Article22.
Upcycle Studio is the main supplier of Article 22 Jewelry for Australia and the southern Pacific region.
Thank you for your Upcycling support Article 22.
THE JOURNEY TO LAOS AND ARTICLE22
By Elizabeth Suda, Founder of ARTICLE22
Upcycled bombs that get disarmed and melted down to form this beautiful, elegant jewellery. Not only is it upcycled but every purchase helps clear more unexploded bombs in Laos and supplies these small villages an income.
Thanks, Article22.
]]>Thank you for your Upcycling support Article 22.
THE JOURNEY TO LAOS AND ARTICLE22
By Elizabeth Suda, Founder of ARTICLE22
In 2007, I sat at my desk with glazed eyes. It was time for me to leave my job as a Merchandising Assistant at Coach, Inc. I had learned so much but I had become more curious about what sustainability could mean in the context of fashion. A rejection from the Fulbright Fellowship committee to study organic cotton in India brought me one of my best failures: it led me to Laos. I found a volunteer opportunity on a job site called Idealist.org that was filled with UN, World Bank, and other non-profit jobs and internships. Although I eventually declined the volunteer opportunity that I’d been offered (a raucous story better told with a Beer Lao) , I’d already purchased my plane fare to Laos.
But where was Laos? I could hardly locate this mysterious country on a map – that made me more curious, and a bit ashamed. My research uncovered a rich living culture of people who dye with organic materials and weave intricate textiles by hand. I read how the traditional sinh skirt is required to be worn for national holidays and public work life and even came across a blog that suggested that, in the past, the quality of a woman’s weaving might determine the quality of her mate. Was that hyperbole?! Fascinated by what seemed to be immense cultural pride in this artform of visual narrative, I needed to know more. And more about these incredible natural dyes – stick lac, mud, leaves, seeds – that transform handspun silk into masterpieces of wearable art. I had a feeling the fast-paced global fashion community had much to learn from the traditional cultural bearers that I would soon meet. I was on my way to Vientiane!
My first nights in Bankgkok were overwhelming even though I had just come from the urban jungle of New York City. As I made the obligatory tourist trek through Khao San Road by night and temple hopped by day, my heart palpitated with overwhelm. In contrast with the first words I heard in the Vientiane airport: “bor penyang, no worries” the immigration officer repeated when I nervously explained that I’d left my passport sized photo in my checked luggage. No worries – it would just cost me an extra US dollar to process my visa without a photo. Phew.
“Bor penyang”. Suddenly, it seemed ok that I didn’t have a plan, or even a guesthouse reservation, as I stepped out of the airport and into the tuk tuk. The days that followed were full of visits to local textile workshops where I would learn how perceptions of what is “developed” and “undeveloped” were largely just that – perceptions. Because the kindness with which I was welcomed into these workshops, all run by women, showed me what it was to look at “development” from a totally different perspective. Some women would weave with their newborn babies by their side. This was a totally different version of “maternity leave” or, for that matter, “take your child to work day”. And watching the natural dyers pour hundreds of years of knowledge into the dye cauldrons along with indigo leaves, seeds, or resin, also taught me that some of the best innovations are those that are still in practice hundreds of years later. Contrary to my “modern American” tendencies, perhaps new isn’t always better?
So, when I met artisans in the north of Laos who were upcycling scrap metal into soup spoons, I was not entirely surprised. Limited resources had prompted artisans in this Xieng Khouang mountain village to be incredibly creative and resourceful by making garbage into useful and beautiful soup spoons. This had become a cottage industry that uplifted them out of subsistence farming poverty while quite literally feeding their neighbors.
The shock and horror was to discover where the scrap metal originated. A woman in the village grabbed my hand and led me to a shed full of scrap metal. She picked up a jagged piece with distinct English print that read ROCKET MORTAR. These were fragments of American bombs from the Secret War. A war I had not learned about in my History classes. And yet, I was confronted with physical relics from my country from a war that “never happened”.
She picked up a jagged piece with distinct English print that read ROCKET MORTAR. These were fragments of American bombs from the Secret War. A war I had not learned about in my History classes.
“If they can make spoons, they can make bracelets” I thought, “and we will buy back the bombs”. An aha moment, I could envision taking their local innovation making spoons to the global market with a bracelet that would bring more income into the community while also raising awareness of the 80 million unexploded bombs littering Laos and funds for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) to clear them. What if consumers across the world could by these meaningful pieces of history and fuel this virtuous circle?
But it took a year to make the first bracelet. When I asked my partner at Swiss NGO, Helvetas, why the hesitation, he explained to me “a lot of falang come here with ideas, but then nothing ever happens and they don’t want to waste their time”. It was a fair point, so I promised to make no promises except one: I would buy the first five hundred pieces. One spoon became one bracelet, then five hundred, then thousands, and eventually a whole range of jewelry.
A few years later, I understood something else that might have contributed to their hesitation. When I (somewhat sheepishly) asked the ARTICLE22 Country Manager, Manivone, how some women in the countryside could afford the gold necklaces they wore, she laughed and said “but Liz, that’s their bank account”. It was another example of how perception can be so different than reality. The artisans genuinely wondered “but who would buy bracelets” made from shrapnel and scrap? Of course, I also wondered whether people would buy them. But I didn’t think about the fact that in some places people bought jewelry mostly for the intrinsic value of the metal itself.
Today, ARTICLE22 sells a range of meaningful jewelry to customers in over 30 countries. Each piece contributes to MAG to make land safe and to date, we have contributed to clear over 500,000 square meters of contaminated land. As of 2020, we co-sponsor a MAG emergency roving team in Khammouane Province which is able to respond to urgent calls from villagers and last week, they removed a 500 pound bomb the same day the request was called in.
As of 2020, ARTICLE22 co-sponsors a MAG emergency roving team in Khammouane Province which is able to respond to urgent calls from villagers and last week, they removed a 500 pound bomb the same day the request was called in.
You cannot quantify peace of mind. You cannot quantify inner peace.
That is why I named ARTICLE22 after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And while these ideas are big and broad, I constantly return to what I have learned from my Laotian partners, leaders, and activists like Legacies of War team and Fred Branfman – patience and the power of long term commitment, balanced with focus on the present moment. I wish to see all the bombs cleared in Laos. But in the meantime, I count every bracelet sold and every square-meter of land cleared as its own triumph. Because incremental change adds up even though it's not always quantifiable. Because how can you quantify the peace of mind of a farmer who no longer has to grow rice in fear? Or a mother and father who no longer have to worry that their child might pick up a cluster bomb, mistaking it for a toy? You cannot quantify inner peace.
The first time I was asked why I do this was at the International Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane in 2010 by author and activist, Fred Branfman. He was the man who testified before an unwitting Congress, that despite a treaty that deemed Laos neutral, there were daily clandestine bombing raids indiscriminately killing innocent civilians. In our short documentary made that year, Buying Back the Bombs, Fred told me, "It shook me up on the deepest level possible, because it meant that everything I had been taught and everything I believed about America wasn't true." I'm not sure that I answered Fred that day, but what I know is that I wanted the things I had learned about my beloved and highly, highly imperfect country to be true.
People in Laos who are most affected by the legacy of war are doing something about it with creativity and love.
CHANNAPHA KHAMVONGSA
Legacies of War Founder
There are many, many problems in this world that might not be able to be solved in a lifetime, but this is one that can be fixed. Given that it was ignored for so long, we need to redouble our efforts and finish the job.
I think for many of us who grew up here as refugees from Laos, it really felt that we didn't matter and where our families came from didn't matter. So for a long time, I didn't know much about the history of why we came here and how we got here.
Then as I got older I started to learn more about the immense role the US played in Laos during the Vietnam war era. And it was not a small role at all, but yet no one in the US knew about it. How was that possible? And so as I got older I started to learn more. I went on to do non-profit work and I ended up here in New York working at the Ford Foundation and I was doing work all around the world on justice, but nothing on Laos. One day I met with a grant organization working on democracy in the US. It was a domestic program, nothing to do with Southeast Asia, but it turned out the executive director had a history with Laos. He said a long time ago he worked with a guy named Fred Branfman, “have you heard of him”? I said no and he said, “well he worked really hard to try and stop the bombings in the 70s that were taking place all over Southeast Asia". I was shocked because I didn't think anyone cared about Laos, but yet there was this whole group of individuals here in the US who cared deeply about what was happening in my former homeland. These moments were the original catalyst for the founding of Legacies and connected us to a history that we had lost for so long.
SERA KOULABDARA
Legacies of War Executive Director
The most important thing that my parents both taught my siblings and I is that what you leave behind is so much more important than what you take.
What guides me in life are the many teachings of my mother and father. My mother is one of the strongest women I know. Through her, I learned to stand up for myself and choose my battles. My father shared painful memories of the devastating effect the Secret War had on him and the people he loved. These horrific experiences led my father to live a life full of love, compassion, and service to others as a doctor—I hope to carry his legacy to the next generation, create hope, and make a positive impact in the lives of people in my father's beloved homeland, Laos.The most important thing that my parents both taught my siblings and I is that what you leave behind is so much more important than what you take. When I’m stuck on a decision, I reflect back on these words.
It is pretty mind-blowing when you meet a 10 year old boy who dedicates his time on the weekends to make unique hand crafted, ocean inspired soaps and nourishing lip balms to sell and raise much needed money for cancer treatment, research and clinical trials.
Xav Neil with his "live to give" and "Good x Karma" sentiments first began to fundraise through SurFebruary in 2018. SurFebruary raises money and awareness for the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse- a not-for-profit hospital that is devoted to providing a holistic approach to cancer prevention and treatment. Cancer patients can receive complimentary therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology and they have a Living Room for exercise, yoga and mindfulness sessions- all of which help support their physical and mental wellbeing.
After individually raising over $12,000 in 2018 Xav still wanted to do more, and so Good x Karma was founded. Each Good x Karma soap and lip balm that is sold sees 100% of Xav's profit go directly to the Lifehouse.
We all know that exercise, sunlight and being by the ocean brings about a sense of wellbeing. You feel your mood improve and often the feelings of stress and anxiety are reduced. SurFebruary promotes this lifestyle through the SURFEB A Wave A Day fundraiser to raise money for the Lifehouse. Xav has signed up for SurFebruary again this year, making it his third year in a row.
You can support his amazing efforts and buy Good X Karma!!! Upcycle Studio will donate 100% of the sales of all Good X Karma Cleanse Bars and Lip Balms sold throughout February through Xav's fundraiser page.
]]>This is totally our vibe and exactly why we were proud to sponsor Seaside Scavenge and help support their mission which is to activate local communities to re-imagine waste as a resource through fun and unique programs that ultimately clean up the ocean.
How good is life when you can trade trash for treasure tokens!!!!
Seaside Scavenge, along with the help of some amazing community folk donating 10,211kg of pre-loved clothing, have created an event where pop-up market stalls are set up so that waterway trash can be collected and traded for quality second-hand items. These items can then re-fulfil their purpose as a new treasure in someone else's life. Other donations that have been up for trade include shoes, jewellery, books and homewares. With live tunes and a passionate crew, these coastline cleanup sessions are a massive success resulting in 13,887kg of litter being removed from waterways and 8,802 "scavengers" being educated about waste!
You can participate in plastic-free living workshops, listen to marine talks and naturally be inspired to become a conscious consumer and help fulfil the Seaside Scavenge vision of a world where waste is a resource.
Fiverr affiliate program ]]>Rip Curl Offers A Wetsuit Recycling Program
Do you have old wetsuits or worn-down wettie mats hanging around your house? Not sure what to do with them? Well wonder no more - Rip Curl is offering a Wetsuit Recycling Program, and they’re looking for your old rubber to make it happen.
This program has been trialled at the Rip Curl Torquay Store where the rubber you bring in will either be crumbed down and given another life as bitumen, or will be upcycled through Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Program.
After an outstanding trial period, the program has been running indefinitely. Thank you to all who brought in their old wetties! Keep them coming.
So get to rummaging around your house, find that old rubber and head in to the Rip Curl Torquay Boardstore! A staff attendant will take the rubber off your hands.
If you're not in the Torquay region, and you still want to Recycle or Upcycle your old rubber, simply post a package to the Rip Curl Torquay Store with a note inside saying if you want to Recycle or Upcycle.
Post Your Old Wetsuits To
Rip Curl Retail
101 Surf Coast Hwy
Torquay, VIC 3228
Thank you for your Upcycle program Rip Curl, from the Upcycle Studio team in Newcastle.
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"Landfill and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced by choosing to upcycle,” says Sommer Carson, from Lake Macquarie’s Upcycle Studio. “Even as individuals we can leave a greener footprint,” Sommer says. “Upcycling is about working with the integrity of the material and giving it a unique second life. “Focusing on a sustainable design that offers purpose and/or functionality ensures a truly rewarding feeling and a planet that will love you back.”
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Grow all your herbs at home with the help of this handy resource, Herbarium. This little guide has all the info you’ll need for your herb-related questions, with information on 100 different herbs and their nutritional benefits. Not just one of your average gardening, recipe or plant books, Herbarium is your own beautifully illustrated ‘herb manual’ showcasing how to garnish, cook and create all natural and healing potions with ingredients such as bergamot, dill, sassafras and even wasabi! Did you also know that Echinacea gets its name from the Greek word for hedgehog? That’s right – this is thanks to the plant’s prickly scales that can be found on a cone-like seed head. Filled with colourful illustrative depictions of each herb – this publication is a great find for all pattern and textile lovers too. A great addition to this compendium is a set of Herbarium Reference Cards to make you feel like a herb master extraordinaire!
Buy Herbarium at Upcycle Studio.
This is the essential book that you’ll need to start transforming your home into a luscious green space. Indoor Green celebrates houseplants in all their weird and wonderful glory and shows you how to incorporate them brilliantly into your own space. Learn more about the characteristics of the most popular indoor plants so you can make a more informed decision of what will work best for your space and lifestyle. We love how this book takes you around the world – visit an overflowing potted haven in Kyoto, Japan or take a trip to Melbournian Joe Crawford’s lifelong collection of plants that he’s been cultivating for the past 50 years! Indoor Green is a great mix of everyday people’s personal plant collections and general green thumb info that can guide you along your plant-loving journey.
Buy Indoor Green at Upcycle Studio.
Do you live in a small space that doesn’t have a garden? Or maybe just a teeny tiny balcony that might be limiting your green thumb? Never fear because with all the right tips and tricks you can bring some greenery into your home in the form of a cute-as-ever terrarium. They are vibrant, endearing and a unique way of injecting a little bit of nature into smaller spaces. Tiny World Terrariums is the perfect DIY guide to get you started, packed with plenty of tips and tricks in addition to step-by-step instructions. The book’s many photos of gorgeous finished terrariums will have you feeling creative and inspired in no time! Start off with all the basics – eg. what tools will you need? The book goes through everything and explains why tweezers and “pokey sticks” (yes, that is the proper scientific term) of all shapes and sizes are your best friend in terms of a terrarium project. We really love how the author has used all sorts of cute little figurines to liven up some of her own projects – it adds such character and a lovely sense of playfulness.
Buy Tiny World Terrariums at Upcycle Studio.
Learn how to grow your own food and eat it too! Homegrown is perfect for anyone looking to create their own veggie patch but has no idea where to start. This book provides clear and uncomplicated illustrations, showcasing how to plant, grow and harvest 25 of the easiest fruits and vegetables to get going in your very own garden. It’s a perfect mix of cookbook and gardening guide, with recipes such as a tomato and watermelon gazpacho and tips for what produce thrives in which season.
Buy Homegrown at Upcycle Studio.
Learn all about the new wave of Urban Farms that are popping up more and more frequently in different metropolises worldwide. Urbanites are starting to realise that farming is not just something that exclusively belongs to the countryside and are creating their own farms in major cities. The book profiles 16 innovative urban farms and talks of the passionate individuals who are growing their own food, and some even raising their own animals! This book demonstrates that almost any part of everyday modern life can have a DIY approach – you just need to know where to start.
Buy Urban Farms at Upcycle Studio
Have you ever thought about a skyscraper as a living entity? Something that moves, breathes and creates life much like the rest of nature? It’s a very new concept that is at the forefront of modern architectural design and is captured brilliantly in Garden City. You might not know this but these types of living, breathing buildings already exist in the world and are capable of being ecologically autonomous, horticulturally productive and both pleasing to the eye and relevant to our day-to-day lifestyles. This book showcases more than 100 recent projects including city “tree houses” and civic buildings that connect to existing water management systems. This book is a look at garden on a much larger scale – it forces us to think about how landscape architecture can aid in the preservation of scarce resources for generations to come.
Buy Garden City at Upcycle Studio.
One of the best plant books that celebrates all the beautiful colours of Australia is Native – Art and Design with Australian Plants. Going beyond our typical idea of an “Aussie bush garden” the publication demonstrates how easy it can be to use Australian natives to create new and exciting horticultural landscapes. There are plenty of tips on how to use flora in different ways to create varying visual impacts. Do you want to create a focal point in your space or maybe just have accents dispersed around? Native will inform you on how to achieve these types of stylistic techniques and many more with Australian plants that are so easily accessible and in abundance these days. This book is the perfect reference material for lovers of horticultural and lansdcape design.
Buy Native – Art and Design with Australian Plants at Upcycle Studio
For a little bit more inspiration on how to add some green into your space, check out our excellent range of rubber planters and natural storage baskets. They’re a great way to spruce up all your plant projects – from small options for all your herb pots or larger sizes for those big outdoor beauties.
]]>Upcycle Studio is taking the opportunity to give a little shout out to our incredible local makers. We’re insanely lucky to be able to work with these businesses, who are all doing their bit for the planet with their expertise and creativity. Let’s give it up for some of our eco-friendly Australian made brands.
]]>This lil’ story all started with some lil’ bees. Lil’ Bit is the brainchild of Liz Harper, who started her very first beehive in Phillip Island and discovered how these tiny little creatures play huge roles in our ecosystems. These days, bees’ ever-decreasing populations are a result of nasty chemicals seeping into our environment. So armed with this knowledge and the motivation to help save the animals she loves most, Liz created Lil’ Bit, a range of homemade, small-batch cleaning products. Her all-natural collection includes items like room sprays, gardener’s soap and disinfectant sprays – all of which are safe for your home and great for the environment.
Shop the Lil’ Bit collection.
Hand cut candles, made from old beer bottles? Very cool idea, right? That’s exactly what a couple of buddies from Sydney thought all the way back in 2008. They launched their candle and diffuser brand Pigeon and Weasel, which places a focus on creative scents that are a little bit more inspired than your standard candle fragrances. Since we’re celebrating Australia today, we think you should definitely check out the Red Frogs candle, a nostalgic throwback to trips to the school canteen.
Shop the Pigeon & Weasel collection.
Natural skincare, that smells good enough to eat! All products from Sydney-based brand Zen Botanics is lovingly handcrafted by founder Annie Lau. She takes everything back to basics with her all natural skincare line that is free of irritants, sulphates and parabens. After spending a long time battling illnesses, not looking after herself and always feeling run down, Annie decided it was time to treat her body better, and thought that other people could benefit from this too. We absolutely love the Pink Clay & Shea Butter Handmade Soap and the Bulgarian Rose Face Mist.
Shop the Zen Botanics collection.
Join the reuse revolution along with leading eco-friendly Australian made brand Frank Green. This company has made huge progress in the war on waste, helping to reduce the number of disposable cups that go into landfill every year. Coffee culture is huge in Australia so it’s fantastic that Melbourne-based Frank Green provides an eco-friendly alternative for consumers. The screw top lid makes the cups leakproof and perfect for active lifestyles. There’s also a nifty Cafe Pay function that links to your bank account. This means you can scan your cup in a jiffy and be on your way, coffee in hand, in no time!
Shop the Frank Green collection.
Treat yourself to some relaxation time and hop in the bath with Mae Laine. This lifestyle brand from the Hunter Valley blends together a combination of natural ingredients such as Australian and Pink Himalayan Rock Salts to create a calming infusion. Their range of bath tea bags comes packaged in a calico bag that’s designed for reuse and just like regular tea bags, they can also be composted after being dissolved.
Shop the Mae Laine collection.
We’ve had the beer bottles and now comes the wine! Mojo is our in-house candle brand which specialises in handmade soy candles all poured into reclaimed wine bottles. So don’t worry if you love a good drop from time to time, your empty bottles can get recycled! The dedicated Mojo team is based in both Sydney and Canberra and meticulously makes each and every candle by hand. If you want to give a unique gift or add a little bit of eco-luxe to your home or office, a Mojo candle is a surefire winner.
Shop the Mojo Candle Co collection.
Help reduce single-use plastic from damaging our precious oceans, one beeswax wrap at a time! Australian brand Apiwraps handmakes all of their products in a local workshop in East Maitland. Each wrap is produced with GOTS certified organic cotton and local NSW beeswax. The perfect alternative to cling wrap and zip lock bags, you can wrap sandwiches, leftover fruit, vegetables and cheese. They come in a bunch of vibrant prints and will add some colour to your fridge, making meal times much more fun and enjoyable! Apiwraps are available in a bunch of different sizes and can also be purchased in pre-made packs to really kickstart your eco-kitchen journey.
Shop the Apiwraps collection.
One of the most unique and inspired eco-friendly Australian made brands is Sydney based Time Flies. Have you ever thought that you could transform old watch pieces into beautiful handmade jewellery and accessories? That’s exactly what this design duo does, collecting old watches and breathing new life into once discarded objects. This is upcycling at its finest and such a wonderful alternative to cookie-cutter jewellery brands. The perfect gift for that someone special, or a timeless piece that adds some glam to any outfit.
Shop the Time Flies collection.
Hoorah for all of these wonderful eco-friendly Australian businesses. We’re so proud of what they do and love that all of the products you see on this page are lovingly made in Australia. It’s brands like these that make it so fun and easy to shop local.
]]>In order to manufacture their products, the brand has established a number of “recycling stations” in Denver, Colorado. These act as drop-off points for anyone who wants to donate items like old bike tubes, wetsuits, climbing ropes, tents and banners. Which are all then transformed into awesome new things in Green Guru’s nearby factory in Boulder. If you don’t happen to live in Denver, though, you can still participate in the recycling program by posting your goods. By donating your old items, you earn yourself a coupon code to purchase a new Green Guru product. Pretty fantastic, right?
You know that you’re onto a great thing when other companies are keen to help you along the way. Green Guru has partnered with some fantastic businesses such as REI, Shimano and Patagonia, collecting all of their old outdoor gear like tents and wetsuits and breathing new life into them. To date, the brand has recycled about 250,000kg of outdoor gear waste. This includes old items such as punctured bike tubes, torn wetsuits and old climbing rope. It’s incredible to think that all these heavy-duty materials would have been destined for landfill if they weren’t reclaimed by Green Guru.
We love brands that encourage you to leave the car at home and get on a bike instead. It’s better for the environment, better for your health and a great way to relieve traffic congestion during peak hour. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cycling aficionado, the Green Guru range will make riding your bike around town a little bit easier. Here are just some of our favourite Green Guru products that will help you carry your belongings as you ride.
Carry all your gear and make sure you stay hydrated on the ride. This simple clamshell backpack provides ultimate practicality with water bottle pockets, compression straps, organisational compartments and a handy hydration bladder. The Cyclopath is constructed from a perfect mix of upcycled, recycled and new materials which provide maximum durability for any adventure you might go on.
Buy the Green Guru Cyclopath Backpack.
The perfect travel buddy, the Green Guru Wedge Toiletry bag can carry all the essentials to keep you fresh whilst on the move. The bright-coloured and upcycled fabric really stands out inside a backpack or suitcase. Making it super easy to spot in times of need!
Buy the Green Guru Wedge Travel Kit.
Shopping trips on your bike have just been made easier with Dutchy Pannier Bag. This versatile carry option transforms from pannier trunk to practical messenger in seconds. Made from reclaimed billboard material, this bag is tough and makes it a breeze to transport your belongings on two wheels. Use it to do a small grocery shop or to haul your gear to work or uni.
Buy the Green Guru Dutchy Pannier Bag.
Shop the entire Green Guru range at Upcycle Studio.
]]>The handy pouch pocket that you find inside the tote does double duty, acting as a nifty spot to stash your keys, wallet and phone. But it also houses your tote bag after you're finished using it. Simply fold it up into a small rectangle and keep it in your handbag, backpack, car or even in your pocket! It packs down to about a 12cm x 12cm square, making it easy to have handy for any impromptu occasion.
There often comes a time when your green Woolies bag starts to lose its shape and even tear a bit. We think that a reusable tote shouldn't sacrifice on quality and think that they should only be made from the best quality materials. That's why we love that the new Flip and Tumble bags, they are made from a heavy-duty ripstop nylon that's built to last and carry heavy loads. If you don't know much about ripstop, the name pretty much suggests it all. Designed to "stop rips" this reinforced nylon is constructed from very thick threads that have been interwoven in a cross-hatch pattern to ensure that the bag is not going to tear once filled with all your heavy fruit and veg during your weekly grocery shop. Each of these tote bags has a 15kg load capacity! Ripstop is often used for things like hot air balloons, kites and parachutes so it's a very reliable material that stands the test of time.
One of the best things that you can take travelling with you is a collapsible tote bag. It weighs hardly anything, takes up very little room inside your suitcase and is usually a treasured saviour during a trip where you just can't stop all that retail therapy! (Hmm...maybe packing a few of these into your travel bag isn't a bad idea!) Not only are these totes fantastic for unexpected souvenirs, they come in super handy when you're out exploring the local farmer's market, during a day trip to the beach or on a picnic with the family. The Flip & Tumble Reusable Tote Bags are also machine washable so just pop them in a cold wash if they get dirty along your travels, hand them to dry and you're all set for some more adventures!
Shop the entire range at Upcycle Studio.
We've been big supporters of reusable kitchenware for a while now and are happy to announce our exciting new brand Evergreen Reusables, now available in store and online! Evergreen provides all eco warriors with many essentials for their zero waste homes - from toothbrushes to tiffin tins to stainless steel straws, it's easy to show single-use plastics the door with this wonderfully sustainable collection.
Perfect for those who are always on the go and want to make sure they are always loaded up with healthy snacks. Evergreen Mini, Large and Round Snackers are great for nuts, dried fruit, chopped veggies or dips. Snacking between meals is good for our bodies and these little snacker tins help you to avoid all those sugar-filled sweet treats from the supermarket or convenience store that are wrapped in uneccesary plastic.
The good old tiffin tin, a staple of food culture in India is one of the best ways to carry your lunches to work. Lunches have been transported to workers in India in these stainless steel containers since the 18th Century and they're an awesome way to enjoy your home cooked meals instead of grabbing often unhealthy takeaway food. The idea is that there are multiple, stackable containers that can easily separate all your food to keep everything as fresh as possible throughout the day. Pop some rice in one container, a curry in another and maybe even a little sweet dessert in another section to cap off the meal. Evergreen has Mini and Large Rectangular options or a Round Trio Stacker.
Keep your sandwiches from getting squished and your salads nice and fresh for work lunch, hikes or picnics. The square stainless steel Sandwich Box is the perfect way to transport your sandwich in your handbag or backpack without using cling wrap. (Being able to prevent it from getting squashed amongst all your other things is also a huge plus!) The rectangular Salad Box is ideal for keeping leafy greens nice and fresh but also great for food like sushi rolls, fruit salads or fried rice and stir-fries.
Shop the entire Evergreen Reusables collection at Upcycle Studio.
]]>Handmade with love in Sydney from reclaimed beer bottles, they are an exciting addition to the Mojo family. They may be smaller but still pack quite a punch of beautiful fragrance!
]]>The Upcycle Studio team is thrilled to introduce you to the all new Brew range from Mojo Candle Co. Handmade with love in Sydney from reclaimed beer bottles, they are an exciting addition to the Mojo family. These eco luxe soy candles are a fantastic, smaller alternative to the existing wine bottle candle range and make for great presents or add a nice touch of glam to your home. Featuring scents that are a little more masculine, a little less sweet and a little more fresh, we're sure you will love them as much as we do!
Give yourself the chance to retreat to a calming bamboo forest. This scent will transport you to the Himalayan Mountains, filled with relaxing aromas of bamboo foliage and rich green florals. The subtleness of this scent makes it perfect for filling a room with a fragrance that's soft on the nose and never overpowering.
Shop Himalayan Bamboo.
An invigorating masculine blend with lively citrus top notes of lemon zest. Peppercorn is perfect for anyone who wants a little touch of decadence in their space. This spicy scent also features hints of aromatic bergamot, herbaceous coriander and fresh basil entwined with strong woody notes of vetiver, sandalwood and spicy black peppercorn. Delicious!
Shop Peppercorn.
Simultaneously fiery and fresh, Wasabi Mint is a unique blend of captivating Asiatic aromas. Sharp minty notes are at the heart of this fragrance with a tinge of energising wasabi root. All of this, entwined with lemon, cinnamon bark, fig leaf and pine needle make a candle that smells good enough to eat!
Shop Wasabi Mint.
Refresh. Relax. Rejuvenate. This scent feels just like you're splashing your face with water from a cold mountain stream. A great masculine fragrance that evokes feelings of the sea, Fresh Water features bright citrus top notes of blackcurrant and pineapple for that extra bit of zest. This blend is rounded off with base and middle notes of honeydew, muguet, water lily, amber, mulberry and earthy vetiver.
Shop Fresh Water.
A nostalgic scent that will make you feel like you're in your grandad's study as he lights up his Cuban cigar. Alight with fiery ambers and smoky incense, Tobacco & Hay is warm, homely and earthy in essence. The subtle notes of tobacco are intertwined with sweet layers of honey and musk to make this fragrance well rounded. Not too smokey, not too sweet, just the perfect masculine candle.
Shop Tobacco & Hay.
Fill your space with the scent of a Barber Shop, another nostalgic fragrance that will likely evoke childhood memories of your dad getting a haircut and a beard shave. A clean and masculine scent with bold woody notes of vetiver, cedarwood and fir needle combined with fresh bergamot, lemon peel and musk.
Shop Barber Shop.
]]>This delicious exfoliating scrub will leave your mum’s skin looking and feeling fresh. Carefully formulated with moisturising properties to make sure her skin doesn’t dry out. This is a lovely gift for mums who want to create a spa experience in the convenience of their own home.
Does your mum love coffee but hates disposable cups? Grab her an elegant glass KeepCup that she can use with pride every time she heads to a cafe. These come in a whole bunch of different colours so it’s easy to grab one that suits your mum’s personal style. We might be a bit biased but think that coffee just tastes better out of a KeepCup. Maybe it’s something about that warm and fuzzy feeling you get from doing something good for the planet!
Shop the KeepCup collection.
Who knew that old stuff made into new stuff could look this cool? Our upcycled rubber planters add a touch of eco glam to any living space and are super practical for outdoor use. Each of these are handmade in Vietnam from reclaimed truck tyres and helps to save old materials from going into landfill. Available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, they can be used for a multitude of different purposes.
Shop the rubber planter collection.
Add a bit of fun and colour to your mum’s life with a beautiful set of handmade earrings. These are vibrant and eyecatching, perfect for any woman who likes to add a hint of glam to her outfit. All pieces are one-offs and 100% unique, which always makes for a great present. These earrings are handcrafted in Brisbane and are created using large paintings on maplewood and basswood which are then cut up to be transformed into stunning pieces of jewellery.
Shop the Bee Twomey jewellery range.
Give mum a thoughtful gift that encourages her to slow down and relax. Not just your everyday candle, the Mojo Candle Co. range is made from reclaimed wine bottles that have been given a new life. Each bottle is then hand poured with soy wax that has been infused with vibrant, modern scents like Cedar & Saffron and Sweet Tangerine and Island Fruits. This is a beautiful present idea for mums who have a love for upcycling.
Shop the range of Mojo wine bottle candles.
An excellent gift idea for the ever travelling mum. This Elvis & Kresse toiletry bag is big enough to hold all the essentials and is made from very cool reclaimed UK firehose and lined with military grade parachute silk. Built to stand the test of time, this is the only toiletry bag she’ll ever need! It is super water resistant, protecting what’s inside but even more importantly, it’ll make sure it looks after the rest of her luggage protecting it from leaking toiletries, exploding shampoo bottles and toothpaste!
Shop the Elvis & Kresse reclaimed firehose range.
The perfect coffee table book for pottery enthusiasts and all round crafty mums. Clay, Contemporary Ceramic Artisans showcases beautiful modern works from around the world. The book features both functional and sculptural pieces and also takes you into the artists’ studios. Mum will love flicking through this book on a lazy afternoon with a big cup of tea.
Buy the Clay, Contemporary Ceramic Artisans book.
Made with super funky ethical African wax prints and reclaimed denim, these practical heat packs also look awesome! They’re lovingly hand made in Melbourne and filled with organic wheat and locally-grown lavender. All mum has to do is pop the heat pack in a microwave for 3 minutes with a glass of water can then use it as a relaxing warm compress. Lavender is known to be a calming scent so this is a lovely gift to help mum unwind after a long day.
Buy an African Print Wheat Heat Pack.
A quirky present that’s full of practicality! Styled upon the iconic brown paper bag you used to carry your food to school in but this one is reusable, for the all the eco-conscious! The bag is insulated inside so it will keep mum’s food fresh all day. Whether she wants to keep a salad nice and cold or a winter soup piping hot, this brown paper bag won’t let her down!
Buy the Brown Paper Lunch Bag.
This is our top pick for all the mums out there with green thumbs. Indoor Green is an elegantly curated book filled that celebrates houseplants in all of their weird and wonderful forms. The book takes you into all sorts of spaces, all beautifully filled with luscious green plants. It also includes some important tips and tricks for helping plants to thrive in indoor spaces.
Buy the Indoor Green book.
Hop onto Upcycle Studio to shop for some more sustainable gifts for mum. Make her Mother’s Day one to remember this year.
]]>Indian scholar, environmentalist and farming activist Vandana Shiva is a champion for the protection of Mother Nature. Her life’s work revolves around promoting environmental diversity – campaigning for the use of traditional and local agricultural solutions as opposed to blanket uniform practices to farming across different regions and countries. Vandana’s NGO, Navdanya supports over 6.5 million farming families across India, providing financial and educational support in order for them to continue working the land for generations to come. She has been fighting against the seed production giant Monsanto for years and her mission of “Earth Democracy” (creating biodiversity, seed and food sovereignty and access to clean water) is very dear to her heart. Protecting the Earth, she says, is simply a matter of acknowledging our place within it: “You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you.”
If you haven’t already read her book, Zero Waste Home, do yourself a favour and grab copy right now! Bea Johnson is one of the world’s leading zero-waste experts and a major influencer in the sustainable lifestyle community. Her personal insights that she shares in her book, blog posts and various talks around the world have launched a huge global movement, inspiring thousands of people to be more conscious of their waste. She breaks it down really simply and makes it easy for anyone to start their own sustainable journey by giving practical tips and trips from her years of experience. Check out Bea’s TED talk on how her family has adopted a zero waste lifestyle and never looked back!
Recycling champion Isatou Ceesay is one of our heroes because she’s the founder of a fantastic green initiative in The Gambia that turns waste into wealth for the community. She established Njau Recycling and Income Generation Group in her home country in 1997 and has been encouraging women to collect and upcycle waste materials into new products like bags, mats and purses. Not only does this help to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in local communities, the products sold also generate income for many women who would otherwise be without employment.
Lauren Singer is another one of our favourite zero waste queens. She’s the author of the lifestyle blog Trash is for Tossers and owner of the Package Free Shop in Brooklyn, New York. Her college days in Environmental Studies has played a huge part in how she currently lives her life. Lauren has become a fresh voice for environmentalism and sustainability, especially for younger generations who are so digitally obsessed these days! She uses the internet brilliantly to maximise her reach and encourage as many people as possible to go zero waste. Her super useful blog posts and many series of videos make it really easy for anyone to jump on board this eco-living bandwagon.
After a career in cosmetics manufacturing (which is riddled with overpackaging of products), Natalie Isaacs decided it was time to change the course of her life and work on something for the greater good. She founded the global movement 1 Million Women in order to encourage action on climate change. What’s better than just 1 woman standing up for her cause? 1 MILLION women banding together and forming an entire movement to support our planet! The organisation is continuously working on a range of different campaigns such as their current #leaveitontheshelf initiative, which encourages consumers to say no to fruit and vegetables that are packaged in plastic. The overall aim is that supermarkets around the world will take notice of a shift in customer behaviour and realise that there’s no need for our food to be wrapping in so much unecessary plastic that damages our environment.
]]>This is the big one! You might be shocked to learn that Australians are one of the largest waste producers worldwide. It’s estimated that we go through 5 billion plastic bags a year in just our country alone. That’s over 13 million new plastic bags being taken home from the shops each day! Unfortunately these bags aren’t recyclable (yep, even those “bio” bags are not so great for the environment either.) So, in order to really make a big difference, especially for our beautiful oceans and marine life, it’s time to purge the plastic. Take a reusable bag with you wherever you go – you never know when you might need to do an impromptu shop! We are obsessed with these Flip & Tumble 24-7 Bags that roll up into a small ball, easy to pop inside your bag while you’re on the go. If you do happen to get caught out at the shops without a reusable bag, think about whether you even need a bag at all. Can you carry what you just bought in your hands? Or can you ask the staff for a cardboard box instead? After you start saying no to plastic bags you’ll never be able to go back!
Packing your own lunch not only saves you money, it also means you don’t eat meals that are served in plastic packaging with plastic cutlery. Invest in a few good quality lunch boxes that make it easy to transport your meals to and from home each day. Having different size options is great for days that you might want to pack some extra snacks or that delicious birthday cake from the weekend! If you’re already cooking dinner, just add some more ingredients into the mix to ensure you have leftovers for the next day – that way packing lunch doesn’t seem like such a huge chore. Think about the type of lunch box that will work best for your eating habits. Do you want to be able to heat your food in the microwave? Is it essential that your lunch box is dishwasher safe? Do you prefer the taste of eating from stainless steel rather than from plastic? Choosing the right lunchbox that you’re going to love means you’ll want to use it every day. Making your waste reduction journey a lot easier!
We understand that eating a packed lunch can get a bit boring from time to time. So for those special occasions when you’d like to treat yourself, take your own bowl or containers with you to the restaurant or cafe. This might feel a bit weird the first time you do it but most eateries will happily oblige – and also be very supportive. If you happen to be a regular or quite chummy with the staff already, ask for a dine-in bowl that you can take back to your desk and return after you’ve finished. Our Upcycle team frequently does this with our local favourite Vietnamese restaurant The Rice Pantry and it’s fantastic. After doing it a couple of times, it becomes a habit very quickly. Plus, wouldn’t we all love to be recognised as the eco-warrior at our local lunch spots?
Kick your dining game up a notch and take some reusable cutlery with you at all times. You just never know when you might get hungry and need a little snack. A lightweight and portable set of cutlery that comes in its own pouch makes it incredibly easy to refuse plastic knives, forks and spoons. Or you can simply grab some utensils from your kitchen drawer, pop them in a linen napkin and tie it all together with a rubber band. Voila!
Opting to buy your groceries at a bulk foods store instead of a traditional supermarket will drastically reduce the amount of waste in your kitchen and pantry. Take your own reusable jars, grab some paper bags provided at the shop or pop your goodies in fabric produce bags. Most bulk foods stores won’t look as glamorous as the supermarket, with an absence of bright, shiny packaging or eye-catching sale posters that encourage impulse purchases. Instead, everything is just in simple tubs with a code for each product that gets punched in at the checkout. Less packaging at the shop means less waste for you at home!
No more cappuccinos in disposable cups or bottled water at the beach! Be prepared for caffeine fixes or weekend outings with a reusable coffee cup and water bottle. In Australia alone, it’s estimated that we churn through 1 billion coffee cups per year and that’s in addition to the 118,000 tonnes of bottled drinks we buy per annum! Does it really make sense to drink from a disposable cup or bottle when you think about those numbers? In this day and age, we are so swept up in takeaway and convenience culture that it’s easy to forget about the huge environmental impact of small daily choices. It does take a while to train yourself to carry a cup and bottle around with you. But just think about if you bought 1 coffee per day in your own cup for 5 years – that’s 1825 coffee cups that you’d end up saving from landfill! Now we think that’s rewarding enough to make the switch!
A really simple change to a household item that we all use every day. Swapping out your plastic toothbrush for a more eco-friendly option will drastically reduce your plastic waste over a lifetime. The eco alternative is a bamboo toothbrush, which we think looks way nicer than their bright, plastic counterparts anyway! Bamboo is a natural plant material that grows at lightning speeds and is completely biodegradable. Some bamboo toothbrushes are even made with special nylon bristles that are also biodegradable.
Save your food, don’t scrap it! A yummy way of reducing your food wastes is by preserving or pickling your fruits and vegetables. People used to do this more often back in the day when you really needed to make your food last. It used to be completely inconceivable to throw food in the bin when you could save money and your ingredients last longer. Australians are responsible for 4 million tonnes of food waste each year so we can all try to do our best to reduce this crazy figure. Got too much leftover cabbage? Cut it up and turn it into sauerkraut. Are those cucumbers nearing the end? Give them new life as pickles for your next burger. The possibilities are endless as you can pretty much find a great pickling recipe for any type of fruit or vegetable.
Replace those rolls of cling wrap for a way more eco-friendly alternative. Beeswax wraps are made from cotton and all natural beeswax and will keep your leftovers fresh without having to use plastic. Wrap these directly onto your cut fruit, vegetables and cheeses or use them to cover bowls of meat. Each beeswax wrap is reusable, lasting for about a year and they’re easily washable with warm soapy water. Once they reach the end of their life they can be composted or used as a firestarter.
Next time you’re re-stocking your pantry, take a closer look in the aisles and see if there’s a glass option for your food. Instead of buying items like olives, sauces, dips or juices in plastic packaging, try to find a glass alternative. We love buying things in glass jars not only because we can always reuse them after we’re done with the food. Not only can you use these for storing even more food down the track, you can also use them for stashing small household items like rubber bands, safety pins or as a pen jar.
Little by little we can all start to do our bit to reduce waste and become more eco-conscious. It all starts with just one small habit at a time. Give one of these 10 things a go in order to begin your minimal waste journey and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you’ll change your entire lifestyle.
]]>A reducetarian is someone who is making an effort to reduce the amount of animal products they eat. Whether it be cutting down on red meat, eliminating dairy completely, only having seafood once a month or just making one meal per week meat-free. The best thing about this concept is that you can tailor it perfectly to your lifestyle and the food goals you’d like to achieve. There’s no need stop eating all animal products cold turkey, no pun intended. It’s more about doing your little bit to minimise and properly monitor your consumption.
Everyone will have their very own reasons for wanting to try a reducetarian lifestyle. So let’s lay down some facts to highlight the benefits of this movement.
Studies show that diets which are high in fruit and vegetables and low in meat and animal products lead to healthier lifestyles. This can lower chances of Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. Along with positive lifestyle changes, a vegetarian or plant-based diet can even reverse heart disease. If you’re also trying to lose weight, minimising the amount of animal products you eat (which in turn reduces your calorie intake) will help to speed up the weight loss process.
Unless you’re channeling Into the Wild and living life off the land (we salute you if you are!) you’re probably buying farmed meat from supermarkets. Did you know how much energy it takes to produce the most common meats that go through our checkouts? It takes about 6kg of grain to produce a 500g pack of beef mince and about 2kg of grain to produce 500g of chicken. That’s a lot of grain if you think about how many people eat a spag bol or a roast chicken each night for dinner! Funnily enough, we grow all of this grain to feed these animals but we’d actually use way less water, energy and other natural resources if we just ate the grain ourselves!
I’m going to begin this by mentioning that I’m not a vegetarian or vegan and I have no objection to anyone who chooses to eat meat. I just want to paint a little picture about the meat and dairy industries however, which are often very cruel with their treatment of animals. Factory farming conditions are less than ideal with most animals never being able to see the sun, roam on the grass or socialise with others as nature intended. Without going further into the harsh realities, it’s clear that a lot of animals suffer merely because humans are at the top of the food chain. So whenever you get a chance to forgo meat or dairy from your meal, it’s a small show of support for a lot of intelligent creatures who are often bred merely for our consumption.
If you’re eating meat for dinner every night of the week, the costs start to add up quickly, especially if you’re trying to feed a family. Think about how much it costs for a 1kg of chicken, which might only last one meal, compared to 1kg of lentils, which can stay in your pantry for a while and be scattered out over various dinners. Next time you go on a grocery shop I’d encourage you to take note of the meat and dairy products you buy and mentally jot down the final total on your receipt. The following week, swap out all of those animal products for alternatives like fruit, veg, legumes and grains and see if there’s a noticeable difference to your hip pocket. We can almost guarantee that you’ll save money!
What girl doesn’t love getting beauty products for Valentine’s day? Treat your lovely lady to a bottle of Zen Botanics Bulgarian Rose Face Mist. This all-natural product is a perfect pick-me-up for any type of skin as it’s free of any nasty toxins. The spray instantly refreshes tired or irritated skin and is a great companion for all those frequent flyers. Yep, it’s 100ml so can be taken on planes! A little spritz is all she’ll need to feel a million bucks.
Buy the Zen Botanics Bulgarian Rose Hydration Mist.
A bath always offers a calm and relaxing experience. Let her take her bath game up a notch with a Mae Laine Bath Tea Bag, beautifully hand blended in the Hunter Valley, NSW. We love the Zest bath salts, which are blended with an invigorating combination of citrus, cedarwood, ylang-ylang and neroli. This concoction provides an uplifting feeling that will make her feel relaxed and simultaneously energised.
Buy the Zest Mae Laine Bath Tea Bag.
Not just your everyday candle, this one is made from reclaimed wine bottles! Our Mojo Candle Co selection is a fantastic eco friendly Valentine’s Day gift for all the scent lovers. The Moroccan Spice fragrance is the perfect blend of decadent spices that will whisk her away to another land. This candle is perfect for any room of the house or a great way to liven up an office space. Why not pair it with a delicious red or white to create a wine-themed gift this year?
Buy the Moroccan Spice Mojo Candle.
The ultimate in sustainable luxe accessories. This Elvis & Kresse Tote Bag is carefully crafted in the UK from reclaimed firehose. Can you believe that this isn’t actually leather and the bag is made from recycled materials? It is a wonderful bag that’s big enough to hold laptops, notebooks, lunch and water bottles and can easily become an everyday bag that hauls everything! A stunning Valentine’s day gift for the eco-friendly woman in your life.
Buy the Elvis & Kresse Firehose Tote Bag.
For those ladies who love a bit of glam and sparkle, a Chloe Ringpull Clutch will be right up her alley. From afar this bag looks like funky glomesh or sequins, but it’s actually made from reclaimed ringpulls from soda cans! It’s the perfect bag for taking out on the town and we guarantee she’ll get numerous compliments wherever she goes. This is a truly stunning bag that shows just how clever people can be in the upcycling world. Each ringpull accessory we carry at Upcycle Studio is lovingly handcrafted by our talented co-operative of female artisans in Mexico.
Buy the Chloe Ringpull Clutch.
Does your beau love a good coffee or tea? More and more Australians are jumping on board the reuse wagon and we think a KeepCup is a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift for the eco-conscious coffee fanatic. Grab him an elegant glass KeepCup that he can proudly take to the cafe each time he needs a little caffeine hit. These come in a variety of different colours to suit everyone’s personal style.
Shop the KeepCup collection.
Print off a photo of a romantic moment, or a travel snap of your favourite holiday destination and pop it in a beautiful oiled timber frame. Our collection is handmade in Melbourne from reclaimed fence pailings and are available in a bunch of different sizes, washes and stains. We love the simplicity of the oiled timber. The polished look lets the reclaimed material really shine and pop against a wall.
Buy an Oiled Reclaimed Timber Frame.
The perfect everyday bag for cyclists, the Alchemy Goods Dravus Messenger is made from reclaimed inner bike tubes and seatbelts! It’s super durable and tough but is also incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for anyone who commutes on two wheels to work, school or uni. We love how cleverly designed this bag is, with tonnes of zippered pockets for excellent organisation and also a reflective strip for ultimate road visibility.
Buy the Dravus Messenger Bag.
An excellent travel accessory for frequent flyers is a Green Guru Toiletry Bag. The Grand size is ideal for longer trips, with enough room to fit all of the essentials like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shower gel and plenty more. The bag is made in Colorado from upcycled materials making each one special and unique. It may have had a previous life as a school bag, camping tarp or truck tube, just to name a few! These pouches are super versatile and can also be used to carry charging cords and electronics.
Buy the Green Guru Toiletry Bag.
A touch of sophistication combined with a unique way of repurposing old objects. These Watch Capsule Cufflinks are an elegant addition to any outfit and great for guys who have to wear suits for work or frequent events. Each set is one of a kind and has had a previous life as a timepiece. Who would have thought you could even create anything this beautiful with old watches?
Shop the range of Watch Capsule Cufflinks.
We’ve got loads more inspiration for all your gift shopping at Upcycle Studio. Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a wonderful eco friendly gift that also does some good for the planet.
]]>Sweet Tangerine & Island Fruits is the perfect fragrance to make you feel like you’re always on holiday, what’s not to love about that?! Just imagine lying on a secluded beach, cocktail in hand with aromas of tangerine wafting through the air. The lively citrus notes are balanced perfectly with hints of coconut and musk. A vivacious scent that is refreshingly yummy. We think that it smells just like a delectable summer cocktail. That reminds us, Aperol spritz, anyone?
Mojo Candle Co. was born from a love of luxurious design combined with a passion for the planet. This lifestyle and homewares brand perfectly combines sustainability and style with their upcycled candle collection. You might not even notice at first that each and every candle has been handmade from a reclaimed wine bottle! That’s right! Not only will you feel relaxed, you’ll also fee great about having a unique candle that does its bit to reduce environmental waste!
The new Sweet Tangerine & Island Fruits candle is available at Upcycle Studio in addition to the rest of the Mojo Candle Co collection.
]]>This pineapple print lunch box is a fun and colourful option that will bring some tropical inspiration to school lunches! The main shell is made from eco-friendly bamboo and can be secured with a silicone band to keep the lid snug and in place. It’s a fantastic, lightweight option that the kids easily can carry around all day in their school bags.
Buy the Bamboo Lunch Box – Pineapple.
What’s not to love about a cleverly designed lunchbox that packs down perfectly when not in use? Space saving is a great feature of the Joseph Joseph GoEat range and fantastic for making room in already packed school bags. There are three different compartments too, which makes it easy to separate food and keep homemade lunches fresh throughout the day.
Buy the Joseph Joseph GoEat Lunch Box.
We think that food tastes delicious out of a stainless steel container and think that you’d agree! So why not try this rectangular option from U-Konserve which also includes a nifty removable divider which makes it easy to separate food inside. Keep cut fruit away from your sandwich or dedicate one section to a salad and the other to snacks. The possibilities are endless! These rectangular containers are also available with an ocean or sky coloured lid and also fit snugly into a U-Konserve Insulated Lunch Sack.
Buy the U-Konserve Rectangular Lunch Box Divider – Lime.
Pack, stack and eat! This stainless steel lunch box is a great zero waste lunch solution with three different compartments to make school meals nice and easy. The Tuck-a-Stacker includes 2 stackable levels, which can also be used completely separately, plus a bonus oblong “Tiny Tin” container.
Buy the Green Essentials Tuck-a-Stacker Trio Lunchbox.
The perfect size for younger kids who have smaller school lunches. This little Bento Box is nice and compact but actually holds more than you think! We love that it comes with a handy little divider that lets you separate food, but also includes a fork and sauce pot that’s super useful for salad dressings, soy sauce or ketchup.
Buy Black+Blum’s Box Appetit – Bento Box.
No need to use flimsy, plastic and disposable cutlery at school anymore! This super handy cutlery set includes a stainless steel knife, fork and spoon – and it all packs up neatly into a convenient silicon holder which makes the set really easy to carry around. It’s practical, compact and portable, the perfect way to get the kids saying no to plastic cutlery at the school canteen.
Buy the Joseph Joseph Go Eat Cutlery Set.
A lightweight cutlery set that has it all! A bamboo spoon, fork, knife and straw – all in one practical and easily transportable calico pouch! Bamboo is a great eco-friendly material that is a safe alternative to plastic utensils that can sometimes expose your little ones to nasty chemicals if they aren’t BPA free. So pop this cutlery set inside your kids lunch bags and know that they’re treating their bodies well whilst also being kind to the environment.
Buy the Bamboo Cutlery 3-Piece Set & Bamboo Straw.
This stainless steel bottle is fantastic for Australian summer days as it keeps water cold for up to 25 hours! This is excellent if your kids are doing a bit of sport throughout their school days and need to make sure they stay hydrated in the heat. This sized Corkcicle bottle comes in a variety of fun colours, holds 473ml and sits nicely in the hand while roaming around the playground.
Buy the Corkcicle Canteen Water Bottle 16oz.
Designed to fit perfectly flat alongside books and laptops, the A6 Memobottle is one of the most school lunch friendly bottles out there! We think this size is great because it’s nice and compact – it doesn’t take up much room inside a school bag and is easy to carry around in your hand. The Memobottle is also available in an A5 size that holds 750ml.
Buy the Memobottle A6 Slim Water Bottle.
Get the kids learning how important it is to keep hydrated with the Joseph Joseph Dot Water Bottle. This super lightweight drink bottle is designed to keep track of how much water they have throughout the day. Each time the bottle gets refilled and the lid is screwed back on, the dot tracking system will let you know how many bottles of water you’ve had so far. 1 dot means 1 bottle, 2 dots means 2 bottles and so on! It’s a really fun and practical way of getting your kids to drink more water during school days.
Buy the Joseph Joseph Dot Water Bottle.
Check out all of our other great school lunch options in our extensive Zero Waste & Reusables collection.
]]>Beeswax wraps are a safe and natural alternative to plastic packaging. They’re made from cotton and coated in all natural beeswax that is completely food safe.
Beeswax wraps will generally last for around 1 year if taken care of properly. It’s always a great idea to give them a little refresh every 1-2 months by popping them on a baking tray in the sun for a few hours. This will re-melt the existing beeswax on your wraps and maintain their stickiness over time.
When your beeswax wraps reach the end of their life, never fear, you don’t have to just toss them in the bin. You can cut a beeswax wrap up into strips to compost it, or even use it as a fire-starter! How eco-friendly is that?
Of course, we’d love to tell you that this eco-friendly alternative to plastic is completely flawless and doesn’t have any cons. But it’s important that we try to outline the disadvantages of beeswax wraps too. (To be completely honest though, we think these are pretty minor compared to all the advantages!)
It’s an investment stocking up on a bunch of these, especially compared to cling wrap and snap lock bags. Beeswax wraps are definitely not the cheaper alternative but when you think about how many times you can reuse these over several months, even more than a year, the cost per use often works out cheaper than their plastic counterparts.
Plastic cling wrap is super low maintenance and can be thrown out after each use. Beeswax wraps, however, require a little bit more care. You’ll need to wipe down your wraps with warm soapy water to clean them. Even lay them out in the sun on a baking tray to maintain the stickiness of the beeswax over time. We often just pop things in the bin after one use these days that this whole maintenance process does take a tiny bit of getting used to.
A downside is that you can’t see what’s inside each beeswax wrap like cling wrap or snap lock bags. Unless you have an incredible photographic memory, you’ll have to open up each wrap to check what’s inside. This doesn’t cause too many problems if you usually only have a few items packed up in the fridge. But the more leftovers you have, the more difficult it might be to remember what food you’re actually storing.
Beeswax wraps aren’t ideal for wrapping things like raw meat, fish or wet food items like watermelon. However you can always pop these things in a bowl and cover with a beeswax wrap, which grips nicely and keeps your food sealed tightly.
At Upcycle Studio we stock Apiwraps, which are lovingly handmade in Australia. These come in a great range of different sizes to suit all sorts of food storage needs.
Perfect for little bits and bobs like lemons, limes and small blocks of cheese.
Buy the Apiwraps Cheese Lovers Pack.
The medium wraps are great for pieces of fruit like oranges, tomatoes and avocados. You can also use this size to store small blocks of cheese or pop over a small bowl to keep last night’s leftovers fresh in the fridge.
Buy the Apiwraps Kitchen Basics Pack.
A large Apiwrap is ideal for wrapping up sandwiches for school lunches or placing over a salad or pasta bowl.
Buy the Apiwraps Lunch Call Pack.
Keep all your leafy greens like celery, herbs and kale fresh for longer in an extra large sized Apiwrap. This is also a great option for popping over fruit and cheese platters too.
Buy an extra large Apiwraps Celery Wrap.
Get your new plastic-free year off to cracking start with our lovely range of reusable beeswax Apiwraps at Upcycle Studio.
]]>Congrats! You’ve just bought your first Mojo Candle and are in for a real treat! Before you get started we just want to help out a little bit with some burning instructions and all-round useful information. Here are our Mojo Candle care tips that will ensure you get the best out of your candle, each and every time.
The first burn plays a huge part in caring for your candle. When lighting your Mojo candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This creates what is called a wax “pool.” This pool helps to prevent tunnelling and promotes an even burn each time you light the candle and ensures the best scent throw.
Trim your wick regularly. A mushroom shape at the top of a wick can sometimes form as a result of carbon build up, where the flame consumes more wax than it can burn. We recommend removing these mushrooms and keeping your wick to a 5mm length before burning at all times. This encourages a more even burn and a steady flame each time you light your Mojo candle. Make sure to always allow the candle to cool before trimming. Using wick trimmers will provide the best results.
It seems unusual but you should never blow out your Mojo candle! This can cause wax to spray onto your skin or table, smoke to fill the room, the container to crack or soot to form around the edge of the container. Use a candle snuffer or candle tweezers to extinguish the flame. You can either put the candle out but simply squeezing the flame with the candle tweezers or by gently dipping the wick into the melted wax.
There’s no need to fret if you accidentally spill some candle wax. The cleaning process is simple. Make sure that you leave the wax to cool and harden before trying to remove it from a surface. Once hardened, cover the wax with newspaper, paper towel or brown craft paper. Lightly press down onto the paper with an iron on a low heat. The spilt wax will then melt and be absorbed into the paper.
We recommend a maximum time of 4 hours for each burn. It’s also a good rule of thumb to stop burning your Mojo candle once the wax falls below approximately 3cm from the bottom of the vessel. Burning with only a small amount of wax remaining can cause the base of the glass container to overheat. To avoid cracks or any damage to the surface surrounding the candle, we recommend discontinuing use at this point.
To protect your candle from fading or discolouration, we recommend always storing it in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. This doesn’t effect the burning of the candle, but can sometimes cause the creamy colour to turn yellow.
Shop our delicious range of Mojo Candle Co scents at Upcycle Studio. They’ll have you feeling calm and relaxed in no time!
]]>The idea all started in a small coastal town near Melbourne, Australia. Two friends Jesse Leeworthy and Jonathan Byrt were appalled at the level of plastic pollution taking over our beautiful beaches and oceans. So it became their mission to help reduce single-use plastic consumption with a focus on stylish and modern design. They asked themselves why our water bottles were round when so many of our on-the-go items are flat – like our laptops, tablets, notebooks and e-readers. So they designed what they believe to be the best water bottle, built for modern convenience. Every element of the Memobottle has been carefully considered to ensure that it slides neatly into your bag with the rest of your belongings.
Stop 1.4 million tonnes of plastic waste created by the bottled water industry each year and join the #onebottlemovement. We know that it takes a while to train yourself into always carrying a water bottle around with you. But a Memobottle is so convenient that it won’t be long before you start a great new habit! Each Memobottle is made from 100% BPA free plastic and can hold liquids up to 50 degrees Celsius. This cleverly designed product has been highly acclaimed worldwide, even winning gold at the prestigious A’Design Awards.
Upcycle Studio is currently stocking both the A5 and A6 versions. The A5 size is great all rounder size, perfect for travelling, the office or taking to university. It holds up to 750mls making it an excellent bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day. And the A6 option is a petite and streamlined version – designed to fit in your pocket or a small handbag. The ideal companion for active and social lifestyles.
Grab your very own Memobottle today at Upcycle Studio!
]]>Enjoy sipping on a delicious coffee this long weekend. Grab your reusable coffee cup from Upcycle Studio and save. Happy International Coffee Day!
]]>The incredibly versatile Flip & Tumble drawstring backpack is your carry companion for all sorts of occasions. Keep one balled up and on you at all times for emergency grocery shops. Or use it as a gym bag, with your gear always packed inside and ready to go. They are also perfect for day trips to the beach or when exploring a new city on vacation. The fact that these bags are so lightweight makes them perfect for wearing while you are walking around for long periods of time.
From bag to ball in seconds! This awesome bag packs down into a little sock ball shape in just a matter of seconds. Making it so easy to have an extra bag or two in your suitcase while you travel around the world! They come in extremely handy for unexpected souvenirs or just that little bit of extra shopping that you just couldn’t resist! Carrying a few of these with you as you move is so easy because they take up hardly any room and are so convenient to store.
Designed to be lightweight and super portable, making life on the go as easy as possible! Each Flip & Tumble drawstring backpack is created with thoughtful care. Every design detail serves a purpose and makes the bag very user-friendly. The drawstring at the top ensures that all of your gear stays comfortably in place, the stretchy internal pouch makes compacting the bag lightning fast and the fun bright colours will suit anyone’s personal style!
The Flip & Tumble drawstring backpack is a must have staple to add to your collection of reusables. This shopping/travel/gym/day trip bag has got your back in any situation. Shop the full range of different colours at Upcycle Studio.
]]>Learning something new is great for keeping your brain cells active and is also fantastic for your self-esteem. It feels great when you learn how to do something you’ve never done before! Developing a new skill pushes you out of your comfort zones, and gives you a big confidence boost to keep trying new things.
Why not book a workshop for a group of your friends? These days, life is so busy that you might not even see your closest pals for weeks or even months! An afternoon of creative fun is an excellent way to catch up with your mates. You already know each other, which might make you feel more comfortable amongst a group of new people. And when something tricky comes up during your class, you can help each other out because, well, that’s what friends are for! A creative workshop is a great idea for a relaxed hen’s party, bridal shower, birthday or even just a regular weekend!
Learn a new skill from industry experts. The teachers who run creative workshops are masters of their art. This is what they are most passionate about and what they love to do. So you are able to get some of the best insider knowledge, tips and tricks. Workshop instructors are used to having beginners in their classes so don’t worry about asking any questions, they are most welcome!
Venture into a new world and try something different and exciting. There are so many fun and fantastic ways to be creative and you can start this journey easily with a workshop. Did you know that you could knit blankets using your arms? Or that you could use recycled and upcycled paper to make some beautiful gift wrap? The possibilities are endless, all you need is a little bit of inspiration to start and who knows where it might take you!
You’re all there because you’re interested in the same thing! A creative workshop is a great opportunity to spend some time with people who are just like you! Spend the day sharing stories, getting to know each other and comparing all your different projects. It’s always great to see what ideas other people come up during your class.
Giving a handmade gift or filling your house with self-made items is extremely rewarding! Learn how to make your very own presents for your loved ones, this way you can add a special personalised touch that makes every item unique. And if you’re looking to spruce up your house, a creative workshop can fill you with tonnes of inspiration for interior decoration. We absolutely love these hanging pom pom pieces that are so simple to make and fill a room with lots of fun!
A workshop is a fantastic creative escape from the craziness of city life. Taking a moment to do something with your hands and switch off from all the tech in our lives is incredibly relaxing. Sure, you’ll probably want to Instagram your finished product at the end of the workshop! But attending a class provides a nice, calm and creative happy place for a few hours. Leave your busy schedule behind for a just a little bit and indulge yourself!
Are you planning a birthday, baby shower or wedding? Instead of hiring or buying your decorations, why not learn how to make them yourself? Handcrafting an event with your very own handmade wall hangings, bunting, flower arrangement and plenty more is oh so rewarding! What’s more is that you get to style your party exactly the way you want it, no need to shop around frantically for that perfect ornament – just make it yourself!
Doing or making something yourself always leads to a big sense of accomplishment! Especially if it’s something completely new that you’ve never tried before. Not only does a workshop give your creativity a nice confidence boost, you also get a sense of joy by being around others who are interested in the same thing as you. And at the end of the class you get to take the fruits of your labour home with you. Brag about your new project to your friends and family, you should be proud!
Last but not least, we think the best thing about a creative workshop is that you get to have a bit of fun! Workshops are informal learning spaces, where you get the freedom to explore your own creative process. Don’t worry, there won’t be any pop quizzes or final exams! Pick up new skills at your own pace, whether you prefer to move quickly or take it slowly and soak it all in.
We have a fantastic range of workshops at Upcycle Studio, there really is something there for everyone. So why not book yourself and some friends in for a class? Take some time out from everyday life and have a bit of fun while doing something you’ve always wanted to try! We guarantee a great time!
]]>Mojo Candle Co. founders Monty and Jo work together with the creative Mojo team to handcraft each and every candle in Sydney, Australia. Their commitment to recycling, reducing waste and promoting sustainable design has led them to create this luxurious lifestyle brand that does wonders for your soul and is great for our planet.
Every candle has had a previous life as a wine bottle. These bottles are meticulously sourced by the Mojo team, who cut, pour and label each one by hand. The wine bottles are collected from local restaurants, bars and pubs as well as regional wineries that has developed a partnership with the brand. The vessels are all slightly different and that’s what we love about Mojo. We believe that uniqueness is a fantastic thing that should be celebrated! This means that a Mojo candle is a great gift idea because you’ll never find two candles that are the same!
Feeling a little indulgent? Sit back and relax with Violet & Frosted Berries. This scent will tantalise your sense with a decadent blend of forest berries paired with rich jasmine and French lilac. A mix of boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, violet and vanilla will make your space smell good enough to eat!
Transform your home into your very own day spa. Rose, Pepper & Black Mint will have you feeling calm and refreshed in no time. Middles notes of Ylang Ylang will make you feel instantly relaxed. A combination of traditional rose and lavender fragrances with hints of modern black pepper and aniseed produces a scent that is wonderfully layered and multi-dimensional.
Transport yourself to a Parisian escape with the light, feminine and delicious French Pear. This candle gets its fragrance from a celebrated pear variety named “Doyenné du Comice.” Translated as “top of the show”, these pears are the best of the best, resulting in a scent that is rich, juicy and meltingly smooth. Bon appetit!
Indulge your senses with our modern, glamorous and eco-friendly range – the perfect way to slow down and relax. Eco-friendly has never been so luxurious. Each Mojo candle is planet-friendly, individually cut from reclaimed wine bottles and hand-poured in Sydney, Australia with 100% soy wax.
Shop the delicious Mojo Candle Co range at Upcycle Studio. Stay tuned because we have some exciting new scents in the works!
]]>I really wanted to put my money where my mouth was and actually commit to going plastic free. I was really conscious of my single use plastic consumption but there were moments where I’d slip up here and there. This month was a huge opportunity for me to try and really phase out as much plastic as possible from my life and see how easy or difficult it would be to keep doing this full time.
Having to be prepared ALL THE TIME. Going plastic free really does mean that you give up a lot of conveniences. You always have to keep your plastic free “supplies” on you, just in case you might need them! This means carrying around a reusable shopping bag at all times, always sitting in for a coffee or using a reusable cup, or having to ask the butcher to wrap your meat in paper only. (The meat one is definitely hard and I slipped up a few times in the begging, buying some of my meat in plastic packaging. Be persistent though because most butchers are really happy to hear that you don’t want to take a plastic bag with you!)
My number #1 tip would be to choose your battles wisely and just tackle things step by step. It’s great to go all guns blazing and try to cut out 100% of plastic, 100% of the time. But this is way too overwhelming and you’ll easily become discouraged when you slip up once in a while. My advice would be to set different goals every week or so. Maybe week 1 is about avoiding plastic shopping bags and week 2 is about removing glad wrap from your kitchen essentials. It’s these little wins that make the rest of the journey much more achievable!
I love a good challenge and although we’re already really mindful of our single use plastic consumption, I thought what better way to improve on it than to participate in Plastic Free July? It was such a great way to refocus on this issue and look for interesting, new solutions to some of the lingering plastic in our lives.
Definitely take away food!! It’s actually really sad how many food establishments don’t take this more seriously. I would be happy to pay extra if it meant I could have my food delivered in cardboard, paper or eco-friendly/packaging. There are loads of takeaway options out there now using cornstarch and bamboo so there really is no excuse.
We found it really tough to find people who were willing to help us out with our requests but would love to thank and congratulate two of our new favourite places. Greek Feast in Glebe was extremely accommodating and happy to deliver all of our food in cardboard boxes. Their delivery driver even arrived cheerily at the door each time wishing us a “Happy Plastic Free July!” Another excellent option is Fat Fish in Annandale, who exclusively use cardboard and paper packaging.
At the beginning, it was difficult to start breaking old habits but I quickly trained myself to be more conscious. I noticed how hard it was to eat or snack on the go while still trying to be plastic free. It’s really easy to just grab some nibblies from the supermarket or a takeaway meal when you’re in a rush but after I started avoiding this, it really wasn’t too hard to keep going.
It was really difficult for me as I live in a household where I don’t actually purchase the groceries. I found it hard to be responsible for other people. In the end, I had to just fight my own fight and do my bit where I could to reduce my own personal plastic consumption! Living in the western suburbs was also quite challenging as there are not many bulk food stores or other eco alternatives.
Being more prepared! Sometimes I can be a bit of a last-minute type of person which isn’t helpful when you want to be organised to be plastic-free! It’s definitely a big lifestyle change that you really need to commit to.
Keep alternatives with you all the time, even if you think you won’t need it! If you always have a drink bottle in your car, or a reusable bag in your handbag, or some bamboo cutlery at work, you’ll find it much easier to stick to being plastic free.
We’ve learnt this month that going plastic free is quite a challenge but also not as daunting as it seems. It’s been a really great way to educate ourselves on more eco-friendly alternatives and start some habits that benefit our planet. We’d encourage anyone to give it a go. You don’t have to be 100% plastic-free straight away, just remember to do what you can, where you can!
Did you know that most nappies will take about 500 years to break down? Sounds crazy, right? Parents know just how many of these you can go through in a year, leaving a huge impact on the planet. A more eco-friendly alternative is Ecoriginals, the venture of an Australian couple with three kids from Byron Bay. Each nappy is made mostly from plant based materials, taking only 90 days to compost. So not only are they better for landfill, they’re also safer for baby!
A monthly box subscription starts at $36.90 and you can always change your nappy size as bub grows.
Keep up to date on everything organic with this eco-friendly subscription service. With a variety of products ranging from food to home to beauty, it’s a great way to discover new environmentally conscious brands and products. This really is a mixed bag (or mixed box?) of stuff. Secrets Organic Box includes items such as reusable facial wipes, organic tea, cold brew coffee or delicious choc treats. Such a lovely surprise, it really feels like getting a little gift in the mail every month!
A subscription starts from $25/month.
Good for your bum and great for the world! Toilet paper has never been so cool! This revolutionary brand, Who Gives A Crap, builds toilets for communities in need all around the world. 50% of the company’s profits are donated and they’ve contributed $478,000 so far to various projects. All products are made with environmentally friendly materials and are 100% forest friendly. Make a one-off purchase or choose a delivery frequency that suits the number of people in your household.
Subscriptions start from $30.
Designed to help you find beauty products that are better for you. Each month, Good Green Box sends out samples of eco-friendly beauty products for you to test out at home. If you’re feelin’ it, you can buy the full size option from their online store. Each monthly box usually has upwards of $60 of product, including face serums, deodorant and body scrubs.
Subscriptions start from $25/month.
There’s no need to sacrifice convenience to live more sustainably. Give one of these eco-friendly subscriptions a go and see if it makes being environmentally conscious a lot easier!
]]>Shia is a zero-waste blogger and also a vegan baking aficionado. Her Instagram account is full of beautiful flatlays of her eco-friendly groceries and also some great tips and tricks for a more sustainable lifestyle. She shares stories of her personal successes as well as her pitfalls in a fun and humourous way. Shia’s account is vibrant and colourful, a delight on your eyes while scrolling through your feed.
1 Million Women is an Australian-based movement of eco-conscious women who are fighting against climate change. This Instagram account features interesting tidbits of information and also some inspirational quotes on how we can all take care of our planet just that little bit more.
All upcycling and DIY lovers should definitely start following this account. It provides plenty of inspiration for at-home projects and showcases exactly how creative the world of upcycling is today. It features small to large projects from all around the world and highlights how almost everything can have a second life.
26 year-old Lauren Singer became famous for her trash-free sustainable lifestyle. This young New Yorker has always had a passion for the environment and eventually decided to take her interest to the next level a few years back. She has been living zero-waste for the past four years now and you can follow her journey on her eco-friendly Instagram account and via her blog.
Anita Vandyke is a zero waste warrior who also happens to be a trained rocket scientist! Her Instagram account is full of fantastic second-hand finds and her bulk food adventures. She’s a modern activist who’s mantra is “Less is More.” We also love that Anita is a Sydney local too.
This upcycling and recycling account shows just how creative people can be with waste. The feed includes photos of artists’ works from all around the world. You’ll truly be shocked by some of the materials used! Made Out Of What really challenges your perception of what is stylish or beautiful, and we absolutely love this!
Dans le sac translates to “in the bag” in French and is the eco-friendly Instagram account of Stéphanie and Laurie. These two friends from Québec started their journey by developing a range of reusable bread bags. Their business has flourished and their Instagram is elegantly curated with lovely photos of their bags and all things sustainable. This account will make you want to refuse plastic bags forever and opt for a calico option instead for all your goods!
What’s not to love about a global clothing brand who don’t want their customers to buy new? We are huge fans of Patagonia for having this exact ethos. Wornwear is the company’s brilliant sustainability program which celebrates the stories behind our clothes, encourages the repair of old items and provides an easy way for people to recycle their garments. This Instagram will make you want to get your hands on a sewing machine and learn how to upcycle your old clothes!
Our showroom is decked out with tonnes of pallet furniture, so it’s no surprise that we love this account. This entire feed is filled with old school, rustic charm and is the perfect antidote to mass produced furniture. Looking for any DIY ideas to spruce up your home? Pallet and Crate is a brilliant source of inspiration.
Fashion that is beautiful and is also planet-friendly. This Instagram account gets a big tick from us because it makes sustainable look oh so stylish! This US label uses eco materials, deadstock fabrics and upcycled vintage clothing to design all of their collections. Sustainability is at the core of everything they do, ensuring the most minimal eco and social footprint possible.
Let us know about any other eco-friendly Instagram accounts that you follow personally and think should be on our list! Touch base with us anytime at hello@upcyclestudio.com.au.
]]>The trip to the bulk foods store really begins at home. It pays to be prepared before you even head out the door. Gather some containers or bags that you can pack your food into. Our Upcycle team usually takes some small mason jars for things like nuts and trail mix and a few large glass jars for pasta and cereals. Items like grains, lentils, fruit and vegetables can be easily packed into reusable bulk food bags. We were all really surprised at how painless it was to prep these containers and bags before shopping. It takes just a few minutes and quickly becomes a natural part of the grocery shopping routine.
This is probably the most tricky part of the bulk food shop for newcomers. You’ll need to tare your containers before popping food into them. This means that you’ll have to weigh the empty container and write down the amount. Most shops provide markers so you can record this directly onto your jar. Otherwise, you can just make a note of your tare weight in your phone or in a notepad. Pop your container on the scale (including the lid) and weigh them one by one. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, staff members are always around to lend a helping hand!
Now comes the fun! Peruse the aisles and fill up your jars and bags with some delicious food! Some bulk food stores will have special product codes for each type of food. If you happen to be in a shop that uses this system, be mindful of writing down what this code is. This is usually clearly marked right next to or on top of the tubs.
Pop all of your jars, containers and bags onto the counter and congratulate yourself on your plastic-free shop! Your cashier will then calculate the price of all of your items by looking at your product codes and tare weights. It’s that simple!
Now that the shop is over, it’s time to take everything home to enjoy! There aren’t any plastic bags at the bulk foods store so it’s important to bring your own shopping bag. (You need to carry all your containers to the shop in something anyway!) It really doesn’t matter if you’re using a Coles bag, a backpack, a canvas tote or even a cardboard box. Use what works best for you. We’ve been using these Flip & Tumble 24/7 bags because they’re super convenient. They stash away easily into a little ball when not in use, making it really easy to always have one in your everyday bag for impromptu shops.
Alright, now we’ve gotten to the final step in how to shop at a bulk foods store! Unpacking and storing your food at home after a bulk foods shop is super easy, you’ve already done all the hard work! All of your items are nicely packed into jars and containers that can go straight into the pantry or the fridge. No need to take things out of several plastic bags that then need to be stored somewhere too (usually in an overflowing drawer – we know everybody has one of these!)
Another great way to store your food is by wrapping them in some eco-friendly beeswax wraps. These are fantastic for keeping things like fruit and vegetables nice and fresh in the fridge.
There you have it! Our no fuss guide on how to shop at a bulk foods store! It’s a big change at first and takes some getting used to. But trust us, this is a great way to shop for both the environment and for your hip pocket! Buying in bulk makes your shop cheaper in the long run and you can walk away happily plastic-free every time!
]]>Does anyone out there also hate the thought of grocery shopping? Trolley Wars in the fruit and veg section have never been enjoyable for me. And there’s just something about overly fluorescent aisles that make me want to avoid supermarkets like the plague. That was until I discovered my new favourite place to grocery shop. Harris Farm Markets in Drummoyne has changed my entire supermarket experience. It’s my new go-to for most of my produce because they make it incredibly easy to go plastic-free. Plus it evokes a romantic, European-style vibe like the famous Eataly chain of supermarkets. Any place with a dedicated charcuterie and cheese section wins my heart instantly!
My whole point about choosing your supermarket wisely is to make your Plastic Free July shopping feel like less of a chore. When a grocer is set up to make it easier for you to make eco-friendly choices, it’s not such an overwhelming task anymore. Not only does Harris Farm sell a variety of items that are plastic-free, they also have stacks of cardboard boxes at the checkout in order to minimise the use of plastic bags. (You’d be surprised at how many local, independent supermarkets will let you take a box home with you, all you have to do is ask!)
A lot of our fruit and vegetables come wrapped in plastic these days and it’s a huge cause for concern. So you can imagine how impressed I was to see so many loose produce items during my shop the other day, even some loose strawberries! A great way to carry items like this home is by taking some small cardboard containers with you to the shops. (Think of things like old cracker boxes or even your iPhone box – seems silly but it does the trick!)
Instead of packing your larger fruit and veg items into plastic, consider grabbing some reusable produce bags instead. These are great while you’re shopping but also a fantastic way to store your food in the fridge. The holes in the mesh make the bags breathable which is great for keeping things fresh. Harris Farm even has these in store for customers to use. You simply grab a green bag, fill up your fruit and then take it to the counter. They’ll keep the bag but will pop your purchases in your own shopping bag or a box. Brilliant!
Wherever possible, it’s great to buy grocery items in glass jars. Not only does this avoid single-use plastic, but you then have a great storage container when you’re done with all the yummy food! These come in really handy for storing things like rice and grains or for anybody who wants to have a go at pickling – a great Plastic Free July project! Next time you need some deli items like olives or sundried tomatoes, try and have a look on the shelves for a glass option instead.
Remember back in the day, when the local milkman would come to your house with glass bottles of milk? With the amount of plastic-bottled milk on our shelves these days, it’s hard to even think that our milk used to only ever come in glass bottles! That’s why it’s fantastic to see that Harris Farm has started rolling out self-serve milk stations in some of their stores. It works like a gas bottle swap’n’go system, where you take your old empty bottle into the shop and then grab a new bottle of fresh local milk!
And voila! Here is the result of my first attempt at a plastic free shop. It’s been of a rocky start to Plastic Free July – I have to admit that I did buy some things that were wrapped in plastic (2 packs of meat, 2 packs of cold cuts and 2 blocks of cheese. My baguette also came in a brown paper bag that had a plastic window too.) Although I’m still a while away from achieving a 100% plastic-free shop, it felt really great to be more conscious of the items in my trolley while roaming through the aisles. I used a cardboard box, my bulk food bags and my 24/7 bags to carry all of my things home, not a single plastic bag in sight! Stay tuned for some more updates on how the Upcycle Studio team is going with the rest of Plastic Free July!
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