Hello, hello!

These emails have begun to feel more frequent, the content more urgent. We learned that microplastics are now, literally, everywhere. From beach coastlines to the human bloodstream. And last week, we had three years left to stay under 1.5C degrees. From our corner of the world, we try to remain positive, so this month we share practical solutions to protect our inner and broader environment, including a conversation with Jake Clarke and two packageless recipes that frequent our fridge—ginger beer and chocolate mousse.

Something we often discuss between ourselves is how people are incapable of envisioning our future world, a warmer, unstable world and the dire need to adapt, as some are yet to experience being flooded out of their homes. Governments will not buy back your flooded property. They barely want you to acknowledge the global situation or the solutions. New Zealand diplomats, for example, lobbied to remove plant-based diets from the latest IPCC report summary. We are running out of time, but let’s carry on business as usual, right? It is difficult to not rant sometimes but as Chlöe Swarbrick, Auckland MP, would say:

“We could spend a lot of energy being outraged by the Nat's revival of trickle down economics or Labour's luke-warm playbook, or we could spend a lot of energy organising to change the balance of power in this country. Local body elections this year, general elections next. Let's go.” We must practice cooperative economics amongst one another. Decentralise and deepen our relationship to the planet as our home. Change is eventual. We must find ways to navigate change that are collective. It is our purpose to create possibilities. Let’s start with our homes—our bodies, and our environment.

We promised to share our easy-to-make ginger beer recipe a few months ago, and it is finally here! A favourite of the house, this homemade ginger beer is the ultimate cheerful drink, pleasantly sweet with a touch of spice. It is easy to make, so start now to enjoy the many benefits of this fermented ginger potion. We let the ginger ferment, and benefit from the healthy digestion and low sugar and non-existant content—so many positives with this one.

Beyond a thriving food system, good food policy offers the opportunity to build a stronger, equitable, resilient future for all. We recently spoke with Jake Clarke, Head Farmer at Organic Market Garden Auckland, exploring how collaboration can produce a more responsible, regenerative cycle of growing that stretches far beyond the farm—and the spectacle that is growing pumpkins.

What better way to include more of the plant world in your life than to prepare a vegan version of the classic mousse. We're leaving the dairy, white sugar and eggs behind, combining dark chocolate with coconut cream and coconut yoghurt for an utterly delicious result.

Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest have really become a massive discovery engine for all aspects of our lives. And as creatives, an architect and photographer image curation nourishes the soul. Much of our own taste level and interior aspirations started and or have been amplified through our Pinterest boards.

1. A while ago, I read that one of the steps to better your mental health is to turn towards others. I can’t remember where I learned that from, but it has stayed in my mind since. Last weekend, catching up with my readings, I went through the latest Prism newsletter and came across Why compassion for others is good for your health and how the power of giving to and feeling for others can help our wellbeing. It is incredible to realise how humans are such a social species and are so dependent on others!
   
   
2. From one of my favourite pages, Atmos, this insightful Instagram carousel on Nature symbiosis applied to climate policy. Yes, it sounds like an intellectual stretch, but it makes sense that policies beneficial to the environment will also be for mental health, our food system, or energy production. Nature has the answers all the way.
   
   
3. Lastly, I was planning to share this Victoria Wellington University piece on the cost of climate change, but I prefer to conclude my part with one of my long-standing zero waste hacks to wrap up on a positive note. I hadn’t bought an hair tie since 2016, when I took the path of a more zero-waste lifestyle—I survived by picking them up on the ground. It is incredible how many lost items we can find if we look for them, and hair bands are in abundance on our streets. I always find one suitable when I need it. I pick it up, wash it thoroughly and off it goes for a new life. It’s free and cheerful. What are your dirty little zero waste secrets? Share with us, and we will pass it on to our socials!

1. For me, home fragrance is as important as personal fragrance. I’m an avid burner of incense, candles, and oils—mostly from Aesop, Anouk. My bedroom smells like a very expensive hotel lobby. Not my wardrobe. Since it is impossible to light my favourite candle there, I purchased the Concrete After Lightning Auto Fragrance. Now my linen, clothing and boyfriend smell verdant like electrified grass. Highly recommend.
   
   
2. Pre Goji, I had an adequate sock collection, though down to three pairs, one of which required repair (again, Goji). I consulted with Google in search of locally made merino socks. The search results did not disappoint. I purchased Two Minute Needles socks by Katharine from The Minimal Co. Handmade in Wellington from naturally hand-dyed yarn—each pair is unique. Mine were gum trees.
   
   
3. I had never read Icarus Complex but was completely drawn to it based on its name and subject matter—climate. In their third and latest issue—available at Mag Nation, there are two fantastic interviews featuring Kirsten Dunlop and Shiva Dustdar discussing the financial obstacles that inhibit achieving net zero-carbon and a circular economy. These articles explain that currently, our world operates on a set of assumptions that make transformative difficult, so we can begin to understand why we don’t perhaps see the change we want to see.⁠ And while not ideal, understanding lessens the burden of frustration.

Thoughts, questions, you can always direct reply to these emails.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua