November 2020 - Summer X Salt Markets

Meet The Maker: Enviro Bren

Posted on November 24, 2020September 22, 2024 by sxsmarkets_admin

Meet The Maker: Enviro Bren

If you, like us, had an abundance of time during iso, you’ve perhaps delved into the plethora of environmental docos available at the touch of button? Sir David Attenborough has been leading the way for decades as evident in his latest A Life On Our Planet. But others like Kiss The Dirt and 2040 have also emerged. These films, whilst shocking, are not designed to stun us into powerless and inaction. Instead they task us with the obligation to make change. It’s fairly simple really, and it starts with you, but first you must get comfortable living with less.

The impact of COVID-19 may have seen a contracted ecological footprint globally and #EarthOvershootDay may have been the latest it’s been for some time. But these are outlier statistics, for the best part of the last century (and the duration of Attenborough’s life) the world’s ability to sustain itself has been in decline.

This is not time to unlearn the lessons from the catalyst coronavirus pandemic, but instead to take the knowledge we have learnt from binging nature docos and take direct actions to make direct change.

Feeling overwhelmed? We’re right there with you, but lucky for us (and you guys) one of our epic local makers has some product solutions for you. Are you ready to make the switch with the help of Envirobren?

Here are some key areas in our lives where most of us consume plastic goods – the kitchen, the bathroom and laundry and when we are out and about.

How to make the switch: In the Kitchen

Cling wrap: SWITCH TO AGreena Reusable Silicone 3 in 1 Wraps.

A safe, non-toxic, reusable wrap for sandwiches, rolls, wraps or anything else you can think of. No shape is too difficult for Agreena sheets to wrap around. Time after time….
There’s not a hint of plastic in these bad boys. They work like cling wrap without the detrimental impact that single use plastic has on the environment when it degrades.
Agreena covers and perfectly seals bowls, cups, glasses and plates with a perfectly airtight seal. They come in a box of 2 x large silicone baking sheets and also a box of 2 small (20cm x 20cm) & 2 large (30cm x 30cm) silicone wraps plus instructions for use and care.

Zip lock bags: SWITCH TO My Humble Earth Reusable Silicone ZipLock Bags.

Being dishwasher safe, freezer safe, microwave safe and oven safe makes this product very easy to use and low maintenance, and their compact so easily stack in the freezer and lunch bag.

DID YOU KNOW? These amazing bags can be used in the oven up to 220degrees Celsius? They can also be used for steaming veggies or cooking Sous Vide!
The reusable silicone ziplock bags come in 500ml, 1000ml and 1500ml sizes so you can choose which is best for your needs.

Some other kitchen kindness suggestions:

plastic produce bags (you know the annoying ones that never want to open at the ends) – mesh bags, glass jars, even brown paper mushroom bags
plastic wrapped bread – invest in a bread bag and take a trip to your local bakery
canned fruit and veg (did you know cans have plastic lining?) – fresh is best, drystore beans – just soak in a tsp of baking/ bi-card powder and water before cooking
plastic wrapped produce – buy naked (mother nature gave them skin for a reason!)

How to make the switch: In The Laundry

Plastic/Wooden clothing pegs: SWITCH TO Let’s Go Nature’al Stainless Steel Wire Pegs.

Designed to last a lifetime these eco friendly pegs are made from the highest quality marine grade (#316) stainless steel which means that they’ll never rust (even if you live near the ocean).

DID YOU KNOW? Plastic pegs break down in the heat of the sun and wooden pegs can go mouldy after a while?

You’ll never need to replace these beauties and so they’ll save you money in the long run and you’ll be doing the environment a favour. The pegs come in a sustainable pure cotton, undyed, unbleached reusable bag.

**Added bonus: Marine grade Clothes Pegs won’t get hot so are perfect for hot summer conditions.

Creative cleaning suggestions (DIY, zero-waste and non-tox):

All purpose cleaner: warm water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio)
Save old rags as cleaning cloths
Fabric softener: vinegar, water, vegetable glycerin (by product of soap making), essential oil of choice. Recipe.

How to make the switch: Out and About

Single use cold drink cups: SWITCH TO MontiiCo Mini and Original Smoothie Cups.

MontiiCo Smoothie Cups are made for the little legends (and the young at heart) and come in a rainbow of colours The stainless steel, scratch resistant finish makes it durable (and kid safe).

The smoothie cups are vacuum insulated double wall stainless steel with means that your drink will stay cold for 6 hours at least.

They come with a screw on stainless steel lid and a thick stainless steel straw (the mini cup comes with a mini stainless steel straw and bonus silicone mini straw).

The original smoothie cup is 450ml or a decent 16oz while the mini smoothie cup is 275ml or 90z. What size is best for you?

H2Onya Reusable Drink Bottles.

It’s mind boggling when you think of how many millions of plastic bottles go into landfill around the world every single day. H2Onya is making hydration responsible and healthy (for us and the planet)

The drinking bottles come in 500ml, 750ml and 1L sizes in great colours to suit any taste.

Made from stainless steel H2Onya bottles will never retain or leach flavours.They’re ultra durable and tough as and unless you lose them they will last you for years!!

Shop Local This Christmas

Posted on November 24, 2020September 22, 2024 by sxsmarkets_admin

Community strength and environmental integrity, two pinnacles of the buy local movement.

Since the inaugural market season our salty souls have been working toward creating an ecologically sound event space which does more good than harm for the beautiful corner of the planet we gratefully call home. One ripple effect we were pleasantly blindsided by was the social change and community outreach our humble little market supports.

The anonymous quote “When you choose small business you’re choosing a dream” couldn’t ring more true for what we’ve witnessed over the years at the Summer x Salt Markets.

But it’s not just bakers bringing you baked goods just how Grandma made, or floral arrangements curated by your childhood neighbour; it’s the stories behind the creation. And we have discovered there are many.

Similar to our Meet The Maker blog series this little piece delves into the stories behind the makers, how it’s led them home to their inner creative, and why when you choose to #shoplocal (and #staysalty) you’re supporting something much greater than the individual, their dream, their journey and even the planet they live on. You’re supporting a ripple of social change driven by a grassroots vision.

(Image: @wildfire_wellness)

Growing from the ground up, we’ve watched our local alchemist Haidee Coulson share her blends of precious oils and other locally harvested fruit and flora to strengthen the health of the community.

Conscious Culture has been an evolution of Haidee’s biomed background and a beauty therapy course completed many moons ago.

Haidee says she creates products based on what people like to put on their bodies and around their homes.

“I get insights from friends and family then trial it and create a new formula based on the ideas that spring from these conversations” she says.

It’s clear to see when speaking to our makers the products are an extension of them; they’re creative energy made manifest into physical form. So when asked to name her top three products, which by the way are her signature deodorant paste, the moon goddess serum and her coffee scrub blend, it had Haidee splitting hairs over her divine range.

Just as Conscious Culture Co supports our people’s health, the effort to support the planet is impressive, and she was willing to share with us her process.

Here’s the blueprint:

All packaging from local sources: bottles from a local glass making company who order in the pipettes from their cousin company in QLD (currently the only carbon footprint the packaging side of the business creates)
You get to know your suppliers as people and you begin to work together like family
Labels – env eco printing company in Malaga ink are organic and tox free and labels made from recycled packaging
Offering of a refill program – this year all of the products are all recycled

“The first year of business was about creating something people would resonate with and from there it’s been a journey toward making it a more sustainable venture,” she says.

“Where there is a WA grown option for my blends I will always choose to support local, it’s a constant effort to swap for local sources”

“You get to know your suppliers and over time the relationship begins to resemble family business.”

“I get my wax from a local beehive in Maylands, my eucalyptus from a Kalamunda farm, and I have recently found a local calendula grower which is pretty rad,” she says.

Whilst Haidee does her bit to source flora from the ground, another maker Colm Macdonagh does his bit to keep unnecessary debris returning to the ground as landfill.

The man behind Off Cut Skateboards puts a new spin on “one man’s trash being another’s treasure.”

When Colm’s wife bought a board off gumtree 6 years ago his trade in joinery would become an affinity for a new creative project; one that would involve diving into skip bins.

Seeing the masses of building material waste at demolition sites he began recovering perfectly good wood debris, namely timber and hardwood.

Colm says he’s always delighted in the challenge of turning “junk” into something beautiful.

“People are drawn to something that’s handcrafted; something they can see and touch, there’s no shortcuts, it’s made with care, something unique,” he says.

Since picking up skateboard design Colm has built about 30 boards in three different sizes.

“There’s a board for everyone, a 40” longboard, 33” cruiser, and a 26” mini board which is versatile for kids and can also be used by public transport commuters,” he says.

But he says it’s more than the physical process of creating something.

“I think for anybody that creates, it’s a mental switch off.”

“It does more for your mental health than anything else,” he says.

For our final maker, Pop and Crackle her design process is not only a therapeutic release, but a way of connecting to a passed loved one.

Seeking a creative outlet Ami reignited a past jewellery crafting hobby and brought her sister Kia along for the ride.

“Kia passed away last year, and she remains very much a part of the Pop and Crackle story, and it’s why I still create” Ami says.

From tragedy the Pop and Crackle family have witnessed a continual wave of community generosity.

“From the start the community banded together and since, collecting 10% of all profits from this support, Pop and Crackle has raised over $3000 for the Youth Cancer Centre.” she says.

The story behind these two sisters’ business is reason enough to #shoplocal, needless to mention the polymer clay accessories and homewares range is unique in more ways than one.

Purchasing a Pop and Crackle piece to adorn yourself or your house with you are supporting a small business doing good in the world.

No piece of the polymer clay slabs are wasted and all materials are sourced as sustainably as possible.

“Everything can be repurposed, pieces that are seemingly imperfect to use for the accessory range can be utilised as a component in a wall hanging piece or another homeware piece.” Ami says.

“Being a mum it’s important for me that my work is conducted in a way that supports the future of the planet for my children,” she says.

Ami is part of a new movement of female entrepreneurs creating a work life that fits with the family. This is why her creative outlet is so important to her, she says.

“As a working mum to have a space to connect to Kia, a happy place where I create and call it work is truly a blessing,” she says.

So when sifting through the rainbow key-rings, funky 90s inspired berets, and brass/ clay combo earrings you are voting for a change supporting entrepreneurial mums like Ami.

Ami, Haidee and Colm’s stories are just three from the makers family that make up the Summer x Salt Markets.

These markets may have started with the mission to create more eco friendly options for the community, but what we’ve come to realise is when people support small businesses and creatives they empower individuals to reconnect to passions, support community mental health and in turn raise the health of the community and the planet.

When you opt to shop local you:

Support individuals, diverting money away from multinationals
Stimulate your local economy to support its community
Protect quality by mitigating harmful byproducts sometimes present in imported goods
Reduce transportation emissions and costs
Open an opportunity for small business networks to develop
Help keep unnecessary resources in the ground
Empower people to make conscious change through their business mission

Visit us this season at Clarko Reserve, Trigg.

See you soon!

Meet our local legend Ross, from Soul Boardstore!

Posted on November 4, 2020September 22, 2024 by sxsmarkets_admin

Meet our local legend Ross, from Soul Boardstore!

Scarborough’s Soul Boardstore celebrates its 25th birthday this November, so we had a yarn with Ross, one of the Westcoast’s finest shapers in the business! Learn how Soul Board Store started, what inspires Ross the most and get to know our favourite local legend below.

Plus, we’re stoked to announce that Ross will be joining us this salty season in our Shapers Bay! Watch him in action, shaping and come say hi!

So, how was the idea for Soul Boardstore born?

I started longboarding in the mid nineties and it wasn’t as busy, was more of a niche thing than it is now. It was a nice thing that I wanted to be involved in. A guess the inspiration was the old American longboard mag, when magazines were still a thing, I’d look forward to getting that copy every couple of months or whatever it might have been. Seemed like a really nice world and something to be part of.

Not growing in the industry, working in board factories and such, I was almost an unknown to everyone. I had so many people saying “what are you doing that for?” and you know “that’ll never work” and in hindsight they were probably right, but I’ve been in business coming up 25 years so perhaps they were wrong.

Now it’s almost gone full circle with the younger generations getting into the long boarding and more of the ethos of it perhaps than it was the last 10 years or so. There’s also so many girls getting into it so it feels really inclusive. It’s like those little hard-core surfing groups are almost a minority now and there’s such a family. Still Still doesn’t mean anyone will give a wave to anyone, but the kooks and the beginners are as valid out on the water as the guys who’ve been surfing for 30 years.

What inspires you most when shaping?

I try to interpret everyone’s story when they come in, you know they’re all chasing a different thing, whether it’s to surf a particular sort of wave, or a particular style, you know. All the styles have their own thing, high performance is really cool, longing is really cool, so I don’t leave any of them out. I’m sort of a believer in the natural beauty of things, so it’s nice to aim to have something balanced and clean. I do a bit of everything. I’m not a high performance shortboard shaper, but I do a bit of mid lengths and mid sizes; basically, anything alternative to a shortboard I suppose.

”I try to interpret everyone’s story when they come in, you know they’re all chasing a different thing, whether it’s to surf a particular sort of wave, or a particular style, you know”.

How do you keep motivated when life throws you curveballs?

If I feel like I’m working too much just getting away and having a surf. At the moment I feel like I’m doing six or seven days a week, so it’s hard. But some of the nicest surfing is just spending 25 minutes down at the beachfront here, particularly those days where there’s not too much wind and I’m just chatting to a few dudes on the water and get like 20 minutes, then I’m away. By necessity the last few years I’ve been a morning person, but my ultimate preference are the afternoons where there’s no wind, but you don’t get so many of them in Perth and with the family and all that I don’t get the evenings so much. A nice beautiful glassy evening is like perfect, but I’ll take a morning one.

What does daily life look like and how did you make your passion a business?

In the early days it was just simple naivety, I thought “oh yeah that’s cool, I’ll do it” and I did it. But if I had to sit down and do all the numbers, I probably wouldn’t have done it. But that plain naivety of “I’ll just start a business” probably stood me in good stead. But yeah, I think my days are pretty good, you take it for granted after a while. Back in the early days I used to work a couple of days a week doing other jobs and things, and I was so looking forward to getting back into my little shop. But now I’m working here all the time and there’s so much to running a business, much more than meets the eye. Somedays I think I wouldn’t mind just having a job digging holes for someone and going home, but I reckon I might give up that idea pretty quickly.

Tell us some important lessons you’ve learnt about running a local business here in Scarbs.

Rightly or wrongly I kind of end up doing things for a price and a quality that I would like for myself. So when I think “what would I like to pay for a board repair” and I’ll do it for that, unfortunately none of the bills work in that system. I’m pretty honest and straight up, so much so that some might see me as the grumpy guy, but I’m just honest and don’t try and oversell things.

Yeah I guess one lesson that never goes astray is don’t promise more than you deliver, but deliver more than you promise. Some people don’t want to hear that, they come in with some beaten up board and I straight up tell them it’s time to throw it in the bin, but you know I’m not going to tell them I’m going to make their board a beautiful thing again.

What does the future hold for the business?

I can’t predict anymore. You know the predictions I’ve made in the last five to six months during coronavirus have all been totally wrong so I’ve given up haha! But I think in the retail side there’s probably a need to do more than just unpack a box and get people to buy it. It’s always been a bit of a lifestyle thing here, trying to include people and sell them the dream a bit.

But I guess what’s been in the pipeline are a few events. We’ve got this great courtyard out the front which I don’t really get as much use out of as I should. I had a couple of things planned, but they fell away during Covid. I’m not into doing big music gigs and things like that so much, but just some little events. There’s people right into it like board collectors and shapers, and so planning to do a little bit more about that.

One of the best things about business in Scarborough is being part of the community and just being recognised. Like just being down at the beach and chatting to like 10 people or whatever it may be, before I get to the beachfront. Which to me is an important thing, you know that little bit of recognition that you are someone and you’re connected.

Summer x Salt also embodies this, it’s more than just going and buying things, it’s about the community, chatting to people and sharing an hour or two connected with people.