We believe that making small changes to everyday decisions such as brushing your teeth with an Eco Bamboo toothbrush will help preserve the environment and reduce plastic consumption.
]]>
Are you exhausted with a robotic repetitive lifestyle and have no time for relaxation or fun?
Do you work your butt off day in and out in a job that makes no sense to you… the real you? When you come home each evening, do you have a feeling of self-defeat and pity because deep down you are subconsciously using ‘work’ as your excuse to fulfil ‘that thing’ you truly want to accomplish?
Are you exhausted with a robotic repetitive lifestyle and have no time for relaxation or fun?
If you have screamed yes at the computer or on your mobile screen and are thinking right now, am I on the Truman show? - to simply put it in layman terms- You are currently on a pointless pursuit... like many millions of people around the world.
It is too often we see in films, television series, books and motivational talks indicating that we are meant to have this one purpose in life and are supposed to do absolutely ‘anything’ to achieve this.
Some people go to extraordinary lengths to achieve their goals. Taking all sorts of risks and on the occasion, cut throating others and making poor ethical decisions that impact their dignity and self-respect along the way. Yet others who stay in the ‘rat race’ gain more and more fear to leave their routine for the unknown, remain unhappy and see their underlying quests only as a dream.
Both paths still contain opportunity for honest positivity and bliss if the pursuit you’re currently undertaking is yours and has ethical purpose.
One pathway is ‘Love’ which has that predicable story from dating to marriage to babies by a set age.
Another pathway is a ‘Career’- which usually are instructed and delivered by the education system. This process includes: leaving school, going to university and doing that job, day in and out. Both stories which have already been done by someone else before you. Sometimes successful. Not to say that these pathways could be your genuine stories because they certainly can be. This sudden realisation of ‘pointless pursuit’ is usually why most people later in life choose a different pathway. A few years spent without any satisfaction or gratitude is telling you that your previous choices were never yours to begin with.
What if in fact, not just on those spare moments after work were your gaps of ‘peace and contribution to this earth’ but what if everything you do brought joy? From eating breakfast, to the clothes you wear, to the coffee you drink, to the endless hours you spend in the office. What if all of it contained purpose?
It is that very understanding, what it literally means to be Ethical Active.
When you eat breakfast, does it come from a local small business where the produce is organic and from local farmers? The clothes you wear? Do they impact the environment in a positive way? Do I smell fair trade coffee in that reusable cup? and all that time you spend throughout your days, does it contribute towards the greater good?
What is meant to be a common expression, ‘the greater good’ seems far too uncommon these days. How to get out of the rat race? Means choosing a pathway to do things every day that will benefit many people, a community, the environment – our one beautiful planet.
]]>
Now I’m not talking about those plants often called weeds that speedily grow through your drain gutters or within murky conditions where the infamous beautiful lotus floats. I’m specifically talking about environments where my head cannot even progress it is happening despite the reality being right in front of me.
I am currently in Byron Bay and took a stroll one morning to simply enjoy the natural beauty of this carefree community. For those who don’t know, Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful locations in the world and is one of those places that keeps bringing you back.
Australians, tourists, backpackers and celebrities alike, including the Hemsworth brothers, Miley Cyrus, Elle McPherson, Paul Hogan and Olivia Newton John rave about the uniqueness of Byron. If they don't live here already, these 'A' Listers have been known to regularly visit and get in touch with their humble hippie.
Despite being super transient, Byron Bay is a coastal town positioned in the south eastern state of New South Wales and is also recognised for its devotion to eco impact, inner hippy energy, beaches, environment, animals and vibrant colours.
On my stroll, just passing the main beach that is located right in front of the most famous and iconic pub- The Beach Hotel there is a carpark and, in this carpark, there was one vehicle that specifically caught my attention.
Just when you thought nature has super powers to be able to grow on high floor apartments with sea breezes and yes, they do process this sorcery.
There it was, the most real-world genius idea I have seen in a while. Growing plants in a pot on the dashboard of your very own car. Obviously for safety reasons, these plants were not placed in front of the steering wheel and were only on the passenger side. These plants were healthy and tickled with sunshine in their prime hot spot. Not to mention, with a drink every now and then, would be an ideal travel buddy too.
So the next time you think you or someone you know is going to make an excuse of why you/they cannot grow a plant..
Got a car? Think again my friend… you are sorted for a happy high, the plants too ;)
]]>
Art Therapy is based on the fields of art and psychology. It is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art to improve and enhance the physical mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. Art therapy is an approach that uses the clients creative process of art making and the significant art product to elicit expression of and insight into the client’s internal world. Art Therapists utilise a number of different approaches in their work depending on the client and their presenting problems. Some of these approaches may involve a number of theoretical perspectives. Some examples of these include, Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Psycho—Educational approaches.
Art is a natural sensory means of expression, as it involves touch, smell and other senses within the creative process. Graves-Acorn & Kagin (2017), articulate that the objective of art therapy is to teach the participant their own visual language as well as to assist in the translation of a feeling or feelings into a visual form. Malchiodi (2012), makes clear that art therapy can be used to resolve internal struggles, create meaning, achieve insight and find relief from trauma, and overwhelming emotions. It can assist clients to develop healthy coping skills and identify and clarify issues and concerns.
Art therapy facilitates change through engagement with the art therapist, art materials, within a safe environment. Art therapy works by containing the safety and security of the therapeutic space for its clients. By contributing change to the clients inner-world, and towards the development of the clients more integrated sense of self, an increased self- awareness and acceptance is achieved. Bricks (2007), expresses that art creates a positive association to therapy and is often enjoyable and less threatening than verbal therapy.
THE PURPOSE OF ART THERAPY IS ESSENTIALLY ONE OF HEALING.
Madeleine Chelini is a specialised Art Therapist based in Melbourne
]]>
Here are 10 reasons why:
]]>
1. No fertilisers, pesticides or other toxic chemicals have been used in any stage of the supply chain. Did you know that Conventional cotton uses approximately 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides?
2. Chemical free cotton harvesting ensures the physical and mental health of farmers, their families and nearby communities is not compromised by where they work and/or live.
3. The soil is healthy through crop rotation and retains moisture in soil from increased organic matter.
4. Natural, untreated GMO-free seeds.
5. Organic Cotton uses 71% less water and 62% less energy. Did you know it takes 2,700 litres of water to make a conventional cotton t-shirt, yet Organic Cotton is 80% rain-fed?
6. Lower carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere which means our air and water ways are clearer for humans, the environment and animals.
7. A chemical free production process prevents water contamination.
8. Organic cotton is a natural alternative for our skin with reduced exposure to allergens and other dermatological issues. Consumers claim Organic Cotton feels, look and even smells better.
9. The organic certification represents a very strict manufacturing standard which ensures that minimal negative environmental impacts and safe ethical practices are maintained.
10. By choosing Organic Cotton over conventional cotton, the consumer is influencing a global standardisation that water conservation, cleaner air, better soil and farmer livelihood is an ethical investment.
At Ethical Active, we recognise the complete product cycle of Organic Cotton and are passionate about making sure that no one is put in harm’s way. This is why we consider the farmers, their families, nearby communities, the environment, the animals, insects and the consumer.
When a consumer purchases Organic Cotton, not only are they making the natural choice for their bodies, they are also saying they want to make the world a better place because they know and care about the communities and the farmers of which that cotton was grown in.
1. There is nothing more sentimental than reminiscing a special memory from your relationship. Visit either Harvey Norman, Big W or K Mart and print out a great photo of you and put it in a nice frame.
2. Office Works, Snap or Kmart offer photo collage or single images printed onto a mug. This is a quirky idea for a partner who is regular coffee or tea drinker. You could also fill the mug up with their favourite tea or have a bag of coffee beans inside. T2 has some beautiful flavoured teas such a Lemon Myrtle. Thinking coffee? Try checking out Merlo’s bean of the day.
3. Have a sweet tooth on yours hands? Mrs Fields Happy Valentines Day cookies are delicious and big. Plus there is no better way than reaching the heart than through the stomach. Don’t have a franchise nearby? www.Fromyouflowers.com has got you covered as they offer next day delivery with some of their products. Yes, the cookies are next day.
4. Rather than buying a beautiful bunch of flowers from your local florist, get those and find online the meaning behind the flowers that have been chosen and incorporate this into your card. Any woman will appreciate a gift that has had careful consideration.
5. Why not purchase An Ultimate Lover's Package in Gold Class to see a movie that night. No seats left? Not to worry, you can always buy a digital ecard for a future romantic day or evening because Love is every day.
6. Get out those MasterChef skills, go to the local market or supermarket near home, and prepare a beautiful home cooked meal. To really go all out in the romance... candles.. candles.. candles.. Make sure you purchase all-natural candles though and do NOT burn down your house.
7. Not the romantic types? I have a local fish and chip shop down the road from me that offers better seafood than any fancy pancy place. Do you? You could always make it special with a beautiful bottle of wine.
8. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. How you ask? Liquorland and BWS stock a variety types.. right from the basic Mumm to your more luxury Moet and Tattinger. Or if you are Godly.. Don Perignon. San Churro and Max Brennar sell the fondant sets. Don’t forget the chocolate and strawberries.
9. Tees are a great practical gift because let’s face it, who doesn’t wear t-shirts? Order well before midday on Valentine’s day in Australia and have same day delivery with any Ethical Active products. Gold Coast based orders will be taken right up until 4pm for same day. Who will be the lucky ducky with a super soft 100% organic tee?
10. Love to read and learn? A magazine subscription is perfect. Into health, food, fitness, motorbikes? There is something for everyone and they are all are available with a click of a button.
I hope these ideas are helpful and you have a wonderful Valentines!
Lots of love,
Martina x
]]>
Transportation is one of the quickest growing contributors to climate change, accounting for a staggering 25% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Looking at the 5 most common methods of transportation, I decided to create some helpful tips for the long-distance traveller who is proactively environmentally conscious.
RESEARCH
When utilising ANY service, or in this instance, the transport services of either a:
· Bus
· Train
· Cruise ship
· Airline
· Or a purchase of a vehicle
Take a moment to research and determine whether the company you are looking at, is placed positively on a credible environmental ranking and/or has a dedicated sustainable section on their website.
Publishing corporate social responsibility efforts and sustainability reports online have become common practice. Although generally this information can be found in a dedicated sustainability section on the company website, some corporates tend to have this information located in the 'our culture' or 'our values' section of their website.
In addition to finding the green action the company has already undertaken and the goals in place that identify they are going to improve their existing performance; Look out for any awards the company may have received. These accreditations, press releases or affiliations with environmentally credible companies can all be easily found online through one of the main search engines.
WHAT TO STAY AWAY FROM & WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Cars, Buses and Trains that depend on diesel engines are the big bad polluters, so avoid if possible and if you are considering purchasing a new vehicle, some of the top greenest cars for 2017 nominated by Forbes include the Hyandai Ioniq Electric, the BMW i3, the Toyota Prius Eco, Fiat 500E and the Ford Focus Electric.
Look out for ZERO emission buses because they do exist and are perhaps in your city. If you attend your local council meetings and additional public transport is a hot topic, then these buses would make for a fantastic eco suggestion.
There are more than 170,000 electric buses operating around the world of which majority are in China. Electrically speaking and operated by Virgin Trains in the United Kingdom, the Class 390 Pendolino is a form of electric high-speed train built by Alstom.
VEHICLE CONSIDERATIONS
To re-sell, to continue to drive until the car dies, or to recycle and sell the parts; These are some of the considerations when purchasing a green car.
INTERESTING FACTS
· Eurostar independently research the flights that match their existing train routes to calculate the average CO2 emissions. Utilising this information, they have managed to identify that their CO2 levels are 90% less via Eurostar than flying in air on the London to Paris route. Pretty impressive. In saying this, looking at what is the most viable form of transport on your journey is a clever consideration to make and not necessarily the fastest journey is the most ethical.
· In the last few years, cruises have become a booming family favourite trend due to the low prices advertised and multitude of resources and activities available on the ship including a very handy kids club, but did you know that the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) 2017 cruise ship ranking results does NOT recommend ANYONE travel in Europe despite companies claiming newer vessels are green.
Pollution from Cruise Ships is still at an alarming rate and is causing severe destruction to the environment. There have been discussions of tighter restrictions being implemented but unfortunately no enhanced action will occur until 2020.
WHAT IS SCARY:
There is NOT a mandatory obligation for a transport company to offset their usage, this include airlines. (Pick up your game government regulators!).
Therefore, it is SO important that when you travel, to be mindful of the damage being caused and to evaluate if the transport provider YOU are choosing is first and foremost being sustainably proactive and secondly what you can do as an individual. Together we CAN combat Climate Change.
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN CHOOSING AN AIRLINE?
You can research to see which airlines have top fuel efficiency (Alaska Airlines).
Delta and Emirates are leading the way in independently offsetting and make a public effort of deliberating that they recognise the responsibility they have as a company. Other airlines are yet to take this level of leadership and unfortunately only rely on us passengers to independently offset.
Qantas, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines are some of the few airlines that offer individuals to offset their carbon footprint when making a booking online. More information available in the coming weeks specifically in relation to Aviation will arise, as Ethical Active will be participating in the Accelerate Aviation 2017 conference in London.
WHAT IS OFFSETING?
Offsetting is when you "neutralise" your independent share by calculating your journeys carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects.
B Neutral which is a complete carbon calculator and offsetting tool for businesses and individuals seems to offer the most creative and financially viable way to offset your journey.
B Neutral offers an affiliate program which means you CAN have your very own colour branded widget on your blog or website for FREE whilst making money and tackling climate change head on. You may have seen the widget below on the Ethical Active website.
WHY IS AVIATION OFFSETTING NOT VERY POPULAR?
According to Wayne Sharpe, the Founder and CEO of CTX, explains how "Majority of airlines who are offering some sort of an offset program are using brokers who have extremely large margins. Rather than collaborating direct with an exchange such as Carbon Trade Exchange, this means that offsets (Co2 cancellations) which could be as affordable as between $1 and $8 a tonne are being sold at up to $28 a tonne."
There definitely seems to be lack of leadership and understanding at all levels when it comes to Carbon offsetting. In the perfect ethical world, government regulators would implement standards on a four-phase basis. Starting from the top, Government bodies would be leading and inspiring a collective and position change.
]]>