And just like that, it’s that time of year again.
Christmas and the holiday season is officially upon us and after a year like no other, this Christmas brings for many a sense of gratitude to celebrate and connect again with loved ones.
Celebrating, indulging and giving are a large part of the festive traditions, but all the excess that goes with it can put a strain on the environment. ‘Tis the season for more waste to be generated then any other period of the year with wrapping paper, packaging, decor and food the main wastage offenders. It is estimated that the average Australian household waste increases by 30% this time of the year.
At Boody, we put sustainable thinking at the centre of everything we do and this time of year has us dreaming of a white green Christmas. Together, let’s make this holiday season our most eco-friendly, sustainable Christmas yet. Discover 10 easy ways you can green your Christmas.
Rethink gift-wrapping.
The veiling of a gift and the excitement of the reveal are part of the gifting experience. But the paper and plastic used in buying and wrapping equates to a significant waste. We can reduce our impact by wrapping our sustainable christmas gifts in recycled materials including;
- Recycled paper and newspaper.
- Practising the Japanese art of furoshiki and using reusable fabric pieces to knot-wrap.
-
Using recycled items at home including jars, paper packages and even reusing and recycling your Boody purchase box to wrap your gift.
DIY decorations.
Get creative and have some fun with making your own sustainable christmas decorations. Here are some of our favourite ideas;
- Making origami shapes for the tree using fabric or recycled paper.
- A wreath made from dried flowers, herbs and twigs from your garden.
- Make your own eco-friendly christmas crackers with recycled paper.
- Baking Cinnamon or gingerbread cookie decorations and hanging them on the tree, adding them to each plate for your table setting or they make great eco-friendly gifts.
A sustainable Christmas tree.
Real trees not only smell like Christmas, but are renewable and can be recycled after the festivities. When buying an environmentally friendly christmas tree, we advise to look for one that is locally produced.
- Contact your local council to find out a tree collection service that will use your tree for another purpose, such as mulch for gardens in the area.
Food considerations.
Below are some ways you can make mindful food choices this Christmas season and avoid food wastage;
- Plan what to buy when food shopping and consider only the number of people who will be joining your food festivities to avoid impulse food buying.
- Be creative in reusing leftovers - think pasta bakes and omelettes. If you have a lot of food leftover we also encourage you to share the love with your neighbours and the community in general.
Small yet mindful changes can make all the difference in reducing our environmental footprint during the festive break. Show us how you’re celebrating a sustainable Christmas this year by tagging @boody on social.
Best sustainable gifts? Right this way.
Shop Women's Christmas Gifting, Men's Christmas Gifting and Baby Christmas Gifting.
You may also like
Guide
How To Check Your Breasts
What’s the first thing you think to look for when you hear the phrase ‘check your breasts’? It’s often the idea that you’re looking for a lump. Right? Did you know that there are actually 12 symptoms of breast cancer that can help you be more confident to report a persistent breast change? We bet you also didn't know that the changes to look out for are very similar for both women and men. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 9 people losing their lives to the disease every day. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia, 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and about 1 in 700 men are diagnosed with the disease too. But thanks to research the relative survival rate for breast cancer in Australia has improved from 76% to 91%. As a brand that creates intimates - it seemed fit for us to use our platform to talk to breast cancer and use the month of October to simply be breast aware - because if you grow them, you should know them. So, what should my breasts feel like? Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that only you can really know your breasts. The way breasts look and feel will vary for every person. That is why it is so important to be breast aware as this will ensure you can acknowledge a change - if there is one. Remember, October is a reminder to check your breasts - but checking should be made part of your monthly routine. “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” Source: nationalbreastcancer.org What are the 12 symptoms? The following 12 signs are things to be aware of. Yes, sometimes it is just your body but a change noticed that is persistent - is best checked by your doctor. It is important to note, different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area Nipple discharge other than breast milk Any change in the size or the shape of the breast Changes in the shape of the nipple Pain in any area of the breast Growing veins Nipple retraction Thickening of the nipple or breast skin How should A breast self-exam be performed? In the Shower With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes. In Front of a Mirror Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side. Lying Down When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast. What does a lump feel like? A new lump is one of the most common signs of breast cancer. Lumps that are breast cancers can vary. For example, they may be painless or painful. Lumps can also be a sign of a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition. However, if you have found a new lump or breast change, it is important to see your doctor so that it can be checked by a health professional. When should I see a doctor? A breast change doesn't always mean it is ‘cancer’. However, being breast aware is invaluable and if you do see a sign, have a symptom, don't feel right or simply just want to be sure - we encourage it! Early detection gives the best possible chance of survival if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important to remember that breast awareness does not replace having regular mammograms and other screening tests as recommended by your doctor. Some people diagnosed with breast cancer have signs or symptoms. However, some women have no signs/symptoms and the breast cancer is found during a screening mammogram. How often should I get a mammogram? In general, women should have a yearly clinical breast examination by a doctor beginning at age 20 and start having annual mammograms beginning at age 40. BreastScreen Australia offers free mammograms to women aged between 40 and 74 years. If you experience any breast symptoms or unusual changes, see your doctor without delay. If you have a strong family history or you are concerned that you may have an increased risk of breast cancer, always talk to your doctor. Your doctor will help you assess and manage your breast cancer risk and will advise of any additional precautions or screening you may require. Mammograms are not recommended for male breast cancer screening in Australia. However, other tools to check include a clinical breast examination, an ultrasound and a biopsy. So, do men get breast cancer? So many people assume breast cancer affects women only. Breast cancer affects both men and women, because men and women both have breast tissue. About 1 in 700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer* in Australia. If you are a man or are reading this and have men in your life - it is important to make them always aware and let them know that if there are any new and unusual changes to their breasts - they should be aware and seek attention. Our platform is open to #EveryBoody For the month of October, we will use our platform to talk to breast cancer awareness and share insights through personal stories. Our platform is open to #EveryBoody. If you have a story you would like to share, want to share someone else's story or have someone you want to give a shout out to - please reach out to us. We would be honoured to share your story and your message. As one of the most common cancers in the world and a cancer that has touched so many in one way or another - simply starting the conversation and education pieces like this will help lead to an increased awareness. Contact marketing@boody.com.au to share a story. Sources: https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/detection-and-awareness/breast-cancer-symptoms/, https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam, https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam, https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
Guide
The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Zero-Waste Living
So, you have heard the term zero-waste and you’re interested to learn more. A zero-waste lifestyle is about being mindful and considered in your everyday actions. A zero-waste lifestyle is a journey and the notion of avoiding, reducing and eliminating waste from your home and habits will not happen in an instant. The idea of waste-free living is about making considered decisions that are simple everyday swaps. While this lifestyle has a real, community-wide impact, it simply starts with you and your everyday actions. The five main principles of zero waste living are Refuse what you don't need Reduce what you do use Reuse whatever you can Recycle what you can't refuse or reduce Rot whatever else remains Write down the reasons why you want to start waste-free living This is a good place to start because it clarifies the reasons why. Okay, we’ll start. Remove single-use plastics Eat healthier meals Save money Support local businesses Help preserve the planet for future generations Where to start? Let's look at your habits. By identifying what is causing the most waste, we can make swaps and replace them with more sustainable habits. Note: Before buying anything new, use what you have first. 1. Be mindful of reducing waste at home Your home is where your waste-free living journey starts. By being mindful of what you bring home you will be able to manage your waste journey. This includes the food we buy, the clothing we wear and everything else in between. 2. Shop at bulk food stores By shopping at bulk food stores you will reduce both your packaging waste and also your food waste. Buying in bulk eliminates the need for fancy packaging & single-use plastic. Make sure to always have your reusable shopping bags handy! 3. Organised for when you’re out In addition to bringing your own containers while shopping, carry your own set of reusable containers for eating on the go. Ensure you have a reusable coffee cup handy when ordering coffee. Better yet, create a plastic-free car kit so that you are organised whenever you’re on the go. 4. Reconsider products you have always used Can you replace some of the products you buy with others that come package-free? Think personal care, cleaning products and soap. You can also opt for making your own with so many alternatives including using bar soap instead of a dispenser and choosing to make your own zero-waste cleaning products. What Zero Waste products should I buy first? There are few essential items that will facilitate the lifestyle change and make the largest difference for the environment. Plastic alternatives are a huge component of this. Essentials to help you on your journey include: Reusable grocery bags Reusable produce bags Reusable water bottle Reusable coffee/teacup Glass jars for food storage Dual compartment trash can Compost bin For more sustainable tips, follow @boody #EveryBoody
Guide
5 Lounge-Worthy Essentials
Home. It’s where you’ll find most of us these days. The shift in routine, workstations and how time is spent has meant a change in attire too. Comfort-first is a mantra we’re all about and something we’re reaching for more than ever. Our collection of organically grown bamboo sleepwear and loungewear essentials are soft, simple and sustainable. Organically grown bamboo is highly breathable, comfy and soft. It is perfect for garments that sit close to the skin like underwear, socks, sleepwear and loungewear essentials. So, whether your plans as of late consist of organising your wardrobe, labelling your spice drawer, baking many many cakes, writing journal entries, working remotely or binging your favourite TV show - do so in something that's good for you and good for the planet. Our essentials are comfort-first, lounge-worthy and perfect for easy days. Our timeless designs, fits and colours are versatile and made for home and beyond. Discover an easy to wear collection of pants, layering pieces, jumpers and accessories that are made for you to be comfortable and feel comfortable in. So go on, make yourself a cup of herbal tea and place yourself in the corner of the lounge (our biased opinion of the best spot). Now that you have made yourself comfortable, keep reading our list of 5 lounge-worthy essentials. The Downtime Lounge Pant Okay, we’re just going to call it. They’re the most comfortable pants you’ll ever own. Our Downtime Lounge Pants are soft to the touch and light to wear. Crafted with a wide waistband, a gently-snug draped fit, a tapered leg and comfortable, fitted ankle cuffs. These easy to lounge in pants are complete with side pockets - perfect for snacks, phones and remotes that definitely won’t get lost in the lounge again. Pair back with our Downtime Lounge Top for the best loungewear combo for comfort. The Matching Set It's the new leisure suit, with plenty of stretch and comfort. The matching set is our go-to for long days spent at home and perfect for zooming, lounging and napping. With little effort, a matching loungewear set allows you to look put together with ease - simply match the colour from top to bottom and you’re good to go. Our favourite matching sets? Try the Downtime Lounge Top and Pants in timeless colours Storm and Black. Discover Athleisure - the perfect balance of comfort wear and low impact activity wear, crafted in a breathable blend of organically grown bamboo and organic cotton. Made to warm up, cool down and lounge around in. The saying goes, if it matches it counts as an outfit right? Discover our soft, simple, and sustainable sleepwear collection, made with organic bamboo to create the most comfortable pj’s. Earth inspired colours Storm, Dove, Dusty Pink and Black make this matching sleepwear set look so put together, crafted in luxuriously soft sustainable materials - no one will pick you’re even in your pyjamas. The Layering Hero Curl up on the lounge in our round-up of investment, timeless staples that play well inside and out., our certified organically grown bamboo pyjamas, loungewear and athleisure are comfy, breathable and soft to touch. Organically grown bamboo is thermoregulating and anti-static, making it perfect for garments that sit close to the skin. Naturally eco-friendly and hypoallergenic - wear our basics on their own or layer. Discover our Women's Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt, Long Sleeve Bodysuit and Cami Top. The best part - our basics are so versatile and perfect for home and beyond. Ahh, now you’re comfy. The Answer To Toasty Toes Perfect for cosy days at home. Our Chunky Bed Socks are soft, comfy and warm. Featuring a loose leg opening and two-tone colour weave, our Chunky Bed Socks will fall softly on your foot and sit comfortably mid-calf. Crafted in a thick, soft knit for all-over comfort, our warm bed socks for women will keep you warm and cosy and won't slip. Now we have that sorted. Extra snacks for family movie time? Check. Facemask on? Check. Essential oils burning? Check. The Wrap-Yourself-In-This-All-Day A versatile way to add a little warmth to keep you cosy on the inside and out. Our Cosy Knit Wrap is 100% organically grown bamboo and 100% soft, warm and easy. The Cosy Knit Wrap is crafted in a heavyweight true knit. Luxuriously soft and premium to touch, the Cosy Knit Wrap is made with a two-tone effect and soft drape and is that extra piece of warmth you will reach for. Discover in Storm, Dove, Dusty Pink and Black. Shop and discover more sleepwear, loungewear and accessories and tag us in your best lounge looks @boody. #EveryBoody
