Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Friday, February 10th, 2012
There are some things you can do which are helpful in teaching the public about climate change; then there are some which are not. We’ll start with the good shall we… Utilising the data of the two century-long Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature (BEST) study, developer Nick Orenstein has created an app for iPhones and iPads which literally tracks climate change as it happens. Using colour-coded, moving maps which demonstrate how today’s monthly temperatures compare to historical averages, the free Just Science app is the antidote to disengaging scientific and political rhetoric around the topic, and helps users get involved and interested in what’s happening to the world around them. Also, it’s an app, and people like wasting time on apps – at least this way we’re learning something. (Although it should still be noted, climate change is a lot more complex than just changing temperatures – but hey, Nick Orenstein, we’ll let you get away with it this time). Now, ready for the huge, glowing negative of this whole thing? (more…)
Posted by tess curran in Environment, News | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Clean lines, neutral colours, comfy fits, affordable price tags – this could only mean one thing! Yes, trusty Peppermint faves SOSUME have just launched a new basics range. Made using 100% fair trade organic cotton and stitched locally in Melbourne, there are five cuts and three colours to choose from. As the cooler months creep up on us, so will more styles and shades to keep our wardrobes fresh year round.
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Fashion, News, Organic | No Comments »
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
As well as having one of the coolest ad campaigns around (check out more of these amazing cut-leaf illustrations online) the message Plant for the Planet are spreading is pretty darn inspiring as well. Their Billion Tree Campaign has so far seen more than 12.5 billion trees planted in 193 countries. When their goal of nurturing 1,000 billion trees new trees by 2020 is met (yup, we didn’t know you could count that high either!), it will mean an extra 10 billion tonnes of CO2 absorption every year. And get this – their Children’s Initiative is managed by a board of 14 kids (with a little help from the grown ups, we’re sure). But it’s not just little hands making a difference here – adults too can pledge a tree or become a member of this global network. We could all take a leaf out of Plant for the Planet’s book!
Posted by Emily Lush in Environment, News | No Comments »
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
As a child, I adored my Faber-Castell coloured pencils: artist sets, watercolours, those cute ones that came in the little tubes… And now I think I know why. In exciting news for my ability to predict the future, the socially-responsible German stationery company is bringing one of my favourite childhood compositions – the smiling trees, smiling mountains, smiling sun combination – a touch closer to reality with the announcement that they have just become the world’s first private company awarded carbon trading approval by the UN. It coincides with Faber-Castell International’s launch of a new sustainable reforestation project in Colombia, just another notch on the belt of their already exemplary environmental record. All this makes them carbon neutral several times over, and this year, thanks for the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism, they will begin dealing in carbon dioxide certificates. But the most interesting fact of all? The Regional Director for Faber-Castell is named – wait for it – Count Andreas von Faber-Castell. Let’s hear it for the Count!
Posted by tess curran in Art, Environment, News | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
You’re probably wondering why on earth surfing champion and Planet Ark ambassador, Layne Beachley, is standing inside a recycling bin. Well, Planet Ark are currently running a competition to encourage us to recycle aluminum cans when we’re out and about at parks, beaches (get it – beaches?) and other public spaces. The humble tin can can be recycled an infinite number of times and, according to RMIT, recycling just six cans will offset your 25km train trip, 17km bus ride or 10km car ride! To enter simply take a picture of the recycling bin you use at home, school or work before the end of the month. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including an iPad 2. Good luck!
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Competitions, News | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
It’s never much fun saying goodbye to an old friend. But these are happy tears, we swear! With the exciting news that Angela D’Alton, the founder of our favourite online design store Leeloo, is moving on to bigger and brighter things (a job at handmade haven Etsy!) comes the announcement that the website will be closing up shop at the end of this week. On behalf of everyone here at Peppermint, we want to give a HUGE thank you to Angela (and her lovely sidekick, Renee) for their ongoing support and wish them the best of luck in their new adventures. If you’d like to purchase a back issue of Peppermint from Leeloo (along with a multitude of unique designer goodies), best get your skates on! Check out here to snap up a back issue before Friday. Goodbye lovely Leeloo, and good luck!
Posted by Emily Lush in Craft, News | No Comments »
Monday, October 10th, 2011
For those of us who just can’t get enough of the colour-blocking trend, our friends over at KeepCup have now introduced a delightfully irreverent ‘mix up the colours like no one’s watching’ Rocker Series of their cult reusable coffee cup. Design your own online here, or purchase ‘pre-rocked’ versions from any good coffee shop or KeepCup stockist. Bright, edgy and just a little bit unbalanced, perfectionists best look away now.
Posted by tess curran in Lifestyle, News | No Comments »
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Being an eco warrior no longer means fossicking for your own organic fruits. Freshly launched Australian website EarthFirst is the online eco-directory that makes being green easy, peddling everything from earth-friendly nail polish remover to safe house paint, organic restaurants and wine and even environmentally-conscious investments. Website director Sol Pandiella-McLeod first started EarthFirst out of her own personal needs. After attending a David Suzuki lecture at the Sydney Opera House, Sol wanted to ‘green’ her lifestyle but struggled to find the products she was looking for. (more…)
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Environment, Lifestyle, News | 1 Comment »
Thursday, August 4th, 2011
It’s Expo time! Starting tomorrow the fabulous Organic Expo will be on for 3 days – so get your green skates on and get on down! Still need a reason? Well how about this one… you just might snag yourself a goodie bag from yours truly. Grab a subscription at the special price of $40 from the Expo and you’ll receive an Envirosax reusable bag, with a full size Sukin natural facial moisturiser, HEAD Organics haircare sample, AND a Peppermint back issue. Woo hooo! PLUS – sign up for our mailing list to win some other exciting goodies – an organic bag from Apple & Bee, a natural makeup kit from Ere Perez, an Envirosax Aqua water bottle and shopping bag set, and loads more. See you there!!!
*Goodie bag is for first 100 subscribers, so don’t dilly dally!
Posted by Kelley Sheenan in Competitions, Events, News | 3 Comments »
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Getting hooked up with leading UK creative contacts and a free return flight to do so feels somewhat dreamlike for a green creative down under. When you add the extra treat of $8000 spending money it becomes a fairy tale. However, you may not need to reach for a frog or a poison apple just yet… The British Council Realise Your Dream program has been nurturing Australia’s best emerging creatives with a professional development program for the last nine years. If you are in the first 10 years of your career and a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, you should hop to it and apply! But hurry – entries close this Monday, July 4.
Posted by Kate Bensen in Competitions, News | No Comments »
