Think.Eat.Save This World Environment Day

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year, this is equivalent to the amount of food produced in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.  To reflect the alarming amount of world wide food waste this year's theme for World Environment Day is Think.Eat.Save.

Despite all this food waste one in every seven people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of five die from hunger each day.  Given the devastating effects food waste has on the environment and the imbalance in lifestyles this is causing Think.Eat.Save encourages us to become more aware of the environmental impact of our food choices and empowers us all to make more informed decisions. 

Simple Actions to Save Waste Today

While all these numbers might seem daunting there a number of small things you can put into practice to help be part of the solution:

• Meal Planner: plan your meals so you know exactly what your major meals will be for the week.
• Shopping Lists: with your meals planned you can make a detailed shopping list so you only buy what you need.
• Label your leftovers and open foods with an eat by date so your households knows what needs to be eaten first.
• Feed the Chooks: feed leftover food and kitchen scraps & peelings to your chickens, if you don't have chickens ask around the neighbourhood or visit your local city farm - they'd love the extra feed.
• Ask for a Doggie Bag: Take your leftovers home with you from the restaurant, no shame in eating.
• Rescue Food: Ask to take leftovers home from work functions, and encourage others to do similar.
• Ask what your local supermarket or favourite restaurant is doing to reduce foodwaste and encourage them to do more.
• Food for Worms:  When you've reduced your food waste to as little as possible the compost bin and worm farms will happily eat up the rest.

Hopefully with these handy hints you can begin to reduce your food waste and become part of the solution. (Tips & hints adapted from www.oxfam.org.au/grow/method/save-food and www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au visit them for more handy ways of reducing food waste).

Support Food Waste Organisations

There are also a number of great Australian organisations that are doing their bit to help reduce food waste.  Check out their websites to find out more and what they can do to help you reduce your food waste. http://www.ozharvest.org/index.asp and http://secondbite.org/

What are your tips on how to reduce food waste?

Win a Stainless Steel Notebook Grill

To kick off our first ever Monthly Giveaway here at Todae, we are giving you the chance to win a Stainless Steel Notebook Grill. 

The Notebook Stainless Grill (valued at $149.95) is a super slim and light-weight portable grill which is easy to store whilst still offering a large cooking area of 47 x 37.5cm. 

Pop it up in seconds at your local beach, park or on the patio for a delicious, natural coal grill feast with friends.

To win the Notebook Stainless Grill just give us three words that best describe what a 'Todae Lifestyle' means to you.   The winning answer will be chosen by our team for its creativity and insightfulness.  Enter the Competition here. 

Brightgreen: Light for Tomorrow

Have you ever had an appliance or electronic device die on you only to find its warranty expired only a month ago?  You think about repairing it but that would actually cost more than just buying a new one. 

We'd love to repair everything but when it takes longer and is more expensive than buying a new one where's the incentive?  That's when I came across Planned Obsolescence, an industrial design policy of designing a product for a limited useful life. 

Some companies even invest money to build planned obolescence into a product.  Planned Obsolescence has existed in the lighting industry for many years. 

In contrast, Brightgreen’s LED light bulbs are designed to survive for more than 70,000 hours and last 15 times longer than other forms of lighting, such as halogen. In addition, nearly all products come with a long warranty - between three and seven years  – a guarantee no competitor can currently match. Installing Brightgreen’s long lasting, reliable and durable lights will have the flow-on effects of lowering consumption and reducing carbon footprints.

Not only have Brightgreen designed lights that last, they are always striving to produce sustainable LED light bulbs that are environmentally friendly. Unlike halogens and fluorescents, Brightgreen’s products are free from UV light, mercury, lead, hexavalent chromium and all other heavy metals considered toxic to the environment. All components of Brightgreen’s products are fully disposable and recyclable, again reducing their environmental impact on the earth by not leaving anything behind.

At Todae we pride ourselves on stocking products that are good for the planet and good for you.  We now stock a wide range of LED lights from Brightgreen.  Recent additions to our range include:

Brightgreen Cube D900 3000K
Brightgreen Cube D900 5000K
Brightgreen DR450 MR16
Brightgreen DR700 GU10

Don't Dump, Donate!

Here at Todae we believe that the Earth is precious gift for all to enjoy, and we want future generations to enjoy it as much as we do.  That's why we love to see people reusing and repurposing items instead of sending them to landfill. 

One of my favourite local organisations is Reverse Garbage they collect industrial discards and sell them at a low cost to the community. They collect a truckload of materials almost every weekday, so there's always something new in their warehouse.  Not only can you go rummaging through their stock for the perfect item for your latest project but they also run classes for children and adults to inspire a lifestyle of reusing and repurposing instead of dumping.  One of my favourite past times is heading to Reverse Garbage on the weekend and wandering their aisles discovering all the odds and ends they have collected.

Recently I asked Todae's Facebook where they like to donate their old items that they no longer have a use for but a too useful to just simply throw away.  Here are some of the great suggestions:

I put it outside and write Free doesn't stay there long never have to take it in at night.

- Chris

Major charities no longer take baby items or equipment such as prams strollers baths high-chairs or cots but STKILDA MUMS does and they safety check them and rehome them through Social Welfare Agencies to new migrants, women fleeing domestic violence and those most in need. www.stkildamums.org

- Lisa

Animal rescues love unwanted towels, blankets , sheets, doonas and pillows.

- Laurien

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre through Salvos.

- Janet

Ziilch.com.au is great for getting rid of good unwanted items used it a few times now.

- Marika

I donate my sons old clothes and toys that are still in good condition to his Childcare Centre. I've often forgot to pack something and he has needed to use their clothes.

- Adehl

My family donate or recycle items to many different facilities or organisations such as Kinders, Occassional Care, Neighbourhood House, StKilda Mums. Everything from paper towel rolls and ribbon rolls to plan paper, clothes, furniture, food etc. We also share with family and friends. There is always someone who wants an unwanted item. It's just a matter of thinking and asking! There is never a reason to dump!!! Never

- Lisa

Don't dump, donate! Whether you're sorting your wardrobe, or decluttering the office or garage, pass the items on to a person or organisation rather than dumping them in the wheelie bin. We'd love to hear: Where do you find it handy to donate things?

Thank you to all our customers and fans that inspired this post.

A Brighter Future with Brightgreen

The Brightgreen DR700 is an amazing innovation in LED lighting which can replace any standard 50 watt halogen downlight globe and provide 1:1 light - but only use 10.5 watts instead of 50 watts.  For a long time this amazing light was only available in an MR16 fitting, but it is now available in the Gu10 fitting, which means no matter with downlight fittings your house has you will able to use this amazing efficient bulb.

Advantages of choosing a Brightgreen DR700 LED bulb:

- total light output of 720 lumens, the same as the average 50 watt halogen bulb*
- compatible with most dimmers (see below)
- 3 year manufacturer guarantee
- on average, pays for itself in two years residential use and one year in commercial use
- designed for the Australian market.

The Brightgreen DR700 LED light bulb GU10 is one of the first LED light bulbs to match the the light output of a 50w halogen.  This light is an Australian design for the Australian market.  LED product life is all about heat. The more heat you can extract from an LED, the longer it lasts. The DR700 is uniquely designed to dissipate that heat in hot Australian conditions, ensuring its long life – a fact we are willing to back up with a guarantee of three years.  And with an average payback of two years in residential and one year in commercial, this means a guaranteed doubling or quadrupling of the original investment.

The Brightgreen DR700 GU10 can be purchased online from Todae Lifestyle Store for $55.00

The Brightgreen DR700 is also available as an MR16 fitting or as an integrated unit.

Spotlight on the Free Loader Pico Solar Charger

The Freeloader Pico is a compact and lightweight solar charger designed for people on the move!  If you've ever been caught with a flat phone or GPS at the worst possible time then the Pico is gadget for you. 

The Pico comes with four different connection pins for the most popular devices on the market, but don't worry, as long as your device can be charged from a USB connection** the Pico's got you covered.

Designed to charge quickly via the Sun or USB connection the Pico can deliver enough power to charge your device to 75%-100% within 30 minutes.  The Pico is a great companion for camping, just leave it to charge in the Sun throughout the day while you're enjoying the holiday and it will provide you with power for your devices all through the night.

What our customers had to say about the Pico:

I have now had mine for few years and I would not be without it I keep it in my handbag and while driving I keep on the dash for charging. I use it to charge up my Bluetooth earpiece for my mobile. - Angela

We bought this for traveling as we dont have to worry about different plugs or finding power. It did take a while to charge on the window sill but having the option to charge from laptop is great. Charged my blackberry in no time. - Melissa

This product is a great idea and works well, it is easy to charge and comes with a multitude of connectors so that it can charge mobile phones, ipods etc. - Pip

The Free Loader Pico Solar Charger is the perfect companion for the adventurer, the camper, people on the move, and anyone who just needs a little more reliability from their phone.  For more information on the Pico visit http://www.todae.com.au/Free-Loader-Pico-Solar-Charger

**Please note that the Pico is deisgned to charge smaller devices and is unable to charge tablets, iPads, or laptops.

Five amazing alternative energy projects

With Earth Hour just around the corner and this year's theme focusing on switching to renewable energies, we thought we'd share five of our favourite renewable energy projects from around the world.

1.  Solar Panels to cover the Narmada Canals

There are over 19000 kilometres of canals in the state of Gurajat, India, with plans to cover some of those canals with solar panels.  Not only will this project generate clean renewable energy, but it will also prevent evaporation of water from the canals - contributing to India's water security.  Besides being an ingenious plan it also means that solar energy can be generated without the need to clear new land for Solar Farms.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/government-and-policy/article3346191.ece?homepage=true

2.  Ivanpah: World's Largest Solar Thermal Plant

This Solar Thermal Plants works by having over 1000 Heliostats (plane mirrors) focused on a single solar receiver that boils water to the point of steam.  In March of this year Ivanpah reached a major milestone by being able to generate enough energy for commercial production.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2W3BZA/inhabitat.com/ivanpah-the-worlds-largest-solar-thermal-plant-passes-first-solar-capacity-test/

3.  Spain's Windfarms Break Energy Record

Since November 2012, wind farms have provided Spain with more energy than any other single source of power. Providing slightly over one quarter of Spain's energy needs, wind power has out performed coal fired and nuclear power plants!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/04/windfarms-break-energy-record-spain

 

4.  The Windspire - Small Footprint Vertical Wind Energy Generator

While not as large-scale as some of the other projects we've mentioned, The Windspire aims for a small footprint. The Windspire is a vertically oriented wind turbine which is perfect for urban renewable power generation.  It doesn't even need to be orientated towards the wind - it catches the wind no matter where it's coming from.
http://www.gizmag.com/windspire-low-cost-wind-power-alternative/10861/

5. The World's First Algae Powered Building

We've definitely left the most intriguing project until last.  The building is covered in bio-reactive louvres that are filled with algae. As the algae grows it creates heat that is harvested to power the building!  This is one extremely cool and extremely green project.
http://inhabitat.com/splitterwerk-architects-design-worlds-first-algae-powered-building-for-germany/

Now's the time to start thinking about the energy you consume.  Todae has a number of alternative power products and gadgets that can save you power and make life more convenient.  What will you be doing this Earth Hour?   

Which coconut oil is best?

Virgin or raw organic coconut oil is best

A healthy dose of scepticism is important when jumping on board with any health trend.  You will find reports both ways about the health benefits of coconut oil, but be aware that there is a big difference between virgin coconut oil and partially hydrogentated coconut oil.  Virgin or raw coconut oil is best.

Hydrogenated coconut oil is high in trans fats and the process destroys many of the good essential fatty acids and antioxidants naturally contained in virgin coconut oil (the raw form of coconut oil).  New research has shown that virgin coconut oil does not possess any of the qualities found in partially hydrogenated coconut oil.

Coconut oil is also a safe choice to cook with because it can be heated to high temperatures without turning into harmful fats.  With a high smoke point, it also ensures your non-stick surface stays in perfect shape and is one of the best oils to use with our range of environmentally safe non-stick Neoflam cookware. 

What are the factors to look for in a coconut oil?

There are now many coconut oil companies competing to be the best coconut oil choice.  The growing popularity of coconut oil is great news for the Pacific communities that grow and process the coconut oil.  When coconut oil fell out of favour in the 1980's it was devastating for the small nations that were desperate for resources to allow them to develop their economies.  But which coconut oil is best?  We believe the factors to consider for what makes the best coconut oil are:

1. Virgin (or raw) coconut oil - extracted without heat*
2. Certified Organic
3. Supports the community where the coconut is grown
4. Least distance transported (low food miles)
5. Taste

*Even amongst the coconut oil manufacturers there is debate about whether dry or wet extraction is best to keep the oil as close to its natural state as possible.  You will have to do more research to make up your mind on that one.

The leading virgin organic coconut oil brands in Australia

Oil4Life - extracted without heat, made in Thailand, certified organic, packaged in amber coloured glass

Niugini Organics - extracted without heat, unrefined, unbleached, made in Papua New Guinea, packaged in reusable clear glass jar, certified organic

Loving Earth - wet method centrifuge extraction, cold-pressing the oil from fresh coconuts within one hour of breaking the seal on the coconut shell, made in Thailand, claims to be more creamy

Banaban - dried and cold pressed, certified organic, certified kosher, grown in Fiji, packaged in glass

Cooking with coconut oil

Now that you have purchased your best coconut oil, it's time to have some fun cooking and eating.  Coconut oil is the best choice of oil to use with our range of environmentally safe non-stick Neoflam cookware.  With a high smoke point and natural extraction to ensures your non-stick surface stays in perfect shape.

Author of I Quit Sugar, Sarah Wilson, does not hide her love of coconut oil because of how it helps reduce sugar cravings, amongst many other great reasons she explains.  After the release of her book in 2012, Sarah blogged that her sugar-free coco-nutty granola was the most popular recipe in the book.  

The granola contains organic coconut oil (or butter), coconut flakes, chia seeds, cinnamon, almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts and pepitas (preferably activated ones), rice malt syrup (optional).  See Sarah's recipe here 

Where to buy coconut oil in Australia?

You may find coconut oil at your local health food store.  Of course, we're happy to recommend Biome eco stores where you can buy coconut oil online or buy coconut oil in the Brisbane stores. 

Bokashi: Grain vs. Liquid

Here at Todae we are very excited to introduce the Liquid Bokashi Spray to our range of Bokashi products.  While most of our customers have become accustomed to sprinkling grain to kickstart the Bokashi process, liquid is the new big thing.  We have had a few of our fantastic customers ask whether they should buy the grain or the liquid spray, hopefully this blog post will help answer those questions.

Bokashi Grain:

Pros:

• Very easy to see where you have sprinkled the grain

• As a dry product it adds no moisture to your bokashi mix which needs to be as dry as possible for best results

• Still effective in fermenting your foodwaste

• Can be used for garden applications as it is less potent than the liquid spray

Cons:

• The grain can go mouldy if not kept in an air tight container

• Not as potent as liquid bokashi with a lesser micro organism population

• Due to size and weight can be more expensive to ship

 

Bokashi Liquid

Pros:

• Easy to use spray application

• More potent than Bokashi Grain with a higher population of micro organisms

• Lasts longer and lighter to ship so better for the environment.

• Lasts longer than Bokashi grain.

Cons:

• Adds moisture to the Bokashi process which works best when kept as dry as possible

• Can be difficult to tell how much of the bokashi mix has been added as it is a spray.

 

With a greater potency and generally longer lifespan than grain Bokashi, liquid Bokashi is the most cost effective choice of Bokashi products.  However if you prefer Bokashi grain and tend to go through your bokashi quicker than most it is still an excellent bokashi accellerant and by no means an inferior product.

If you have any further questions about our range of Bokashi products please don't hesitate to contact us on 1300 138 483 or at customercare@todae.com.au

Composting made easy with Bokashi

 

What is Bokashi?

If you thought you couldn't compost because it took up too much time or you didn't have the space to do it properly, then Bokashi is your answer.  Bokashi is a method that uses a mix of microorganisms to ferment organic waste for composting.  The Bokashi system creates no offensive odours and can be used inside or out.  Bokashi transforms your food waste into high quality compost.

The Bokashi System comes complete with a bucket and the microorganisms - either in the form of a dry grain or a liquid spray.  Once you have your kit the process couldn't be simpler.  One of our valued customers has written her own blog post about the Bokashi process over at Command Delete, and we're sharing her excellent description here to help guide all our customers.

How it works:

1. Place your waste into the bucket
2. Mash the waste to remove air
3. Sprinkle a hand full of the Bokashi mix over the waste

You just keep layering your food scraps in the same way until the bucket is full. The Bokashi Mix is made up of wheat, grains and microbes which aid the fermenting process. You can drain off any liquid if necessary from the little tap at the front. The liquid is called 'Bokashi juice'. When diluted it makes a really great liquid fertiliser for your garden.

When your bucket is full just bury the contents in your garden or add it to an established compost to allow it to completely biodegrade. After a few weeks you will then have nutrient rich fertiliser for your plants! (Or, in our case, for our families' gardens.) Then rinse out your bucket with water and start again.

Image from: http://www.sharlene.com.au/life-and-love/composting/Where to bury the Bokashi compost mixture?

It’s important to think about where you are going to bury the bokashi mixiture before you start digging. Planting on top of Bokashi mixture that hasn't fully broken down could damage your plants.

• One method is to bury the Bokashi pre-compost in a bed you intend to plant up a month later.
• Another method is to dedicate a bed in your garden to this process and then move the finished compost to your beds or pots once the process is fully complete.

Your choice of method will probably depend on the type of garden and amount of space you have available. Both methods will do the job well, and you will end up with highly nutritious compost.

How to dig the Bokashi into the garden

• Dig a trench or hole about 30cm deep

• Fill with the Bokashi pre-compost

• Cover the pre-compost with 15cm of soil (The process will be quicker if you first cover the pre-compost with 5cm of soil, mix the pre-compost and soil together thoroughly, and then cover the mixture with another 10cm of soil)

• Wait for 2-4 weeks

Now, the Bokashi composting process is complete. Your food waste has been transformed into high quality compost.

Whether you're in an inner city apartment or a large suburban plot, Bokashi is the perfect solution for keeping your organic waste out of landfill and helping the planet.

Complete Bokashi kits, sprays, and grains are available at Todae here > Bokashi bin and at Biome Eco Stores here > Bokashi composting

Information sourced from: Bokashi Composting HQ, Command Delete & Todae Lifestyle Store