ENVIRONMENT

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO INFLUENCE PRODUCTS

By RYAN THOMAS How we react to the thought of a shopping trip can vary considerably between people but regardless of how we feel, it’s a necessary part of life. What we base our purchasing decisions on however, are not so set in stone; something retail is very much aware of. A sizeable amount of money is spent every year on understanding the complexity of what consumers want. Some consumers are willing to sacrifice more of their budget in favour of perceived high-quality goods, others prioritise price above all else (promos for the win), some are impulse spenders and others take an inordinate amount of time pondering a purchase before eventually relenting at the check-out. It is this decision-making behaviour that puts consumers in a very powerful position and dictates how a retailer approaches making a sale. From product sourcing to packaging, to price and store design, shoppers can influence it all. This influence can motivate retailers to be more conscious of the impact that operations and product procurement have on the environment. How, though, do you know whether the store you shop at thinks environmental sustainability is important or not? Visiting their website and looking for related policies or sustainability reports is a good start. Then there’s just simple observation. For example, look out for solar panels which show support for renewable energy, ask about their position on fur trade and sustainable seafood, check labelling to see whether they support local manufacturers and if the packaging is recyclable. When you shop, thinking about how your purchase will promote responsible and sustainable retail, which ultimately benefits you and your fellow shoppers. A hempcrete house in Australia by Steffen Welsch Architects HEMPCRETE COULD CHANGE THE WAY WE BUILD EVERYTHING

Hempcrete is a building material that incorporates hemp into its mixture resulting in a versatile and hardy building material that is fireproof, waterproof, and rot-proof, provided it’s used aboveground. Derived from the shiv or inside stem of the hemp plant, it’s then mixed with a lime base binder to create the final, negative carbon footprint product. Hempcrete is much more versatile and pliable than concrete, making it an easier material to work with. In fact, earthquakes cannot crack these structures, as they are three times more resistant to damage than regular concrete. Hempcrete also requires less energy to produce, since lime doesn’t need to be heated to the same degree as industrial concrete. Because it contains cellulose, it also sequesters carbon. Strong, lightweight, and breathable, Hempcrete takes humidity from the external environment and holds it until it is ready to be released again when the air becomes dry. While lime takes longer to harden than concrete, since it contains cellulose, it is incredibly strong. Over time, the lime turns back into rock, so the material becomes harder and harder until it petrifies completely. Since hemp grows to maturity in just 14 weeks, it is a very powerful, cheap, and sustainable solution. Hemp also requires no fertiliser, weed killers, pesticides, or fungicides to grow, and can be used in nearly limitless capacities. Hemp seeds can be harvested as a nutritious food rich in Omega-3 oil, amino acids, protein, and fibre, while the outer fibres can be used for clothing, paper, and many other everyday items. This truly is a remarkable plant, and its use in the mainstream should be a no-brainer. From www.collective-evolution.com

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THE 30-MINUTE IN-AND-OUT GYM

Do you want to get in shape but there is just not enough time in your day? Tired of exercise gimmicks and programs that’s all just passing fads and trends? Well, there might be a solution for you. Known for its precision focus on efficiency, Ritual Gym has given thousands of timestarved working professionals in cities around the world just the workout they need and the first one in South Africa recently opened its doors in Illovo, Johannesburg (in the same building as our beloved gay bar, Babylon). Using proven techniques based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Ritual Gym’s 30-minute workout concept was first tested and proven in one of the most densely populated cities in Asia – Singapore. Squeeze in a workout that is focussed on the concept of ‘Train. Shower. Refuel. Out’. Members aren’t even required to wear shoes, as the floors are shock absorbent. Gym clothes, shower accessories and towels are all provided. A smoothie bar is on site to provide quick and nutritious refuels on the way out. Only ten clients can train at a time and you can book your session two days or two minutes before your workout on the Ritual app. To sign up or book a trial session at this unique boutique gym visit www.ritualgym.com/en-gb/trial/za.

6WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NIGHT IT’S TOTALLY OKAY TO WEAR MAKE-UP

More makeup options for men signal that beauty norms are changing. Brands such as CoverGirl, Rimmel and MAC have put men at the centre of their marketing materials, and cult favourite brand Milk blurred the lines with its genderfluid approach to beauty. But we’re not totally there yet. It’s still seen as a little out of the ordinary for guys to use concealer or foundation to hide a blemish or two, likely because makeup is largely marketed to women. Men are hopping on the makeup bandwagon because it lets you put your best face forward. It can give you selfconfidence if you have an important event. It can correct an issue or enhance features in your face – but also promotes overall awareness to taking care of your skin at any age. The desire for men’s products is there, but the shift toward total acceptance isn’t going to happen overnight. Men don’t want to walk down the street with red blotches and blemishes on their face, and if they can get rid of it without anyone knowing that they have a blemish or that they’ve covered it, wouldn’t that be the ultimate goal? It can be a real confidence-booster if used with a light touch.

1. Get a better night’s sleep. At least eight hours, and try avoid sleeping on your face as this will reduce puffiness and swelling. To do this properly, no caffeine after 15h00 and drink at least six glasses of water every day. 2. Wash your face before you go to bed. If you wear any kind of product you can benefit from a double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser to get rid of sweat and product and then a face wash for the oily residue. 3. Use a night-time skincare product. This is probably the longest time a product stays on your face and the slight increase in body temperature at night can help with absorption. 4. If you wake up with a puffy or sluggish face you should wake up your skin with icy water. Take your shower and shave, and when you are done turn the faucet to cold and splash away to shrink your pores and avoid ingrown hairs. 5. Night time skincare can leave your skin sensitive, so be sure to use at least a 15 or 30SPF day moisturiser. 6. Hydrate around your eyes. A hyaluronic acid-based eye cream is best, the hydrogen offers immediate softening.

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