by Sophie Newman (Editor)
If you’re trying to decide, if or what to buy for the ethically-minded-someone in your life, or need some inspiration for your own wishlist, here is my personal and low-waste Top 5 wishlist.
I hope that you find these ideas helpful, feel free to let me know in the comments below or share your ‘conscious shopping’ suggestions, we’d love to hear them!
Products within this article may contain affiliate links.
1. Massage or Facial voucher
A truly generous gift of instant happiness that I’ll rarely treat myself to. Time to relax and unwind is invaluable to me and if you want to make someone feel loved and pampered without the packaging, (you can even perform the massage or beauty service yourself), a voucher for your local small business, or an Endota Day Spa is the perfect gift for someone special.
Why Endota? Australia’s largest Day Spa network, Endota was created near my home on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, and use their own range of organic & natural skincare. They empower women through employment and give back to the community, currently collaborating with a group of indigenous women from NT whose artwork appears on their Colour packaging, and who receive a percentage of sales of that range. You can read more about these stories on the Endota Spa blog.
endotaspa.com.au
2. Paper Straws
Black & White Paper Straws (25) $3.99
I have a confession, I was a long-time plastic straw user. I found it difficult to chug a smoothie without a straw and the ‘chink’ of ice against my teeth when out at a cafe or bar.
What is far worse though is the images and reality of sea-creatures and the environment needlessly choking on this ‘disposable’ plastic frivolity*. That’s why I now stash some brilliant, fully biodegradable and compostable alternatives into my bag and car as a back-up for those moments of weakness. Is using straws at all a necessity? No. But I’m the first to admit that it is challenging to remove all plastic from your life overnight, and paper straws are an excellent transition alternative for someone realistic about perfection, and dedicated to constant improvement towards zero waste.
If reusable straws are more your scene, BioMe has some great options including glass straws, steel straws & cleaning utensils, all shipped from Australia or pickup in Brisbane.
*for more info about ocean plastic and what we can do about it, see a our Easy Guide to Going Plastic-free.
3. Vintage or recycled Glassware
Photo: therentalave.com
One of the best gifts I’ve ever given, and one that still sends me longing was a stunning, ornate-vintage wine goblet that I found at an op-shop. I was looking especially for a birthday gift for a friend and this wine glass was so beautiful I knew straight away it was the ‘one’. Sadly, after I parted with it I realised it was the ‘one that got away’ and have spent many days since looking for its twin or something similar to fill that space in my heart. What I’m trying to say here is “what could be more precious than a vintage, unique and recycled piece of quality glassware to drink wine out of?” Take a coffee for stamina and use your individual sense of appreciation to let inspiration guide you through the kitchenware sections of your local op-shops, and see what treasure you find.
4. Sukin Organics Skincare – Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
Sukin Charcoal range
This just happens to be my preferred brand of Australian-made natural skincare. I love the using products that are safe for both my body and the environment. Having a combination skin-type means in winter I experience dryness & sensitivity and sun-damage from the summer sun. Rosehip Oil is perfect for nourishing, hydrating and healing meaning I can use it all year round. Sukin‘s wide range of quality and affordable skin-care will be perfect for anyone looking to move away from their existing brand or skin complications without a significant increase in cost.
Oil Range – sukinorganics.com.au
About Sukin; Launching in 2007 after identifying a gap in the market for environmentally sustainable and affordable natural skincare, Sukin has grown to become Australia’s top Natural Skincare Brand. All of their products are made here in Australia with ingredients that are naturally derived, cruelty free and vegan and all formulations are 100% Carbon Neutral and biodegradable.
5. Worm Farm
Reln Garden 3-tier Worm Cafe – Photo: bunnings.com.au
This is definitely not going to be top of the list for everyone, but living in a unit with a small courtyard, composting is not something that you can do easily, and storing bags of fruit and vege peel until your trip to the community garden is not always the best option. At the same time, the joy I get from saving such a large part of our household waste from landfill is totally worth it, and compacting this into a clean solution with free fertiliser is so clever and simple, anyone can do it!
According to Vitality4life, a Worm Farm produces highly concentrated liquid compost rather than soil (which is also a potent fertiliser) and requires minimal space in a cool, dry location e.g. a garage. Worm farms are not suitable for composting citrus, garlic, onions, bread or meats, but are suitable to smaller homes with lower volumes of compost.
I’m thinking of trying the 3-tier Worm Cafe from Bunnings, but feel free to let me know if you have an alternative in the comments below.
For other composting options suitable to your home, see this comparison article or the 10 reasons to start composting by Vitality4life.
Happy Conscious Shopping!
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