I've started 'Simple Chats'.
It's an excuse to sit down with interesting people, have a cuppa, and share ideas that make life a bit simpler and lighter on the planet.
First up: nutritionist Vinka Wong.
We sat in her kitchen surrounded by jars of preserves from her garden, talking about food and the small things that make a difference.
Here's the gold...
Grow one thing
We all know growing our own food is better for us and better for the planet. But it can also feel like… a lot.
Vinka says start here: microgreens. 🌱
They sit on your kitchen bench, massively overdeliver on nutrients, and are super easy to grow. Shallow container, bit of soil, some seeds, regular misting. Within a week - something green with zero food miles and you can sprinkle them over almost everything! Find your microgreen inspo here.
Got a garden? Go for perpetual spinach. Nutrient-dense, cut-and-come-again plant that just keeps growing and growing.
The F-word
Vinka calls synthetic fragrance "the F-word."
Phthalates in fragrances can mess with hormones, moods, even increase cancer risk - and they're not great for the environment either. They're hiding everywhere: beauty products, cleaning sprays, laundry detergent, candles. Often just listed as "fragrance" or "parfum."
Her tip? Each time you replace something, swap for fragrance-free or look for essential oils in the ingredients - it's usually a sign the brand's gone the extra mile to make a safer choice.
The easiest preserving trick
Vinka's larder is beyond epic - shelf after shelf of beautiful preserves. It's aspirational, but not realistic for most of us. So I asked her how to keep it simple.
Her answer? Chop and freeze.
When produce is cheap and in season or the garden's overflowing - just chop and chuck it in the freezer. You've got nutrient-dense food stocked up, nothing wasted, zero stress about sterilising jars or getting it perfect.
Skip the plastic
Vinka was short and to the point: ditch the plastic drink bottle and don't heat food in plastic. Even BPA-free stuff has other nasties. Go for glass, ceramic, or stainless steel* instead.
Better for you, better for the planet. Done.
*Obviously don't microwave the steel, and get good quality - look for grades 304 (18/8 or 18/10) or 316.
None of this was complicated. Which is kind of the point. Just a few small shifts that make things a bit simpler, and a bit lighter.
Nic
P.S. If you know someone in NZ doing interesting things around simple living - hit reply and let me know.
