EcoBalance Lifestyle Magazine - No 5

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH YOUR ENVIRONMENT

ONLINE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 5 DELICIOUS IMMUNE

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DISHES

FEMININE HEALTH

PRODUCTS &MOTHER EARTH

EDIT YOUR HOME MAKE IT

Greener

ECOBRICK

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DISORDERS

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ORGANIC & NATURAL COSMETICS KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Stay &Expl

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THE BEAUTIFUL HLUHLUWE AREA AND ITS SURROUNDS

ENVIRONMENT I WELLNESS I TRAVEL I RECYCLING I FASHION I LIFESTYLE I BEAUTY

THE ECO-CONSCIOUS MAGAZINE Covid-19 - Be Safe, wear a mask, wash hands, social distance

“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.”

John Lennon

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EDITOR’S LETTER Finally, it was time to leave the comfort my “cocoon” and support our local tourism by taking a trip down to the beautiful Hluhluwe area. We chose to drive down travelling through small farming towns and rural villages. As we emerged from the mist we noticed how bad the infrastructure was, with lots of waste and litter littering these little places. I also did not realise the amount of forest we would travel though which, of course, explained the large number of trucks and logging trucks on the road.

As we wove our way through the mist into the sunshine and rolling hills of KZN, we could feel and sense the ocean getting closer even though we were many kilometres away. The splendour of the fever trees and breathtaking landscape made up for the long trip down.

It was wonderful to finally arrive at our destination - the newly refurbished ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe. The greeting we received made us feel like we had arrived at our home away from home. We couldn't wait to start exploring the next day. Read more about our stay on page 122.

In this issue we also take a look at how to make your lifestyle greener with simple steps such as replacing old/used products with eco-friendly one. Get inspired on page 51.

Not sure what to do with your polystyrene? Read more about what can be done with recycled polystyrene on page 140.. We also have a lovely easy-to-make footstool made from ecobricks for you to try your hand at making on page 148.

Are you wanting to use more natural skin and personal care products but not sure what to make of all the claims on labels? Our article on page 10 will help you understand what is meant by clean, green, natural etc. Still on the beauty front, we chat to Glowing Dandelion Soaps all about their gorgeous handcrafted soaps. Turn to page 20.

You will also want to read two informative and thought provoking articles - one on the eating disorders and the power of food (page 44) and the other on the devastating impact of feminine hygiene products on the environment (page 30).

Making wholesome meals for the family can be challenging - how does one make delicious food that is still healthy as well. We have you covered with a wonderful selection of recipes from B-wells Immunity Booster Cookbook on page 96.

On our fashion pages we feature Sitting Pretty, who showcase fashion for all seasons (page 70) and H&M’s latest range of everyday kids’ wear made from plastic.

In this photo (which I love) are Kerry-Ann and I, the passion and brains behind ebl. We love finding content and information about our environment and highlighting ways in which we can all make a difference. Keep safe, recycle and be kind.

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ONLINE MAGAZINE

Living in harmony with your environment EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLISHER Anthea Campbell Features I EcoFinds I Travel I Fashion I Décor Anthea Campbell I anthea@ecobalancelifestyle.com Features I Beauty I Health & Wellness Kerry-Ann Scrase I kerry@ecobalancelifestyle.com CONTRIBUTORS Gilda Galvad Melanie Walker Brett MacKay

DESIGN AND LAYOUT EBL In-house

united-nations-covid-19-response-0k5YKnG6SZU-unsplash

ADVERTISING SALES Anthea Campbell advertising@ecobalancelifestyle.com SUBSCRIPTIONS www.magzter.com www.zinio.com www.ecobalancelifestyle.com

ADOPT DON’T BUY SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPCA AND ANIMAL SHELTERS THEY HAVE PLENTY OF DOGS & CATS WHO ARE DESPERATE FOR LOVE & A CARING FOREVER HOME.

COVER IMAGE

Simangaliso Wetland Park where bush meets the ocean.

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS Supplied, Unsplash, Freepix,Pexel, Anthea Campbell

FOLLOW US ON Instagram & Facebook @ecobalanacelifestyle Copyright© 2019 by EcoBalance Lifestyle.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, " at the address below.

No 19 Rosemary Lane, CR Swart Drive, Boskruin, Randburg 1524,Gauteng, South Africa Telephone Number: +27 766281083 info@ecobalancelifestyle.com

Covid-19 - Be Safe, wear a mask, wash hands, social distance

https://nspca.co.za

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CONTENTS

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WHAT'S IN A WORD? 6-7 Hydroponics vs Aquaponics.

BEAUTY NATURAL SKINCARE 10-14 Clean, green and beautiful. Making sense of what is good and not so good (for your skin and the world).

LIPS 16-17 Luscious lips. Ten interesting facts you didn't know about lipstick.

PROFILE 20-24 The glow in Glowing Dandelion Soaps ECO-FINDS 15 Natural skincare.

17 Eco-friendly lip colour.

25 Handcrafted soaps.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS TISSUE DONATION 26-27 The truth about bare bones.

FEMININE HYGIENE 30-34 Bleeding to death…The devastating impact of feminine hygiene products on mother earth.

36-38 Stay in Play…keeping girls in sport.

FITNESS 40 10 minute home workouts to try.

ECO-FINDS 35 Eco-friendly feminine hygiene eco-friendly products.

41 Great apps we love, apps to have on your phone.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 42-43 5 Healthy rules to live buy, no matter what.

EATING DISORDERS 44-48 The power of food. Why eating disorders are more about power and control than sustaining life.

49-50 My story. Once an anorexic.

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CONTENTS LIFESTYLE SIMPLE STEPS TO A GREENER LIFESTYLE 51-59 Editing your home by making it greener.

RECYCLING 64-65 A guide to recycling at home.

LAUNDRY 66-67 For the love of laundry.

ECO-FINDS 60-63 Eco-friendly home solutions.

FASHION FASHION SPREAD 70-75 Sitting Pretty - fashion for all seasons.

76-81 H&M latest kids’ wear collection transforms plastic waste into everyday fashion.

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GARDENING 82-86 Summer is coming.

88-90 Sewing seeds of social conscience.

92-93 Bio-diversity, pointing towards the future.

ECO-FINDS 91 Gardening seed solutions.

FOOD & BEVERAGES DRINK 94-95 Beginner’s guide to drinking Kombucha.

RECIPES 96-119 Book extract, B-Well Immune Boosting.

FINANCE MANAGEMENT 120-121 Want financial freedom?

COVER STORY - TRAVEL EXPLORING THE BEAUTIFUL HLUHLUWE AREA 122-133 A stay at the newly refurbished ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe.

134-139 Time to explore the Hluhluwe area …False Bay, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where bush meets ocean.

ENVIRONMENT 140-147 The potential of polystyrene.

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CRAFTS 148-150 Making a footstool from eco-bricks

122 COVER STORY

SNIPPETS 153 Interesting bite size articles for further on EcoBalance Lifestyle website.

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WHAT’S IN A WORD

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HYDROPONICS

Researched by Kelly-Ann Scrase

One could easily be forgiven for thinking that hydroponics and aquaponics are interchangeable and that they both refer to growing plants using water rather than soil – after all the word 'hydro' means water and the word 'aqua' means water.

The truth, however, may sound a bit fishy, but they are actually two different but equally fascinating systems of cultivating plants.

Most people are probably more familiar and have probably seen some form of hydroponics – a gardening method that allows for plants to be grown without the use of soil. It uses only chemicals and water and is most commonly used to grow plants such as lettuces, tomatoes and other greens.

Hydroponics works by growing plants in a water-based solution that is rich in nutrients.

The roots of the plants are suspended directly in the nutrient-rich water, which gives them access to the substances they need to grow. At the same time, the remainder of the plants has access to oxygen, which allows the growing process to continue with ease.

The main advantage of hydroponics is that of consistent quality and high yields. There are many different types of hydroponic systems, which determine how the water flows and reaches the plants.

Aquaponics on the other hand involves growing fishes and plants together within the same environment. This totally natural system is a sustainable process.

When you use this growing method, the waste from the fishes is converted directly into nitrates by the surrounding bacteria. These nitrates are used as food for the plants before the remaining water is returned to the fishes free from harmful

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contaminants, which creates an effective and efficient growth cycle that is referred to as the nitrogen cycle.

While accumulation of the waste eventually becomes toxic for the fishes inside of the tank, the bacteria that is introduced to the water converts the waste into helpful nitrates before any of the fish can be adversely affected. The aquaponics farming and growing method is fairly straightforward and as with hydroponics, there are many different systems that can be used.

Both methods can be effective and beneficial depending on the application for which they are used. However, certain plants do grow more effectively with one method or the other.

THE DIFFERENCE AQUAPONICS VS HYDROPONICS

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COST OF CHEMICAL NUTRIENT: Hydroponic systems require the use of chemical nutrients, which can be very costly, whereas the fish feed that is used in an aquaponics system is much more affordable.

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RETAIN NUTRIENT SOLUTION: The high concentration of nutrients in the water used for hydroponics can become toxic to the plants. As a result, water needs to be disposed of regularly.

In an aquaponics system, nitrogen is perfectly balanced in the water, which means that 3. the water should never PRODUCTIVITY: have to be replaced.

Aquaponics gardening

is slightly more efficient and has higher yield when compared to a 4. hydroponics EASE OF MAINTENANCE: system.

Aquaponics systems require very little maintenance.

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On the other ORGANIC GROWTH: hand, the electrical The environment in a conductivity of the water hydroponic system is manin a hydroponic made, whilst an aquaponics system will need to be system is designed to checked on a daily replicate a completely natural basis. ecosystem, which makes the system organic.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN AQUAPONICS VS HYDROPONICS 1.GROWING SEASON: Both of these systems are known for having lengthy growing seasons when compared to traditional growing methods. Because these systems are typically placed indoors, you will be able to grow plants all throughout the year.

2.LESS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Because plants are grown indoors with aquaponic and hydroponic systems, there are very little weed and pest issues to deal with, therefore less pesticides need to be used.

3.FASTER GROWTH: Because both systems don't use soil, they are able to grow at a rate of 30-50 percent faster than their traditional soil-based counterparts. This quick growth occurs because the plants have access to a higher amount of oxygen.

4.HIGHER YIELDS: Plants grown in a hydroponic system or aquaponics system yield around 30-40 percent more than other growing methods. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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BEAUTY NATURAL SKINCARE

Clean, Green and Beautiful…

MAKING SENSE OF WHAT IS GOOD AND NOT SO GOOD (FOR YOUR SKIN AND THE WORLD) Compiled by Kerry-Ann Scrase

The beauty world, like most other industries, has started making changes to reduce the impact it has on the environment. This does not only include how beauty products are packaged but also what ingredients goes into them; how these are sourced and what impact they have on the environment once they are used. So, what does it mean if a product is CLEAN, GREEN, ECOFRIENDLY or CRUELTY FREE? Understanding what these terms mean will ultimately help you decide what products satisfy your needs.

Many beauty products claim to be green or to use natural or botanical ingredients. These claims along with branding that uses natural imagery can easily lure one into believing that these products have the well-being of the user and mother earth at its heart. Whilst this is true of many brands, often these labels, quite literally only tell half the story.

According to Stacey King of The Natural™ when it comes to beauty products, there is little regulation around how brands can use these words. Definitions are subjective and often change from company to company, package to package, making it difficult to navigate or decipher the truth from greenwashing.

"You've probably seen a lot of skincare products that claim to be “all natural” or “100% organic.”

When a product is labelled certified organic, it means that it is made from 95% or more ingredients that are derived from a plant source.

Unlike the term organic, the word natural is not regulated when it comes to product labels. What this means is that a product can be labelled as natural but still contain up to 30 percent synthetic ingredients.”

King helps us breakdown the terminology to clarify exactly what each one means. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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WHAT DOES GREEN MEAN? The word green should mean that the product does no harm to the environment. For instance, a reef-safe sunscreen with biodegradable packaging would be labelled green. However, this is a wishy-washy term with no true definition and is usually used as an umbrella for any product that claims to protect the planet's resources.

WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE MEAN? Sustainable goes hand-in-hand with green. It means that the ingredients on the inside of the package - including how those ingredients were sourced - and the packaging itself should not be harmful to the planet.

When you use any product, the ingredients go down the drain and into the water system.

Certain ingredients such as exfoliating microbeads and preservatives like BHA, are causing a marine environment health crisis. Likewise, many conventional beauty products contain petroleum jelly and are packaged in plastic, both created from the oil industry.

Truly sustainable ingredients are those that are ethically sourced and proven to be safe for the environment, with sustainable or no-waste packaging, such as glass packaging, biodegradable packaging, post-consumer recycled packaging, or the ability to recycle empty bottles appropriately.

digestive system, the same is true for clean skin care.

WHAT DOES VEGAN MEAN? A beauty product is vegan if it doesn't contain any animal by-products or ingredients sourced from animals. Common non-vegan ingredients found in clean beauty products include beeswax, honey, lanolin, and tallow. Many people associate vegan with clean, but this is not the case. A product can be vegan and still contain chemical ingredients of concern.

WHAT DOES PLANT-BASED MEAN? As its name suggests, plant-based skincare products are made entirely from ingredients that are derived from plants such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains and herbs. These plants are packed with many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

WHAT DOES ORGANIC MEAN? Personal care products that are certified to be at least 95 percent organic can bear an official USDA Organic, SOIL or COSMOS Seal.

Being certified by these standards guarantee that certified organic ingredients are used; no genetically modified (GMO) ingredients are used; product labelling is clear and honest; ingredients are environmentally friendly (biodegradable) with little processing.

WHAT DOES CLEAN MEAN? Clean means safe for people and the planet. It means that a beauty product should have considered human and environmental health, using a non-toxic element as a baseline and plant-based ingredients for active results.

In an effort to avoid pesticides, the clean beauty industry has also begun to use organic, plantbased ingredients in products wherever possible. However, as the certification is expensive, many smaller brands will independently label ingredients that are organic on packaging, despite not carrying an official seal.

Much like eating clean rejects the idea of processed foods and focuses on nourishing, plantbased produce that delivers all the vitamins and antioxidants needed for a healthy immune and

WHAT DOES NONTOXIC MEAN? Water and oxygen can be toxic in the wrong dose. So, when a beauty product is labelled nontoxic, it likely means that the ingredients

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ebl have not been shown to cause adverse health effects at the levels found inside the formula and for the intended use. In the clean beauty space, nontoxic means that a product shouldn't include any ingredient that's been deemed toxic at any dose by a third-party resource like the European Union or Environmental Working Group.

WHAT DOES CRUELTY-FREE MEAN? A beauty product is cruelty-free if it has not been tested on animals anywhere along the manufacturing line or before being sold. It can also mean that any animal-derived ingredients were not extracted at the expense of an animal's welfare (like natural-fibre makeup brushes). It is worth noting that a beauty product can be cruelty-free but not vegan, and vice versa.

THE BOTTOM LINE: the good news is that there are dozens of beauty brands leading the charge, with enlightened pharmacists and chemists crafting effective products made from 100 percent clean and organic ingredients for your skin.

MORE ABOUT THE NATURAL™ Founder of The Natural™, Andrew Franks says the company is all about the natural way of living - a simple, healthy approach to skincare and life.

“It's the reason our products are made with clean, plant-based ingredients for all skin types.

We bring the natural way to your daily routine with conscious, caring and connected skincare.”

Mother nature has her title for a very good reason. She knows what's best for us. Her wisdom for our well-being is provided in an abundance of simple, brilliantly logical cues that can be read by those who are willing to humbly admit that 'mother knows best'.

The Natural™ range of skincare is a bioinspired expression of nature's perfect recipes.

An ode to the perfect design of well-being, ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl unadulterated by harmful and unnecessary synthetic chemicals. Skincare that is as pure, simple and as natural as how it can be found in nature The Natural™ is: Proudly South African Natural & organic Vegan friendly Free of parabens Free of all synthetic chemicals Free of colourants Free of mineral oils Not tested on animals

WHY PLANT-BASED IS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN? Antioxidant-rich, plant-based skincare products work to restore and strengthen your body's cells by combating free radicals (oxidants).

The vitamins featured in plant-based skincare products are vital to maintaining the health of your skin. They also support cell repair and can help decrease signs of aging.

Essential fats and acids offer several skin benefits such as helping to calm acne, fight dryness, combat oiliness, smooth scars, and increase skin elasticity.

The word hydrocolloids may sound a little foreign, but these naturally occurring polymers give plant-based skincare products a natural texture without the need for harmful petrochemicals or other synthesised polymers.

Naturally occurring lipids and esters help support the skin's natural defence barrier to smooth, protect, and repair. Such substances are often used as emollients and conditioning agents to keep skin healthy and hydrated.

For more info: www.thenaturalafrica.com

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ECOFINDS

EcoFINDS

NATURAL SKINCARE

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

The Natural ™ is a skincare brand made with clean, plant-based ingredients that are sustainably sourced from Africa. The unisex brand aims to provide restorative skincare in the way nature intended. Suitable for all skin types and ages.

The Natural ™ Serum (55ML R588.00) is an ultra-hydrating active with aloe and other active ingredients. Contains vitamin C and A, hyaluronic acid, devil's claw and jojoba.

It is a daily essential for smooth, healthy looking skin. Rich in antioxidants, it boosts the skin's natural age-defying properties and assists with natural collagen production. It restores, nourishes, and soothes the skin.

Available at www.thenaturalafrica.com ZERO by Skin Academy is a fresh and exciting new skincare range that promotes clean luxury, ethical consumerism and affordable self-indulgence. With planet-positive choices at the fore of its creation, ZERO skincare is committed to celebrating the natural beauty of your skin while helping you take care of the world around us. ZERO is a 100% vegan brand which believes that everything you need to take care of your skin can be found in nature. The products are suitable for all skin types due to the by minimising excess ingredients. Plantbased formulas are centred around four powerful key actives: sweet almond, oil rich in vitamin E and A, coconut oil to soften and hydrate, shea butter to reduce the appearance of dry skin and Sacha Inchi Seed Oil to encourage cell regeneration.

Face Wash (100ml R299.00), Face Scrub (100ml R299.00), (Day Cream 50ml R 399.00), Night Cream (50ml R399.00), Eye Cream (25ml R299.00), Hand & Nail Cream (50ml R299.00).

Available at Dis-Chem, Foschini and Superbalist.

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BEAUTY LIPS

Luscious Lips TEN INTERESTING FACTS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT LIPSTICK

There is something utterly irresistible about lipstick. An item so small, historically thought to be indulgent, has shown to be deeply ingrained in our culture. Lipstick proves itself time and time again.

During World War II, when resources were scarce and incomes were diminished, the sale of lipstick skyrocketed. After the 9/11 attacks in New York, the New York Times reported that lipstick sales in the state had almost doubled.

Even the Covid-19 pandemic, which sees us wearing face masks that cover our mouths, can't hold lipstick back. In May of this year, CNN reported that lipstick sales in the US had increased by 80% in 2021.

Known as the Lipstick Effect, this phenomenon has been well-documented: The theory is that when faced with an economic crisis, consumers are likely to treat themselves and indulge in smaller luxury goods, like lipsticks.

Of all the colour cosmetics on the market, lipstick has the biggest feel-good factor. There's something about applying your favourite lip colour that not only transforms your appearance, but also your mood.

How much do you know about the lipstick in your handbag? We've rounded up ten interesting facts you probably didn't know: The first commercially-available bullet lipstick was produced in 1870, but both men and women have been applying colour to their lips since ancient times.

In ancient Egypt, both men and women wore lipstick as a status symbol.

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ebl On the contrary, in ancient Greece, lipstick was rejected by the upper classes and was reserved for prostitutes. It became law that prostitutes had to wear it, in order for men to be able to identify them. Sex workers caught without lipstick would be prosecuted for “improperly posing as lades.”

EcoFINDS

LUSCIOUS LIPS ECO-FRIENDLY LIP COLOUR

Lipstick was popular among men and women in ancient Rome, but contained toxic ingredients like lead, iron ore and focus (a type of algae) which had a harmful effect on their health.

Some of the first ingredients used to create lipstick were animal fat, ox marrow, beeswax and crushed gemstones.

The world's first long-wear lipstick was developed by a female chemist named Hazel Bishop, who created the formula while working in a dermatologist's lab after World War II. The first swivel-up lipstick in a tube appeared in 1923.

Greta Garbo is considered the first celebrity to popularise lipstick.

It is estimated that a women spends an average of $1780 on lipstick in her lifetime.

Red lipstick is believed to be the most youthful shade because the stark contrast between red and all skin tones is associated with youth.

Lipsticks have come a long way, and today we are spoilt for choice in terms of formulation and colour.

Did you know, that in a study that tested over 400 lipsticks, wet n wild lipsticks came out on top as the brand with the least (or no) lead content?

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics detected no lead in wet n wild lipsticks!

wet n wild 2 Megalast Lipsticks (R99.95). This 4-hour, long wearing lip colour leaves a semi-matte cream finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety colour that doesn't cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skincare ingredients: hyaluronic microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts co-enzyme Q10 and vitamins A & E help smooth lips.

Benefits: - 4-hour longwearing lip colours leave a semi-matte cream finish.

- Hyaluronic microspheres adhere to lips to make them long-lasting.

- An exclusive polymer complex make your lips cushiony and plump.

- Natural marine plant extracts co-enzyme Q10 and vitamins A & E help smooth lips. wet n wild Megalast Lipsticks are available from Clicks stores and www.clicks.co.za

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BEAUTY

THE GLOW IN

Glow

PROFILE

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SOAPS

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

We chat to Lindie Pretorius of ‘Glowing Dandelion Soaps’ about her journey that led to her creating beautifully crafted handcrafted soaps.

EBL: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? Lindie Pretorius (LP): I am Lindie, Mommy of one super-busy 5 year old little girl, married to my own superman and we have two fur kids as well.

By profession, I am a senior brand manager for a pharmaceutical company and I absolutely love what I do! I have always worked in the health & wellness industry, with a true passion for all things natural.

EBL: WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? LP: About a year ago, I started delving into essential oils and was so amazed at how much you can do with essential oils that I started doing research on making products using high quality ingredients. My aim was really to live more intentionally with the products we have in our home and what we use as a family. I am by no means perfect or an expert, but for me it was about substituting products we use daily for natural alternatives that I know don’t have any hidden ingredients or actives I can't pronounce with no clue of why they even are in those products.

A dream was to learn how to make my own soap, so with my next project in mind I started doing research and then jumped right into it.

After a soap making course I just fell in love with the whole process from start to finish! ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl I wanted to make gorgeous soap with skin loving and cleansing properties that contain amazing natural ingredients, and that is how my Glowing Dandelion Soaps were born.

EBL: LOVE THE NAME HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE NAME? LP: I loooove dandelions! And if the sun catches them they always have the most amazing glowy look. One of my favourite quotes of a dandelion “some see a weed, some see a wish” and I always try to see the good in crappy situations - so I choose to “see a wish.”

I also think people that are happy and healthy have a glow to them and my aim is to make people glow, by either making them happy or adding to their health.

EBL: HOW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ARE THE MATERIALS YOU USE? LP: I use plant-based oils and butters for my soap and flavour them with essential oils. Due to using essential oils in my soap, the smell might fade a little over time but that is part of what makes them natural. I make soap by using the traditional cold process. I prefer this method because no heat is used and adding heat can compromise some of the properties of the ingredients used. Not only do I add essential oilsfor fragrance but also for their amazing properties. The colourants used in the majority of my soaps is also natural and comes from things such as beetroot, cinnamon, turmeric and activated charcoal.

EBL: DID YOU RESEARCH YOUR 'IDEA / CONCEPT' EXTENSIVELY? LP: My soap journey started as a dream and a skill I wanted to learn, something for personal use and for gifts. Now it has turned into a little business!

EBL: DID YOU GO ON A SPECIALISED COURSE TO LEARN A NEW SKILLS OR WAS IT LEARNING AS WENT ALONG? LP: It was mostly learning as I went along,

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reading and watching tons of videos online and then doing an online course.

“Some see a weed, some see a wish.”

“I see a wish.”

Lindie Pretorius

EBL: I AM SURE YOU HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN INTERESTING JOURNEY, WITH LEARNING CURVES AND TRIUMPHS. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT AND WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE TRIUMPH? LP: The best journey! Soap making turned out to be more of a science than what I expected. I had a few epic fails but that was part of the fun.

My number one triumph was getting my recipe to what it is now, with just the right amount of lather, creaminess, conditioning and cleansing.

EBL: DO YOU USE LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITIES TO MAKE YOUR VARIOUS PRODUCTS? LP: Not at the moment, I do everything myself but I do have ideas for future products that I will out source.

EBL: CAN CUSTOMERS PLACE A BESPOKE ORDER? WHERE CAN CUSTOMERS BUY YOUR PRODUCTS? LP: I have a set catalogue of products available for customers. My wholesale customers do pre-orders for soap they need in advance. I can do bespoke orders for wedding favours, baby shower gifts, corporate functions but there is a minimum order quantity for bespoke orders. It is important to note that soap takes 4 to 6 weeks to cure, and I have to make them in full batches so making one or two at a time for a bespoke order is not feasible.

Orders can be placed directly, I courier nationwide. My Instagram and Facebook Page @Glowing Dandelion contains all the contact information and I update social media with outlets where I have stock available.

EBL: DO YOU SELL INTERNATIONALLY? LP: Not yet, but who knows what the future holds!

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ECOFINDS

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HANDCRAFTED

Crafted with love and luxuriously Handcrafted Soap

SOAP Compiled By Anthea Campbell Rose Topped Handcrafted Soap

Lavender Love Handcrafted Soap

Available at https://linktr.ee/Glowing_dandelion

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HEALTH & WELLNESS TISSUE DONATION

THE TRUTH OF BARE BONES

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There's a hero inside all of us. And that's not just a platitude about unrealised potential but a reality as far as tissue donation is concerned. Tissue donation refers to the generous donation of human tissue, which includes bone and other products created from human tissue, bestowed after death.

According to Bone SA, a registered non-profit organisation concerned with tissue products for medical use, one tissue donation can save or improve the lives of more than 65 people.

“That's an exponential benefit, which builds a good case for why more people should be encouraged to consent to tissue donation,” says Dr Moji Mogari, Medical Director at Bone SA. But he goes on to explain that it is also a sensitive topic steeped in diverse ethics, opinions and morality. “There are a number of myths that are perpetuated about tissue donation and this misunderstanding contributes to our general fear and hesitation around consenting to tissue donation.”

Not all donations come from people who have died either. Living donors about to undergo hip replacements, can also help by donating the hip bone which is removed during this procedure.

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Photo by Antonius Ferret from Pexels

But knowledge dispels fear, and Mogari believes that debunking some of the more common myths about tissue donation is an important step towards changing attitudes. Significantly, fewer reasons for exclusion as a tissue donor allows the majority of people who die to help others through tissue donation – possibly the simplest way to be a real hero and leave a legacy.”

ebl FIVE OF THE MOST COMMON MYTHS AROUND TISSUE DONATION ARE UNPACKED HERE MYTH 1: TISSUE DONORS RECEIVE SUBPAR CARE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. Fact: This is a very common misconception and one that Bone SA absolutely disputes. “Medical professionals are legally and ethically obliged to do everything they can to save a life. Tissue donation is only considered when the person has been declared dead so there can be no conflict of interest,” Mogari says.

MYTH 2: MY AGE EXCLUDES ME FROM BECOMING A TISSUE DONOR. Fact: Any person under the age of 75 who is in good general health and clear of cancer and serious transmittable disease is a suitable tissue donor.

MYTH 3: I HAVE A FEW HEALTH CONDITIONS SO THIS DISQUALIFIES ME FROM BECOMING AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR. Fact: While some medical conditions will rule out your ability to be an organ donor, very few medical conditions automatically disqualify an individual from donating tissue. Most of the common health problems suffered by South Africans like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and alcohol and drug abuse does not preclude them from tissue donation. “Bone SA evaluates each donation on its own merits and suitability to ensure the safest transplant possible, which means only using the healthiest tissue in each case,” Mogari says.

to the donor, the medical aid or estate.

MYTH 5: MY RELIGION DOES NOT ALLOW FOR TISSUE DONATION. Fact: Most major religions consider tissue donation as an act of compassion and generosity, and ultimately, the decision of the individual donor. “We always encourage donors to talk to their religious leaders for further clarity and peace of mind about the decision to donate,” Mogari says.

It's important for those considering tissue donation to discuss their wishes with their next-of-kin so that their wishes can be carried out when the time comes. “So many donors say to us that the reason they do it is to leave a lasting legacy, one that can significantly impact the quality of life for many,” Mogari concludes.

To register as an organ and tissue donor with the Organ Donor Foundation, simply visit www.odf.org.za complete the quick registration form and submit online.

MYTH 4: MY FAMILY WILL HAVE TO CARRY THE COST IF I ELECT TO DONATE MY TISSUE. Fact: Any costs associated with tissue donation or transplantation are carried by the transplant recipient and/or the facility at which the procedure is performed, with no additional cost ecobalancelifestyle.com

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No

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can rule us When we know we bec

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e free!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS FEMININE HYGIENE

Bleed

g to de

h…

THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS ON MOTHER EARTH Compiled by Kerry-Ann Scrase Most modern menstrual products contain a high percentage of plastic – from the little sleeves tampons or sanitary pads are wrapped in, to plastic applicators to the actual material they are made from. The unfortunate reality is that all of this ends up either in landfill or worse in our oceans and on our beaches. And whilst the impact on the environment is one issue, the other uncomfortable truth is that the lives of many girls and women is still impacted by the lack of access to feminine hygiene of any kind. Interestingly there are new products on the market which provide a solution to both problems.

Latest research indicates that most women will go through about 11 000 disposable pads and/or tampons in their life. But it is not just the actual products themselves, which are creating a significant waste or pollution problem, but the entire lifecycle of these products.

Most pads and tampons are made of synthetic materials like rayon or SAPs (Super Absorbent Polymers). Others are made with traditionally grown cotton (i.e not organically produced cotton).

Cotton is widely recognised as one of the world's thirstiest crops, requiring up to 3 litres of water to grow just one little bud) and most use nonorganic cotton, which has been grown using pesticides and insecticides.

Sanitary pad design has seen a lot of changes over the past number of years – the intention of which was honourable, that being to make women's life easier and more comfortable. So, pads started to incorporate thin, flexible, leak-proof poly-propylene or polyethylene. Advances in adhesive technology improved the use of flexible plastics, allowing the pads to be attached to underwear ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl directly. Then came flexible plastic “wings” that would wrap around underwear and anchor a pad in place and most recently designs incorporated thin polyester fibres to draw fluid away into the absorbent core of the pad. These were all great from a design point of view, but they mostly increased the use of plastics.

Tampons have followed a similar pattern with applicators being incorporated into tampon designs to improve the 'hygiene' and ease-of-use, but whereas these applicators were originally made from cardboard, plastic applicators started making their appearance in the late 70's due to their improved comfort.

The impact of this became abundantly clear when in 2010, a UK beach clean found an average of 23 sanitary pads and 9 tampon applicators per kilometre of British coastline.

However, change is now afoot as environmentally conscious consumers put pressure on manufacturers to be more responsible.

In Europe, most tampons are sold without applicators and in the U.S, there's growing interest in alternatives.

Research has also shown that more women are considering reusable products such as reusable pads, which are essentially better-designed versions of old technology.

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Others have embraced menstrual cups (which have also been used in the past) and some companies are designing underwear that absorbs period blood directly and can be washed and used over and over.

MENSTRUAL CUPS These are made from medical grade silicone and are designed to replace tampons. Unlike tampons, they are reusable and can last for 5-10 years. Besides being better for the environment, they're also better for your health and come with a lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and will save you money.

Check out the following options: Pink Cup; Evogal; Elle Cup; Princess D REUSABLE CLOTH PADS These are similar to their disposable counterparts except that they're made from natural materials like cotton, bamboo and even charcoal. They can be used several times.

After use, they need to be washed well in order to remove all traces of blood. They can then be reused. These have provided an ideal and cost effective solution for underprivileged communities which cannot afford or do not have access to disposable sanitary items.

Check out the following options: Moontime.

Palesa Pads; Subz Pads

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ORGANIC PADS AND TAMPONS These are made from organic cotton and if there is an applicator, it is generally made with biodegradable/sustainable/renewable material. The main advantages are that there are no toxins and little (some brands still have tampons wrapped in plastic to protect them against moisture) to no plastic.

Check out the following options: Flo; Anna Pure Organics; Sheba Feminine

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PERIOD PRODUCTS Tampons, pads and panty liners along with their packaging and individual wrapping generate more than 200 000 tonnes of waste per year, and they all contain plastic (pads can be made of up to 90% plastic).

The average user throws away 125 to 150kg of tampons, pads and applicators in their lifetime.

Plastic waste ends up in a landfill or, even worse in the oceans, rivers and beaches.

The time it takes for a tampon or pad to degrade in a landfill is centuries longer than the lifespan of the individual who used it – particularly when it's wrapped in plastic.

THE FLO STORY Entrepreneurs Tara Priya Chandra and Susan Allen started FLO when they saw a gap for women-designed sanitary products. The two realised that the corporate tampon brands were using synthetic materials and harsh chemicals and were also mostly owned and operated by men. They wanted to create a product that wasn't just better for the body and the planet, but also honoured and empowered women.

In addition to being designed using all-natural and organic materials (to be kind to the planet and women's bodies) they wanted the brand to celebrate women and exude positivity – hence the playful, irreverent branding and clever icecream tub packaging (inspired by menstrual cravings).

FLO products are certified vegan and crueltyfree by PETA are made in the EU from 100% certified organic cotton and come in nonapplicator and applicator styles. The cotton tampons are biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, sanitised naturally and free from 'nasties' like chlorine bleach, dyes and fragrances.

For more info: www.hereweflo.co.za

A year's worth of disposable period products leaves a carbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO2 equivalents.

Information sources: National Geographic; Organicup;

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“In 1986, Gloria Steinem wrote that ... ‘if men got periods, they would brag about how long and how much that boys would talk about their menstruation as the beginning of their manhood, that there would be gifts, religious ceremonies and sanitary supplies would be federally funded and free'.

I could live without the menstrual bragging - though mine is particularly impressive and ceremonial parties, but seriously: Why aren’t tampons free?"

Jessica Valenti

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ECOFINDS

EcoFINDS FEMININE HYGIENE

ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

ANNA Pure Organic is South Africa’s first organic, locally manufactured and eco-friendly organic feminine hygiene range.

ANNA Maxi Pads and ANNA Panty Liners are made from raw cotton and a plant-based biopolymer, which is gentle on delicate skin and kind to the environment. They are free of fragrances, dyes and parabens. Perfect for controlling your ecological foot print, without compromising comfort or protection. These pads are single-use, disposable and made with sustainable materials.

Available at Spar, Pick’nPay, Checkers, Faithful to Nature, Dis-Chem. For more information www.annapureorganic.com

Reusable Bamboo Charcoal Menstrual Pads (R400.00) comes in a pack of 4. Cloth with PUL, layers of micro-fibre and bamboo charcoal. Eco-friendly, washable and reusable making it economical, can be used for 3-5 years. They are organic, contain no bleach and the bamboo fabric makes each one soft and comfortable. The safe inner layer is leak proof and easy to clean.

Available from takealot.com

Faithful to Nature Goddess Cup (R269.00) is safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly. The soft medical grade silicone is kind to your body, and is reusable for years.

This menstrual cup is easy to insert and remove. Can be used for up to 12 hours Available from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

Miss Ruby Regular Period Panties Bikini (R430.00) By Bakgat is the latest offering in the move towards reusable menstrual products. The panties come with a liner and are available in regular, and heavy absorbency levels, they are made for the conscious woman, looking for convenience and a better environmental choice. These 100% cotton period pads are locally made.

Available from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

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Playing sport with confidence with TechFit Period Proof tights

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HEALTH & WELLNESS FEMININE HYGIENE

Stay

P lay

KEEPING GIRLS IN SPORT

adidas tackles one of the greatest taboos in sport with product innovation and resources to help those who menstruate. adidas unveiled its latest product innovation designed to keep more menstruators in sport: the new TechFit Period Proof tights, featuring an absorbent layer to help protect against leaks when worn with a tampon or pad. In addition, with teachers and athletes alike calling for more information on the topic of menstruation, adidas has collaborated with Dr. Georgie Bruinvels to create free resources and lesson plans for schools around the world.

The first step was to understand what physical, emotional and societal barriers exist to sports participation. adidas found that teenage girls are dropping out of sport at an alarming rate, with one of the key reasons being fear of period leakage. Using these insights, the brand set out to create a product that helps athletes stay in sport throughout their cycle by giving them an added layer of protection.

After over two years of development and rigorous testing, key details of the tights are as follows: TECHFIT PERIOD PROOF TIGHTS: Using new adidas Flow Shield technology, the tights have a set of absorbent layers and a membrane that help protect against leaks, giving athletes added confidence whilst training through their period. A wicking layer, absorbing layer and leak proof layer work together to provide protection, whilst a bonding frame holds each layer together and keeps the tights in place.

The 1 in 4 dropout rate also highlighted a lack ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl of education and understanding about periods amongst teens and adults alike. Analysing data from over 14,000 athletes found that even those at the top of their field didn't learn about – or talk about – periods in sport at school or with their coaches. In the UK for example, 82% of participants indicated that they had never received any education about their menstrual cycle in the context of sport or exercise, and of those who had a coach, 82% had never spoken to their coach about their cycle. In the USA, 65% had not received education on the topic, and 76% had not discussed the menstrual cycle with their coach. 3

C

To break this taboo and normalise period conversation, adidas has partnered with leading sports research scientist, Dr. Georgie Bruinvels, and Physical Education teachers to develop educational materials and practical lesson plans.

The aim is for these to be used in schools around the world, helping teachers, parents and teens better understand how to navigate their cycle.

Dr. Georgie Bruinvels, Director, Sports Science and Female Athlete Lead at Orreco, said: “It is great to see that the landscape for girls and women in sport is progressing, however it is evident that despite this, the menstrual cycle is still an area that is of embarrassment, and as a result is typically neglected and ignored. Given the impact that the menstrual cycle can have on participation and overall quality of life, this must change. Education is the ultimate starting point whereby those who menstruate can be empowered by an increased understanding of an essential physiological process. Education will enable progressive discussion, helping to break down barriers associated with physical activity and the menstrual cycle. We know, more than ever, the importance of exercise for both mental and physical well-being, and I am excited to see the positive impact this campaign will have.”

The TechFit Period Proof collection is currently available on adidas.co.za and in select concept stores,

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HEALTH &

WELLNESS FITNESS

HOME WORKOUTS TO TRY AT HOME IN UNDER

10M

ut Compiled by Anthea Campbell

The last eighteen months of lockdown has messed up our lives and activities. If you want to get active again but are feeling you aren’t ready to mingle with others quite yet, here are a few great online workouts for you to try.

TARGETING YOUR CORE Start your home workout with Bronze- medal winning sprinter Desiree Henry who knows how important core strength and conditioning is to powering her performance. Let her take you through a 10 minute workout that will get your abs in Olympic-level shape! It’s a perfect way to boost your energy levels.

GET THE APP Getting started or maintaining your fitness routine has been made so much easier . .

The adidas training app gives you just that with unlimited choices from advanced to beginner friendly workouts and targeting your desired area to meet your fitness goal.

SWEATING IT OUT WITH. Weekday burner workout is perfect for outdoor space like your garden. This quick Tabata Hint workout is only 10 minutes long, but it certainly packs a punch. Instantly elevating the heart rate and putting your muscles to work with this effective training session. You can do it as a stand alone workout or integrate it into your training schedule, once to twice a week if you're serious about building muscle and burning fat.

The app is designed to help cater to your schedule with your very own personalised workout plan.

TIME EFFICIENT FULL BODY WORKOUT TO GET YOUR DAY GOING. Kick-start your morning with this revitalising quick workout that is easy to do before you start your daily commitments. A total body workout in eight minutes with fitness coach Lunden Souza. She will guide you through a low impact, time efficient routine.

Wake up your core with planks then add squats, kicks and more. Work for 40 seconds, then take a 20 second breather. As you build upon each previous exercise with a new move, you'll seriously break a sweat! You can do this anytime, anyplace – no equipment needed.

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Workouts curated by expert trainers and athletes give you motivation and support throughout your workout. All workouts offer guidance to help burn fat, improve your strength and overall physical body conditioning.

Design your ideal bodyweight workout fitted for your own level.

The adidas Training app

by Runtastic is free to download on android and IOS platforms.

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ECOFINDS The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) mobile app provides detailed information about sustainable seafood on your mobile phone. Using a 3-colour classification, you can quickly decide whether the fish you're about to order is sustainable, or whether it's better for the oceans to make another choice.

Green - Tuck in with a clear conscience.

Orange - Think twice because of associated environmental impacts. Red - Avoid altogether.

This app helps you make ocean-friendly seafood choices. For the love of the oceans.

EcoFINDS APPS

WE LOVE

CHECK THESE APP’S OUT ON YOUR APP STORE Compiled by Anthea Campbell

The Greenify Everything app is the coveted household recipe 'box' that reveals to you the time-held secrets to living a healthy, toxin-free life. Greenify Everything is a step- by- step guide for how to 'greenify' your life. Created by Annie B. Bond, named “the foremost expert on green living,” Greenify Everything includes over 1,200 recipes and tips from many of Annie's acclaimed books. Green means good for health and the planet, and every offering in this app is looked at through that lens. No tip will contain toxic chemicals. All tips are put through the editorial filter of standards that ensure they are healthy, safe and sound.

Meatless is an environment and sustainability app. Are you looking to eat less meat and become vegan or vegetarian? Do you want to live a more sustainable and ecofriendly lifestyle? Meatless is a food diary that tracks and keeps an overview of your daily meat consumption. Download Meatless for a meat free eco-concious lifestyle.

This is brilliant ... Checkers has teamed up with Mr D Food to deliver medicine to its MediRite Pharmacy customer homes. Just phone your nearest MediRite Pharmacy (available in selected Checkers stores), place an order and pay for it via EFT, debit card or medical aid. Go to the Mr D Food app, select “MediRite order for delivery” and place your delivery order.

It is important to follow the delivery tracking updates, as Mr D Food is only able to make the delivery once. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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bl e HEALTH & WELLNESS LIFESTYLE

5 HEALTHY RULES TO LIVE BY

No M

ter Wh

Good health does not happen by accident; it's a result of proactive, preventive, healthy choices that have an impact on your health today, tomorrow, and beyond, it is never too early (or too late!) to develop healthy habits. “A healthy lifestyle is not only important during infancy and old age, but is crucial during all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adult years. Regardless of whether you are 12 or 75 years old, the impact of a healthy lifestyle should never be underestimated.”

By following a few simple, healthy rules, we are all likely to share a common outcome – ongoing physical and emotional health as we age, “However, it all starts by reforming the simple choices we make each day.”

RULE 1: WATCH YOUR PORTIONS Why is it that even though you eat perceived healthy foods, you can still be at an unhealthy weight? The problem often lies with portion control. Even too big a portion of healthy foods can cause unwanted weight gain. And, although you might see your portion sizes as “normal”, it might be time to reassess. So, what is a healthy portion size?

Starches, choose low-GI starches, no more than the size of your fist.

Lean meat, chicken and fish, portion size and thickness of your palm.

Vegetables should fill the rest of your plate, include about two handfuls while limiting fats to the size of the tip of your thumb.

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RULE 2: KEEP MOVING The one thing that those who live healthy, long lives have in common is physical activity. And, physical activity is not just good for your physical well-being, it also keeps you mentally and emotionally healthy too. Plus, you don't need to be a gym 'bunny' either. You can walk around the block in the evenings or spend time gardening… whatever you choose – just include at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.

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RULE 3: TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT We often associate gut health with the absence of symptoms like bloatedness, constipation, and diarrhoea, but did you know that 80% of your immune cells are in your gut?

To support our immune system and keep our gut healthy we need a balance of probiotics (the “good” microorganisms) in our digestive tract.

Including a probiotic supplement can assist in maintaining this balance.

Recommended FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules is the perfect solution as it combines fibre and probiotics to support the functioning of the gut.

RULE 4: INCLUDE PROTEIN IN EVERY MEAL Not only does protein provide the building block for muscle maintenance and synthesis, protein will also make you feel fuller for longer. This means less cravings and snacking on unhealthy foods. Aim to include a protein source in each meal and snack.

Low saturated fat protein options include nuts, nut butters, eggs, soy, lean meat and chicken cuts, fish, beans and legumes.

Products like FUTURELIFE® also offers a range of High Protein products – from High Protein breads and bars to a High Protein shake and cereal.

RULE 5: A GOOD NIGHT'S REST Like breathing, sleep is a fundamental human requirement. And yet, so many of us do not get the required amount of sleep to function properly.

Lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure or stroke.

Other potential problems include obesity, depression, and impairment in immunity and can even affect your appearance! Making sure you get a good night's rest (every night!) should be a top priority.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to eight hours of sleep for people over age 64 and seven to nine hours for ages 18 to 64. Kids need more sleep.

“It takes more than five healthy rules to get from one to eighty five, but this is a great starting point!”

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Minute servings

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HEALTH &

WELLNESS EATING DISORDERS

The Power Of F

d

WHY EATING DISORDERS ARE MORE ABOUT POWER AND CONTROL THAN SUSTAINING LIFE Compiled By Kerry-Ann Scrase

Eating disorders are normally associated with teenage girls or boys who become obsessed with achieving the 'perfect body'… Over the years Barbie, ramp models and celebrities have all been blamed for eating disorders as their followers compare themselves to them. However, a new catalyst has appeared as Covid-19, restrictions and lockdown have led to a global rise in the frequency of eating disorders; with the real impact of mental disorders still anticipated to come.

Registered Dietician, Nicky Pryor explains what eating disorders are, why they have become an issue in the 'new normal'.

By definition, an eating disorder is “any of a range of psychological disorders characterised by abnormal or disturbed eating habits”.

When one battles with an eating disorder, it is usually characterised by someone's life being preoccupied by eating, exercise and body shape.

These disorders are not simply bad habits - they can interfere with daily life. Without proper treatment, they can lead to serious health problems.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS?

when they are not even hungry. This behaviour is often triggered by stress, anxiety, or boredom.

This behaviour often results in guilt or shame or depression, triggering a vicious cycle of emotional distress. It can also result in the behaviour being hidden from family or friends, making it hard to diagnose.

Binge eating is characterised with episodes of overeating. These individuals are often overweight or obese, can be male or female and it can occur at any age, but mostly occurs in middle age. It is the most common eating disorder and can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure.

When people binge eat, they often feel out of control when they eat. They are unable to stop themselves from eating and continue until they are overfull, or their stomachs are painful. They often eat ecobalancelifestyle.com

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Weight gain occurs more often than the desired effect of weight loss. Successful treatment involves a combination of medication, nutrition education, seeing a therapist.

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Anorexia is characterised by a fear of weight gain and can result in someone becoming dangerously thin. It can affect males and females of any ages but is more common in females and can occur after a life changing or traumatic event, or by the desire to do well in ballet or gymnastics or athletics.

Weight loss is induced either through food deprivation or starvation. It is often accompanied by excessive exercise, as well as the use of laxatives, sweeteners, and diet pills. The rapid weight loss often goes unnoticed, as the individual covers up the weight loss by wearing bag gy clothes.

With this condition, food is a complete obsession.

Most often very little food is consumed – if any – even though it is constantly top of mind. Food is weighed, dished in small amounts or simply pushed around the plate without any being consumed.

The biggest issue with anorexics is that even though they are dangerously thin, they do not see themselves as such as they battle with distorted body image where they still see themselves as fat. These people are often very critical of themselves and are perfectionists. Sometimes they feel that food and eating is the only part of their lives that they can control, especially if they have a very controlling parent or person in their lives.

Other physical symptoms of anorexia include brittle hair and nails, constipation, yellowing skin, loss of menstrual cycle. More long-term complications include heart damage, anaemia and thinning of the bones, organ failure and even death.

Diagnosis is made when an individual weighs less than 85% of normal body weight, when there is an intense fear of gaining weight and blood tests rule out any other possible underlying

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conditions. There may also be suicidal tendencies and substance abuse, as well as depression. Risky behavioural tendencies may also be present.

The treatment of anorexia often starts with hospitalisation. Treatment aims at restoring a healthy weight, treating any psychological issues and reducing any unhealthy behaviour that may lead to a relapse. The family is often involved in the treatment programme as well.

Ongoing Psychological therapy is key in the treatment of this disorder.

ebl Bulimia is characterised by binge eating followed by purging. 85 – 90% of these individuals are females and it occurs mostly in the teenager or young adult. It often occurs because of stress and/or peer pressure to be thin.

Bulimics will eat too much food and then make themselves vomit to compensate for this behaviour. It can also include the use of laxatives or excessive exercise as well. The purging can initially occur a few times a week and may even continue until it occurs several times a day.

These individuals are also obsessed with their weight but are often only slightly overweight, if at all. Like anorexics they also have a distorted body image when looking in the mirror. The purging cycle is often an attempt to control negative feelings and there may also be underlying depression as well as substance abuse, especially of laxatives.

Other symptoms of Bulimia include a chronic sore throat, worn tooth enamel, swollen salivary glands in the cheeks, heartburn, and dehydration.

Treatment is multifactorial and includes psychological therapy, as well as nutritional counselling to establish healthy eating patterns. The use of antidepressants is also often helpful in the treatment and prevention of relapse of this condition.

EATING DISORDERS AND COVID-19 According to The Guardian, psychiatrists in the UK have reported a dramatic increase in the number of patients with eating disorders.

Dr Agnes Ayton, the chair of the Eating Disorder Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the number of people experiencing problems had risen sharply with conditions such as anorexia thriving in the isolation of lock down.

She commented that eating disorders were likely rising due to people feeling out of control, and that they also thrived in the isolation accompanying the pandemic lock downs.

There has also been “unhelpful” messages around “weight loss and exercise” targeted at those with obesity “but triggering those with existing difficulties”.

Social isolation has generally had an effect on people's mental health with fear and uncertainty fuelling anxiety. This has been further exacerbated by changes to people's routine and home lives.

WHAT CAUSES EATING DISORDERS? The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown and varies from individual to individual. It can be a combination of genetic, biological, behavioural, social and psychological factors.

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ebl HOW TO SEEK HELP FOR AN EATING DISORDER The first point of contact is often your general practitioner or family foctor, who will then make recommendations or a referral to a specialist in this area of treatment.

The following organisations also offer assistance: Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789 Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90

Dept of Social Development Substance Abuse 24hr Helpline 0800 12 13 14 SMS 32312 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567

ADHD Helpline 0800 55 44 33 Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour 0861 435 787

SADAG Mental Health Line 011 234 4837

PROMOTION

A PIECE OF CAKE CHANGED MY LIFE “Brown. Gooey. Thick.

It lay on the table in front of me. I could smell it from where I sat. The scent made my stomach queasy, bubbling with anxiety.

My friends surrounded me, smiling and laughing.

They weren't concerned about it.

I dared not join in.

My hands shook, so I hid them under the table.

I tried to smile along but failed miserably. I couldn't concentrate on what they were saying.

Only one thing was on my mind.

How on earth was I supposed to eat this?

Follow Hannah on Instagram on @hannah_altmann and on YouTube at Hannah Altmann

CLICK & BUY NOW ON AMAZON

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HEALTH &

WELLNESS EATING DISORDER

MY STORY

Once An An

exic…

By Kerry-Ann Scrase

I can remember the exact moment when I decided that the solution to my social dilemma was to lose weight…I was on holiday at the coast with my parents and my friend at the time. Michaela* was hardly a stick figure. In fact, she was quite curvy, but she was olive -skinned, had long hair that had that beachy windswept look, had a raspy voice, was funny and the boys loved her.

Then there was me: fair, unruly curly red hair, freckles, short, flat chested, high-pitched voice too mature for my age, too ambitious, too loud and a bit arty. I was 'cute' though. But cute is not 'hot'. So, in my 15-year-old mind I decided that if I lost weight, got fitter and faster (I was an average but avid runner) that somehow, I would gain some social credibility and elevate myself to the same cool heights as the rest of my peer group.

So, after that holiday began the journey of deception and my ability to survive on the least amount of food possible, whilst still doing every thing with 100% commitment be it schoolwork, cultural activities or sport.

It was a carefully crafted routine of running late for breakfast and grabbing just enough to make sure no-one could accuse me of skipping breakfast, throwing away school lunches or hiding them in the side-pocket of my school bag (where they would remain and rot until they were more penicillin than bread).

Afternoon activities would ensure that there was no time to eat and a quick cup of yoghurt before rushing off to rehearsals or speech practice would keep me going until I got home later that night. Dodging supper was probably the most difficult but saying I was tired and just felt like a cup of coffee or Milo would often do the trick.

If I could not dodge supper, making sure the

smallest of servings were spread on my plate to create an illusion of volume would do the trick.

Then there was the exercising - I had to exercise everyday - training with the athletics or cross-country team would be supplemented by my own running at home. Sit ups done compulsively at night in my pyjamas after switching the light off would keep the guilt and need for control in check until the next morning, when the whole routine would start again.

I cannot remember how many months it took but the kilograms did drop off, not that there were many to start with as I am naturally tiny and petite in the true sense of the word. So, although, at worst I only lost about 7/8kgs - it was enough to push my weight down to around 36 or 37kg at my lightest.

It was enough for my periods to stop; but it was not enough to make me cool. Now instead of just being short and cute, I was thin, short and cute. Whilst I had succeeded in my attempt to shed those 'extra kilos', I had failed to achieve my ultimate goal.

But it worked for me. It had become a habit.

A way of life.

I think it was at my confirmation that someone asked my mom if there was something wrong ecobalancelifestyle.com

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as I was looking thin and tired. When you live with someone you do not always notice what is happening and whilst my folks did show concern when I did not eat, I do not think they necessarily noticed the extent of the weight loss – until that moment.

My mom did the right thing – shipped me off to our trusty GP who asked questions, made me draw a picture of my hand and told me that I had a distorted body image and gave me an ultimatum to start gaining weight or else we would need to seek professional help.

Excessive exercising

Mind games with the mirror

Strangest thing – whilst the chubby hand I drew for him may have told one story, in my mind I knew I was thin – the problem was that I was not thin enough to be 'cool'.

Fast forward 30 years and this is my reality – I gained weight and I did not have to get professional help, but I am still a health freak. I still do not eat with abandon. I still have people nagging me to eat more. I still get a kick out of skipping a meal. I still exercise regularly and did so religiously through two pregnancies to the point that I weighed less after having my children than before.

I do not weigh myself often, but I do scrutinise myself when I walk past the mirror in my bedroom every day. And I NEVER try clothes on in change rooms.

I am a healthier weight (maybe too healthy for my liking, if I am to be honest) and I have achieved 'coolness' finding confidence in who and what I am. I have been married to a great man for nearly 25 years. We have two awesome kids. I have cycled more races than I can count, run Comrades and done loads of exciting things.

But what I do know and what I own and understand, is that once an anorexic, always an anorexic. I will never have a natural relationship with food. I do enjoy it, but I will always cut the cake in half and take the smallest helping. *Not her real name

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“What has changed is that I do not define myself by what the scale says.

Rather it is just a part of what makes me, me. In the same way as my obsession with coffee and love of musicals makes me who I am.”

A GUIDE TO MAKING

SIMPLE STEPS TO A GREENER LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE HOME

EDIT YOUR HOME Greener

BY MAKING IT Compiled by Anthea Campbell

We are all learning ways to become a lot more eco-conscious in our decisions to make our lifestyles greener. It is hard work though, so to inspire you further, here are a few suggestions on how to make your home greener, one step at a time. This is a transitional process that is better achieved in a more sustainable way. Let it be a lifestyle and not a fad. Starting and making it happen is the most important step, and yes, while we like the idea of living a “zero waste free” life, it is only achievable when we change our habits.

WHERE TO START? RECYCLING This is a great way to start your journey of making your home a “greener” one. Separate your waste into the following seperation bins tin/cans, glass, paper and plastic. Postwink offer fantastic solutions for you to start this vitally important part of living a greener lifestyle.

Another solution for non-recyclable products is by making your own “eco-brick” that can be given to schools or companies like Waste Ed, who create functional areas and living spaces.

Take a look at www.waste-ed.co.za for how to make your eco-brick and see the work they do.

Compared to traditional incandescents, energyefficient lightbulbs such as halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light emitting diodes (LEDs) have the following advantages: they use up to 25%-80% less energy; save money; and last 3-25 times longer.

Today's energy-efficient bulbs are available in a wide range of colours and wattage.

We found a useful Energy Saving Calculator from Eurolux, this is a great way to see just how much you can save and you will be very surprised with the results. Visit https://www.eurolux.co.za/green

LIGHTBULBS Switch your lightbulbs to energy efficient varieties. By changing a single bulb you are already taking one step towards making more eco-conscious choices. The biggest problem that consumers face is the initial cost of energyefficient bulbs and knowing which globe is the right one to use when replacing old ones.

While the initial cost of energy-efficient bulbs is typically higher than traditional incandescents, newer bulbs will cost less to operate and save you money over the life of the bulb. Many of the newer bulbs last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you won't need to replace them as often. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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LIGHT SWITCHES Leave your lights off for as long as possible, open curtains and use natural light. In winter close curtains from about 4 o'clock to keep the heat in. Turn off lights when you leave the room, it's good for your pocket and the environment.

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PLUG POINTS Unplug unused chargers and appliances. Even though you aren't using that item, it still draws energy/power adding to your electricity bill.

(This is also a lot safer for unsuspecting loose wires).

APPLIANCES These are costly items and are necessary. At some stage old appliances need to be replaced with new ones. When this happens, consider switching to energy efficient, environmentally friendly ones. More and more brands are introducing “eco/green” products to their range. If you are unsure about how the item works or if the product you are looking at is “eco-friendly” ask to speak to the manager. Research brands and products beforehand as this will reduce the frustration and confusion.

Increasing awareness of the environment and the impact of our daily lives on the planet has seen domestic appliance manufacturers focussing on the energy needs and consumption of their products.

Many technologies have also been redesigned to comply with implementations of more energy efficient regulations. Defy has become one of the most energy-efficient, sustainable domestic appliance brands in South Africa.

Bosch home appliances with Green Technology inside is one company making huge strides. It starts with the product and includes everything, even the packaging.

Samsung Electronics climate change outlook is all about a sustainable, greener future with environmentally conscious products.

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They believe that electronics can be made more environmentally conscious and this is taken into account from the start when planning and developing all of their products. Climate change affects every part of the world. Through greenhouse gas reductions and related initiatives, they are striving to use advanced technology to make life more convenient and eco-inspired.

GEYSER Lower the temperature on your geyser. By insulating your geyser as well as your hot water pipes you could save up to 37% of your energy consumption used by your geyser system.

Isover Geyser Insulation pack is an ideal product to consider. www.isover.co.za GAS Changing your geyser and electric stove/ hob to gas is a good option. The initial cost may be offputting but the savings in the long run outweigh the initial expense. It is also an absolute blessing when there is load-shedding. And it is better for the planet.

SOLAR POWER It’s renewable, clean and environmentally friendly. Solar panels can be used almost anywhere in South Africa and are suitable for low energy use items such as lights and television.

DID YOU KNOW? Fridges and freezers account for the highest energy consumption of all domestic appliances?

Reducing the amount of energy that these units consume is based on two factors: 1. Improving the thermodynamic (“cooling”) efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

2. Reducing the amount of heat gain (“heating”) from the environment.

LAUNDRY Wash your laundry in cold and not hot water.

Use pegs that are made from sustainable wood or Increda-Peg which are made from recycled plastic. Plus this is a multi-functional peg with a number of different uses.

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The tumble dryer is the one of the most energy hungry appliance, after the refrigerator and washer.

Air-drying your clothes can reduce the average household's carbon footprint. Have you ever considered that the lint you find in your tumble dryer is your wardrobe literally wearing away?

When you stop using your dryer, you are actually saving your clothes.

Let the sun be your natural iron, by not ironing fabrics such as t-shirt material garments rather fold them immediately.

Use “eco-friendly” detergents and softeners there are some amazing products that have been created with the environment in mind and have no harsh chemicals.

CLEANING PRODUCTS Cleaning products do take out a chunk of one’s monthly budget. Switching and buying green cleaning products is the perfect way to start your eco-conscious journey - they are kinder to the environment, biodegradable, non-toxic and still give you the desired result.

Green cleaning products are available on-line and through retail chains. Smaller specialised stores give you the option to refill your own containers, if you forget to take your own, you can still buy your own containers.

ONLINE PAYING ACCOUNTS Pay your accounts online, it's greener as well as a sanity and time saver solution.

UNSUBSCRIBE Unsubscribe from newsletters that you do not read. All these do, is take up space on your computer and clutter your email.

EMAIL Cleaning out your emails is something that should be done regularly. If you do not, it uses your data, causing your computer to slow down.

SHOPPING BE MINDFUL Buy what’s in season, by doing this it reduces your carbon footprint.

FASHION When buying or replacing a new piece of clothing consider donating the old one if it’s still in good condition to a charity shop, or use retailers like H&M, KiND who offer solutions for clothing that is still in good condition.

There are some great innovations happening in the fashion industry. Clothing made from recycled bottles/plastic bags as well as bamboo which gives a luxurious silky touch and feel. Hemp and organic cotton are versatile providing earth friendly style and comfort.

NAPPIES Switch to cloth nappies – or use together with disposable ones. By using one cloth nappy a day, you will have kept 365 disposables nappies out of landfill annually.

Why not make your own cleaning products?

Your pantry cupboard can be the perfect place to find ingredients to make your own “home cleaning solutions”.

GLASS JARS/BOTTLES Re-purpose glass jars and bottles for leftover containers, refilling and bulk storage.

Turn to page 58 to find out how to make your own cleaning products.

WATER BOTTLES Buy inexpensive reusable water bottles. Great source Consol Glass. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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KITCHEN TOWELS Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen unless you have a paper alternative like Twinsaver's Green Choice Roller Towel range.

Repurpose old towels, and t-shirts: cut and hem them into small cleaning cloths.

SERVIETTES Use cloth serviettes. When choosing paper ones ensure they are sustainably sourced.

TOILET PAPER / TISSUE When choosing your toilet paper the following factors should be taken into consideration: is it sustainably sourced, is it chemical free, does it bear the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) stamp.

CHARITY Not sure what to do with your old “stuff”?

Consider donating it to a charity shop, and whilst you are there do some shopping yourself.

What's the take away from doing this, you'll be recycling perfectly usable items, you get to name a charity you would like to benefit from your goods as well as supporting your local economy, plus you will save money.

SUPPORT LOCAL Support your local economy by shopping for fresh produce at the local farmer's market, by doing this, it encourages and stimulates growth and sustainability. Farmer’s markets are a great way to interact with farmers who are producing organic produce and freshness to your table.

A win-win for everyone.

All photo’s Credit: Anantara

SHOPPING BAGS (NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE) Whilst the larger retailers are phasing out the plastic shopping bags there are still many of the smaller retailers who still insist on using these bags. As an eco-conscious shopper ensure that you take your own reusable shopping bags with you. If, on the off chance you leave your bag at home, purchase a reusable bag from your retailer.

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RECEIPTS Some retailers are asking consumers if they can email receipts as opposed to printing them.

This does take a little longer BUT it has a significant impact on our carbon footprint.

Understandably, for some people this may not be a viable option.

CAR As much as we would love to own an electric or hybrid car the cost and lack of infrastructure are major stumbling blocks for many. So what can we do right now? Try combine as many errands into one trip; stick to the speed limit it is safer, reduces wear and tear and your fuel lasts longer. One of the things that Covid-19 highlighted was the amount of unnecessary driving we do.

HOME MAINTENANCE Conduct your own home audit by checking on the maintenance of your property. Check for leaks; poor connections; pool pumps – make sure that your pump runs according to season and that you aren't over using it. Also broken or loose windows/latches can let out the heat and let in cold during the cold months. FIX what needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

A well maintained home is just more efficient.

UPCYCLE Consider upcycling and giving life to something old before buying anything new. This includes clothing. There are many fantastic charity and second hand shops scattered around our cities and suburbs and you will be amazed what you will find in these little gems.

You can also go online to find what’s available on places like Facebook, OLX and Gum Tree.

Tip - never pay before you have seen the item and preferably take someone with you.

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OUTDOOR VEGETABLE GARDEN Planting a simple vegetable garden is a great way to provide your family with healthy plantbased meals. It's a fun way to get the family involved and a reminder where our food comes from. .

Growing your own vegetables doesn't have to be complicated. Your nursery has well trained assistants to help you get your garden up and running. You can plant seeds or seedlings. I personally love growing from seeds and seeing new plants as they push through the soil.

Seedlings are a perfect solution for those who want to have an already established plant and don't have the patience of starting from scratch.

The result is the same…delicious, fresh, home grown produce.

WATER WISE GARDEN Planting a water wise garden is ideal especially as our country is water stressed. Your nursery is a wealth of information when it comes to which plants need water and which are better options. You should also be aware of which plants are invasive as these can ultimately be more harmful to your garden. A great tip when you are removing plants is to consider putting it onto a Facebook community board for people to collect and use.

HOME COMPOSTING Composting at home is one of the things that is starting to make a difference in many households.

Are you wanting to try your hand at starting composting but not sure how, what it will smell like and even what it might attract? The truth is, it is a lot easier than you think. A Bokashi bucket system works well. It is a hassle-free solution, . and a great way to get your scrap food and vegetable cut-offs into your garden. There are no bad smells, mildew or maggots tp worry about.

RAIN/SHOWER WATER Collect rain and shower water and use it to water your houseplants and garden. (There is a lot of

wastage from pre-warming your shower water.)

DOG POO No matter how much we love our dogs, ‘poopatrol’ is an unpleasant task and the bigger the pooch, the bigger the problem.

The question is though, how does one dispose of the poop in a way that is not harmful to us or the planet and without having to use plastic bags or throwing it into the compost (which is not a good idea). Pet Poo Drain is a brilliant product that is easy to attach to your drain no smells, no chemicals and no harm to the environment.

CHARCOAL / BRIQUETTES South Africans love the outdoors. We love to “braai” and sit around log fires. The problem is that the illegal harvesting of trees for firewood, charcoal and brickets is on the increase.

It is therefore important to know what you are buying. If it does not have the FSC log on the pack - don’t buy it. Only buy products that use sustainable sourced wood or from producers are cutting down invasive trees and using them to make charcoal and firewood.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE There are some really stylish, innovative and fun furniture designs that are made from recycled plastic, with fabrics that are totally eco-friendly.

There are many choices available online or you can even visit organic markets to see what is available - you will be amazed. Check out www.sunnyspot.co.za GARDEN LIGHTING - SOLAR Let the sun add magic to your garden by charging up solar lights which will give your garden a lovely glow at night. The variety is vast, with plenty of options to choose from including decorative lights and functional more ones that light-up pathways, patios and other dark spots. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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YOUR PANTRY A SOURCE TO MAKING YOUR OWN NATURAL CLEANING SOLUTIONS! Ever run out of a cleaning product? This can be a real lifesaver. We found some great tips from “Home Enlightenment author Annie B. Bond” who offers the following suggestions and recipes to try out.

MUST HAVE OLIVE OIL WHITE VINEGAR Makes a wonderful furniture polish.

An antifungal that also kills germs and bacteria.

PURE ESSENTIAL OILS BAKING SODA Eliminates odours and works as a gentle scouring Adding natural, organic essential oils to your homemade cleaning mixturea is a wonderful powder. way to add fragrance to your solutions.

Some even have antibacterial, anti-fungal, or HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (3% concentration) insect-repelling properties. Always ensure that A great nontoxic bleach and stain remover, as the "essential oils" you purchase are organic well as a proven disinfectant. and pure. Remember, when using these oils that care should always be taken as some may LEMON JUICE cause harmful reactions when ingested or used A pleasant-smelling nontoxic bleach, greasedirectly on the skin. Pregnant women should cutter, and stain remover. check which maybe harmful. If you're unsure about any oils, consult a reliable source such CORN FLOUR as www.youngliving.com on its proper usage.

Great at absorbing carpet spills.

HOW TO MAKE ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS An all-purpose cleaner is something you can use for just about every surface.

Put ½ tsp. washing soda and a dab of liquid soap (castile soap works) into a spray bottle with 2 cups very hot tap water. Shake to dissolve. The spray will keep indefinitely.

For an even simpler solution, try cleaning with two cups of club soda in a spray bottle.

MOULD REMOVER Combine 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with 1 cup water. Spray on mould and do not rinse. Annie recommends treating mould with a spray mixture of 2 tsp tea tree oil and 2 cups water.

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TOILET CLEANER Sprinkle baking soda or borax, or pour white vinegar into the toilet, and let sit for a few minutes.

Scrub with a good toilet brush.

OVEN CLEANER Cover the oven floor with baking soda, spray with water until very damp, and let set overnight. Spray with water every few hours before you go to bed to keep damp. In the morning, clean out the baking soda, and the stuck-on gunk will be loosened and ready to scrub off.

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RECYCLING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

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ebl Create a recycling program for your house and set-up a proper storage bin system that is easy-to-use. The garage or kitchen is a good place to locate bins – label recycling bins to ensure materials are separated correctly.

Spread the word – post recycling guides at home near recycling bins to remind family and friends what goes where.

Get creative with waste reduction around the house – use reusable rags and dish towels instead of paper towels.

Keep recycling empty, clean, and dry – rinse bottles and recyclable packaging before depositing in your recycling bin.

Flatten bottles as they take up less space in bins and trucks – they're also easier to crush and process.

Keep the caps on so that they don't become lost or become litter – they're easily separated from the bottles during the recycling process.

Properly dispose of masks, wipes, and gloves – in protecting oneself against the spread of Covid-19, always ensure to follow the correct procedures in disposing relevant materials.

Say no to single-use – use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and straws. Quite a few establishments still use these items, so carry your own.

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Recycling centres vary in the types of plastic they accept – always check with your local recycling centre and take care to buy plastic goods that are recyclable.

Remember to reduce, reuse, and rethink – find ways to reduce your consumption, reuse items, and rethink your needs and approach. By recycling you are helping to prevent global warming, create jobs, reduce pollution, and protect wildlife. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ECOFINDS

ECO-FRIENDLY

HOME SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell Eurolux’s Daylight B22 9W Opal Globe LED gives a warm glow to any area in your home. This globe has a luminous flux of 810lm, with a warranty of 3 years. The lamp life hours are 25000hrs this globe is not dimmable. Available at leading hardware outlets and major retailers countrywide. For more information regarding their eco/green globes visit www.eurolux.co.za

Twinsaver's Green Choice Roller Towel range aims to meet South Africans' growing concerns for the environment and sustainability. Made from 100% sustainable material and recyclable packaging, this range offers products that are eco-friendly, while continuing to deliver on the trusted quality and performance.

The Roller Towel range with unique Super Soaker Pockets™ are super strong and absorbent. Apart from the Green Choice marked products, most of Twinsaver's products are also FSC certified (FSC* C155514), which means the trees have been harvested in a responsible manner, workers' and communities' rights have been protected along with ensuring the maintenance or enhancement of high conservation values. Available at all major retailers. country wide.

Increda-Peg is a proudly South African patent.

Increda-Peg is not just a peg, it can also be used to double the utility of your washing line, for wardrobe management by creating space in your cupboard, gardening, and camping. With its pull-on and twist-off functionality, it is also arthritis friendly. It is durable, made from quality recycled plastic.

Increda-Peg 60 pegs and drawsting bag (R125.00). Available at www.incredapeg.com and www.takealot.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Postwink - Sensor-Tap 3Compt Sensor bin, 45L (R2 699.00). Ideal for your kitchen and kind to the environment. Use a tap of the foot to open the lid. No need to touch the lid as it closes automatically. Three divisions, with removable colour-coded inners. Bin is made high quality material:#430 stainless steel with a brushed finish. Bin capacity: 45 litres. Outer dimensions: 58 x 32 x 50cm.Use three regular +D batteries. Available at www.postwink.co.za

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ECOFINDS

ECO-FRIENDLY

HOME SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell Tuffy, takes the lead with 100% recycled refuse bags. Tuffy is the first organisation in the country to be certified for using 100% recycled material in its refuse bags (75% of the recycled content is the waste generated by the public that would other wise end up in landfill) and the first to receive accreditation from an international product verification company to verify the claim 100% recycled.

On average, Tuffy uses an astonishing 544 311 kilograms of recycled plastic per month, which is the weight of approximately 113 elephants. Tuffy also produces regular grocery carrier bags for various retailers, using recycled material – initiatives which have substantially increased the use of recycled content in the plastic industry. Tuffy donates a portion of their profits to WWF.

Güdco produces Güdsheet - a toilet paper that is made from 60% sugar cane fibre and 40% FSC approved wood pulp. Each roll is individually hand-wrapped with love, in eco-friendly paper to promote hygiene, and packed in recycled boxes to replace plastic. No chlorine, acids, inks, dyes, scents or perfumes are used in their toilet paper. It is bleached using an elemental chlorine free (ECF) process that's good for you and the environment. Soft, strong and sustainable, the hybrid blend of sustainable fibres give each sheet its silk-like softness, and no-nonsense strength you'd expect from a premium toilet paper. Güdco has established The Güdfoundation that remains committed to improving water & sanitation development in the Eastern Cape. If you would like to contribute to this cause, consider buying Güdsheet. Rolls are available in 1 and 2 ply.

Available at www.gudco.co.za.

Calli and Co's Reusable Unpaper Towels can be used exactly as you would a traditional paper towel.

Simply throw them into the wash and you can keep reusing as long as you like. To reuse, simply lay your towels flat with the design side down, place your roll on top and roll each towel individually back onto your roll, ready to use again. Packs consists of 12 or 24 towels. Locally made. Available at www.calliandco.com ecobalancelifestyle.com

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HOME SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Perfect for pet lovers - Pet Poo Drain (from R329.00), is the pet poop solution that every home should have. Pet waste is placed directly into the sewer line – the same place your waste goes when you flush your toilet.

No more smelly garbage, flies or plastic bags filled with dog poop in landfills.

Simply attach the Pet Poo Drain onto your existing sewerage outlet (you don't need a plumber to do this). It is environmentally friendly, no chemicals and no digging. Available at www.petpoodrain.co.za and takealot.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Envirolite Lightweight concrete products are environmentally friendly are quick and easy to install with no specialised training required.

Their focus and drive is to produce lightweight concrete products of the highest standard using only recycled polystyrene aggregate. Working closely with waste management services across South Africa to divert polystyrene waste from landfill to be used in the manufacture of energy efficient walling and flooring products. Envirolite’s vision is to turn the tide on waste that would end up in our oceans and landfills.

Prices and quotes are available at www.enviroliteconcrete.co.za Envirolite Blockset is a grey quick-setting high-strength cementitious mortar specifically designed for Envirolite Concrete’s range of lightweight concrete blocks and allows for consistent mortar batching with minimum wastage. Envirolite Blockset is easily applied in a bed thicknesses of between 5–8mm. For more information on a data sheet and store locations visit www.enviroliteconcrete.co.za

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An Earth Probiotic food waste recycling kit enables you to turn 100% of your food waste back to soil.

Earth Bokashi is 100% biodegradable and utilising indigenous micro-organisms. Each bin is made from recycled plastic and includes an internal strainer and integrated tap for tapping off bokashi juice.

Earth Bokashi Bin from R190.00, Earth Bokashi 4kg R290.00. Available at www.earthprobiotic.co.za

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HOME SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Calli and Co spent a lot of time researching the most effective and beneficial cleaning ingredients. Their most powerful ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide.

Super Cleaner (500ml R65.00) is at a safe dilution for children if they accidentally ingest it. Hydrogen Peroxide is water with an extra molecule of oxygen.

It acts as an oxidiser, so not only does it make your stainless steal sinks and taps sparkle a little more, it actually oxidises the cell walls of bacteria, disrupting their chemical structure and killing them.

It also inhibits further reproduction of bacteria.

It is a great disinfectant for cutting boards and counter tops and is safe for septic tanks.

Available at www.calliandco.com

Simple Truth Vinegar Powered Household Cleaner 500ml (R46,99).It is scientifically formulated, this eco-friendly vinegar powered household cleaner cuts though grease and grime without harming the environment. Made with good old vinegar and naturally derived cleaning ingredients and no artificial colours, you can clean your home without feeling guilty. It's the simple, sparkly clean truth. Available from Checkers Stores www.checkers.co.za

Green Bee's mission is to provide biodegradable products that are effective and affordable. All their products are fully plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic and are free of EDTA, phosphates and petrochemicals, making them safe for the whole family including pets.

Green Bee’s Dishwashing Liquid (5L plus 500ml glass counter-top bottle R210.00) and All Purpose Microbial Cleaner (5L plus 500ml glass spray bottle R310.00). Available at www.thegreenbee.co.za ecobalancelifestyle.com

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Make recycling a habit

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A GUIDE TO

Recycl

g Pla

ic

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e

When you drop a bottle into a recycle bin, it will come back as something new – you know that. But did you know that by recycling you are helping to prevent global warming, create jobs, reduce pollution, and protect wildlife.

Plastic does not break down in landfills, and since it can be recycled to make many diverse products, effort should be made to recycle all plastic waste. To make best use of plastics, consumers should choose the types of plastics that lend themselves most to reuse and recycling options.

Recycling centres vary in the types of plastic they accept.

Check with your local recycling centre and take care to buy plastic goods that are recyclable.

The key to a successful home recycling program is your storage bin setup.

Once you learn which materials your local drop-off centre accepts set up a corresponding storage bin system. The garage or your kitchen is a good place to locate the bins; if storing your bins outside, the lids will need to be covered to secure the contents from pests and wind.

Try to use smaller containers, as they will be easier to lift when full. Label recycling bins to ensure materials are separated correctly. Once your system is set up, recycling is easy. · Rinse bottles and recyclable packaging before depositing in your recycling bin. This prevents flies both at home and the recycling station. · Flatten bottles as they take up less space in bins and trucks; they're also easier to crush and process. · Keep the caps on so that they don't become lost or become litter. They are easily separated from the bottles during the recycling process.

Info:The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO)

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bl e LAUNDRY WITH EARTHSAP PROMOTION

Earthsap Laundry detergents are nontoxic, child-friendly, biodegradable and kind to your skin.

As we all know laundry can be quite a stressful task; What clothes can I mix? How much detergent do I actual need? Where are all the left socks? We have put together some tips and tricks to help you manage your laundry experience better.

BEST TIPS FOR LAUNDRY MANAGEMENT 1) Find a rhythm that works for this season such as figuring out how many loads you need to do, this may vary from time to time.

2) Put a laundry hamper in every room. Do not let the floor become the laundry basket, it only adds a mess.

3) Limit colour sorting to some degree, if you are sceptical about a specific item of clothing rather hand wash it separately as most clothes hold their colour quite well.

4) Make the laundry area for its sole purpose: cleaning. Do not let it become a cluttered area that you struggle to function in, as this will make laundry time unnecessarily chaotic.

5) Use less detergent than the cup calls for.

Most cups hold way more liquid than what is needed to wash a load.

6) Create a lost-sock rack or missing pile where everyone in the family can go to find their missing sock's partner instead of aimlessly wondering where it could be.

Another aspect of doing your laundry that you should keep in mind is the type of detergent you use on your clothes. The last thing you want to happen to your precious outerwear is fading, hardening of fabrics and general wearing down due to the copious amounts of harsh chemicals that are present in many detergents. This is why switching to a safe, harmless, eco-friendly detergent is the best thing for kick-starting a new laundry system.

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Earthsap Laundry detergents feature a combination of plant-based ingredients to remove the toughest stains. Unlike regular laundry detergents it won't leave residue that may irritate sensitive skin and is good for allergies. We use no optical brighteners proven to bind to the skin and include only natural ingredients that pose no health risks and are safe for the planet. They do not harm aquatic life or affect marine plant growth.

Enjoy this product knowing it is good for both you and the environment.

Contains no chlorine or bleaches, no petroleum based chemicals, no optical brighteners, no artificial fragrances, no artificial preservatives, no dyes or EDTA, no animal or GM ingredients, no testing on animals and is safe for septic tank use.

Enjoy our product knowing it's good for the environment and good for your home! · No optical brighteners · No petrochemicals · No artificial fragrances · No artificial preservatives · No testing on animals · No phosphates Stockists: Available at selected SPAR stores, Pick n Pay, health shops nationwide, Wellness Warehouse and online at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

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4 Earthsap Laundry Liquid - Apple & Kiwi

Laundry 1 Earthsap Machine & Hand Wash Laundry

(1L R94.99) cleans and refreshes your laundry.

Soapwort and citric acid have natural cleaning properties, while essential oils of apple and kiwi add a fresh, clean fragrance. This is a natural laundry liquid, and unlike regular detergents, it is biodegradable and safe for the planet.

Powder (2,2kg R199.00) is based on pure natural ingredients including natural earth mineral salts & 100% natural oils. Contains no chlorine, bleaches, petroleum-based chemicals, optical brighteners, artificial fragrances, artificial 5 Earthsap Regular Strength Laundry Liquid preservatives, dyes or EDTA. It also does not with Orange & Mandarin (1L R94.99) Ditch use any animal or GM ingredients and no testing the toxic detergent, and switch to an excellent is done on animals. Safe for septic tank use. natural alternative. Leaves laundry fresh and clean, with a great natural citrus fragrance.

2 Earthsap Machine & Hand wash Laundry The toxin-free formula is biodegradable and Liquid (500ml R99.99) is formulated and tested safe for the planet. together with our microbiologists, and is based on pure simple ingredients including coconut, 6 Earthsap Laundry Powder - Free and Clear lavender and other plant oils. Only pure essential (2,2kg R199.00) Get your laundry fresh and oils are used for fragrance and therapeutic clean the natural way, with this toxin-free benefits. They are safe for your family, pets and washing powder from Earthsap. Free and the environment and are completely Clear Laundry Powder contains safe natural biodegradable. ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, salt and hemp oil. There are no harsh bleaches, optical Earthsap Fabric Softener Lavender & 3 brighteners, artificial fragrances or Eucalyptus (1L R99.00) is a fabric softener that preservatives in this formula. Ingredients: is formulated and tested together with our microSodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium biologists, and uses only pure simple ingredients Citrate, Essential Oils of Almond and Hemp. including soybean, lavender and other plant oils.

Only pure essential oils are used for fragrance 7 Earthsap Laundry Powder - Eucalyptus & and therapeutic benefits. They are safe for your Rosemary (2,2kg R199.00) Essential oils of family, pets and the environment and are complavender, rosemary and eucalyptus have been letely bio-degradable. They do not harm aquatic added to this washing powder to give it life or affect marine plant growth. excellent cleansing and refreshing properties.

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FASHION ECO-CONSCIOUS

SITTING PRETTY Fashi

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Arlo harem styled trousers are a relaxed fit, that can be worn in any season. The Emily sleeveless tank top is a relaxed fit, ribbed neck detail, sleeves, hem slits on the side.

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Arlo harem styled trousers are a relaxed fit, that can be worn in any season. The Cloud crew neck jersey has ribbed cuffs, neck and hem with a textured knit. It is a regular fit.

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Sia cotton fleece quarter zip top is worn with the versatile Arlo harem styled trousers.

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Olsen Top paired with the Zadie Dress in Sitting Pretty's print designed in house and their leather Knot belt.

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The beautiful Miller top has a square neckline with flattering wrist length sleeves.

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The Emily sleeveless tank top worn over the Snug crew neck jersey.

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TRANSFORMS PLASTIC WASTE INTO EVERYDAY FASHION H&M has joined forces with Danone AQUA for another round of the bottle2fashion Project, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the shores of Indonesia into recycled polyester.

Hoodie Jacket (R179.00)

Joggers (R149.00)

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Top (R149.00), Joggers (R179.00)

Choosing plastic bottles for your children's clothes might not be an obvious choice, but for the H&M kidswear collection, the recycled polyester from these bottles has been blended with organic cotton and recycled cotton to create cosy, everyday pieces in fashion-forward colours and silhouettes.

With plastic pollution a huge threat to marine populations and landfills, it's now time to change fashion – one piece at a time.

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TOPS THAT ARE P layful and C

Crop Tops with twist knot detail (R140.00)

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Hoodie Jacket (R179.00) Joggers (R179.00)

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Long Sleeve Top (R149.00) Joggers (R229.00)

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The entire collection is made from a blend of recycled polyester from the bottle2fashion Project, organic cotton and recycled cotton.

Cheerful, comfortable and coordinating hoodies, joggers and long sleeve tops form the collection and include stylish details such as twist knots, colour-blocking, cropped lengths and tie-dye.

With a pallet of black, marl grey, browns, navy, blush pink and lavender plus bright green, sunflower yellow and vibrant blues. The magic of colour really comes to life.

For this collection we wanted to focus on pieces that kids could really be kids in - playful, comfy and confidence - so hoodie, joggers and some long-sleeve tops. Though the garments can be coordinated we put together a wide-ranging colour palette that could be easily mixed and matched.

“I always love to see what kids come up with and I hope they will also learn about the bottle2fashion Project along the way,” says Sofia L fstedt, Head of Kidswear Design at H&M. Composition 20% recycled polyester 80% organic or recycled Cotton H&M

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Summer Is C

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By Gilda Galvad

By now everyone knows that the bestest, most favouritest, life enhancing, healthiest, rewardingest thing to do, is to grow your own food! Superlatives are in order, as gardening makes you see that nature is superlative.

After all you take a patch, or container, of soil, add a seed, add water, give it sunlight and viola! You get a plant AND food. Isn't that amazing?

There are a few things you can do to make this happen in a more productive way, in fact so productive that there will be enough to provide for yourself, your family, even friends and neighbours. This can lead to all kinds of exciting things, like bartering your vegetables, getting involved in community projects, feeding the less fortunate and much more. There are even bonuses such as you get exercise, sunshine ie vitamin D, relaxation and therapy for your stress and overtaxed minds.

As the song goes, “Let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start.”

Where are you going to place your vegetable garden?

Take a look where the sunniest part of your garden, patio or balcony is. Vegetables want a lot of sunlight. When you plan your garden, here are a few tips: A West facing wall in summer will be too hot for your tender leaf plants, like lettuce. If you live in a very hot area you could plant them in dappled light.

Be aware of wind tunnels as the wind blowing constantly through the area will take a lot of water with it leaving your plants quickly dehydrated. It can also strip the leaves.

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shadows fall and for how long is there shade over those areas?

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If the land slopes you may need to consider terracing the area otherwise water and nutrients simply run down and away and sometimes your top soil is washed away as well.

Balconies and patios are perfect places to grow vegetables, as they are sheltered. Make sure you have sufficient sunlight. In a cement or bricked courtyard, use pots or corrugated planting containers and utilise the dead space.

The patch or pot of soil you have earmarked, is fundamental to your success. Preparation of the soil happens before you start to plant. If the area is virgin and you have never grown vegetables there before, you could simply add some good organic compost (no chemicals please as you don't want to eat chemicals do you?) and you're good to go. Top with a good organic fertilizer after planting. If you have grown vegetables there before, pay attention to crop rotation, add good organic fertilizer, compost and you're ready to plant. You don't need store bought compost, you can use your own that you have made in your compost heap.

If you don't have a compost heap yet, it is time to start one, it will save you a lot of money and you can manage what you put in it. No place for a compost heap? Invest in a Bokashi bin and there's food for your plants in a jiffy. A worm farm is also an excellent tool for your vegetable garden food.

We believe in a no dig policy, as digging up the soil merely serves to upset the organic life in the lower levels of the soil, which is just silly. Top soil is just that, it needs to be on the top. Your macro and micro-organisms live in all layers of the soil, let them do their work. If you have very stony, rocky or hard baked ground, or for any other reason, consider raised beds. These can be bought, built with bottles, corrugated planters, corrugated iron sheeting, pallets, or simply heaped soil with something holding it in place to avoid it being washed away by the rain.

If you are planting in pots or containers remember potting soil is a medium to provide ground, it does not have food in it unless it includes compost. If it is just potting soil you will need to add some compost and food. Mix your compost with vermiculite to provide absorption. You can add fertilizer, like seaweed, vermicast (worm poo), comfrey, or any other vegetable food to the soil or in the case of concentrated vermicast or some of the other fertilizers, you can sprinkle it on top of the soil after planting.

Take a look at www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za website for various options.

When your soil is ready, you can start to plant your precious seeds or seedlings. Buy good quality seeds, as you don't want to waste your work and resources on poorly produced seeds.

Spacing is important, so please don't be tempted to sprinkle your seeds all over the place. You will land up with clumps of seedlings and will have to thin them out and/or discard a lot of them. Take the trouble to plant carefully and use The Magic Seeder for small seeds. Visualise the size of the grown plant and make sure that is the area allowed for it to grow in. Also take into account which plants need more water and which plants need better drainage e.g. carrots. The depth that you plant the seed depends on the size of the seed.

Smaller seeds must be just covered with soil, bigger ones are put in a little deeper. Water your babies lightly, as you don't want to wash them away, but deeply. Vegetables want watering every day in most cases and in the heat of summer, twice a day. Please only water early morning and late afternoon.

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ebl PLANT THESE FOR SUMMER We have suggested some special varieties to help you to be adventurous and try something new.

These are available on our website www.soughtafterseedlings or www.sasseeds.co.za Beginners Spring/Summer Garden Combo Summer Chicken Mix Artichoke - Violetto Precoce Asparagus - Argenteuill Baby Marrow - Chiaro Di Nizza Beans - Climbing Neckargold Beetroot - Mixed Tris Di Barbarbietole Cucumber Cucumelon Egg Plant - Violetta Lunga Fennel - Bronze or Montebianco Fennugreek Flower companion plants Nasturtiums, Marigolds Herbs of all kinds Basil - A Foglie Di Lattuga Sage etc Japanese Basil/Perilla red and green Lettuce - Romana Bionda Degli Ortolani Moringa Parsley - Italian Flat Leaf Peppers - Soroksari Onion - Barletta & Rossa Lunga (others are winter) Radish - Nero Tonda D'Inverno (Black) Sunflowers Spinach Is winter planting but Swiss Chard - Verde A Costa Bianca Tomatoes - Principe Borghese & Costoluto Di Parma Tromba d'Albenga & Tonda Di Placenza Rocket - Wild Zucchini - Nero Di Milano & Genovese

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SOWING THE SEEDS OF

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By Melanie Walker

We never lose our fascination with seeds. From the tiniest little speck of almost nothingness, a plant arises, with flowers or food to eat. The smallest thing has the potential for greatness, and there are so many reasons why you should save them.

Although your main inspiration may be that you see it as a budgetary measure – save seed, save money – how about preventing 'extinction'? No, we know that when you think of the dying out of a species you wouldn't think of those flowers or veggies growing in your back garden. And yes, it's true that the produce sections in our local supermarkets aren't populated by endangered species. But what about your greatgrandmother's special heirloom beans or tomatoes, brought from their original country of origin? If no one collects those seeds and keeps them going, the legacy may die out. Not many of us suburbanites in this day and age have those kinds of plants anymore. Sure, small holder farmers around our country do follow this practice, growing food from seeds that have been handed down from generation to generation, or those collected from exchanges with neighbouring farmers. They are keenly aware of the fact that seed saving, storing and exchanging promotes crop diversity, saves money and provides smallholder farmers with a safety net in case of harvest failures. Which is what we should be thinking about.

Why? The tragedy won't be in that we have so many tomatoes, so why worry. But in how many KINDS we have. Thankfully some heirloom seed specialists are ensuring that these varieties don't die out. It's good for us because these are the plants we want to grow to gather our own seeds from. If you are a beginner to this and are a little confused when confronted with all the ecobalancelifestyle.com

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different seeds available – and who wouldn't be, with all the (mis)information out there regarding Organic seeds, GMO's, Hybrids, Heirlooms etc.

– here we go.

them, and to get them to grow again. http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com (garden/ how-keep-your-favorite-seeds-grow-themagain)

Hybrids (not to be confused with GMOs, those genetically modified organisms everyone's rightfully up in arms about) are plants whose parents have been intentionally crossed so that desirable traits show up in the offspring, resulting in vegetables that boast bigger fruit, disease-resistance, or a whole host of other beneficial characteristics. You can be pretty sure that seed from a F1 or F2 hybrid will not produce plants with identical qualities to the parent. So if you come across a hybrid tomato variety that you really like and that works for you, the likelihood is that the plant that grows from the seeds you may have collected and planted won't be the same, so you may have to buy the seed every year to grow the one you like.

Do it with your kids. Just to show them that hey, magic happens.....

The terms heritage seed and/or heirloom are those open pollinated seeds handed down from generation to generation - generally a variety that is at least 40-50 years old, is usually no longer available in the commercial seed trade and that has been preserved and kept true in a particular region. (For a great resource, check out www.janesdeliciousgarden.com.)

Organics are those seeds harvested from plants that haven't been grown or treated with any herbicides, fertilisers, chemical pesticides - or other chemical treatments. Open Pollinated (OP) means the plants are pollinated naturally by bees, wind, or some other natural source and are generally kept true to type through selection and isolation, but they are also adapted for local conditions. If, however, the OP variety is not kept in isolation and is cross pollinated with another variety, then any seeds that are saved from that plant and resown may result in a plant that has traits from both parent plants. Open pollination thus increases biodiversity.

To go into just how to harvest your seed would require going into much more detail - rather go have a look at this great site on how to keep

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The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies.

Gertrude Jekyll

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EcoFINDS ECOFINDS

GARDENING

SEED SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell

‘Linda’s Original Seeds’ by Sought After Seedlings is an exciting range of seeds.

Prices range from R32.00. Each pack is strikingly bold and colourful with an interesting fact from Linda Galvad.

WE LOVE Linda’s Original Seeds because they are of the highest quality heirloom seeds.

Environmentally friendly packs, non GMO We love Linda’s tips, it will help you with your choices. www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za

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By Melanie Walker

Do you know what biological diversity is? Do you know why it is important for life on Earth? Do you know how you can enhance biodiversity in your area? Biodiversity is important, especially in urban areas, as according to the Water Wise Watch division of Rand Water, “it provides the foundation on which all of Earth's ‘goods and services’ are manufactured”.

Of course, while on water, it continues to be on all our minds as we move into winter – our dry season here on the Highveld – and despite hopefully some fairly late autumn rain, because of very low rainfall during the wet season our storage dams are still not where they should be percentage wise. So yes, water restrictions are still in force, so please do use water as sparingly as possible, at home, in the garden, and at the office. Especially with the rolling blackouts we're experiencing – water supply is going to become a big problem in many areas as the pumps may not be working to get this precious liquid to where it should be – in our homes.

Biodiversity is one of earth's greatest natural resources. Every one of us depends on it in some way, be it the water or food we drink and eat, the air we breathe, the work we do, medicines we take. And we depend on it every single day. Humans don't live separately from the natural world. Rather, we rely on it for many different benefits or what experts call 'ecosystem services', such as protection of water resources, soils formation and protection, nutrient storage and recycling and pollution breakdown and absorption.

QUITE A LOT OF SERVICES WE GET FOR FREE! The cost of replacing these (if possible) would be extremely expensive. It therefore makes

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At least 40 per cent of the world's economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources.

In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.

- The Convention about Life on Earth

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There is concern that the period since the emergence of humans on earth is part of a mass reduction in biodiversity, the Holocene extinction, caused primarily by the impact humans are having on the environment, particularly the destruction of plant and animal habitats.

But it needn't be that way. Cities and towns can be havens for biodiversity. Fragments of natural vegetation – those green belts, parks and street trees provide food and habitats for a variety of wildlife. And your own garden can too.

So get on board. Start composting at home.

Plant indigenous trees and shrubs in your garden to encourage birds, bees and butterflies to come and visit, especially some taller ones that offer a canopy and shade. Give them a place where they can thrive. In the winter months, birds will come and get food and nectar from a variety of aloes, as well as grasses for the seed-eaters. Build a pond in your garden to encourage wildlife. And above all - Be Water Wise!

WATER WISE PLANTS Tall screen plants: – Crane flower (Strelitzia reginae); Wild pear (Dombeya rotundifolia); Tree-fuchsia (Halleria lucida) Hedge plants: – Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra); Krantz aloe (Aloe arborescens) Climbers for small gardens: – Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata); Climbing aloe (Aloe ciliaris); Wild grapes (Rhoicissus spp.) ecobalancelifestyle.com 93

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Sparkling Energy Culture An Organic Rooibos Ferment Brew Kombucha is a proudly South African, female-led producer of certified organic rooibos tea kombucha.

Placing the environment at the forefront of every decision, their packaging is made up of recycled materials and is 99% single use plastic free. The company won a number of awards at the 2020 International Aurora Taste Challenge, including double gold for their buchuflavoured kombucha. For more information, visit www.brewkombucha.co.za

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BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DRINKING K

bucha

Previously famous for being the weird drink your hipster friend brewed in their spare time, the fermented drink, kombucha has gone mainstream. Now available in most supermarkets, the fizzy good-for-your-gut drink is no longer exclusive to young millennials who eat smashed avo with kimchi on toast, while contemplating life.

Those curious enough to give it a taste will need to know how to choose a kombucha worth trying.

“There are two main reasons that people are still hesitant to try kombucha. The first is that they don't really understand what it is, or why it's beneficial to drink. The second is that, even if they are interested in it, they don't know where to start,” says Alex Glenday, Director at Brew Kombucha, South Africa's first certified organic kombucha.

plastic, even food grade plastic, can be harmful to the SCOBY. The acidic strength of the fermentation might degrade the material, and scratches in the plastic could harbour unwanted bacteria, which may impact the taste and health of your kombucha.

Additionally, in terms of the environment – choose glass over plastic every time.

Kombucha is made by adding a colony of live bacteria and yeast, known as a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), to sweetened tea and leaving it to ferment for a few weeks. Foods that go through a natural fermentation process, like kimchi and sauerkraut, gain probiotic properties. Eating these foods may bring benefits like improved digestion and a more balanced gut microbiome.

THE DARKER THE BOTTLE, THE BETTER: When probiotics are exposed to light for a long period of time, they are damaged. This impacts the gut health benefits of the kombucha. Go for dark bottles of kombucha, rather than transparent ones.

“When it comes to choosing a kombucha, the golden rule is – the cleaner, the better. The health benefits are a result of a natural process that takes place during fermentation. If a kombucha has too many artificial ingredients or additional processes, this works against any potential benefits,” says Glenday. “As with any food or drink, reading the label and knowing what to look for is the key to finding the besttasting, healthiest, highest quality kombucha.”

Glenday shares her tops tips on picking your first kombucha: GLASS OVER PLASTIC: When kombucha is brewed and bottled in

LOOK OUT FOR RAW INSTEAD OF PASTEURISED: If the kombucha that you have in your hand has been pasteurised, it means heat has been used to destroy bacteria in order to prolong shelf life. During this process, a number of the healthy, naturally occurring vitamin B's and probiotics will be destroyed too.

TASTE: Just because kombucha is good for you, doesn't mean it has to taste bad! A well-made kombucha should be light, fizzy and refreshing.

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Boosting IMMUNE

COOKBOOK

A fun and informative cookbook that packs the power of all the highest immunity promoting foods for the whole family.

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B-wellTM is passionate about health and wellness. We understand that the fundamentals to a healthy body comes down to a strong and efficient immune system - the body’s vast and intelligent network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinate your body’s defences against any threats to your health.

At B-wellTM, we are confident that a healthy and balanced diet is essential for the correct function of every part of our body, including the immune system. That is why we have carefully created and compiled this cookbook filled with yummy, mouth-watering and oh-so-easy recipes that comprise of an alchemy of immune boosting nutrients.

The nutritional factors in food that have been found to have immune regulating properties have been included in each recipe. These include micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, or macronutrients such as omega fatty acids, found in our canola products.

Each recipe has been created with love, from our B-wellTM family to yours.

For the informa on on the health benefit on B-wells products visit: W W W . B W E L L F O O D S . C O . Z A

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15 MINUTES

2 CUPS

CHEEKY GREEN KALE & CHICKPEA SPREAD The ease of a ready-made spread is incomparable, especially one that is powered with nutrients, tastes delicious and is so versatile. This kale chickpea sandwich spread is all of that; vegan, gluten-free and loaded with immune boosting power from nutrient-dense kale and chickpeas.

INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp B-wellTM Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise 2 medium kale leaves, ribbed 1 carrot, peeled and cut into chunks 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 Tbsp nutri onal yeast ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 green onions/scallions (green parts only), roughly chopped 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp mustard seeds

PREPARATION

1 In a pan on medium heat, add the mustard seeds and heat up while swirling the pan un l slight fragrance is released. Then add it to a mortar and pestle/spice grinder with the turmeric. Once ground up, add vinegar and blend into a smooth yellow mustard paste. Set aside.

2 Combine the kale leaves and carrot in a food processor fi ed with the s-blade, and pulse un l finely chopped.

3 Add the mustard paste, the B-wellTM Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise and the remaining ingredients and pulse un l the chickpeas are evenly chopped and everything is combined, but s ll slightly chunky.

4 Transfer to a bowl and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley sprinkle. Place any le container in the refrigerator.

overs in a sealed

5 Best served as a delicious dip, a drizzle over veggies or as a nutri ous sandwich spread!

1 tsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp sea salt, or more to taste ¼ tsp turmeric ½ tsp curry powder ½ tsp ground cumin ½ freshly ground pepper

Kale - Excep onal amounts of vitamin A, C & K, rich in magnesium and iron.

Chickpeas - Rich in vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and protein.

Sesame (Tahini) - High in iron, magnesium and vitamin B6.

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10 BURGERS

SPROUTED MUNG BEAN BURGERS WITH CREAMY MINT DRESSING Plant-based food is a growing sensation, not only for foodies, but for better health. These scrumptious burgers are vegan, gluten-free, have no artificial sugars and are packed with live health-promoting enzymes and plant-powered goodness from fresh mung bean sprouts.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BURGERS TM

B-well Canola Cooking Spray/ Cooking Olive Oil for frying pa es 1 cup dry mung beans 2 potatoes, peeled, cooked and mashed 2 Tbsp chickpea flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp ginger, minced 1 green chilli, very finely minced 1 small onion, finely minced/grated (liquid removed) 1 tsp turmeric 2 Tbsp coriander leaves, minced 1 tsp cumin 2 Tbsp mint leaves, finely minced ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, to taste FOR THE GREEN CHUTNEY TM

2 tsp B-well Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise ¼ cup coriander leaves ¼ cup mint leaves 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste Juice of ½ lemon ½ cup desiccated coconut 1 green chilli, like jalapeno, chopped Salt to taste STAR INGREDIENTS

Mung Bean Sprouts- Rich in vitamin A, C, B6, protein and potassium .

Mint - Natural an -inflammatory, vitamin A, C, iron and magnesium .

PREPARATION THE BURGER

1 Soak your mung beans overnight or for 8 hours in enough water to cover them by at least 8 cm. Drain the beans in a colander, give them a thorough wash. Now cover the colander with a kitchen towel. Wait for li le white shoots to appear. It should take a full day if the weather is warm.

If beans haven’t sprouted yet, rinse them once in the morning and again in the evening, cover again and wait.

2 Once the beans have sprouted, cook the sprouts with just enough water to cover them and add a pinch of salt. Do this for 30 min un l al dente (not mushy).

3 In a food processor, pulse the cooked beans or mash them to break them into smaller pieces.

4 In a bowl, mix the mung beans with all the other ingredients.

The mixture should hold together when you form a pa y.

5

Pa ng the mixture out on your palm and shaping the edges with your fingers, form 10 burger pa es. Allow to rest in the fridge for 5 min before cooking.

6 Heat a pan to medium high heat, coa ng the pan with B-wellTM Cooking Olive Oil or Cooking Spray. Cook over medium high heat un l golden brown on both sides.

7 Serve in a salad or on a whole wheat burger bun, topped with some creamy mint-coriander dressing, salad greens and tomato.

THE CHUTNEY:

1 Place the B-wellTM Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise and all of the chutney ingredients in a food processor or blender, add a splash of water and process un l smooth.

2 Add just enough water to keep the blades moving.

Add more water if you like your chutney runnier.

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1 HOUR

SERVES 4-6

RED POWER RANGER SOUP This red and devilishly divine soup is definitely a power package with bell peppers and chili, rich in the phytochemical ,capsaicin - the star element to this meal responsible for the spicy taste.

It is incredibly rich in vitamin A, C, E, loaded with antioxidants, minerals and contains flavonoids which have shown to assist with respiratory functions.

INGREDIENTS B-wellTM Extra Virgin Olive Oil 6 large red tomatoes/ 600 g chopped rosa tomatoes/ 1 ½ cans chopped tomatoes 1 large red onion, chopped 1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped 1 orange pepper, seeded and chopped 1 red chilli, chopped and deseeded 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 cup vegetable stock 3 garlic cloves, whole and unpeeled 1 tsp black peppercorns handful of fresh basil leaves half a n of coconut milk, op onal salt, to taste habanero/tabasco/sweet chilli pepper sauce to spice things up

PREPARATION

1 Heat the oven to 180C̊.

2 In an oven dish, add the chopped orange peppers, tomatoes, onions and the garlic cloves, s ll in their jackets. Drizzle with B-wellTM Extra Virgin Olive Oil and roast for 40 min, or un l cooked through.

3 In a large sauce pan on medium heat, add 2 Tbsp of B-wellTM Extra Virgin Olive Oil and add the coriander seeds. Remove the vegetables from the oven and add to the pan, squeezing the so garlic from its jacket into the pan (remove casing) and adding the rest of the ingredients.

4 Add the vegetable stock and basil and blend using a hand-blender (you will have to blend ingredients in sec ons if using a normal blender and then add the mixture back to the saucepan).

5 Once blended, s r in the op onal coconut cream, add salt to taste and allow to come to the boil before removing from the heat to serve. Once done, top with the freshly chopped red peppers, packed with vitamin C when kept raw.

6 Serve hot! Enjoy the pleasant flavours, textures and aromas - add your pepper sauce to your heat preference!

Red and Orange Bell Peppers, Chillies-Rich in vitamin A, C, E, an oxidant, an -inflammatory, manganese and potassium.

Tomatoes and Olive Oil -Ideal synergy to absorb power-packed lycopene - phytochemical in tomatoes for an oxidant ac on, cell regula on, immune modula ng and immune protec on.

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35 MINUTES

SERVES 6-8

GREEN POWER RANGER SOUP Few groups of power plants can compare to the brassica family, consisting of leafy greens, cruciferous veg and our B-wellTM Canola Oil. Mostly loaded with antioxidants, high levels of vitamin C, A, E, K, calcium, iron,folate, potassium and phosphorus. As well as power-packed phytonutrient, glucosinolates - shown to have anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-fungal activity in the body. Pow-pow!

INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp B-wellTM Canola Oil 1 head broccoli, separate florets 1 head cauliflower, separate florets 1 handful spinach/kale

PREPARATION

1 In a large pot, heat the B-wellTM Canola Oil on medium high heat and add the chopped onions.

2 Braise the onions ll light brown and blush, then add the garlic and s r well to allow flavours to release.

3 Add enough water to cover the onions. Then add the chopped zucchini and allow to cook and slightly braise ll so .

3 medium onions, chopped 6 medium/small zucchini, chopped 2 tsp vegan veggie stock boiling water balt & pepper, to taste 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 can coconut cream/cream (op onal) OPTIONAL

4 cubed chicken breast for an extra protein boost bone marrow for an extra immune boost. The flavours are complimentary.

4 Add the stock to a cup of boiled water ll diluted and 5

add to the pot.

Now add in the florets of broccoli and cauliflower and the chopped spinach/kale.

6 Add another cup of boiling water (add pre-braised chicken cubes or bone marrow bones).

7 Reduce the heat to medium and replace the lid of the pot.

8 Allow vegetables to cook and so en completely for at least 5 min. Then remove lid and allow soup to reduce slightly for another 5 min.

9 Using a hand blender (preferably) or a standard blender, blend the soup un l smooth.

10 Add soup back onto medium heat and s r in coconut cream.

11 Allow to cook for another 5 min.

12 Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Brassicas - B-wellTM Canola Oil, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach/kale.

Garlic -Natural an -viral, an -microbial.

Onions -Packed with selenium, zinc and vitamin C, natural an -viral, an -histamine and strong an oxidants.

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1 H 20 MIN

SERVES 6

OH, SWEET DAALING L E N T I L C U R R Y The humble red lentil curry or “dhal” has found its way into the hearts of many. A simple dish with incredible flavour and an array of spice infusions makes a statement with its power pack. This includes zinc, selenium and protein from the lentils, the creaminess and nutrition of butternut squash and of course, all the Ayurvedic alchemy from the spices to all boost immunity.

INGREDIENTS TM

2 Tbsp B-well Pure Canola Oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

PREPARATION

1 In a large pot, add the pre-rinsed red len ls and 800 ml of water. Bring to the boil and then reduce heat to medium.

2 In a different saucepan on medium heat, add the finely chopped onions and sweat down for 10 min.

1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp cayenne pepper

3 To the saucepan, s r in the garlic and cook for a

1 red chilli, whole

4 Add a splash of water to loosen the spice masala

2 tsp mustard seeds

and then add the chopped bu ernut squash, s rring through. Allow to cook for a further 10 min.

8 curry leaves 1 tsp salt, to taste 800 ml water 400 g bu ernut squash, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes 400 g can chopped tomato

further 1 min, then s r in the spices and mustard seeds and cook for another 1-2 min or un l fragrant.

5 Add the len ls and simmer for another 20 min un l the len ls and squash are tender.

6 Tip in the chopped tomatoes, stock and season with salt to taste. Bring to the boil, then gently simmer for about 10 min. S r in the coriander and serve with warmed naan bread, rice and wedges of lemon.

300 g red len l, rinsed well 1 handful fresh coriander, chopped naan bread or rice, to serve

Red Lentils- Rich in protein, vitamin B1, B3, B6, iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus.

Butternut Squash- Vitamin A, C, E and B, magnesium, zinc.

Mustard Seeds - High in selenium, omega 3, iron, zinc.

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SERVES 5

AFRICAN PEANUT & LEAFY GREEN STEW WITH TOASTED SUNFLOWER SEEDS This exceptionally creamy, peanut-infused stewed leafy greens, AKA Muriwo unedovi has been passed down over the years, filled with protein, antioxidants and flavour. This take on combining two of Africa’s favourite foods is sure to find its way as a favourite in your home.

INGREDIENTS 60 ml B-wellTM Canola & Olive Blend 1 cup spinach leaves & stalks, thinly shredded 1 cup kale leaves, thinly shredded 1 cup pumpkin/beetroot/ swiss chard leaves, thinly shredded 2 garlic cloves, minced

PREPARATION

1 Heat the B-wellTM Canola & Olive Blend in a frying pan, add the chopped onions and fry un l so .

2 Add the spices and garlic, s rring with the onions and fry un l mixture is golden and brown.

3 Add the shredded spinach, kale and greens and cook for 5 min, s rring occasionally.

4 Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2 min.

1 onion, diced

5 Add the peanut bu er and a small splash of water,

2 small tomatoes, diced

s rring un l it’s all blended and thick. Add more water slowly ll desired thickness.

½ Tbsp red chilli powder ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander ½ Tbsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 2 Tbsp peanut bu er, smooth or chunky

6 Replace the lid of the pan, reduce heat to low and allow mixture to simmer and cook for 3-5 min.

7 Meanwhile, in a dry pan on medium heat, toast the sunflower seeds ll light brown and crunchy.

8 Your leafy greens in peanut bu er, Muriwo unedovi is complete. Now top with the toasted sunflower seeds.

9 Best served with pap, rice, bread or tradi onally with amagwinya/vetkoek. Perfect as a side dish!

¼ cup sunflower seeds Kale - Excep onal amounts of vitamin A, C & K, rich in magnesium and iron.

Peanut Butter - High in protein, magnesium, iron.

Spinach - Rich in vitamin A, B2, C, K, magnesium, iron and an oxidants.

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3-4 HOURS

SERVES 6

BOOSTING BEEF KORMA W I T H A U B E R G I N E , M U S H R O O M S & S W E E T P O TAT O The traditional Korma is ever evolving, shifting and changing, what remains is the sensual flavours, brought by the array of flavour through spices. Add slow cooked organic beef and some powerpacked vegatables to this spicy mix, and dear ones, you have a foodies dream, a definite favourite.

INGREDIENTS 4 Tbsp B-wellTM Cooking Olive Oil 2 Tbsp B-wellTM Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise 1,5 kg grass-fed/organic beef pieces, cut into 3 cm pieces 3 medium onions, finely chopped 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes, small cubes 1 large aubergine, thinly sliced 1 punnet mushrooms, sliced/quartered 500 g natural yoghurt ½ cup roasted cashews, op onal 1 whole star anise

PREPARATION

1 On medium high heat, heat 1 Tbsp B-wellTM Cooking Olive Oil to a large skillet/sauce pan. Sear and seal the beef pieces on each side un l slightly browned. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2 To the skillet, add the rest of the B-wellTM Cooking Olive Oil, then add the finely chopped onions and braise un l golden and brown.

3 To the onions, add the minced ginger, chopped garlic, red chilli powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder and the cardamom powder. Mix well and allow the heat to release all the flavours of the spices for 2-3 min, then add the tomato puree and s r well.

FOR THE MASALA

4 Add 1 cup boiling water and add the browned beef

4 garlic cloves, peeled and ½ finely chopped 2 Tbsp crushed ginger 1 small n/½ big n tomato puree

pieces to the skillet with the salt and pepper, making sure to coat each piece in spiced mix. Allow to come to the boil, then reduce heat to low medium to simmer.

Replace the lid and allow to simmer for 2-3 hours.

½ tsp fine red chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric powder ½ fine cumin powder 1 tsp dry coriander powder 1 tsp cardamom powder 1 tsp fine black pepper 1 tsp kosher salt ¼ cup fresh coriander, for garnish STAR INGREDIENTS

Grass-fed Beef - Rich in protein, iron,omega 3 fats.

Natural Yoghurt - Gut health promo ng bacteria, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, A and E. Sweet Potato - High in vitamin A and C, B3, B5, B6, potassium, magnesium.

5 Once the beef is tender, add the sliced aubergine. Mix in the aubergine and mushrooms, add these to the top of your mixture, sprinkling the salt, black pepper and garlic onto the mushrooms. Mix and allow to absorb all the flavours, replace the lid and allow to cook for 5 min.

6 Add the pre-cooked bu ernut, yoghurt and B-wellTM Thick & Creamy Mayonnaise. Replace the lid, turn the stove to low heat and allow the curry to simmer for 10 min.

7 Take off the heat, sprinkle the fresh coriander. Serve the tender beef korma with some gravy and vegetables on a bed of basma rice or your choice of naan or bread.

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SERVES 6

GARLICKY MUSHROOM CRÈME DE LA CRÈME WITH WILTED SPINACH Besides being lusciously creamy, what’s really special about this recipe is its showcase of the humble button mushroom. Partnered with all the delicious garlic and spices, the mushroom adds meaty flavour, while boosting this meal with selenium, a trace mineral important for a healthy immune system.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

2 Tbsp B-wellTM Original Tangy Mayonnaise

1 In a medium saucepan, add the onions and braise in

3 Tbsp B-well Cooking Olive Oil

some B-wellTM Cooking Olive Oil, un l pink and blush.

B-wellTM Extra Virgin Olive Oil, drizzle

2 Add some water, enough to cover the onions (about

TM

1 medium onion, finely sliced

45 ml) and allow the onions to so en for 3 min.

1 punnet of bu on mushrooms, sliced

3 Mix the salt, pepper and red chilli.

4 large spinach leaves, thinly shredded

4 Now add the mushrooms, allow to brown and s r to

4 garlic cloves, chopped ½ tsp red chilli powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp dry coriander milk (coconut/cow’s) pasta of your choice (we love baby marrow pasta) F E E L I N G M E AT Y ?

ensure they are coated.

5 Add the garlic, coriander, milk and B-wellTM Original Tangy Mayonnaise, and s r well (add chicken strips here if you are feeling meaty).

6 Close the lid of the saucepan and allow to thicken and cook for about 2-3 min (with chicken: 15 min).

7 Drizzle with B-wellTM Extra Virgin Olive Oil and s r.

8 Add the cooked pasta, mix, serve, garnish as you wish and ENJOY the creamy pleasures of all the mushroom flavours, while your body enjoys the boost.

Add chicken strips MARINADE IN: TM

4 TbspB-well Original Tangy Mayonnaise ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper ¼ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp fine red chilli 2 minced garlic cloves ½ tsp minced ginger 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Button Mushrooms- Source of selenium, potassium, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus & iron.

Spinach -An oxidant, carotenoids, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium.

B-wellTM Selection of Products- Omega 3 and 6.

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1 H 30 MIN

SERVES 6-8

ASIAN IN SPIREDCHICKEN & VEG BOOSTER BROTH Chicken soup is renowned for its cold and flu busting abilities since ancient times, with more recent research suggesting its ability to reduce inflammation associated with colds and flus and relieve symptomatic mucous build-up. Add in superfood greens,sprouts,high adaptogen mushrooms and bam! You’ve got a winner broth, savoury and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1 Tbsp B-wellTM Pure Canola Oil

1 Place shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover with

½ cup dried shiitake or mixed dried mushrooms 6 cups chicken broth (chose low-sodium op on)

boiling water. Soak for 30 min-1 hour un l so . Remove the mushrooms, trim any stems and cut into thin 3 mm slices. Set aside. Strain the soaking liquid and reserve.

In a large pot, over medium heat, add the B-wellTM Pure Canola Oil. Allow to heat before adding the onion, garlic and ginger. Fry together, s rring for 5 min.

2 onions, diced

3 To the pot, pour in the reserved mushroom liquid, the

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

chicken broth, soy sauce, cinnamon s ck, star anise and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

3 cups boiling water

6 slices of fresh peeled ginger (3 mm slices) ¼ cup soy sauce (reduced sodium) 1 cinnamon s ck (5-8 cm piece) 1 whole star anise 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite sizes 1 bulb fennel, cored and cut to 5 mm pieces 8 green onions/scallions, whites cut into ½ cm pieces and greens chopped (keep seperate) 1 bunch bok choy, white stems sliced lengthwise, greens chopped (keep seperate) 2 cups mung bean sprouts ½ cup fresh coriander, chopped

2

4 Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 20 min.

5 S r in the chopped fennel, scallion whites and the reserved mushrooms and cook for 5 min.

6 Add bok choy stems and return to a simmer.

7 S r in bok choy greens and bean sprouts. Cook un l the greens are just wilted, about 2 min.

8 Remove the cinnamon s ck and star anise from the broth.

9 Serve garnished with scallion greens, fresh coriander and a drizzle of sesame oil, if desired. Enjoy with lime wedges over your favourite noodles/rice, or as is.

Shiitake Mushrooms- Strong adaptogen for immune func onsupport, high in vitamin B5, B3, B2 and B1, rich in selenium, manganese and zinc.

Onion & Scallions- Natural an -viral proper es, rich in vitamin A, C, B1. B2, flavonoids for an -histamine.

Mung Bean Sprouts - High in an oxidants, potassium, vitamin A, C. Bok Choy- Rich in vitamin C, E and beta-carotene, high in an oxidants.

2 tsp toasted sesame oil (op onal) lime wedges, garnish

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5 MINUTES

1 CUP

U L T I M AT E G O L D E N T U R M E R I C L AT T E “Golden lattes” have grown in popularity over the past few years, but it’s roots lead to Ayurvedic healing practices. This recipe leads back to the Ayurvedic route to amplify the anti-inflammatory, immune boosting benefits and ultimate flu-busting abilities.

INGREDIENTS 1/4 tsp turmeric powder ½ cup of flour/gluten-free flour ½ tsp ginger powder ¼ tsp cardamom powder ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp honey/maple syrup, or more to taste

PREPARATION

1 In a large mug, add in the coconut oil, black seed oil, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, honey, cayenne pepper and op onal Ashwagandha. Slowly feed in the boiling water, s rring constantly to create a smooth loose paste.

2 To the paste, slowly pour in the frothed/hot milk, s rring to make sure the mixture is diluted and mixed well.

3 Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and frothing and enjoy some golden delicious comfort.

1 pinch cayenne pepper/ red ground chili powder 1/2 tsp coconut oil 10 drops black cumin seed oil ½ tsp Ashwagandha (op onal) 200 ml hot/frothed milk/plant-milk 45 ml boiling water

Turmeric -Natural an -inflammatory, immune suppor ng.

Ginger - Natural an -bacterial, an -fungal, an -inflammatory.

Black Cumin Seed Oil- High an oxidant, an -inflammatory, an -allergy proper es.

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NOT SURE WHAT TO C

k?

In this issue we have chosen a selection of recipes that have been extracted from B-well’s down-loadable series of cookbooks. We absolutely love the different cookbooks which they have been made into e-books.

These different cookbooks cover a variety of subjects which makes it so much easier when it comes to making your selection. B-well invites you to download these cookbooks: ANTI INFLAMMATION COOKBOOK The new B-well Anti-inflammatory Cookbook, featuring different tasty snacks and meals to aid with overcoming inflammation and to increase the quality of your health and life. Each recipe combines some of the strongest anti-inflammatory foods and potent antioxidants, with flavours to boost your senses and support you on your wellness journey.

COOKING FOR KIDS COOKBOOK The B-well Cooking For Kids Cookbook, an exciting exploration through delicious, colourful, playful and homey recipes aimed at children, their special and unique nutritional needs, eating behaviours and risks.

FAN FAVOURITE COOKBOOK We wanted to create a recipe book that inspired people to cook again. To show people just how easy it is to recreate restaurant quality dishes from the comfort of their homes. Dishes which are not only easier on the wallet, but much tastier as well.

VEGAN COOKBOOK The inspiration behind this cookbook was to celebrate the cruelty-free plant-based diet, and a growing movement in South Africa and across the globe. With growing evidence indicating the health benefits of this diet, it has become apparent that “Veganism” is not a trend, but a legitimate way of life with many, many health benefits.

SMART CHOICE COOKBOOK The Smart Choice Cookbook with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) distinguishes itself from other healthy-eating cookbooks with its collection of fresh recipes that focus on ingredients that may aid in reducing the risk of cancer.

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RAMADAAN COOKBOOK The inspiration behind this cookbook was to celebrate the bringing together of old favourites and new flavours. The focus was to create some really special dishes to keep you sustained and balanced nutritionally while you dedicate your time spiritually.

IMMUNE BOOSTING COOKBOOK From the B-well family with love, we present the Immune Boosting Cookbook. A collection of easy recipes made to boost your immunity.

HAPPY HEART COOKBOOK The Happy Heart Cookbook was designed to focus on lowering the load on the cardiovascular system which relates to your heart.

The Happy Heart Cookbook represents B-well's commitment to positive change in the local consumer market.

Click below for your free copy

Enjoy!

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Wa

F

anci

Freed ?

HERE'S HOW Brett Mackay

There are five classic issues that stand between many of us and our own idea of what financial freedom is – whether that means freedom from debt or freedom from ever having to work for a living again 1.DELAYING SAVING Many people say they'll start a savings plan next month or later in the year without committing to when and how. This year becomes next year and the next thing you know, we're all another few years down the road and some of us are full of regret.

Putting saving off is a common error. People who start saving early give themselves a lot more than just a head start; they give themselves the benefit of compound interest, where growth builds on growth until you have a lot more saved than you could have imagined. The earlier you start, the better off you'll be in the long run.

If you're not sure how much you can afford, start small. Just making a start will help you stay motivated. You can always increase your contribution later. It's advisable to increase your savings as your earnings increase. Ideally, you should be saving at least 15% of your earnings for your whole working life, but you may have started late and need to catch up or you're planning to retire early at, say, 50, meaning you will probably need to be saving more than 15%.

2.INDUSTRY COMPLEXITY The investment industry has become extremely complex with thousands of funds all offering different benefits. The choice available from

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even one fund manager can be blinding. As a rule of thumb, don't buy something you don't understand (and don't believe anyone who tells you that investing is too complex for you to understand).

Do a little research and if you're still undecided, opt for an uncomplicated index fund that tracks the market and charges low fees. This will give you the best chance of success, and the added benefit of no nasty surprises.

3.HIGH FEES Most South African investors have no idea about the fees they pay on their investments, especially (and most ruinously) on their retirement savings. This apathy plays into the hands of the retirement fund industry, which, on average, charges fees of 2-3% per year on retirement annuities.

Paying a fee of 3% per annum over 40 years will almost halve the real value (purchasing power) of your pension. And it could ruin your retirement. Instead, shop around for a low-cost provider and be wary of actively managed funds, which tend to charge significantly more without securing better performance over the long run.

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4.PUTTING ALL YOUR EGGS INTO ONE BASKET Saving for retirement is very important, but so is cash flow for daily life, which unfortunately can include unexpected emergencies. A sensible financial plan will include different savings products for different purposes, such as saving for retirement and an emergency fund.

You'd be crazy not to take advantage of the tax incentives for retirement saving offered by the government. These incentives apply to savings in specifically designed retirement savings vehicles.

Essentially, if you save into one of these products, you'll receive tax back every year. You'd be mad not to accept this free money.

That said, it would be foolish to put all your savings into a retirement fund, which you cannot access until you are 55 or older. If disaster should strike you or someone you love, you might need to access some cash quickly. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least three months' salary in a fund that you can access quickly.

Having a plan in place that sets you on course to retire with dignity and maintaining a decent emergency fund are two key aspects of financial freedom.

5.DENIAL Whether people think retirement is a million miles off or they are certain they'll make a fortune one day, denial is very seldom anyone's friend.

Whatever excuse you're using to not engage with the obligation to put money aside for retirement, you're wasting precious time gambling with your chance of financial freedom.

The perfect time to start saving for retirement is when you start working; the second-best time is now. Making a plan that sets you on course for a dignified retirement, and executing that plan, should be a simple and manageable process of small, regular steps.

Start by entering your details into a retirement calculator, such as the one on 10X Investments website, and create a plan.

Take your first step to financial freedom today, even if it's a small one. Once you're ready to take a bigger step, download this free ebook on saving and investing for retirement.

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“The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?”

Sir David Attenborough

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bl e TRAVEL COVER STORY DESTINATIONS

AN OLD LADY GETSB

ox

ANEW HOTEL HLUHLUWE

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ebl We recently took a leisurely drive down to Zululand to spend a couple of days in the Hluhluwe area, staying at the newly refurbished ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Sadira Nayager the General Manager and her team, who made us feel welcome and our stay comfortable.

The hotel is nestled between the Hluhluwe Unfolzi Game Reserve, home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Each day we went out to explore the beautiful game reserves and the pristine wetlands that’s on offer. Getting up close to the magnificent wildlife, birdlife and just being outdoors in nature is so rejuvenating for the soul. We booked our game and birding trips through the hotel. Our field guides were knowledgeable about the fauna and flora, I must admit my knowledge about our feathered friends was almost zero until meeting Cela Manyanga and Werner Luppa they made it quite interesting from identifying the sounds to the naming of birds.

After our days of exploring this beautiful piece of South Africa it was always good to know that we would get back to our rondavel to relax before heading out to dinner. Our meals from their extensive al le carte menu was delicious.

Running and refurbishing a hotel during a pandemic has it’s limits, even with these limits Sadira and her team kept positive and motivated as tourism is hit dramatically by lockdown. Out of this the staff collectively came up with a solution for everyone to still stay employed. You can see that they care for each other and their guests which makes for a special experience.

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ebl WE CHAT TO SADIRA NAYAGER Running a hotel during a pandemic certainly has it’s challenges, it’s through these challenges that we learn to adapt and make sure we offer our guests a memorable stay.

All the sewerage at the hotel gets recycled, it goes into a recycling plant at the bottom of the property that gets pumped into our grey water dam, we use this water to irrigate.

Regarding food waste, the hotel has very little as we cook to what's needed. Due to our occupational safety program we do not give food waste to pig farmers.

We watch and monitor all our pricing to what's happening in the area to make sure we are consistent, we realise that the South African market is travelling a lot since lockdown levels have been lifted. We will always make sure that we offer our guests affordable rates. We noticed that some of the places still kept their rates at international prices which we did not, as we needed to encourage local travel at affordable prices because of this we are blessed with the business that we have. We also noticed that a lot of people left the hot spot areas and came up to Zululand because it was quieter and our prices are good, it made it affordable for families to get away. We know what our product is worth, speaking to guests and seeing that everyone is penny conscious, they check what they are paying for, what they are getting. More and more guests have booked for packages, accommodation, meals and activities, they want to pay one bill. We have our al la carte menu which is open from eight all the way through, there are guests who don't want a set menu.

Since the pandemic we unfortunately can't have our buffet, it is sorely missed and we looked forward to that coming back. You will also notice that we follow strict health and safety measures where the utensils and certain of our breakfast items are sealed to be opened by the guest.

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Customer feedback is very important to our business, should a negative comment be made we have to respond and address the issue with in 24 hrs, me personally I will pick up the phone and speak to the guest. It takes an effort for a guest review to be made be it positive or negative, a negative review is nothing personal, they have paid and they are paying with their own money to come through to the hotel.

Reviews are taken very seriously.

Training is important to the success of our hotel, we believe in building our staff up.

Something so special, the staff in my hotel decided amongst each other that they were going to split themselves into two teams, team a and b so this team works the first two weeks then team b works the second two weeks so everyone has an opportunity to work and earn a salary. Happy staff will take care of your guests.

SAVE ON WATER Towel signs are in each bathrooms, if you want your towels washed, put your towels on the floor and if you don't want them washed hang them up.

PILLOW MENU WITH THE ANEW DREAM EXPERIENCE ANEW wants there guests to have a blissful nights sleep, everyone has their own personal pillow preference and comfort. If you prefer to sleep with a different pillow or have an additional one they offer guests a pillow menu to choose from. Memory foam pillow, hypoallergenic or the bamboo pillow.

The ANEW Hotel is looking at how they as a group can reduce there carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly.

“I always say that I can explain broken I can't explain dirty.”

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Lounges are scattered around the hotel where can you meet. have afternoon tea or simply enjoy reading in a comfortable arm chair.

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The Self-Catering Units consist of two Self-Catering Rondavels (Chalets) which sleeps six people.

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ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe offers 81 Safari Rooms all with modern amenities.

For bookings anewhotels.com

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Time toExpl

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THE HLUHLUWE AERA

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ebl We enjoyed a guided bird walk in False Bay Park, the banks overflowing with pristine waters, finishing off with a walk through the treasured sand forests.

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We enjoyed an afternoon boat ride on the Hluhluwe River in the beautiful Bonamanzi Game Reserve. This reserve has a huge variety of beautiful butterflies and birdlife.

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We spent a few hours in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, the vastness is breath taking.

Within half an hour of being in the park we were lucky enough to see three of the big five.

Lunch was a picnic at Hilltop.

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We spent the day in the St Lucia area, visiting the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where bush meets the ocean.

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Cape Verde is a beautiful beach that stretches far and wide.

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ENVIRONMENT

POLYSTYRENE

The P

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yrene

INNOVATION IS TURNING THIS PLASTIC FROM BAD BOY TO SUPERHERO WITH SO MUCH POTENTIAL Compiled by Kerry-Ann

Polystyrene is widely used in packaging and while many people are still under the impression that polystyrene cannot be recycled this is not actually the case. Thanks to new technology and innovation your meat tray or yoghurt container could end up being anything from a brick to a picture frame or even a desk. All of this, however, is only possible if polystyrene packaging ends up in the recycling bin and not on the rubbish dump.

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products. As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware. When combined with various colourants, additives or other plastics, polystyrene is used to make appliances, electronics, car parts, toys and gardening pots.

It is also made into a foam material, called expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), which is valued for its insulating and cushioning properties. Foam polystyrene can be more than 95 percent air and is widely used to make home and appliance insulation, lightweight protective packaging, surfboards, food packaging and car parts.

It is also highly recyclable. In fact, polystyrene can be recycled up to 20 times without incurring any damage to its physical properties.

According to Plastics SA, polystyrene is one of the most widely recycled polymers in South Africa. In fact, just over 5500 tonnes of polystyrene was recycled locally last year and South Africa has one of the highest recycling rates in the world (last year we recycled 15% more plastic than Europe). Of this volume, polystyrene packaging was the sixth highest polymer in terms of volume processed.

Most of the polystyrene plastic waste is from fruit and vegetable punnets, meat punnets, takeaway cups, and plastic cutlery. These materials are recycled into, amongst others, seedling trays, toys, hair combs and lightweight cement blocks for the building industry.

POLYSTYRENE RECYCLING IS A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY Poylstyrene waste is a fairly common material processed at South African recyclers because it is readily available due to its popularity in various industries. To sustainably transport polystyrene for recycling, it is compacted or condensed to get rid of all the air that gives EPS its exceptionally light weight.

The end-markets for clear containers and expanded packaging polymers, such as polystyrene, are growing steadily year-on-year. The biggest end-market for recycled polystyrene is plastic furniture, followed by domestic houseware. A small portion of recycled polystyrene is sold to the construction sector, although this is a rapidly growing endmarket for this type of recyclate.

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UNIQUE MATERIAL Polystyrene is a unique combination of durability, economic viability and environmental performance. It has a low carbon footprint and uses very little energy to manufacture and recycle.

It is a common misconception that polystyrene damages the ozone layer. This is not true as it does not use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it is actually a by-product of oil conversion so no additional oil is drilled simply to produce polystyrene.

One of the main advantages of expanded polystyrene is its resistance to heat, making it ideal for use as coffee cups, food containers and cutlery. Polystyrene is non-toxic and non-reactive, which makes it perfect for food contact applications and to prolong the shelf life of edible products.

High-impact polystyrene is transparent and durable, which is why it is commonly used for fruit punnets and CD cases. It shows off the product contained within, while also protecting it during transport and sale. This type of polystyrene is also used to make retail coat hangers, laboratory ware, printers and keyboards, as well as computer and television housings.

POLYSTYRENE REIMAGINED One of the biggest successes for polystyrene recycling is its use in producing building materials.

Post-consumer and post-industrial polystyrene that has been granulated is mixed with cement and additives to produce insulated, soundproof, fireproof, water-resistant lightweight concrete blocks and screeds. Because the polystyrene is mixed into the special cement mixture, it does not matter what colour the polystyrene is. Even the black or post-consumer polystyrene that was until recently difficult to recycle can be used.

Whilst initially lightweight concrete bricks may cost roughly the same as traditional cement bricks, the savings are made as they weigh less than half of a conventional brick, which means lower transport costs and subsequent CO2 emissions.

Recycled polystyrene is also being used to produce decorative curtain rods, picture frames, cornices and mouldings. These products are

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lightweight, yet sturdy and can be finished in a variety of different colours. Recyclers readily accept post-consumer and post-industrial polystyrene for these end-markets.

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Polystyrene balls or beads are also in high demand for arts and crafts where they are used to make items like beanbags, pillows and chairs and the locally developed Wonderbag “cooking bags”.

The Wonderbag cooking bag is a heat-retention cooker that requires only enough heat to start the cooking process. The bag is filled with polystyrene pellets that allow it to retain the heat and completes the cooking process with no further electricity needed.

The Tutudesk is a simple, portable, and robust lapdesk made from recycled yoghurt containers and other High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). The desk which has been designed to fit easily and comfortably on children's laps provides a stable and versatile writing platform for children who may not have access to proper desks. It takes 1 kg of yoghurt tubs to make one lapdesk.

Make a difference According to The Polystyrene Association of SA you do not have to do anything special with your used polystyrene – the main thing is to make sure it gets into the recycling stream and does not end up in landfills. It is as simple as cleaning or rinsing your polystyrene (in used dishwash water) and placing it with other plastic recycling. Thanks to the demand for post-consumer polystyrene, recyclers are now happy to accept it.

For more information on polystyrene recycling or to find your nearest recycling centre try the following: www.polystyrenesa.co.za www.mywaste.co.za www.newearthrecycling.co.za www.packagingsa.co.za www.plasticsinfo.co.za

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CRAFT FOOTSTOOL

Ecobrick F

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THIS IS A FUN RECYCLING CRAFT PROJECT THAT YOU CAN EASILY ACHIEVE. QUICK TO MAKE AND SO SATISFYING. WHAT YOU WILL NEED. 12 ecobricks 2 thin foam sheets Batting sheet Foam cushion 2m ribbon 2m fabric 2 circular boards (we used thin) 4 recycled gravy/cream containers with lids Container filler - single use plastic Staple gun 4 screws Screwdriver Scissors Tape measure

By Anthea Campbell

HOW TO MAKE STEP 1 On a circular board that will be used as the bottom, position the lids of the recycled gravy/cream containers. Once you are happy with the position screw the lids to the board.

STEP 2 Fill the containers with the single use plastic, then pop them onto the lids. (you can use a glue gun to glue these on securely). These will act as the feet of the footstool.

STEP 3 Staple thin foam sheet onto board. This will be the upside, feet will be underneath, you will need to use both foam sheets, which will over lap each other. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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STEP 4 Place the 12 ecobricks into the foam tube, make sure that they are tightly packed.

STEP 5 Place the second board on top of the ecobricks. This will be the top of the footstool. Staple the foam to the board.

The ecobricks should be completely covered.

STEP 6 Wrap the batting around the foam tube.

STEP 7 Measure the circumference of the foam tube.

STEP 8 Cut the fabric with a enough for a seam to join the pieces.

Sew, hem place over foam tube and staple onto top and bottom boards.

STEP 9 The left over material and batting should be enough to cover the foam cushion. Use the cushion as your template.

Remember that you need to have enough to cover the sides and to go under the cushion. Carefully staple this onto the board.

STEP 10 Place and tie your ribbon around the your completed footstool.

Sit back, put your feet up on your new footstool and enjoy!

TIP Use thick pieces of wood and short wooden feet to make stronger if you want the footstool to double as a small chair.

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SNIPPETS FULL ARTICLE ON LINK NEAG FIGHTS CITY ON ROAD THAT WILL WIPE OUT BIODIVERSE NOORDHOEK WETLAND

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has been given the go ahead to build the Houmoed Phase 1 Extension that environmentalists believe will lead to the local extinction of the Western Leopard Toad and progressively empty the Noordhoek wetlands of its wildlife.

The Noordhoek Environmental Action Group (NEAG), backed by the NRPA (Noordhoek Ratepayers Assocciation), have launched an application to the Western Cape High Court for the approval by Minister Anton Bredell to be reversed.

NEW FLOATING BASE FOR HOPE STATUE ON THE BLACK RIVER

The HOPE statue placed in the water where the Liesbeeck and Black Rivers converge, has become a much loved and well-known sight for motorists travelling along the M5 highway near the N2 interchange.

“Without the wetland there is a very real risk of flooding, drought damage, nutrient runoff, water pollution, shoreline erosion and an increase in air-borne diseases that will have an enormously negative effect on the residents of Masiphumelele and Noordhoek. It also triggers a massive decline in wildlife. The long-term environmental degradation this road will cause as it progressively sanitises the entire wetland of any life far outweighs any short-term traffic benefits suggested by the city,” she says.

Alison Faraday of the ToadNUTs, an organisation that has been collecting data and saving Western Leopard Toads since 2007, says, “The toads are a 'canary in the coalmine' species for biodiversity. A flagship species for all the wildlife that lives in the wetlands, like porcupines, caracals, owls, grysbok and many others.

We are already seeing a decline in toad populations, and if we lose the toads, the other species will follow.

The Western Leopard Toad Conservation Committee agrees that this road may well eliminate the local population of the species,” she says. ToadNUTs has been supported by the Endangered Wildlife Trust and other eminent amphibian specialists in their assertion.

Read more here

Photo credit: Close-up of the Western Leopard Toad by 6 year old Riley Bateman-Burke.

The brainchild of Fred du Preez, an art director and self-proclaimed riverman, this symbol of pollutionfree rivers and oceans has recently received a brandnew floating base made of recycled polystyrene which has been mixed with a special cement aggregate supplied by Envirolite Concrete.

“Polystyrene and other plastics are often the most visible form of plastic pollution in our rivers and waterways due to the fact that they are lightweight and float. The fact that litter that possibly could have ended up in our oceans, have been put to good use to create a new floating base for HOPE, makes this whole initiative so much more impactful and poignant,” remarks Du Preez.

Read more here

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ebl “The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship.

We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations”

WHAT’S COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.

THE COST OF GOING ECO.

John Paul II

ESSENTIAL OILS, THE BENEFITS AND SPOTTING A FAKE.

ORAL HYGIENE.

HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR OLD MEDICINE.

THE GRACE OF AGE.

A TASTE OF SUMMER RECIPES TO ENJOY.

TURN AN OLD WARDROBE INTO A COFFEE STATION.

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY.

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