10 Facts About Microplastics (and what to do about the issue)

If you haven’t heard about microplastics, they are small plastic particles that enter our water streams from many different ways and have a huge impact on our planet and our personal health.

The microplastic issue is not to be taken lightly, and it seems like it isn’t not talked about enough.

I was lucky to collaborate with the sustainable brand Reprise to make a video about the issue, and what we can do to solve it.

Reprise promotes a cleaner earth and a cleaner body by freeing our closets from plastic. They only work with plant-based fabric which creates a softer, healthier, more comfortable way for you to care for your skin. All of the production takes place locally within the United States!

But, what are microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5mm in diameter, unless stated otherwise.

10 Facts About Microplastics

1. 8 billion tons of plastic makes its way into the ocean every year

2. 40 to 60% of microplastics come from the fishing industry

3. Plastics contain chemicals that classify as endocrine disruptors

   They can mimic hormones and interfere with the endocrine system, which can cause a variety of health problems, from auto-immune disorders to fertility problems, and neurological issues. What’s more, women (who are able and choose to have kids) pass down their chemical body burden to the next generation during gestation and through breastfeeding.

4. A single 6kg load of synthetic laundry could release 700.000 tiny bits of fibre

5. All clothes made from synthetic materials are actually made of plastic

6. 60% of all clothing on Earth is made of synthetic fibers

   This has a big hidden problem: when they’re washed, they release tiny plastic bits — called microfibers — that flow down our drains, through water treatment plants, and out into our rivers, lakes and oceans by the billions.

7. Almost 2/3 of all microplastics in the oceans come from the laundry of synthetic textiles

8. The second reason is the erosion of tyres while driving

9. Microfibers and other small forms of plastic pollution absorb toxins found in the ocean

   Some are consumed by microorganisms such as plankton. As these fibers move up the food chain, the toxins that have been absorbed bioaccumulate.

10. Annual microplastics consumption ranges from 39.000 to 52.000 particles depending on age and sex

    These estimates increase to 74.000 and 121.000 when inhalation is considered.

What to do?

1.    Choose natural materials

2.    Do not over-wash

3.    Use a microfiber catching device when doing laundry

4.    Stop consuming sea food

5.    Educate others!

To learn more, head to the websites where I found my sources:

https://storyofstuff.org/

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/jul/16/the-big-fashion-fight-can-we-remove-all-the-toxic-invisible-plastic-from-our-clothes

 https://archive.yellowco.co/blog/2019/08/12/the-scoop-micro-plastics-how-to-not-consume/

 https://brenmicroplastics.weebly.com/

 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517#

My New Skincare Routine

As you might know, for the past few years, I’ve only been using natural products on my face, body and hair. I avoid any kind of harsh chemicals and have noticed an incredible difference in the quality of my skin.

For a while, on my face, I was mainly using products I made myself. But lately, between traveling a lot and moving to a new country, not only did I feel like my skin needed something more, but it’s also been complicated to carry around with me the ingredients I need to make my own cosmetics.

This is why I’ve decided to give OSEA MALIBU a try, and I don’t regret it! 

Disclaimer: this is a paid partnership, but all my opinions are honest and unbiased. I only work with a few brands that I truly believe in and think should be supported for trying to make a real change in the world.

When you go to OSEA’s website, you can take a short quiz to determine your skin type. From there, it will offer you a full routine that should make wonders! And I can tell you: it works!

I have been using a cleanser, serum and face moisturiser daily, and my skin is visibly clearer and softer. I barely ever breakout anymore, my skin is glowing, and its tone is more even.

Not only are OSEA products very efficient, but they are also completely vegan, and cruelty free, natural and the components are ethically and sustainably sourced.

OSEA puts our health and the health of our planet first, with potent skin and body care solutions that are pure, safe and effective. Everything they do is inspired by our elements of wellness: Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere. The entire line is built on these four pillars and pulls from botanical sources around the world to create products that are truly effective.

Another thing that I absolutely love about OSEA is that it was founded and is run by a family of women inspired by the sea. Also, every product is sustainably packaged, non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan and made with love in California. You won’t have to deal with any plastic when you receive your package!

Follow this link to take the quick and get your personalised products: https://oseamalibu.com/

You can use the code ‘nourlivia’ for a free travel size product with any purchase of $40 or more!

My Favourite Sustainable Yoga Brands

I have been practicing yoga on and off for a few years now.

I recently had to take a break for health reasons, but am getting back into it, more motivated than ever!

My main issue, however, has always been that yoga gear was mainly made from unnatural materials, not ethically sourced, and that did not fit with the mindful, conscious and ethical image I have of this practice.

But, quite recently, I have come across some brands that have made it their mission to do things differently, and I feel like it is my duty to share them with you.

Also, with the holiday season being just around the corner and gifts about to be purchased, I thought it would be a good idea to provide you with ethical and sustainable options for yoga lovers.

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 OGNX

OGNX is a yoga and workout gear company that sources and creates its products ethically and sustainably in Portugal. All their clothes are made out of organic and/or recycled materials, which are also very high quality!

Click here and use the code ‘Nour10’ to get 10% off your purchase!

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AJNA

Ajna was created by sisters who have set out to create a business inspired by a mutual passion. They produce yoga mats, meditation cushions and acupressure props, all made out of ethically sourced and organic materials.

Click here and use the code ‘NOURAJNA15’ to get 15% off your purchase!

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 REPRISE

Reprise was created after learning about how much of our clothing is made out of plastic. They only use natural materials and never use oil-based synthetics or recycled plastics because of their impact on the planet. The company believes our skin deserves only the best, so they only work with plant-based fabrics for the cleanest wear.

Reprise also aims to educate on the use of plastics in the world and on our bodies because, being aware that this is one of the most important environmental issues at this time.

Click here and use the code ‘NOUR10’ to get 10% off your purchase!

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ORGANIC BASICS

 Organic basics are pioneers in ethical and sustainable active wear. Not only are they doing things the right way for humans and the planet, but they also use new technology, such as SilverTech, to make products that are antibacterial and don’t smell, so you can avoid washing them too often, which reduces your water consumption and the amounts of microplastics that end up in our oceans!

Click here to shop

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 GIRLFRIEND

Girlfriend makes some of my favourite leggings ever! Not only do I love them because they are made from recycled plastic bottles, but they are also soooo soft and fit me perfectly! I have worn my Girlfriend leggings extensively for over a year, and they are still in perfect condition!

Click here to shop

How to have a zero waste period

When you decide to reduce your waste and are someone who gets their period, a time comes when you have to face the issue of wasteful conventional menstrual products. That’s when you start asking yourself: how to have a zero waste period?

Did you know that an individual uses about 11.000 disposable period products in a lifetime? Each year, over 45 billion feminine hygiene products are disposed of globally. On average, a menstruating human has about 450 periods in their life. That’s a lot of periods. And a lot of disposables sent to landfill. Pads and tampons contain plastic and take up to 500 years to degrade. The average pad actually contains the equivalent of 4 plastic bags!

Beyond that, conventional menstrual products contain chemicals, which not only end up polluting our soils and water, but are also detrimental to our health. Conventional white cotton is grown with pesticides and contains bleach. Not really something we should be willing to absorb in our bodies…

So what are the options?

Period underwear are becoming more and more popular. They are underwear that contain highly absorbent padding. Washable period pads are also pretty popular. But even before I started reducing my waste, I wasn’t a fan of pads. I needed something easy and discrete that could replace my tampons.

And that is exactly why I love menstrual cups so much, particularly my Organicup. They are super easy to use, hygienic, safe and sustainable. They are a zero waste period must-have!

A menstrual cup is simply a silicone device that you insert in your vagina, let it collect the blood over time, and then empty, rinse and insert again! When I wear it, I can live my life in the exact same way as when I’m not menstruating, I can work out, swim, I sleep with it and only have to empty it twice a day. It is truly life-changing!

Also, menstrual cups save so much money! A menstrual cup is meant to be used for 10 years. The Organicup costs 24€ (19,20€ if you use the code NOUR20), while we spend over 1000€ on tampons and pads over that same amount of time. By having a zero waste period, you’re being kind to the planet, your body and to your wallet!

Why Organicup over another brand?

I have tried my fair share of menstrual cups. Some with which I’ve had pretty bad experiences, others that were good, but none of them was as satisfying as Organicup to me.

I recently got a copper IUD placed, which is making my flow much heavier, and I haven’t had any issues with my Organicup.

Not only is it the perfect zero waste period ally, as it works perfectly, doesn’t leak and cannot be felt, but the brand’s ethics and transparency are what makes it stand out the most.

We vote with our money. When I purchase something, I want to make sure I am supporting a brand that aligns with my values. And Organicup sure does.

Since Organicup was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2012, the brand has made it its mission to not only create the most ethical and sustainable product, but also to be inclusive of all genders, using gender neutral and inclusive terminology.

The brand also does its best to destroy the taboos and shame that have been associated with menstruations for way too long.

In an effort to be completely transparent, Organicup is totally open about the product. The cup is made in 100% medical grade silicone that is certified hypoallergenic, it is vegan and cruelty free, and comes in a minimal cardboard package with a storage pouch made from unbleached organic cotton.

And my favourite thing about Organicup: they work with different organisations around the world, that aim to combat period poverty, by educating people in developing countries about menstruations and donating them menstrual cups.

Oh, and the Organicup now even comes in a new mini size for teenagers!

To learn how to use the cup, read the guide on their website: https://www.organicup.com/how-to-use-a-menstrual-cup/

To get your own cup, follow this link and use the code NOUR20 for 20% off: https://www.organicup.com/product/organicup/

Ready for your zero waste period?

Sustainable Christmas Gifts for Non Sustainable People

Half of the toys gifted to kids for Christmas will be broken in the following few months. And we all know that most of them will only be used once or twice, if ever.

In a world so focused on consumption, our traditions have grown to involve destroying the planet even more, by giving our own money to big corporations, in order to give someone something that they don’t need and won’t use. Just “because it’s what we’re supposed to do”. Put that way, doesn’t it seem a little bit ridiculous to you?

By no means am I saying that we should all stop buying Christmas gifts all together. But we can do so more consciously. There are sustainable and ethical ways to keep the holidays just as magical, if not more, knowing that our actions are actually having a good impact.

Source: Unsplash

 Here are some ideas of what you can get (for the full list, watch the video below!)

DIY gifts

You can make gifts yourself! I think homemade candles can be a great gift, as well as homemade perfume or lip balm, or even a photo album, or anything crafty that you can think of and make yourself! It’s is so nice to receive such a personal gift, knowing that so much thought and effort was put into it!

Get second hand gifts

Buying second hand is the most sustainable way of consuming. Anything you can think of, there’s probably a second-hand option. Clothes? Home decor? Appliances? Electronics? Books? You name it, you can find it. And I think it’s always lovely to know that an object carries a story with it.

Experiences (massage, picnic, city trip not by plane, dinner…)

This one is pretty self-explanatory. A massage, a picnic, a dinner, a sustainable trip by train, tickets to an event, a relaxing day… Whoever you’re looking for a gift for, there is an experience that they will love. And creating beautiful memories with a loved one is priceless.

Online goodies

It can be an online subscription, or anything digital. Let me do a little bit of shameless self-promotion here: if you want to give something to someone who likes photography, Lightroom presets are almost always a safe bet. And I’ve created a pack of 10 presets that can be used for a huge panel of different types of photos. You can click HERE to get it, and you also get 20% off with the code XMAS2018 ! If you want to get an idea of what my presets look like, take a look at my Instagram @nour.livia or at my photography website www.findingnour.com/galleries.

Give to charities

Yes, you can give to charities on behalf of someone else. For example, my friend Evelina (also known as @earthwanderess) is raising money with WWF to fight animal extinction. And for every donation on behalf of someone, she will make a video thanking the person it is gifted to, and explaining where the money is going. It is an amazing way to get someone to think more about environmental issues and get them involved! Here is the link to her fundraiser: https://egeninsamling.wwf.se/varldshjaltar/5-9742?fbclid=IwAR19CY7mBPyGjKij50dfO9JM5a5qIPZ59o0PAXlVUH3jLZrLRu6VFqw_oGQ

Plants

I think plants are always a good idea. There’s not much to say about this. Just remember to get a sturdy plant, such as a cactus or a succulent, if you’re not sure about the person’s skills to keep it alive!

Recycled/ethical clothes

This should be the last resort, but I didn’t want to leave it out, cause if you’re going to buy something new, you might as well buy it from an ethical brand.

There are a few good ones out there, but my favorite ones are:

Organic Basics: http://organicbasics.com?aff=247 15% OFF with code NOURLIVIAXOBCO15

Dedicated: https://www.dedicatedbrand.com/ 20% OFF until Dec 31st 2018 with code NOURLIVIA

Maium: https://www.maium.nl/en/

Fabrics for Freedom: https://fabricforfreedom.co.uk/ 20% OFF with code Nour.livia20

Charlie Feist: https://charliefeist.com/ 15% OFF with code NOUR15

For more gift ideas, watch my video below 😊

Easy Multi-Purpose Cleaner

This is the easiest DIY ever, and it is sooooo useful!

I use this cleaner for my bathroom, countertops, windows, kitchen, and even floors. It can literally clean any surface without being dangerous or polluting.

All you will need is water, and white vinegar. Yep! That’s it!

Half water, half white vinegar in a spray bottle (if you don’t have a spray bottle you can just pour some on a cloth and clean with that, a spray bottle is just a little bit more convenient), shake, and you’re done!

And if you’re feeling a little bit fancy, you can even add a few drops of essential oils of some citrus peels, to make your mixture smell extra nice!

No excuses for your home not to be clean now 😉

Zero Waste Beauty Swaps

1.     Multi-purpose products

Surprisingly enough, many products can be used for several purposes. That means less waste, less money spent and a more minimalist lifestyle! For example, You don’t need different creams for your body and your hands, you can use the same products! You can even make it yourself, and actually, Immy’s hair mask recipe also works great as a body/hand moisturizer.

The same goes for makeup. You can use the same brown shade for contouring, as eyeshadow and for your brows!

2.     Make your own products

I have a ton of videos to make your own products, from my #LOWTOBER campaign! I have recipes for lip balm, face toner, deodorant and even dry shampoo. Click here to access the playlist!

3.     Research the brands you give your money to

For anything you cannot or do not want to make yourself, do your research and find ethical brands. This is very important because it is all a matter of supply and demand, and you vote with your money. When companies see that we support ethical products more than others, that’s what they start investing in.

4.     Make sure you only use what you need (less is more)

It is not because you see an ad or someone using a product, that you need it too. Chances are, if you never thought of using that type of product by yourself, you probably don’t need it! Reducing the amount of products we possess is a great way to reduce our waste.

5.     Soap bars/shampoo bars

It is very easy nowadays to find soaps without packaging or wrapped in paper. Paper isn’t ideal, as it destroys forests, but it is definitely better than plastic. The same goes for shampoo bar, they are becoming very popular! You might have to try a bunch of different ones before finding one that suits you, I know it was my case, but I finally found a local Belgian brand that I absolutely love! I have heard of 2 zero waste shampoo brands that are supposed to be good but haven’t tried them myself. It is J.R. Liggett and Ethique. Just try and you will see 😊 also, reducing how often you wash your hair helps save the environment, so consider that too!

6.     Finish all your products

How often do we stop using products before they’re finished and replace them with new ones? I don’t know, but I have definitely been guilty of that one! If you don’t like a product, either try to use it differently (a face cream that you don’t like can always be used as a hand moisturizer) or give it to someone who might like it. Also,  when a product’s expiration date is passed, you can still see if it looks right to you, cause pretty often, these dates don’t mean anything, they’re just here because the companies want you to consume more. But make sure the product does not look or smell weird, don’t take risks.

The same goes for makeup. I honestly don’t know anyone who has ever finished a whole palette, however we keep buying new ones…

7.     Make your own palette

That’s one of my favorite travel tips! Most makeup palettes are actually magnetic! So I cut out the inside of a cardboard one and picked and chose my favorite items from a bunch of different palettes! I used to be a real makeup hoarder, and this is all I’ve used for over a year and I love it!

8.     Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a dream for its versatility! I use it for cooking, but also for oil pulling, as a makeup remover and as a body moisturizer. You could also use it as a face moisturizer or lip balm, depending on your skin type (it doesn’t work for me but I know it does for some people). I even add it to my deodorant and toothpaste recipes!

9.     Short showers

Try and take short showers to save water and turn off the water while you’re applying soap to yourself. Also prefer showers over baths, as they tend to use less water (however, a long shower can use more water than a bath!). I have to admit that I love baths and still take them once in a while, but usually not more than once a month or every other month. See them as a rare treat!

10.     Bamboo toothbrush/homemade toothpaste

We use many tooth brushes within our lives. Try using a bamboo toothbrush (preferably with compostable bristles, but they’re harder to find.) However, do not throw them in the regular bin, or they will go to landfill where they cannot break down. Throw them in your compost if you do compost, but if the bristles aren’t compostable, break the head of your toothbrush and throw it with your regular trash. Also, try making your own toothpaste! I also have a recipe on my channel 😊

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PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

Bamboo Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/2yZbix1

Coconut Oil in glass jar: https://amzn.to/2QiJieh

J.R. Liggett Shampoo bars: https://amzn.to/2CZjv78

Ethique Shampoo bars: https://amzn.to/2QiURlB

4 Tips to Become a Thrifting Expert

Thrift shopping can be tricky when you’re not used to it.

To be honest, I haven’t always been a fan of thrifting, nor have I always been good at it. However, a few tips can definitely help you get more comfortable.

1. Get to know your area

Sometimes, finding the best thrift shops in your area can be a challenge. I have to admit, I still struggle to find some good ones in Brussels. However, Google (or preferably Ecosia) can be a great help. simply search for “thrift shop YOUR CITY”, “second hand store YOUR CITY” or “charity shop YOUR CITY”, etc. Obviously, you want to replace “YOUR CITY” by the name of your city, duh 🤓

Once you’ve found some, look at reviews and narrow down your search by neighbourhoods, and it will be time to go clothes hunting!

2. Join Facebook groups

Oh, how helpful can Facebook be! It might not be the most popular social network anymore, but OH BOY how active can Facebook groups be! I would honestly be very surprised if there weren’t some second and and zero waste groups dedicated to your area.

I am part of the Zero Waste Brussels group, and people always ask questions about where to find certain things and get very quick answers. So you could just post a question about people’s favorite thrift stores in town, it doesn’t cost anything and could save you a lot of time and research!

3. Ask when they restock

Now that you’ve discovered your favorite stores, you still have one thing to do to become a thrifting expert: ask them when they restock. For example, I know that the biggest charity shop next my apartment restocks on Monday evenings. This way, I know that if I go on Tuesday mornings, I will have more options than at any other time of the week! It is also a good idea to try and go to stores in the morning if you can, to save you the hassle of looking for clothes when it is crowded, cause thrift stores are usually pretty narrow and can be overwhelming.

4. Know exactly what you’re looking for and take your time

One golden rule of thrifting is to be patient. And have a clear idea of what you want in mind. It will allow you to not go and buy any “cool" item you stumble upon and won’t ever wear. It is not because something is cheap that you need it!

Unless you are looking for an item like a pair of jeans and have no other pants to wear at all, you are not in a rush. So take your time to find the perfect item, instead of risking buying the first thing you see and regretting it when you find one that you like better, and end up throwing away one of them.