything it has absorbed. Also, take care not to drop the charcoal stick as it is easily breakable.
    
2. To purify tap water for drinking, place the boiled and cooled Kishu Binchotan charcoal stick into a pitcher of water. Leave for a minimum of five hours, or overnight for best results. The charcoal stick will alkalise the water, absorb chemicals and toxins, and release beneficial minerals into the water. The charcoal stick will stay hard and not discolour the water. One stick will last for approximately three months if you boil it every second week.
    
3. Once your Binchotan charcoal stick has reached the end of its indoor life, improve soil health by recycling it in the garden. Break the charcoal stick up into pieces and mix it into new soil or apply it over a garden bed. The Binchotan charcoal will improve the movement of air and water through the sol, alkalise the soil, and reinforce trace elements.

Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; The environmental problem with palm oil; What is a circular economy?

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5 single-use plastic items everyone needs to stop using now

Our cumulative use of single use plastic is vastly affecting our planet and while this problem on a global scale can seem overwhelming, on a personal level it is more achievable. Fight plastic pollution and say no to the below five single use plastic items below; it’s a simple action you can do to tackle the increasing plastic pollution problem.

PLASTIC BAGS & PRODUCE BAGS

Australians use an estimated 5 billion plastic shopping bags every year with around 50 million entering oceans and waterways causing fatal harm to marine life. The phase out of lightweight plastic bags has been set for seven out of eight Australian states and territories. Although this is positive step forward, the replacement offered by large supermarket chains of a thicker more durable plastic shopping bag is merely a Band-Aid solution. Prepare for the plastic bag ban with truly biodegradable, plastic free reusable shopping and produce bags.

STRAWS

Single use plastic straws are one of the most insidious polluters in the world. They are an item of convenience for most people and are essentially useless, but millions are used daily worldwide despite their harmful effects on the environment.

Used for an average of 20 minutes, plastic straws have an incredibly short ‘consumer use’ lifespan. Although recyclable, the small and lightweight design of plastic straws make them difficult to sort at recycling facilities. Instead, they are discarded in landfill or blown into the environment, inevitably making their way to oceans and waterways.

The environmental effects of single use plastic items are permanent and widespread with plastic contributing to approximately 90 percent of the rubbish floating in our oceans, contaminating every square mile with 46 thousand pieces of plastic. Straws are one of the top ten items collected at beach clean-ups posing potential threat to seabirds, turtles and other marine animals.

Plastic straws are made from polypropylene which is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that uses vast amounts of energy to produce. These chemically produced products are non-biodegradable and when disposed photodegrade over time, causing each piece of plastic to break down into small fragments further polluting the environment and endangering wildlife.

Help reduce the environmental impact of single use plastic straws by requesting no straw with your drink or buy and use a reusable straw.

History of manufactured straws:

1800’s

Straws made from the stalks of rye grass were used in the early 1800’s to improve hygiene at restaurants and soda fountains. Unsatisfied with their weak structure, Marvin Stone designed the first paper drinking straw in 1888.

1900’s

Joseph B. Friedman designed and patented the bendy straw in 1937. The rise of fast food chains in the 1950’s increased popularity of convenience food in disposable packaging. Nonbiodegradable plastic straws made from non-renewable resources quickly replaced paper straws in the 1960’s.

2000’s

The increased production and consumption of nonbiodegradable plastic straws over the past century has contributed to the accumulation of plastic pollution in the environment. Environmental campaigns now encourage consumers to stop using plastic straws and use reusable straws instead.

COFFEE CUPS

We use approximately 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year, making this single use item one of the largest contributors to waste along with plastic bottles and bags. Many cannot be recycled as they are lined with polyethylene and take up to 50 years to degrade.

What people also forget is that it’s not just about the waste at the end, but the precious non-renewable resources that would go into making takeaway items, like coffee cups, in the first place. The environmental repercussions of disposable coffee cups begin well before the consumer has purchased their coffee where precious natural resources are used and pollutants are emitted to manufacture and transport the cups. Put an end to unnecessary waste and stop using single-use coffee cups. Choose a reusable coffee cup such as a KeepCup or dine in! 

WATER BOTTLES

The demand for convenience, driven by busy lifestyles has fostered a society with an insatiable desire for disposable solutions. At the forefront of this convenience driven culture is the excessive production and consumption of bottled water. Currently, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide with predictions of a 20 percent increase by 2021.

Bottled water is an unnecessary product developed by profit driven companies to sell to consumers at a price nearly 2000 times more than the cost of sourcing it directly from the tap. Use your consumer power to prevent further damage to the environment. Stop purchasing bottled water and invest in a good quality reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle.

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Reduce your food waste

Australia’s increasing food waste is becoming an epidemic that is impacting the environment and economy. Over 5 million tonnes of food is discarded annually. Not just from households, but along the whole supply chain from farms to transport, manufacturing and supermarkets costing the Australian economy over $20 billion annually.  

The government has committed to reducing half of Australia’s food waste by 2030, and you can help by reducing your household food waste. Most household food waste occurs due to incorrect storage. Start by reducing the waste of the top five wasted foods as discovered by OZ Harvest.

BREAD

Prevent bread from going stale or mouldy by storing it in the freezer. If bread becomes stale, use it to make bread pudding, French toast, crotons or dumplings. Avoid plastic bread bag waste by using a reusable bread bag. 

BAGGED SALAD
Reduce plastic and food waste by purchasing whole salad vegetables and make a salad from scratch, opposed to bagged salad. Use The Swag to keep produce fresher for longer.

POTATOES
Reduce food waste by storing potatoes correctly. Don’t wash potatoes until you are ready to use them. Keep them away from direct sunlight and store in a cool, dry and dark place. Hessian Produce Bags help to prolong the life of potatoes by absorbing moisture and allowing air flow. 

BANANAS
If you don’t like eating over-ripe bananas, don’t discard them. Freeze them to use later in a smoothie, banana bread, muffins, ice-cream, in porridge or pancakes. Full Circle ZipTuck Reusable Bags are a great zero waste solution for storing over-ripe bananas in the freezer.

MEAT
If you eat meat, it’s important to check the use-by date to ensure you store it correctly for use. If you aren’t going to eat the meat before its use-by date, freeze it. Meat can be stored safely in the freezer for up to six months.

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The 5 R’s to zero waste

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot

Every item we use has an environmental cost - some greater than others. We can all make a difference by being mindful of the waste we generate. Review your lifestyle by using the five R’s to manage your waste. Start implementing these small changes into your daily routine and you will discover just how easy it is to live sustainably.

Refuse

Every purchasing choice you make is a vote for the world you want. Think carefully about the environmental impacts of all purchases. Start refusing things you don’t need and say no to single use disposable items that end up in landfill such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws and coffee cups.

Reduce

Review your lifestyle and find ways to reduce your consumption and save resources. Can you stop junk mail and paper deliveries, reduce power usage or eliminate lunch box waste? Be mindful about your actions and realistic about your purchases. Buy quality products that will last a lifetime and start taking action to reduce daily waste. 

Reuse

Start reusing and repairing items instead of buying brand new. Replace single use products with reusables - swap paper towels for fabric cloths; plastic food wrap for beeswax wraps; and single use batteries for rechargeable batteries. Save money and waste by mending broken items or find a new purpose for items that can’t be repaired.

Recycle

Maintain a closed loop system by recycling as much as you can. Use external recycling facilities that accept hard to recycle items that cannot be recycled by your curb side collection program such as light bulbs, batteries, electronics and soft plastics. Visit Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website to find alternative recycling services.

Rot

Composting your food scraps not only provides you with nutrient rich fertiliser for your garden, it also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by landfill. Instead of discarding food scraps in the general waste bin add them to a compost heap, bokashi bin, worm farm or community compost bin.

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Six World Environment Day tips that can make a difference

Small Everyday Changes Everyone Can Make That Will Have a Huge Impact

With World Environmental Day right around the corner, thoughts turn to how to save the planet and reduce our collective negative impact on the environment. While that sounds like a monumental task, TerraCycle, the company that specialises in recycling the ‘non-recyclable’, has six easy suggestions that can help you start making changes. 

TerraCycle is an international recycling and upcycling company that takes hard-to-recycle packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products. The zero waste recycling bins are collection points for designated waste items that are not usually recycled by council services. This diverts the items from landfill, giving them a second life through TerraCycle’s specialist services in recycling and re-purposing materials. 

Six World Environment Day tips that can change the world

1. Recycle wisely – Australians are keen to recycle; 98 per cent of Australian households get behind it. What about toothbrushes, coffee capsules and cosmetics – waste that doesn’t go in the recycling bin? Brands like L’Oréal, Colgate and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto have partnered with TerraCycle to make their products nationally recyclable through free recycling programs, open to all Australians. Solutions for ‘non-recyclable’ items – from batteries to X-rays – can be found at Recycling Near You.

2. Carry a reusable water bottle – It’s no secret disposable bottles are bad for the environment. Nearly one million plastic bottles are bought every minute around the world and less than half of those bottles are recycled. Fortunately, reusable water bottles come in every shape, colour, material and size – there is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle. Make this the year you switch.

3. Become a coffee cup warrior – Remember when ABC’s War on Waste filled a Melbourne tram with 50,000 disposable coffee cups? That’s the number thrown away by Australians every 30 minutes. Slash that statistic by grabbing a KeepCup or BYO kitchen mug to your local takeaway.

4. Choose products with sustainable packaging – Send a message to manufacturers that sustainable packaging matters by purchasing products with packaging that can be refilled, reused, recycled or upcycled and reduce the nearly eight million metric tonnes of plastic that end up in our oceans each year.

5. Invest in sustainable businesses – Use your money to make a difference by investing in companies that adhere to a triple bottom-line business model of being socially, environmentally and financially aware. Green-thinkers worldwide can now invest in TerraCycle US, through its recently authorised $25 million Regulation A offering.

6. Have reusable bag; will travel – We’ve all heard of reusable grocery bags, why not take it a step further and use a linen or hemp bag for all your shopping and errands. This simple change would help reduce the 9.7 billion single-use plastic bags Australians use every year. 

Recycling at Biome with TerraCycle

Biome Eco Stores currently offer a complimentary in store 'end of life' TerraCycle recycling program to all Biome customers.

What we can recycle for you at Biome:

1. Cosmetic, skin care and hair care packaging*

2. Packaging from in-store purchases

3. Pens, pencils, markers and highlighters

4. Wine corks

5. CDs, cassettes, memory sticks and other data storage

6. Toothbrush and toothpaste packaging*

*All containers must be completely cleaned out for us to take them from you.

TerraCycle for the workplace

You can purchase TerraCycle recycling bins for your workplace or organisation from Biome. The bins are a perfect closed-loop solution for any workplace where used items accumulate including home offices, tuck shops, schools, small businesses and community groups. Choose bins for recycling coffee capsules, office supplies, pens, snack wrappers, mailing labels and tape, CDs and more.

Purchase TerraCycle Boxes at Biome. 

To learn more about TerraCycle or to recycle in its free recycling programs, visit www.terracycle.com.au. Those interested in investing in TerraCycle US, Inc. should visit www.ownterracycle.com.

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15 simple environmental initiatives to change the world

 

We all have the power as individuals to create significant, positive and lasting change. Here are 15 simple environmental initiatives you can do today to help make the world a better place tomorrow.

1. Join 1 Million Women movement and take practical action on climate change in your everyday lives to cut pollution, reduce waste, save energy and lead change.
2. Take 3 For The Sea – take 3 pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere!
3. Plastic Free July – Go plastic free in July and try to continue it throughout the year.
4. Join the Don’t Palm Us Off campaign - advocate for mandatory palm oil labelling in Australia by sending an email to your premier.
5. Spread awareness – it’s free! Talk to family and friends about our current environmental issues and encourage them to live more sustainably.
6. Clean up Australia Day – volunteer to pick up rubbish from an area near your home or office.
7. Quit single use plastics – stop using single use plastics and choose reusable products instead.
8. Plant a tree on National Tree Day or any day!
9. Compost your kitchen and garden waste – Composing reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gasses.
10. Reduce your food miles - buy organic and seasonal produce from local producers.
11. Shop palm oil free – Use Palm Oil Investigation’s barcode scanner app to check the ingredients in a product or shop palm oil free with confidence at Biome Eco Stores.
12. Leave the car at home – take public transport, cycle or walk.
13. Reduce food waste – plan your meals, only buy what you need and eat leftovers.
14. Meat Free Monday – reduce your weekly meat consumption by eating vegetarian or vegan meals on Monday.
15. Reduce, reuse and recycle – actively take part in reducing your waste, reusing what you can before purchasing new, and recycling what you can.

The collective power of individual actions can create significant change!

 

 

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Earth Hour Australia 2018

Be part of the world’s largest grassroots movement for climate change. Take action on climate change by switching off on Saturday, 24 March, 8.30pm – 9.30pm local time, for the future of Australian wildlife.

WWF’s Earth Hour is a great home-grown Aussie success story. Initially starting in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a worldwide phenomenon which is now celebrated in 187 countries and 7000 cities around the world.

This year Earth Hour is drawing attention to the impact climate change has on biodiversity. Australia is home to an amazing array of unique plants and animals. More than 80% of Australia's flowering plants, mammals, reptiles, frogs and almost 50% of our birds occur nowhere else on Earth. However, our beautiful Australian wildlife and iconic places are under threat and we’re losing species at an unprecedented rate. Turtles on our beloved Great Barrier Reef, koalas in the forest, rock wallabies in the bush, and penguins in Antarctica are suffering from the impacts of climate change.

By switching off your lights for one hour on Saturday, you’re taking part in a symbolic action that helps to spark the conversation for change. I believe the collective power of individual actions can create significant change. Use this initiative as an opportunity to encourage individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take accountability for their ecological footprint and make stronger global commitments that provides real solutions to our environmental challenges.

Go beyond the hour and take positive action to protect our planet!

Specific impacts in Australia include:

Green turtles and the Great Barrier Reef

Rising sea levels are threatening Raine Island in the Great Barrier Reef, currently home to one of the world’s largest nesting sites for green turtles. A recent study (supported by WWF) showed that higher temperatures in nests are causing turtle eggs to produce females. Around 99% of the green turtle population is now female, signalling a potential population crash. 7

Koalas

With higher average temperatures, global warming is changing the water and nitrogen content of eucalyptus leaves, the koala’s only food, making them less nutritious. As a result, koalas are not getting enough water and nutrients from their natural diet and have to leave the protection of their tree-top homes, making them prone to predators and traffic.

The black-flanked rock wallaby

The black-flanked rock wallaby, which habitat includes the desert and bush in many parts of Northern and Western Australia, is highly endangered. More severe and longer droughts will result in food and habitat loss, leaving these beautiful animals with nowhere to go.

Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the fastest warming areas on the planet. The accelerated melting of Antarctica’s ice sheets has contributed to global average sea levels rising, increasing the risk of coastal flooding in Australia.

The melting ice is putting pressure on Antarctica’s many coastal and marine species, including penguins. A third of the Adélie penguin colonies in Antarctica could disappear in less than 50 years due to the impacts of climate change on food supply of krill and fish.


Related: B Corporations redefining business success; The environmental problem with palm oil; What is a circular economy?
 

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How to have an ethical Easter

Lots of chocolate is consumed at Easter to celebrate the occasion but this can cause more harm to the environment than you might think. Below are five important aspects to consider when purchasing chocolate to help you have an ethical Easter.

Is it palm oil free chocolate?

Around 300 football fields of the world’s most biologically diverse rainforests are felled every hour for palm oil plantations, killing around 6000 orangutans, plus Sumatran tigers and many other species every year.

Australians unknowingly consume on average 10 kilograms of palm oil each year and unclear food labelling makes it hard for people to exercise their consumer choice. Palm oil is a high yield and low cost versatile ingredient used extensively in most manufactured foods, cleaning products, body care, make up and bio fuels. Inadequate government labelling regulations allow brands to hide palm oil behind more than 200 alternate names such as vegetable oil, Glycerine, Plant Surfactant and Caprylic Triglyceride, making it extremely confusing for consumers to identify. Palm oil-based butter which mimics the taste of cocoa butter is used extensively by chocolate manufacturers as a production cost saving measure. When purchasing chocolate this Easter, make sure you purchase 100 percent palm oil free chocolate. 

Is it ethically made and Fairtrade? 

Is the chocolate made and owned by locals? Where was the coco sourced? Was it grown and harvested sustainably? Were the workers treated and remunerated fairly?

These are the questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing chocolate for Easter. According to Choice, approximately 70 percent of chocolate consumed globally is sourced from West Arica where over two million children under the age of 18, some trafficked, work under treacherous conditions to harvest the cocoa. By purchasing ethically made and Fairtrade chocolate, you’re supporting cocoa farmers who provide safe and sustainable employment for their community.

Do you need to consider food allergies?

It’s important to consider if the recipient has any food allergies when purchasing chocolate this Easter as you don’t want to cause any allergic reactions. Are they lactose or gluten intolerant? There is a wide range of dairy free and gluten free Easter chocolate options for people with food allergies.

Does it align with the recipient’s values?

Shopping by a person’s values is important to remember when purchasing Easter chocolate especially if the person lives a vegan, cruelty free or palm oil free lifestyle. There is a large range of vegan chocolate available from local chocolate artisan. 

Is the packaging environmentally friendly?

Most Easter chocolates are wrapped in aluminium foil which is recyclable through council recycling bins but only if you follow the correct guidelines to ensure it is filtered correctly at the recycling facility. Collect all the small used aluminium foil wrappers and scrunch them up into a tight large ball then place it in your recycling bin. This will ensure the ball is sorted correctly and has the highest possible chance at being recycled.





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B Corporations redefining business success

B Corporation® certification recognises purpose-driven businesses that run with the highest level of transparency and accountability, and are committed to improving social and environmental conditions for all. They have one shared vision - to create a global movement using the power of business to drive positive change. They are driven by the value they add to the wider community, not profits, and operate at a higher social and environmental level, considering all business impacts and being responsible for them.

B Corp® shows how businesses can operate sustainably and change the world for the better. The rigorous assessment conducted by B Lab, a non-profit organisation, reviews a company’s governance, transparency, environmental and social impact and certifies businesses on their ability to create value for all stakeholders, not only shareholders. 

“Together, B Corps redefine success in business by competing not to be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world.” - B Corp®

Recently, Biome became the first Australian retailer awarded international B Corporation® certification for its success in operating a business with the highest social and environmental standards. Listed alongside renowned Australian brands including KeepCup and Tom Organics, Biome joins 173 certified Australian businesses, and 2,441 certified B Corporations® from 50 countries.

“Since launching 14 years ago, we have relentlessly built a sustainable and transparent business that supports employees, suppliers, community and the environment. We are proud to have passed the rigorous assessment and join the ranks of world changing brands that work towards creating a global movement using the power of business to drive positive change.” – Biome

Look for the B Corp logo when out-and-about and support businesses that are working to be the best for the world.

If you own a business; find out how you can be a B Corp certified business here and be part of the change for good!

Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; The environmental problem with palm oil; What is a circular economy?

 

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Zero waste body care swaps

Adopt a zero waste body care routine and say good riddance to bathroom rubbish!

A standard bathroom can contain cupboards full of toxic and disposable products from plastic toothbrushes to disposable sanitary products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approximately two billion disposable razors enter landfill every year. Additionally, it is estimated women use between 10,000 to 12,000 disposable sanitary products in their lifetime. Adopting a zero waste body care routine is an easy way to reduce your waste. It is as simple as swapping the disposable items you normally use for environmentally friendly reusable options.

10 zero waste body care swaps:

1. Disposable razor > reusable safety razor
2. Disposable pads and tampons > menstrual cups and reusable cotton pads
3. Plastic loofah > sea sponge
4. Synthetic body brush > natural sisal body brush
5. Deodorant in a can > deodorant in a glass jar
6. Plastic toothbrush > bamboo toothbrush
7. Body wash in a plastic bottle > a bar of soap
8. Packaged organic skin care products > DIY skincare using natural ingredients
9. Plastic hairbrush/comb > wooden or bamboo hairbrush/comb
10. Packaged Shampoo and conditioner > shampoo bar and apple cider vinegar rinse 

Products can be purchased in our four Brisbane stores and online here.

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The plastic invasion. How plastic is impacting our health and the environment.

We’re all aware of the impact of the accumulating mass of plastic pollution on our environment. Countless articles have been written and research undertaken has led scientists to uncover microplastics in the stomachs of birds and small marine animals. Now researchers have found plastic particles in our drinking water leading to serious concerns for the health of current and future civilisations. 

We have produced more plastic in the first ten years of this century then we have in the whole of the last twentieth century. Since the 1950s, we have produced over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic and only 20% of the plastic we currently use each year is recycled or incinerated. So, what happens to the remaining 80% of plastic used? It ends up in landfill, in our oceans, or worse in the stomachs of animals who mistake it for food.

If plastic is harming our wildlife, could it be affecting us too? This was the question raised by scientists at Orb Media who recently completed a global study to understand if microplastic fibres were present in tap water from cities around the world. In a first of its kind study, Orb Media and partners collected and tested samples from 12 nations across 6 continents and discovered more than 80% of the water collected was contaminated with plastic particles.

The United States water samples had the highest contamination rate with 94% of plastic particles found in water samples from well-known buildings and landmarks including the Trump Tower in New York, Congress buildings, and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters. Closely following the United States were Lebanon and India. Water samples collected in the UK, Germany and France had the lowest contamination rate, but this was still high at 72%.

Scientists say if plastic particles are in our drinking water, they’re surely in our food too. This has been the case for the small aquatic animals including small fish and prawns, and it has now been found in sea salt. In a separate study, tiny particles of plastic have been discovered in store bought sea salt products in the UK, France, Spain, China and US. These studies prove plastic is infiltrating our lives and potentially harming our health.

Plastic is a terrible chemical produced product that causes more damage the longer it remains on the planet. It is virtually indestructible and doesn’t biodegrade; instead it breaks down into smaller fragments, some in nanometer scale (one-one thousandth of one-one thousandth of a millimetre). These are called microplastics and they are everywhere. They are floating in the atmosphere around us; shedding from our plastic produced clothing and the dust from tyres of the passing cars around us. These plastic particles are nearly impossible to see and therefore can easily be consumed and absorbed by our bodies. Studies have found particles in nanometer scale have the ability to penetrate the intestinal wall and be transported to other bodily organs including the lymph nodes.

Although there are currently no advanced filtration systems that can filter out plastic particles in nanometer scale, you can still do your bit to reduce your plastic impact on the environment by refusing to use single use plastics and wearing clothing made from natural fibres.

References:
Orb Media: Invisibles - The plastic inside us
The Guardian: Sea salt around the world is contaminated by plastic, studies show

Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; The environmental problem with palm oil; What is a circular economy?

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What is a circular economy?

Image by circular.flanders (on Instagram)

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy is based on a regenerative system where resources input and waste are reduced by recycling, reusing and repurposing everything. It's a contrast to a linear economy which is structured on a 'take, make and dispose' system.

A circular economy is designed to extract the maximum value from the resources used in the initial development of products. This requires innovation from businesses to discover new ways to use existing materials rather than disposing them; and resourceful thinking from individuals to repurpose old or worn items.

 

Why is a circular economy important?

Along with forging new opportunities for product innovation and business development, a circular economy also helps to significantly reduce waste by keeping resources in a closed loop system for as long as possible. 

From start-ups to global companies, initiatives and innovations are beginning to form the cornerstone of business production models as waste continues to mount. TerraCycle, an international recycling and upcycling company, is a great example of a circular economy initiative that takes hard-to-recycle packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products. From plastic pens and coffee pods to gloves and beauty packaging, TerraCycle collects and recycles these products eliminating them from landfill. TerraCycle has currently recycled over 3,783,212,164 pieces of waste.

How you can help

A circular economy relies heavily on consuming differently such as reusing products for as long as possible, recycling and upcycling. We can all work towards creating a circular economy in our own lives by repairing broken objects, buying second hand items, buying and using reusable items, recycling and finding a new purpose for old items. Below is a list of ways you can participate in a circular economy within your household.

1. Refurbish old furniture;
2. Mend worn clothing;
3. Recycle as much as you can;
4. Compost instead of purchasing fertiliser;
5. Use reusable products such as a KeepCup, shopping bag, produce bags and water bottle;
6. Shop at second hand stores;
7. Buy new products made using recycled materials instead of virgin materials;
8. Repurpose objects instead of discarding them;
9. Try to live zero waste as much as possible; and
10. Borrow and share household items instead of buying new ones.

Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; The environmental problem with palm oil; How to create a plastic free pantry

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How to create a plastic free pantry

Creating a plastic free pantry is an easy way to reduce your contribution to landfill and exposure to chemicals from plastic.

Plastic free products are alternatives made from glass, stainless steel, organic cotton, hemp, jute, bamboo and wood, and have no plastic packaging. The benefit of glass is it is nontoxic, nonporous, stain resistant and infinitely recyclable whereas plastic is quite the opposite and made from a concoction of synthetic chemicals, some known carcinogens and hormone disruptors. Creating a plastic free pantry is easy and can be very affordable. Follow the steps below to create and maintain a plastic free pantry in your home.

1. Start by collecting and purchasing glass jars:
You can build up a collection on mismatched glass jars by collecting them as you use them from premade sauces and spreads. Alternatively, you can purchase a collection of matching glass jars specifically designed for storing a variety of foods. Kilner products are great for creating a plastic free pantry with its large range of glass jars available in various shapes and sizes. Kilner’s iconic clip top jars are perfect for storing pantry staples such as flour, sugar, pasta and rice whereas the preserving jars can be used for pickling foods or homemade jam.

2. Use reusable bags:
Maintaining a plastic free pantry is the most important aspect. It’s important to remember you are trying to eliminate all types of plastic from your pantry, including single use plastic from food packaging, grocery bags and produce bags. When preparing for your grocery shop, pack in your reusable shopping bags, bread bags, and produce bags. This will stop you from bring home additional single use plastic packaging.

3. Avoid purchasing anything in plastic:
When shopping, avoid purchasing anything in plastic packaging opt for foods in cardboard boxes, aluminium BPA free cans, and glass jars. Once used, the packaging can either be reused, recycled or composted.

4. Shop at local farmers markets and bulk food suppliers:
Instead of shopping at grocery stores where the aisles are filled with plastic packaging and premade foods, shop at farmers markets and bulk food suppliers where you can purchase wholefoods in bulk using your glass jars. Not only will you be supporting local producers and eliminating packaging, but you will also be reducing your food miles.

5. Bake and cook as much food from scratch:
A lot of premade foods are packaged in plastic. Instead of choosing the convenient option, use the wholefoods you bought in bulk to make your own foods from scratch. Not only does homemade cooking taste better, it does not contain artificial or synthetic preservatives, colours or ingredients.

Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; The environmental problem with palm oil; Hemp food approved for consumption

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Hemp food approved for consumption

Touted for its significant health benefits, it is likely hemp will rise to be Australia’s new favourite superfood.

After years of lobbying, national and state food minsters recently approved the consumption of low- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) hemp seed foods in Australia. Commonly misconceived due to its close relations to marijuana, hemp consumption was prohibited in Australia due to concerns it would alter roadside and workplace drug tests. However, the recent approval for hemp consumption has given the green light on this new superfood, giving Australians the opportunity to boost their health with a protein rich and environmentally friendly food source.

When you review the health and environmental qualities of hemp, it stands out among its counterparts. Hemp as a food source contains various vitamins, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. It contains all 10 essential amino acids plus 14 fatty acids, making it a complete protein and one of the best plant-based proteins for vegans. Unlike marijuana, industrial hemp grown to produce food and other hemp materials contains much lower levels of the mind-altering chemical THC. Industrial hemp only contains approximately 0.3 to 1.5 percent of THC whereas marijuana can contain 5 to 10 percent or more.

Hemp is a highly sustainable quick growing plant that requires little water to produce, and is naturally resistant to pests which means it does not require chemical pesticides or herbicides. Unlike cotton and flax which can adsorb up to 50 percent of the pesticides sprayed on them. For farmers, hemp can be used as a rotational crop between planting periods. Its thick foliage and dense growth prevents sunlight reaching the soil which aids in reduce weed growth. The plant helps to replenish nutrients and improve soil tilth, reduce salinity, and absorb toxic metals from the soil. At its end of life, hemp can be recycled, reused or composted as it ire environmentally friendly thamore environemntally ore are limited in their scope and can be inconclusive, however as a conscis 100 per cent biodegradable.


Related: Shave waste free and save the environment; Battling Australia’s bottled water crisis; The state of Australia’s waste    

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Shave waste free and save the environment

 There are many ways plastic can sneak into our lives, and a disposable plastic razor is one of them.

According to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) approximately two billion disposable razors enter landfills every year in the United States of America. Men and women spend a small fortune on these plastic items which are designed to be discarded and replaced frequently. These items are used for approximately two weeks to three months before the entire razor or razor head is replaced.

Most disposable razors are made from a plastic that never truly breaks down. Limited recycling programs make it difficult for people to dispose of their razors responsibly, with most ending up in landfill. The plastic can last in the environment for over 1,000 years and then eventually break down into smaller fragments.

You can still have an incredibly close and comfortable shave while reducing your impact on the environment – simply swap a plastic disposable razor for a reusable safety razor. Every part of a reusable safety razor is truly zero waste. Parker safety razors, made from brass with a chrome plating, are 100 per cent plastic free and designed to last a lifetime. The replaceable razor blades can be recycled at the end of their use, unlike disposable razors, which cannot be easily recycled as they are fixed inside the plastic razor head.

Investing in a reusable razor will not only reduce the impact on the environment, but will potentially save individuals hundreds of dollars every year.

Related: Your war on waste; Battling Australia’s bottled water crisis; The state of Australia’s waste    

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