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I started Sol after wanting to naturally protect myself and my partner Luke’s faces when we travelled the coast of Central America chasing waves 7 years ago. We were using an amazing natural one out of Indonesia but we unfortunately couldn't buy it from New Zealand. After searching around I quickly realised there was no natural zinc available in New Zealand so I thought why not start making it ourselves!
In recent years, the concept of a circular economy has gained significant attention as the world grapples with environmental challenges and resource scarcity. It has become a word that we see a lot of governments, people, and organisations throwing around, but what is it? While the idea of a circular economy is promising, it is often surrounded by misconceptions that can hinder its implementation and effectiveness. In this blog post, we will explore and debunk some of the common misconceptions about circular economies.
Vanessa and Monica's journey into body-care started in 2016 from the simple need to find a natural deodorant that was affordable and worked all day from one application.
It needed to be high-performing and affordable, with a low environmental footprint.
There is a lot of information out there on food wastage and how to avoid it in the first place. Save your vegetable peels for stock! Eat your broccoli stems! Turn your lemon rinds into candied peel! That's all very well and good, and those ideas definitely have their place - especially in a homesteading environment.
In recent years, the concept of de-growth has gained significant attention as a potential solution to the ecological and societal challenges we face today. With climate change looming as a pressing global issue, it is crucial to explore alternative economic models that prioritise sustainability over endless growth. In this blog post, we will delve into what de-growth is and discuss why it holds immense importance for achieving climate sustainability.
June marks the second month of winter for us in the southern hemisphere, and by the rule of thumb, something most people don't look forward to. The middle of winter springs to mind cold weather, gloomy long days, and traffic backed up for miles in the dark (I'm looking at you Aucklanders). It is easy to fall into a routine lacking in spontaneity, and withdrawing from the world to live your best gremlin life. Whilst embracing the Danish cultural characteristic of "hygge" and generally feeling glum is one thing, it's extremely easy for people to fall into a more alarmingly despondent frame of mind.
Keen to embark on a more eco-conscious lifestyle but have no idea where to start? I feel you.
After a few years of traveling and seeing the effects of climate change quite literally on my doorstep (hello, the wildfires in Australia and the summer of 2023 floods in Auckland) I knew I wanted to make a change to my lifestyle. Who was I to complain about the devastation to our beautiful landscapes whilst doing nothing to address my own wasteful habits?
During a period of pure desperation, and trying to stay atop financially with the current economic climate, I decided to purchase from a retailer and brand I would never normally support - and I’ve felt bad about it ever since.
We live in a society that glorifies fast paced production, hustle culture, materialistic excess and a demanding essence of rushing things in order to achieve “success”. But something’s been lost, muddled along the way because we have it all wrong. Isn’t the real success to be living gently with nature, our families and community, embracing simplicity to enjoy the little things?
When I moved out of my grandparent's household, into a slightly more modern blended family environment with my father, I was a sponge for information about the world's history and social studies classes. I distinctly remember learning about how the Island Republic of Kiribati was not in fact "sinking", but succumbing to rising sea levels.
Sisters Monica and Hannah have had a passion for making and creating since they were little. Fast forward and B.BOLDwas established, a company that specializes in crafting all-natural deodorants and a luxurious Everyday Hero facial oil.
Q&A with The Green Collective: Back in 2014 there was very little focus on our consumption of single-use bags and vege bags. The Goodie Bag was our first product followed by the organic cotton Loot Bag option. We sold out at the first markets and saw a need to continue to focus on reinventing everyday items to be more sustainable. As Ethically So quotes: Kind & Conscious Consumption.
Persimmon chutney, do I need to say anymore? Probably. Until recently I had never actually heard of a persimmon. It's kind of like a mixture between a tomato/orange/cucumber/apple. It's a little bit sweet, but also kind of watery, and doesn't have a massive amount of flavour. You can eat the skin, and they're pretty easy to get your hands on here in New Zealand.
It’s been a pretty busy year here at the Ethically So. HQ
We finally released our very much awaited 12 Months of Low-Waste Living Eco E-Book, as well as our Support Small Subscription Boxes. We went home for the first time in over 5+ years, and we just made it through COVID. We finally got a business coach + financial help, thanks to the pledge me campaign we ran last year.
It’s been a very long time since I wrote to you guys, but I feel today is the day. I used to blog all the time, but time is hard to come by these days and writing has definitely been put on the back burner. I’m writing this while sitting in our “This is Nice” Ponsonby Central Pop-up shop. It seems rather surreal sitting behind a desk in a shop full of beautiful women led, value driven brands. My younger self would be in awe of what I’m up to these days.
I have had a passion for organising since I was a child and for years I dreamed about turning my love of organising into a business. Once my own children reached an age where I could give this the attention it needed - I started “Organised”.
10% of the profits from each sale are donated to one of our men's health charity partners, who we actively work with to make a difference to men's health in Aotearoa. This enables dudes to make a positive impact on more than just the man in the mirror, simply by going about their daily routine.
OMni Balms: Made in New Zealand
They are a natural makeup alternative to traditional lipsticks, blushers or highlighters, and the natural colours absorb into your skin over time and don’t stain.
People have asked me what my proudest achievement was and it’s a small but important aspect that ties into our sustainable focus. The labels are now made of paper and are easy peel so it’s even easier to recycle. They are a pain to stick on the jars as the paper stretches and the label machine does not like them….but that’s manufacturing.. and yes they cost a lot more than the vinyl labels.
We’re bombarded every day by beauty standards that can make us feel like misfits and unworthy. I created Amélie’s to be a safe cocoon - a place free of diktats to feel comfortable and taken care of. It's a nurturing space that is inclusive and accepting of all. Everything that my business stands for aligns with my personal values.
