Your Sustainable Life Issue #3

YOUR SUSTAINABLE LIFE WWW.YOURSUSTAINABLELIFE.COM.AU THE ECO FRIENDLY MAGAZINE ONLINE ONLY

FEB 16 ISSUE #3

Lasting Love 5 keys to long lasting, sustainable relationships...

INTERVIEWS Love Grows ­ Perth based small business

BONUS Feeling Stressed?

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PLUS Our Top Pinterest Picks!

Issue 3

YOUR SUSTAINABLE LIFE

Featured Article 5 Keys to Long Lasting, Sustainable Relationships pg 9-10

Environment From Little Things Big Things Grow pg 5-7

Creativity Cooking Challenge pg 17

Wellness How choosing trust will change your life. pg 12-13 Stand up for what you believe in... pg 20-21 BONUS FREEBIE Complimentary Stress Management Consultation pg 22

Interviews Love Grows pg 14-15

STAPLES 03 Editor's Note 16 Pinterest Picks 14 Sustainable Brands 19 Did You Know?

Photo by ­ Alexander Shustov

EDITOR'S NOTE

Kelly Petering EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Welcome to the third edition of Your Sustainable Life ­ The Eco­Friendly Magazine. We trust you enjoyed our last issue and that you continue to find inspiration and motivation to lead a more sustainable life here in these pages.

The feedback we have received so far is fantastic, and would love those suggestions to keep rolling in! If you have something you feel would add value to this magazine please feel free to email us at info@yoursustainablelife.com.au.

One thing I would like to mention ­ we are about raising awareness and opening the door for every day people to gain insight into how they can live more sustainably in all areas of life.

We are NOT here to judge or make people feel guilty ­ it’s about doing what you can, when you can, with the resources you have available to you.

We are a starting point ­ and acknowledge that there are organisations out there who focus more specifically on certain aspects of sustainability ­ we LOVE that there are others out there with passion for our environment.

We are NOT experts ­ and certainly do not claim to know everything ­ we believe there is always more to learn…

We invite experts to write for us and encourage those who are learning to contribute too…

We want to create a movement of people who are on the same page ­ maybe you’re not at the stage of political activism or would ever consider living off the land out in the bush ­ maybe you are ready to make a few small changes in your life… and we want to acknowledge you for that!

Please share the subscription link to your friends and family and send us your feedback!

Simply CLICK HERE to subscribe ­ it’s 100% FREE!!!

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From Little Things, Big Things Grow...

So you’re reading this magazine because you are likely already a sustainability master or interested and dipping you toe in the water! But what murky water it may appear! There are so many ideas and so much information out there that it can be quite overwhelming knowing where to begin.

Me, I’m a city girl born and raised in Melbourne. When it came to family holidays it was all about escaping to a beach side town on the Victorian coast or the mighty Murray River. Here is where I developed an interest in the environment and went on to study Ecology and Marine Biology. I then took my studies further, completing a Master of Environment in environmental policy.

One of the many things I took away from my studies was this ‘all or nothing’ mentality of humans in which it is so easy to feel that environmental problems (particularly Climate Change) are so big and so out of our control that how can I as one individual help? How could my small actions make any impact? Well, many small actions add up. As more people undertake these actions then they become a social norm and more people pick them up and start, making it easier and easier for others to take up.

The classic example is people reusing their plastic bags.

This social push to reduce plastic bag use eventually turned into supermarkets providing a sturdy reusable bag (for a small cost). This reusable bag makes it easier for people to minimise their plastic bag use (if you remember to bring them of course!). If I forget my bag, I feel guilty and request not to be given a bag! Its become a social norm!

Photo by ­ Veetertzy

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While we were discussing various technologies and other means to reduce environmental impact it was that these actions often resulted in many other benefits including financial and health.

However, these messages were not making it out.

Shaping arguments to undertake environmental action was often not presented in language that would resonate with many people, how would this affect and improve their lives personally from a finical or health perspective? That is, how to we bring those not already interested in environmental issues along the journey, even if it means they undertake sustainable actions for other means?

My studies also showed that many individuals who start undertaking actions to improve sustainability because of other incentives (reduced costs or grants) actually became aware and interested in the environmental outcomes when they could see the benefits first hand.

Some food for thought.

This article is all about small practical actions you can do in your everyday life.

Many of these are obvious, but this is really for those at the early stages of transitioning to a more sustainable life, to plant some ‘seeds’ to begin the journey and show actions that seem simple but add up and make a difference.

If you are like me you will start small and then over time your efforts grow.

Take home messages: ­ Every bit counts!

Environmental issues seem huge, out of our hands but it all starts somewhere and all these small actions add up. It starts with you and me, at the individual level. You do not have to sacrifice your life style, however some concessions may be required.

Being sustainable can often save you money! ­ Guilt, lose the guilt.

I use to feel guilty because I didn’t do something from the list below or bought a plastic bottle of water. Like a diet, the towel would be thrown in on everything… I’ll start tomorrow!

Photo by ­ Lauren Mancke

No no no, start today, every bit counts.

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Reducing environmental impact in and around your home We all know there are things we could do around the house, but where to start? Well here are some simple tips to get you started…. Soon you’ll have your own sustainable vegetable patch, solar panels, grey water systems. ­ Reduce your electricity consumption by turning everything off at the wall when not in use and overnight night (except the fridge!). Truthfully I started this in my final year of university to save money. And it made a difference! Even if you already use efficient appliance, if everyone did this then the total energy savings would be significant! ­ Reduce your water consumption in the shower. Take shorter showers is an obvious one, however, I love to exfoliate and wash my hair etc etc. So to reduce my water consumption I turn the water off when I don’t need it!

Water on – dampen skin, water off – get soapy, water on ­ rinse, water off – time to exfoliate or wash my hair etc. You get the picture. Other benefits? My skin and hair feels healthier. Why? No running water means the products aren’t being diluted. Also, I spend more time cleansing, exfoliating, as I’m not worried about water use.

Plus decreased exposure to hot chlorinated water that dries the skin! Okay, this one takes some effort but it is worth it. ­ Reduce your water consumption in the garden. This can start with the type of plants you select to plant, if you have a local native nursery it is a great idea to speak to them and find out what grows native to the area.

Collect water used in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen to place on your garden. This can be as simple as keeping buckets in the shower, or bucketing water out from the bath (as my Aunty does) through to installing a grey water system. Another neat trick is to water your garden from your bathtub using your hose, just Google ‘water your garden from your bath tub’ for some great instructions! Gravity and reserve water flow – thank you!

Just remember to use grey water safe cleaners if you can. Level of effort – High but a pretty garden! ­ Wash your car on the lawn! Or if you are willing to pay, head down to a car wash as they often have water efficient practices and some also recycle their water. Level of effort – Minimal. ­ Environmentally friendly cleaners for yourself, the kitchen, bathroom etc – but the cost? Do not fear – there are now brands in the supermarkets that cost around the same (if not, less) then traditional cleaning products.

But they don’t clean as well? Yes they do…. This is the argument my mother throws at me! But I’ve found the environmentally friendly cleaners to do just as well as traditional clearness. I have now proved this to my mum!

My tip: Less effort, more often. If the grime is allowed to build up then these cleaners may not cut through the grime as well, so if you can, don’t let the grime build up by putting in shorter scrubs more often. Also, who wants to be breathing in chemicals? Much healthier for you and your family and same cost even if you find there is more effort! ­ Recycle those goods that can’t go in the recycle bin. I’m sure we all have old phones, TVs, batteries etc lying around the house or garage. Most local councils have hard rubbish, but in addition some local councils run e­ waste programs or you can request additional hard rubbish. Best to check with your local council what is available in your area. If not, Google, there are a number of businesses and organisations that provide pick up or free drop off areas for your e­waste. ­ Food scraps = garden! If you have a garden throw your food scraps over your garden, they decompose and feed your plants. A compost bin would be better as the food is broken down and produces great feed for your garden once broken down, so if you are interested, why not give it a go?

By Kathleen Simpson, Environmental Enthusiast Stay tuned for more tips from Kathleen in the next issue of Your Sustainable Life.

Image ­ Sander Weetelling WWW.YOURSUSTAINABLELIFE.COM.AU

5 Keys to Long Lasting, Sustainable Relationships

By Kelly Petering With Valentines Day upon us, I thought it fitting to write about creating sustainable relationships.

These tips can be used for any type of relationship ­ romantic, working, family or friendships…

You may have heard the saying ‘treat people the way you would like to be treated…’ I like the principle of this saying, however, I believe there is an even better way.

Let’s try this ‘treat people the way THEY want to be treated’.

You see everyone is unique with different personalities. The reality is, the way you want to be treated may not be how someone else wants to be treated. Some people like to get straight to the point, where others enjoy connecting with the person they are speaking to first. Some like to know the details and some prefer to look at the bigger picture. Some are energised when they are around other people yet some need to have plenty of alone time to recharge their batteries.

Apart from learning how your partner or work colleagues like to be treated there is another sure fire way to build sustainable relationships.

The foundation of any relationship is trust…

I want to share with you a concept I have developed around the intricacies of trust... A roadmap for how to build and maintain trusting relationships. This concept allows us to draw a deeper understanding of how we can make it or break it ­ TRUST that is.

Here are the 5 keys to Long Lasting, Sustainable Relationships ­ they also create the acronym TRUST!

W W W . Y O U R S UImage ­ Stephanie Craig STAINABLELIFE.COM.AU

1. THRESHOLD ­ Understanding how far you can go ­ we’re all about taking it to the limits, but when it comes to gaining and maintaining trust in a relationship its imperative to ensure both parties know each others threshold… discuss you limitations and boundaries (we all have them), what will tip you over the edge?

2. RESPONSIBILITY ­ Take responsibility for your actions ­ if you make a mistake, own it. The person or people you are with will respect and trust you so much more if you are willing to say ‘That was my fault’. Taking responsibility is also about doing what you say you are going to do ­ when you make a commitment ­ stick to it… avoid over­committing ­ if you think you may not be able to deliver, don’t promise that you can!

3. UNDERSTANDING ­ Give others the benefit of the doubt ­ I like to assume that every person is doing the best the can with the information they have at the time, because at the end of the day, we don’t know what we don’t know. Bring the element of non­judgement ­ in a trusting relationship, it’s innocent until proven guilty ­ always!

4. SILENCE ­ When someone shares something with you, respect their privacy ­ the fastest way to break trust is by spreading gossip. Choose a trusting connection with few people (silence) over a false connection with many (gossip). If you are not sure if what they are sharing is common knowledge ­ ASK! 5. TRUTH ­ Have the courage to value truth ­ even when it’s tough ­ doing what’s right will gain trust quickly with the right people. Think about when you are trying something on in a clothing store and the sales person tells you it looks AMAZING when you know that it is rather unflattering… They have lost your trust immediately ­ when you want to build and maintain trust it’s always best to say it as it is.

If you can commit to adopting these 5 Keys (The TRUST Principle) you will be well on your way to building long lasting, sustainable relationships in all areas of your life!

Read on through to the next article where Transformational Mentor Andrew Pearce discusses how choosing trust will change your life!

By Kelly Petering

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Photo by ­ Yoori Koo

How choosing to Trust will change your life...

BY ANDREW PEARCE If you have ever experienced doubt, worry, fear, stress, or anxiety then this article is for you.

Andrew works as a Transformational Mentor, guiding people in overcoming their frustrations and anxieties through the combination of improved mindsets and spiritual principles and philosophies so that they can live a rich and fulfilling life filled with love, joy and happiness.

Having suffered from both social and general anxiety he has learnt a lot about the thinking behind anxiety and how to go about creating powerful personal change so that one can experience more confidence and trust within themselves.

Andrew works with his clients to assist them in moving into a positive state of being. A state of being where self­love, self­trust, confidence, strength and more enables them to feel comfortable within themselves and confident in creating the life they want to live.

Visit Andrew's website to get in contact at ­ http://www.apcoaching.com.au

Basically if you’re a human being living on planet earth then this articles is for you. Experiencing only one of the above mentioned can be bad enough and most of the time they all tie in together and contribute to each other. Doubt can lead to worry which leads to stress and then anxiety, all things of which are coming from a place of fear.

There’s the incessant thinking that goes on; what could happen, what might go wrong, the ‘what if’s’ that we so love to ask ourselves and others. Caught up in a whirlwind of thought without any control over­analysing everything little thing. Then there’s the increased heart­rate, the sweats, the light headedness and the rest of it. Doubting can hold you back in your career, relationships and worst of all life itself. It doesn’t really get us anywhere yet so many of us do it…

Why do we doubt so much and torment ourselves with worry?

It all starts with fear. Fear of what might go wrong, of rejection, of mistakes, of setbacks, of failure, of embarrassment, of loss. Fear can have a huge impact on the decisions we make, the opportunities we miss, the experiences we do and don’t have and ultimately the life we live.

The big question with all of this fear is ‘Can I handle it?’

Can I handle the perceived consequences of the actions I’m about to take? ~sidenote~ It is not the doing the we are fearful of it is the perceived consequences of the doing. Asking the girl/guy out, the actual action of asking, is not the issue it is the fear of rejection. Could I handle that rejection? If the answer is yes then ask the girl/guy out.

So how then do we go about letting go of fear and living the life of our dreams?

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We choose trust and love instead of fear and doubt. And the awesome thing is that it is a choice, you can start to choose trust now, today! Because you are currently choosing to doubt, so why not choose to trust…?

There is a learning that can be taken away from everything. Every mistake at your new job, every rejection from the popular guy/girl, every loss of relationship, every setback, every bit of suffering.

Every bit of suffering is a gift from the universe moving you towards the best version of yourself you can be.

When you choose to trust in yourself and in the universe you live with confidence, happiness, joy, excitement, love and all the rest of it. You live with presence because you’re not caught up in the mind worrying about what may or may not go wrong. You try new things because you’re not trying to avoid making mistakes. You put yourself out there because you’re not worrying about rejection. You live life because you know everything within it is all a part of the process.

With trust there is no losing, you either win or you learn.

So start trusting that; The mistakes are teaching you what you need to learn, The setbacks are making you stronger, The rejections are pointing you towards something better, The losses are helping you to let go, And that life, the universe, whatever you want to call it… is on your side.

Article By Andrew Pearce Image By Sean Stratton

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Sustainable Brands

The week I had the pleasure of speaking with Clair Morrison from Love Grows about Sustainability, her gorgeous handmade recycled plants and where her business is heading into the future.

With a passion for everything green, gardening and recycling from a young age, Clair recently decided to move from working as a criminal lawyer to create a new and exciting small business that is more aligned with her personal values and vision for the future; Love Grows.

Love Grows produces home made, recycled pot plants which are great for indoor or outdoor and perfect to give away as gifts. Inspired by her ‘hippy’ childhood and her personal interest in gardening, plants and being environmentally conscious, Clair’s passion shines through her stunning creations.

Love Grows’ mission is to raise awareness in Perth about sustainable living and how gardening can be simple and enjoyable. All their pot plants are hand made and propagated by Clair herself, and everything she uses is either reused or recycled (including her business cards and product tags) ­ a concept we absolutely LOVE. She has had a fantastic response from the general public and finds that pot plants are becoming more popular as gift ­ something that Clair has been doing for years!

Clair believes that Sustainability is about the small, long term changes that add up to the bigger picture. She sees it as a long term investment, for example, ‘If you treat it well you’ll have a plant for 10­20 years’. It’s about using what you’ve got and being mindful of the future impact of our everyday actions. She says one thing the everyday person could do to live more sustainably is to become more mindful and make conscious decisions with the future impact in mind.

Clair says “it's important that people embrace plants and nature and that they can be part of our home as beautiful decorations and gifts and don't just belong in the garden…”

You can find Love Grows and purchase their products online at www.lovegrowsperth.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Love.Grows.Perth and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/love_grows.

Upcoming Markets Vic Park Collective Markets 20th Feb

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Sustainable Brands

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COOKING CHALLENGE!

By Tash Menkens - The Box Ticker Girl Challenge: To cook with two new never cooked with before ingredients!

Why?: To continue to learn how to cook with healthy, gluten free, dairy free foods! As a Coach I am always expanding my comfort zone, this goes for eating too!

The Ingredient: Miso Paste!

You may have used it before, you may even love it or hate it but for me, I used to look at it and go ‘What THE”… Since encountering Japanese food and eating miso soup, then experiencing it again later at a Paleo restaurant in Perth, I started to wonder…

A quick trip to Flannerys healthfood shop and I was set. I was advised to use in soup as a stock and that it was easy! That night, we managed to recreate what I recalled Miso soup to taste like, minus the tofu and seaweed. That was not to be the end, while delicious, new ingredients, silken tofu and seaweed came to play!

Did you know that the seaweed for miso soup comes really tiny and shrivelled up dehydrated and looks nothing like what it turns out to be? Neither did I! After a quick cold water soak, the weed was ready to rock out the soup and it we hit the mark.

Healthy nutritious dinner served!

Other uses found during challenge: Miso paste Stir­fry mushrooms & on toast in place of vegemite! Yum ☺ Health benefits: Packed with nutrients and a great source for your protein and fibre needs. Additionally, the fermented nature of the paste does wonders for gut bacteria.

Whats your Challenge? Find a healthy ingredient you have never used before and get experimenting!

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Find out more about Tash Menkens and Download your FREE copy of 'The Box Ticker Girls Roadmap to Freedom and Happiness'­ https://living­purposefully.com/box­ticker

Photo by ­ Lizzie Gilbert WWW.YOURSUSTAINABLELIFE.COM.AU

DID YOU KNOW...

Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to power your TV for the afternoon cartoons.

Unfortunately, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, between 2001 and 2007 the volume of waste deposited to landfill actually increased by 12%, increasing from 19.0 million tonnes to 21.3 million tonnes. With population growth and increase consumerism, I hate to think where its at now!

In Australia, the average household’s waste is made up of 47% organic food and garden waste. That represents over 400 kilos of waste per household per year which can be diverted from landfill by composting, whether at home or as part of an industrial composting facility.

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Batteries form a hazardous waste which should not be sent to landfill as they contain metals which are toxic and can pollute the environment, and harm both wildlife and humans. Over 90% of batteries are currently not recovered, yet recycling capabilities have improved with over 98% of car batteries now recyclable.

Photo by ­ Jessica Weilier

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Stand up for what you believe in...

By Sabrina Muller - The Body Love Coach Especially over the past few months since jetting off to start my new chapter as a #locationfreehustler I’ve had some wicked experiences which I feel have led me to grow to a whole new level!

Many people I’ve been speaking to me about my purpose and passion for genuinely wanting to change the world whilst seeking the fun and adventure traveling brings – many have told me straight up that whilst the admire my courage, they could never do that!

I beg to differ or maybe it’s just that most people don’t believe in themselves enough to have the courage to step out of the ordinary and create success on the level they deeply desire!

Of course, to stand out can be difficult and to purposefully choose the path less traveled can be lonely at times!

But at the same time, I believe in me, my purpose and have finally found a vehicle to reach millions of people!

(Yes I know, one step and one person at the time).

I also know that the way I think about certain things is not commonly perceived and I appreciate that I stand out and am a little “different”.

I’m totally OK with that, I’d rather know what I stand for and stay true to me, living according to my values whilst being fearlessly authentic than anything else!

Yes I still have moments of doubt and fears sneak in and resistance at times pushing me, but again I’m grateful even for those challenging times because I know they not only re­affirm what I believe in but they also make me even more of a fiercely resilient badass!

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I am a Body Love Advocate specialising in Mind Body Nutrition & Body Image Issues through healing the relationship to food & yourself. With a background in health and fitness as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Transformational Coach, I have always been passionate about the mind­body­connection and creating change from the inside out.

Studying Human Behaviour and having dealt with my very own share of weight, food & body image issues, including dabbling in eating disorders, I truly believe that we all have our own unique story that unfortunately doesn’t always serve us to be the best & healthiest version of ourselves.

Instead of eating our emotions, I provide the strategic tools to “Revisit, Reframe & Recreate” your own story. In other words, how to get back in the driver seat of your emotional mind wellness by “re­writing your own food story”!

Sabrina’s programs offer a very unique take on educating women on the psychology of weight loss and has a strong holistic focus on creating lasting changes in their clients transformation: physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. The message is simple “Eat to Live & Live to Love’.

Truth be told, I’m no different to you!

I’ve just gotten really clear about the way I want to live my life and what impact and legacy I want to leave behind! #backedupbydoingtheworkthatmatters I don’t believe the world owes me but rather I’ve been given a gift and it’s my duty to make sure I make some sort of positive impact whilst I’m on this journey!

With all the being said, I highly encourage you to stand up for what you believe in and stay true to you!

What other people think about you, is their business after all! (apart from your close circle who will love and support you regardless).

Those you mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind!

That’s why I continue to travel the world spreading my message of daring women to be it all, fiercely and fearlessly authentic with #nofuckgiven!

It’s time we wake up, step up and follow our purpose with passion and become the ultimate badass hustler, we know we can be, if we just gave ourselves permission to be fully seen and heard!

I dare you to… be it all!

Sabrina Muller ­ http://www.sabrinamuller.com.au/

FREE Stress Management Consultation! >BOOK YOURS HERE< We all experience those moments of pure craziness, freak out and total disaster…

You are NOT alone!

You might think that hiding under the blankets and wishing it all away is viable strategy for dealing with these situations…

However, we have a MUCH more sustainable solution…

Our Stress Management Consultant works with individuals to completely turn around their current un­ resourceful Stress Strategies and transform their lives from total chaos into stress free, sustainable bliss ­ and for a short time only you can experience a complimentary session!

Whether it’s work or health related, relationship based, or family stress – we have the path forward…

STOP settling for less than you deserve…

Let us take your hand and show you, step by simple step, how to turn your life around today!

Don’t let another day go by where you tolerate those stress filled days.

Give yourself a break for ONCE! You are not doing anyone any favours punishing yourself for needing a little help – it’s like the air hostess’ say on the airplane – make sure you put your life mask on before helping others around you…

You are in no position to do what needs to be done for you family and friends if you are not coping as well as you could be.

So take a stand and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! You really have nothing to lose…

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