LIVE LIFE IN
Sustainable Style
ISSUE 6
LetYouVal ues Be r Guide sustainability in style
A NOTE FROM Dear Sustainably Stylish Friends, It has been a while between issues- and I apologise for this. However, a mindful pause was necessary for re-evaluation as 2021 (and all its challenges) unfolded. The pause provided time to think about the next step for Sustainability in Style within the digital communications space. As some of you know, I spent a very long time studying how social media works as part of my Master’s. During these hundreds of hours of academic research, I dove deep into the psychology that underpinned communications based on persuasive technology along with projections for the future. It was equal parts fascinating and scary. Sadly, since the completion of this research in 2019 and my continued work tutoring in this area of digital communications, the 'scary' or negative futures for social media have started to come to fruition. Often outweighing the good that these tools for social connection can accomplish if used wisely. It has been challenging to show up on Facebook-based spaces founded in formulas (i.e. algorithms) that favour sharing material eliciting emotive (often automatic) responses from viewers. These platforms are advertised as 'social connection spaces', but are actually the commodification of our attention and time. Honestly, the only way to stay visible in most feeds in 2021 is to post often, share emotively, use catchy or quick titles or images, and share as much as you can in video format. Most of us would agree that this is the only content that grabs our attention, given the vast amounts of material we see each day. There is no denying that fast and furious content immersion (such as 10-30 second videos and clickbait headlines) is not doing us any good. Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, has been taken to congress yet again in an attempt to be held accountable for the negative impacts they have had on global social connections. While I do not have the answer for how to fix our global communications operate for the better. I can share my carefully considered approach. From here out, Sustainability in Style will continue to alert you to the tools and resources we have available via socials,
and we will not use clickbait! I also will not be sharing myself as an opinionated figurehead. This neutral approach to sharing will continue until, 1) new rules change the way that social media operates (as being discussed in the Meta hearing) in Sustainability in Style’s clickbait-free-favour, or 2) we fizzle out due to our lack of currency in the digital sharing space. In present-day sharing, my opinion or face (while likely to garner clicks because science has shown that faces or opinions equal likes or views) would get more attention than my research, work, and written words. However, I have never felt comfortable trading my private life and face for social capital (it took months of requests from followers in the early days of Sustainability in Style before I showed a photo of my face). It would go against my core personal values to push my opinion or agenda on you. Our tools are tools for you to use in your way- your own ‘Sustainable Style’. You don’t need me as a style guide or leader, you’ve got that in you. Follow your values and carve a path that’s unique to you. In this issue, we talk about values, your values motivators, and coaching yourself. Sustainability isn’t about adhering to the latest fashionable 'sustainable living' social media trends, it’s about doing things in your Sustainable Style based on your values motivators and the resources and tools you have available. So, while my neutral approach might lose followers or reach, I honestly do not care. Sustainability in Style is all about you creating your path forward. I hope that our mindful messaging resonates with the right people when they are ready to coach themselves to meaningful action. As always- for those of you here reading this messageI am grateful for your time and continued friendship! It is your passion for sustainable living that keeps the fire lit in my belly to keep sharing. Fostering community is key to success on your sustainable action journey, and you will see values-based examples of this from our lovely contributors within this issue. See you IRL or on the socials! Sustainably yours,
Katie
1
Contents A note from Katie...........................................................
1
Catch Up on What You've Loved................................. 3 From Our Community....................................................
5
Our Theme This Issue...................................................
9
Why Care About Rainforests? ...................................
11
Inside our Planner...........................................................
15
Sustainable Self-Care...................................................
21
Natural Connection........................................................
25
Share with Hannah of The Worm Monger...............
27
Digital Workshops..........................................................
31
Sustainably Stylish Leaders: Alori Gapes...............
33
Tis' the Season to be Eco.............................................
35
New Year, New ConsYOUmer.......................................
37
Goodbye and Hello............. ...........................................
41
CATCH-UP
What Youve Loved Lately
Since our last issue we have been focused on the delivery of our Self-Coaching Sustainability Planner and getting out in the community. We’ve been able to share our Simplifying Sustainability workshop in (COVID-safe) face-to-face settings with yogis, eco waste reduction warriors, and a diverse bunch of online workshop participants.
PLASTIC FREE JULY
@saje.media
Eco Markets
In July we headed to Kawana Beach (Gubbi Gubbi country) with the crew from Plastic Free Sunshine Coast to take part in Plastic Free July festivities. After a morning of litter collection, the community were invited to explore an Eco Market, with food, products, and educational activities. At the event, we offered two sessions of our Simplifying Sustainability workshop, with lovely and engaged participants. Better still, we've turned this popular workshop into an online course that you can take at our website from November 20th, 2021.
Beach Clean- Up
@tenlittlepieces
Ever wondered what it's like to participate in a community clean-up event? We attended a Plastic Free Sunshine Coast beach clean-up in Alex Headland and shared some of the basics on what it’s like to get involved in this WATCH HERE
We have an interview with Plastic Free Sunshine Coast this issue! 3
OUR SELF-COACHING
PLANNER is loved by locals
BUT WE ALSO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE
4
FROM OUR
Community
Eco- Overwhelm
We asked you some questions about news and media. Here's how you responded
MEDIA, AND YOU The most common sources of news and media were Social Media and Traditional media.
When asked what techniques bothered you most, the most common reply was all. When looking at a single factor, misinformation was the standout.
Fatigue from news and media is real! You replied and said that you've experienced it.
EXPLORE OUR
Free
KIND NEWS CHALLENGE
We Asked
We use our socials to find out to hear back from you! This ‘share’ concept is part of our holistic sustainability tookkit. Sharing sustainable living experiences within a community can help us to learn from each other. It also assures that you're not alone on your Sustainable Living mission. Let's look at some of the community contributions since the last issue.
You Replied
MEASURING
YOUR
Impact
We reviewed some sources to quantify your impact “It has been estimated that since 1750, forests (and other vegetation, but mainly forests) have been responsible for about half of the carbon emissions naturally sequestered from the atmosphere; the rest has been absorbed by the oceans.” ~ UN reporting developed by Brack
“…disposable cups drag us down, with nearly 300 billion ending up in landfill each year.” ~Science Daily
“…kindness, specifically loving-kindness, moved one out of the selfish realm. Stated differently, it took one off the hedonic treadmill. Compassion and kindness also reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression.”
“By 2050, dietary changes could free up several million square kilometres of land, and reduce global CO2 emissions by up to eight billion tonnes per year, relative to business as usual” ~UN report surmised by Nature
"If just 10% of the population were to change travel behaviour, the emissions savings would be around 4% of lifecycle CO2 emissions from all car travel."
~Psychology Today reporting on Barbara Fredrickson’s research
~Science Daily
FROM OUR
Community
We shared this post on socials and asked if you have ever felt this way?
You answered
Check Our
n=24
You are not alone
!
Resources
In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first! Jimi Hendrix
Caring for your Sustainable Self is part of a Holistic approach to life in Sustainable Style LEARN MORE
Our Theme for the Issue
Let Values Be Your Guide
If you’ve spent some time with us before, you might be aware of our four values motivators designed to guide your sustainable action. The four categories enable you to frame sustainability issues in a way that resonates on a deeper level. Using this values-based approach can help make necessary sustainable living swaps (like remembering your reusable bags) more meaningful. It also helps to cut through the noise of news and media to home in on big issues that appeal to your core values.
Which Resonate for You
?
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SOCIAL EQUALITY
Based on the assumption that you have a passion for nature, natural flows, and an interest in conservation, repair, and preservation of the planet (and beyond).
Based on the assumption that you love friends, family, art, culture, and the advancement of humanity equitably and fairly.
It is assumed that you want to live a life with minimal (or no) negative environmental impact.
This conclusion has been drawn from your love and passion for people around you and the assumption that you would like others to have the same quality of living that you do.
ANIMAL WELFARE AND COMPASSION
SIMPLICITY & STREAMLINED LIFESTYLE
Based on the assumption that your lifestyle is all-encompassing of animal welfare and compassionate living.
Based on the assumption that your focus is on getting the most out of your time to reach goals.
You will not budge on your no-animal-products-or-cruelty stance, and therefore your lifestyle choices will be guided first and foremost by this ethos.
You are interested in reducing the fuss in your life and want a lifestyle that works well for you with minimum time and energy (and possibly monetary) inputs.
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“It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” ~Roy Disney
Take the
Quiz
14
At Sustainability in Style HQ, we are passionate about Environmental Sustainability. It’s our core value and keeping the planet safe and beautiful is what drives us to keep showing up and sharing. It should come as no surprise that we have chosen to support nature with our planner sales. For every two planners sold we are helping Rainforest Rescue to protect and onward maintain a square meter of endangered Daintree Rainforest.
WHY CARE ABOUT...
Rainforests
? 11
Rainforests provide
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ecosystem services are the benefits provided to humans through the transformations of resources (or environmental assets, including land, water, vegetation and atmosphere) into a flow of essential goods and services e.g. clean air, water, and food (Constanza et al. 1997).
WATER PURIFICATION Vegetation and soil organisms help with water movement, flooding, and water purification.
These Services Are SOIL BIODIVERSITY Fertile soils are formed in rainforest environments and are useful
CLIMATE REGULATION Rainforests are key in global climate regulation. Peat soils are important stores of carbon.
for food and fibre.
CULTURAL SERVICES Rainforests are culturally and spiritually significant to Traditional Owners and are key food and medicine sources.
TOURISM AND RECREATION Rainforests are commonly associated with tourism, recreation, and human conserva-
PESTS AND DISEASE REGULATION Healthy and biologically diverse ecosystems can help to maintain balance and equilibrium.
tion initiatives.
Costanza R, d’Arge R, De Groot R, Farber S, Grasso M, Hannon B, Limburg K, Naeem S, O’Neill RV, Paruelo J, Raskin RG, Sutton P and Vandenbelt M (1997). ‘The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital’, Nature 387:253–260. Ambe, Benjamin & Onnoghen, Usang. (2019). Ecosystems Services of the Tropical Rain Forest Environment: Lessons from the Cross River National Park, Nigeria. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection. 07. 1-10. 10.4236/gep.2019.711001.
12
WHY CARE ABOUT... Let's see what might be happening in the rainforest that your planner purchases help to conserve.
Rainforests
?
Rainforests are part of the water cycle and add water to the atmosphere via transpiration (a process where plants release water from their leaves during photosynthesis). Transpiration contributes to the formation of rain clouds, which then releases water back onto the rainforest.
Mushrooms and some fungi in rainforests scavenge by sending down long filaments (called mycelium) to penetrate wood and soil, breaking these elements down. They are recyclers and composters!
It is estimated that the Australian wet-tropics area has 40,000 insect species, and a thousand or more are yet to be identified! Insects are pollinators, nutrient cyclers, soil builders, and assist in seed dispersal
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A 10-square-kilometer (4-square-mile) patch can contain as many as 1,500 flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds and 150 species of butterflies.
Rainforests are habitats for many animals. Bats and birds enjoy the dense canopy for food and shelter. In return, they carry seeds on or in their bodies, enabling plants to travel through the forest and establish in new areas.
GET MOTIVATED TO PROTECT RAINFORESTS. Rainforest protection will likely appeal to those with Environmental Sustainability Values. However, if you want to get more excited about rainforests and this isn't your core value, here are some tips on how to frame rainforest preservation in a more appealing light. Animal Welfare and Compassion: I care about rainforests because they are habitat for animals (level-up find a specific species that really appeals to you and motivate yourself to conserve and protect its habitat). Social Equality: Spend time in local rainforest with friends or family and make it a key meeting placeyou might even make a game out of learning plant species or picking up litter. Not your thing? Research about communities that rely on rainforests for food, shelter or their livelihoods. Find ways to support these communities (via Fairtrade or Sustainable purchases, donating money or resources, or signing petitions or joining action groups). Simplicity and Streamlined Lifestyle: If you're a busy or low-fuss person consider looking into the ecosystem services of a rainforest. See how much work they do for the health of the planet (without us having to lift a finger) and use that as inspiration to support charities or networks affiliated with rainforest health. Whether you're a busy parent or a minimalist, spending time in nature (especially when there's no phone service) is a great way to defrag your day and simplify your thought processes.
INSIDE OUR
PLANNER
Our Self-Coaching Sustainability Planner is now available to buy via our website. We’ve loved hearing about your experience with the Self-Coaching system and its online course content. Let’s have a closer look at what’s inside so you can decide if it will work for you in 2022!
THE
Details
Undated pages so you can start any time
Full-colour print on FSC certified paper
Flexibound cover for durability over the year of use
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The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.! Mark Twain
THIS SYSTEM BREAKS WICKED-COMPLEX SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES INTO SMALL TASKS SO THAT YOU CAN
Hello
SAY TO SUCCESS Our Sustainability Planner is part of a Self-Coaching system that helps you kick sustainable living goals without the dreaded eco-overwhelm. The system offers online content and video to enhance the self-coaching experience. However, as we support low-fi living, the planner provides all you need for sustainable living success without logging into the coursework.
16
STEPS TO
Coach yourself through these steps with our Sustainability Planner system. This is a preview of what the inside of your planner looks like!
1 MAKE A COMMITMENT
Sustainable
LIVING SUCCESS
2 UNDERSTAND YOUR RESOURCES
3 IDENTIFY YOUR VALUES
4 SET TIMELY GOALS
5 SCALE YOUR ACTIONS
6 TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH
EACH SECTION HAS DIGITAL SELF-COACHING SUPPORT AND VIDEO
Daily
Start small or fill in all! Even if you only get to the daily gratitude or the litter collection tally, your Sustainable Self or the Planet will thank you! 4am until 11pm hourly planning
Litter collection tally
Track stress and ecooverwhelm
Daily sustainability prompts
Daily mindful reflection, success and gratitude
Weekly
Each week there is an opportunity to sit down and reflect on the previous seven days and plan for the week to come. This mindful pause prompts you to consider the success you've made towards your sustainable living goals, what you've felt grateful for, and to identify areas of stress. From there, you can select some ideas from our holistic sustainability toolkit to trial for the week ahead to reduce the stress and avoid eco-overwhelm.
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Quarterly Each quarter we look at the progress you’ve made towards your sustainable living and personal goals. These check-in points offer an opportunity to celebrate your progress and success and revaluate your approach to the goals that aren’t progressing as quickly as you would like.
A Holistic Approach You will notice coloured stars throughout our magazine issues. These colours correlate back with each of our eight tools and are provided to help you identify which of these tools support your sustainable living journey. For those who are new (or might need a reminder), these tools are harnessed throughout our website and form a key part of our sustainable self-coaching strategy within the planner. These eight tools are suggested throughout your year of self-coaching during daily planning and weekly check-in’s as a way to reduce eco-overwhelm and burnout.
These tools are
BREATHE
Meditate to increase your mental and emotional resilience. Stop and take a breath when overwhelm sets in.
GROW
Lifelong learning increases your critical thinking prowess. When information gets too much critical thought processes can reduce overwhelm.
MAKE
Make and mend things with your own hands and reduce your consumer impact. Use craft to get into ‘flow’ when feeling stressed.
PLAY
Einstein famously stated that “Play is the highest form of research” Through play we find new solutions to wicked problems and reduce stress.
READ
Reading allows us to gain a deeper understanding, increase empathy, and expand/challenge norms. Read to relax when stressed or gain clarity.
SHARE
Sharing your Sustainably Stylish journey in a kind and empathetic way can inspire others. Having a support network when stressed is essential!
STRETCH
Sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption put strain on our planet and our mental and physical health. Stretch your body and mind to reduce stress.
STYLE
Material culture and personal identity construct are part of how we go through daily life. Craft a sustainably stylish path that suits who you are.
“Not Just a Planner, But an Absolute work of art.” ~Dr Rebecca ray
Get your copy
Here
20
SUSTAINABLE SELF-CARE In this issue, we've invited our friend Paula Magrani to share some of her favourite ways to harness yoga for sustainable self-care.
Paula is an exercise physiologist, yoga and pilates teacher, and the founder of Hatha, a Noosa based ethical and sustainable yoga label- and on top of all this, she's a Mother of two! These are her top 3 restorative postures to help you deal with end-of-year stress.
Rest and Recover
Words by Paula Magrani, Images via Hatha
We may all agree that the end of the year can be a stressful time. Sometimes the little things become huge when they start to pile up. Whether you’re finishing up work projects, trying to stay on top of your Christmas shopping and celebrations, or planning how to entertain the kids over the school break. Even organising a summer holiday can become overwhelming! It’s so important to be aware of your stress levels and make the time for some self-care. Deep breathing is a tool and, when combined with restorative postures, it can really help to release some “feel-good” hormones and reduce your stress levels.
BALASANA
Supported childs pose
This posture (shown on the next page) is very nurturing and will allow you to stretch your hips and lower back - it should feel absolutely amazing. Take your knees wide enough apart so that you can sit back on your heels and fold your chest comfortably over a bolster or pillow. Spend 5 minutes here practicing your deep breathing. Turn your head to the other side halfway through. 21
SUPTA BADDHAKONASANA Reclining Bound Angle Pose
This is a great pose to open your chest and hips, especially if you spend hours working at a computer desk. You can place a pillow or bolster either across your shoulder blades or along your spine. Support your head with a block or pillow, and prop your knees with extra cushions in case your groin or outer hips feel uncomfortable. Stay here for 5 minutes practising your deep breathing.
22
SHAVASANA Corpse Pose
This is the last pose of any yoga class, and often the most awaited too. The ultimate relaxation happens here. You should feel 100% supported and grounded, letting go any remaining tension in your body. Place a bolster or pillow under your knees and relax for 5-10 minutes. Stay connected to your breath.
Keep calm and enjoy the holiday season!
Paula xX With Love
To learn more about Hatha
CLICK HERE
23
YOGA
for your sustainable self
Click Here
AND MUSIC TO MATCH 17
Natural
CONNECTION Do you schedule time in nature into your planner? The findings of a study by Oswald et.al (2021) examining the mental health of young Australian’s during the COVID 19 pandemic (published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health) suggest you should. Contact with nature was just one of the factors that the research team studied in their online survey of more than 1000 young Australians. Results indicated just how important the subjects found nature to be. Those who had decreased contact with outdoor and natural spaces due to lockdown were two times more likely to be floundering. When reviewing the responses of all surveyed, the results found that those who had access to greenspace, or residential outdoor space had the best mental health outcomes. Nature was their opportunity to “get away”. Those who lived in more built-up areas struggled the most. While people with no greenspace or blue space (rivers, lakes or beach) ‘languished’ (had no mental illness but low mental wellbeing). If you’re somewhere were nature isn’t accessible. Why not invest in some houseplants, or spend time watching the clouds go by out the window?
14 25
WE ASKED YOU:
You Replied VALUES -
BASED SUGGESTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SOCIAL EQUALITY
Hike regularly Invite plants into your home Watch a nature documentary
Meet your friends in the park Join a community garden Plan a social picnic at the beach
ANIMAL WELFARE AND COMPASSION
SIMPLICITY & STREAMLINED LIFESTYLE
Volunteer for wildlife rescue Attend a wildlife photography workshop Take a pet for a walk
Exercise in nature Plan family weekend outings around nature time Take your shoes off and stand on the grass for a few breaths
26 14
Putting the
SHARE
Community IN COMMUNITY
COMPOST
With HANNAH CHURTON
-THE WORM MONGER
I’m having a real moment with ‘community’ right now. I’m not sure whether COVID has forced me to reflect on the very local, or a break from my very global career in international development has allowed me to focus on developments in my own backyard. Let’s settle on a bit of both. Whatever the reason, I now have a megaphone and I'm ready to sing it from my soapbox. There’s a backstory here, and it goes something like this. In the depths of COVID Lockdown 1.0 (circa April 2020), I started operating a compost hub for my street out of my carport. I guess I was yearning for human connection at a time of isolation from broader society. I mean, I existed in my loud and active four-man, two-toddler household bubble, so I certainly wasn’t physically isolated, but it was isolating in that broader adult-interaction sense. I was in a new house in a new town. I didn’t have a ready-made mum-circle and my maternity leave had expired but there was no chance of finding a job in an industry that had shut its doors entirely and indefinitely. I guess the compost hub was my attempt at reaching out? I couldn’t have articulated at the time that it was community I was seeking, but with the beauty of hindsight, it’s plain as the broad light of day. As an avid composter, there’s no doubt I seek solace in
the methodical process of returning my food scraps to soil. Grow, eat, compost, repeat. It’s soothing, grounding, therapeutic. Perhaps others would be interested in helping feed my need (literally)? Probably not. But I don’t care, I bung up a sign ‘compost hub’ and I get on with composting my own food scraps. Turns out, the people are interested. Curious at least. And curious enough to bring along their food scraps and ask hesitant questions. Questions like: So how are you doing this? Can I check out your setup? How does it actually work? What happens when the system fills up?
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eat
GROW
COMPOST
REPEAT
19
Quickly there is a solid quorum of folk who are genuinely invested in seeing the project thrive, asking how they can contribute, bringing along dried leaves and newspapers to fuel the machine. And just like that, a community is born. The compost hub has become something beyond my wildest compost dreams. It processed three tonnes of food waste in the first year. It now feeds an active verge garden, where the compost we have built together grows the food that the we eat together. The compost that doesn’t go on our community garden is ‘sold’ back to the community by donation, with the proceeds going to WasteAid, a grassroots organisation that builds waste management systems in Australian indigenous communities. It’s just an all-round beautiful thing. And ultimately it’s not even about the compost in my own mind anymore. It’s first and foremost a thriving community and only secondly a soil building machine. Back to my soapbox. So frequently I hear people lament that as an individual it’s not possible to make a difference to reversing the effects of climate change. Government and big business need to come to the party they say, we just can’t make a dint from our own backyard, they say, we need strong governance and dedicated leadership, they say. Call me a creature of blind hope in the wake of the success of my compost hub I wholeheartedly refute this premise. And I put this to you instead: individuals have the potential to form strong and thriving communities, and it is here in these communities that the great groundswell of action has the potential to occur. Household food waste accounts for a third of the food wasted in Australia1 and food waste accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gases.2 That’s nothing to sneeze at in the scheme of emissions, sure. But if every street had a compost community managing its food waste and enriching its soil, I can assure you we will make a dent in that figure. 1 FIAL. (2021). The National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study – Final Report. 2 UNEP, Food Waste Index Report, 2021.
Learn more about The Worm Monger Composting Mission
CLICK HERE 20
nature always wears the colours of the spirit Ralph Waldo Emerson
SELF-PACED DIGITAL
WORKSHOPS
ARE NOW HERE!
Well, it’s been a wild ride the last couple of years. We went from opening our face-to-face Mindful Living HQ space in late 2019 to closing it around November 2020. In this whirlwind of opening’s and closing’s, we’ve managed to teach workshops and events via zoom, in outdoor open-air spaces, and at festivals with varying degrees of success. What has come from all this experimentation is that life is painfully difficult to plan around at the moment and that being able to work at your own pace can be a blessing in this ever-changing environment of public health restrictions.
With this your feedback and this lived experience, we’ve started digitizing our workshops into digital coursework format. If you’ve participated in our Book Clubs or have a copy of our Self-Coaching Sustainability Planner, this online course format will be familiar to you. However, if you’re new, let’s see how it works with our first big course release!
INTRODUCING THE
Simplifying Sustainability
DIGITAL COURSE WHERE WE TAKE THE BIG PICTURE ISSUES THAT YOU CARE ABOUT AND BREAK THEM INTO SCALED ACTIONABLE STEPS. 31
CREATE A PERSONAL ACTION PLAN TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER With guided video content, tips and tricks, and a Mindful Reflection and Action Plan. This course is valuable for everyone. Whether you’ve been taking sustainable action for years or are looking to get started, we could all do with moments of mindful reflection on our sustainable living journey. We even reward you for your efforts with a discount code for our Self-Coaching Sustainability Planner!
Simplifying Sustainability DIGITAL COURSE
Launching November 20th
Q&A WITH
READ
Alori Gapes
PLASTIC FREE SUNSHINE COAST
You may have seen via the Catch-Up page or our socials that we've got a bit of a Sustainability crush on the Plastic Free Sunshine Coast team. These go-getters won't let anything stand between them and making the world a better (and far less littered) place. For this issue, we are delighted to be launching a brand new interview in our Sustainably Stylish Leader series with Alori Gapes. Alori is one part of the Ben and Alori Plastic Free Sunshine Coast founding duo. We managed to catch her in one of her rare quiet times to ask a few questions about how she got motivated to take action on oceanic plastic pollution.
Sustainably Stylish
Leaders
Read the Interview 33
Tis' the Season to be
Eco
It's the time of year where we start sharing some eco-minded holiday season tips under our annual theme of ‘Tis’ the Season to Be Eco’. We will be adding more to this over the course of December (as we update our content archives) but we’ve rounded up some resources to get you started.
Check out the resources
CLICK HERE 13 35
Tis' the Season to be Eco
QUICK LINKS TO SOME OF OUR RESOURCES
ECO GIFTS FOR
Everyone
We have ideas for parents, kids, uni students, partners and more! You can even gift by our sustainable Values Motivator categories.
CLICK HERE
ON THE MOVE Eco
Reduce Waste
Travel Tips
While you shop the holiday rush with our BYO ideas. We have tips to suit your Values Motivator category!
CLICK HERE
MAKE A BON-BON And fill it with gifts to suit Values Motivators
MAKE ME
The Succulent
Tree DIY
Mindful Meals HERE
MAKE ME
Explore food, waste and your Values Motivators
DOWNLOAD Your free mindful holidays guide
HERE
DECLUTTER BASED ON YOUR VALUES Learn more
New YeNEW ar CONyouMER
Traditionally the beginning of the New Year is associated with resolutions. We resolve to do things differently to be a better person or, perhaps we lay to rest a habit or idea from our past. These promises can carry from year to year without resolve. This could be due to a lack of motivation (consider if your resolutions match up with your Values Motivators), the scale of the resolution being too large, or a lack of systems in place to make our resolve part of our daily life. Each New Year, we at Sustainability in Style strategically plan for a better today and tomorrow. This is why, each January we provide tools, resources and prompts to help guide you to consume the world around you in a more mindful way. Let's explore some of the tools and resources on offer.
My Values Motivator/s is .............................................................................. If there were no barriers, I would change the world for the better in the following ways ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ............................................................................... ...............................................................................
NEW YEAR NEW
CONSYou MER
Mindful Planning
Moving back to reality, what barriers exist to achieving these outcomes. Think social, environmental, and economic from both the personal (micro) and larger (macro) scale. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. Consider one way you CAN change the world for the better .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................
Plan
For Success
Get yourself a copy of our free New Year New ConsYOUmer worksheet.
Simplify Sustainability
Take your idea from above and break it down from 'grandiose' to 'go-for-it' scale. Grandiose Great Good Go-for-it
..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... .....................................................................
An example of a ‘grandiose’ scale goal would be to get rid of all plastic worldwide, scaling down to ‘great’ might be removing all plastic from your house (accomplishable but still a big challenge for a year), ‘good’ might be to eliminate all plastic from your kitchen (which may be accomplishable within a year), scaling down to the action level of ‘go-for-it’ you might choose to replace one item from your pantry with a plastic free alternative each time you shop for groceries. The scale will change depending on your personal social, economic, and environmental considerations.
SCAN WITH YOUR PHONES CAMERA FOR THE VALUES MOTIVATORS QUIZ
Download your copy now
sustainability in style
SHOPPING
BUDGETS
Did you know that there is a way to be true to your Sustainably Stylish values whether you’re a spend-a-holic or a thrifty saver? Check out this simple resource to make sure that you’re using your natural shopping instinct for the good of people and planet.
Are you a spender or a saver
?
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HOW DO How do you consume nature?
Consuming Nature
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This resource provides mindful reflection for your Sustainable Self with tips for all, from the animal lovers who enjoy walking pets or bird watching, to those busy folks who want to maximise their time. These are simple tips for the art of mindful walking.
IDEAS FOR NEW YEAR
RESOLUTIONS
KISS MICROPLASTICS GOODBYE GREEN YOUR PERIOD EAT PLANTS BE GRATEFUL REDUCE YOUR FOOTPRINT UNDERSTAND STUFF BE KIND
Learn More
you
GIVE
CLICK HERE
When we think about consuming mindfully from a Sustainably Stylish perspective, the idea of gifting to charity or supporting charity organisations will likely spring to mind. This resource breaks our desire to give to charity down to eight parts and will have you contemplating your desire to give from a values-based perspective
HERE
BE MEDIA MINDFUL SAY NO TO FAST-FASHION EXPRESS YOURSELF 38 22
Click for an Evening Meditation
ARE YOU ON OUR LIST? Sign up to our E(co) Newsletter for gifts delivered to your inbox. You receive the ‘Prompts to Inspire’ downloadable with your welcome email. Then, each month you will receive an email loaded with tips, tricks, tools and ideas for the month ahead.
SIGN UP HERE 40
Goodbye Seb Seb-dog was a founding member of Sustainability in Style (2010) as a full-time OH&S officer. When we went digital in 2013, Seb retained his role OH&S officer and took on the additional responsibilities of website manager and occasional model. He retired from this role in early June 2021. He is missed dearly by so many in the Sustainability in Style community.
Hello Bees
We are delighted to share that our employee numbers have gone up by the thousands here at Sustainability in Style HQ. In October we invited several thousand native Australian bees to join our crew. The bees have adopted some of Seb's OH&S responsibilities serving as a reminder to take regular breaks from working at the computer. If you've been following our social media, you might have seen these busy workers in action.
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PLANNING AHEAD
As we shift to
quarterly publication our next issue will be released in late Feb
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