AUTHOR AUTHOR AUTHOR
CELEBRITY CELEBRITY CELEBRITY
Priyanka Naik is an accomplished chef who has achieved great success in the culinary world. She is a self-taught vegan and sustainable chef who has won numerous awards, including a Food Network championship and a Quibi Dishmantled competition. In addition to being a TV host, she is also an author, columnist, public speaker, and world traveler. Priyanka's cooking style is influenced by her Indian heritage and her love of travel. She is committed to using sustainable and low-waste cooking practices in her recipes, and she is passionate about animals, sustainable fashion, cars, bad movies, dramatic reality shows, bright lipstick, and bold red glasses.
What made you decide to enter the culinary world and why did you want to become a chef?
I was born and raised in New York City as a first generation IndianAmerican. Our strongest connection to India, our culture and extended family was through food. From as far as I can remember, I spent my days in the kitchen (I am the youngest of three girls) observing my mom cook and began helping her and learning through action. I became obsessed with the creativity of cooking and soon thereafter began watching tons of cooking shows in America. This led me to continue cooking on my own, creating a blog www.chefpriyanka.com 12 years ago for my original recipes and my culinary career took off from there! I am a self-taught chef and I focus on vegan and sustainable global cuisines. I am a Food Network champion, an author, writer, TV host and world traveler.
What do you do to stay on top of the new cooking trends?
Browse social media! That is the best way to discover "trends." I follow a ton of accounts who are chefs and food content creators. Once the social platforms see who I'm following, it'll get a sense of my interests and show me relevant and trendy content related to my interests!
Eat with your eyes first: A multi-color plate of foods means a healthy and delicious plate of food! Treat every being as you want to be treated - with respect and compassion.
If you could give one piece of advice to new vegans, what would it be?
Have FUN and experiment! This is your opportunity to think of vegetables as the star of the plate. Using whole dry spices to flavor your food; experiment with a new vegetable every week.
You seem to focus a lot on providing nourishing foods sourced from plant-based ingredients. How did you become vegan yourself?
I became vegan about 5-6 years ago for environmental and ethical reasons. I am an animal lover at the core and I can't bear to see another being harmed just for our consumption. Plus, I grew up vegetarian, so I knew the versatility of vegetables, their benefits, and their delicious taste!
When did you realize you wanted to write a book?
Tell us a little about your book "The modern tiffin"?
I've wanted to publish a cookbook probably since the age of 12, ha! I think it's a dream for most cooks, aspiring chefs, and professional chefs. Having your recipes in a keepsake book that the world can read and cook from is one of the most gratifying feelings. The Modern Tiffin is a true culmination of me - a combination of my regional Indian heritage with my world travels and experiences
I've been to 40 countries globally and have learned a tremendous amount about varying agriculture, approaches to cooking, new dishes, and sustainability. The reason the book centers around the 'tiffin' is because I grew up taking my lunch everyday to school (my mom packed us a gourmet Indian inspired lunch everyday) and even when I entered the workforce after college, I packed my lunch every day for work.
I understand the value of cooking, how it made my body feel, and the ease it had on my wallet. So I wanted to combine all of those aspects into one book - The Modern Tiffin!
As a cook, how do you stay energized and motivated to produce quality dishes throughout your shift?
I am not a line cook or a restaurant chef - most of my work involves developing recipes for brands, building on brand partnerships, writing for my books, and creating/hosting restaurant pop-up events. I like to challenge myself by incorporating new ingredients and produce that I don't use often; I lean heavily on my memories and experiences from my travels; and I lean the most on cooking sustainably - low-waste cooking.
What is your most popular dish and dessert? What sort of flavors do you think really entice consumers?
My most popular dish is my viral Spinach Jalapeno Pesto pasta My most popular dessert Cornmeal Gulab Jamuns from my cookbook The Modern Tiffin. I think people like the ease, look and taste of these recipes.
BY: ANNABELLE BAUGH
To date, numerous people have been severely disfigured by dermal fillers and other types of non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed by non-qualified aesthetic practitioners. Considering anyone without training could once administer these popular aesthetic treatments, it isn’t surprising that there have been serious complications.
But the introduction of the 2022 Health and Care Act, passed in July, gave the UK Government the power to implement a new licensing scheme. However, many aesthetic doctors feel this new licensing scheme will not be sufficient, as it will not prevent nonmedically trained professionals from performing these procedures. We asked Dr Chia Tan, the founder of Harley Street MD, an aesthetic clinic in London, for his opinion on who should be able to perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
“Non-surgical aesthetic procedures are not without risk. When complications arise, you need health professionals that are both competent and equipped in dealing with them as soon as possible.Vascular occlusion, skin necrosis (death of skin cells) and blindness albeit rare, but implications are severe and could be permanent.”GMC registered doctor Dr Tan. went on to explain “It is therefore important to only have these procedures carried out by trained and regulated clinicians who can both minimise the risk as well as manage the complications. Left untreated or mismanaged, they can lead to disfiguration, which may require invasive reconstructive surgery. In addition, acid peels and other types of procedures, such as radiofrequency, and laser resurfacing may also result in third-degree burns and severe scarring when they are not performed correctly.”
Left untreated or mismanaged, they can lead to disfiguration, which may require invasive reconstructive surgery. In addition, acid peels and other types of procedures, such as radiofrequency, and laser resurfacing may also result in third-degree burns and severe scarring when they are not performed correctly.”
It is now over six months since the Health and Care Act was passed and this new licensing scheme has yet to be implemented. The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, the British Beauty Council and the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health recently submitted a joint letter to the Department of Health and Social Care.
A response was issued by the minister responsible for taking the scheme forward, Maria Caulfield. However, she did not confirm the date the new scheme would come into force — although it is predicted a timetable for the enforcement of the new licensing scheme will be made public in the next month.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures that will be regulated include:
Any injection of a dermal filler, botox or any other substance
Application of chemical peels or substances that penetrate the epidermis
Procedures involving the insertion of needles or cannulas
Insertion of threads under the skin often referred to as thread lifts
Use of lasers and intense pulse light.
The new scheme aims to ensure all aesthetic practitioners have completed a minimum standard of training and qualifications. However, the exact procedures, training or qualifications required are yet to be defined.
I would strongly advise anyone considering non-surgical cosmetic procedures to choose an aesthetic practitioner who is a registered doctor, dentist or nurse, to help to reduce the likelihood of complications. If you are considering a non-surgical treatment but don’t know how to find a qualified practitioner, you can initially check if they are a registered healthcare professional, by checking the registers for the three key UK regulators:
General Medical Council for doctors
Nursing & Midwifery Council for nurses
General Dental Council for dentists.
In addition to ensuring your aesthetic practitioner is a fully registered doctor, nurse or dentist, there are other associations that the best aesthetic practitioners are likely to be members of, including:
European College of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery.
Before allowing anyone to inject you with a substance, ask to see the container the substance is in. This should be sealed and clearly labelled with either a “CE” or “UKCA” mark. You should also see the practitioner opening new needles or canulas in front of you.
If you have any doubts, you can report the practitioner to the appropriate regulatory body (provided you have gone to a doctor, nurse or dentist) — another reason why you are far safer when you go to a registered healthcare professional.
When you have limited funds and feel unhappy with your appearance, it can be incredibly tempting to go for the lowest-priced service. But non-surgical treatments can leave you in an awful position if they go wrong. So, never underestimate how horrific complications can be and take great care when choosing who will perform your aesthetic procedures. Your safety is priceless.
IN COVERSATION WITH RUCHIKA AGARWAL THE FOUNDER OF "HAMPERIA."
Tell us something about you and what inspired you to build your brand Hamperia by ruchika?
Hello! I'm Ruchika Agarwal, a budding entrepreneur with passion for creativity and a fun-loving personality. I believe that I have a talent for being inventive and patient when it comes to creating something unique. My entrepreneurial journey began when I realized that my talent for creativity could be turned into a business opportunity.
It all started with my habit of presenting gifts to my loved ones in an extraordinary and beautiful manner. I have always believed that simple packing is not enough, and my fascination with packing materials and decor items only added to my interest. That's when I decided to start my brand, HamperiaByRuchika, and turn my passion into a successful business venture.
Handling a business is tough, what keeps you motivated and how do you deal with stress and big challenges ?
Running a business involves a significant amount of risk, but I manage the challenges and stress by striving to remain competitive. To achieve this, I always bring out the best in myself and work towards delivering the most innovative products to my clients.
Furthermore, my mother has been an immense source of motivation for me throughout my entrepreneurial journey. She has always believed in my dreams and has been a constant pillar of support, both financially and in the decisionmaking process.
The moment when I received my first bulk order was undoubtedly an "aha" moment for me. However, I must mention that every time I see the final look of each hamper, it feels like an "a-ha" moment to me. It is always refreshing for me to bring my ideas and combinations to life and turn them into something tangible. Furthermore, the support and the appreciation from my clients is always the biggest motivation for me. It encourages me to continue doing what I love and reminds me that my efforts are being appreciated and valued.
“Hamperiabyruchika”
How can our readers connect with you if they wish to place an order?
At present, HamperiaByRuchika is a homegrown business operating exclusively in Jaipur. To connect with us, you can find us on Instagram by searching for our handle "hamperiabyruchika".
BY: LIZ MICHELLE BY: LIZ MICHELLE
Travelling can be expensive! Kids are expensive! So travelling with kids can often break the budget if we are not careful with our planning, bookings and our money management BEFORE WE LEAVE!
Ever heard the saying ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’? We may not be talking failure here but if there is a lack of planning before travelling with kids, then you may come back without any money at all, or even worse, put yourself into debt.
Here are my top tips or money hacks when travelling with kids:
Do your research! Spontaneous holidays have a certain charm to them, but if you don’t put time and effort into researching locations, accommodation options, local travel, attractions and flights, you may end up spending more, compared to a very similar location with better, more cost effective options.
Use cash back apps, such as Cash Rewards and ShopBack when booking accommodation. They sometimes have deals where you can get cash back for 15-20% of the cost of your booking! I never book anything without using these cash back apps now.
Make sure you get travel insurance. Plan for the unexpected. I have been caught overseas with a sick child before, and I’m so glad I decided on travel insurance so I could claim back the cost of seeing a doctor overseas, as well as getting meds. Kids are unpredictable and travel insurance is not usually a huge cost when it comes to breaking down your holiday expenses.
Holidays don’t need to be jam packed with paid entertainment! There can be days where you hang out at a beach exploring rock pools or you go on fun bushwalks or just play by the pool. Kids will most likely love the relaxed pace and it will save you some money too.
Food! This is always a big cost when travelling, because all those ‘small’ purchases really add up! A $7 scoop of ice cream here, a quick sandwich and milkshake there, and a pub meal thrown in for good measure, and next thing, you’re $100 down, just from some snacks and quick meals! My tip here is to decide on which meal for the day will be the one eaten at a cafe, pub or restaurant. Have some quick snacks either in the car or in your travel bags for when the kids get hungry, so you don’t need to buy expensive takeaway or pricey snacks. Stock up on bananas, muesli bars, a pack of bread rolls, some apples, dried fruit and bags of popcorn for example. These items don’t need a fridge and you can give them to the kids between meals (or even as a quick, small meal) to save spending big on all meals and snacks. A good dessert hack is to buy chocolate bars or dairy snacks, and ‘surprise’ the kids after dinner, back at your hotel room or caravan with your treat, to save on buying takeaway ice cream or desserts which can get really expensive!
What do you really value when it comes to holidays? Do you love to do water sports with the kids, go to exhibitions, take them to shows, theme parks, movies, mini golf or fancy restaurants? All of these things cost money, but they will not appeal to everyone. Decide what you really want to spend money on, and what you don’t really care to get involved in. Ask the kids too! Maybe they would prefer to explore rock pools (a free activity), rather than go to an exhibition or to a theme park. Don’t spend money on things because it’s socially expected or seen as a ‘holiday experience’. Decide before you leave, what you will be happy to spend money on, and what you don’t want to spend money on.
Don’t buy souvenirs ‘just because’. Souvenirs can be expensive and there are so many times I have bought souvenirs only to come home and regret the purchase. Once you’ve spent the money, it’s gone! If you have to have souvenirs, make it a fridge magnet or just print out a few photos of your holiday instead! Buying t shirts, hats, bags or other items as souvenirs can get very expensive!
Track your spending as you go along. You might lose count of all the times you’re pulling your card out to make purchases, so take a look at your bank account or credit card transactions online from time to time and make sure you’re staying within budget. If you’re overspending, make sure you pull back on spending in certain areas.
Pack some basic first aid items to save you buying them on your trip. Bandaids, first aid antiseptic cream, bandages, paracetamol, a thermometer, antihistamines, as well as any individual medications of course, and sunscreen, after sun cream, and Aerogard.
Just remember, holidays are for parents too! Make sure the holiday is a balance, and not all about providing entertainment for the kids! If you have brought along devices for the kids to have periods of gaming or screen time, one idea is to buy them a new game before you leave and give it to them while on holiday. I’m all about limiting screen time and not giving the kids too much of it, as discussed in my article on the Dangers of too much Screen time HERE, but if it means you can have a quiet wine and watch a movie that’s not animated, while the kids are busy on their devices for an hour or two, then it’s really quite harmless. It may also save you money on a kids club or other type of entertainment.
My last hack is probably the most important – budget for, and SAVE for your holiday before you go! If you don’t have the money to go on a holiday, then you can’t afford it! If you’re putting a holiday on a credit card and coming home with debt, then your holiday will end up costing you WAY more than you realise, in credit card interest payments. If you can’t afford hotels, flights and entertainment, choose a cheaper holiday experience, such as camping, or a caravan stay beachside.
By: Liz Michelle
You can find Liz on her blog TeachingBrave.com, which has more than 130 articles with parenting tips and money saving tips, and you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
BY: BECCY FREEMAN (FOUNDER, BREATHE AND BLOSSOM)
My story begins 39 years ago, when I was just 12 years old living with my Mum, Dad and twin brother in the gorgeous countryside, majestic rolling hills, land of the Taungarong people in north central Victoria Australia. The first 12 years of my life were fairly uneventful. Mum and Dad were considered “hippies” in the conservative small country town, and ran a successful certified organic berry farm business.
In my twelfth year however, I became very unwell and following a battery of tests and a two week stay in the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, I was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition known as SLE, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or “Lupus”. It was during this time that my lifelong interest in women's health was born, as Lupus is more prevalent amongst women.
Life went on, with some minor adjustments. My day now included taking medication every morning, and while my condition was generally well controlled I was never able to sprint, and stairs and hills were torture. I learned from a young age to disguise my symptoms in a multitude of ingenious and creative ways. Shoe laces that suddenly needed tightening, a book that needed to be retrieved from my student backpack, or an imaginary “did you see that?”, anything for a moment of respite.
It wouldn’t be until decades later, in my 43rd year, that I actually received the diagnosis that explained everything. The most distressing symptoms, attributed in my teens to Lupus, in fact turned out to be due to a much rarer condition altogether – a chromosomal recessive muscle enzyme deficiency known as McArdle disease- Glycogen Storage disease type V.
I felt such an overwhelming sense of relief – everything, every struggle, every symptom, suddenly made sense. All the dots connected. The validation that the diagnosis provided was immense, a feeling that anyone who suffers with an invisible illness would understand.
Despite these lifelong challenges, my working life has been varied and very rewarding. Reading and study for me have always been a delightful refuge. At University I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration which lead me to my first career as a Court Registrar in the Victorian Magistrates court. No two days were ever the same and I enjoyed the variety of this job, but what I most loved was having the opportunity to help people and make a difference in their lives. This led me to complete my Counselling qualification and begin my career working in the public health system as a Counsellor –work that I still find meaningful, real and so very rewarding.
I love connecting with people – connecting to their stories, their sorrows and their victories, and supporting them as they move through difficult and challenging seasons in their lives. I know THIS is the work I’m on this planet to do.
This passion ultimately led me to return once again to study and train as a qualified Health and Lifestyle Coach. What I discovered through my work in public health was a glaring service gap. After seeing their GP, people were often left without any support to implement their doctor’s advice. They didn’t know how to break down the goals that were set for them by their GP’s to make them more achievable. They didn’t have the support or accountability they needed to give them the very best chance of achieving sustained healthier habits. I knew I wanted to help.
It was also around this time in my life, at 44 years old, that I began experiencing some unpleasant symptoms – insomnia, uncharacteristic moodiness, hot flushes and inescapable weight gain. Perimenopause had arrived!
I was relieved to rediscover my love for essential oils and the multitude of ways they can enhance your health, both mental and physical. With the support and assistance of a naturopath, a solid plan that included leaning in hard to my essential oil protocols, self care, and really examining my own mindset and “stories' about what this season in life is all about, I was able to find some relief. I would make up diffuser blends with Rosemary, Peppermint and Frankincense to help my focus. I created a life saving cooling spritz that I would apply liberally before bed using Clary Sage, Peppermint, Geranium essential oils. I used the same essential oils to “cool down” the daytime hot flushes with my own rollerball blend.
The more I used the oils, the more I loved them and the more I learned, the more passionate I became about sharing my knowledge. I completed my Clinical Aromatherapy for Health Certificate online and found more and more ways to incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy into my life and also my work.
I tested and played with different ways to bring the oils to life and discovered candle making. I knew I was on to something and, in February 2021, took 17 weeks long service leave from my job as I immersed myself in learning all there was to know about essential oils candle making. My business Breathe and Blossom was born!
Breathe and Blossomg in support, as I had no business nce whatsoever, I launched my two ranges, Country Life and Simply Be ber 2021. I was 49 years old and stepping out on faith and trust iness vision was always to expand erings to include Coaching support, I grew the product side of my s, securing retail outlets to stock ations, and running candle making sential oils workshops, I began g on mapping out my signature and lifestyle coaching program, . Radiant is a 90 day 1:1 Coaching nce designed specifically to support to transition through the seasons r life, in particular the journey h peri-menopause from Mother to Summer to Autumn, First half to half.
a unique blend of holistic utic interventions, tools provided ther Nature and my 10 years nce as a Counsellor, I now support ide women through this powerful of change and realignment to their vitality, rediscover their for life and redefine their sense of
Radiant and the Breathe and Blossom Signature Framework was born out of my own personal journey through both the challenging mental and physical symptoms associated with the years of Perimenopause, and the need to explore who I actually am now in this, the Second Half of my life. I know first-hand the unique transformative power of my three pillars – Wellness, Mindset and Meaning.
I’ll be 51 this month, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude each and everyday. I have my oils, I have my business and I have reached this place in the second half of my life where I feel more happy and fulfilled than ever before. My days are filled with the things that genuinely light me up – my business, essential oils, nurturing self care practices and rituals, movement, spending time with my partner, and my pet dog and cat.
I am so very passionate about the fact that no matter where you are in your health and wellness journey, what your health looks like right now, there are things we can do, steps we can take and strategies we can put in place to support you to have a better quality of life. This is what I do. This is my life’s work. It is such a joy and a privilege to have finally arrived here.
BY JUSTINE MARTIN
Life is full of ups and downs, successes and failures, joys and sorrows, no matter who you are or what your circumstances may be, you will inevitably face challenges and setbacks at some point in your own life. This is why building resilience is so important. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, learn from our experiences, and grow stronger and more capable. Here are some of the reasons why gaining resilience is important in our lives
Help us cope with stress and adversity.
One of the main beliefs of building resilience is that it helps us cope with stress and adversity. When we face a difficult situation whether it’s a relationship break-up or a health problem it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and fear. Resilience helps us manage these emotions more effectively and bounce back from the situation. It also helps us find new ways to cope with stress and adversity in the future.
Another benefit of building resilience is that it helps us achieve our goals when we set goals for ourselves, whether it’s getting a promotion at work or running a marathon. We will inevitably face challenges and setbacks along the way resilience, helps us stay focused on our goals, even when things get tough. It also helps us develop the skills and strategies we need to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Resilience can also enhance our relationships with others. When we are more resilient, we are better able to manage conflict, communicate effectively and empathise with others. This can help us build stronger and more meaningful relationships with our friends, family members and colleagues, and also helps us develop a more positive and supportive social network, which is important for our overall well-being
Building resilience can also improve our mental health studies have shown that people who are more resilient and less likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. This is because resilience helps us manage stress more effectively and develop a more positive outlook on life and also helps us build self-confidence and self-esteem, which are important factors in maintaining good mental h l h
Change it is a constant in life whether it’s a change in our personal circumstances our relationships or the world around us building resilience helps us adapt to these changes more effectively and helps us develop flexibility and adaptability. We need to navigate new situations and challenges. It also helps us find new opportunities and ways to grow and develop.
Finally, building resilience promotes personal growth when we faced challenges and setbacks. We have the opportunity to learn from our experiences and grow stronger and more capable. As a result, resilience helps us develop new skills perspectives and strengths that we can apply in other areas of our lives it also helps us develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning which is essential for a fulfilling and satisfying life.
Focus on the positive: one of the keys to building resilience is to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This means practising gratitude, celebrating your successes and focusing on your strengths, rather than your weaknesses.
Build a support network: having a strong support network is essential for building resilience. This means surrounding yourself with people who care about you and who can provide emotional support and encouragement when you need it
Take care of yourself: taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential for building resilience. This means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly and practising self-care. 1. 2.
Practising mindfulness: mindfulness is a powerful tool for building resilience. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgement. This can help you manage more effectively reduce anxiety and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Develop problem-solving skills: building resilience also involves developing problem-solving skills. This means learning how to identify and analyse problems generate solutions and implement them effectively.
So how can we build resilience in our lives? Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started.
Set realistic goals: setting, realistic goals is important to build resilience is important to set goals a challenging, but achievable, and break them down into smaller steps that you can accomplish along the way.
Learn from your experiences: when your face challenges and setbacks, take the time to reflect on what you’ve learnt from the experience, this can help you develop new skills, perspectives and strengths that you can apply to other areas of your life.
Practice self-compassion: building resilience also involves practising selfcompassion. This means treating yourself with kindness and understanding rather than self-criticism or judgement.
Seek professional help if needed: if you’re struggling to build resilience on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help, a resilience coach can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome challenges and build your own resilience.
Remember, that building resilience is a journey, not a destination and takes time and effort to develop the skills and strategies. You need to bounce back from adversity and grow stronger as a result, but with persistence, and a willingness to learn from your experiences, you can build the resilience you need to face whatever challenges come your way. Ultimately, building resilience is about developing a mindset of strength, optimism, and perseverance. It’s about recognising the setbacks and challenges as a normal part of life, and that we have the power to overcome them and emerge stronger on the other side, by building resilience, you can live a more fulfilling satisfying and meaningful life and inspire others to do the same.
So, if you’re struggling with stress, adversity or other challenges in your life, take heart building resilience is possible and with the right mindset and tools, you can overcome any obstacle and thrive in life start today by taking small steps towards building your own resilience and submit, see where it takes. You remember resilience is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving.
Remember Tim Gurner, the multi-millionaire property developer who implied that millennials can’t afford to buy property because they’re wasting money on avo toast?
Well, move over smashed avo, because there’s a new ‘luxury’ in town. Just like avo toast, planet-friendly products have become unfairly labelled as a luxury which is causing millennials to throw yet more money down the drain.
YouGov research has found almost six in ten (57%) consumers believe that products that are better for the planet are more expensive. At the same time, the research also found millennials are happy to pay a bit extra for their tech goods in order to do their bit for the environment (washed down with a tasty side of smashed avo, of course).
S U S T A I N A B L E T E C H
While it’s obviously great news that millennials are prioritising sustainable tech and quality, there’s a big problem with the assumptions underlying these stats. The reality is that ecofriendly doesn’t always have to equal more expensive - in fact, in industries like tech, it can actually cost less to buy sustainably. Refurbished tech is the perfect example of a sustainable product that won’t hurt your wallet or the planet. Containing a variety of harmful chemicals to both people and planet, e-waste has increased by 21% in the past five years worldwide.
In fact, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste category on the planet (beating fast fashion) with 52 million tons of e-waste produced worldwide last year alone. Out of that, only 20% is properly recycled, with the rest going to landfill and polluting countries throughout Africa and Asia.
The ubiquity of smartphones has resulted in them heavily contributing to the escalation of this damage through damaging toxins such as chlorine and mercury that can pollute the air and water supply around the landfill.
Phones that get thrown into landfills or into water channels can adversely harm marine life as well as infiltrate into groundwater. When these toxins are absorbed into the atmosphere, they could harm human beings and plants in the form of acid rain.
By saving electronics from a premature death, refurbished phones, tablets and wearables reduce ewaste, which in turn has a substantial and positive impact on the environment.
Reebelo is one company pushing the envelope when it comes to sustainable tech by recycling old tech for a fraction of the price - meaning you can have your avo toast and scroll on your brand-new refurbished phone at the same time.
Reebelo allows consumers and businesses to buy new and refurbished tech devices from big-name brands at a fraction of the cost and sell their unwanted phones as part of the war on e-waste.
Reebelo undertakes a rigorous cleaning, testing, and repairing process involving more than 70 checks to refurbish phones before placing them back on the market, and guarantee a minimum 80 per cent battery life. The devices are always thoroughly tested to make sure they are functioning properly, and in most cases, will seem as good as new.
Refurbished electronics reduce your contribution to e-waste by saving phones, tablets and laptops from premature death with a new lease of life. By purchasing refurbished technology from Reebelo, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and saving money in the process.
In 2022, we have found our work in augmenting the circular tech economy has resulted in the following outcomes:
- 16,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases saved
- 8,000 tons of raw materials saved
- 128,000 devices saved from landfill
- 197 million litres of drinking water saved
- 100,000 trees planted in partnership with OneTreePlanted
In order to rescue sustainable products from being painted with the avo toast brush, brands must do more to address this widespread and inaccurate belief that ‘sustainable’ means ‘more expensive’. For tech brands, this means greater transparency around their sustainability efforts, in order to appeal to today’s eco-conscious consumer.
Over time, the hope is that consumers will begin to associate sustainability with spending less, rather than having to shell out more. With millennials still struggling to save up for a deposit on their first home loan, it’s time to throw out our outdated assumptions about what costs the earth. Now, who’s for avo toast?
BY SHANNON KEATING
BabesRising is a new company dedicated to the holistic empowerment of young women (ages 18-24). Through their online Coaching Platform & Community, BabesRising is connecting young women to female life coaches who can serve as relatable, supportive role models, as well as providing them with monthly workshops, interviews, and "money dates" and tools like guided meditations, journaling prompts, healthy recipes, & beyond.
BabesRising is on a mission to end the vicious cycles of pressure, competition, comparison, and jealousy amongst young women. The focus is to provide young women with the personal and relational skills that they aren't getting from schools so that they can thrive in our world, exactly as they are. The areas of empowerment that BabesRising focuses on include: Body Love, Relationship with Food, Mental Health, Emotional Wellness, Relationships, Holistic Health & Wellness, Self Love, Grounded Spirituality, and Mindset / Self Talk.
Young women can try out the BabesRising Coaching Platform & Community for FREE for one week to get to know the coaches, feel into the community, and explore the resources before signing up for a monthly plan!
Details can be found via their website: www.babesrising.co
