Here is our guide to the best of Aus & NZ eco winter buys! We bring you cosy ethically minded winter warmers, charitable ‘no nasty’ hair tamers and sustainable sexy activewear to see us through this chilly snap.
Dorothy
Now that the temperature has dipped way down (I actually can’t feel my toes tbh) it’s time to invest in some fabulous knitwear and snuggle up with a warm fire. A sure-fire winner in the knit game is Kiwi brand Dorothy whose chunky colourful knits would brighten even the rainiest day. On a chilly NZ morning in 2017, Dorothy creator Lucy called up her Mum, Anne, with an idea. Remembering her mother had been a prolific knitter in the 80’s, Lucy and Anne decided to design a range of completely one-off knits. “Like pieces of abstract art, a one of one for the eccentric at heart, the antidote for those weary of mass-production” stated Lucy. All knitwear is one-off and made from start to finish by hand in New Zealand using ethically produced yarn (either fine kid mohair, a merino mohair mix or 100% wool) sourced locally in New Zealand from small family run businesses. Each dynamic and vibrant piece is durable yet also soft to the skin. They can be worn most of the year as the fabric keeps the warmth in in the winter and repels the heat in the summer. Check out their cheery fab range on instagram here. I want them all tbh..
MONDAY
MONDAY are a relatively new kid on the block yet have been all over our instagram feeds and selling out faster than you can say “you beauty!” The brainchild of New Zealand entrepreneur and beauty enthusiast Jaimee Lupton, the range of products were created to provide the benefits of salon-quality formulations with an affordable price point. “I’m a huge believer that every person, no matter their story, should be entitled to look and feel good. The lack of transparency and extortionate pricing across the beauty sector is what gave me the idea to start MONDAY,” says Jaimee. MONDAYS formulation features a unique mix of low irritants and strong surfactants, ensuring a minimal risk of scalp irritation while delivering a quality clean. 11 amino acids and a variety of essential plant extracts ensure quick absorption of the formulation into hair follicles. Available at Coles, the pretty pink packaging had us at hello. The smell is divine and lasting and hair feels soft and moisturised. The cherry on top of our luscious new locks? MONDAY has been created cruelty free without SLS or Paraben nasties, while maintaining a premium formulation. Their bottles are made with recycled plastic to minimise the brand’s carbon footprint and reduce landfill. (Plus they look GREAT just chillin’ in the shower!)
“We have been on our sustainable journey for about 3 years now and we’ve reached some huge achievements.”
PE Nation
Killer streetwear and sport luxe brand PE Nation have been on our radar for quite some time. Their achingly-cool activewear with pops of bright colours and edgy cuts have a cult following in Oz and internationally. Founders Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning saw a great need to lower their footprint early on with PE Nation having been in the industry so long. “We have been on our sustainable journey for about 3 years now and we’ve reached some huge achievements.” states Claire. “Our collections are now almost 75 percent recycled or organic fabrications and our packaging is recycled and biodegradable. Coming up with new ranges each season and going through the design process, our top priority is making everything as sustainable and ‘Conscious Nation’ as we can. Now that we are at the point of having 75% of our collection sustainable we can’t imagine it not being a priority. It took some time, but it has all been worth it.” In addition to their sustainability strides the PE Nation team have also partnered with I=Change planting native trees, protecting the Reef from sediment and raising over $40,000 of essential supplies for bushfire recovery. Slick, sexy, comfy and eco conscious? They definitely have our vote.
Bondi Boost
At the faintest hint of rain or humidity does anyone else’s hair morph into a style akin to ‘psyco-chic’? On a mission to fix this “fun” little issue this particular writer has looked high and low for a styling product to tame my naturally curly tresses. Bondi Boost came recommended and we must say, I’m a smitten kitten! With just one use of the Curl Boss Styling Cream unruly tresses were structured but not crunchy, curly but zero frizz! Sold. “We’re really proud of the products we make and strive for the cleanest formulas. Steering clear of suspicious ingredients.” says the Bondi Boost team. “We constantly review our formulas and stand by our ethics. If an ingredient doesn’t meet this standard or compromises the environment, we work towards removing it or finding a better alternative.” Bondi Boost’s ethical approach is on a wider scale than simply their products. They also support The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Mettle Women Inc (an organisation supporting women escaping dangerous situations that have led to homelessness). “The charities we support are ones that we are personally invested in, and as long as we’re in business, we will continue to donate, drive awareness and make a difference.” Great curls and good vibes.
