Hello, hello!

Having entered the Spring equinox, our days are lighter, longer and hopeful. And despite ongoing issues with our landlord—the product of housing inequalities and inadequate governmental policies, we are inviting the sun, raising vibrations, taking time to explore nature—more photography. Our featured recipe showcases summer’s local bounty while grooming rituals shared prep the body for bared skin and the face for balmy days.

This unusual breakfast porridge is a house favourite recipe! Rich and energising, this dense bowl brings diversity between oatmeal and toast. Nourishing, flavourful and uncomplicated without saying, loaded with health-giving nutrients—protein, fibre, iron, manganese and calcium. Plus! A handful of variations to avoid savoury porridge boredom.

Composting at home is THE sustainable action that changed our daily lives; reducing our waste so much that we don’t need to pull the landfill rubbish bin out for weeks. And we are seven people living together. Composting requires some time, some organisation, yet it is easily achievable. Here we compile together everything you need to know to start or optimise your system.

This month Trace is tackling ingrown hairs. She will never shower without her Sasawashi scrub mitt again and will be replenishing her supply of Mario Badescu AHA exfoliants soon enough. A recent find, she’s also keeping Weleda’s Hypercal Healing Lotion and Cream in the medicine cabinet, because they work. Irritated, broken skin anyone? You need both.

This month, here in New Zealand are our elections. Front of mind we consider the urgent need to elect climate leaders who will work to mitigate climate change impacts, protect public lands from exploitation, to nurture industries of the future that will provide local employment opportunities. And because GDP is not an adequate measure of anything beyond exports leaving our shores, leaders that will work to reduce the inequalities that plague this land—in particular, housing costs largely to blame for said inequality, while improving vital mental health services. If you need help getting your election pack for October’s election, head to…

1. A team of scientists spent the french summer roaming the Mediterranean sea, evaluating the volume of microplastics found at the surface, in one of the most polluted seas in the world. What did they find? More plastic than planktons, some at nanoparticles stage, 1 kilogram of plastic per metre square. They will further analyse this plastic, to find out about their composition, and their toxicologic consequences on the local fauna. Results are expected in the next European Spring.
   
   
2. An in-depth reflection by David Holmgren, about the concepts of retro-suburbia and permaculture, the lack of academic investigation worldwide on these themes and the importance of individuals and communities to implement back these concepts. Also, the impacts of retro suburban strategies on politics, economics, and consumption in the context of Australia. A must-read!
   
   
3. The European Food Safety Authority shared concerns towards the Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), substances widely found in food products. Part of the family of endocrine disruptors, they are found in food packaging, drinking water, fruits, or fish and eggs… They have consequences on the vaccinated immune system, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The UE population is said to be overexposed to PFAS, which led towards a new regulation threshold. Here is the situation in New Zealand.
   

1. Recently released for the Autumn Equinox, this critical documentary. It shares simple ways to heal the earth and understand what is going on with our current systems. Watch it on Netflix or access via the official website.
   
   
2. A discovery via a friend with good taste, I am head over heels for this local company producing elevated sleepwear from sustainably sourced, GOTS certified cotton and linens, transparently woven on handlooms and created with Fairtrade partners in India. I have the Everyone Trouser on the way.
   
   
3. My new favourite finishing oil — Amazing Herbs 100% Cold-Pressed Black Cumin Oil. Guaranteed non-GMO and naturally high in Thymoquinone, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, I’m adding this super oil to avocado on toast and salads daily.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua