‘Tis the season. The decorations are up and if the Christmas tunes aren’t playing in your office yet, they’re bound to be in every store you walk through. But as we all know, the festive season shouldn’t be all about consumerism. Which is why it’s important to remember the importance of having a sustainable Christmas.
To help you do this, we’re bringing you a Green Gift Guide this year – a range of eco-friendly gifts that will allow you to take part in the Yuletide cheer without compromising your sustainable values. From wooden sunglasses and stainless steel drinking straws to beeswax wraps and bamboo water bottles, our Green Gift Guide has your Christmas gifting covered.
And, if that wasn’t enough, you can be in to win all the gift ideas mentioned below and more! Find out how in our Giant Green Gift Giveaway.
1. Eco-friendly sunscreen
The northern hemisphere might be snowing this time of year, but here Down Under we’re sweating! With the sun’s harsh rays in full force, it’s important to remember to layer up in sunscreen. Natural skincare brand Wotnot creates a fantastic Anti-Aging Sunscreen & Primer from organic ingredients that are eco-friendly and free of nasties. The perfect gift for a Christmas in the sun.
2. Organic tea
Whether it’s overindulging on chocolate or drinking one too many sherries, it’s easy to get carried away over the festive season. Organic tea is a thoughtful gift that will give your loved one a much-needed detox and moment of calm in between the busy festive period. The Organic Tea Project works with single estate organic tea plantations in India to bring you only the finest teas such as Organic English Breakfast Tea.
3. Reusable straws
The days of plastic straws are numbered (finally!). With everything we know about the damage plastic does to our oceans, there really is no excuse for anyone to be using plastic straws anymore. Encourage someone special to go plastic-free by treating them to a pack of Stainless Steel Straws by Ever Eco. Then, make sure they sip all their glasses of mulled wine through them!
4. Reusable flasks
It’s not just drinking straws that should be reusable by now. Ensure your loved ones steer clear of plastic drink bottles by gifting them a reusable flask. Made by Fressko knows a thing or two about reusable flasks, as Trip from their original Camino series proves. The sophisticated, hard-wearing bamboo flask with a stainless steel inner makes the perfect gift for those on the go.
5. Reusable food wraps
We all know Boxing Day is all about tasty leftovers. Ensure your loved one can avoid food waste by keeping their leftovers fresh with a reusable food wrap – an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic. WRAPPA creates gift-ready food wraps made from beeswax or plant-based materials that are as appealing to look at as they are kind to the planet, such as this fun and colourful Organic Cotton Mermaid Magic 3-pack. Eco gift sets made easy.
6. Botanical beard oil
One for the guys. Help him keep that beard in shape with the nourishing blend of Botanics found in natural beard oil. Babs Bodycare creates the perfect Beard Oil from a unique blend of Camelia, Argan, Jojoba and Hemp oils, which reduce inflammation, soothe skin and heal irritations while reducing redness and itchiness. He will thank you for it!
7. The Urban Farmer book
Perfect for that budding urban farmer in the family. Written by horticultural expert Justin Calverley, The Urban Farmer is a guide for anyone who dreams of living the country life in the city by growing their own healthy, sustainable fruit and veg – and more! A great gift for someone green-thumbed to find beneath their Christmas tree. Keep an eye out for our exclusive interview with the author, Justin Calberley, in a couple of days!
8. Wooden sunglasses
As well as protecting our skin from those beautiful sunbeams, we’ll also want to shield our eyes. A pair of wooden sunglasses make the perfect gift for a loved one. Not only are they unique and awesome to look at, but there’s no nasty plastic meaning they’re better for the environment, too. Bonus! Grown makes sustainable wooden eyewear for him and her such as Bodhi in Redwood and Meraki in Ebony. We love!
9. Bamboo clothing
Last but not least, don’t forget that bamboo clothing makes the perfect gift for someone special! Our everyday essentials for him and her are soft, simple and sustainable – everything a great, green gift should be. Whether it’s socks and undies as stocking fillers or our Boody Lounge pieces wrapped up under the tree, bamboo clothing is the gift that keeps on giving.
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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. 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. 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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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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