Plastic-Free Reads

One of my new-year resolutions for 2013 was to read more. I have since been busy reading books on all things (currently reading game of thrones). Part of my promise is to read books that will further my knowledge as well as entertain. I have made a list below of books on the issues surrounding plastics.

So here’s what plan to read on plastic pollution/living plastic-free. I have listed them in the order I wish to read. I have managed to finish the first one and made a start on the second (until I got distracted by A Feast For Crows, and fitness books by Michelle Bridges).

1. Plastiki Across the Pacific on Plastic: An Adventure to Save Our Oceans (2011)

By David de Rothschild

 


2. Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans (2012)
By (author) Charles Moore, with Cassandra Phillips




3. Plastic: A Toxic Love Story (2011) 
By Susan Freinkel

4. The Story of Stuff: The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health-And How We Can Make It Better (2011)

By Annie Leonard


5. Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too (2012)
By Beth Terry





What Books are you currently reading?

Healthy, homemade Muesli Bars – More Tasty, More Healthy and Less Plastic.

Muesli bars are one of my favourite snack foods. But as well as being wrapped in plastic packaging which I am aiming to reduce/avoid, most store bought bars are loaded with sugar and other processed ingredients or additives

So I have made my own from scratch using a Recipe adapted from The Healthy Chef. I am not a real great cook but these turned out really well and most importantly were delicious!!

These muesli bars are healthy, quick, simple, 100% natural and plastic free!


Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup crushed walnuts (or any other nuts like pecans, almonds or dried fruits)
• ¾ cup LSA
• 1/3 cup pepita seeds (or sunflower seeds, linseeds, poppy seeds)
• ½ cup Desiccated coconut
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ oil
• ¼ cup molasses (or you could use honey, maple syrup ect)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 160 C fan forced, and line baking tray with baking paper
2. Mix all dry ingredients together (oats, LSA, nuts, coconut, and cinnamon) together in a bowl. 
3. In a separate bowl lightly whisk together eggs, olive oil, molasses and vanilla
4. Combine wet and dry indreients and mix with wooden spoon until well combined. 
5. Spoon into lined tray, smoothing mixture down into a layer about 2-3 cm thick.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown
7. Cut into pieces while warm, then let cool (makes about 24)

They turned out pretty good I must say! I divided the batch into 4 lots x 6 bars. I keep 6 bars refrigerated in a tin (re-used tin from Max Brenner chocolates), and have frozen the other 3 lots in aluminium foil and baking paper.

I think next batch I may try using orange juice or similar as a substitute for the oil to make them even healthier!

I have calculated the nutrition value using the recipe ingredients in myfitnesspal.com

Calories =143 cal

Carbohydrates = 9g

Fat= 11 g

Proterin =4g

Sugar= 2g


Please copy and share if you like :)

Australian Sustainable Skincare and Haircare Brand -Sukin

This brand had been right under my nose without me realising it, I have been using the Shampoo and Conditioner for months before paying any attention to the label…and had finished a bottle of the rose hip oil. Now I’d just like to share my thoughts with you on this brand after doing some reading.

Sukin is Australian made and owned brand and offers an extensive range of naturally effective and affordable skin, hair and body care.

Displaying a strong commitment to minimal environmental impact Sukin products:

• Are Certified 100% carbon neutral
• Are Biodegradable, avoiding build up and contamination in our waterways.
• Are Grey water safe as they do not contain harsh detergents, propylene glycol, or sulphates
• Use recyclable packaging, and ensure that packaging is kept to a minimum where possible.
• Have a Choose Cruelty Free (CFF) 100% vegan status as their products are free from animal testing, animal derivatives, and animal by-products.
• Contain no sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, EDTA, mineral oils or parabens.
• Commit to sustainability sourced ingredients

 

Furthermore, this brand has a decent collection of products that cater to a variety of different skin types, including sensitive skin, mature skin/anti-ageing, as well as gentle bath and hair products for children. 

Sukin products are widely available in chemists, and very affordable! 

 (This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Sukin Organics and did not receive remuneration  to post this)