Starting your day with a refreshing morning routine sets the tone for the hours ahead. Introducing a simple yet transformative step into this ritual can elevate your sense of well-being and prepare you for a successful day.
Enter the Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper, a sleek and effective tool designed to freshen your breath, enhance your taste sensation, and promote impeccable oral hygiene.
Tongue scraping is more than just a hygiene practice; it's a gateway to revitalising your oral health and, by extension, your overall sense of vitality.
This practice, rooted in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition, involves gently gliding a scraper across the tongue's surface to remove unwanted buildup that accumulates overnight.
This not only combats bad breath but also reawakens your taste buds, making that first sip of morning coffee or tea even more enjoyable.
Post brushing, using your mirror, extend your tongue, and with gentle, even pressure, move the scraper from the back of your tongue to the tip. Rinse the scraper after each pass. You should feel an instant improvement in taste and cleanliness that will last throughout your day.
Adopting tongue scraping can lead to a myriad of health benefits, including:
Our Rose Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper is not only a functional tool but a stylish addition to your bathroom vanity.
Ready to redefine your health and wellness routine? Purchase your tongue scraper today and join those who refuse to start their day without it.
]]>Easter is a special time of year to spend with family & friends. Enjoying delicious hot cross buns, decorating the house, long lunches & of course lots of chocolate are all part of the celebration, but this time of year can generate a lot of waste.
So, whether you are getting together with friends & family, cooking up some delicious goodies or simply grabbing a hot cross bun on your way to a friend's place - we've got some ideas on how you can reduce your waste this year.
1. Enjoy Hot Cross Buns - the Plastic Free Way!
We tried to find an easy Hot Cross Bun recipe...but turns out they are harder to make than we thought. So we went to the next best thing, buying them plastic-free! Fresh is always best with Hot Cross Buns, so treat them like bread. Take your Organic Bulk Food Bag to the bakery and ask them to add the Hot Cross Buns straight in.
Add your Organic Hemp Bread Bag to your Bread Box (with a handy wood chopping board lid) & enjoy Hot Cross Buns with a friend at the park or at home with butter.
Or for those more daring, Tess from @eden.vegan has a few recipes Hot Cross Bun recipes you could try.
2. Recycle Your Easter Egg Foil
Easter chocolates that are wrapped in foil are the best eco-friendly option as foil can be recycled! Save all the wrappers into a ball the size of your fist and add to your recycling bin.
If you don't have enough chocolate to make it to the size of your fist - add the wrappers inside an aluminium can. By recycling aluminium we can recycle 95% of the energy it would take to make new metal! [1]
3. Make Your Own Chocolate...
Have you tried making your own chocolate before? It’s a great activity to do with the little ones and this recipe is simple and allergy friendly as it’s vegan, gluten free & only 5 ingredients.
Homemade chocolate is easier than you think! All you need is:
Full method can be found here. We'll be giving this a go this year too!
4. Use What You Have
Tea towels are super versatile - they're a great option for wrapping & covering food for parties or lunches this Easter. They're also super handy for wrapping gifts such as pot plants, and using as table decorations.
5. Get Crafty
No one has the perfect plastic-free past, and no doubt you'll have some plastic decorations lying around. Instead of throwing them away and adding to landfill, use them!
They might need a fresh lick of paint, or do a little DIYing to put a new spin on them but instead of going out and buying new decorations, we encourage you to use what you have. Or better yet, use some items you have in your pantry - like eggs! They're a great way to incorporate an Easter theme into your table setting.
6. Make Use of Your Carrots
Not only are carrots on theme this Easter (winner) they're also one of the most common veggies to go limp at the back of your fridge.
Use them up and deliver a delicious waste-free salad or dessert this Easter that your family & friends will love. Tess from @eden.vegan has shared three delicious carrot recipes with us that are super quick & easy to make this Easter. Check them out here.
References:
]]>It’s so amazing to see the groundswell movement here in Australia and across the globe grow every year. I love taking the time to reflect on women’s successes and how I can be personally involved to help educate and raise awareness for women’s equality.
As a business that is female owned & led, I’m proud of the Seed & Sprout heritage story and what I’ve managed to achieve since starting the company in 2016.
Knowing that I'm contributing something positive to the world is what keeps me excited about the business every day.
Building a business is not easy. It's tiring, and it can be lonely. And it's damn scary at times too. There’s been some really hairy moments for me both personally and professionally.
Being in the spotlight so often comes with a heap of very public criticism and that has at times taken its toll.
But when I read the reviews you send or someone sends me a message to tell me that somehow, our products have inspired them, it makes every.single.moment worth it.
My vision for Seed & Sprout is to create a useful company that makes tools for the everyday person. Tools that help you make healthy and sustainable choices, easily.
To have such a strong sense of community within Seed & Sprout really does inspire me and my team to keep on making products that kick single-use plastic to the curb. So thank you. Truly.
I’m proud that our head office team at Seed & Sprout is mostly female and I love that we've created an inclusive and flexible working environment and hours that fit around staff needs.
My Mum has been an absolute rock for me. Bernie, you’re one in a million and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without you.
My staff are incredible. Your perseverance, creativity, problem solving and sense of adventure are second to none.
The Seed & Sprout community genuinely keeps me going every single day. I am so grateful for your support to help me grow Seed & Sprout into what it is today.
I’m constantly looking to other female led businesses and founders for inspiration and knowledge. When we support each other, we’re even stronger.
This year’s theme is close to my heart as #inspireinclusion is exactly what we try and do here at Seed & Sprout, day in day out.
“To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.”
I’m encouraging the Seed & Sprout tribe to strike the #inspireinclusion pose to show solidarity. You can lodge your pose on the International Women’s Day website here:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
Get involved this year!
Love Sophie xx
]]>Did you know your plastic chopping board could be secretly contaminating your food with tiny bits of plastic?
Plastic chopping boards, like the ones many of us use every day, are a big source of microplastics in our food. A study* has found that chopping styles and board materials affect how many microplastics get into your food.
The plastic chopping boards you use could be releasing tiny plastic bits into your food, especially when chopping veggies like carrots. These microplastics, which are really small plastic pieces, can end up in your body and cause health problems.
Every year, using plastic chopping boards could expose you to a lot of microplastics – up to 50.7 grams from polyethylene boards and even more from polypropylene boards. That's millions of microplastics entering your body annually just from chopping!
Our brand new Wood Fibre Cutting Boards are a much safer choice. They bridge the gap between large chunky wooden chopping boards and slim, convenient plastic. Whilst they're not 100% plastic free (they're bonded with a resin which is technically a type of plastic), they're a great alternative to a polyethylene or polypropylene board:
Made using FSC certified Pine Wood binding with a special food grade resin that's safe for food and the environment, so you don't have to worry about millions of microplastics entering your food, your environment or your body!
Make the switch today for a healthier kitchen and a cleaner planet!
*2023 North Dakota State University Study
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One of our most popular recipes, it's perfect for your Lunch Box and can be stored in the freezer or fridge.
Filling & delicious, these super quick quiches can be made on the weekend and frozen ahead of the week. Cooked in our Muffin Cups, they're the perfect sized serve every time.
Ingredients:
Method:
Hot tip: Freeze some in your Silicone Pouches.
Optional: slice of bread
Dressing ingredients:
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Honey Dijon mustard
Method:
Cut sweet potato into cubes, cover with salt, pepper and olive oil and roast in oven at 225 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Boil water and add Quinoa or whole grain rice, cook.
Finely chop a bunch of kale, nobody likes chunky pieces of kale!
Chop almonds into small bits.
Chop 1 apple into thin slices.
to create dressing: mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and a spoonful of honey Dijon mustard. Quantities to taste preference. Shake vigorously in one on our use handy Spice Jars.
Optional: slice of sourdough bread. Add all elements together in amounts of your preference.
Ingredients:
Dressing ingredients:
Method:
Hot Tip: make some extra dressing and store on a Spice Jar in the fridge
Hot tip: keep the yoghurt separated with the leakproof Mini CrunchBox or with our Snack Containers.
The tastiest smoothie recipe to pop into your Smoothie Cup for breakfast or morning tea at work. It's one of our all time faves.
So easy to make this hummus for the week and decant into either the Nesting Containers or Snack Containers. Pop in some flatbread to go with it. Delish.
Ingredients:
Sweet potato
Avocado
Sun dried tomato
Sprouts
Vegan feta/cashew cheese
Seeds and crushed nuts
Method:
Slice sweet potato longways (roughly 1cm thick) and toast like bread (usually needs a few presses in the toaster).
Top with smashed avo, sun dried tomato, vegan feta (or cashew cheese) and sprouts.
Top with seeds and crushed nuts for a bit of crunch if I have them (cucumbers also work).
Hot Tip: save any leftovers in our Silicone Food Pouches or
Still looking for snack ideas? Check out some of our greatest zero waste snacks of all time!
1. Remember your reusables
Many of us start the day with a hot beverage or smoothie. What you choose to drink these in can make a huge difference. If you hit a cafe on your way to work make sure bring along your own reusable cups like our Smoothie Cup or Insulated Food Flask (or just a ceramic mug from home) to avoid any plastic cups or straws.
If you do make your morning brew at home make sure you compost your coffee grinds or tea leaves. Coffee grinds add nutrients to your garden just the way they are so you can simply brew at home, feed the plants & go!
2. Shorten Your Shower
One of the easiest ways to green your morning routine is by cutting down your water usage. All you have to do is take a shorter shower, but sometimes that’s a little easier said than done.
To help stay on track, bring your phone into the bathroom & set an alarm to go off when it’s time to get out. Many local councils also have Water Saver timers you can collect for free.
3. Prep Your Breakfast (or lunches) the Night Before
To avoid buying plastic wrapped brekkies or lunches on; get organised & prep your meals the night before. We've plenty of great inspiration our blog from Air Fryer recipes to LunchBox recipes. Bircher muesli or chia puddings (our Glass Dip Bowls are the perfect size!!) are great options as they need time to set in the fridge or you can prep all of your smoothie ingredients so all you have to do in the morning is blitz, pour into your Smoothie Cup and go!
4. Set some time for yourself
Whether it's a walk out in nature, meditating or journaling, taking time to yourself (even if it is only 5 minutes) is a great way to set you up for the day ahead. Some nice deep breaths can get your body & mind set for a winning day.
It also allows you to ground yourself & remember why sustainability is important to you. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind & forget to slow down and remember what's important to us & why.
5. Opt for Sustainable Beauty
The morning is likely when you spend the most time using beauty care products. From shampoo & body wash to your toothbrush & cleanser nearly everything you use in your morning routine can get a green makeover by switching to plastic-free products. Sustainable swaps in the bathroom can be easy; our Bar range is 100% plastic free, locally made & removes 3.5 plastic bottles.
Take a few minutes to sort out your bathroom cabinet, read some labels, and see which products might not be so sustainable!
Start with one or two items to swap out, and see how you feel about the switch, and then keep adding to your list of swaps as you can. Simple swaps include Bamboo Toothbrushes or Natural Body Wash in Rose Geranium.
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To help inspire your Air Fryer game to greater heights, we've compiled all of our fave Air Fryer recipes below. We can't promise they're all healthy but we can promise they're DELICIOUS!
Enjoy x
FROM OUR BLOG
INSTA RECIPES
You're welcome!
I took a leap of faith a few years ago and bought a block of land on a community farm to build a fully off-grid tiny house & natural swimming pool with the aim of becoming more self-sufficient.
Last year was the first full year of my gardening efforts and I put in two more raised garden beds late last year after discovering the true joy of harvesting food from my own garden.
I’m on a journey with composting and by no means an expert (!) but I’m at a really exciting point because I recently harvested my very first summer crop that’s been fully grown using the compost from my Subpod.
It has honestly been one of the most satisfying parts of being more self-sufficient: to eat food grown directly from my own kitchen scraps and to start that cycle again. To turn waste into compost that I use to grow my food from and to witness the process full circle brings me goosebumps!
So as the season is beginning to shift into Autumn, here’s my tips to getting started:
Before you plant anything, getting the soil ready is the trick. I started by clearing my garden bed soil of any debris, weeds, or rocks (making sure that my summer veggies were properly weeded). Then came one of my favourite parts of emptying my nutrient rich compost from my Subpod into the garden beds. You can use your garden fork to turn the compost into the soil which helps improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content. I also add some cow/horse/chicken manure into the mix for some added nutrients. I’ve left it for a couple of weeks now and keep turning it every weekend. If you haven’t yet started your kitchen compost, everything you need is included in our Limited Edition Starter Set.
Depending on which climate zone you’re in, there will be different plants that will work in Autumn depending on average temperatures, rainfall etc. I’ve found the Organic Gardener has a great Planting Guide by zone. ABC Gardening have a handy guide about Crop Rotation which is interesting to note! I also always love a chat with my local nursery about what works best for local micro-climates and get their tips!
Every year and every season change is different. When to plant will depend on watching your garden closely for signs of season change. There’s quite often seasonal variations to consider - it’s a hotter than usual February where I live for example this year so it looks like the cooler temperatures might come a little later than last year.
Once you’ve planted, I am always conscious to add a layer of mulch (and keep adding it throughout the entire season). It keeps water in the soil (and stops it evaporating), stops weeds from growing as quickly and helps keep the temperature in the soil consistent which is pretty cool. I always use organic mulch as it improves the nutrients as it breaks down.
How much to water? This one again depends on the weather (the hotter it is, the more you need to water), which climate zone you’re in and what you’ve planted! My tip is to keep a really close eye on your plants as they’ll tell you when they’re thirsty. My general rule is water every few days at least up here why I live (and more often in Summer).
I’m waiting for the soil to settle and the weather to cool down a bit before planting my next crop but I’ll be updating progress on socials if you want to follow along!
Best of luck with planting
Love Sophie xx
]]>We believe sunscreen should be two things: good for you and good for the planet. So exactly what should you be looking for when buying it? We’ve rounded it up four key things to keep an eye out for below.
1. Ingredients
Your skin is your biggest organ, so be mindful of what you rub into it and pay attention to the ingredients list. Look out for natural ones like coconut oil, avocado oil and Kakadu plum. The less ingredients and the more natural the better, especially if you have sensitive skin.
You'll usually find chemicals are included in sunscreens - they are there to protect your skin, and of course this is what you need a sunscreen to do, however some of these are damaging marine life and coral reefs. But not to worry! There are alternatives that can be used like Zinc Oxide - this is a mineral that sits on top of the skin, scattering, reflecting and absorbing UVA & UVB rays. Unlike chemicals that penetrate the skin, Zinc Oxide sits on top of it instead and creates a barrier. This helps reduce the likelihood of getting a reaction or your skin becoming irritated.
2. Reef Safe
Ingredients lead us to our next thing to look out for: reef safe. A sunscreen that is ‘reef safe’ means that the ingredients included are not toxic to a reef’s ecosystem. That’s why we chose to include Zinc Oxide in ours.
3. Protection
The higher the protection the better! Look for 50+ SPF (or more) where possible. Protection from both ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB) is also important. UVB rays are responsible for causing skin damage and UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkle formation. You can see why protection from both is needed, but always remember, the best protection from the sun is shade, clothing and a hat. Also always make sure that any sunscreen you buy has an AUSTL number as this means it's been certified & approved by the TGA (ours is AUSTL 407959 in case you're curious!).
4. Easy to apply
Sunscreen is a necessity, so it’s got to be easy to use! When developing our formula, we wanted it to blend naturally without being greasy and to ensure it was hydrating and nourishing for the skin. We’re pretty proud of the outcome and believe we’ve truly landed on a winning formula that balances skin and planet protection! Our newest formula includes added Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid - win!
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What are the benefits?
There's many benefits from massaging the scalp - our Silicon Scalp Scrubber is designed to:
What hair type is it best suited to?
Perfect for all hair types, you can use the scalp scrubber on both wet & dry hair.
Who should use it?
Whilst the research is limited; two studies* from 2016 & 2019 concluded that regular scalp massages promoted thicker hair & improved hair loss in men. We think scalp massages can benefit anyone - everyone can benefit from self care & an opportunity to close down & breathe.
What is it made from?
It's made from high quality silicone & is soft enough to gently massage & promote blood circulation, but sturdy enough to get to work & remove dry skin from your scalp & penetrate your scalp to promote hair growth.
Where do you use it?
Ours is designed to be used in the shower but can also be used on dry hair (think end of day; that scalp headache from a tight pony tail....). And yes, it's completely waterproof.
How often should you use it?
There are no firm guidelines on how often you should use a scalp massager. Dermatologists suggest there's no limit to usage but do recommend not using on sensitive or broken skin. Using as part of your hair washing routine is recommended, especially if you find the process calming and relaxing. A little bit of self care is always recommended.
When do you use (before or after Shampoo)?
Safe to use on dry or wet hair - using during your washing routine can assist product penetration. We recommend pairing with our award winning Shampoo & Conditioner Bar range.
How do you use a Scalp Scrubber?
Step 1: apply the Scalp Scrubber to the scalp (on wet or dry hair)
Step 2: using firm pressure, not so much that it causes discomfort, start to move in circular motions.
Step 3: work your way around the scalp, paying particular attention to areas that are feel more tender - just like you would spend more time working on a muscle that was knotted in a body massage.
If you're using during your hair washing routine; you can apply the shampoo to your hair and use the scalp scrubber to activate those lovely frothy bubbles and foam. Work the shampoo into the scalp and the hair. For conditioning, you can do the same - working the conditioner through to the ends of the hair.
What happens at it's end of life?
If the day ever comes when you no longer use your Scalp Scrubber please send it back to us and we'll recycle it via our Silicone Take Back Program.
We hope that answers all your questions on our Scalp Scrubber & we'd love to hear your feedback!
Sources
"Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue" Taro Koyama, PhD, MD,a,b Kazuhiro Kobayashi, MD,a Takanori Hama,c Kasumi Murakami,c and Rei Ogawa, PhD, MDb Published online 2016 Jan 25.
"Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results" Robert S. English Jr. & James M. Barazesh Published: 22 January 2019
]]>My veggie patch at the Tiny Farm has been laden with Basil recently, so much that I needed a recipe to capture all that goodness! Here's my simple, yet incredibly delish, Homegrown Basil Pesto recipe.
PS - the team loved this recipe sooo much we recreated it at our last photo shoot & had it for lunch & dinner! And may have all taken some home too : )
Ingredients
Bunches of basil
Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese equivalent)
Pine nuts
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Method
1. Thoroughly wash your basil if store bought (Vege Bar is ideal) and pat dry with a towel.
2. Roast the pine nuts in a pan - careful, these can burn easily! Set aside to cool (the crack and pop is such an interesting sound).
3. Grate the cheese (or skip this step if you have a heavy duty blender & just just cheese into chunks).
4. Add the dried basil, a good glug of olive oil, cheese, salt & pepper into a mixed for a few seconds. Whiz until you have your preferred consistency. Taste and add more seasoning if you like.
5. Place the pesto into some airtight jars (we used our Wategos Glass Pantry Jars in 450ml but Glass Container - Round is also a great option) & cover with some extra oil at the top
5. Place in the fridge (or freezer) & top on your favourite pasta & pizza or add to quiches & muffins for school lunches. Pesto Pasta is a great mid week meal idea - even better for lunches the next day!
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Avoiding plastic in your weekly grocery shop is tough - it seems like almost everything at the supermarket comes wrapped in it. Plastic is convenient for packaging food as it’s long-lasting and lightweight, but it’s these exact reasons that make it damaging to the planet.
Heading to your local farmers market and bulk food store is hands down the easiest way to reduce plastic from your weekly shop. But we know not everyone has access to these. So, we decided to make it our mission to see how we (and you) can reduce plastic from a supermarket shop. We’ve found that by making just a few small changes you can reduce the amount of plastic you bring home with you!
If you are lucky enough to have a bulk food store near you, then make sure you check out our Beginners Guide to Bulk Food Shopping to arm yourself with all the tips you need to get started.
If you don’t, then keep reading for our tips on how you can can still do your bit to avoid plastic at the supermarket:
Fruit and vegetables
Dry goods
Household products
Other tips
We know it's not easy, so we applaud anyone who is looking to reduce their plastic use. Once you’ve found your plastic-free alternatives in the supermarket, you’ll realise how easy these are to repeat and how much plastic you’ll eliminate. If you use 2 plastic bags of pasta a week and choose to make the switch to cardboard boxes, that’s 104 plastic bags saved in one year - just on pasta alone.
Remember it’s progress not perfection. If making all of these changes at once seems overwhelming, that’s ok! Start by making one change a week - by the end of the month you’ll have made four plastic-free swaps and will be well on your way to making many more.
Love Sophie x
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Before I begin this ‘how to’, I have to say, all of our Bars are SO easy to use. Seriously.
You. Just. Add. Water. That's it!
Our range of Self Care bars include Shampoo & Conditioner plus Body & Face Bars.
There’s no crazy long transition period to getting started; they’re just like using products from a plastic bottle and despite what you may have seen or heard, with our Bars you don’t need to rush out and buy any apple cider vinegar! Hooray!
But don't just take my word for it! We have over 300 reviews from YOU LOVELY LOT with an average rating of 4.9/5!
''Love this shampoo bar! I've tried a couple of different brands and this is by far the best! It leaves my hair looking so shiny and feeling so soft. And it smells amazing! Absolute win!''
Natalie
''I've used plenty of shampoo bars over the years and have been left with residue that's made my hair look greasy and needed a vinegar rinse after each wash. This is the 1st shampoo bar I've come across that suds well and rinses perfectly. I do love this.''
Ruth B
I know that most of you don’t have time to experiment with eco-friendly products that don’t work, so we created a Shampoo and Conditioner Bar that simply put, WORKS.
In fact, they'll do more than that. The Argan Oil will hydrate and soften, the Shea Butter will moisturise your scalp and the Avocado Oil in our Conditioner Bar will work to strengthen your hair.
Our Shampoo and Conditioner Bars can be used in almost an identical way to liquid shampoo and conditioner; the one huge difference is that you add the water.
If you check the ingredients list on the back of your shampoo or conditioner bottle at home, you’ll likely find the main ingredient is Aqua (Water). We believe that water is precious so instead you’ll find our bars filled with high performing, clean ingredients, with no nasties and 0% water.
So, now we've convinced you to give them a go, here's my top tips to get the best results!
The trick is to wet your hair thoroughly first, run the Bar under water briefly (to help start the lathering process) or do it like me and rub the Bar directly on your head! Work the Shampoo Bar through your hair several times, starting at the root and running it down to the tip.
If this is your first time using a Shampoo Bar, start off with 2-3 strokes through your hair. Those with thicker or longer hair may need more strokes to get a full coverage.
Place the bar down in a dry spot out of running water and treat your hair like you would do with a liquid shampoo. Work the roots to create a lather and rinse well afterwards. If you normally double shampoo, you can continue to do this with our Bars.
As your hair is already wet, start by massaging your Conditioner Bar between your hands to wet it slightly. You can now run your Conditioner Bar directly through your hair. If you prefer a full coverage you can run the bar from root to tip but if you find that it’s only your ends that need special attention then just focus the Bar there. Leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
When it comes to Face Bars, we've got two options for you (hot tip, I use both!). There's the Face Cleanser Bar and the Charcoal Face Bar.
With 4.9 stars from our customers, this soap free face wash is a hydrating, skin-cleansing solution. Nourish your skin with high levels of Vitamin C & E from Kakadu Plum, Hemp Oil, and Shea Butter. Perfect for sensitive skin, free from parabens, SLS's and synthetic fragrance free.
I use this every single day (sometimes twice a day). All you need to do is wet the bar, work into a lather and apply in a circular motion onto either a konjac sponge or directly onto damp skin (careful of your eyes!). Rinse and gently towel dry. How easy is that!
Not only is it plastic free and saves our precious water, I just love the way my skin feels after I use it.
I'm super proud of this one. I use this once or twice a week to give my face a deeper cleanse (with our Konjac Sponge) but you could use it every other day.
It's special because it detoxifies and rebalances your skin. It contains some pretty epic all natural ingredients like Activated Charcoal which draws out harmful impurities, excessive sebum and dirt leaving my skin really smooth.
It's also got Organic Inulin Prebiotic, from Jerusalem Artichoke - crazy I know! This helps to balance and maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
Give it a go!
These all natural and plastic free body bars replace your body wash and smell simply AMAZING. I've tried all three fragrances and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite. There's Lemon Myrtle, Rose Geranium and Citrus & Mint.
One of the things about these bars that I love (other than how awesome they make my skin feel) is that one bar replaces one bottle of body wash. They're also budget friendly as I used to find myself spending more on plastic body wash that I do on these bars.
I usually work the bar into a bit of a lather using my (wet) hands. It lasts for ages and the fragrances are all very lush and long lasting.
Keep your Bar dry between uses in one of our Soap Holders such as our Ceramic Soap Dish or Stainless Steel Travel Tin.
I travel a lot so I've found travelling with bars instead of plastic bottles is not only a heap lighter (not carrying around all that water!) but way more economical. Our Aluminium Travel Tins are all labelled too so you know exactly what's what.
That's it! Super simple, I told you!
Don't forget that we have a 100% money back guarantee across our entire Bars range so what are you waiting for?!?
Love Sophie x
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I’m keen to take the time this February to refocus on my self-care habits that seem to have fallen by the wayside during the summer holiday break. I’d love for you to join me!
If you can carve out just half an hour a day to yourself, the benefits will be huge! Not only for you but for your loved ones. You’ll feel more focused, calmer and more energised. Yes, please!
Here’s five ideas to get us started:
I’ve been reading Dr Qing Li’s book ‘Forest Bathing’ to learn more about a Japanese tradition called ‘Shinrin-yoku’, or Forest Bathing. With the vast majority of the world expected to live in cities by 2050, us humans are experiencing a ‘Nature Deficit’ meaning that we’re craving nature in body and soul. Dr Li has found that spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and anger; strengthen the immune system; improve cardiovascular and metabolic health; and boost overall well-being. “Wherever there are trees, we are healthier and happier,” according to Dr Li.
I’m committing to immerse myself in nature for at least one hour a week in February. Whether that’s a national park, a nature reserve or walking in the woods around my house. The idea is to go slow, take your time. Let all your senses be awakened.
“Let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands, and feet,” says Li. “Drink in the flavour of the forest and release your sense of joy and calm.” Actively listen, smell, touch, and look.
Connecting with nature reminds us that we are part of a larger whole and that can help us to be more self aware. I’m very fortunate to get to spend so much time in nature at the farm - it really is a very grounding place for me. I like to literally practice the art of grounding with my feet on the Earth, or on the sand by the ocean, as it helps me feel very calm.
This is probably the most challenging for me to commit to but I don’t need to tell you about the benefits of mindfulness. I’m going to take 10 minutes a day to either listen to a Yoga Nidra meditation (there’s a bunch on YouTube if you do a quick search) or just lie still for 10 minutes and engage all my senses. Starting with 20 deep breaths to calm myself and then using each of my senses in turn to listen, smell, feel, taste and see what’s around me. It’s better for me if I do this at lunchtime as it’s a great reset throughout the day. Just 10 mins can equate to an extra hour of sleep!
Journalling is deeply personal but I find it the best way to fill my gratitude cup! By listing at least 10 things I’m grateful for on a daily basis before I go to sleep, it helps me to focus on all the positive rather than the negative things in my life. It’ll only take a few minutes a day. Grab a journal and get writing!
I always forget how amazing this makes me feel and was reminded when I opened my bathroom cupboard and saw my brush there last week. Grab yourself a Body Brush and find 10 minutes a week to feel the benefits. Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic practices and embraced by cultures around the globe, it revitalises your skin by gently exfoliating, promoting circulation and revealing a radiant, glowing complexion. It’s detoxifying, helps with lymphatic drainage and leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Try it!
Whether it’s picking up a fiction book instead of scrolling socials or a self-improvement book that I listen to in the car on my travels, my plan is to keep my mind engaged and learning new things this month. I find that if I listen to a book that inspires change then I’m more likely to reflect on thoughts and patterns of behaviour that don’t serve me!
I hope that by doing this together, we can support one another to make ourselves the priority. I’ll be updating on Insta if you’re not already following throughout the month.
To brighter lights, my friend.
Love Sophie xx
]]>Vegetarian Air Fryer Nachos
Ingredients
x1 packet of Organic Corn Chips (Dona Cholita's are our favourites!)
1x cup shredded vegan cheese (tasty cheese works well too)
1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
1/4 fresh cherry tomatoes sliced
1/4 tomato salsa (made fresh or store bought)
Freshly chopped chili & coriander to season
Lime (vest & juice)
Method
Two ways to cook this recipe: Oven or Air Fryer.
1. Layer all ingredients into a Square Air Fryer Bowl .
Oven; place an Un-Baking Paper sheet on an oven tray (especially if you're cooking other vegetables like a side of cheesy corn). Place loaded Square Air Fryer Bowl onto the tray
Air Fryer: all ingredients into the Square Air Fryer Bowl .
2. Place into the oven and cook until the cheese is melting (approximately 25 mins on 180). Place into the Air Fryer for 20 mins on 190 degrees.
3. Remove and serve!
4. Place all items into a dishwasher & put your feet up!
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Pantries really our our jam here at Seed & Sprout. Have you got some #pantrygoals for this year and wondering how to get started?
I personally love a super organised (plastic free) pantry because it saves me time, money, and stress when it comes to meal preparation (and looks so pretty!). One of my favourite ways to get some order is to collate your food into six key categories. It’ll look fab but also makes it easier to find and access ingredients. I’m super proud of our new pantry range that includes the Glass Containers (with a choice between Bamboo or Glass lids), Spice Jars, Bread Boxes & Pantry Jars. But onto how to get organised…
This includes items like rice, pasta, quinoa, flour, sugar, and other essential dry goods. Invest in plastic free, clear, airtight containers for these items to keep them fresh and easily visible. Label each container for quick identification, and consider arranging them on shelves or in bins according to type. Our Wategos Glass Pantry Jars are stackable, plastic free and made of glass (with a choice of two colours) so you can see what’s inside. Another great way to store stuff is our Glass Food Containers (with a choice of glass or bamboo lids) that go from pantry to fridge, to oven. Or our Glass Dip Bowls are a winner too.
I always group my cans and jars by type – vegetables, fruits, sauces, and condiments. Utilise tiered shelves or pull-out drawers to make the most of vertical space and ensure that nothing gets lost at the back of the pantry. Put all the cans facing the same way and outwards facing, making it easy to locate what you need without rummaging.
Designate a section for snacks and quick bites, such as chips, crackers, granola bars, and nuts. It’ll make school lunch prep much quicker if you decant all your bulk food purchases and snacks straight into jars or stackable containers. Check out our Zero Waste Snack Ideas!
If you’re a baker like me, having a designated space for baking essentials is crucial. Pop all your baking powder, cacao, flours and choccie chips in one area. Make sure your storage containers keep ingredients fresh and prevent them from absorbing odours. Next time you whip up some of Sarah’s Vegan Chocolate Snickers Bars, you’re all sorted.
Whether you keep your bread on the kitchen bench or in the pantry, storing them in a Bread Box just makes sense to keep them fresh and away from insects! Ours comes with a handy bread board lid! Our veggie tins are also a great way to store root veggies like potatoes & onions. Buy them together as a set & save!
I’m obsessed with spices. Our range of glass Spice Jars are perfect to keep them fresh, easily visible and organised. Use washable chalk markers to enable easy labelling and simplify your spice identification and usage. Arrange them alphabetically, by cuisine, or in a way that makes sense to you. Here’s my fave two spice blends to try.
It might seem daunting at first but I promise it’ll be worth it. Not only will it simplify your cooking and meal prep but it'll reduce food waste - promise! The added bonus is that by choosing to go plastic free, you’ll keep harmful toxins and microplastics out of your food and leave a softer footprint.
Good luck!
Love Sophie xx
]]>By switching to clean, green & sustainable cleaning products, you're protecting our precious environment as well as your family's health. Did you know that may cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? VOCs are a variety of chemicals that easily evaporate inot the air & pollute air quality. These chemicals can cause harmful effects on human health, including irritation of the eyes, nose, & throat, difficulty breathing, headaches, and nausea. In some cases, VOCs may cause cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and harm to the nervous system according to recent studies.
Cleaning our home shouldn’t involve dirtying up the planet, so our guide is here to share our tips on how to avoid this as well as revealing our favourite eco-friendly cleaning products.
Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products is becoming more & more popular as we start to question the ingredients in more than just the food we eat. Our promise to you is that our sustainable cleaning products are Plastic-Free, Australian Made, Certified Palm Oil Free, Synthetic Fragrance Free, Vegan Friendly and don’t contain any nasties.
The quickest sustainable swap you can make is to select solid bars over liquid cleaning fluids. Our entire Bar range received the prestigious Good Design Award Winner 2022 in recognition for outstanding design as well the social & environmental impacts. Each of our Bars is equivalent to 3.5 plastic bottles so while we help you to save money, YOU save the planet from plastic & harsh chemicals.
PS - each bar is housed in fully compostable packaging so there is literally zero waste!
PPS - our Bars have a 100% Performance Guaranteed, but...if you try one & you're not bar-lown away we'll refund you the full purchase price!
Most commercial cleaning products like sponges & cloths are made from synthetic materials - even microfibre cloths are made from plastic! When these synthetic materials break down, they can enter our drains & our waterways, or they end up in landfill, unable to break down.
Switch it up & invest in plastic free, reusable or compostable cleaning products instead:
1. Hemp Tea Towel; perfect for drying dishes or vegetables, covering dough, wrapping bread or covering food at picnics or BBQs is the Hemp Tea Towel. Our Hemp is also GOTS certified which ensures that it’s produced in an environmentally & socially responsible way.
2. Compostable Sponges; a straight replacement for your old plastic scourer is our eco-friendly Compostable Sponge. The loofah side is tough enough for scrubbing pots, pans, & stubborn marks, while the cellulose sponge is perfect for everyday use (on dishes, benches, bathrooms etc.). The beauty of our eco-friendly sponges is that they’re fast drying & completely compostable!
3. Cellulose Sponge; banish dishcloths AND paper towel in one hit with our practical & planet-friendly Cellulose Sponge - our eco-friendly & sustainable alternative that can soak up 20x their own weight in liquid! This beauty doubles as a sponge & paper towel. Pop it in your washing machine, & it's good to go once again (for up to 6 months!). Dispose of the cellulose sponge in your compost bin when you're due for a new sponge.
Detoxify your life from plastics (& nasty chemicals) that clutter up your cupboards & damage our environment by switching to eco-friendly cleaning products today.
Now is your time to slow down, breathe & refresh. Go forth and sparkle with sustainability!
Sources:
1. Temkin AM, Geller SL, Swanson SA, Leiba NS, Naidenko OV, Andrews DQ. Volatile organic compounds emitted by conventional and “green” cleaning products in the U.S. market. Chemosphere. 2023;341:139570. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139570
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Looking for some new lunch ideas to keep it interesting? Kels has created four new nutritious, delicious and easy recipes. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sushi rice
4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 large can tuna
3 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise
METHOD:
A perfect way to pack a tradies lunch with a double bagel to keep them nourished throughout the day. The Lunchbox is nice and compact so no food is moving around whilst in there, one of my favourite go to lunches.
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
2 bagels
1 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp mayonaise
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
Lettuce
METHOD
This recipe is so delicious and easy, not only is it great for a lunchbox it’s also great for a platter or even as a side with dinner
INGREDIENTS:
2x pita pockets
olive oil
garlic and herb seasoning
1 large tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp chopped chives
1 tbsp mayonaise
salt and pepper
METHOD:
One of my all time favourites because you can make batches of them and freeze them for those mornings you are stuck on what to pack in the lunchboxes. Also a perfect little snack to take to the park or beach and a great way to save money on store bought packaged foods! A simple, fun and great lunchbox filler.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla bean essence
1 1/2 cup coconut milk
2 eggs
butter, to fry with
METHOD:
Enjoy,
Kels x
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In the quest for sustainable products, our product team had a zero-waste lightbulb moment last year—utilising 'deadstock,' or leftover materials, to create a limited run of accessories perfect for school or work.
This ingenious idea not only showcased sheer brilliance but also aligned with our commitment to reducing environmental impact. I was 100% on board.
When it comes to materials and deadstock, here's our principles that guide us every day:
Our Product Team LOVE these opportunities - they can develop some lines that might not be possible. The numbers are small and they can express their creativity.
But the best part is that small runs mean we get direct customer feedback to help guide the item lines that go into full production (sometimes in slightly different forms or colours based on what you loved).
We also offer seconds of our products - small dents or scratches doesn't mean these products should be discarded. We list our perfectly imperfect seconds stock regularly on our website. They sell out immediately! The are listed at a discounted rate to encourage a place in someone's home.
Our leftover fabric, which would have otherwise gone unused, found new life in this eco-friendly idea. By repurposing and recycling these materials, we not only minimised waste but also created something truly unique and impactful with our Laptop Sleeves, Pencil Cases and Drawstring Bags.
Crafted with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, these accessories embody durability and style. The organic cotton used in these products is not only a more durable alternative to synthetic materials, but it's also kinder to the environment.
Derived from the cotton plant, it's cultivated without synthetic pesticides, promoting healthier ecosystems. Its production generally has a lower carbon footprint than energy-intensive polyester manufacturing. Choosing organic cotton is a sustainable and conscious step towards reducing environmental impact.
With limited material, we've kept these accessories truly exclusive, with only minimal units available for some products.
We hope you love these accessories as much as we do and appreciate the effort that goes into making fashion more sustainable. Together, let's make conscious choices that leave a positive impact on our planet.
It's all part of our philosophy to not only do less harm, but do more good.
Thanks for your ongoing support as we develop new and exciting products!
Love Sophie x
Looking for some eco(nomical) lunch tips? With the rising cost of living, it's possible to still create yummy lunches but keep an eye on costs. With a bit of planning you can reduce your grocery bills and ensure you get the most out of your weekly shop.
To help fight food waste and save you money, make sure you freeze any items you won’t eat that week so you can use them later instead of throwing them away! Think bread, fruit, vegetables, etc. We love using our Silicone Pouches for freezing and our infamous Silicone Stretch Lids to store food without the plastic whether it's going in your fridge or freezer.
Incorporating grains in your diet is a great way for you to get important nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber. [1] Grains also tend to be cheaper per serving compared to other ingredients especially when you buy in bulk. Bulk food stores are a great way to get large amounts of grains without the plastic. We tend to buy grains like oats, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat once a month and store them in our Eco Stow Sets.
We find cooking these in batches, at the start of the week, super helpful. A big batch of popcorn for kids snacks (or adults) is great to have on hand. A bowl of quinoa is handy to bulk up salads or can be added to Mexican dishes. Oats can be added to smoothies, pancakes, muffins, protein balls, or we love making a big bowl of overnight oats with coconut milk, protein powder, berries and cinnamon and storing it in the fridge to have for breakfast. Yum!
Another great idea is soups! They're often super economical to make in batches. Freeze them in portions or keep them warm in our Insulated Food Flask.
You can really save when you buy essentials in bulk and re-portion out. Yoghurt is the perfect example. One pouch of yoghurt from the supermarket can cost up to $2.50 but a 1KG tub can be as little as $5 (and quite often better quality). You'll likely get at least eight servings from a 1KG tub which saves you $15 a week! Not to mention the plastic kudos as tubs often come in recyclable hard plastic (and single-use pouches are soft plastic).
Alternatively, if you're feeling super motivated, make your own yoghurt! It'll cost as little as $3 to make it from scratch. Check out this delish Coconut Yoghurt recipe from our Insta. Grab one of our Reusable Yoghurt pouches - they're made from silicone and plastic free.
You can buy a bunch of products in large tubs or packets and redistribute througout the week (make sure you store them well for freshness). Things like popcorn (pop your own and you'll save a FORTUNE).
This may seem like an obvious one but the supermarkets offer specials on a weekly basis. If they're things you use regularly, buy up bulk and store/freeze. Make sure you look at the cost per gram as this is the quickest way to see what's best value. Another great tip is to look down - supermarket merchandisers often hide the best value products down low out of your eyesight!
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, you and your partner or a family, using containers to portion out meals is key. Having dedicated containers for your meals means you can portion these out throughout the week. It also makes you a lot more organised!
There’s no better feeling than having your meals ready to go in the fridge the night before. We love using our Eco Stow Sets for meal prep, our sustainable Lunchware Sets last for years and will save you money in the long run!
You don’t need to over complicate meal prepping. Keep it as simple as you can! Try to base meals around 5 core ingredients and make a big batch of each meal that you can eat a few times during the week. If you’re not keen on repeating meals try making two dishes and alternating each day to break it up.
When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, buy in season when you can. These products tend to be Australian grown (not flown in from overseas, frozen, thawed, etc), will taste better and will be cheaper as they are in abundance. Seasonal Food Guide Australia has a great guide for seasonal produce here.
Spices can add a big burst of flavour to your dishes. Although they can seem expensive to buy initially, many of us already have a spice collection on hand! If not, buy one different spice a week to add to your collection and experiment with new flavours.
We love tossing kale in paprika before roasting, adding an italian spice mix to roast potatoes or marinating tofu with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt & pepper before frying - remember to coat in cornstarch beforehand!
If you want to bulk up your spice collection without buying them in plastic bags, head to your local bulk food store! You can buy spices in reusable bags or brown paper bags provided and store them in our popular glass Spice Jars. These also look super cute on your kitchen bench or in your pantry.
Happy prepping.
Love Sophie x
References:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
]]>While stats like these can be daunting, we like to think of awareness as the key to becoming more environmentally friendly at home. We can all make a contribution to getting closer to our targets - it starts with rethinking your everyday. Small steps can lead to a big impact.
We’ve all been spending more time indoors recently, and if you’re like us you’ll have noticed just how much extra waste we create at home. But never fear, there are lots of things we can do to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle! We share our favourite products to help you to reduce your reliance on plastic & become more eco-friendly at home.
Making a number of changes at once can seem daunting, so instead of tackling all of these, begin by choosing three that you aren’t already doing. Remember even small changes will help you be environmentally friendly at home.
We don’t mean to brag, but we think we’ve finally made doing the dishes fun as well as lessening our impact on the environment. We have an extensive range of sponges, brushes & scourers so you can wash your dishes without creating plastic waste. Our Cellulose Sponge is a firm favourite of ours. Not only can it be added to the washing machine and reused, it is also made from plant fibres so it will decompose in your home compost back into organic matter in a matter of weeks! Check out our full cleaning range here.
When we started to look at what we were sending to landfill in our own homes, it was obvious what we needed to do, set up a home recycling system. Every household is different but we narrowed it down to four bins we think all homes should have; landfill, recycling, soft plastics & food waste. Make it a fun activity and involve people in your household by painting your bins or adding home made signs to show what goes where.
The global cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging every year, the majority of which cannot be recycled. We want to change that, so we’ve made products you’ll love, in packaging that the planet will love too. Our entire Care range aims to allow every household in Australia to have access to luxury skincare that doesn’t cost the earth. From our vegan Skincare range, Without, to our extensive range of solid shampoo, conditioner, face & body bars - we've got you covered! We've even designed a range of reusable face clothes, compostable soap savers & konjac sponges & stainless steel travel tins to reduce your impact.
Did you know that a lettuce head can take up to 25 years to decompose in a landfill? That’s because without access to moisture and heat organic matter struggles to break down. In a home compost, lettuce leaves can take less than a month to turn into healthy soil that can be used in your garden or on your house plants. We’ve written a blog on How to Compost No Matter Where You Live and introduced our sleek and stylish countertop Compost Bin to collect your veggie scraps in. What are you waiting for?
When it comes to our eating habits we’ve become so used to buying our food pre-portioned and pre-packaged. If we want to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly at home, then reusing and refilling your own containers is one easy way to do this. After using your reusable grocery bags at the supermarket we have a variety of storage options that are easy to clean and refill time and time again. Our Reusable Grocery Shopping Kit is rated 5 stars by our community and is great for your weekly shop.
According to Ozharvest, a third of all food produced is wasted. We hate to see anything go to waste so we’re always looking out for environmentally friendly methods to use our food! Recently we’ve learned how to make a hearty vegetable stock from peels, how to ferment and pickle our excess garden produce, and even how to make a yummy pasta in partnership with @recipearce using stale bread and green stalks!
The environmental impact of single use plastics has gained increasing attention over the past few years. If you’re looking for a reusable alternative then try our Silicone Stretch Lids with a mix of sizes that will easily fit over a plate, bowl or even half a lemon. They can be popped in the dishwasher & reused. Our Silicone Pouches are perfect for preparing your frozen fruits ready for your weekly smoothies.
We’ve saved our best time for last... baking. Whether your kitchen is a part time cookie factory or your kids can’t get enough banana muffins, our Un-Baking Paper and reusable Muffin Cups are the two staples you need. They are a simple, stylish and sustainable swap from disposables (or an upgrade in our opinion), and they won’t ever run out. What’s not to love? Our premium grade silicone is non-stick and super easy to wash and reuse...you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
We hope these tips help! We’d love to hear from you, so let us know how you are transitioning to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in your home via email or Instagram.
[*]https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/5a160ae2-d3a9-480e-9344-4eac42ef9001/files/national-waste-report-2020.pdf
]]>We get asked by our customers all the time "Which Lunch Box set is the right one for me"? Our legendary product team have created these awesome handy visual guides to share with you since everyone is heading back to work and school!
Think of it almost like building your ultimate poke bowl or pizza 😜. Everyone's got a different preference...
Our lunchboxes are all:
Our containers are all:
Our Lunch Bags are all:
If you're looking for a pre-built Lunch Bundle for an easy shortcut, we've created a bunch of best selling combinations that include cases & containers. We created these popular bundles to make it simpler for you and give you some added value (these can save you up to 25%!).
Here's some info on the Top 4 sellers:
#1: The LunchBox Bundle (with 3 containers/pots)
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#2: The Bento Lunch Box Set
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#3: Sustainable Lunch Set (ALL NEW!)
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#4: Insulated Lunch Box Set (ALL NEW)
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What's the same across our Lunchware:
Our product team are constantly evolving and improving our products and they'd love to hear your feedback! Whether you're using our products at work or for the kids, we're 100% committed to durable, practical and sustainable products that work for you.
Love Sophie xx
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As an avid traveller, I adore exploring new places and cultures but I’m super mindful of the impact my travel can have on the planet.
It’s always my aim to travel with the lightest possible footprint so I’m sharing my go-to ‘Softer Footprints’ checklist. Whether you’re heading off on a picnic, a weekender or for a whole month, here’s how I endeavour to leave nothing behind but my footsteps:
I hope this list is helpful! I find with a tiny bit of planning, it makes my trip even better when I travel more consciously with Softer Footprints in mind.
Safe travels and much love
Sophie x
Keen to get some lunch box ideas for protein and veggie filled delights that your kids will actually eat?
Introducing a delicious & nutritious Zucchini Slice that your kids will love. It's also very eco(nomical) and a great idea to freeze in our Seed & Sprout Silicone Food Pouches or our Eco Stows so you can be super organised.
A perfect alternative to a sandwich to switch things up in the daily lunches - this zucchini slice is soft and fluffy and on repeat at our house.
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
Happy Baking
Kels x
]]>When Archie first started school he was fussy. Different foods could not touch one another & his school also had a no plastic policy. I really struggled to find a plastic-free lunchbox that worked for him & his school's requirements so I decided to make my own.
A couple of years later the CrunchBox was born!
The OG CrunchBox has four different compartments so food can be easily separated & gives you the opportunity to fill each compartment with something delicious & make lunches more inviting!
We were so excited to add a new addition to our product range last year, the Bento Box - the next evolution to our CrunchBox design. We designed this so you & your kids can mix & match! It's now completely leak proof meaning you can pack liquid lunches with confidence that they won’t leak.
This year, we've also got a brand new Insulated Lunch Box Set that's perfect for adults & kids alike. It includes an Insulated Flask and our brand new Nesting Pots and Sustainable Cutlery Set. Choose between Honey or Ocean.
I know that as a parent, it can be challenging to come up with healthy & tasty lunch ideas for fussy kids. It can be especially frustrating when you put time & effort into preparing a lunch only for it to come back uneaten. But fear not, there are ways to make lunchtime a success for everyone!
Here’s some of my tips for making lunches for picky eaters:
1. Involve your kids in the lunch-making process
This can help them feel more invested in the food they are eating & make them more likely to try new things. You can ask them to help you brainstorm ideas for lunch or let them choose from a selection of healthy options you have prepared.
2. Make it fun and visually appealing
Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches & cutting fruit into fun shapes, & include a variety of colors in your lunchbox. Displaying food in an appealing way & keeping it all separate works well for picky eaters. Our OG CrunchBox & Bento CrunchBox are perfect for this for their compartments and storage solutions!
3. Include a variety of food groups
This ensures they are getting all the nutrients they need! Include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. Don't be afraid to get creative & think outside the box - a wrap filled with scrambled eggs & veggies, or a quinoa & black bean salad, can be just as tasty & satisfying as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
4. Hide veggies
Many kids will shudder at the sight of a spinach or an avocado, but won’t even notice they’re there if you blend them into a smoothie, add to muffins or include it in a pasta sauce! Being creative at ‘hiding’ vegetables is a great way to add more of them into their diet. We also love adding them into soups & curries!
5. Use leftovers
Another tip is to pack leftovers from dinner the night before. This can save time & ensure that you are using up food that might otherwise go to waste (& that you know they already like!). Our Bento CrunchBox is ideal for packing leftovers in. With two compartments & a silicone seal this CrunchBox is leakproof so you don’t have to worry about sauces leaking.
Our last word of advice? Don't be discouraged! It can take some trial & error to find lunch options that your picky kids will enjoy. Check out some of our recipes to get ideas and pop in a surprise occasionally. Keep offering a variety of healthy options & eventually you will find what works for your family. With a little bit of effort & creativity, you can make lunchtime a success for everyone. Happy packing!
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January 2024 Seed & Sprout Pantry Makeover Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
The Promoter is Seed & Sprout Pty Ltd ABN 33 615 996 042 of 7 Bonanza Dr, Billinudgel NSW 2473, Australia.
PARTICIPATION
HOW TO ENTER
WINNER SELECTION
PRIZES
CONDITIONS
I noticed a well worn and well placed sign today on my travels that made quite an impression. It’s really got me thinking about my intentions for the new year. It said:
I started Seed & Sprout because I passionately believe that we can collectively make the world a better place through small changes. That our everyday choices through small but essential steps, can help us live a more sustainable and mindful way of living. It’s so crazy to think Seed & Spout is here because of a lunchbox - a small step indeed!
I do truly believe that it’s possible to live a truly meaningful and beautiful life through intuition and authenticity. So I’m reaffirming my intention to live even more by inner compass - the compass that aligns with my core values.
At Seed & Sprout, we believe that each individual is on their unique eco-journey. It's not about achieving perfection but doing what you can, when you can. Our role at Seed & Spout isn't just about providing high-quality lifestyle products; it's about empowering our community to embrace small yet significant steps towards a plastic free existence.
Reflecting on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for our incredible community. Your commitment to making mindful choices has been inspiring. I love our interactions, your suggestions, your passion.
Here are five ideas to spark softer footprints and better living:
Not one of us is perfect or will do a perfect job but I believe that any progress is good progress - even the tiniest thing!
Seed & Sprout is committed to supporting you every step of the way. The team and I are here to provide you tools, resources, and encouragement to make your eco-journey smoother and more rewarding.
Thank you for being part of the Seed & Sprout community. Here's to a year filled with authenticity, progress and positivity.
Love Sophie xx
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1. Composting: Give Back to the Earth
Despite my very best efforts every year to only cater for what we need, there’s inevitably some waste. I’m hyper focused on making sure that any waste is put to good use in my garden. Composting food scraps is one of the simplest ways to reduce landfill waste and my veggies love it! There are a bunch of councils across the country with green waste initiatives so if you don’t have your own composting system, ask your local council about how you can get started. Mother Earth will be chuffed!
2. Mindful Wrapping: Ditch Traditional Papers
Every year, tons of wrapping paper goes in the bin (and quite often can’t be recycled). So instead of using normal Chrissy wrapping paper, get creative with eco-friendly alternatives. Consider using recycled paper, fabric, old newspapers, or even reusable cloth gift wraps. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a unique and personalised touch to your gifts.
3. Sustainable Christmas Crackers: Go Plastic Free
I do love a Christmas Cracker and going plastic free doesn’t mean fun free! You can either buy a plastic free alternative or even better, make your own using recyclable materials. Get crafty with your own recycled paper and fill them with sustainable gifts like seeds, small plants, or homemade treats. This way, you can still have a crack without doing any planetary harm.
4. Eco-Conscious Gift Giving: Gift Cards and Experiences
Grabbing a gift card from eco-friendly brands like ours is doubly good. Your loved one can choose something they actually need (and want) from our range of plastic free alternatives. Less waste and more sustainable choices. Yay. You can also choose to give someone an experience over a physical gift. Some cute ideas I’ve done in the past are home-made vouchers for gourmet picnics, home spa days, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures like cycling, bushwalking or kayaking.
5. Go Green When You Clean
Christmas is fab but there sure is a heck of a lot of cleaning to do! From dishes to laundry, the mess always piles up (or is that just at my place 🤔?). Minimising the impact of keeping your place spotless this festive season doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet. Why not grab one of our most popular cleaning bundles and make it non-toxic and plastic free.
Got some tips of your own to share? Send us a message on Insta and we’ll add to this article! Every little bit we all do, counts. Wishing you and yours a truly magical festive season full of love, light and laughter.
Sophie x
Perfect for end of year parties or school holiday fun. Stored in our Eco Stows, these brownies could also make the perfect gift this Christmas! Watch the How To video on Insta to drool...
INGREDIENTS
1 cup plain flourMETHOD
Preheat oven to 180 degreesIn a large bowl add the flour, sugar and baking powder.
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the butter and chocolate chips and let them melt
Once melted pour into the bowl and then continue to add the eggs. Stir until a batter like consistency
Line a rectangular dish with the unbaking paper and pour the brownie mix onto it
Smooth down evenly with a spatula then pop in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tops are golden.
Remove the brownie from the oven and let it cool
Mix up some icing with icing sugar and a drop of milk until a thick consistency
Cut the brownie up into small rectangle pieces and start decorating with the eyes, pretzels as antlers and the smarties as a nose!
Looking for a unique gift for someone this Christmas? Ever thought of making a recipe and gifting it in some beautiful eco friendly jars that they can keep? Look no further, we have you covered here🤭 Our Christmas balls make the perfect gift when storing in our beautiful pantry jars, a great idea for a loved one.
INGREDIENTS
10 medjool dates, seeds removed
1 cup almond meal
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup coconut (plus extra to roll balls in)
1 tbsp cacao powder
METHOD
With Christmas around the corner, this Gingerbread People recipe is a fun way to get the kids involved in some baking! A perfect gift idea for loved ones too!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ginger ground
1 tsp cinnamon ground
1/2 tsp bicarb soda
100g butter, melted
3 tbsp honey
Gingerbread men cookie cutters
1/4 cup icing sugar
Dash of milk
Red and green smarties, for decoration
METHOD
Blueberry & Chia Jam
Ever wanted to make your own jam but don’t know where to start? How about making your own jam AND gifting it to loved ones this Christmas? It’s not too late to grab some of our beautiful pantry jars that also double up as great gifts this festive season!
Ingredients
500g frozen blueberries
4 tbsp chia seeds
4 tbsp caster sugar
1/2 juice of a lemon
Method
Step 1: in a large bowl add all the ingredients & give a stir in a saucepan over low medium heat, add the ingredients & let simmer.
Step 2: once the blueberries start to cook down & it becomes thick you can take it off the heat & pop in fridge for up to an hour or until cooled.
Step 3: once the jam is cool, pour it into Pantry Jars - tie Christmas ribbon around them and make someone’s Christmas a little extra special with a homemade jam!
Jam is perfect on sourdough with cream cheese, great for jam drops or even with yoghurt and muesli.
5 Ingredient Christmas Balls
Looking for a unique gift for someone this Christmas? Ever thought of making a recipe & gifting it in some beautiful eco friendly Jars that they can keep? Look no further, we have you covered here. Our Christmas balls make the perfect gift when storing in our beautiful pantry jars, a great idea for a loved one.
Ingredients
10 medjool dates, seeds removed
1 cup almond meal
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup coconut (plus extra to roll balls in)
1 tbsp cacao powder
Method
Step 1: in a food processor/blender add all the ingredients. Blend until a crumble like consistency
Step 2: empty the mix onto a working space & start rolling them into balls. Set aside some extra coconut & once the balls are rolled, continue to lightly toss them through the coconut.
Step 3: pop them in the Pantry Jars & once full, pop the lid on & place in fridge to set.
Step 4: when they have firmed, wrap some Christmas ribbon around the jar & you have yourself the perfect gift for someone!
For more homemade gifting ideas follow us on our Socials & share your feedback xoxox
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