Christmas is certainly the time for giving and celebrating. But the overwhelming amount of festive waste from food, paper, electronics, plastics and gift wrapping also makes it a critical time of year for our planet.
An Australian survey by McCrindle Research has shown that 78.5% of Australians have received a present that they didn’t want. 13.7% of people will throw away these unwanted presents – meaning they go unused from manufacturer to landfill.
But if every household made simple changes, it would have a very merry impact on our planet. So why not really share the gift of green this Christmas. You might just inspire your loved ones to do the same.
Here are nine green and sustainable ideas to get you started:
1. Wrap it up with heart
Put as much thought into your wrapping as you do with your gift. Cut up some fabrics from unwanted clothes, scarves and tea-towels. Get the kids to paint some newspaper or reuse kept gift bags. These eight friendly gift wrap ideas from Natural New Age Mum are sure to get you motivated.
2. Plant a tree
Instead of hauling a plastic tree in and out of storage every year or buying a cut tree, why not plant a tree! Not only is it environmentally friendly, but will last for years in your backyard. If you don’t have a backyard, plant a small tree in a pot. Not only is it less mess, but it has a smaller footprint. Gardenista has a great post on how to plant your Christmas Tree in the garden.
3. Compost your leftovers
Try to plan ahead when buying your Christmas feast to reduce leftovers. Don’t throw uneaten food away and create a compost bin instead. Or even better, gift a DIY worm farm to the kids this Christmas - a fun and sustainable idea to get their hands dirty. Bunnings has a great step-by-step tutorial on building a worm farm here.
4. Avoid purchasing battery toys
Consider the amount of batteries that are needed to power a gift over it’s life. Not only is this an environmental choice but a safer one (especially with children) and cost-effective. However if you do end up buying an electronic gift, buy a rechargeable battery pack to go with it.
5. Go DIY
Making gifts is thoughtful, inexpensive and gets your creative juices flowing. Gift in a jar is on trend right now and can cater for all ages. Create a hot chocolate recipe in a jar for kids, a sugar scrub for a friend, a homemade jam for a foodie or a decorative plant in a jar for your boss’ desk. Checkout 60 Cute and Easy DIY Gifts in a Jar from DIY Projects for more inspiration.
6. Get a gift of experience
Rather than getting a ‘material’ gift for a loved one, purchase a voucher for a massage, movies, dinner or action experience. It’s more than likely the receiver will love you for it, and a bit of paper going in the recycling is less detrimental than a big unwanted gift. Less stuff - more living.
If you want to go one step further, honour an eco-friendly charity in the receiver's name, it’s good karma for all.
7. Opt for eco-friendly gifts
The magic of online shopping is that you can do your research before you buy. So why not take this opportunity to look at how certain brands products are manufactured, along with the footprint they have on the planet. Our Boody range is cleverly designed, eco-friendly and wonderfully soft. Some of our favourites this Christmas is our women's v-neck t-shirt, our men's boxers and baby pull on shorts. Too hard to decide? Why not grab a Boody Gift Card!
Boody Basics - Organic Bamboo Eco Wear
8. Make ginger biscuit decorations
Buying plastic decorations every year is just asking for more wastage. Why not get the kids involved and make cute gingerbread decorations in different shapes and icing colours. Then of course half the fun is eating the decorations off the tree on Christmas Day. Here’s a great recipe from kitchn
9. Limit packaging and choose natural materials
Polystyrene might make for a White Christmas, but it certainly doesn’t help our planet. Consider this when buying gifts and how they are packaged. Look for products that have recyclable or re-usable packaging. Buy your products in bulk to save shipping and packaging.
Whether it’s homewares, furniture or an esky for him - choose wood products. For fabrics - choose bamboo. For beauty products - go natural.
Having a sustainable Christmas can be simple yet rewarding. It’s a great way to share the spirit of giving not only to our family and friends, but giving back to the planet. With three weeks to go, let’s not leave everything to the last minute. Shop Boody for some eco-friendly present inspiration now.
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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. 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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. 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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/
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The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Zero-Waste Living
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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
