Trick or treat? It seems brands are taking this a little too seriously this year but not if the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has anything to do with it. The ACCC has begun its crusade against ‘greenwashing’,  slapping companies who make false or misleading environmental claims with hefty warnings and fines. It is estimated that internationally up to 4o per cent of claims are false environmental claims. 

You know what else is scary? Christmas is fast approaching! Make this the year that you don’t leave everything to the last minute and give gifts with purpose. If you’re eager and looking for some sustainable inspiration then check out these sustainable gifts. 

Garnier has just announced that it is certified Leaping Bunny approved. The Leaping Bunny stamp by Cruelty Free International certifies that all products down to the raw materials and individual ingredients have not been tested on animals. In Garnier’s case, this meant securing a declaration from more than 500 suppliers, who are responsible for 3,000 different ingredients, from around the globe. Go Garnier!

Ethique turns 10! The New Zealand brand is plastic-free, vegan, palm-oil free, sustainably sourced and home compostable and is the brain child of Brianne West. It is most famously known for its shampoo bars and to date has saved over 25 million single-use plastic bottles from ending up in landfills and our oceans.

Ethique Sorbet Restoring Solid Shampoo Bar

Conscious Codes: Packaging: Recyclable, Cruelty-Free, Vegan

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This conscious code is something that I’d love to see more and more brands starting to meet. I’m happy to go on record saying that not all plastic is bad. Plastic is a great material and was created for a reason but the way that we currently consume it needs to be given some thought. Recycling is a business, we need both supply (aka recycling right at home) and demand (purchasing materials made from recycled plastic). Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, set by APCO have the ambitious goal of 50 per cent of average recycled content included in packaging.

Garnier, Micellar Cleansing Water 

Conscious Code: Cruelty-Free, Packaging: Reuse, Vegan

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Slather yourself in a luxurious body oil from head to toe for long lasting results. Body oils are great for people with thirsty skin as they absorb quickly and won’t leave a residue on the skin. If you’re someone who is in and out of the water frequently, take note as the ocean and chlorine can suck the moisture from your skin. Plus, I also add a couple of drops to my bath for extra hydration.

Jurlique Lemon Body Oil

Conscious Code: Vegan, Locally Made, Packaging: Recyclable

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Miod Organic Nourishing Body Oil

Conscious Code: Vegan, Organic, Australian-Made

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The social season is here and with it I am recommending an anti-swap! With more and more makeup being applied than ever, I encourage everyone to use up what you’ve got at home rather than buying new! Sure, there are some essentials like your base and mascara that you can top up but let’s get to the bottom of those palettes before purchasing the next best thing! Try using your lighter eyeshadow palettes for contouring and highlighting your cheek and brow bones and your cream blush as a lipstick base.