Inspiring Aotearoa New Zealand To Live Sustainably: Ethically Kate Tour 2020
I’m an in-person-person. So when I realised I had officially become an ‘Instagrammer’ and was spending most of my days writing and communicating with people online, I WANTED OUT. Not completely out, because the power of social media can change the world (if used correctly!), but OFF. Offline. I wanted to see these little Instagram-circle-people in the flesh, laugh with them, share kai (food) with them, and look them in the eye to understand how I could help them live more sustainably - instead of talk through our thumbs.
So, just like Adele or Harry Styles (but with less sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll), I went on tour. This is how it went…
ETHICALLY KATE ON TOUR 2020
10 towns. 11 events. 5000+ kms. 17 beds. 5 weeks. 611 attendees. 20 tour sponsors. $1220 donated to Para Kore. Thousands of online supporters. One of me. PACKED rooms; sell out events.
*Special thanks to Nectar Photography & White Room & Artur Francisco for many of these images. Main image by Moustache Media
The Event
The tour was centred around 11 events in the main cities and towns of Aotearoa New Zealand. Each event was two hours, with the goal of inspiring and educating people to live more sustainably. I spoke, used props, told stories, and the audience took time to learn from each other too.
Shut your eyes, and imagine this.
You’re greeted at the entrance to the event by yours truly and signed in on the Humantix ticketing service (knowing that $1.59 of your ticket went to supporting disadvantaged Māori and Pasifika students, and $2 went to Para Kore). Upon kind instruction, you use a whiteboard marker diverted from landfill to write your name on a name tag made from upcycled ice cream containers.
That’s all thanks to All Heart NZ (whiteboard marker) and Remix Plastic (reusable name tags).
Continuing on… a table of zero waste nibbles makes your mouth water slightly, and if you didn’t remember to BYO reusable napkin, napkins gifted by Two Squirrels Vintage were there for you to borrow for the night and even take home if you fell in love with it. Sipping on a drink from one of the sustainable drink vendors, you find your seat, introduce yourself to the warm smile sitting next to you, and wait for me to fill you up with information and inspiration.
Once I stopped talking, we all chatted over nibbles and drinks, took many selfies, and made new friends. Attendees were invited to take home a bag of Bento Ninja stainless steel pegs, Ethique beauty bar samples, and/or a menstrual cup from MyCup NZ.
A few words used to describe the tour:
“Connection - would be how to describe attending and then watching your tour”
“You connected people and spread goodness and love for the planet.”
“A fantastic opportunity to learn & be inspired AND to fill a room with great people & good vibes.”
The Drinks
I originally planned to make my own kombucha for everyone, but alas, the logistics were near impossible.
Chia Sisters
Solar powered + zero carbon juicery, living wage employer, made in Nelson, recycled glass bottles.
Karma Drinks
Supporting communities globally, ethical production, Fairtrade, organic.
No Ugly
Made in New Zealand, amber glass bottles, no ugly ingredients, no ugly waste.
Herbal teas were sponsored by GoodFor, and I enjoyed the leftovers in cold glass jars the next day! GoodFor is where I stock up on bulk bin ingredients every few months in Auckland city, so I was stoked for them to be part of my tour.
At the final two events, a special sponsor, FoodPrint, supplied goodies that were leftovers from cafes which would have otherwise gone to landfill! Perfectly good, delicious food that attendees completely devoured!
The Food
I was absolutely impressed by every single caterer at every single town. The low waste vegan and gluten free options they came up with were phenomenal!
(Images above are in order of list below)
Hamilton: Frank Cafe
Tauranga: Our Place-El Cartel
Napier: Hapī Cafe
Palmerston North: Cafe Royale - Event hosted by Be Free Grocer
Wellington: Squirrel Cafe
Christchurch: The Social Platter Co. - Event hosted at Addington Coffee Co-op
Queenstown: Sherwood
Dunedin: Taste Nature
New Plymouth: Cafe Green Door
Auckland: The Sustainable Food Co. & FoodPrint - Event hosted at Sustainable Coastlines Flagship
The Tour Sponsors
I couldn’t have done the tour without sponsors. Leaving home and work for 5 weeks came at a big cost, but having tour sponsors meant I could tour without worrying! To make it even better, these tour sponsors are not random. I had the absolute privilege of reaching out to brands who I already use in my home, have worked with before, are good friends, or all of the above. I said no to brands, but I said YES to the brands listed below and I cannot rave about their mahi (work) enough.
Transparency: some of the codes mentioned below are affiliate codes. This means I earn a small commission if you use it.
The Table Of Demo Products & Gifts At Each Event
MyCup NZ
MyCup NZ are Aotearoa New Zealand’s go-to for NZ made menstrual cups and reusables. They’re my choice of menstrual cup, and after using it since early 2017, I would never go back! My menstrual cup is honestly my FAVOURITE sustainable swap. If cups aren’t your thing, they have New Zealand made period underwear and reusable pads too.
Code ETHICALLYKATE30 is 30% off menstrual cups.
Aleph Beauty
The only makeup I use and the one I wore all throughout my tour = Aleph Beauty. They tick all my makeup requirements, including sustainable packaging, clean ingredients, cruelty free, and made in Aotearoa New Zealand. I love using the glass and metal containers to save my seeds in the garden and store my earrings when I travel, plus Aleph Beauty is working on a packaging take-back system.
My favourite products are: Concealer/Foundation 1.5, Cheek/Lip Tint Pixie, and Serum/Primer.
Getting Ready With Aleph Beauty Makeup
All Heart NZ
All Heart NZ partners with corporates to practically redirect and repurpose their redundant items (just like the whiteboard markers event attendees used to write their name tags). They also work with corporates to develop sustainable, ethical and social aspects of procurement and supply chain management. They’re basically New Zealand corporates’ one stop for sustainability.
You can find high quality office supplies (from paper to office chairs to computers) from All Heart Stores online and in Wellington, Manukau, and Albany.
Ethique
Ethique was one of the first sustainable products I tried, back in 2017. They’re a dream for travelling with, and last between three to six times longer than a plastic bottle of product. My favourite products are their The Guardian Conditioner, Deep Green Solid Face Cleanser, and the Rustic Deodorant (that’s my husband Tim’s favourite deodorant too).
Bento Ninja
Event attendees took home a pack of 20 stainless steel pegs (only if they needed them!). The pegs are the longest lasting pegs I have discovered, and leave the least marks on clothes! My daily reusable container is from Bento Ninja, along with many of our kitchen products (e.g. our dishrack and dish scrubber). They’re stainless steel experts, and their products are incredible quality.
Use code ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off.
Eco Warehouse
A brilliant place to purchase all your home essentials! They’re like an online eco K-Mart. Reusable drink bottles, dish brushes, kids toys, soaps… go for it. I recommended Eco Warehouse when I talked about where to start. Eco Warehouse are a great place for beginners to start shopping more sustainably when something in their home runs out.
Use code ethical10 for 10% off.
It’s Organic Darling
This is a lovely local company, based just a few minutes from where I live. My beloved Shakti Mat is from here, plus the organic sports cream I use for aching muscles and to treat my Raynaud’s. It’s Organic Darling are focusing on becoming a one-stop shop for all things organic and sustainable, so they’re one to watch out for - and don’t be afraid to message Lesley if they don’t stock something you need.
Code ETHICALLYKATE is 5% off and 10% off selected items.
Pathfinder
Changing over my KiwiSaver was one of the biggest changes I made earlier this year, but the easiest. Moving my life savings into an ethical and sustainable fund that fits my values, was an absolute relief once I found out what my savings were supporting before the switch to Pathfinder.
If you make the switch to Pathfinder and use code "EthicallyKate".
I highly recommend using Mindful Money’s free calculator to check out how ethical your current KiwiSaver is.
Holi Boli
I wore a Holi Boli dress to most of my events. Holi Boli have been a favourite in my wardrobe for a few years. I’ve met the wonderful seamstresses in rural India through Skype, and some of their garments are made in Aotearoa New Zealand (Hamilton) now too. Their simple, timeless designs mean I have seen people of all ages rock Holi Boli and love it!
Corbin Rd
I like products where I can understand what’s actually in them when I read the ingredients; don’t you? Corbin Rd make New Zealand made beauty products, including face oil, cleansing balm, hand sanitiser, and exfoliating cloths. I adored my cloth for travelling as it dries so quickly, and was grateful to be able to give out exfoliating packs to attendees who answered questions.
Code ETHICALLYKATE for 20% off.
Remix Plastic
I cannot help but fear that instead of remembering what I talked about for 1.5 hours, event attendees will only remember their epic reusable name tags made out of upcycled ice cream containers. They could not shut up about them!
Although Remix Plastic make reusable name tags for all sorts of businesses and events, plus jewellery made from recycled PLA (3D printer waste), they are first and foremost a sustainability education project. Remix Plastic engages people in a conversation around reducing single use plastic consumption.
Figgy + Co.
When I was little, the parents of my friends used to ring my parents and ask if I could come for a playdate because they needed their house cleaned… I am THAT person. Cleaning is one of my favourite past times. With this in mind, Figgy + Co. were a perfect tour sponsor. Their affordable and sustainable cleaning products (that come as DIY packs or pre-made) are beloved across the country.
Code ETHICALLYKATE 10% off.
CaliWoods
Their tumblers keep my tea hot for 1 hour, and my ice cream cool (not sure how long for, because I always eat it instantly). CaliWoods are a New Zealand owned, women-led, social enterprise. Their range of eco tools are found in most eco-kiwi’s handbags, including my own - their bamboo cutlery set is super light weight and has been in my handbag for years.
Code ETHICALLYKATE 5% off.
Outliv
Although my sunglasses case is a little dirty after a few years of constant use, it was a pleasure to take it around the country and talk about Outliv at my events! Outliv create beautiful bags from upcycled fabrics here in Aotearoa New Zealand. My Outliv bags are constant talking points and help inspire people to upcycle fabrics instead of throw them away too!
Valka Yoga
My Valka Yoga mat came with me on tour, so it was fitting they were an epic tour sponsor! I love my yoga mat; it’s my happy place. Especially during a full on tour, taking my yoga mat was a good reminder to continue daily stretching and breathing. This mat is made from sustainable cork and rubber, and after 1.5 years of use, it’s still in excellent condition.
Code ETHICALLYKATE 10% off.
Practicing Yoga During The Tour - Tauranga
The Places I Stayed
Accommodation can be the most expensive part of any adventure, so I was lucky to stay with friends and whānau (family) during most of my trip. There were just four special places I visited that wooed me with their sustainable values and beautiful decor. You can stay at them too!
Crafty Gatherer Cob House /Tauranga
Off grid. Composting toilets. Solar powered.
City centre. Groovy decor. Amazing rooftop space.
Sustainable EVERYTHING. Staff that feel like home. Kitchen gardens. Comfy beds.
Rustic vibe. Cosy farm. Farm activities. Fresh eggs. Brilliant company (thanks Farmer David!).
The Electric Vehicle I Drove
Seeing at this was one of the most important parts of my tour, my experience driving an e-Golf borrowed from Volkswagen deserves it’s own blog post which you can read here.
In summary, I don’t think I could own a petrol-run vehicle again. The comfort, ease, and sustainability of the vehicle were phenomenal. I went into the experience worried that there wouldn’t be enough charging stations, and anxious about driving so much. I came away from it feeling like I wanted to get back in the car and keep on driving.
The Food I Ate
Have you heard of the UYO Responsible Cafe Directory? Well, now you have. Anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, you can hit ‘find a cafe near me now’ and it will pop up with brilliant options for eateries who have a conscience. Use their handy filters to find places who are responsible with their food waste, accept your reusables, have straws only on request, dog friendly, WiFi, and even those that have coffee grounds to steal and put on your garden!
UYO were a key tour sponsor; they fed me while I was on tour. It was an absolute honour to visit and support their responsible eateries all over the country!
The Plan for 2021
I’ll be honest… after 5 weeks on the road… I didn’t want to come home (hope my husband isn’t listening!). Tour 2021 is already in the works, and I cannot WAIT for tour #2. If you have any ideas, feedback, or want to be part of it, please email me kate@ethicallykate.com