the journal

The Latest Entries

Ginger and the Plastic Pirates

Image from  lifeismymiracle.tumblr.com Around 6 months ago I announced on Instagram  I would like to publish a children’s book. Previously I have been asked to write a zero-waste guide for adults by American publishing companies but I don't know If I'm ready to commit to that. Or if I have enough experience to do it. A ki…

My local bulk food store

This is my local bulk food store in Melbourne. It's not your typical, new one. It does not have everything I need either. But it has the essentials. The space is small and smells like roasted nuts. Not much is organic, but it's mostly Australian and very affordable. Everything sits in the bags they are delivered in. Beans…

Odd habit confession

I realised the other day, that a odd habit has grown from my attempts to reduce my waste. If I am running late, not prepared my lunch for the week, can't afford to get lunch out at a cafe or takeaway in my own container (you know, the last couple days before pay day....) I will usually hastily throw some apples and oranges into my…

Things might not ever change in my lifetime

Last week, my plastic free and zero waste life, was exposed to a wide audience. My freckled face was appearing on national TV, my voice heard on radio here plus around the world, and my words were appearing in various publications. The opportunity, while unexpected, was humbling, daunting and exciting. I connected with so many wo…

No more time wasted reading food labels

Image from peerfit.com Last week, I was putting together a presentation for my first public speaking event with LiveWell Yarra . I got to a part of my talk, where I was going to discuss what benefits going plastic free and zero waste, has brought to my life. Eating more fresh vegetables and fruit  Saving money Investing in my…

Instagram love

Occasionally I do this silly thing where I end up on the wrong train. The builder has received phone calls from me, a little voice on the other end telling him that I got onto the wrong train and will be home a little late. Looking up to realise I am on the line to Sunbury or Upfield is frustrating, but really I have no one else to bl…

Regrowing vegetables in water

Has anyone else seen the latest craze for regrowing vegetables?  I am right into it.  It is a great way to use up left over scraps of veggies that might go to compost. The biggest highlight is how easy it is, far easier than growing from a seed. It's plastic free, zero waste, and free!  Right now I have springs onions a…

The First Cookbook - The Books of Apicius

The Books of Apicius is considered by many to be the first written cookbook, dated around 1st century AD. Image taken from The Books of Apicius I found the allegedly oldest cookbook, when I was wondering how or where the obsession for cookbooks ever came from. My search led me to this little gem. The cookbook section in book…

Am I really living a simple life?

This past weekend I decided to try my hand at making silverbeet and ricotta ravioli. The idea came when I had a bunch of silvertbeet left over. Rather than cook it up the usual two ways that I do, I decided to try something new. It was my first attempt at making ravioli of any kind. I won’t go through the process of what I did. …

Spreading the word offline

As a teenager I used to be obsessed with Marie Claire. I would buy it each month without fail. I even completed my work experience with their publishing house during University. So when they contacted me in July about a feature, I could not say no. The story features myself, Lauren from TIFT and Bea of Zero Waste Home. While it'…

Avocado Seed Shampoo

We eat a couple avocados a month. Lucky the avocados we buy are almost a year round indulgence, and come from a farm three hours from Melbourne. The same farm supplies all of our citrus fruit in winter, growing the best blood oranges EVER. I try my hardest to use up as much of the food I buy. Right now I have a pot on the stove full o…

Cutlery wrap sewing tutorial

My talented sister is sharing a step by step guide to making your own cutlery wraps. I am selling these in my Starter Kits for Plastic Free and Zero Waste Living   (sold out) , and it was my sister who made these and the bag for the kits. I know there are plenty of people who are handy with a sewing machine (or a needle and thread)…