THE SOLUTION TO A SIMPLE, MEANINGFUL, WELL-DESIGNED LIFE /
THE F Ê T E / LIF E PROJECT NO.
30
MINDFUL PURCHASING Welcome to the Fête/Life Project – a collection of helpful, useful and practical articles that can be applied to life at any time, but especially now. Sourced from the many magazines we have released, our message has never been more relevant or needed by our community today… let’s embrace the simple life and treasure what is truly important – human connection, community, self care and pure acts of kindness. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST /
If you think these stories can uplift or help someone else, please share our project and spread the love.
FETELIFE.COM.AU / INSTAGRAM.COM/FETE_LIFE / #THEFETELIFEPROJECT
WOODEN SPOON
RÖrt Spoon $1.99, ikea.com.au
BRUSH
Redecker Dishwashing Brush in Black $19.99, saison.com.au
COFFEE SCOOP
andain Coffee Scoop in P Gold $8.99, amazon.com
SCISSORS
Fullfolja Scissors in Black $4.99, ikea.com.au
JAR
Eklatant Glass Jar $6.99, ikea.com.au
home / L I F E S T Y L E
STORY / INA ODAK FROM SNEAKERS + SOUL / JANE CAMERON PHOTOGRAPHS / STEPH BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
MINDFUL PURCHASING It's easy to feel overwhelmed by choice – a quick trip down the supermarket aisle for a can of tuna confirms that. But there is a flipside. Choice gives us the opportunity to make a difference – the chance to improve our lives or the lives of others and the chance to support the environment around the world. You don’t need to look far and wide to find evidence that we need to do a better job of looking after our planet – our home. From pollution, waste, climate change and both the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion there is much incentive to create more sustainable practices within our own lives.
We all want to do the right thing by our
Sustainability can mean any number of things to different people, in different contexts but it's the small, everyday decisions we make that can contribute to the greater good. In a consumer-driven world, sustainable style is about having the right information and being mindful about our consumer decisions.
person's wellbeing, or the state of their
Our purchasing choices apply to what we wear, how we build, renovate and style our homes, how we commute and travel to what food we prepare and eat. Education and awareness is key to ensuring that our decisions are considered and in line with our own personal values. Start small, determine what's important to you, your family and your lives.
There's no doubting that we've become
THE ENVIRONMENT
An easy place to begin because environmental issues are at the forefront of community conversation. Issues such as
fellow human beings but it's easy to forget that every item that we purchase has been made by someone, somewhere in the world. A bargain is great, but when buying budget, ask yourself how that item was produced for such a small amount of money – was it at the expense of another environment? Source responsible suppliers
it was produced, read the labels and consider each purchase. LONGEVITY
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Sustainable products don't harm the earth
OPTIONS NOW AVAIL ABLE, IT'S TIME TO MAKE THE SWITCH. BETTER STILL MAKE YOUR OWN COFFEE AT HOME OR WORK.
VEGGIES AND HERBS MEANS YOU CAN HARVEST AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS REQUIRED AND ALSO SAVE ON UNNECESSARY PL ASTIC PACKAGING.
COMPOST FOOD SCRAPS / EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE THE
where we saved for something special,
COMPOST FOR YOUR OWN
researched and invested our money wisely. With production costs at an all-time low, it is so tempting to make a short-term purchase without considering the longterm impact. Before buying, research instore or online to make comparisons. Think about how the item will be used, where it will be used and what value it brings to your life. Weigh up if a higher initial outlay may be
we're also helping our own health and
test them for yourself.
ISSUE. WITH SO MANY REUSABLE
a throw-away culture. Gone are the days
warranty or if one is even offered.
available, give the kinder options a go and
THEY REPRESENT A L ARGE WASTE
PLANT YOUR OWN /
discussion. By helping the environment,
and soil. With an array of products now
NON-RECYCLEABLE MEANING
GROWING YOUR OWN FRUIT,
lifespan for the piece and look into the
pollution and contamination of air, water
THAT PAPER COFFEE CUPS ARE
the provenance of an item, how and where
energy consumption are all up for
contribute to a reduction in waste
USE A REUSABLE CUP / YO U M AY B E S H O C KE D TO L E A R N
who value the lives of others – ask about
forest and land degradation, ocean rubbish, offset by superior workmanship and materials that will contribute to a longer chemical pollution, climate change and
well-being. Simple swap outs can
QUICK TIPS
GARDEN, MOST COUNCILS H AV E A G R E E N-WA S T E P I C KU P WHERE YOUR HOME WASTE IS CONVERTED INTO COMPOST AND USED FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES.
PICKED FRESH PRODUCE / BUYING IN BULK CAN MEAN WA S TA G E . B U Y O N LY W H AT YOU NEED TO ENSURE IT WILL A LWAY S B E F R E S H A N D WI L L B E GUARANTEED TO BE USED.
BRING YOUR OWN BAG / AS SOON AS YOU'VE UNPACKED YOUR GROCERIES, FOLD UP THE BAGS AND PUT THEM IN YOUR C A R S O Y O U 'L L B E L E S S L I K E LY T O FORGET THEM NEXT TIME.
USE NATURAL, ECO-FRIENDLY REUSABLE CUPS
KeepCup Regular in Black, Charcoal and Stone $34 each, all simpleform.com.au
PRODUCTS WHERE POSSIBLE / IF THERE'S AN OPTION, GIVE THE E C O-F R I E N D LY P R O D U C T A G O – LESS CHEMICALS FOR YOU AND OUR ENVIRONMENT.
REDUCE PACKAGING OPT FOR PRODUCTS THAT AREN'T OV E R-PAC K AG E D W H I C H S E N D S A MESSAGE TO THE PRODUCERS.
USE LED BULBS
or the people who produce them. They
T H E S E LO N G E R-L A S T I N G G LO B E S
benefit producers economically, socially
ARE MORE ECONOMICAL TO
and culturally.
RUN AND REQUIRE FEWER REPLACEMENTS. BETTER STILL, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE!
ISSUE NO. 23 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
67
TAKE YOUR OWN ways to reduce waste
THE ENVIRONMENT ENERGY / LOOK INTO SOLAR ENERGY IF POSSIBLE – IT'S RENEWABLE, UNLIKE FOSSIL FUELS – IT CAN B E R E P L E N I S H E D I N D E F I N I T E LY. SOLAR POWER REDUCES AIR POLLUTION AS IT DOESN'T PRODUCE THE EMISSIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL WARMING. WATER POLLUTION
C I T T À / Michele Linen Bag in Ash
T H I S P A P E R S H O P / Grocery String Bag
IS ALSO REDUCED AS THE
$49.90, cittadesign.com
in Black €35, thispapershop.com
MANUFACTURING PROCESSES REQUIRED TO PRODUCE SOLAR E N E R G Y A R E VA S T LY R E D U C E D COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL FACILITIES.
CLEANING PRODUCTS / WITH THE VAST SELECTION OF N O N-TO X I C C L E A N I N G S U P P L I E S NOW AVAIL ABLE, IT IS EASY TO GIVE THESE ALTERNATIVES A GO. LESS CHEMICALS IN THE HOME I S B E T T E R F O R Y O U, Y O U R FA M I LY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE MORE THESE PRODUCTS ARE PURCHASED, THE FEWER TOXIC PRODUCTS WILL BE PRODUCED AS MANUFACTURERS REACT TO
C O T T O N O N / Weekend Market Bag
I N B E D / Linen Market Bag in Olive $35,
in Black $19.95, cottonon.com/au
inbedstore.com
CONSUMER PREFERENCES.
ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES / IF IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW APPLIANCE, TAKE NOTE OF THE ENERGY RATING L ABEL. IF THERE IS A CHOICE, OPT FOR THE MORE EFFICIENT PRODUCT TO SAVE ON ENERGY AND/ OR WATER CONSUMPTION. THE E N E R G Y R AT I N G.G O V.AU W E B S I T E I S A GREAT RESOURCE TO EVALUATE PRODUCTS, COMPARE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND LEARN ABOUT ENERGY USAGE.
BUY RECYCLED / LOOK OUT FOR PRODUCTS THAT ARE RECYCLED OR CONTAIN
H A R L E Q U I N B E L L E / Triangle Shoulder
C O L L E C T I V E S O L / Fairtrade Market Bag
Bag $39, harlequinbelle.com
in Charcoal $45, collectivesol.com.au
RECYCLED COMPONENTS.
SHOP LOCALLY / EVERY ITEM TAKES ENERGY AND RESOURCES TO PRODUCE IT, PACKAGE IT AND DISTRIBUTE IT. BY BUYING LOCAL, YOU ARE REDUCING THE RESOURCES REQUIRED IN PUT TING THAT ITEM O N T H E S H E LV E S A N D Y O U 'R E L I K E LY T O B E S U P P O R T I N G A BUSINESS IN YOUR COMMUNIT Y.
DITCH THE DISPOSABLE / D O Y O U R E A L LY N E E D T H AT PL ASTIC STRAW OR DISPOSABLE NAPKIN WITH YOUR MEAL? CHOOSE TO EAT YOUR MEAL AT THE RESTAURANT WHERE IT WILL BE SERVED ON A PL ATE OR IN
C A M I L L A A N D M A R C / Canvas Bag
F A R M E R D R E W / Large String Bag with
in Khaki $199, camillaandmarc.com
Long Handles in Grey $25, farmerdrew.com.au
A GLASS WHICH CAN BE USED NUMEROUS TIMES INSTEAD OF JUST ONCE. IF YOU MAKE A POINT OF REFUSING THE DISPOSABLE ITEMS, BUSINESS OWNERS WILL TAKE NOTE.
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FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO.23
BAG
Fairtrade Market Bag in Natural $45, collectivesol.com.au
home / L I F E S T Y L E
THE THREE 'R'S REUSE / A SIMPLE PLACE TO BEGIN IS BY INTRODUCING A NUMBER OF REUSABLE PRODUCTS WHERE YOU M AY H AV E P R E V I O U S LY D I S P O S E D. USING REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS, WATER BOT TLES, STRAWS, PL ATES AND TAKING YOUR OWN BAGS TO THE SUPERMARKET ARE GREAT WAY S TO R E D U C E P L A S T I C WA S T E AND MAKE A START. RECYCLE / GET UP TO SPEED ON WHAT CAN
SUSTAINABILIT Y
FOOD
GO IN THE RECYCLING BIN AND
A sustainable product is one that has
A staggering amount of food is wasted each
RECYCLE ITEMS WHERE POSSIBLE. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL ON RECYCLING GUIDELINES. REPURPOSE / BE SURE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND GIVE YOUR ITEMS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE. CAN
environmental, social or economic value that has been produced without causing
drain on resources required to produce it.
its entire life cycle. Every product has a
Meal planning is key to reducing food
cycle and it's worth considering what has gone into every stage when choosing what to buy – there's a growth or manufacture
A DIFFERENT PURPOSE IN YOU
phase, a period when the product is in use
A QUICK MENTION… WHO GIVES A CRAP / BAMBOO OR 100% RECYCLED TOILET PAPERS, TISSUES AND PAPER TOWELS WITH FREE
just the food that goes to waste, it's the
harm to the earth or its people throughout
BELOVED PIECES BE USED FOR HOME?
year – up to $1000 per household. It's not
and then a time when it is no longer needed or functional and is ready for disposal. Products that are made using renewable sources ensure they are sustainable – think certified plantations or forests that
waste. Shop with a list and a purpose in mind. Go on a full stomach, don't impulse buy. If you don't need to travel far to the supermarket, consider a number of smaller shops each week rather than one big one – it means produce will be fresher, you don't have to plan as far ahead and you can buy just what is needed rather than stocking up for the long haul. Buying in bulk certainly has its advantages if well
are grown and replenished as required.
considered but not if the food goes unused
PROFITS TO HELP BUILD TOILETS
ORIGIN
FOR THOSE IN NEED.
produce, nuts and spices have a short shelf
In an ideal world, there would be no
life so don't stock up unless they'll be used.
DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR AND THEY DONATE 50% OF THEIR
W H O G I V E S A C R A P.O R G
unemployment, everyone would have
ARMADILLO&CO /
the means by which to support themselves
H U G E LY S U C C E S S F U L ,
and their family. Unfortunately that isn't
ARMADILLO&CO MAKE 100%
the case as many manufacturing jobs have
HANDMADE RUGS USING FAIRTRADE PRACTICES WITH NATURAL, RECYCLED AND
been shifted off-shore. Oftentimes this makes sense from a financial, logistical
and spoils. Consumables like fresh
If buying fish, educate yourself about at-risk species and choose wisely – visit the Sustainable Seafood Guide online or download the app for facts on the go. SUSTAINABLESEAFOOD.ORG.AU
SUSTAINABLE FIBRES. THEY
or environmental perspective, but consider
Go organic – it's not only better for your
SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLS IN
if there is a home-grown alternative to
body to consume more nutrients and fewer
THEIR WEAVERS' VILL AGES AS
the item you're just about to buy.
agricultural chemicals, pesticides and
WELL AS CONTRIBUTE TO THE ANGANWADI PROJECT WHICH
Not only does this ensure more prospects
SUPPORT PRESCHOOLS IN
for Australians now and into the future,
P O V E R T Y-S T R I C K E N S L U M S .
fertilizers, it's better for the long-term health of our land and waterways.
it means that the item was manufactured
The majority of human pesticide and
here with less distance to travel to the
hormone intake comes from the
CHILD IS EVER EMPLOYED IN THE
point of sale. Long distance shipping
consumption of meat, poultry, fish, eggs
MAKING OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
requires vast resources as well as
and dairy products which is reason enough
A R M A D I L LO-C O.C O M
contributing to the time and environmental to try cutting back on animal products.
JEANBAG /
impact required to get an item on the shelf.
TRANSFORMING DENIM, DESTINED
Shop locally where possible. Support
where possible. It means that asparagus
independent businesses that rely on your
isn't shipped from Peru and the apples
patronage. They employ local people
haven't sat in cold store for the past year.
FOUNDATION AND THE RSPCA
which, in turn, supports the community.
The food will likely be fresher and you're
THROUGH THEIR RECYCLING
Not only are you contributing to the
doing your bit for your local community.
OPERATIONS AS WELL AS
retailer's bottom dollar, you're also
Better still, plant some fruit trees in your
encouraging diversity and innovation
own backyard or in pots in
in what's on offer.
the courtyard. Not only will they supply
THEY ARE ALSO SUPPORTERS OF CARE & FAIR WHICH ENSURES NO
FOR LANDFILL INTO STYLISH HOMEWARES AND TEXTILES. THEY ALSO SUPPORT THE ENDEAVOUR
DONATING A PORTION OF THEIR PROFITS TO ORGANISATIONS THAT SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT. J E A N B A G.C O M.AU
Buy in season and support local producers
you with the freshest of the fresh, but you'll be assured of their organic provenance and health benefits.
ISSUE NO. 23 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY doing your bit
It's only right that companies in the developed world pay fair prices to farmers and workers in the developing world – people who are amongst the most disadvantaged and marginalised. It's about ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and supportive infrastructures to help these communities thrive. In 1997 Fairtrade International was formed and it is represented in Canada, the U.S., Japan, eighteen European countries, New Zealand and Australia. Fairtrade Australia/ New Zealand works with businesses and consumers to secure better deals for the people who produce the goods and to raise awareness and provide an understanding of these workers' plight. In order to become Fairtrade certified, a producer must meet social, economic and
COFFEE
environmental requirements. The standard
Dukes Espresso Blend $15, dukescoffee.com.au
doesn't apply to all products though, only bananas, chocolate, coffee, spices, sugar, tea and hot chocolate. Non-food related items such as beauty products, cotton, sports balls and gold are also included. Keep an eye out for the Fairtrade mark – certified products cab be found everywhere… supermarkets, shops, cafés, restaurants and through online suppliers.
FAST FACTS PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS T H E R E A R E O V E R 1 , 2 0 0 F A I R T R A D E-C E R T I F I E D P R O D U C E R O R G A N I S AT I O N S I N 74 C O U N T R I E S . FARMERS AND WORKERS THERE ARE OVER 1.65 MILLION FARMERS AND WORKERS IN FAIRTRADE CERTIFIED PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS. DEMOGRAPHICS 25% OF ALL FARMERS AND WORKERS IN FAIRTRADE ARE WOMEN WITH 46% WORKING ON PL ANTATIONS AND 22% WORKING IN SMALL FARMER ORGANISATIONS. LAND SIZE THE AVERAGE SIZE OF A PLOT CULTIVATED BY A F A I R T R A D E F A R M E R I S 1 5 , 0 0 0 M 2. FAIRTRADE MARK 78% OF NEW ZEALANDERS AND 50% OF AUSTRALIANS RECOGNISE THE FAIRTRADE MARK. REACH O V E R 3,000 FA I R T R A D E P R O D U C T S A R E FOUND IN AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEAL AND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT FAIRTRADE.COM.AU
COFFEE SCOOP
Pandain Coffee Scoop in Gold $8.99, amazon.com
CUPS
365+ Glass Cup $1.49 and 365+ Cork Coaster $1.49, both ikea.com.au
COFFEE MAKER
Upphetta Coffee Maker $8.99, ikea.com.au
TEA TOWEL
op Tea Towel in Charcoal P $12.95, countryroad.com.au
T -S H I R T
CasaAmuk Tall Tee in White $54.95, casamuk.com
R O O M S P R AY
HAND WASH
Cythera Aromatique Room Spray $60, aesop.com/au
R everence Aromatique Hand Wash $40 each, both aesop.com/au
CARAFE
65+ Carafe $4.49, 3 ikea.com.au
PL ATES
Berrendo Dinner Plate at bottom $14.95 and Jett Side Plate $5.95, both freedom.com.au
JEANS
lim Low Rise Pocket S Jean in Black $280, scanlantheodore.com
home / L I F E S T Y L E
FITS TO A TEE a good place to start
RESOURCES GOOD ON YOU / GOOD ON YOU IS AN APP WHICH MAKES IT EASY FOR ANYONE TO SHOP VIA THEIR VALUES. S I M P LY T Y P E I N A B R A N D N A M E AND A REVIEW DETAILING THE RATING IN REGARDS TO L ABOUR, ENVIRONMENT AND ANIMAL RIGHTS IS PROVIDED HELPING TO NARROW DOWN THE MORE ETHICAL BRANDS.
K O W T O W / Picture Top in White NZD$95, kowtow.com
B O N / Classic Tee in Grey $89, bonlabel.com.au
P U R E P O D / Bamboo Scoop Tee in Black $39.95, purepod.com.au
JOULE BUG / JOULE BUG IS AN APP DESIGNED TO HELP USERS SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION WITH TIPS ON EVERYTHING FROM LOWERING ENERGY BILLS TO REDUCING WASTE. FASHION / BHUMI.COM.AU CUECLOTHING.COM.AU KITX.COM.AU NUDIEJEANS.COM ORGANICCREW.COM.AU OUTL ANDDENIM.COM SPACEBETWEEN.AC.NZ TENPIECES.COM.AU
E T I K O / Organic Fairtrade T-Shirt in Grey $35, etiko.com.au
G O O D S T U D I O S / Unisex Oversize Tee in Black $85, goodstudios.com.au
BASSIKE /
Wide Heritage Rib Short Sleeve T-Shirt in White $90, bassike.com
THUNDERPANTS.CO.NZ VEGETHREADS.COM FOR A FULL LISTING OF ECA ACCREDITED COMPANIES VISIT ETHICALCLOTHINGAUSTRALIA. ORG.AU/BRANDS/
FASHION AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS
The tragedy surrounding the collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013 – the deadliest garment-factory accident in history – saw over one thousand factory workers killed in Bangladesh and sparked a crucial conversation around the true cost of the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion earns its profits at the expense of ecological and social systems. Slow fashion calls on both producers and consumers to take greater responsibility aiming for environmentally friendly production and selection of raw materials, fair trade, sustainable clothing production and high-quality processing.
We believe that the clothes you buy should reflect not only your lifestyle but your values and what our jeans represent is a value set that's about the humanitarian aspect, but also good stewardship of resources that take from the environment. Denim by nature is utilitarian, so on a cost-per-wear basis, you can justify spending a bit more on a quality pair that mitigates environmental impact while making a genuine difference in the world." In Australia, there is a growing slow fashion and beauty movement with an array of brands now featuring organic ranges. If you’re not yet convinced it’s time to try a natural alternative for your own benefit, doing to the environment when they are
Australian brand, Outland Denim, sums it
washed down the drains and into our
up, “Our whole philosophy is about making
waterways.
we source to how we treat and remunerate
JACQUELINEEVANS.COM.AU JANESCE.COM.AU LESBOBOS.COM.AU MUSQ.COM.AU NATURALINSTINCT.COM.AU NOURISHEDLIFE.COM.AU N YA S K I N C A R E.C O M .A U TRIUMPHANDDISASTER.COM YNATURAL.COM.AU DOCUMENTARIES / TRUE COST WAR ON WASTE THE MINIMALISTS
consider the damage these chemicals are
James Bartle, founder and CEO of
considered choices, from the raw materials
BEAUTY / GROWNALCHEMIST.COM
IN CLOSING…
our seamstresses and we hope that reflects Keep in mind, it's not about overhauling in a product that you can feel good in, that your entire life in a week, it's about making considered choices as they arise, that align you are proud to wear and that you reach with the things that are important to you. for time and time again when you're The key to lasting, sustainable dressing. improvement is to introduce simple changes and rituals into your life.
INA ODAK IS CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITOR OF LIFEST YLE BLOG S N E A KE R S + S O U L, I S A S T Y L I S T, CONTENT CREATOR, BUSINESS COACH AND MAMA TO LUKA, N E A R LY 3 . SNEAKERANDSOUL.COM.AU
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