ISSUE 1
Sustainable Planet • ECO FAMILY MAGAZINE
5 TOP TIPS Reduce plastic it can change your life | p9
GROWING YOUR OWN VEG
SELF CARE ISNT SELFISH
Alison gives tips on how to pick the best ones | p4
Self care has never been this easy | p13
03
About the editor
04
Growing your own vegetables
07
Choosing the right ingredients
09
Top tips on how to reduce plastic
10
Making natural cleaning products
12
Choosing natural products
13
Selfcare isnt selfish
16
When you build your own home
18
Black bean chocolate slice
19
More about the people involved
EXCLUSIVE
ERIN C-K Erin Costello-Kelly, Owner and CEO of botanic-planet and Editor in Chief on Sustainable Planet Magazine.
Hi my name is Erin and I am 12
This magazine is aimed at helping
years
young
people live a more eco friendly
entrepreneur who is passionate
organic lifestyle. Simple changes
about natural products and the
that will not only help ourselves
environment. I grew my passion
but  help the planet that we live on
for natural products when we first
too. If you have some simple tips,
started to build a house that is
recipes or general please send
old.
I
am
a
85% sustainable. It made us as a WRITTEN BY ERIN COSTELLO-KELLY PHOTO BY ASHLEY COSTELLO
them to erin
family think about what product we used for cleaning, which lead to what products we use on our skin.
page 3
GROWING YOUR OWN VEGETABLES
page 4
FEATURES
Beginning to grow your own vegetables A few years ago my husband said to me that he thought we should aim to eat as much home grown produce as possible. A man of action, he dug me four enormous vegetable beds and promptly got incredibly busy starting up his bee breeding, training, mentoring and beehive building business Bees
in
Our
Community https://www.beesinourcommun ity.org.uk/ That left me, an absolute novice gardener with a lot of real estate to fill and not a lot of knowledge about how to go about it. Luckily I have a very good friend who told me not to worry and reassured me that in general, plants just want to grow, and that I should just relax and enjoy the process, learning as I went along. And that’s just what I’ve been doing. I’m no expert but I’ve had some fun learning how to grow my own veg and experimenting with how to get home grown produce on our plates for a large proportion of our meals.
page 5
Quickest, simplest and easiest. By far the quickest, simplest and easiest way to get fresh greens on your plate without even needing a garden is either by sprouting or better still (in my opinion) growing microgreens. There’s plenty of information on the internet on how to get going and advice on what to start with but the basics is that you plant some seeds, keep them on your windowsill for a while and before too long you come along with your scissors and cut off the young shoots and eat them in salads, with your soup or as a fancy garnish at the edge of your plate. Done and dusted and not much hard work involved. Win/win in my book.
Easy Veg to start with outsideLet me start by saying I’m not going to give you the normal kind of advice you might pick up from Gardener’s World. I’m definitely no expert and a lot of my knowledge has come from trial and error. But - the very easiest of all home grown for me has been what I call my 'cheats salad bar'. If you buy a growing lettuce pack that you can get every now and then from the supermarket I have discovered that you can carefully separate out the individual plants and plant them outside. Keep them out of bright sunlight (they prefer shade and cooler weather), keep watered and after a little wait you’ll have a good crop to eat from
Whichever way you choose - whether it’s to grow from seed or buy plants from the garden centre you will eventually get to the stage where you will need to plant them into your vegetable beds. Pay attention to what the seed packet or a bit of a google search tells you about how far apart to plant them. Make sure that you have plenty of good compost and organic matter in your soil to ensure that they have all the necessary nutrients. And then water. Watch. Enjoy. And don’t forget to pick your veg and eat them. And… perhaps to be prepared to have a glut of the same type all coming at the same time. I am an expert at courgette bread, courgette fritters, courgette cake, courgetti spaghetti … you’ve been warned! My courgettes grew, and grew and GREW
page 6
CHOOSING THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS
page 7
FEATURES
Know what's good for your skin Erin Costello-Kelly ,owner and ceo of botanicplanet shares why it is so important to use the ingredients she uses in her products Today I am here to tell you what ingredients to look out for in skincare and why it is good for your skin. I will also be sharing what ingredients I use in my cosmetics that are great for your skin. Beeswax is a fantastic ingredient, often seen in a lip balms. This is because it contains natural moisturisers that trap in moisture from the air and it also helps keep the lips firm and plump. It helps protect the lips from the harmful rays of the sun. Great prevent infections and cold sores. Aloe vera has a cool and calming sensation. it is perfect for all types of skin including acne prone, as it helps reduce inflammation and redness. It can also assist with dark spots and the pigmentation of the skin. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. Did you know it can also help to treat burns, sunburn and dry skin. To find out more about Erin and her Ecofriendly skincare products visit Botanic-
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FEATURES
Finn’s 5 top tips for reducing plastic in the home! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Finn, passionate about getting rid of plastic in our homes but more importantly our Oceans. Here are some top tips to help reduce your plastic usage. 1. When in the supermarket, what can you buy without a plastic packaging? E.g. Veggies, Bread or snacks. 2. Over 13 Billion plastic bottles are used every year in the UK, so how about you try filling up a sustainable water bottle instead. Try personalising yours. 3. Do you really need a straw? Probably not! Avoid using straws if you can or use metal straws, use a good old fashioned glass instead. 4. If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll start to notice stores which use paper over plastic, spend your money on these stores and spread the word to family and friends. The more business they have, the more other businesses will copy their tactics! 5. Use a bag for life, instead of a plastic bag. Are you like us and forget to pick your up before you going shopping? Have some in your car, handbag or by the door to help you remember!
page 9
HOME
MAKING NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS Paula gives some compleling arguements reasons on why to make your own cleaning products and also shares her recipes.
We all know that we should try to reduce the amount of chemicals in our homes for the environment, Â or for a better quality of life. As a complementary therapist my passion is natural health and healing.
Over 20 years ago I took an
I
aromatherapy
and
business, where I mostly treat
subsequently dabbled in and out,
clients with pain management and
using them here and there. Two
low level mental/emotional health
and a half years ago I attended an
issues. Many of my clients now use
essential oils for well-being class,
essential oils as part of their daily
where I was introduced to the
routine. Now more than ever, we
amazing
certified
need to be focussing on our natural
therapeutic grade oils. These oils
immunity and wellbeing, using oils
are 100% pure and can be used
has helped myself, my family and
undiluted on the skin and many can
my clients with the increase of
be taken internally. I was so
stress and anxiety, during these
impressed
uncertain times.
course
benefits
that
of
I
immediately
them
into
my
started using them in every area of
Recently in a quest to rid my home
my home and family life. We use
of nasty chemicals I have started to
them for aches and pains, stress,
make my own green cleaning
allergies and all minor ailments. I
products...
make my own skincare which is completely chemical free, I use them with my dog and even our
page 10
introduced
grumpy cat looks forward to his aroma massage.
FEATURES
Soft scrub bathroom cleaner Paula came to essential oils would like to share a couple of my favourite cleaning prouct recipes: Soft Scrub Bathroom Cleaner: INGREDIENTS: ¾ rounded cup baking soda ¼ cup unscented liquid castile soap 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon vinegar 5–10 drops Lemon oil INSTRUCTIONS 1. In bowl, combine baking soda and castile soap. Add water and stir. 2. Add vinegar and essential oil. The consistency should be a soft paste. 3. Apply to the area you would like to clean, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. 4. After the solution has had a chance to sit, begin scrubbing. Once done scrubbing, take a wet cloth and wipe clean. I hope you enjoy making the recipes and if you would like any further information on the amazing benefits essential oils please get in touch - Paula x
page 11
ENVIRONMENT
CHOOSING NATURAL PRODUCTS
But why should we make the
Yet
it
continues
change with our toothbrushes?
manufactures
choice
to
be
despite
Bamboo being a natural resource, 1) Everything you put in your
that can be harvested naturally,
mouth has lasting effects on your
recyceld
body and the toothbrush is no
sustained.
and more importantly
exception. The harm that plastic ca do do our body is widely reported. Finn is on a mission to swap out plastic for Bamboo toothbrushes.
There
is
unintetention
research alingestion
into
dries much faster than plastic
of
makeing it more convenient for
chemicals , that may leak our over WRITTEN BY FINN COSTELLO_KELLY
3)Bamboo is not recycable but it
travel.
time. If you would like me to send you a
We all know that we should try to reduce plastic in our lives, for the environment, Â or for a better quality of life.
2) Plastic is littering the Earth and
FREE
distrying it on a large scale.
toothbrush (pay for P&P only) click
Reearch
the link below:
has suggested that
Organic
Bammboo
amount of plastic In the Ocean will be larger than the fish, that reside
https://resilientkid.lpages.co/finns-
there , Plastic remains on the earth
page
as landfil,
page 12
PERSONAL
SELF CARE ISN'T SELFISH “Whatever you take care of today, make sure you’re on your own list. At the top, kindness starts with self care” Nana Hoffman
WRITTEN BY TINA SAY
For many of us, we have been brought up to believe that putting our needs and ourselves first is selfish.
This narrative has the potential to
Remember you can’t give from an
create an unhealthy pattern that
empty cup. Take time to re-fill
can
feeling:
yourself with as much love as you
unappreciated,
give to others. Small acts of self
depleted both physically, mentally
care help put fuel in your tank and
and emotionally just to name a few.
help you recharge. You are
We often feel the need to explain,
important and worthy of kindness
justify why we are slowing down,
and love.
resting, having a PJ day, treating
Self-care comes in many forms and
ourselves to something new, or
is different for everyone.
going for a really long walk and
There are no right or wrong ways
going
my
for you to think about how you
favourites). Hands up if this sounds
implement self- care into your daily
familiar.
routine, it may look very different
When we do this, we are really
to your family, partner, friends and
judging ourselves. Yet it sounds
colleagues.
harsh doesn’t it? Because it is!
Your
We need to look at self -care
practices may change and look
differently
kinder,
very different to how they were a
gentler, loving and compassionate
few months ago or even last week.
often
leave
exhausted,
off
grid
in
a
us
(one
more
of
needs
and
self-care
Know that it is ok, we are all
way.
unique and so is your self-care
Self Care = Self Love
practice.
page 13
PERSONAL
Did you know that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit? So here is my challenge to you, if self- care is not a part of your daily routine or if it needs a revamp, why not make the decision to start a practice of self-care from today. By practicing acts of self-care for 21 days, this will help you establish a self-care routine that fits in within your lifestyle. Start small and then add to it, with new exciting ways to care for your self. So let's begin! Firstly, grab a piece of paper and a coloured pen or pencil. Find a space where you will be undisturbed for a few minutes or even longer! That in its self is an act of self-care. Sitting down in a place that is comfortable for you, gently close your eyes or lower your gaze. Take a deep breathe in and a long tender breathe out repeating at least three times.
Now place your hand on your
If
heart, and also take your focus to
busy, don’t worry just jump back
your heart
on board the self-care bus and
whilst continuing to
you
forget
or
life
gets
allow your breath to flow in and
remeber kind to your self.
out. Gently ask yourself what can I
At this time, we have been given an
do for myself? What do I need?
amazing opportunity to reflect on
Continue to allow your breath to
our lives. To think about life before
flow in and out. When you are
we pressed pause, what life has
ready open your eyes and write
been like since we pressed pause
down anything that comes to
and to think about when we press
mind. You might get a couple of
play again. What do we want our
ideas, or a several. Add to it as and
life to look like?
when it feels right to get 21 ideas
Will self-care be a part of your
of self-care or more.
life?
I have created a self-care menu for you to get you started. Enjoy! Self-care is an inside job, no one can do it for you. You must choose to care for yourself. It doesn’t always feel like a choice but it is.
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Self-Care Menu HAD AN EARLY NIGHT. RE THINK MY SLEEP PATTERN
TAKE TIME FOR A NURTURING BATH
DID A FACE MASK
LIGHT A CANDLE & ENJOY SOME ME TIME
LISTEN TO MY BODY
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE OFTEN
EAT REGULARLY
SPENT QUALITY TIME WITH A LOVED ONE
USE SOME HAND OR FOOTCREAM OR BOTH!
TAKE TIME FOR A MUCH NEEDED BREAK
USE THOSE TOILETIES I HAD BEEN SAVING FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
BE KIND TO MYSELF
Free
SET BOUNDARIES
TREATED MYSELF
CLEAN & DECLUTTER MY SPACE
REMIND MYSELF I AM ENOUGH
EXERCISE, DANCE, MOVE YOUR BODY
EXPRESS MY FEELINGS I.E JOURNAL, TALK TO A FRIEND
SPEND TIME IN NATURE
TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK
PLAY MY FAVOURITE PLAYLIST LISTEN, RELAX OR DANCE
MEDITATE / RELAX
READ A BOOK OR SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL
ENJOY MY FAVOURITE BEVERAGE
page 15
HOME
When you decide to build your own home! You know when you have that conversation, the pipedream of building your own home. Then all of a sudden youre living in a carvan on the site and knee deep making brews for builders! I sit here looking at the photos and cant quite believe we are doing this. We bought the land two years ago, it was August and we had done the rounds of all the estate agents in the area, and knew them all by their first name. We had decided to cut out the middle man and see if we could find land. The feelers went out to the mum network and the lovely and ever resourcful Sam Newey spotted a sign for land, withn walking distance of school. Perfect! As auction day approached, we were nervous and excited in equal measure. We were bidding against two developers. When the hammer eventually went down, the flury of final bids left me doubtful whether it was ours or not. That was when the hard work really began. The land clearing took lots of help from friends and little creatures.
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HOME
Cont... It took us nearly 18th months to get out of the ground. The plans had gone in to a Sips builders. We wanted this to be as sustainable as possible, so this was a great start, we thought about where everything was coming from. The house was coming from Yorkshire, groundworkers were local and we were off. As a family we needed to move on site. We spent a cozy winter in the caravans. As spring approached Foundations were started and what looked like giant sugar cubes were delivered. Come March Lockdown struck, builders continued to turn up, albeit a safe distance. The Sips
T
company who were building the house phoned and delayed the delivery. This wasn't such a blow as the builders were still here. Eventually builders merchants began to close and so things came to a halt. The Thursday the builders stopped had more of an impact, as while we could see work happening, everything felt easier. The lovely brother in law, stepped in and came to build our fences while he was Furloughed. Eventually the construction industry began to start again and we had a new delivery date. Builders were back! The delivery was delayed again but gave us more time to prepare. Then the big day arrived 7.30am right on time, our house was delivered on the back of a truck... to be continued. Written by Ashley Costello
page 19
BAKING
Method
INGREDIENTS
BLACK BEAN CHOCOLATE SLICE
90g oats (put in the blender to make into tin
black
beans(just the beans RECIPE BY SHARON DRYSDALE
not the juice) 250g any syrup
For all of us  that have a tin in their cupboard and don't know what to do with them
your cake tin. 2. Place
oat flour) 400g
1. Oven 175c & grease
1tsp vanilla extract 60g strong coffee 65g cocoa powder 1/2tsp salt
ingredients
except cocoa powder in a food processor and mix until smooth. 3. Add cocoa and mix again. 4. Pour into a cake tin and spread evenly. 5. Bake for 20 minutes and then leave to cool. Serve with berries and cream of yoghurt on the side.
page 13
I have lived in Northwich with my family since 1993 and have been so grateful to have found a place that I love to be able to sink my roots and become part of the local community. In the past few years my husband and I have been learning how to live a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle. We recently installed solar panels and battery to reduce our electricity bills and are busy exploring water harvesting and growing more of our own food with the aim of being able to live an abundant life for a lower cost.Yoga has been part of my life in some way for many years. I’ve been practicing Yoga for 35 years and I taught my first class in 1995. https://www.blissfulliving.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Blissfullivingyoga / interested in natural healing over 20 I became years ago, I practiced yoga and meditation, which lead me to train in healing and now offer lots of therapies including access bars. I have always loved oils and the amazing powers they have.  DoTerra oils are the only ones that can be ingested which is why I use and sell them. I even use them on my pets I run workshops to train others in the process of Access bars, Doterra Oils and even children's Wellbeing Programmes. My passion is teaching others how to look after their own wellbeing, from something as simple as using oils to relieve anxiety to delivering Access to release old patterns of behaviour. T:07583366748 E: paulabram17@gmail.com I have worked with children and young people for over 20 years within the NHS and Education sectors. My background is in Children’s Cancer Nursing a path that I loved and one that provided a variety of opportunities for me to explore. I have always been passionate about providing holistic care to the children, young people and families with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing. Using this extensive experience I now specialise in supporting children, young people, families and professionals with a variety of creative and innovative approaches using a combinations of holistic therapies, meditation, heartfulness, story telling, massage, yoga, dance, movement, art, self exploration and music. E:tina@thewonderofme.com FB:www.facebook.com/The-Wonder-of-Me113087167046700/
page 16
I am a 10 year old Entrepreneur called Finn, named after the irish folklore Finn Mccoll. My paternal grandparents are Irish and I am very proud of my Irish roots. I became very interested in the enviornment while building our own house on our own land. I (along with my sister Erin) collected 400 bits of rubbish off the land and the majority of that was plastic. It made me really think about all the plastic we have in our lives. I looked into alternatives to plastic toothbrushes and Bamboo seemed to be the answer, Organic of course! I'm on a mission to give away free bamboo toothbrush to everyone! https://resilientkid.lpages.co/finns-page.
I have been a Psychotherapist for over 20 years. Specialising in children and adolescents mental health through my project Resilient Kid. Last year, I delivered a TEDx talk on the topic of “Is Education broken?” The Resilient Kid is a direct result of that talk and hopes to fill a gap for parents, teachers, heads, educationalists and everyone who feels as passionate as I do. I am married to Dave who is an Architect and co-mad person living in a caravan with two kids and building our own sustainable home! E:ashley@resilientkid.com T:07482787818 FB:Resilientkid FB Group: The Resilient Kid
Sharon is a art therapist, BSL signer and chocolatier. Imagine the movie Chocolate and that's Sharon, She makes delicious Vegan delicacies and even hosts c
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