And like anything, if we are not fit and healthy things can get hard. However as I have written before, I am totally against all the individual retort that is all over our modern world ie work on self to make you happy. Sure but connecting with others and serving the community brings so much more contentment and joy. Connect connect and connect deeply. We are not designed to live alone. We are designed to be with the people who love us (not the stranger that you meet to discuss your fragmented woes but those that are your tribe!)
Thanks for listening to my ramble again
Anna Mills-Bordignon xx
PS picture above is me at my desk working on our signage and my goal setting book.
Below are some cool local ladies doing some cool stuff. We now have the NZ made natural toothpaste and tooth tabs in our Showroom and online. Along with the Sunsick natural sunscreen and natural deodorant from Raw. And of course our local legend Elizabeth Barbalich from Antipodes. Supporting local women doing cool things!
It is also the most wasteful time of the year, from electricity usage to surplus food, presents, wrapping, and travel.
The festive season takes a toll on the environment, but it doesn’t have to. Munch is here to point you in the right direction!
]]>It is also the most wasteful time of the year, from electricity usage to surplus food, presents, wrapping, and travel.
The festive season takes a toll on the environment, but it doesn’t have to. Munch is here to point you in the right direction!
Stockings are a waste culprit – their contents are intended for family fun and games, and to be a surprise from Santa.
We can’t have Christmas without Santa! Or without all of the memories that come with these special moments.
That’s why, this Christmas, Munch set out to provide our customers with fun little gifts, that make for perfect stocking stuffers, but will be useful and loved for seasons to come.
Our founder Anna recently attended the Spring Gift Fair with her brands Munch and nil, where she found an array of beautiful gift options that are ethically made in New Zealand, aren’t expensive and don’t harm our planet!
Behold… Munch’s Ultimate guide to green gifting. There’s truly something for everyone at Munch this Christmas!
Our Short-Tailed New Zealand Jelly-Tip Journal is so unique to New Zealanders, it would make a lovely gift to someone going travelling. Or, our NZ Road Code Journal might be a useful reminder of the NZ road rules again before their return.
We have a beautiful range of gifts from Jo Lupin Design, inspired by NZ flora and fauna.
The Jo Luping Eco felt Grow Bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles that were meant for landfills but have been transformed into something beautiful to grow new life in. They’re an ideal gift for someone with a green thumb.
Jo Lupin also has a beautiful range of porcelain Trinket Bowls and Hanging Tiles (which can be multipurpose as Christmas tree decorations, or home décor).
Anna picked up the most gorgeous range of Kiwiana-themed Stocking Stuffers, from crayons to card games, they are gifts with a purpose, to help more New Zealanders learn and use Te Reo.
For the younger ones, choose from; crayons labelled in Māori and English, Kiwiana matching number cards, memory, and kiwi Alphabet flash cards.
For adults, grab our Kāri Kai Set. A functional, fun way to bring Te Reo to the table.
For Mum, grab our Kowhai Earrings made from recycled plastic by Remix, or for a sister or friend grab an eye mask, konjac sponge, or wooden comb.
For the sweet tooth, Anna found nostalgia-inducing Gigglepuss Candy. From large matchboxes to tins that once should have contained Edmonds baking powder, Gigglepuss is something fun to add to your gifts.
For the baby of the family, (and mum, because these are so aesthetically pleasing!) grab a Honu Turtle Bath Toy, made from recycled fishing nets, they’re helping keep our oceans clean for future generations. Their unique mould-free design allows the toy to be opened for cleaning, giving peace of mind there are no nasties! Each Greta the Great™ Toy saves around 67g of Carbon Dioxide emissions from entering Earth’s atmosphere (that’s more than her weight of Co2!)
We know how unachievable it seems to make Christmas 100% Eco-Friendly, but Munch is here making it easier to take small steps in the right direction.
Questions you can ask yourself to ‘check in’ with eco-gifting goals:
For stocking stuffers, think: second-hand, homemade, or eco-friendly in some way.
For bigger gifts ask:
Are the gifts you’re buying ethically made?
What are they made from?
Are you shopping locally to minimize your carbon footprint?
If you’re stuck for ideas, our Munch ladies have been working hard behind the scenes making Eco Gift Boxes to take the pressure off!
From baby feeding, and baby soothing, to an Eco Lunch Box gift box, these are great starter packs for anyone wanting to act more eco-friendly in the New Year.
Oh! We can’t forget Christmas cards… opt to save waste and send a digital card this year, or grab an Eco card made from FSC® certified paper. Our range is printed by Live Wires using vegetable-based inks on paper produced from certified and audited (WMF) Well Managed Forest plantations.
Small optimistic steps can save the world.
Munch x
]]>There are so many things you can do with Christmas mince. However the first thing is to know how to make Christmas mince, so we have attached a very simple Christmas mince recipe for you below.
Do you often have left over Christmas mince? If so, here are the things you can make with Christmas mince
Merry Christmas to you all xx
I love being around clear thinkers and communicators. To me that is a strong focused individual who is very powerful. Also I think it is very sexy!
I mean those that are able to extrapolate large complex information (both intellectually and emotionally) down to a well balanced and clear point that they are able to articulate empathically to another. I have added the word 'empathically' as if a person is unable to communicate empathically I would rather they kept their mouth closed, as to me empathy keeps us human, connected without judgement, avoids the establishment of hate or confusion (I know a lot to unpack there but not for this mailer otherwise it will be too long)
I don't really care if the point is not from my perspective but I love the clarity of the thinking and the empathetic delivery of it. I suspect that these people have many 'thought storms' but are able to temper them and draw out logical arguments. Along with the ability to really unpack the levels that are blocked to address the real feeling and need that is driving a position.
I can be a clear conscious thinker and my legal training has helped me do that, however when there are two many opinions, too much distraction, too much negativity, too busy, not enough time to process and be in the present I get a little muddled. However once I am clear I just love that feeling of freedom of thought and all that needs to happen from there is to release it through conscious action.
I think the whole green movement can be so overwhelming and distracting. There is so much confusing information around what is eco and what is not. Unfortunately there is a band wagon of great business people who are focusing on the negative aspects of companies trying to be green rather than offering positive solutions to keep moving it forward. No one likes to be told off. Also many of the messages are not well thought out and the only clear point is the ' haha look what I have found, they are being naughty', which is essentially the ego talking This has not happened to us but I see the trend happening and I believe it is not helpful to the cause.
I have been asked to do a Tedtalk style presentation at the end of September to around 300 people in a theatre in Auckland. I will be accompanied by 8 other amazing entrepreneurs. Yes a little daunting and quite outside my comfort zone but the amazing part is that I am getting trained by Miriam from Naked Audience who specialises in training CEO/Entrepreneurs on impact speaking. My talk will be about the lack of hope that our young ones have for the future based on the retort around climate change. As you can tell above, it is one of my pet hates as language and messaging can effect how people see the world and more to the point can demotivate people to take action.
Till next time - grateful
Anna Mills-Bordignon xx
PS make sure you check out our kitchen sub for your home or business. Great value and effortless
We have recently created a page on our website for more information on Corporate Gifting. Here is the link
We would love to work with more businesses this year for Christmas so please do get in touch and we can create an impact together with ease. Just email Sonya at order@munchcupboard.com
]]>I have recently met a lovely new friend who oozes gratitude and lives for the present which many people find difficult to do. In my view they seem to live by pleasure, fun, gratitude, optimism and offering the good which is contagious. I think starting and ending the day with gratitude is a lovely way to live life. In same ways it is not much different to the religious form of praying in the morning and at night. Maybe (from a very simplistic view) our mental health issues are due to the breakdown of these concepts. Like me on the couch, a little electronic message of love and gratitude bursts out a smile!
My gorgeous Norwegian friend who started her PHD in critical social thinking in trade has introduced me to Chantal Mouffe, a Belgian Philosopher She reiterates again ( similar to Jeannette Fitzsimmon the need for limiting growth but links it more directly to the need to radicalise democracy). See below a quote from Chantal Mouffe.
'With the climate emergency, we have entered a new phase in which the struggle for social justice requires questioning the productivist and extractivist model. Growth has ceased being considered a source of protection to become a danger to the material conditions of existence of society. It is no longer possible to envisage a process of radicalization of democracy that does not include the end of a model of growth that endangers the existence of society and whose destructive effects are particularly felt by its more vulnerable groups.'
The readings by Chantal Mouffe are a little bit challenging and sometimes my small intellectual brain needs to read more straight forward books that I can easily read while consistently being interrupted by my lovely boys.
I am reading Atomic Habits by James Clear which is a much easier read. I have chosen this book because I have a few things to get through and I really want to make sure I keep time for pleasurable pursuits.
The key point in this book is very commonsensical - 'improving by just 1% is not always noticeable but can be extremely significant in the long run'. Then he goes onto more specific things like finding out what time of day you work your best and then ensuring you do not schedule any meetings over that time. So if I have turned you down in the morning for a meeting or coffee, you now know why!
I do find sometimes the most commonsense things in life are the things that make life easy. But often we need to process these commonsense things in a different way for them to sink into our consciousness, whether by reading, watching, experiencing, listening or simply taking the time to smell the roses while engaging our simple little brains to bring into action commonsense.
Enjoy your month.
Anna
]]>Incoming… Nine simple, cost-efficient, eco-swaps that you don't want to miss!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #1
Instead of buying yogurt in individual snack pottles, buy a big tub, and pop it into our handy Reusable Food Pouches!
Munch has the easiest reusable pouches that allow refilling from the top - with no difficult corners where food gets trapped like other designs. These waste-saving pouches come in a handy five-pack, so they're perfect for school lunches, and you can freeze them for later! Too easy...
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #2
How often do you throw out your dish brush and buy a new one? Monthly?
Well… those old dish brushes will be with us on the planet for over 100 years, trying to break down but just contaminating our soil. Swap to an eco-friendly Wooden Dish Brush. ♻️
Our 100% plastic-free brush range is completely biodegradable in home compost at the end of its life – how good!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #3
PEGS! Pesky plastic pegs break so fast anyway... invest in the Munch Stainless Steel Pegs and you'll never have that issue. 🤩
Made from STAINLESS STEEL, so they last for a long time, and will NOT get rusty. They may look small but they are mighty strong! They can hold jeans and double layered pants in the wind, no problem.
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #4
Do you say no to plastic straws? How about paper straws? They go so soggy anyway...
Instead, treat yourself to this exquisite set of 4 high-end reusable drinking straws that will take enjoying a fresh juice or an ice cold cocktail to a whole new level! 🍓
Made for lifetime use, they won't end up in our oceans like their alternatives!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #5
Snap lock bags are so handy, right? Well... did you know there are eco alternatives that are just as convenient? We have developed your plastic-free snacking solution. The Munch Beeswax Snack Bags are ideal for snacks of all sizes, from popcorn, fruit and biscuits to nuts, seeds and crackers.
To use, close the bag by rolling it down and the warmth of your hands will seal it. Simply wipe them down after use and they're ready to be reused! 💛
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #6
Do you wash up with dishwashing liquid? In plastic bottles? The ingredients in traditional dishwashing liquid are so abrasive on your hands - your skin and the planet will thank you for swapping to Munch Dish Soap Bars. ✅
This swap is a goodie, and SO easy to get your hands on. Our Dish soaps are available at Countdown and Woolworths stores nationwide in both NZ and AUS. Simply hold the soap under a running tap and boom! Your dishes will be sparkly in no time. Make the swap in your next grocery shop, you won't regret it. 😉
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #7
We all know those yellow and green scourers - that pick up an awful smell. Next time you need a new one, swap to the Munch Natural Scourer.
It is a great alternative to synthetic sponges/scourers. Made from natural cellulose, this sponge is able to absorb water that's 18 times its own dry weight. PLUS, they don’t collect bad odours like other sponges, and you can safely sanitize them in the dishwasher. So say goodbye to those germy and stinky cleaning sponges. 🙈
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #8
When you have leftovers, do you cover these with cling wrap or tinfoil? Instead... swap to our Munch Organic Cotton Food Covers.
They are reusable, and 100% biodegradable once you're done with them. PLUS - they save you money, as they are a one-time purchase - you can't just run out. 🌎
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #9
Did you know that many disposable tea bags are made from plastic? Not only is this bad for our soil, but once heated, micro-plastics enter the tea we drink! Next time you're buying tea, make the swap to loose leaf - and pop it into our Munch Reusable Tea Bags.
Information about previously unknown secrets of home-brewed tea has been making the rounds on social media, and some surprising facts are emerging.
⭐️ First and most shocking, there’s actually plastic in many of the popular tea bags on the market.
⭐️As a result of this, you shouldn’t be composting these tea bags, as you’re contaminating the compost with non-biodegradable plastics.
⭐️Since they aren’t compostable or recyclable, they end up as waste in a landfill.
Making the switch to reusable bags can be easy and will work out cheaper in the long run! Loose leaf tea comes in such a huge variety of flavours too...
Go eco-warriors! Choose to refuse single-use plastics today. We hope these effortless eco swaps help to create new habits in your home. Make the world of difference, every day, in every way, with Munch. 💚
PS. don’t forget to enter our Plastic Free July giveaway over on Facebook or Instagram! you could win a whole array of eco swaps…
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Anna MB x
Warming temperatures are changing where birds live, the timing of their migration patterns and egg laying, and even the sizes and shapes of their bodies. Climate change will impact birds’ breeding and migratory seasons, which are often cued by temperature changes.
Indirectly, rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affect birds’ ability to find food and reproduce, which over time impacts local populations. Global warming can change entire ecological communities. Food and nesting material that birds depend on may no longer be there. Birds may face new prey.
Research has shown that climate change affects birds both directly and indirectly. The distributions of birds are closely associated with both winter and summer temperatures, as well as precipitation patterns.
So how can we help? Individuals can support conservation organizations and initiatives, create bird-friendly habitats in their own backyard, and reduce their carbon footprint while advocating for sustainable practices.
By taking these actions, individuals can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on bird populations.
This excerpt is written by Julian Goldie. To read more of this article, visit https://vogelwunderland.de/how-does-climate-change-affect-birds/.
]]>Changing jobs, changing partners or just changing your haircut. Change needs education and thought for most. I think sometimes people make changes to quickly these days without thinking through all the consequences. But then there are the procrastinators who need that immediate change to make them move along. I am a bit of both, from sometimes being the first to jumping in with excitement on things to taking far too long to make changes when they are effecting others. When it comes to making changes for our planet I do think it takes time to plan and put in place strategies to follow through. Making that change to knowing what to recycle or compost takes time. See below some of our tips on recycling. It is far to easy to sometimes favour convenience, for example when you are throwing out your rubbish or buying food that is heavily packaged. These days I believe we do things at speed and often without thought.
Eco tips - recycling
Know your numbers! Each council has a different number that they will collect for recycling. In Wellington the council will take number 1, 2 and 5. Note: Polystyrene, soft plastic and Tetra Pak cannot be recycled in kerbside recycling.
We collect here at the Showroom Tetra Paks, Milk bottle caps, Razor Blades and Ecostore bottles.And of course SILICONE as that is part of our amazing silicone recycling project.
Back to the word 'change'. I think with covid19 we have found that change is not our enemy as we can make changes for good. But they need thought and time so we can all follow through successfully in that change.
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!
]]>For many of us, microplastics are a mystery. It’s commonly thought they’re just those little beads in exfoliating scrubs.
Because… most of us heard of them as scientists first found microbeads directly from personal-care products in rivers and oceans. They can be much smaller than those.
So small that they’re harming the world’s smallest marine species - Zooplankton. They’re growing slower and reproducing less successfully in the presence of microplastics.
While humans ingest microplastics daily, scientists aren’t as worried they’ll affect our health in that way. They’re more concerned that, if we make Zooplankton, the base of the marine food web extinct, its flow-on effects could affect our ability to feed the world’s population.
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!
You often take leftovers to work in Tupperware and heat them in the microwave right? Well – environmental engineers recently made a discovery, that “plastic food containers shed huge numbers of specks — called microplastics — into hot water, even kettles and baby bottles”. Therefore, you’re consuming thousands of microplastics daily.
The good news is – those who are worried about their microplastic exposure can reduce it! There are many alternatives.
Munch empowers and educates families, every day, in every way to change the world. Don’t feel bad about the microplastics you’re consuming, because unfortunately – it’s a fact of life.
Instead, you can feel great every time you avoid excess microplastics. Every time you make an eco-conscious action, you’re stopping thousands of microplastics from entering our oceans, wildlife, and tamariki.
The number of microplastics shed depends on temperature. A simple action is to stop microwaving food in plastic containers. Instead, take your Munch Stainless Steel Lunchbox and transfer your lunch onto a plate to heat it. Swap to Glass Baby Bottles, or rinse sterilized bottles in cold boiling water before use.
Think – where in your household do plastics and heat come in contact?
The dryer? There are microplastics in clothes along with dryer balls/dryer sheets. Try adding Munch NZ Wool Dryer Balls, they’re 100% plastic free and reduce drying time which = fewer microplastics.
The oven? Baking paper is a microplastic culprit. Swap this for Silicone Baking Mats that are heat resistant and don’t leech microplastics into food. Made from food grade silicone - BPA and phthalate free.
Think – where are you, your clothing, food, or your whanau in contact with excess plastic?
The Lunchbox? Plastic wrap, plastic snack bags, water bottles and even the lunchbox itself. So many microplastics! There is an alternative for each: Beeswax Wrap, Beeswax Snack Bags, Stainless Steel Containers, and a Glass or Stainless Steel Drink Bottle.
The washing line? Grab our Stainless Steel Pegs and stop those pesky microplastics rubbing on your clothing.
The kitchen surfaces? Stop using your old sponges and dishcloths, instead use plastic-free cellulose fibre Scourers and Dishcloths.
The highchair? You can swap to plastic-free Silicone Dummies, Bamboo Spoons, and Bamboo Teethers.
The kitchen sink? Try a Wooden Dish Brush and swap dish liquid in plastic bottles to Munch Dish Soap.
We hope you feel empowered that you can make a difference! Buy a Munch product and feel good about using it. We are constantly making it easier for you to be sustainable, introducing new everyday eco products that make a difference.
Let’s be the ones to show the way, and raise the next generation of eco-warriors.
All scientific info in this blog is cited from: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01143-3
]]>Spring is here. So, it’s time for a seasonal refresh.
It’s easy to get carried away, wanting a new routine for the season. So, we’re sharing four hacks to keep your laundry routine green, while making it fun.
]]>Spring is here. So, it’s time for a seasonal refresh.
It’s easy to get carried away, wanting a new routine for the season. So, we’re sharing four hacks to keep your laundry routine green, while making it fun.
Hack #1: Cut out single-use waste wherever you can!
Our favourite part of a Spring-clean… decluttering.
Picture a routine without the clutter of waste. It may not seem like you produce waste from your laundry, but think again – dryer sheets, plastic bottles, plastic pegs, cardboard packaging, plastic laundry powder scoops… the list goes on. There is an alternative for each of these and what better time to introduce them than during a Spring Refresh?
When handwashing, swap laundry detergent for Munch Laundry Soap which is so powerful against stains but not so harsh on skin, removing plastic bottles from your household waste.
Swap old plastic pegs for Marine Grade Stainless Steel Pegs which are 100% plastic-free and last for years! Think of it like a peg investment, and they’re so much cuter than mismatched plastic pegs.
Change from laundry powder in boxes, for laundry powder from our Refillery! It removes both cardboard waste and plastic scoops from your routine. Munch has a cute Bamboo Scoop which is a great alternative. Bougie!
Hack #2: Visit a Refillery for a laundry routine refresh
Did you know we have a Refillery? Not many people do. It’s unique, as it operates at a physical location, and online… how easy!
With everything from laundry powder to toothpaste tabs, our Refillery is 100% waste-free.
When ordering online, your purchase comes in 'cleanskin' style with the product name handwritten – rustic chic and kind to the earth.
Our five pack of Bamboo Bathroom Containers are perfect for filling with goodies at the Refillery. Or, Munch has Drawstring Refillery Bags, which are available online, simply request and we’ll fill these.
Come on in with your containers to 471 Adelaide Road in Wellington. Or order online here for your Spring laundry refresh, zero waste style.
Hack #3: Utilise air-drying where possible.
Make the most of our earth’s natural and free resources, the wind, air, and sun – dry your laundry outside this spring!
Struggling with space on the washing line? Our Munch Stainless Steel Peg Hangers are a perfect addition to your routine. Completely plastic-free and multi-purpose for indoor and outdoor use. They’re made from marine-grade stainless steel so won’t rust like other brands, and are perfect for little items like socks, underwear, and masks.
Hack #4: Help our planet and your wallet by saving electricity.
Reduce your power consumption and bill with Munch NZ Wool Dryer Balls, they help clothing dry up to 25x faster, and you won’t have to do as much ironing! How bliss.
Made from 100% Premium New Zealand Wool with NO FILLERS! The anti-static quality of wool reduces wrinkles and lint. NZ wool products are not cheap, but Munch has competitive pricing for these – they’re the best choice for the smart consumer.
They work as a chemical-free alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets – saving you money in the long run. They’ll last over 1,000 loads and are equal to 4+ boxes of dryer sheets.
Munch Tip: Most power companies have a free hour of power, and you get to choose when this is. Make sure you’re utilising this to save you money! With dryer balls, you may even get a whole load dry in the free hour.
We hope you’re all set for a Green Spring-Cleaning Routine. We’d love to see your swaps! Share them with Munch by tagging us in your social posts @MunchCupboard.
]]>The Ultimate Eco-Warrior Toolkit, from Real-Life Eco-Warriors (you guys!).
We hope you recognise some habits from your own household, and give yourself a pat on the back! It’s nice to know that you’re not the only one trying to make a difference. There are a huge army of families out there who are also taking small steps to help.
We’re about empowering families to change the world. Because they can! By making it easier to be sustainable, without huge effort, costs, or time constraints.
Congrats ECO-Warriors – you smashed Plastic-Free July. We are so proud of you!
To enter a recent giveaway, participants had to comment on how they were creating eco-friendly habits. We had over 200 comments across Munch and @nilproducts - showcasing inspiring eco-activities.
We were so inspired, we just had to share it. So, below we cover:
The Ultimate Eco-Warrior Toolkit, from Real-Life Eco-Warriors (you guys!).
We hope you recognise some habits from your own household, and give yourself a pat on the back! It’s nice to know that you’re not the only one trying to make a difference. There are a huge army of families out there who are also taking small steps to help.
The Ultimate Eco-Warrior Toolkit, inspired by YOU:
Cindy has tried only shopping from local second-hand stores.
Emily-Jean has stopped using glad wrap completely, and instead, uses beeswax wraps for food storage.
Angie has been using a worm farm to compost and worm juice for fertilizer. Judith and her grandson developed a worm farm and have been busy feeding their scraps to the worms together – what a great learning opportunity!
Carolyn has been planting native plants on her land, as well as planting mother trees next to the smaller ones to increase chances of survival. She has also been encouraging healthy fungi growth.
Sue and her family tried plant-based meat in their meals for a whole week! It was their first time trying this, and made sure to buy them biodegradable packaging – Ka pai Whānau!
Gillian has been trying out composting for the first time.
Kelly has been making her own soap and cleaning products at home.
Beki has been saying NO to the little plastic soy sauce fish that come with sushi, instead she pours it from the bottle while instore.
Jess has been composting hay and animal poop on her farm, to make eco fertiliser.
Boston has been buying in bulk and making ‘nude lunches’ instead of using separately packaged items.
Eddie’s family are trying to recycle more consciously, teaching their kids the ins and outs of the correct recycling process. Eddie says it’s amazing how much can be recycled after a little extra effort!
Debbie has only been buying brands with a recycling option at their end-of-life, or with compostable packaging.
Abbey and Chev have been collecting seaweed off the beach and making their own chemical-free sprays for the veggie garden.
Eugene has been attempting to do one new sustainable task each day.
Kai has been picking up rubbish while he walks his dog, Pippy.
Sonia has been buying soap and deodorant in bars, instead of plastic bottles.
Gabrielle has been making an effort not to buy her kids cheap plastic toys that break easily – go Mama!
Amy has been using reusable paper towels, and tissues made from bamboo fibres.
Fleur has been taking her soft plastics to local soft plastics-recycling bins – which are normally in supermarkets.
Summer has been using reusable period cups.
Lucy is using reusable food pouches, instead of buying yogurt in plastic pottles.
Grant has been buying milk in glass bottles from a local seller.
Claire has been making a conscious effort to think of the environmental impact of purchases, before she makes them.
Megan has been turning off the tap while shaving and brushing her teeth.
Sheridan has made use of disposable facemasks – worn and are ready for the bin, she used them to pick up dog-doo on walks!
Elizabeth has been teaching her son how to recycle and takes a stainless steel straw with her everywhere.
Bella got her Whānau to take their own cups when going out for hot chocolates.
Rebecca has been using reusable nappies on both of her young girls – Go eco-mama!
Amanda has been shopping at her local refillery, where she can take her own containers and fill up virtually anything.
Rachel has swapped from plastic scourers to eco-friendly, cellulose fibre scourers.
Lesley has been growing his own produce from scratch, and always checking his purchases to consider disposal of every commodity.
Marlene has been repurposing old glass jars for baking ingredient storage instead of throwing them out.
Stacey has been researching biodegradable toothbrushes and searching for products that cause less or no damage to the Earth.
Becky’s family have been using the Munch Stainless Steel Bento Lunchboxes for their lunches. They’ve been feeding all leftovers to their chickens, and using teabags as fire starters.
Ida has been recycling since the 80’s… that is a long time! She teaches her children and grandkids the basics from a young age so they can carry this skill throughout their lives.
Angie has been using steel laundry pegs instead of plastic pegs.
Pania and Troy have instilled that earth is precious and the importance of loving it in their tribe of kids from day one. They do the best they can as a family.
Paula didn’t forget reusable shopping bags at the supermarket all month!
Mike has been using silicone covers for his leftovers.
Bridget has been taking her own containers to the supermarket for deli meats and salads.
Jen and Jacqui have been making their own plant-based coconut milk, and using the leftover pulp for baking so there is zero waste.
Irene has stopped buying individually tinned or pouched food for her cat at the supermarket. Instead she has been making homemade cat food!
You guys are truly just amazing; we’re absolutely stunned at the passion a lot of you carry and we think we need an office worm farm!
Remember, every small change eventually adds up to make a HUGE difference.
For example, it’s recommended to change your dish brush monthly – some households may even change this more. If you swap to Munch’s Wooden Dish Brush, it will last much longer than that, and over the course of a year it will save 12 plastic brushes from your household waste. WOW!
All our products are eco-friendly, from being reusable, organic, or biodegradable. Everyday products making a difference. Useful, beautiful and green.
It is up to us to show the way. Let’s be the ones to raise the next generation of Eco Warriors!
]]>
As plastic-free July enters its final two weeks, we want to share some simple swaps that you may be able to make for good. 🌎🌱
On our Facebook and Instagram, every day for the rest of July we're sharing plastic-free substitutes and WHY they are worth investing in. Our sister brand nil products are also sharing swaps for the rest of July… head over to their socials for double inspiration.
Remember, YOU have the power to influence change in where you choose to spend your money. We can influence plastic manufacturers and businesses; and have the power to inspire others with simple acts like using sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic in everyday activities.
Incoming… Nine simple, cost-efficient, eco-swaps that you don't want to miss!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #1
Instead of buying yogurt in individual snack pottles, buy a big tub, and pop it into our handy Reusable Food Pouches!
Munch has the easiest reusable pouches that allow refilling from the top - with no difficult corners where food gets trapped like other designs. These waste-saving pouches come in a handy five-pack, so they're perfect for school lunches, and you can freeze them for later! Too easy...
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #2
How often do you throw out your dish brush and buy a new one? Monthly?
Well… those old dish brushes will be with us on the planet for over 100 years, trying to break down but just contaminating our soil. Swap to an eco-friendly Wooden Dish Brush. ♻️
Our 100% plastic-free brush range is completely biodegradable in home compost at the end of its life – how good!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #3
PEGS! Pesky plastic pegs break so fast anyway... invest in the Munch Stainless Steel Pegs and you'll never have that issue. 🤩
Made from STAINLESS STEEL, so they last for a long time, and will NOT get rusty. They may look small but they are mighty strong! They can hold jeans and double layered pants in the wind, no problem.
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #4
Do you say no to plastic straws? How about paper straws? They go so soggy anyway...
Instead, treat yourself to this exquisite set of 4 high-end reusable drinking straws that will take enjoying a fresh juice or an ice cold cocktail to a whole new level! 🍓
Made for lifetime use, they won't end up in our oceans like their alternatives!
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #5
Snap lock bags are so handy, right? Well... did you know there are eco alternatives that are just as convenient? We have developed your plastic-free snacking solution. The Munch Beeswax Snack Bags are ideal for snacks of all sizes, from popcorn, fruit and biscuits to nuts, seeds and crackers.
To use, close the bag by rolling it down and the warmth of your hands will seal it. Simply wipe them down after use and they're ready to be reused! 💛
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #6
Do you wash up with dishwashing liquid? In plastic bottles? The ingredients in traditional dishwashing liquid are so abrasive on your hands - your skin and the planet will thank you for swapping to Munch Dish Soap Bars. ✅
This swap is a goodie, and SO easy to get your hands on. Our Dish soaps are available at Countdown and Woolworths stores nationwide in both NZ and AUS. Simply hold the soap under a running tap and boom! Your dishes will be sparkly in no time. Make the swap in your next grocery shop, you won't regret it. 😉
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #7
We all know those yellow and green scourers - that pick up an awful smell. Next time you need a new one, swap to the Munch Natural Scourer.
It is a great alternative to synthetic sponges/scourers. Made from natural cellulose, this sponge is able to absorb water that's 18 times its own dry weight. PLUS, they don’t collect bad odours like other sponges, and you can safely sanitize them in the dishwasher. So say goodbye to those germy and stinky cleaning sponges. 🙈
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #8
When you have leftovers, do you cover these with cling wrap or tinfoil? Instead... swap to our Munch Organic Cotton Food Covers.
They are reusable, and 100% biodegradable once you're done with them. PLUS - they save you money, as they are a one-time purchase - you can't just run out. 🌎
PLASTIC FREE JULY: effortless eco swap #9
Did you know that many disposable tea bags are made from plastic? Not only is this bad for our soil, but once heated, micro-plastics enter the tea we drink! Next time you're buying tea, make the swap to loose leaf - and pop it into our Munch Reusable Tea Bags.
Information about previously unknown secrets of home-brewed tea has been making the rounds on social media, and some surprising facts are emerging.
⭐️ First and most shocking, there’s actually plastic in many of the popular tea bags on the market.
⭐️As a result of this, you shouldn’t be composting these tea bags, as you’re contaminating the compost with non-biodegradable plastics.
⭐️Since they aren’t compostable or recyclable, they end up as waste in a landfill.
Making the switch to reusable bags can be easy and will work out cheaper in the long run! Loose leaf tea comes in such a huge variety of flavours too...
Go eco-warriors! Choose to refuse single-use plastics today. We hope these effortless eco swaps help to create new habits in your home. Make the world of difference, every day, in every way, with Munch. 💚
PS. don’t forget to enter our Plastic Free July giveaway over on Facebook or Instagram! you could win a whole array of eco swaps…
Your Home
A LOT of people are looking to make the switch to lead a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life. With so many products on the market, it's hard to know which is a brand to trust. Eco-friendly brand Munch have helped us with some nifty tips which you can take on board to make a difference in your own kitchen, without it breaking the bank.
Dish brushes
Get rid of that plastic dish brush as it will be with us on the planet for hundreds of years! Your great grandchildren will be digging it up from the ground - yuck. Replace them with an ethically sourced wooden dish brush. If that wasn't enough, you can also buy wooden bottle brushes, cup brushes and veggie brushes too.
Dishcloths
90 per cent of dish cloths contain microfibre which makes a complete mess of our waterways and prevents any form of breakdown in the landfill. So replace your common dishcloth with one made from cellulose cotton in the Swedish style, which can feature some cool designs.
Pot scourers
Get rid of those pot scourers made from microfibre or even steel (unless you have a recycling option for the steel) and say hello to natural pot scourers. These are made from cellulose cotton and sisal.
Dish soap and liquids
Our grannies use to use dish soaps for their sinks and Munch has recently released a dish soap that is 100 per cent natural. The benefit of a dish soap is that you are saving over six plastic bottles.
If you are already using a liquid dish soap and do not wish to change to a soap bar, at least refill your bottle. Munch have an online refillery.
Bench top cleaners
There are plenty of brands on the market that offer eco multi purpose bench cleaners so lookout for one. Some are available in bamboo cotton which you can throw in the washing machine and reuse over and over again.
Beeswax wraps, cotton food covers and silicone food covers
Silicone covers are great for meat, cotton food covers for salads and beeswax wraps for everything except meat.
Compost bins
Grab a stylish compost bin to sit on your kitchen bench so you can easily put your left over veggie scraps into it. When it's full - or if there's anything particularly potent - put in your large compost bin outside. Contact your local council to see if you're eligible for a complimentary compost bin.
Food pegs/clips
If you need to keep food in packets then use stainless steel pegs or wooden food clips to keep it closed.
Food containers
Glass containers are the best option to store food in for long periods of time in the pantry.
Reusable produce bags
Consider organic produce bags, bread bags, and shopping bags as an alternative to plastic.
Shopping lists on your mobile
Use technology to help you and the environment. Use your mobile phone to keep shopping lists or use Alexa or Siri.
These will be recycled and/or sent to the Sustainability Trust to give them a new purpose.
We'd love to see you pop in - find us at 471 Adelaide Road, Wellington.
While we have a fabulous starting solids kit, and a cookbook for baby – which both offer a great starting point for weaning, we’re about to go into detail on how our Munch baby range can help the transition into solids go smoother.
Check out these eight tips and tricks to make starting solids more enjoyable for both Mum & Bub.
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While we have a fabulous starting solids kit, and a cookbook for baby – which both offer a great starting point for weaning, we’re about to go into detail on how our Munch baby range can help the transition into solids go smoother.
Check out these eight tips and tricks to make starting solids more enjoyable for both Mum & Bub.
When you have a newborn, the idea of sitting down to a civilised family meal might seem farfetched during the first few months; you may be lucky to feed yourself! But sooner than you think, your baby will be ready to join the family at the table.
Not every meal will be peaceful, and much of the food may land on the floor, but the key is to not set high expectations and just enjoy this time.
Remember to try and relax, and have fun with this process! Bubs will watch you, and monkey see – monkey do. Try eating at the same time as them, show them how you chew and move food into your mouth so they can watch and learn.
TIP ONE: Start with getting the equipment sorted, it’s going to be messy! Be prepared to change bubs clothes and chuck them straight into the wash. These few bits and pieces will make your life 10 times easier…
TIP TWO: Once you have all the equipment, it’s time to get cooking! Most kitchens will have basics such as a blender, electric jug, and mashers – but having the correct equipment on hand to store and serve bub’s food makes the world of difference. We recommend:
TIP THREE: Pre-loading spoons are a great way to encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and self-feeding. These are our favourite cutlery items & small equipment for small humans:
TIP FOUR: Once bub is ready to start self-feeding, or if you are doing baby-led weaning (BLW), baby-sized dinnerware and serve ware is needed:
TIP FIVE: Often you will be out and about with bub, to the supermarket, the park, or a friend’s house. It can be a tricky thing to work out feeding in public or in new environments where they’re uncertain. Try to make eating fun by playing games to get babies to open their mouths or by making food look fun (for example, cut toast into shapes with cookie cutters!). Our favourite Munch products for on the go feeding include:
TIP SIX: Most babies start teething around 6 months old, which is roughly the same time they’re recommended to start solids. Although each baby is different it can be common for these challenges to come hand in hand. Once they start teething you can soothe this by giving them something to chew on, or something cold to suck on, such as…
TIP SEVEN: According to Plunket, once babies’ teeth come through – it’s not a good idea to put them to sleep with a bottle, as this can start to cause tooth decay. Instead, they recommend a dummy to settle them. Munch has fully Silicone dummies that are 100% recyclable through our silicone send back programme – something rare for dummies! If you’re worried about babies losing their dummies, we have fabric dummy chains, or silicone dummy holders, which can be attached to clothes.
TIP EIGHT: If there’s a mum in your life who you want to support around this time – we have perfect gifts for a baby shower, or just to help out a stressed new Mumma. Our favourites are:
There are so many great resources for new mums out there, and trust us – we’ve been there! You can do this. Go eco Mama and little eco warriors!
]]>From the small things that wouldn’t cross your mind such as tea bags – to the bigger items, you use regularly like dish brushes. Munch is right beside you to direct attention towards products that help not harm our planet.
Read more to transform your home, step-by-step into an eco-friendly one.
]]>Read more to transform your home, step-by-step into an eco-friendly one.
How often do you throw out your dish brushes and buy a new one? Monthly?
Well… those old dish brushes will be with us for over 100 years on the planet, trying to break down but just contaminating our soil. Swap an eco-friendly Wooden Dish Brush. Our 100% plastic-free brush range is completely compostable at the end of its life – how good!
Also check out our compostable Cup brush and Bottle brush for cleaning the inside of kitchenware that would be hard to reach otherwise.
Sometimes plastic wrap can be so easy to pop over a bowl of leftovers. But, have you seen our effortless Silicone Plastic Food Covers?
They come in a six-pack of different sizes and are air-tight ‘stretch n’ seal’ meaning they seal to fit whatever they’re placed over. Their longevity will amaze – our extra-thick silicone is durable, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Another freezer-safe option to help make your kitchen sustainable are our Silicone freezer bags. These are ideal for storing fruits, meats, fish, soups, stock and beverages. You can reuse over and over again!
Need another way to keep your food fresh without using plastic wrap? Our Beeswax wraps will last many uses and are made with all natural ingredients. We have a variety of patterns available:
We also have Beeswax snack bags that are the perfect solution for storing snacks such as popcorn, fruits and nuts. A plastic free snacking solution!
Did you know… there are micro-plastics in many of the disposable tea bags in supermarkets?
Meaning, that composting these contaminates your compost with non-biodegradable plastics. Also, you are steeping plastics in boiling water and then drinking it? These surprising facts led us to create 100% plastic-free Reusable Tea Bags. Make the switch to save the planet and your body.
How about paper towels? They are such a kitchen staple and you don’t have to stop using them! Just try a new kind…
Introducing Unpaper Towels. They’re paper-thin towels made of fabric, like our grandmothers used to! Designed for re-use but as absorbent and convenient as paper. They come in a ten pack and can be wrapped around our Towel Holders for easy access – just how we’re used to with regular paper towels!
Instead of purchasing your usual brand of dishcloths, which generally contain micro-fibres that deteriorate our ocean, make the swap to Munch Eco Dishcloths.
Each dishcloth replaces 15 rolls of paper towels and, because of their natural fibres, they’re fast-drying and therefore don’t breed bacteria, making them a more hygienic option.
Need a place to put our Natural dish soap? Check out our Bamboo soap dish that helps to drain away moisture and stop your soap from becoming soggy.
Ugh… an old dish scourer/sponge, we all know that horrible smell that comes to mind.
Regular scourers are a breeding ground for bacteria, this is what leads them to stink! Munch Natural Scourers are made from cellulose and sisal fibres, meaning they’re completely biodegradable in a home compost. They also don’t collect a bad odor like other options, and you can sanitise them easily by chucking them in the dishwasher. Say goodbye to those horrible smells and hello to an eco-friendly scourer.
How about when you pop out of the office for a quick work lunch. Or if you get Friday night takeaways. Stop taking the single-use forks, spoons, chopsticks, and straws. Paper straws go soggy anyway…
Instead, be an eco-warrior! Invest in our Reusable Travel Cutlery set. It includes a knife, fork, spoon, straw, chopsticks, and comes in the cutest travel wallet. Think about how good it will feel when you ask for no straws and no cutlery, then pull out your funky bamboo cutlery set. You won’t have to rush to finish your drink because the straw won’t go soggy, and you don’t risk the cutlery splintering in your mouth.
It’s not as hard as it seems. It is as simple as picking up a different item during your next supermarket shop. It’s small changes that won’t affect your everyday life that add up to make the world of difference.
Munch is right by you each step of the way, empowering families to be more sustainable with their shopping choices. You can do it!
]]>It’s on April 22nd, and we’re so excited!
World Earth Day is an annual celebration that raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
Munch is about empowering individuals to change the world. We aim to make it easier to act sustainable and shop consciously, by producing every day, beautiful, green products that make a difference. Together we can make change happen. World Earth Day quite literally means the World to us.
How can you #investinourplanet?
]]>World Earth Day is an annual celebration that raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
Munch is about empowering individuals to change the world. We aim to make it easier to act sustainable and shop consciously, by producing every day, beautiful, green products that make a difference. Together we can make change happen. World Earth Day quite literally means the World to us.
How can you #investinourplanet?
How about opening a family discussion about eco-conscious issues or small changes you could make together, perhaps you might even end up at the beach collecting rubbish!
Aim to shop consciously, although this is easier said than done, consumers are very powerful. Where you choose to spend money directly impacts profits and large companies are learning this. You are already a driver of change; you have the power!
Think about disposal before you consume. You could start this by thinking of your household waste. What is most commonly in your rubbish? What makes you think - this doesn’t feel kind to the Earth. Who makes these products and what mark do they leave?
Here’s some easy eco-conscious swaps to try; swap cheap plastic-heavy dishcloths, for a biodegradable eco dishcloth.
Cling-wrap could be swapped for beeswax wrap. Find our favourites patterns for lunchboxes here.
Or maybe… it's those cheap plastic pegs that always break and end up in the bin, these could be switched for sturdy stainless-steel pegs that last a lifetime.
We’d love to hear from you - what eco swaps you’re making, or how you’re participating on April 22nd!
Happy World Earth Day 💚
PS. Earthday.org are offering a virtual ‘Earth Day Live’ event this year. Its free!
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