Embracing Sustainable Travel - Journey with a Purpose

Three tips for a more sustainable travel experience

Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly destinations, supporting local communities, or reducing carbon emissions, sustainable travel is about making mindful choices that contribute to the preservation of our planet. Here are some ways you can help:

 1. Bring your own bathroom products

In many hotels they offer you your own miniature shampoo and conditioner. If travelling around a lot, this can create a large amount of plastic waste with every bottle. To prevent this, try bringing the first bottle around with you so you don't have to open more bottles of product. If you have a specific product you use at home that you would like to bring on your travels, buy a small refill bottle before you leave. Now you can have your favourite shampoo and conditioner with you wherever you go!

I also like to save the miniature bottle from my most recent trip to refill and use again for the next holiday.

2. Offset your emissions

Air New Zealand offer a Voluntary Emissions Contribution Programme, where you can offset your carbon emission from your flight. It helps you to calculate your share of your flight's emissions and match those emissions with carbon credits purchased from certified international projects. In edition, half of your Voluntary Emissions Contribution will directly support projects that increase, protect and restore Aotearoa's unique and precious biodiversity.

Obviously this is a personal choice to make depending on how much your flight has already cost you, but when the opportunity's possible for you it is a great way to combat your flight emissions!

3. Bring what you have at home

When arriving at new places while travelling we often realise we have forgotten a lot of essentials! Instead of buying things you already own, think carefully about what you can bring before you leave. Instead of buying cotton makeup remover pads while away, bring something like our reusable 100% wool cotton pads with you. Or bring your own toothbrush from home so you won't have to repurchase! Our travel cutlery set is a great one to have on you so you don't need to use single use plastic cutlery.

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Never give up - July monthly ramble

Some may say there are times when you should give up. But what does that really mean?  Giving up may just be a form of changing direction or pivoting. Is it just semantics? But I think not giving up is about trying your hardest so you have no regrets. I have no regrets.

I am currently coaching some business owners and there are many conversations about giving up or pivoting due to the economic recession we are currently in. I think back to the covid times for my current business, if we did not pivot by keeping our sewers busy with making masks we would not have thrived. We thrived over that period due to pivoting quickly. I recall at the time there was no way I was going to let all my hard work go to waste. I was in control of whether to give up or not. I do look back now and believe it was really down to my mindset.

I also recall when we first went into a recession I needed to pivot quickly and paid off an enormous amount of debt due to finding new sales channels, moving old stock, cutting costs to name a few things. It was also at a time when my personal life was taking a dive. But again it was a mind set along with getting fit and healthy as I needed to ensure my base line held me together. As well as seeking out people to help me and reading books like they were delicious lollies. I also wanted to ensure I kept my mind and heart open to new opportunities. And I do wonder when you are at your most vulnerable some of the best opportunities in the world present themselves.

Over those times when you are ready to give up, we can make emotional mistakes. One of mine was that I took my business to the market to try and sell it as I thought this would help my personal life. I met a number of buyers and one was our biggest competitor. Unfortunately being so naïve at that time I gave away far too much information and subsequently that competitor has taken to market a number of our R&D lines. So I will be much more careful if I ever want to sell again. Why did I take it off the market in the end, well, that is for another day.

I think times when you question whether you want to continue are times to knuckle down and do the hard graft. It is time to think creatively, think outside the box and YES ‘never give up’. It is a way of respecting oneself.

I have had people give up on me over my life. Well in fact one key person and it was completely devastating. But I knew that I would not give up as I am a silly optimist!! I truly believe there is always a way, you just need to find a different path. But this is only if you are true to your purpose. I have a close friend of mine that use to be a monk and he lives by purpose rather than values or identity. I do think all those concepts are tied up but if you know your greater purpose it allows you to get through all aspects of life. Yes there is more to unpack here but that is for later.

Lets be real, life is not always easy. Although I dispute the idea that life is hard or we are here to suffer. Quite frankly I find that insulting as it is not being grateful for life. I know many religious ideals are about suffering but really!?

So I think even if others give up on you, all that really matters, is if you don’t give up. So to all those retailers who are struggling out there don’t give up; pivot, try new things and then you might go down a different path. But that is not giving up, that is seizing a new exciting opportunity. For all those people who have had people give up on them, that is their issue not yours, you were the one that did not give up. That is what is important. That is self respect. Don’t give up. I like the saying. I am keeping it in my box of sayings.

Another little pivot we did recently was our rebrand in June. We love it and it was definitely the right thing to do. I have to admit it took me three years to get there with a number of business coaches pushing me along. Due to the rebrand we also launched a number of cleaning lines and we would love you to try them. Insert FREEBTABLETS to get a free tablet of your choosing ie glass, bathroom or kitchen cleaner when you buy our spray bottle. BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE (thanks Ron Popeil of Veg-o-matic)….when you write a review on our website we will give you even more tablets.

Till next time.
Anna
www.nilproducts.com
nil waste nil harm

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In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, our beauty routines offer a significant opportunity to reduce waste and lessen our environmental impact. The beauty industry, while providing us with products that help us feel and look our best, also contributes substantially to plastic pollution and waste. From single-use packaging to non-recyclable containers, the environmental cost of our beauty habits can be quite high. Fortunately, there are numerous ways we can make our routines more eco-friendly without sacrificing the quality of the products we love.

1. Choose products that come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging

Our entire nil beauty range comes in recyclable packaging! Say goodbye to the plastic wrap that comes with most makeup products.

2. Choose refillable products

Here at nil, we offer eco store shampoo and conditioner in our refillery, so you don't need to buy any extra plastic. We also offer shampoo and conditioner bars made in New Zealand that last forever and come in cardboard packaging.

3. Shop locally

We offer some really cool products from local companies such as Antipodes and Seasick sunscreen. When you buy locally made products from us they are always sustainable, eco friendly and cruelty free. What's not to love?!

4. Buy reusable products

Our makeup wipes are made from 100% wool, so simply toss them in the washing machine between uses. No more single use cotton pads that will just end up in landfill!

By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your beauty routine, you can make a significant impact on reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Remember, the journey towards a greener beauty routine is a gradual process, and even the smallest changes can contribute to a healthier planet. Let's embrace the challenge and take pride in making conscious choices that benefit both our beauty and the environment.  

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We are thrilled to be awarded with a BUMP&baby Magazine Gold Award for our Munch Food Pouch. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and satisfaction  provided to BUMP&baby subscribers.

Our reusable food pouch was created to prevent single use supermarket food pouches that end up in landfill. Our side spouts make pouches easier for children to hold and can self-stand so are MUCH easier to fill from the top with a wide, easy fill opening.

Here are some reviews we have received:

“Toddler loves this”

“My sister used this and found it super convenient”

“Useful for a bit of baby food in the go”

“Perfect for my toddler”

“Love this reusable pouch- always looking forward to using it”

Find them here.

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