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Jan 17, 2023

How to have a waste free lunchbox with ease

How to have a waste free lunchbox with ease
Going waste-free at lunchtime is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money. Here are some tips and tricks for creating a waste-free lunchbox:
Invest in a reusable lunchbox: Instead of using disposable plastic baggies or foil, invest in a reusable lunchbox that can be used over and over again. Stainless steel or glass containers are great options.
Bring your own utensils: Many disposable utensils are made from plastic and end up in landfills. Bring your own reusable utensils, such as a metal fork, knife and spoon, to help reduce waste.
Make your own snacks: Pack your own snacks, like trail mix or homemade granola bars, instead of buying pre-packaged snacks that come in wasteful packaging.
Pack a waste-free drink: Bring a reusable water bottle or thermos to fill with your favorite beverage. This will save you money and reduce the amount of disposable cups or cans that end up in landfills.
Plan ahead: Planning your meals in advance can help you avoid impulse buying or impulse eating. This can help you avoid unnecessary packaging waste and save you money.
By following these tips, you can create a waste-free lunchbox that is not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet. It may take some extra effort initially, but the rewards are well worth it in the long run.
You can also try to pack foods that are more sustainable, such as fruits and vegetables that are in season, or choosing vegetarian options that require less energy to produce.
Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so start today and make a difference in the planet!

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Jan 17, 2023

2023 New Year Resolutions - not self driven but for the community and planet

2023 New Year Resolutions - not self driven but for the community and planet
I have been thinking about 2023 and what my goals are for the community I serve. My personal goals are relevant but I am strong believer in having a purpose and goals that are not self driven. That might mean striving to keep my family happy and helping to save the environment.  Have you started to think about your goals for 2023? I challenge you to have community driven goals for 2023. Email them to me at info@munchcupboard.com and we can be accountable together.

I think these days people are becoming too self driven and introspective that they become self absorbed and lose how to be happy. People seem to be able to set goals but most of the time they are self driven goals that don't sustain happiness.  It is not hard to be happy!  It is a known fact that gratitude, grace and giving brings happiness and especially in times of difficulties.

Having said that, giving time for peace and fitness for the self is important in my books. In the last two terms of 2022 I picked up tennis again. I also joined an adult Floorball team to show support to my middle child for his favourite sport. I did that for him but I have got so much out of joining these sports teams again. Along with losing some weight and feeling great about it!

I have also been pondering the need for us all to acknowledge our feelings and not to run away from them or label them as an oddity.  In 2022 I have been learning how to also understand the significance of the feelings that I have and in particular the stress of running a business.  Running a business as a sole founder and shareholder can be lonely unless you find a tribe and acknowledge feelings, I believe.

Again it is a fact that the human condition must and does suffer along side happiness.  Guilt is one that I always try to avoid from my heart as it seems very much like worry that serves no purpose. In respect to your sustainability journey please don't ever feel guilty just do what you can and let us help you when we can.

I would like to offer you today, 20% off the first box of our latest New Year Resolution MUNCH KITCHEN SUBSCRIPTION BOX whereby you will receive everything you need to keep your kitchen eco clean for a month. You will be saving over $50 when you buy a subscription.

Only $19.99 a month to become an eco warrior with us.

Here is the link and the discount code is SUBNY. You have one week to claim the discount so try now..... 

Happy New Year and looking forward to our journey in 2023.

Anna XX

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Jan 17, 2023

How to explain climate change to kids - giving them hope

How to explain climate change to kids - giving them hope
Climate change can be a difficult concept for children to understand, so it's important to explain it in a way that is age-appropriate and easy to understand. Here are a few tips:
Use simple language and examples that are familiar to them. For example, you can explain that the earth is getting warmer because we're using too much energy and burning things called fossil fuels, which release gases into the air that trap heat.
Use visuals, such as pictures or videos, to help explain the concept.
Use hands-on activities or experiments to help them understand the effects of climate change, like planting a tree, observing and measuring the temperature, or making a rain gauge.
Emphasize the importance of taking small actions to reduce the impact of climate change. For example, you can explain how turning off lights when you leave a room or walking instead of driving can help reduce the amount of energy we use and the amount of pollution we create.
Encourage them to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings about climate change.
Finally, it's important to stress the importance of taking action now to mitigate the effects of climate change and to ensure a better future for all.


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Jan 17, 2023

How to recycle

How to recycle
Recycling in New Zealand is an important part of preserving our environment and protecting our natural resources. In this post, we will discuss how to recycle in New Zealand, including what materials can be recycled, how to prepare recyclable materials, and where to take certain items that cannot be picked up curbside.
What can be recycled?
In New Zealand, the most common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and aluminum cans. Many local councils also accept other materials for recycling, such as electronics, batteries, and even certain types of hazardous waste. To find out what can be recycled in your area, check with your local council's website or contact them directly.
Preparing recyclable materials
Before placing any recyclable materials in your recycling bin, it is important to sort and clean them. This means removing any non-recyclable materials, such as plastic bags, and making sure that the recyclable materials are clean and free of food waste. For example, rinse any food residue from containers before placing them in the recycling bin. This ensures that the recycling facility can process the materials properly and that they do not get rejected.
Curbside collection
Most communities in New Zealand have curbside collection of recyclable materials. This means that residents can place their recyclable materials out for pickup on designated days. It is important to check with your local council for the schedule of pickup days and what materials are accepted.
What about items that cannot be picked up curbside?
While curbside collection is the most convenient way to recycle, there are certain items that cannot be picked up curbside. This includes hazardous materials such as paint, pesticides, and batteries. These items can typically be taken to a recycling facility or a council transfer station for proper disposal. Again, check with your local council for specific instructions on how to dispose of these items.
In conclusion, recycling in New Zealand is an important part of preserving our environment and protecting our natural resources. By understanding what materials can be recycled, how to prepare recyclable materials, and where to take certain items that cannot be picked up curbside, we can all do our part to make New Zealand a greener and more sustainable place to live.

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Oct 10, 2022

Microplastics – how often do you come in contact with them?

Microplastics – how often do you come in contact with them?

Microplastics: the buzzword of the moment. It’s time we learn about them. 

For nearly 20 years, scientists have been researching the potential harms of microplastics. While they don’t yet know whether or not it is dangerous for human consumption, they know it’s bad for the health of our planet. 

Meaning – we need to make changes stat! 

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