Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2018 i Peppermint Magazine

“We need to change apathy into empathy, indifference into empowerment and anger into action” Unless you are living under a blissful wifi-free rock, you’ve likely seen the alarming headlines about the report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning us that we have a mere 12 years to keep temperatures from rising within 1.5 degrees celsius or we’ll be looking at a global catastrophe. Only half a degree more and we’ll be staring down the barrel of droughts, floods, extreme heat, the decimation of coral reefs and severe poverty for hundreds of millions of people. So, you know, relatively important if you value, erm… life. It’s pretty easy to hear these terrifying facts and want to bury our heads in the sand (although those pesky rising sea…

PRINTS CHARMING The dynamic shapes and bold colours that feature in The Print Society’s soft homewares are made to be an endless source of joy for your abode. Designed and made in Sydney, eye-catching patterns are block-printed or silk-screened by hand onto natural materials, including linen, silk, hemp and yak wool, using non-toxic inks. When you need to switch things up, just flip it and reverse it – double-sided cushions transcend seasons by easily allowing you to change up your style. theprintsociety.com.au JEWELS TO FAWN OVER Hand-made by designer Emma Barnes in her London studio, each and every piece of Wild Fawn jewellery is crafted using only recycled silver and fair trade gold. Prioritising ethics throughout the entire lifecycle of her jewellery, Emma’s status as a Registered Fairtrade jeweller ensures…

“Dance is a means of non-verbal self-expression, and expressing yourself is pivotal for those going through a mental health crisis” “I always knew I didn’t want a career in dance,” Vanessa reflects. “It seemed frivolous and vapid watching people put themselves through the physical and mental torture of climbing their way up to this eventual ‘success’ in which they stood, obscured, in some pop star’s shadow.” Although Vanessa started taking dance classes at age five – first classical Indian dance, and then a range of street styles – it was “nothing more than an adored hobby” that allowed her to perform regularly at events such as multicultural fairs “kitted out head-to-toe in classical Indian jewellery and makeup – which to an eight-year-old is the ultimate lifestyle.” Meanwhile, Vanessa’s mother, a…

MACA The newest superfood this side of Krypton, maca is a root vegetable of the brassica family (cousins of your everyday superfoods broccoli, kale and cabbage). This plant has been grown – and revered – in the mountains of Peru for thousands of years, and is said to be the highest elevation food crop in the world. Historical references from the 1500s refer to maca and its apparent ability to balance hormones and boost energy, fertility and libido (it was notorious amongst Spanish soldiers for its libido-boosting effects). It seems they were onto something, as maca was recently recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport as being a “hormone booster”. Incan soldiers were even said to carry maca root with them into battle to build their strength and stamina. AÇAÍ…

“Consumers are becoming more aware of raw material provenance, both in their diets and in their fashion choices” Why did you start Sans Beast? After nearly 30 years in the fashion retail space, I wanted to continue creating when I left my last role – yet I needed to pivot dramatically for my own happiness and ethical integrity. The aim with Sans Beast is to create great-looking pieces with a distinctive and credible design aesthetic that don’t use animal products as the building blocks. You previously headed up MIMCO – where did the decision to move away from leather come from? It was a decision many years in the making. I loved my MIMCO years and gave the business all I had – creatively and commercially. But after watching many…

“We see the word ‘ethical’ as being all-encompassing” We all know the feeling of stepping out of a hair salon with perfectly smooth, shiny, TV-advert locks – but it’s not something you’d usually equate with natural haircare products. However, Luke and Julia are changing the game with their salon-quality Certified Organic, cruelty-free, 100% Australian-made range EverEscents – using herbal and natural ingredients (think essential oils, botanical extracts and plant protein) in place of the toxic chemicals usually found in a professional haircare environment. But hair hasn’t always been their calling. Back in 2007, after slogging it out in Sydney in the corporate world, the couple was ready for a tree change. As fate would have it, a mutual friend introduced them to Leone Martin – who was looking to hand…

The Solomon Islands may look like paradise but, beyond the welcoming smiles of the locals and waving palm fronds, it’s a poor and vulnerable nation. The vast majority of the population survives on subsistence farming: fishing and growing vegetables to feed their families. When Dr Dan Etherington, an agricultural development economist, first visited the islands 30 years ago, he and his wife Maureen were stunned to witness the poverty of villagers there. Over the years, logging companies had all but depleted forests throughout the hundreds of islands that make up the ‘Sollies’. Meanwhile, the population continued to grow, while resources remained limited. Dan recognised this as a common challenge for many of the world’s poorer coastal communities, and set about trying to find a solution that was truly sustainable. “I…

AIMEE CARRUTHERS The Clams Vintage Crown Lynn plates, smuggled over from New Zealand as a little reminder of home. VANESSA VARGHESE Groove Therapy Those intangible treasures = love and good vibes. A tangible treasure though would probably be our giant WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE neon sign. It’s a healthy perspective check when you’re dealing with day-to-day fears and self-doubt! JO HEGERTY Writer I would have to say Gloria, my 1962 Gibson acoustic guitar. She is worn but proud and still sounds sweet. She is also very forgiving, which is great because I’m still learning to play! EMILY LUSH Writer One object I love dearly is a quilted blanket my grandmother made for me when I was born. I love anything handmade and always make a point of seeking out…

At Peppermint we’re committed to supporting social and environmental charities. For our summer issue Peppermint is planting 100 trees through Carbon Neutral, to help reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions through biodiverse reforestation plantings that also restore habitat for native animals. PEPPERMINT CHARITY CONTRIBUTIONS AS OF NOV 2018: $19,172 PEPPERMINT IS PROUDLY CERTIFIED CARBON NEUTRAL BY CLIMATEFRIENDLY.COM Peppermint is printed in Sydney at PMP Limited – an ISO 14001 environmentally accredited company – using Australian-made, PEFC-Certified paper from well-managed forests that comply with environmentally sustainable practices.…

Why did you decide to start Wonder Wardrobe? I’ve been working as a personal stylist since 2009, and I’ve learnt that people are buying way more clothes than they need but still have nothing to wear. I decided to create an intelligent, easy-to-follow online course that shows people all over the world they don’t need lots of clothes to look amazing. How do you aim to help people? I show them how much more they can do with less, and how to make better, longer-lasting fashion choices. I also show people that they can save lots of time and money with a fully interchangeable, ethical and sustainable wardrobe. What are your three top tips for a wonderful wardrobe? Only choose the clothes you truly love. Creating an impersonal ‘basic’ wardrobe…

We all know the sun’s lovely and all, but with Australia and New Zealand having the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, everybody’s favourite giant ball o’ flames is also clearly on a one-way mission to TAKE US ALL DOWN. Protecting our faces from sun damage is a no-brainer, but with many standard sunscreens containing hazardous chemicals including oxybenzone and octinoxate (bad for both us and our beautiful coral reefs), we decided to slip-slop-slap-on some natural alternatives. SUN & EARTH TINTED ALL-DAY CREAM Following a melanoma scare a few years back, I’m now much less “sun’s out, guns out” and more “sun’s out, therefore I most definitely am NOT”. However, a life spent lurking indoors is a life half-lived, so hurrah for products like this SPF 30+ zinc…

KINFOLK & CO fermentation pot These stylish, simple ceramic pots from Kinfolk & Co. are hand-crafted in Pottsville, NSW, and provide a stable fermentation environment for making your very own kimchi and kraut. It’s ferment to be! kinfolkandco.com UGLY DUCK PRESERVES Fighting food waste with spreads and sauces, Ugly Duck Preserves sources produce that’s been rejected from supermarkets due to its size, shape or colour to create their small-batch range. uglyduckpreserves.com EAST BALI CASHEWS snack range Mixed with cacao, coconut chips or sea salt, these cashews will leave a good taste in your mouth – not just from their ingredients, but also their commitment to social responsibility and sustainable employment in east Bali. eastbalicashews.com STAY TRAY reusable drinks tray Your turn for the mid-morning coffee run? Stay Tray is a…

At first, at the start of my 1 Million Women journey, I was operating mainly on instinct. The idea that a mass movement of women could unite to act on climate change in our daily lives just felt right to me. After all, hadn’t I just saved 20% on my family’s energy bill? If one woman could make a difference by taking a few small actions, imagine how powerful millions of us would be! To build on instinct, I needed evidence. Early on, it became clear to me that when it comes to the well-being of the planet, men and women are not equal. For starters, mainstream market research showed that, on average, women were about 10% more concerned about the environment than men. Over the years, I’ve seen more…

We have read so much about the traditional villages of the world, the places that have the highest rates of longevity. But we wanted to go and see them for ourselves, and observe for ourselves. What are the simple secrets? What magical things make you live forever? Well, the secret is there is no secret. It’s about the simple life, the one right in front of you – you just have to reach out and grab it. And it’s all about community. We want to share some thoughts and observations from our time in those villages. The things we noted, what stood out to us – these are our observations of people at their natural best. People living for very a long time, and loving it. We visited several of…

crop-a-porter Crop waste – organic matter that gets left behind after a crop such as hemp, sugarcane or pineapples is harvested – is typically burnt or left to rot, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The US-based innovators at The Agraloop have developed a clever way to utilise this often-forgotten form of food waste. The Crop-A-Porter system spins crop waste remnants into a biofibre, producing all-natural fabrics that offer an additional source of income for farmers. fungi fashion Dutch entrepreneur Aniela Hoitink and her company MycoTEX are moving forward by returning to their roots – literally. Mycelium, a material found in the roots of mushrooms and fungi, requires less water and zero chemicals or pesticides to grow. Fungi Fashion garments utilise fabric spun from mycelium fibres and are custom-made using 3D…

Byron Bay, home to Spell & The Gypsy Collective, is hardly the epicentre of the fashion world. More about relaxing than runways, it seems an unlikely location for a multi-million dollar label – which is exactly what Spell happens to be. But the coastal idyll’s breezy reputation belies its capacity for effecting change and its tough business ethic. “We often get people thinking that because we’re a Byron-run business it’s super relaxed, but that’s certainly not the case!” says Elizabeth Abegg, who, with her sister Isabella Pennefather, heads the brand beloved by fans for its feminine, bewitchingly bohemian aesthetic. That said, wellbeing is certainly a focus at Spell HQ, as is improving the brand’s carbon footprint, with the 50-strong female workforce offered shared bicycles, regular TED talks, a ban on…

A study released by IBISWorld in February 2018 estimates that there are more than 1600 home decor retailers in Australia, ranging from multinational department stores to independent online boutiques. The lion’s share of the market belongs to a handful of brands we would all recognise. As of 2016, Roy Morgan Research reveals that Kmart commands 11.6% of the home decor market, followed by IKEA Australia with eight percent. One thing Australia’s top 10 homewares merchants all have in common is that they increasingly trade in low-cost, imitation or replica objects that are mass-produced in factories overseas. The rise of ‘fast homewares’ – a phenomenon described by some as ‘The Kmart Effect’ – is akin to fast fashion in more ways than one. “There are a lot of similarities,” says Kelly…

SEASIDE TONES Cut from the highest quality linen in a palette of rich hues, this collection of easy-fit women’s wear and accessories is ethically made in Poland. seasidetones.com.au THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE Need a gift for someone who cares about the planet and looking good? Then you'll love The Clean Collective’s ‘Eco in Style’ Bundle – a stylish way to reduce single-use plastic. thecleancollective.com ALLPRESS The Allpress Arita Porcelain Cup is the perfect gift. The handcrafted nature means each has its own beautiful imperfection: unique in their difference, sincere in their similarities. au.allpressespresso.com/our-coffee YOGI SPIRIT Made for gypsy souls, NiyamaSOL yoga leggings are crafted from rPET (made from recycled plastic water bottles) and are moisture-wicking and quick-drying. yogispirit.com.au POWER SUPER FOODS Supercharge your diet with Maqui Powder: harvested in Chile using…

BAO INGREDIENTS 1 X SACHET DRIED YEAST (7G)1 CUP (250ML) MILK, WARMED¼ CUP (60G) SUGAR3 CUPS (450G) LIGHTHOUSE CAKE, SPONGE & STEAMED BUN SELF-RAISING FLOUR1 TBSP OIL FILLING INGREDIENTS 600G CHICKEN OR FIRM TOFU60ML LIGHT SOY SAUCE40ML DARK SOY SAUCE20ML RICE WINE20ML OYSTER SAUCE100G SUGAR20G CORNFLOUR GARNISH INGREDIENTS CHIVES, SLICEDCUCUMBER, THINLY SLICEDCARROTS, CUT INTO VERY THIN STRIPS METHOD FOR THE DOUGH Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warmed (not more than 40°C) milk. Add the flour and oil and mix until dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10–15 minutes until smooth, soft and elastic. Alternatively use the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer. Shape dough into a ball and place into a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with cling film or a beeswax wrap…

Dear Peppermint, I’ve never done this before, writing in to a magazine, but when I read the first page written by the editor I felt like maybe there was some hope. For the past week I’ve felt nothing but hopeless. I was in a car accident – we were hit on the highway by a truck that came out of nowhere and we were flung across all five lanes. Thankfully I’m alive and my boyfriend is alive, but I’ve felt hopeless and sad, unsure of why it happened and why I didn’t die, when everyone who witnessed the accident said I should have. Just reading the first page of this magazine alone gave me a feeling of hope; I felt the warmth of happiness in my body. I just want…

Tell us about your work… I design and hand-make ceramic and sterling silver jewellery that showcases Australian natural materials. I predominantly use a textural, iron-rich stoneware clay and a fine white clay. Both have an element of paper within them – making them stronger but lighter in weight, so perfect for jewellery. What do you most love about what you do? Honestly, so many things. I love that I’ve found something that inspires and challenges me, and creates opportunities I’d never have dreamed of. However if I had to pick one thing, it’s the people I’ve met along the way – I’ve never felt so inspired and supported, and a part of something so exciting. Why do you think it’s important to support small makers? I think supporting small makers…

The list of harmful synthetic ‘filler’ chemicals in mainstream beauty and skincare products is seemingly endless, but by swapping out these ones for active, plant-based alternatives, you’ll be going a long way towards cleaning up your act at the same time as cleaning yourself. High five! PROPYLENE GLYCOL Often used as a humectant (to attract environmental moisture to the skin), propylene glycol makes the product feel smooth on application and assists with penetration, but also irritates eczema and eyes. Aloe vera is an excellent natural alternative because of its skin-smoothing properties and product penetration enhancement. SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE Found in detergents like body wash, face wash and shampoo, sodium lauryl sulphate provides a foaming action and gives that ‘squeaky clean’ feel. It’s also terribly drying on the skin and strips…

Plastic-free living has officially entered the mainstream, and we’re seeing more focus than ever on living our lives without the plague of plastic. Hoorah! We are told to take our jars to the bulk food stores and to hit the farmers’ markets every weekend, complete with wicker basket in hand and wide-brimmed sunhat on head. But what about those weeks where this ideal image isn’t so ideal? When you’re rushed off your feet and everything is late and your dirty pile of laundry is more of a dirty mountain; or those 6pm moments when the only option is the supermarket (“boo, hiss” go the zero wasters). For many of us, like it or not, shopping at a supermarket is part of our reality. But the good news is that you…

“Humanity and nature are intrinsically entwined. It’s common sense for us to live symbiotically with nature – we just can’t relegate action anymore.” Performance versus authenticity. Celebrity versus spokesperson. The bright lights of Hollywood juxtaposed with the laid-back beach culture of Byron Bay. These are just some of the dichotomies Isabel Lucas negotiates on a daily basis. When she made her Australian TV debut in 2003, it was as misfit Tasha Andrews in Home and Away. Relocating to Hollywood to advance her career in 2008, Isabel got her big break when Steven Spielberg invited her to join the cast of the Transformers film franchise. Isabel now splits her time between Northern New South Wales and California, dividing her workload between Australian films and Hollywood blockbusters. Watching her perform, it’s easy…

“I started by researching good fabrics and came across hemp, which is now my life obsession. I wanted to make hemp clothes cool and contemporary” Tell us about Good Studios… We’re a sustainable, locally made clothing and homewares label championing hemp fabric, Australian wool and swimwear made from regenerated fishing nets. We’re also a platform to support makers and businesses making magic in this sphere. How did you get started? Six years ago I was working as an art director in film and television; I loved the creative world but just couldn’t handle the wasteful practices in the industry. I wanted to create a platform to explore and celebrate better practices, and the idea for a clothing label was a bit of a fluke – I started by researching good…

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia is the third-fastest growing vegan market in the world – and from food to fashion and fitness, it’s now possible to incorporate vegan values into every area of your life. We spoke to a few plant-powered people who are creating innovative brands with cruelty-free philosophies at their core and helping to inspire a whole new generation of vegans. It’s never been cooler to be kind!…

“With the burgeoning vegan food scene you don’t need to forego textures and tastes you love, whether you’re eating out or at home” What was the inspiration behind starting Yavanna? Cale and I had a shared vision for creating a stereotype-busting plant-based restaurant complete with indulgent dishes, a full bar, beautiful coffee and desserts to die for. And we knew that John – whose cheffing brilliance established his vegan Newcastle eatery Bonta Vera as a local foodie hotspot – was planning his next venture. Why use the term ‘plant-based’ rather than ‘vegan’? It comes down to inclusiveness. For better or worse, the term ‘vegan’ can be a bit alienating for some people. ‘Plant-based’ doesn’t need an explanation, and we think it makes this way of eating accessible and appealing to…

playsuit NOTHING SAYS SUMMER QUITE LIKE THIS CUTE AND COMFY PLAYSUIT! HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD THE EXCLUSIVE PEPPERMINT PATTERN AND SEW YOUR OWN. We’re super excited to bring you these patterns in partnership with the lovely people at The Fabric Store. With a passion for all things sewing, they stock an incredible range of fabrics – think quality linen, silk, cotton, merino and even leather – at their Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand stores, as well as a small selection online. PATTERN CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR PEPPERMINT BY IN THE FOLDS. PHOTO: ELISABETH HARVEY, MODEL: CLAUDIA PIGGOTT, PLAYSUIT FABRIC: PAPRIKA LINEN FROM THE FABRIC STORE - THEFABRICSTORE.COM.AU DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN: PEPPERMINTMAG.COM/SEWING-SCHOOL #peppermintpatterns #peppermintplaysuit…

“It’s really inspiring to support other creative souls who make a living by creating beautiful, well-made works of art” Tell us about your space… Brown’s is a small craft and design shop and gallery space in Paddington, Brisbane. We showcase and sell a carefully curated selection of goods with an emphasis on Australian makers, handmade goods and ethical enterprises. Our products cover a wide range – there’s jewellery, ethical fashion, ceramics, wood and leather goods, natural beauty, kids’ clothes, baby gifts and much more – hence the ‘general store’ moniker! What’s your background? I have a varied background, with lots of work in retail, galleries and the arts. I have a Bachelor of Creative Industries with a focus on writing, and an MA in Creative Industries Management with a focus…

exclusive subscriber prize SIMPLICIOUS FLOW Sarah Wilson In what’s apparently her last cookbook ever (and the one she’s always wanted to write), Sarah Wilson has set her sights on zero-waste cooking and what she calls the ‘flow’ method – an innovative kitchen process that she promises “shows us how to cook gut-healing, nutritionally dense, delicious food in less time, for less money and with virtually no waste”. This ‘manifesto for change’ features 348 family-friendly recipes that utilise food scraps, leftovers and whole ingredients, alongside Sarah’s signature flair and frank advice. SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE! IF YOU’RE A CURRENT SUBSCRIBER, EMAIL US AT YESPLEASE@PEPPERMINTMAG.COM WITH ‘FLOW’ AS THE SUBJECT BY 11 FEBRUARY 2019 TO GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN ONE OF THREE COPIES. ON OUR SHELF THE HAPPINESS PASSPORT A WORLD TOUR…

Four years ago I started on a personal journey – to find and design work that had an impact, every single day. Though it felt like a pipe dream at the time, it resulted in me creating a business called Hatched, which sets companies on their purposeful paths by building impact into their daily lives. I get to work with some of the most inspiring and driven individuals who are willing to take risks and create new ways of doing things that have an impact. Such companies are showing us the way by solving social and environmental issues while doing business, and I find this hugely energising. I hear daily stories of how these journeys started, and it always goes back to one thing: a person or a small number…

For the last 17 years, I’ve worked in a profession where there’s an expectation I'll know exactly what to say, when to say it and how to say it. I spend a lot of time talking with my colleagues about different things we could say, how to say them and in what order. We pick apart our conversations and talk about what we could have said differently and what we should say next time. We hear stories of horrific trauma, heartbreak, resilience, sadness, courage, sorrow, strength, regret and humanity’s ability to overcome. We support each other to have these difficult conversations, we talk about their impact on the people telling us their stories and we try to make sure that we aren’t hurt during the listening and responding. I’m a…