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The Burning Question: Why Waste to Energy Incineration Won't Work in New Zealand

Oct 15

Oct 15 The Burning Question: Why Waste to Energy Incineration Won't Work in New Zealand

The Waste Management Challenges in New Zealand

New Zealand, known for its stunning landscapes but faces a growing waste management challenge. While waste to energy incineration may seem like an attractive solution at first glance, it is essential to critically examine whether it is the right approach for our unique island nation. When we think of waste incineration often it is portrayed as a magic solution, and many people get trapped into the idea of waste just ‘disappearing.’ In this blog post, we will explore why waste incineration won't work in New Zealand and discuss alternative methods that align better with our country's environmental goals.

Sol Goods Small Business Q&A

Oct 19

Oct 19 Sol Goods Small Business Q&A

Tell us about how and why Sol Goods came about?

I started Sol after wanting to naturally protect myself and my partner Luke’s faces when we travelled the coast of Central America chasing waves 7 years ago. We were using an amazing natural one out of Indonesia but we unfortunately couldn't buy it from New Zealand. After searching around I quickly realised there was no natural zinc available in New Zealand so I thought why not start making it ourselves!

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Circular Economies

Sep 27

Sep 27 Debunking Common Misconceptions About Circular Economies

First of all, what is a circular economy?

In recent years, the concept of a circular economy has gained significant attention as the world grapples with environmental challenges and resource scarcity. It has become a word that we see a lot of governments, people, and organisations throwing around, but what is it? While the idea of a circular economy is promising, it is often surrounded by misconceptions that can hinder its implementation and effectiveness. In this blog post, we will explore and debunk some of the common misconceptions about circular economies.

Aotearoad Small Business Q&A with Vanessa & Monica

Sep 16

Sep 16 Aotearoad Small Business Q&A with Vanessa & Monica

Tell us about how and why Aotearoad came about?

Vanessa and Monica's journey into body-care started in 2016 from the simple need to find a natural deodorant that was affordable and worked all day from one application.

It needed to be high-performing and affordable, with a low environmental footprint.

How to Reduce Food Waste by Composting

Sep 2

Sep 2 How to Reduce Food Waste by Composting

Reducing food waste by composting

There is a lot of information out there on food wastage and how to avoid it in the first place. Save your vegetable peels for stock! Eat your broccoli stems! Turn your lemon rinds into candied peel! That's all very well and good, and those ideas definitely have their place - especially in a homesteading environment.

Embracing De-Growth: A Path to Climate Sustainability

Aug 1

Aug 1 Embracing De-Growth: A Path to Climate Sustainability

What is De-Growth?

In recent years, the concept of de-growth has gained significant attention as a potential solution to the ecological and societal challenges we face today. With climate change looming as a pressing global issue, it is crucial to explore alternative economic models that prioritise sustainability over endless growth. In this blog post, we will delve into what de-growth is and discuss why it holds immense importance for achieving climate sustainability.

Guest Blog Post: Managing Mood Through Winter "I Feel SAD"

Jul 22

Jul 22 Guest Blog Post: Managing Mood Through Winter "I Feel SAD"

Winter Months

June marks the second month of winter for us in the southern hemisphere, and by the rule of thumb, something most people don't look forward to. The middle of winter springs to mind cold weather, gloomy long days, and traffic backed up for miles in the dark (I'm looking at you Aucklanders). It is easy to fall into a routine lacking in spontaneity, and withdrawing from the world to live your best gremlin life. Whilst embracing the Danish cultural characteristic of "hygge" and generally feeling glum is one thing, it's extremely easy for people to fall into a more alarmingly despondent frame of mind.

I want to live a more sustainable lifestyle - Now What?

Jul 3

Jul 3 I want to live a more sustainable lifestyle - Now What?

Where Do I Start?

Keen to embark on a more eco-conscious lifestyle but have no idea where to start? I feel you.

After a few years of traveling and seeing the effects of climate change quite literally on my doorstep (hello, the wildfires in Australia and the summer of 2023 floods in Auckland) I knew I wanted to make a change to my lifestyle. Who was I to complain about the devastation to our beautiful landscapes whilst doing nothing to address my own wasteful habits?

Dealing with Hypocrisy in Our Journey to Conscious Consumerism

Jun 20

Jun 20 Dealing with Hypocrisy in Our Journey to Conscious Consumerism

The Journey to Conscious Consumerism

During a period of pure desperation, and trying to stay atop financially with the current economic climate, I decided to purchase from a retailer and brand I would never normally support - and I’ve felt bad about it ever since.

A Slow and Considered Approach to Ethical Fashion by Isabella Rose Young

Jun 13

Jun 13 A Slow and Considered Approach to Ethical Fashion by Isabella Rose Young

A Slow and Considered Approach

We live in a society that glorifies fast paced production, hustle culture, materialistic excess and a demanding essence of rushing things in order to achieve “success”. But something’s been lost, muddled along the way because we have it all wrong. Isn’t the real success to be living gently with nature, our families and community, embracing simplicity to enjoy the little things?

8 Eco Tips for World Ocean Day

Jun 5

Jun 5 8 Eco Tips for World Ocean Day

World Ocean Day

When I moved out of my grandparent's household, into a slightly more modern blended family environment with my father, I was a sponge for information about the world's history and social studies classes. I distinctly remember learning about how the Island Republic of Kiribati was not in fact "sinking", but succumbing to rising sea levels.

Business Q&A with Monica & Hannah from B.Bold

Feb 19

Feb 19 Business Q&A with Monica & Hannah from B.Bold

Tell us about how and why B.BOLD came about?

Sisters Monica and Hannah have had a passion for making and creating since they were little. Fast forward and B.BOLDwas established, a company that specializes in crafting all-natural deodorants and a luxurious Everyday Hero facial oil.

Business Q&A with Emma from The Green Collective

Jan 17

Jan 17 Business Q&A with Emma from The Green Collective

Q&A with The Green Collective: Back in 2014 there was very little focus on our consumption of single-use bags and vege bags. The Goodie Bag was our first product followed by the organic cotton Loot Bag option. We sold out at the first markets and saw a need to continue to focus on reinventing everyday items to be more sustainable. As Ethically So quotes: Kind & Conscious Consumption.

Sweet & Delicious Chutney by Ethically So.

Jan 2

Jan 2 Sweet & Delicious Chutney by Ethically So.

Sweet & Delicious Chutney

Persimmon chutney, do I need to say anymore? Probably. Until recently I had never actually heard of a persimmon. It's kind of like a mixture between a tomato/orange/cucumber/apple. It's a little bit sweet, but also kind of watery, and doesn't have a massive amount of flavour. You can eat the skin, and they're pretty easy to get your hands on here in New Zealand.

Top 12 Eco Goodies of 2022

Dec 1

Dec 1 Top 12 Eco Goodies of 2022

It’s been a pretty busy year here at the Ethically So. HQ

We finally released our very much awaited 12 Months of Low-Waste Living Eco E-Book, as well as our Support Small Subscription Boxes. We went home for the first time in over 5+ years, and we just made it through COVID. We finally got a business coach + financial help, thanks to the pledge me campaign we ran last year.

Small Business Update by Ethically So.

Nov 20

Nov 20 Small Business Update by Ethically So.

Hello Stranger

It’s been a very long time since I wrote to you guys, but I feel today is the day. I used to blog all the time, but time is hard to come by these days and writing has definitely been put on the back burner. I’m writing this while sitting in our “This is Nice” Ponsonby Central Pop-up shop. It seems rather surreal sitting behind a desk in a shop full of beautiful women led, value driven brands. My younger self would be in awe of what I’m up to these days.

Oct 30

Oct 30 Business Q&A with Nadine from Organised

Tell us about how and why Organised came about:

I have had a passion for organising since I was a child and for years I dreamed about turning my love of organising into a business. Once my own children reached an age where I could give this the attention it needed - I started “Organised”.

Business Q&A with Tom & Mike from Two Dudes NZ

Aug 18

Aug 18 Business Q&A with Tom & Mike from Two Dudes NZ

Two Dudes Positive Impact:

10% of the profits from each sale are donated to one of our men's health charity partners, who we actively work with to make a difference to men's health in Aotearoa. This enables dudes to make a positive impact on more than just the man in the mirror, simply by going about their daily routine.

Business Q&A with Vanessa from OMni Balms

Jul 7

Jul 7 Business Q&A with Vanessa from OMni Balms

OMni Balms: Made in New Zealand

They are a natural makeup alternative to traditional lipsticks, blushers or highlighters, and the natural colours absorb into your skin over time and don’t stain.

Business Q&A with Mike from Maxwell & McIntyre

Jun 9

Jun 9 Business Q&A with Mike from Maxwell & McIntyre

People have asked me what my proudest achievement was and it’s a small but important aspect that ties into our sustainable focus. The labels are now made of paper and are easy peel so it’s even easier to recycle. They are a pain to stick on the jars as the paper stretches and the label machine does not like them….but that’s manufacturing.. and yes they cost a lot more than the vinyl labels.