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May 17, 2023

Change, your healthy companion or your enemy - thoughts by Anna

Change, your healthy companion or your enemy - thoughts by Anna

Change is either your enemy or your healthy companion. 

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.


Anna x

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Feb 01, 2023

Key climate change news - ice free by 2035

Key climate change news - ice free by 2035
Climate change is a pressing issue that continues to make headlines around the world. In recent news, scientists have warned that the Arctic could be ice-free in the summer as early as 2035, which would have devastating effects on the entire planet. The loss of sea ice will lead to rising sea levels, more severe weather patterns, and the loss of habitats for polar bears and other Arctic animals.
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Another area of concern is the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves. These events can cause widespread damage and displacement of people, as well as strain on infrastructure and resources.
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In terms of efforts to combat climate change, many countries and companies are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Electric cars are also becoming more popular as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, some governments are implementing carbon pricing systems and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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However, despite these efforts, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that much more needs to be done to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as per the Paris Agreement. This will require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, including energy, transportation, buildings and cities, and land and ocean use.
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It is important to note that climate change is a global problem that requires the cooperation and commitment of all countries and individuals to address. The future of our planet depends on it.
This post is dated January 2023

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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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