Announcement - We have blended Munch with nil harm nil waste to make it easier for you to be part of your nil harm sustainable journey with us

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Why we rebranded? - #nilharmnilwaste - minimalism + zero waste

Why we rebranded? - #nilharmnilwaste - minimalism + zero waste

Why did we rebrand?


Rebranding typically happens for a variety of reasons, depending on the goals, challenges, or opportunities of an organisation or individual. As many of you know we rebranded in August this year and will be releasing all our new baby lines this month.  We are no longer Munch but rather nil.

We have always had our nil brand which we launched on Amazon US back in 2018. But we have updated the look and feel.

"nil products" emphasises minimalism, sustainability, or a zero-waste ethos. 

Our reasons for rebranding include:

  1. Changing Market Position: To shift how the brand is perceived by customers or enter a new market segment. Yes we wanted to simplify our offering and ensure our customers aligned with our eco conscious values. We are also developing a new market segment for 2025.
  2. Modernisation: Updating a brand to stay relevant and appealing to current audiences. Yes you will see how our look and feel is much more modern. Remember we were one of the first sustainable brands in New Zealand in the homewares sector back in 2014.
  3. Differentiation: Standing out in a crowded marketplace by adopting a distinct look, feel, or message.  We were lost on the shelf in many stores and we believe our new look and feel is fresh and stands out. And our message is simple and clear.  We also believe there is far too much greenwashing in our sector and big players are telling lies so we need to stand out and tell the truth.
The name "nil" suggests a focus on minimalism, sustainability, or reducing waste. "nil" implies nothingness, zero, or minimal impact, which aligns with an eco-friendly ethos and commitment to simplicity and essentialism.

"nil" as Zero Waste: Highlights our dedication to reducing environmental impact, such as offering plastic-free, sustainable, or biodegradable products

."nil" as Minimalism: Emphasize simplicity in design, packaging, or lifestyle, appealing to those seeking less clutter and more conscious consumption.

"Products": Reinforces that we offer thoughtfully curated items that make a positive impact.

And to be frank, I needed a change and my life had changed. Along with a business coach I had for a very short time who pushed me to finally merge the brands!

Please enjoy our new branded products and we would love you to support us over this gifting season. Check out all our lines over at www.nilproducts.com.

Merry Christmas.
Anna Mills xx

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Monthly musings by Anna - cycleways and elections

Monthly musings by Anna - cycleways and elections
As many of you know I grew up in sunny Hawkes Bay and I absolutely love it there.  In fact I have been kindly asked to speak at the Hawkes Bay Chamber of Business in May 2025 on entrepreneurship due to being an old girl of the Bay (I suppose that is old by years and time away!).

I have lived in Wellington since I was 17 as I came down to Victoria University to complete my LLB/BA.  Although I had 5 years being a lawyer in London over that time as well. In any event I do think of myself as a Wellingtonian as my three wonderful boys are growing up here and I have many close friends. Although I have to admit I do sometimes get dreamy about the hot weather and local beaches in the Bay. And of course seeing more regularly my wonderful parents who still live in our family home at 84 and 87 years old.  I have always felt so blessed with my idyllic upbringing.

Anyhow back to Wellington and you know what - cycleways! People often ask me what my views are on the cycleways, so here they are. 

I am quite visual and sometimes I find the little design points fascinating and can tip me from doing something or not. I saw a wonderful image of the Wellington cycleways which was simplified down like the London tube map. It was a fantastic depiction. I really wanted to show you in this newsletter but I just cannot seem to find the image again.  For me, I suppose there was a little bit of nostalgia about London but it was more about understanding how all the cycleways interconnect and lead to the heart of the city. I know I sound rather simple but for me design and what the design says to me, makes a difference.

Since seeing that wonderful design and how safe many of the new cycleways have been created I have pumped up my tyres on my bikes again. Yes I say bikes, I have a lady bike (ie basket and all), a mountain bike and an electric bike. I know kinda over done and to be honest they all have not been ridden for years.  

We all know we have an obesity problem in New Zealand and if we can exercise more through cycling that will only help.  We all know how expensive cars can be and all the pollution that comes with it.  We know that non electric cars are bad for our environment. We all know how wonderful Amsterdam and other European cities look when they move to a cycle based society. So, yes we know, I know, and yes to cycleways.

Do I think it has been hard on businesses that are effected by all the road works that are creating these cycleways. Absolutely!  I do think there should be some monetary payment to those that have been effected.  I would rather see that happening over the numerous planter boxes sitting in odd places like on Cambridge Terrace/ Kent Terrace. Do you know how expensive they are?

So yes, I am all for the cycleways in Wellington.  Our city is small enough for people to easily get around on their bikes, we just need them finished so we can get on with all our water pipe problems!
Anna x

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Mushroom house - mushroom chips #NZcompany

Mushroom house - mushroom chips #NZcompany

With a lifetime of experience in the food industry and as a former pastry chef involved in founding the Wellington Chocolate Factory, Rochelle always valued knowing exactly where her food comes from. Her commitment to transparency in chocolate production led her to numerous travels throughout the Pacific, deepening her interest in horticulture. A final trip to the Philippines with the Asia New Zealand Foundation solidified her desire to return to New Zealand and fully embrace a sustainable approach to food production.

'At our facility, we not only grow all our mushrooms but also turn them into various products, making our business truly sustainable while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This "food-to-mouth" business model allows us to supply fresh oyster mushrooms and products across New Zealand, integrating my culinary skills into the creation of nutritious and delicious items. We're proud to present our crispy oyster mushroom chips as our flagship product, with more offerings to come. We also have the privilege of supplying wonderful establishments, including many restaurants in New Zealand and outlets like Moore Wilsons. It's incredibly rewarding to be transparent about our processes and to create products that are both nutritious and delicious'.

Make sure you entered our giveaway over on FB and Insta as her mushroom chips are wonderful. Also the mushroom house is super fun to look after with kids.

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Monthly musings by Anna - Clean energy

Monthly musings by Anna - Clean energy

Recently we went to Hawkes Bay to see my family and visit some customers.  I grew up in the Bay and I remember in my first year of University taking the train from the Bay to Wellington through the Gorge and always wondered what would happen to the train lines over time. Now you cannot take a train and if travelling by car you have to go over the ridge way past the wind farm. What a view when you drive right past those imposing windmills.  Some may say it is a blight on our landscape but others may say it is a great sight showing our progress to clean energy.

Unfortunately our Government is considering building a new fossil fuel electricity generation plant like the Huntly coal-fired power station, and a giant fossil gas importation facility to feed it.  Like Greenpeace states, this path would lock us into a future of rising electricity prices and climate emissions that throws more fuel on the fire of extreme climate events that are ravaging communities, like floods, droughts, fires and cyclones. 

Have you seen your latest power bill. Mine is mind blowing and I cannot wait till I get solar on my house!

Here is a link to sign the petition regarding the possible build of a new fossil fuel electricity generation plant.  Sign it if you want clean energy for New Zealand.

Last month I went to the Climate Tech conference here in Wellington and I was amazed at all the incredible innovation around clean energy that is being pursued in our own backyard.  We as a nation have so many natural elements we can draw from to create clean energy such as our volcanic power, wind, sea, sun to name a few.  Lets develop technologies around those resources.  And I love some of the green incentives such as the interest free loans that some of the banks offer to convert consumers to solar etc.  Here is a great article put out by ECCA around green loans and more.

Before I go, I just want to share one of the best speeches I have listened to for a while by Michelle Obama.  I love the fact she was able to weave her distain for Trump in a respectful way. 'When they go low, we go high' (Michelle Obama).

Thanks for listening and please contribute to our survey to help us understand what you need and want from us. Link here again. 

Also please head over to Woolies and buy our NZ made eco stain removing laundry soap. Help keep us on shelf as we are up against traditional non eco brands like Sards and Sunlight.  And for the record, our stain removing soaps absolutely remove stains while being completely toxin free.

Anna xx
www.nilproducts.com
nil waste nil harm

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6 Lessons from mother nature #slowpace

6 Lessons from mother nature #slowpace

6 Lessons from mother nature

1 Accepting Change

The seasons show us that everything changes. They allow us to understand that things can’t remain stagnant, and that is a good thing.

As the leaves change in autumn, think of them as a sign that the world is ever-changing and evolving, and so are we.

As the sun shines through in the summer, remember what the autumn leaves felt like.

2 Strength

For me, the ocean has always reminded me of how small I am. It shows me how truly insignificant small feelings or doubt or worry can be in the bigger picture of things.

The little things just don’t always matter.

It’s also taught me to better deal with the unknown. When things get scary, we can move and adjust — just like the ocean. We can be strong and powerful, yet calm and steady.

3 Pace

Nature has always done a great job of teaching me to pace myself.

Whenever I’m worried about the future, I like to find time to immerse myself in nature as a way to remind myself of the beauty of the present.

Finding a quiet, calm place to lay in the grass is a wonderful way to do this. Notice the way the ground feels under your body and fingertips.

Remember, nature is always present.

4 Calm

Walking on the beach with my dog at night is one of my  favouriate ways to feel the calmness of the earth.

The feeling of the sand underneath my fingertips, the sound of the birds chirping, the soothing echo of the waves. And because I live in Wellington the wind on my face creates a calmness and knowing of living in the present.

If you don’t live near a beach, try finding really any body of water. The sounds of life surrounding waters are sure to ease your mind and remind you to be still.

5 Sensory Awareness

Oftentimes, we underestimate the importance of our senses. We ignored our basic ability to see, hear, feel, observe.

Spending time in nature, however, is one of the best and most efficient ways to increase a human’s sensory awareness.

Go for a walk. Take note of the things you see, the things touch, the things you smell. Getting into this habit will help you to become more observant and aware of how things make you feel.  It is a way to live in the present and bring forward gratitude.

6 Focus

Along with a better awareness of our senses, nature can help us to focus on what matters.

It quiets distractions and captures our attention through its uniqueness and beauty. It also shows us what really matters.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in nature without any distractions, which includes no mobile phones.

Notice the way your focus starts to shift from whatever may have been on your mind, to the present moment you are in.

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