Peppermint Magazine Issue 48 - Summer 2020

MEL BAXTER / MOONSHINE MADNESS A lot of my artwork has been inspired by the flora and fauna of my backyard. It makes sense to be inspired by what is around you and that which rests at the core of your heart: home. It’s been a big year, starting off with the bushfires around our country. The fragility and fortitude of our land and animals were centre stage for all of us to see. This piece is a small, colourful reminder of what we have and what we must help preserve. Art influences our experiences and inspires us on a fundamental level; it carries itself well beyond physical boundaries and opens up discourse between its viewers. moonshinemadness.com.au BROOK GOSSEN 2020 has been a year of heartache yet, with it, so much hope. We find hope…

let’s plant the future When it comes to the fight against climate change, every tree – and every action – matters. That’s why we’ve partnered with non-profit environmental charity One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every Peppermint subscription sold. Because although the problems our world faces may seem overwhelming, we know we can work together to create real, lasting change – one tiny seedling at a time. Now, when you take out a subscription, you’ll be helping to plant trees in vulnerable communities around the world, including North America, Indonesia, the Amazon rainforest and Australia. The simple act of planting trees helps to restore biodiversity, support reforestation, protect endangered wildlife, provide sustainable jobs and income and, crucially, store carbon from the atmosphere in a bid to prevent global temperatures rising…

Hope. For its mere four letters, it has immense gravitas. I’ve written about hope multiple times before, in previous issues. I’ve spoken of how I’ve always considered it ‘my word’, and how it’s emblazoned on the wall in upcycled signage letters in my lounge. I’ve explored many aspects of it previously and so, I have to admit, dear reader, I worry you may be sick of hearing me beat that drum. But here’s the thing: I won’t ever give up hope. I will continue to have it, to push it and to go back to it, even when it seems that all has been lost. Let’s be clear here: I am not bouncing out of the right side of bed every day with boundless optimism and a positive outlook – like…

with love Letterbox goodies for you from FLUFF All writers published in this issue’s Letterbox will receive a gift pack from vegan beauty brand Fluff Casual Cosmetics, valued at $106! Each pack includes a scent-free lip oil and bronzing powder (both come in Fluff’s signature super-cute, refillable metal, cloud-shaped compact) along with a vegan kabuki brush and their multipurpose 100% pure jojoba face oil, for minimalistic cleansing and moisturising! Palm oil-free and cruelty-free, Fluff have pledged to join 1% for the Planet, PETA, and B Corp by the end of 2020. itsallfluff.com dear peppermint It was a few years ago that I picked up my first copy of Peppermint magazine, and I’m so grateful for the wisdom, hope and sense of community it fosters. It helped me, as an environmentalist and crafty person, to…

PRINTS CHARMING The brainchild of Nerida Hansen, Future Folk Designs is the new kid on the block teaming uplifting statements with punchy artwork in its collection of labels, stickers, decals and prints – with a range of eco-printed t-shirts and accessories on the way. Partnering with like-minded artists like Lisa Congdon, Brook Gossen, May Gibbs, Jennifer Bouron and more, the range will liven up any room – big or small – with a focus on sustainable matters, gender and racial equality, plus physical and mental health. futurefolk.com.au WIN A WALL DECAL AND STICKER PACK! SEND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO YESPLEASE@PEPPERMINTMAG.COM BY 11 FEBRUARY 2021 WITH ‘FUTURE FOLK’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE. GOOD LUCK! HEART AND SOLE Inspired by the resourceful Balinese artisans he met on a surfing trip in 2004, Kyle Parsons sensed an…

What’s the biggest hurdle for families going zero waste? The greatest initial hurdle is to change the way you and your family think about waste. We live in a world of convenience and so many of us are time-poor, but my book, A Zero Waste Family, is about how we can reduce waste in our homes in 30 days. It’s a recognition that reducing our waste also means saving time. Set systems in place such as a trash command centre – a carefully labelled rubbish zone that has recycling, soft plastics and landfill bins. Where’s the easiest place to start? Start with the quick wins, such as creating a zero-waste kit for each member of your family. It’s something they can put into their handbag or their backpack, and will reduce their waste…