In the spirit of Earth Day and generally doing our best as humans, we felt it was important to not only encourage our readers to be more conscious with the earth, but share the ways we're planning to be more sustainable as individuals to do our bit for the climate crisis. No one is perfect, but for us no act is too small or large when your heart is in the right spot.

 

Mia Steiber

Content Director

I'm trying to buy expensive things instead of cheaper ones. Not for a pretentious reason I swear. But, I'm becoming more and more aware that everything we buy has a fair cost, whether it's a dining table or a lipstick.

If you look at something and think "wow, that's cheap" it's often because someone or something has been exploited in the supply chain. In order to pay workers and creators fair wages, and also use environmentally-friendly materials and manufacturing practices, costs go up - as does the price of any product. I'm pledging to support ethical businesses. I'm happy to pay a little bit more for the things I like to ensure our environment and workers come first.

 

Ella Jane

Production Coordinator

Right now minimising waste of the single use variety can feel like a challenge in the hygiene department, even shopping for fresh and bulk produce from markets has gone out the window, so I’m trying to use my resources to find other ways to minimise my impact that I hope to continue practicing post-pandemic. Things like minimising food waste by using up everything in the fridge before doing another trip to the supermarket, shopping for produce in season (which also makes for more delicious produce), reusable beauty/hygiene products are great where possible too, I love things like period panties (I know they aren’t for everyone), reusable makeup remover pads, and should you chose to be wearing a mask, fabric ones. Consuming from smart, ethical, local brands is top priority for me.

 

Elle Presbury

Market & Beauty Director

 

I’ve never been a big shopper. Meaning I don’t buy a lot (though I am well aware I often spend a lot). You bet I still have and wear that denim jacket from 2012. But being in isolation has made me realise I need even less. That when you really want, you can make a good meal from whatever is in the depths of your pantry. Nothing you can buy will make you feel any better than a long walk or a talk with friends will. Because as much as sustainable options are good and necessary and needed, most (not all, but most) are just a new form of marketing. We can’t buy our way to sustainability. You have to just stop buying.

 

Megan Nolan

Digital Operations Manager

With the extra time isolation has provided DIY projects have definitely increased in my household. My favourite is the herb garden which has sprung up in my backyard out of an old wooden pallet which had been lying around for years. With four of us in the house cooking a lot more since isolation kicked in it feels really good not having to buy packaged herbs.

I’m also a huge fan of preloved clothing and will never tire of trawling op shops. Whilst they are closed at the moment, being at home has forced me to dive into the back of my wardrobe to find some other comfy clothes to add to the rotation - something which I do every couple of months anyway. Some of these pieces are 10 years old and I still love them even though they only cost me $7. My rule when I go op shopping is not whether it is worth the very minimal price but whether I would still want it if it was full price. If the answer is yes and I still think I’ll be into it in 10 years then it makes the cut.

 

Andrea Tchacos

Deputy Editor

In the past month I’ve come to the conclusion that most of the dumb things I do - those that hurt our planet included - come as a result of moving too fast. So, I guess, my resolution for whenever this is all over is to hold onto the time for pause. A history of cutting it fine has led to me taking an Uber when I could be walking, mindless takeaway (I’m for supporting local business but plastic containers are the major problem) when I could be cooking groceries transported in canvas, and the occasional manic purchase on not enough sleep before a flight.

Also, appreciating my surrounds like I have been lately. Creating a life that feels more like a holiday so that carbon-heavy travel might feel less necessary.

For me, these two slot together in a more considered future.

 

Gabriela Hidalgo

Brand & Art Director 

Since we’re only able to leave the house under two specific circumstances - to exercise or to replenish food supplies, I find myself having to fight the urge to leap out at the opportunity to buy a twig of sage or a clove of garlic. ‘But the (non-existent) recipe calls for it!” I’ll tell myself, when in reality the show can and must go on. The challenge I am setting myself is to be smarter and more intentional when buying groceries. Much like my clothing choices, at the supermarket I get distracted by fun snacks and beautiful packaging that I purchase items that are great individually but do not work with anything else in my fridge, wardrobe or whichever context we are now referring to. The goal: minimise trips to the store to once per week and not return until my cupboards are bare. Let’s pretend we’re on Masterchef and this is the ‘mystery box challenge’, it’s time to get creative. 

And on the subject of coffee, since keep cups are now temporarily banned, I plan to stop outsourcing my daily dose of bean juice. Coming from someone who has always been on a first name basis with their barista, this is going to be an interesting time for me.