ugly christmas sweaters

I'm sure you've heard of the "revival" of ugly Christmas sweaters.

A few years back some hipsters thought it would be hysterical to rummage through op shops and their parents' closets to find the ugliest holiday sweaters to wear - ironically, of course. Then ugly Christmas sweater parties surfaced all over the place, including Sydney's sweltering silly season. Now there is even an ugly Christmas sweater day in the US.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party via Flickr/Ramseymohsen

I'm not opposed to the idea of mocking the Christmas sweaters of yesteryear - there are some real doozies out there. Growing up I vividly remember a sweatshirt with a puff paint Rudolph (remember puff paint?!) and another with a Christmas tree strung with tiny ornaments hanging off the front. I was definitely a child of the '80s.

Honestly, I don't want to be the fun police. By all means, have a laugh at these sartorially questionable jumpers. But can you do me (and the planet and garment workers a favour) and please not buy a new ugly Christmas sweater?

Why buy a new sweater when this vintage
beauty is available from Ragstock?

There are now companies that specialise in new ugly Christmas sweaters like Tipsy Elves and Ugly Christmas Sweater, capitalising on this bit of holiday fun. Plus the likes of ASOS and Target also have ranges of ugly Christmas sweaters. Many of these are more "funny" than "ugly", but the they are all taking advantage of this recent holiday trend.

You know where I'm going with this, right?

This is a completely unsustainable mode of fashion consumption.

That's right, I used bold, that's how irritated I am at the concept of new ugly sweaters.

First of all, the origin of the ugly Christmas sweater revival was to find a genuinely used, pre-worn sweater and laugh at the original wearer of it - "Can you believe my Dad actually wore this monstrosity?!" And if you were willing to wear it out and about in Fitzroy or Williamsburg you'd have the additional glow from the knowledge that you paid as little as possible and didn't contribute to corporate greed by buying secondhand.

Which brings me to my second point:

Buying a new ugly Christmas sweater is essentially the same as buying into the fast fashion mentality - "I'll buy this ugly sweater to wear ironically or to a fancy dress party and then get rid of it after one or two wears."

And though the sweaters are not all cheap (retailing between US$30-$80), they are made of poor materials. Mostly made of acrylic, though sometimes with a little bit of cotton and/or polyester thrown in the mix. I've written before about the problems with microfibre pollution associated with acrylic and polyester fibres, and the amount of textile waste from consumers is staggering. These specialty brands do not rate anywhere on any of the garment labour standards schemes, and their supply chains are completely opaque, meaning the company either has no idea, or isn't sharing openly, who makes their (ugly) clothes.

And for those Aussies reading this who are tempted to buy an ugly Christmas rashie for their Christmas morning surf, consider this message is for you, too. Unless you are going to wear that tacky holiday rashie until it is threadbare, put it back on the rack and just wear a Santa hat like the rest of the Christmas Day surfers, okay? (Try the same one you wore last year, it'll probably still do the trick.)

Those brands of new sweaters that partner with Ugly Christmas Sweater Day ask you to make a donation to a children's charity - fabulous idea! But no need to buy a new ugly sweater from these shady businesses. Be like the cool kids - find a vintage one in an op shop, eBay, Rusty Zipper or Ragstock (or your Mum's wardrobe!) then take the money you would have spent on a new ugly sweater and donate the full amount to charity.

Then you'll definitely make Santa's "Nice" list.

I spotted this charming piece at Lifeline in Manly this morning. I suspect it's
pretty new, as it's quite cute, but at least you can rescue it from being
ragged or sent offshore if you are heading to an ugly Christmas sweater party.

Happy Holidays!
xx

PS - shout out to my clever environmentalist hubby who first pointed out to me the new ugly Christmas sweater websites and suggested I write a blog post.

thala beach getaway

Last week I escaped the winter for some much-needed R&R with my beautiful hubby. We decided to head to lovely Tropical North Queensland, a favourite region of ours. In fact, this was our fifth visit since moving to Australia 13 years ago.

This was meant to be a relaxing holiday - no action and adventure for us this time around - and so I was delighted when I came across Thala Beach Nature Reserve and Lodge. Eco-certified for Advanced Ecotourism and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the lodge and bungalows set amongst the trees offered the perfect site for our winter escape. Just 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, I don't know how I'd missed this gem on previous visits.

Driving onto the Reserve we wound through a stunning coconut grove that the owners planted when they bought the land in the 1970s.

The owners of Thala have worked tirelessly to replenish the grounds after about two-thirds of the 145 hectare property was transformed from a definite sugar plantation into the natural wonderland it is today. I am in awe of the dedication of the owners who lovingly restored the land to the point that local plants and native wildlife now thrive on their property. We were spoiled by multiple nature walks on-site (they offer complementary guided walks, too, which we didn't take advantage of), as well as a stargazing evening where I saw the longest shooting star I have ever seen in my life, plus the rings of Saturn and the red stripes of Jupiter through their telescope.  I was truly in nature and science heaven.

We got lucky and were upgraded to a one of their Coral Sea bungalows, and honestly this was the view of my dreams. A charming bay surrounded by a eucalyptus forest, and perfectly positioned to enjoy afternoon sun and the beautiful colours of dusk. The lodge was built using sustainable building practices and materials, and designed specifically to fit into the environment. Apparently the space was approved for 6,000+ hotel rooms! They settled on less than 100. It's no wonder this resort was awarded the highest possible Eco-tourism certification.

Now that I'm back home I sure am missing the sound of the lapping waves while I fall asleep...

Many days we walked through the lovely forest trails to Oak Beach, a long stretch of natural beach with white sands and a stunning backdrop of green headlands. There are fallen coconuts scattered throughout, and a few hammocks strung in the shade of the coconut trees, and I was content to simply stare out at the beautiful surrounding for hours.

That's me! And the closet bikini shot you'll get of me on a public website.
If you were able to see it, I'm wearing an adorable suit by ethical, surfer-chic,
California-made label The Seea.

Looking down the beautiful coastline - the drive from Cairns to Thala is
incredibly beautiful as it hugs the coastline on the beautiful turquoise sea.

I was surprised how little "beach reading" I did, actually. I'm an avid reader, but I found myself just staring and daydreaming more than anything. I truly found my bliss spot at Thala Beach Nature Reserve and Lodge, and I hope to return in the coming years.

Despite the pristine nature of the beach, there was still some nasty plastic bits that made it to the beach - here's our little collection.

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Enjoying some forest bathing in the Daintree.

We did spend one day in the rainforest exploring Mossman Gorge, but otherwise this was a super-chilled break. Out of character for the two of us, but so appreciated!

This tiny snail was probably 1/4 cm, and a delightful reminder of the
importance of slowing down and observing the wonders of nature.

* * * *

We did not spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef this time around, though I have had the pleasure of swimming and snorkelling the Reef a number of times on previous trips.  A couple of years ago I wrote about the Great Barrier Reef. The situation is even more dire today, particularly in light of the Federal and Queensland governmental support of the Adani Coal Mine. This mega mine poses direct physical threats to the Reef as coal is transported out of Australia, but the biggest threat to the Reef is rising global temperatures. The latest reports suggest the Reef is officially dying. Warmer waters are to blame for the past two years' coral bleaching on the Reef, and we have lost 50% of the Great Barrier Reef over the past 30 years due to pollution and warming. However, I'd urge you not to think this means the region is not worth a visit. The Reef is still spectacular, and once you are amongst it personally the value of this magnificent World Heritage Area really become apparent. Besides, between the Reef and the other World Heritage site - the Daintree Rainforest - you are truly amongst some of the world's most beautiful natural sites.

If you're as frustrated as I am about the Adani project, head over to the Stop Adani website and learn how you can get more involved. You'll be armed with further information about just how problematic this mine is - it's taking more than it's giving to Australia, and will undoubtedly steer us away from our climate targets.

Until next time~
xLisa

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P.S. - I know some bloggers accept free holidays to destinations in return for articles, but this holiday was completely organised and paid for by yours truly. My opinions above are an unbiased, honest reflection of how much I loved our stay, and I hope some of you get the opportunity to stay in this magical place.

The views from the bar and restaurant were spectacular!

the thought counts in sustainable gift-giving

Hi All~

The silly season is well and truly upon us, even if many of us (myself included!) are still wrapped up with our usually busy schedules.

I want to thank you all for your continued support and readership over the years, and wish you and your friends a joyous holiday season, wherever you are and whatever you may celebrate at this time of year.

I want to share with you a blog post I wrote for the Sydney Environment Institute in case any of your are frantically worry about gift-giving at this time of year.

The holiday season can bring a lot of gift-related angst, can’t it? All the questions about who you should get something for, what they may want, how much to spend, and where to find the time to do it all can feel incredibly overwhelming. Not to mention the guilt felt when you receive a gift you don’t really love. Then there are the environmental and ethical implications of gift giving – not only because of the (often) harmful production of goods, but also because of the excess donations taken to charity shops during the holiday season.

Whether they are unwanted gifts or a donation of last year’s sundresses that have been replaced by this year’s style, there is a surge of donations that cost charity shops millions of dollars to sort and dispose at this time of year. But there is also a lot of joy associated with gift-giving. We communicate our love for people through gifts, show people that we understand who they are and what they love, and even help people through hard times. So instead of a completely minimalist approach to the season, I’d like to think we can find a realistic and sustainable balance during the holidays through more mindful gift giving. Think “It’s the thought that counts” with emphasis on the ‘thought’:

• Seek sustainable alternatives to the gifts you want to give – from Fairtrade organic chocolates to ethically-produced fashion, there are sustainable choices for nearly everything. Often all it takes is a quick online search or a visit to Fairtrade store and you’ll have beautiful options at your fingertips.
• Really think about the gift recipient. What do you know about them and what might they love to receive? Even the most eco-friendly or ethical gift in the world can quickly become rubbish if it’s not something desired by the recipient.
• Vintage stores, OpShops, eBay and Gumtree all sell quality preloved items. Frequently you’ll find never-worn or used-once items for sale and you’ll be saving them from the overflowing charity bins or the landfill.
• If buying someone clothing, you need to know a lot more than just their size. Consider their personal style, what colours suit them, and what you think will fit in with their wardrobe, then buy the best quality garment you can afford. If you can’t answer those questions, it may be best to steer clear of fashion purchases because clothing and accessories can be an incredibly personal decision. But if you’re feeling game, here are a few helpful resources for understanding the environmental and ethical standards of fashion brands and retailers.
• The free Good On You app provides a rating for around 1,000 brands on environment, labour and animal rights issues.
• Oxfam’s Naughty and Nice list tells you which brands publish a list of their factories as a significant step towards transparency.
• Greenpeace’s Detox Report describes which fashion brands avoid dumping chemical pollution into waterways.
• Baptist World Aid’s Fashion Report grades brands on reducing exploitation and forced labour in their supply chains.
• Visit local markets and buy direct from the maker or designer – the gift will be more unique and have a smaller footprint.
• Donate to a charity close to the heart of the gift-recipient (if any of my loved ones are reading this blog, this is on my wish list!).
• If you’re part of a large family or friend group, draw names so each person is only buying for one other person – this allows for more time and thought to be put into that one gift that your loved one will cherish, rather than multiple gifts with less thought put into them because of the time and financial constraints that so many of us feel especially at this time of year.
• Finally, it’s worth considering who you really want to give a gift to and not who you ‘should’ give a gift to. Some of those ‘shoulds’ you’ll still buy something for, but many you won’t, and it’s important to consider why you think you should buy someone a gift.

Seasons Greetings!

xxLisa

d.i.y. gift idea : coconut lime sugar scrub

I don't know about you, but the holidays are in full swing for me, and I am happily listening to Christmas music and doing final preps for the big day.

I came across this cute gift idea online - Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub - from the delightful Idea Room blog - and just had to whip some up for my girlfriends.

Spoiler alert for my girlfriends I haven't seen yet!

I placed the sugar scrub into some used glass jars I had in my cupboard. We keep almost all glass jars that we buy, they can easily be put to good use as vases, storage containers and, now, sugar scrub jars!

The jars just needed a quick 30-minute soak in some soapy
water and I was able to easily scrape the labels right off.

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (melted)
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Shredded Coconut
• 6-8 Drops Lime Essential Oil

I was able to use ingredients all from the Manly Food Co-op, which means that these scrubs are all organic and for the most part packaging-free (the essential oil does not come in bulk).

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil in microwave (if necessary)
2. Mix completely with the sugar - I used my hands to ensure a good mix
3. Add the shredded coconut and lime essential oil
4. Mix thoroughly with your hands
5. Place into glass jars

This recipe makes about 1 Cup of completed scrub, and is super easy to multiply up to make a big batch.

My scrub is not as white as The Idea Room because I used
organic raw sugar - but it works just the same!

Amy from the Idea Room thoughtfully included a downloadable pdf of the Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub name tags on her blog, which I printed out, pasted onto the back of some old cardboard, and tied around the jar with twine.

A delightful, healthy and safe pampering treat made with your own two hands (which by now feel amazingly soft and hydrated thanks to using your own hands to mix the scrub together). Did you come up with any DIY or otherwise 'green' gifts to give your loved ones this year?

* * * *

As another year comes to a close, I want to thank you for your continued readership and support. I wish you all the warmest of season's greetings, and I'll see you all again in the New Year.

xo Lisa

Now if only this rain would clear out of Sydney so we can have a blue (sky) Christmas . . .

a sustainable holiday season

I was recently asked to contribute to a blog post for the Sydney Environment Institute about some tips for a (stylish!) sustainable Christmas - here's what I wrote:

What's your one fashion suggestion for people this Christmas?
With the silly season upon us, there are countless gatherings with co-workers, friends and loved ones, and it can be tempting to buy something new to wear. But whether it’s a gorgeous dress for that special event, or the Santa hat for the family barbie, before you reach for something new, take a pause. Consider what you already have in your wardrobe, what you may be able to borrow from a friend or pick up at an Op Shop. If you’re heading to a really fabulous event, try one of the designer dress rental shops and add the ‘Wow’ factor for a fraction of the price (and a fraction of the eco-footprint!).

What fashion-related environmental issue should people reflect on this Christmas?
Waste is a huge fashion concern, in Australia we send an average of 30kg of textile waste per person to the landfill every year. The increase of ‘fast fashion’ businesses in our country raise many environmental and labour concerns, and waste is at the top of the list. Many of these fast fashion items are designed to last less than 10 wears and end up in the landfill sooner than well-made fashion pieces. So although that $10 singlet or $20 pair of boardies may be looking like a great, affordable gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for nephew of yours, you may want to reconsider.

What's something (fashionably) sustainable you will be doing this Christmas?
I actually have few ‘fashionable’ activities planned this Christmas! My biggest ambitions are to reconnect with nature by camping, bushwalking, paddle boarding and surfing (well, continuing my surf lessons, anyway), and to spend time with my dear friends and family.

What else would you have added to the list?

You can read the entire blog post on the SEI website to gain tips from other sustainability experts. Or check out my post from a few years ago on DIY Christmas decorations and gifts.


Now, let the silly season continue. I'm sure there are some organic Christmas cookies somewhere around here. . .

Season's Greetings!
xxLisa

a green wrapping fling

I personally feel that wrapping gifts is almost as fun as giving them. My very first job was as a holiday gift wrapper at the local department store. Unfortunately it only lasted one day because they realised I was only 15 and the minimum working age was 16 - lucky for me this was after I went through bow-making training!

I am one of those 'save the wrapping paper' type of people (as you can imagine given my profession), but I also like to get creative reusing all sorts of paper and fabric to wrap gifts. I frequently use the paper that comes wrapped around flowers, and I still love the ole' classic newspaper gift wrap. Here's how some of my gifts for my family turned out.

Newspaper, twine, yarn, and homemade name tags using
old cereal boxes and a bit of glitter.

 

The green paper came wrapped around some flowers!

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From balmy Sydney to wherever you happen to be reading this blog, wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season.

xxLisa

holiday shopping guide : part three : designophile

As promised, here are some more gorgeous gift ideas for the holidays, sure to keep even your most design savvy loved ones impressed.

EcoChic
A delightful online store featuring homewares which are unique, beautiful and earth-friendly (read products descriptions, though, some are greener than others). Depending on your budget you can fit-out an entire home with eco-furniture or you can buy a sweet little something sure to put a smile on your design lover's face. 

State of Green
This online shop helps you 'design your eco life'. There are treats for the greenest of greenies and the pickiest design lover. There is still time to deliver for Christmas (within Australia), and free gift-wrapping, too!

Ecology
This company makes beautiful, quality glassware (among other dining necessities) out of their carbon neutral factory. Scoring high points for convenience, you can buy most pieces at David Jones as well as other websites like Kitchenware Direct.  I have the glasses and can attest to the fine quality.

Phew!

That's enough online shopping for me for one day. The sun is shining and the ocean is calling my name. Till next time!

xxLisa

a green holiday card fling

I promise to give you more holiday gift ideas tomorrow, but for now I want to focus on the most important gift you can give this season - your love!

Call me old school, but I love getting cards in the mail. In this speedy world of email, twitter and instagram, there is still nothing like opening your mailbox and seeing your best friend's handwriting on an envelope.

This year I decided to make some watercolour cards, and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

I made a collection of trees, Australia's and joys.

You'll need:
Watercolour paints - a basic, learner set is fine
A couple paint brushes - I used size 8 and 10 round brushes
Steel ruler
Xacto knife
White waxy pencil and sharpener
Cookie cutters
Tape
Old boxes
Envelopes

Step 1
Practice with a basic set of watercolours to get used to the weight and texture of the paints, get those creative juices flowing, and come up with your preferred designs.

I'm using a cereal box as the backing so I don't leak water onto my table.

Step 2
Measure out the size of the cards just smaller than your chosen envelopes - I was able to get 4 cards per A4 sheet of paper. Use the waxy white pencil to trace any white writing or to create shapes - press really hard, and make sure the wax is completely solid on the paper so no paint can escape or discolour anything you want white.

Step 3
Tape the paper down to some cardboard, and get painting! I had a lot of fun experimenting with various colour combinations.

Step 4
Patience while your masterpieces dry, at least overnight.

Step 5
Use a ruler and Xacto knife to cut your design into individual cards.

Protect your table! Since I've recently moved I have a ton of carboard boxes.

Step 6
Measure and cut the card backing - I used old cereal boxes cut into the same size as the cards.

Step 7
Glue the cards onto the cereal boxes - glue on the printed side of the box so you have a blank surface on the back to write your holiday message.

Looking for more DIY holiday projects? Check out this wreath and table decoration I made a couple years ago.

More holiday goodness tomorrow my friends!
xxLisa

holiday shopping guide : part two : fashionable fella

Now that you have shopped for the fashionista in your life, here's a gift guide for those fashionable fellas you love.

TWOTHIRDS 
Perhaps my favourite menswear label at the moment - I'd love to cover my surfer-boy hubby head to toe in their stuff. The name is a reference to our ocean, which makes up two-thirds of our planet, and a reminder to look after this life-giving resource. Most of the line is made of organic cotton, and the jackets are waterproofed with natural beeswax - genius. Order now for free international shipping on orders over 100 Euros.

I was lucky enough to visit the headquarters in San Sebastian last year.

Arthur & Henry
The perfect shirt - organic, fair trade cotton, produced ethically, and a slim-fit always looks great. I also love the detailing with the vintage fabric inside the cuff.

Cock & Bull Menswear
Another label out of the UK, and I'm totally digging these handwoven tweed waistcoats and flat caps made from natural wool with organic silk and hemp linings. They also produce GOTS certified organic cotton underwear.

Fare Well Co.
I love the graphic on this shirt, and I really love that these organic cotton tees are made right here in Sydney in a carbon neutral and sweatshop free factory. That's just how I prefer my garment factories! Even better, proceeds from Fare Well sales go to Room to Read, helping educate children and eradicate poverty, and the Save the Tasmanian Devil appeal.

Ekocyle by Hallensteins
A collaboration with Will.i.am, these suits contain 23 recycled plastic bottles in the fabric. At only $170 AUD, this suit is an incredible bargain. If you order by 19 December, you'll receive your order by Christmas. Available in slim, skinny and drop-crotch trousers, you're sure to find one to suit your fella's personal style.

Nudie
Now that all denim by Nudie is 100% organic cotton, your man doesn't have to sacrifice style for sustainability. If he has some old Nudies that could use a little TLC, they also offer a free repair service.

Novacas
This vegan shoe line produces shoes from 100% PVC-free synthethic materials in ethical factories in Portugal. (There is also a women's line.)

Helveticus
Fantastic bags made from vintage Swiss army blankets that were manufactured but never used. The blankets are anywhere from 40-100 years old. Fantastic weekend getaway bag!

Proof
Proof has an incredible range of sunnies made from bamboo, plant-based biodegradable plastics, or recycled skate decks, like the ones below.

More gift guides to come in a few days!

xLisa