Table of contents for Issue 69 July-September 2020 in Good

Filip Agoo Impact photographer Filip Agoo grew up on a farm in Sweden and enjoyed a long career as a commercial photographer but after a while, “saw through the madness and realised that he was mainly contributing to the overconsumption problem our world is suffering from”. So he decided to focus his creativity on making a positive impact instead. He calls it CSR: Creative Social Responsibility. See his incredible images documenting the Wildlife Works project in the Congo, which is protecting the world’s second largest rainforest, on pages 24 to 27. createthechange.tv Hemma Vara Hemma is passionate about brands who innovate for a purpose. Leaving her career as a trademark lawyer for something more, she has covered a number of fashion weeks as a freelance writer, worked in digital marketing…

As the effects of COVID-19 become more obvious in our bank balances, splashing out on glitzy parties seems like a reach. To help keep your social life alive and interesting, here are five ways to cut down your budget while still entertaining your friends and family. 1 Pot luck Having everyone pitch in and bring something to share is a great way to cut down on costs. Plan the meal accordingly so that there are no double ups of dishes. As the host you could offer to provide drinks as well as one food dish to ease the pressure on guests. This is a simple way to ensure a low-budget event, while enjoying delicious food. 2 Head outside Think about any outdoor spaces you might have near your home and…

Wildlife Works’ carbon credits programme is helping protect the world’s second largest tropical rainforest as well as its people and wildlife. Since 2011, the Wildlife Works Mai-Ndombe REDD+ project* has protected 740,000 acres of forest, avoided 13,322,276 tonnes of C02 emissions, and empowered the people of Mai-Ndombe Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In November 2019, photographer Filip Cederholm Agoo travelled to the Congo to document the vital conservation work being done. His assignment: to bridge a heart connection between the Mai-Ndombe community and corporate decisionmakers seeking meaningful ways to offset their company’s unavoidable carbon emissions. Prior to the project, logging companies had severely damaged the environment in the region, and had largely ignored the rights and health of the community and wildlife (the rainforest is home…

Inspired by Sea Walls international ‘home’ mural festival, Lizzie Snow (aka @fortyonehundred) was one of 800 artists who painted a wall in her home during lockdown. The works each speak to the theme of the world’s environmental crisis. “This project was a natural fit, as I create with the intention of my art acting as a facilitator in weaving the consciousness of humans and nature,” says Snow. Due to coronavirus she had a few mural commissions postponed and was also craving painting at a larger scale to balance the smaller artworks she was working on. And because there was no time pressure or specific requirements, Snow found it a truly fulfilling experience of creative freedom with no limitations. Around halfway through the project she decided to name the piece Global…

How did Fair + Square come to be? To be honest, it was by accident. About 10 years ago someone gave me a soap-making kit as a present. For around five years I pottered, making soap at home and as gifts because I really enjoyed the methodical process involved and noticed the difference in my own skin. It never occurred to me that it could become a business. It’s been amazing that demand has continued to grow. I didn’t know anything about starting a business, but it’s been a really slow progression that’s grown with me, so I’ve been able to learn each stage as it comes. How has the company grown? It really has grown far beyond what I ever planned. We now have 100 stockists across New Zealand…

Special mentions Do-gooder Ecofloss Silk Dental Floss, $6.20. SustainaBLAH Razor, $39.60. Skye Facial Konjac Sponge, $15.90. The best choice All products are backed by Healthpost’s Better Choices Promise · No harmful chemicals. · No animal testing. · No environmental pollutants. · Orders in eco-friendly packaging when you buy from healthpost.co.nz…

Based in New Zealand, geoskincare draws its inspiration from the landscape, utilising the properties of Aotearoa’s unique natural plants and minerals. By harnessing the power of the earth geoskincare creates products that will effectively care for the skin in a gentle manner. Ingredients are responsibly sourced from geothermal areas, combining natural minerals, volcanic clays and vitamin-rich plant extracts, creating a range of natural products to promote a fresh, radiant complexion. geoskincare believe that there is no room in the beauty industry for harmful ingredients, and that skincare should be healthy, which is why materials are of exceptional quality and sourced from pure environments. As geoskincare protects your skin from harmful chemicals through the use of natural ingredients and sources, they too protect the purity of the environment they source from.…

Lisa Ussher’s style mantra is built around the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Some of her best décor finds have come from the local tip. “I’ve discovered things at the tip shop that I’ll usually transform in some way, either repairing, recovering or painting – sometimes all three – to give it a second life. I love saving something from becoming landfill,” says Ussher. The home she shares in Tawa, Wellington, with her partner Mark and children Charlie, 12, and Betsy, 9, looks ordinary from the outside but inside it is a colourful trove of collected and treasured finds. “I love furniture and objects with longevity, things that have a story behind them and I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to add to…

They say that once you start collecting houseplants you can’t stop. I’ll be the first one to admit I have a problem. If a room doesn’t have greenery in it, it feels like something is missing. Although you might share my love of nature, the reality is that for many of us our modern lifestyles have largely removed us from the natural environment, often finding us indoors for much of our day. In fact it is estimated that people in many developed countries spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors, with air that contains a host of toxins. Luckily there’s a simple way to help combat this, in the form of green leafy friends. Plants have all kinds of superpowers: releasing oxygen into the air; filtering out…

Zucchini Bread This bread is perfect to have by itself, topped with tomatoes or with poached eggs. It is packed full of greens and protein, so you will feel full and satisfied until lunch. This bread is very simple and can be made with no fuss. Preparation 15 minutes. Cooking time 20 minutes. Makes 8 slices. 2 zucchini, grated 1 tbsp sea salt 1 cup almond meal ½ cup arrowroot 1 tsp baking soda 3 eggs 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil Extra sprinkle sea salt Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a loaf tin by lining it with baking paper. Grate the zucchini onto a chopping board. Sprinkle with the salt and allow to sit for 10 minutes so that the moisture is drawn out…

For many people, the prospect of sharing a bottle of delicious New Zealand wine has plenty of feel-good factor. If it’s a 27seconds wine, that factor ramps up a notch when you discover the mindful practices of its makers. “We believe that good wine is first made in the vineyard,” says Alanna Chapman, one half of the husband-and-wife duo behind 27seconds. “So we put extra care into ensuring the land is healthy, which in turn creates better fruit, which creates better wine. We grow grapes using only natural growing methods and hand tend our vines.” By now that bottle is positively glowing – but wait, there’s more. What if, with the purchase of that wine, you were helping to end modern-day slavery? For Pete and Alanna, that is the idea…

Honey thyme cough syrup A reader sent this recipe to me after finding that it helps her husband’s persistent cough. He had been using over-the-counter cough syrups and lozenges but found this syrup eliminated his cough very quickly. 1 cup water 2 tbsp fresh thyme ½ cup raw unpasteurised honey In a small saucepan bring the water to the boil. Remove from the heat, then add the thyme and cover with a lid to steep. Leave for 20 minutes or longer. Strain the liquid then whisk in the honey until combined. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 months. Garlic brandy syrup Put 3-4 garlic bulbs and 100ml of brandy in a glass jar. Store in a dark cupboard for 2 weeks and then take…

Economies, communities and share markets have all had a bumpy start to 2020. In these times of hardship it may be tempting to cut corners or take an easy route, rather than following what we see as the most ethical. Do I keep paying extra for free-range eggs? Do I make life easier and switch my commute from bus to car? Does the same apply when it comes to investing? The last few months have answered the question with a resounding ‘no’. It turns out that being ethical actually helps us with better returns. The first quarter of this year (January, February and March) has been hard on savers. At one point during March the US share market, for instance, was off about a third. But thankfully it has rebounded.…

How’s your year going? So far, 2020 is not what any of us expected. The coronavirus crisis has sent seismic financial ripple effects throughout the world economy and our own homes. While most people are focused on physical health, there are critical reasons we need to focus on our emotional health right now, too. One of these is that economic loss has huge psychological ramifications. For instance, research indicates that unemployment has a detrimental impact on wellbeing that outstrips most other negative life events (e.g., more than divorce) and brings long-term negative changes in personality. Here are some tips for managing yourself emotionally through these turbulent economic times. 1. Separate your identity from your bank balance In psychology, the term “internal locus of control” describes people who see themselves as…

Across 1 The South Canterbury home of Barker’s (9) 6 Play a guitar by striking the strings simultaneously (5) 9 West Coast town, home to the Museum of Working Class History (9) 10 Earlier; also, an ecclesiastical title (5) 11 Recites a chant (7) 13 To wash your hands like a surgeon (5,2) 14 See 26 Across 17 He accepts an offer (or removes something) (5) 20 A dwelling house (5) 21 See 1 Down 24 Northland town whose name means “food canoe” (7) 26/14 A slide at Hanmer Springs, possibly the most breathtaking attraction (7,6) 28 Loft or garret (5) 29 Fill too full (with food, perhaps) (9) 31 Express strong disapproval (5) 32 A plant with funnel-shaped flowers, normally white but may be pink or purple (9) Down 1/21 An…

It’s fair to say that 2020 hasn’t panned out quite as most of us expected. As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of COVID-19, and we in New Zealand begin going about most things as normal, I personally feel a sense of gratitude – to the people of Aotearoa for the sacrifices they made during lockdown; to live in New Zealand; and for what COVID-19 has taught us and continues to teach us. This includes our relationships, and Wendyl Nissen interviews four households for her story Love After Lockdown on page 28. For me one of the most hopeful things to come out of this pandemic was a bedtime video by Tomos Robertson (Tom Foolery) titled The Great Realisation. A modern-day version of Dr Seuss’s The Lorax,…

Wild Interiors Hilton Carter, Bookreps NZ, $50. Want to learn about houseplants? This is your book. Carter shows how to create living interiors that are also good for your wellbeing, with ideas for all spaces and budgets. The Wine O’Clock Myth Lotta Dann, Allen & Unwin, $37. Dann deep dives into the alcohol consumption of women – is it actually helping us relax? Dann looks at the physical, emotional, and social damage alcohol is causing. This read could change the way you position alcohol in your life. Know Your Place Golriz Ghahraman, Harper Collins, $40. Having to flee her home country of Iran at just nine years old, Golriz Ghahraman found a new home in Aotearoa. In this book she opens up about the challenges she faces as a women…

Don Scott and his sister Rose Scott As Don Scott and his wife Cheryl were heading back from a caravan holiday in the South Island to their home in Gisborne on the Tuesday before lockdown they started discussing Don’s sister Rose Scott who was living in Tauranga. Rose is 70 and has dementia and while she had daily good care and support living on her own, Don started to worry about what would happen during lockdown. “I got home and rang her caregivers who said it was all good, but there would be a problem if one of them got sick. And that was the bingo moment really,” says Don. “I knew that because Rose was so vulnerable it could be a disaster.” He set off the next day, March…

Freedom Series Photography Sara Orme Eloise, Skippers Canyon, Central Otago. “It was a long day shooting for Tourism New Zealand up in Skippers Canyon. Beautiful sunshine, and still some energy to burn, I finished the shoot with my trademark handstand. Handstands take me back to my own childhood, my own sense of feeling free and reckless. I often shoot around themes of freedom. Freedom to be in the moment and one of constant discovery.” Tui among harakeke Artist Hannah Jensen “This was a secret commission from a wonderful group of friends to a bride and groom on their wedding day, March 2020. It was carved into 57 layers of paint with five tones of acrylic on a 400mm diameter board. Always a pleasure to create art that brings joy to…

@trilogyproducts trilogyproducts.com Supercharge your skin Your best skin starts with Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, their most powerful clean beauty oil, supercharged with nature’s richest antioxidants to help repair yesterday’s damage and protect from tomorrow’s. A couple of drops morning and night will boost your winter skincare routine with intensive nourishment to replenish softness and elasticity while providing daily antioxidant protection to support skin to look and feel great! For the perfect staycation, subscribe to Good and be in to win three bottles of Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, one for yourself and two to share with your favourite friends! Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is clinically proven to improve: · Brightening and skin tone by 75% · Fine lines and wrinkles by 33% · Elasticity and firmness by 25%** Subscribe & save Magazine 1 year…

What inspired you to create Dose & Co? After I had my daughter I suffered from extreme post-partum hair loss and tried almost everything to help my hair grow. The one supplement that worked was collagen powder. However, many of the powders on the market were full of fillers, artificial flavours and colours and sugars and many of the brands on the market are expensive. Collagen is an incredible supplement and I think it’s important that it’s sold at an affordable price so everyone can reap the benefits. Why did you incorporate collagen in 10,000mg doses? I noticed the benefits when I used that dose myself. This daily dose has been clinically proven to reduce the rate at which our own collagen breaks down, improve skin hydration and healing. Ensuring…

Cleansing and hydrating We discovered Snowberry’s Instant Deep Cleansing Oil, $50, on a visit to Snowberry Gardens and fell in love. It’s formulated from natural herbal oils, including Snowberry’s own harakeke seed oil, removes make-up without damaging the skin’s natural protective acid mantle, and restores skin moisture. snowberry.co.nz Exfoliate without the scrub A wonder product for sure, RAWKANVAS Canvas: Resurfacing AHA & BHA Treatment, $68, is a glorious alternative to a traditional exfoliator that comes with added benefits including helping clarify pores, removing excess oil and stimulating collagen production. Say hello to glowing smooth skin. rawkanvas.co.nz Hand cream hero In the current age of more frequent handwashing let Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream, $19.90, come to the rescue. The antioxidant-rich organic pomegranate seed oil helps to promote your skin’s own…

Few people could argue how lucky we are here in New Zealand – for so many reasons. While the pandemic of 2020 has challenged us as a nation, out of that challenge comes an opportunity; for there has never been a better time to get out and explore every nook and cranny this incredible country has to offer. Now’s the moment to really get to know our own shores and revel in its beauty, as much for our own wellbeing as others’. Rugged beaches, thermal wonderlands, awe-inspiring mountains, towering glaciers, historic towns, lush bush and world-class eats are seemingly around every corner. And while the lure of the big-ticket sites never dims, there are so many other gems to discover. Here, we unearth just a few that have us mentally…

Cushions are the exclamation marks of home décor, adding instant pizazz. They make a big statement but can also be updated easily, and are a great way to add colour, personality and warmth to a space. “They also make your furniture more comfortable and inviting,” says Geneva Vanderzeil of Collective Gen. “Textiles are the easiest little tweak in the book. They give a space so much personality, without having to make drastic changes.” Paula Wallace of Wallace Cotton uses her home as a testing ground for her ethical homewares brand, which produces beautiful cushions from organic cotton and pure linen. “I tend to freshen up the space each season with favourites, so there are always cushions and throws moving around the house from room to room, which has been known…

Flowers are sometimes so beautiful that it’s a shame to throw them away as they start to wilt. These easy DIYs give them a second life. Drying flowers can be done in different ways, for example in a flower press. The simplest way is to hang them upside down in a dark, warm place. The darker the spot, the better the flowers will retain their colour. And the faster the flower dries, the better the result. As well as flowers, try drying greenery and other foliage of unique shapes and different sizes. To give A gift wrapped in linen is already very rich, add a small collection of dried flowers to the parcel and it really is a shame to unwrap. Collect a few dried flowers and other foliage to…

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake This was a holiday tradition in my childhood home, concocted by my dad. It brings together savoury and sweet with warming winter spices, the smell of which take me immediately back to Upstate New York in the 1980s. Serves: 4 as a side 1 tbsp coconut oil, plus extra for greasing 2 sweet potatoes (small to medium), peeled, cut into 1cm thick slices 2 apples, cored, sliced thinly Juice of 2 oranges (125ml) 2 tbsp ginger juice 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp rosemary leaves Sugar Pinch of salt Preheat the oven to 170°C/fan 150°C and grease a medium baking dish. Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the sweet potato slices. Bring back to the boil, cook for 3 minutes, drain,…

Iam a wellness expert and coach who believes all good things in balance. I share with my clients that I eat dark chocolate every day – just a few pieces. It makes me feel happy. It’s also good for you if you go with a high cacao percentage. Seek out 70 per cent or above. It took me a while to get used to the bitter taste, but now I love it. This smoothie is for the chocolate-lovers. Creamy Cacao Dream Serves 2 2 cups almond milk 1 tbsp dark cacao powder 1 medjool date, destoned 1 generous tbsp peanut butter ¼ tsp cinnamon Optional toppings Shaved dark chocolate or cacao nibs Place all the ingredients, except the optional toppings, into a blender. Blend until combined. Pour into two glasses. Drink…

Our feline and canine friends have superior senses to humans. Having such sensitivities allows our pets to empathise with us. They can feel our pain, protect us from harm, comfort our heartbreak, reduce our stress levels, aid recovery, and help make us healthier, more joyful people. Nineteenth-century pioneer nurse Florence Nightingale recognised how pets could help with her patients’ recoveries. She rescued and reared her own companion owl, Athena, who travelled with her everywhere – Athena would hang out in her pocket as she worked. Nowadays, dogs are specialist therapeutic workers. They’re trained to guide the blind and teach people with epilepsy to lie down before having a seizure. The presence of dogs can help calm those who may self-harm, and they can bring joy to those who feel disconnected…

Eric Goodman treats anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and integrates compassionfocused therapy into his clinical work. His book, Your Anxiety Beast and You, is a guide to living in an increasingly anxious world. Using the term ‘beast’ to describe ‘anxiety’ may initially sound antagonistic, but it was taken from the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast where superficial looks can be greatly deceiving, says Goodman. “Anxiety feels beastly at times, roaring loudly in your mind and through your body, but it is also greatly misunderstood. In the end, your anxiety beast is designed to help and protect you,” he says. “Anxiety is necessary for human survival,” says Goodman. “Rather than jumping on the cultural bandwagon that you can and must vanquish this normal and necessary emotion, my book focuses…

When uncertainty is prevalent, our brain can shift into fear. With that comes a constant search for truth. We may start to question our beliefs, and those that differ, as our identity and the environment we once knew starts to dissolve. Our mind can try to manage the confusion by stating what’s right and wrong. As our internal conflict steps up a notch, so does our relationship with anything in our outer world. We’re often shown polarities of opinions and experiences when we’re in search mode. Sometimes they can pack a punch to create the energy we need to generate change in our lives. If we’re lucky they may take us away from our rigid thinking and bring us to a harmonious resolution. Not through proving our point and swaying…

I don’t think there’s been a time in modern history when a strong immune system has been more important. With the recent worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and as New Zealand moves into winter, I thought I’d give you my top five immune-supporting diet, lifestyle and nutrition strategies. 1. Stressed? Breathe… Stress, particularly chronic stress can have significant impacts on our immune system’s capabilities. Think of stress as an unnecessary workload for the immune system. We need to keep the immune system on the task at hand – keeping us healthy. Focusing on reducing your stress levels could be one of the best ways to support your immune system. One way to do this is to focus on breathing into your tummy, otherwise known as diaphragmatic breathing, it tells your nervous system…

I received a Good subscription for Christmas last year. I was overjoyed to find the latest issue in my mailbox last week, being a little unsure I would receive it in this current climate. Taking the time out to read your magazine is a lovely escape for me. Thank you. Lisa Lowe Just wanted to say thanks for a great issue. It was wonderful to be able to sit down and enjoy reading about normal life (and nothing COVID-19 related) for a bit… and a great way to enjoy a break and some me time with two children at home. The five-minute dance party life hack and the ‘Four Pillars of Wellbeing’ I found particularly timely and I can’t wait to try the recipe for Ragout on Pappardelle. Thanks again.…

Monique Hemmingson has a powerful quote by cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead tattooed on the inside of her arm. “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens have the power to change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Since those words were inked 10 years ago, Hemmingson has been reminded and re-educated of its unwavering truth. As the world faces an environmental crisis she decided to seek out conscious entrepreneurs throughout New Zealand and Australia and tell their stories. The result is Wild Kinship, a collection of frank, inspiring conversations with the founders of conscious businesses. “I hope that it aids education, inspires and celebrates the ways in which we can improve personally and professionally. I hope it shows people that things can be done…

Jaimee Lupton MONDAY MONDAY Haircare’s pretty pink pump bottles made from recycled plastic make Monday and every day you wash your hair a happy experience. Creator Jaimee Lupton has garnered a number of high-profile muses/fans including Australian model Samantha Harris, eco-luxe designer Maggie Hewitt and New Zealand model Georgia Fowler, who is the Australasian face of the brand. What inspired you to create MONDAY? I’m a huge believer that every person, no matter their story, should be entitled to look and feel good. The lack of transparency and extortionate pricing across the beauty sector is what gave me the idea to start MONDAY. How is it different from other brands? MONDAY formulations have been through seven stages of research and development in order to exceed the performance of reputable salon…

Emma Lewisham is offering free returns and recycling for not only its products but all brands of skincare packaging that otherwise would not be recycled. Return four empty face skincare products from any skincare brand and receive $15 towards an Emma Lewisham product as a recognition of the value of this material. Currently, 120 billion units of packaging are produced every year by the global cosmetics industry. Of these, very few plastic waste items generated in the bathroom outside of bottles (excluding caps and trigger heads) are accepted by most public kerbside recycling programmes and considered non-recyclable in the general sense. Subsequently, only nine per cent of plastics produced is recycled and 12 per cent are burned into our atmosphere. All remaining plastic waste ends up in landfill or the…

Rearrange the furniture This really can transform a whole room. Consider whether the whole room could be reoriented or whether the main piece of furniture could swap walls. Make sure you have a measuring tape on hand before you start moving things around. Sign up for swaps Or keep an eye on your neighbourhood Facebook page. Often you can find pieces that people want to get rid of, and all they cost are your time to go and pick them up. Chances are these sorts of items need a little TLC, but it’s worth it. And don’t forget garage sales where items are practically free. Style with second-hand items Antiques and second-hand items add depth to a space. It’s the perfectly imperfect nature of these items that gives your space…

Add personality Have some fun with your home office to create a space that nurtures you. Add stimulating colours using vibrant pieces of art, pieces of furniture, or a painted wall. I used the muted sunset orange colour Resene Fugitive in Resene SpaceCote Flat. Add extra whimsy with books and a few objet d’art, such as the wooden worry balls and bookend (see opposite). Add tranquillity with a few pleasingly-shaped plants. Working from home during lockdown has been a revelation for many. Why waste precious time, money and fossil fuels on commuting when you can work from the comfort of your sofa or kitchen table and simply Zoom call your colleagues when you need to? With so much commercial activity heading online and all the wider changes afoot, it is…

The profound effects of yoga nidra have been intriguing scientists for decades and by now there is a solid body of work in the scientific world that explains the mechanism of this practice. Yoga nidra, or “yogic sleep” is a meditation practice, a method of systematic conscious relaxation and even a technique that may help us attain our highest potential. It’s been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years, and for a good reason – in the age when the Earth seems to be spinning faster by the second, not to mention pandemic stress and an increasing inability to switch off our busy minds, yoga nidra offers a mental refuge, a restful break that practitioners claim feels like another dimension. The promise and benefits of yoga nidra are enticing,…