Harriet Birrell | Contributors - Nourish plant-based living

Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition. When she isn’t busy creating content designed to get people thinking, she loves surfing and tending her veggie patch with her dog Fred.

Articles by Harriet Birrell

View ›
Recipe

Baked buckwheat and raspberry porridge

One weekend, I decided to add some frozen berries to my porridge mix and bake it instead of cooking it on the stovetop. It turned out so good and...

- Harriet Birrell
View ›
Recipe

Double chocolate and blueberry weekday pancakes

These pancakes are the perfect breakfast staple. No blender or food processor needed. Bonus! They are filling and delicious, and offer an...

- Harriet Birrell
View ›
Recipe

Gluten-free lazy bones loaf

This loaf is completely grain free and gluten-free, meaning it’s suitable for those with intolerances. Buckwheat is a seed not a grain. It is...

- Harriet Birrell
View ›
Earth

The cleanest clean

A little know-how is all you need to avoid chemical-laden commercial cleaners and instead make your own non-toxic, household cleaners that are...

- Harriet Birrell
View ›
Recipe

Vegan mushie burgers with the lot

This is the the most delicious vegan mushroom burger we have ever made! It won't fall apart, is totally satisfying and bursting with flavour!

- Harriet Birrell

Enjoying our inspiring stories? We always love to hear from you with suggestions for the content you want more of. Suggest a topic here.

Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Katie White View ›
Recipe
Roast butternut pumpkin with black barley salad

Stuffed butternuts make a glorious seasonal dinner centrepiece in this hearty and flavoursome dish by Katie from Olive Wood Vegan. If you don’t...

Katie White
Ellie Bullen View ›
Recipe
Crunchy salted caramel balls

Vegan food aficionado Ellie Bullen perfected the recipe for these sensational bliss balls when she used to sell them at the local fruit shop...

Ellie Bullen
Simon Toohey View ›
Recipe
Spiced hot chocolate

This deluxe chilli-spiced hot chocolate with orange zest is a perfect way to close out a sophisticated dinner party – though it's equally...

Simon Toohey
Talia Yilmaz View ›
Recipe
Green split pea coconut curry

Bursting with goodness, this nutritious and ultra-satisfying green curry combines tofu, green split peas, luscious fresh greens and the...

Talia Yilmaz
View ›
Recipe
Larb lettuce wraps

Considered the unofficial national dish of Laos, larb (pronounced ‘laap’) is known for its mix of protein, lime juice, fresh herbs, and...

Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Roast vegetable stuffing tray

Simple but sensational, this crispy roast veg stuffing tray will be your new go-to, whether as part of a festive spread, a base for an abundant...

Amanda Logan
View ›
Recipe
Chocolate and hazelnut doughnuts

These decadent doughnuts are gluten-free, refined sugar free, and easy to make. What's not to like!

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Baked buckwheat and raspberry porridge

Harriet Birrell

One weekend, I decided to add some frozen berries to my porridge mix and bake it instead of cooking it on the stovetop. It turned out so good and is actually much easier!

breakfastbrunch
kid-friendlyoil freerefined sugar free

Ingredients

Serves 2–4

To serve

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C fan forced.
  2. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small baking dish. Add the milk and stir well. Add the raspberries, give it a quick mix, then place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven when ready and serve in bowls with a generous dollop of coconut yoghurt, if using, and a little maple syrup. Easy, healthy, and delicious!
Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition.

This recipe was originally published in Nourish plant-based living, Issue 70 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Kentucky-style cauliflower burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine
View ›
Recipe
Mediterranean Breeze

Light, citrusy, and super refreshing, this cocktail starring Licor 43 Horchata and limoncello tastes like Mediterranean summer in a glass.

Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Ultimate green burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Best-ever brownie

This is the perfect plant-based brownie for the brownie connoisseur. Years in the making, and now captured for you to enjoy. It’s as much for...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Dairy-free potato bake

The star of the dish is the cashew cream. Be sure to push the veggies down so they are covered before baking. The magic happens when they soak up...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Vegan burger with the lot

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants. This Vegan burger with the lot is sure...

Amanda Logan

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Double chocolate and blueberry weekday pancakes

Harriet Birrell

These pancakes are the perfect breakfast staple. No blender or food processor needed. Bonus! They are filling and delicious, and offer an alternative to bananas in wholefood, plant-based pancakes.

breakfastbrunchdessert
gluten-free optionkid-friendlyoil freequick and easyrefined sugar free

Ingredients

Serves 2

Method

  1. Heat a large nonstick frying pan over low heat.
  2. Whisk the chickpea flour, cacao powder, and baking powder together in a bowl. Add the vanilla, coconut milk, and maple syrup, if using, and whisk until smooth. Then add the chopped chocolate and half of the blueberries. Mix well.
  3. Spoon ¼ cup of mixture at a time into the frying pan. Allow the pancakes to cook for about 5 minutes or until small holes begin to show on the surface and in the centre.
  4. Flip and lightly press down with a spatula to pop the blueberries. Allow to cook for a further 2–5 minutes before flipping out onto a plate.
  5. To serve, stack the pancakes up or lay them out. Sprinkle with chopped strawberries and the remainder of the blueberries to garnish. Eat them quick – they are so tasty when warm!

TIP: When berries aren’t in season, frozen ones are a great option. Just defrost them first and use as you would fresh ones.

Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition.

This recipe was originally published in Nourish plant-based living, Issue 70 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Vegan pad kee mao

Healthy, satisfying and flavoursome, this pad kee mao is vibrant Thai food at its best. 

Adam Guthrie
Anya Lily and Jade Sarkhel View ›
Recipe
Not-avo toast

Smashed avocado on toast is perhaps the most popular breakfast or brunch item out there, and as much as we love the mighty avo, it generally has...

Anya Lily and Jade Sarkhel
Katie White View ›
Recipe
Sweet fig pizza with salted caramel and chocolate

If you haven’t tried sweet pizza before, it’s time to fix that! In this recipe, homemade pizza bases are smothered with sweet bechamel, and...

Katie White
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Sticky date pudding

Surround yourself with good friends, I say. This sticky date pudding would be nowhere near as epic without a bit of mentoring (and tough love)...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine
Raya Higgs View ›
Recipe
Ginger ramen with vegan eggs

Ramen is an all-time favourite Japanese dish, full of flavour and nutrition. The secret ingredient to our vegan eggs is black salt. Known as kala...

Raya Higgs
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Indonesian salad with spiced tempeh topping

This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...

Rebecca Stonor

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Gluten-free lazy bones loaf

Harriet Birrell

This loaf is completely grain free and gluten-free, meaning it’s suitable for those with intolerances. Buckwheat is a seed not a grain. It is gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and delicious. For this recipe, we use it in its whole form, which makes a hearty loaf full of goodness and rich in fibre.

basics
bakinggluten-free optionoil free

Ingredients

Makes 1 large loaf

TO SERVE (optional)

Method

  1. If you are not using buckwheat that is already activated, soak the buckwheat in water for at least 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well.If using activated buckwheat, skip this step.
  2. Preheat the oven to 200°C conventional or 180°C fan forced. Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
  4. In a small bowl or jug, stir the maple syrup and warm water together. Then stir the wet ingredients through the dry ingredients until evenly combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the loaf tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Then flip the loaf so it is upside down in the tin and bake for another 30–40 minutes until it forms a hard crust. Allow to cool for 1 hour before slicing.
  6. Toast slices and load them up with your favourite toppings to serve. On the bench, the loaf will last for a few days. You can store it in the fridge for longer, but toast it before eating. Otherwise, you can slice it and store in the freezer.
Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition.

This recipe was first published in Nourish plant-based living, Issue 70 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine
Raya Higgs View ›
Recipe
Ginger ramen with vegan eggs

Ramen is an all-time favourite Japanese dish, full of flavour and nutrition. The secret ingredient to our vegan eggs is black salt. Known as kala...

Raya Higgs
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Vegan burger with the lot

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants. This Vegan burger with the lot is sure...

Amanda Logan
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Ultimate green burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Dairy-free potato bake

The star of the dish is the cashew cream. Be sure to push the veggies down so they are covered before baking. The magic happens when they soak up...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Sticky date pudding

Surround yourself with good friends, I say. This sticky date pudding would be nowhere near as epic without a bit of mentoring (and tough love)...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Indonesian salad with spiced tempeh topping

This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...

Rebecca Stonor

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

The cleanest clean

23rd June 2021
Words by Harriet Birrell
Category: Earth | Guides
Home and gardenMake your ownTackling waste

A little know-how is all you need to avoid chemical-laden commercial cleaners and instead make your own non-toxic, household cleaners that are just as effective.

I started considering the products I was using at home about seven years ago. At the time, my partner, Fraser, and I were operating a small, seasonal smoothie and raw desserts caravan in our hometown. The more I began to appreciate how food was grown and processed, the more I wanted to eat food as close to its natural, ‘whole’ state as possible, free of chemicals and preservatives. That passion for natural, plant-based living drove me to question the everyday products I used in our home.

I was shocked to discover synthetic preservatives in almost all of my store-bought cleaning products, along with loads of ingredients I couldn’t identify. Even worse – some were known to be harmful. I’ve since learned that manufacturers can get away with a lot by using labels and terms that mask what a product contains. The simple word ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’, for example, can be a front for thousands of chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors. These vague labels make it close to impossible for us to truly know what’s in the products we are using. No, thanks!

Armed with this knowledge, I started looking for products free of chemicals that can harm people and planet. This is a tedious and often confusing task, made more so by a large amount of greenwashing. Unfortunately, there are conventional and synthetically fragranced products that pose as ‘earth friendly’, ‘eco’, or ‘natural’ when they are, in fact, not. Our skin is our largest organ, and much of what comes into contact with it is absorbed right into the blood stream. If we avoid spraying synthetic pesticides and herbicides on our food, why would we spray products that are equally harmful in our homes?

Motivated by my frustration with commercial cleaners, I decided to explore homemade cleaning products that I could be certain contained no nasties.

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN?

There are plenty of benefits to making your own home cleaning products from natural ingredients. Not only do they smell better, they are also less irritating to skin and eyes. Replacing the noxious and lingering odours of synthetic fragrances with pure essential oils is like stepping into a new, genuinely fresh world.

Making your own simple, natural products means you will know (and be able to pronounce!) every ingredient that goes into them. You can tackle any cleaning task knowing that you are not inhaling harsh chemicals or getting anything potentially harmful on your skin and adding to its toxic load. Get creative and customise your household cleaners to your liking. Don’t love the smell of pure lavender essential oil? Use orange blossom instead.

Most of the ingredients you’ll need can be purchased in bulk, bypassing packaging altogether. Avoiding all that plastic packaging also gives you the opportunity to tread a little lighter on the Earth. Not to mention that you won’t be pouring toxic chemicals down the drain and, ultimately, into our waterways!

Arming yourself with the basic skills and ingredients to make your own cleaning products means more convenience in the long run. You can store the ingredients at home, making it easy to whip up a fresh batch of a product without having to visit the store. It will save you money and is convenient, environmentally friendly, and gentle on your system! All the better to turn dreaded cleaning chores into enjoyable rituals.

BUT HOW DO THEY COMPARE?

On my path to replacing commercial products with homemade and natural alternatives, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how effective they are. It is a common misconception that natural equals less powerful, and that we need synthetic chemicals to do most of the grunt work if we want to get things really clean.

The truth is, there are potent cleaning agents that are either minimally processed or in their natural form, such as good old-fashioned bicarb soda and white vinegar. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to remove the toxic load synthetic fragrances can place on our bodies.

TOP TIPS FOR GOING NON-TOX

  • Storage – Store your products and raw ingredients in a cool, dark place. Use durable, long-lasting containers, such as glass jars. I pick a lot of mine up at local op-shops or thrift stores. You can also save and clean empty containers from products you have used up.
  • Shop – Get to know your local bulk store. Weigh and label your own containers at home before you shop to make your shopping experience easy and enjoyable.
  • Label – Clearly label your homemade products with the product name and the date you made it. Label makers, markers, and tags all work well.
This article is an edited extract from Nourish plant-based living, Issue 64 • View magazine
Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition.

Enjoying our inspiring stories? We always love to hear from you with suggestions for the content you want more of. Suggest a topic here.

Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More inspiring stories

Lindsey Harrad View ›
Health
10 ways to eat more plants

Diversity is just as important as quantity if you want to boost your health and wellbeing with the veggies you eat. Read on to discover 10 ways...

Lindsey Harrad
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Food stories
Feel-good desserts that love you back

Love yourself by saying yes to desserts made from feel-good ingredients, including a sprinkling of #selfworth, #lettinggo, #ease&flow, and...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Emma Strutt View ›
Health
A vegan's guide for going gluten-free

Learn when to consider a vegan and gluten-free diet (and when you probably shouldn’t). Plus, discover four popular plant-based meals and how...

Emma Strutt
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Jess Arnaudin View ›
Style
Serum survival guide

There’s a serum for every skin condition, but which active ingredients do what? This is the guide to vegan and sustainably sourced serums...

Jess Arnaudin

Plant-based recipe inspiration

Annie van Halteren View ›
Recipe
Healthier mars bars

Lusciously decadent but guilt free, these divine bars are definitive proof that there’s a healthier, plant-based version of anything you fancy....

Annie van Halteren
Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Indonesian salad with spiced tempeh topping

This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...

Rebecca Stonor
Tammy Fry View ›
Recipe
Creamy vegetable korma

The ultimate vehicle for a colourful array of vegetables (vary the mix by season or as you choose), this rich and fragrant korma with tender...

Tammy Fry
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Ultimate green burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Raya Higgs View ›
Recipe
Mie goreng

This Indonesian fried noodle dish can be found at both high-end restaurants and street food vendors in the region – it’s a popular dish for...

Raya Higgs
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Dairy-free potato bake

The star of the dish is the cashew cream. Be sure to push the veggies down so they are covered before baking. The magic happens when they soak up...

Chef Cynthia Louise

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Vegan mushie burgers with the lot

Harriet Birrell

This is the the most delicious vegan mushroom burger we have ever made! It won't fall apart, is totally satisfying and bursting with flavour!

dinnerlunch
barbecueentertaininggluten-free option

Ingredients

Serves: 4

FOR THE FILLING

FOR THE ‘BUNS’

Method

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
  2. Steam sweet potato in a steaming basket for about 10 minutes until you can easily pierce through with a fork. Transfer into a bowl. Add cannellini beans, parsley,  spring onion, garlic, thyme and salt and mash together with a fork, mixing well. Mould mixture into 4 patties. Roll in sesame seeds and lay out on a baking paper lined tray. Bake for 30 minutes, turning half way.
  3. Brush the topside of each mushroom with a little oil, heat a non-stick fry pan and toast mushrooms on both sides.
  4. To assemble your burgers, place half the mushrooms topside down, then simply stack with a few pieces of cos lettuce and one patty each. Squeeze lime juice over avocado and spread over patties.
  5. Top with beetroot relish and a sprinkling of bean shoots.
  6. The remaining mushrooms are placed on top to complete the burger.
  7. Enjoy!

This recipe is an edited extract from Natural Harry by Harriet Burrell, published by naturalharry.com.au. Photography by Nikole Ramsay.

Harriet Birrell

Harriet is the author of three beautiful books, Natural Harry, Whole, and Home, and is also a qualified health coach and yoga teacher who has studied plant-based nutrition.

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine
Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Creamy mushroom and tofu stroganoff

You don’t need animal products to make lusciously creamy and satisfying dishes. You don’t even need oil! This wholefood, plant-based...

Adam Guthrie
Katie White View ›
Recipe
Sweet fig pizza with salted caramel and chocolate

If you haven’t tried sweet pizza before, it’s time to fix that! In this recipe, homemade pizza bases are smothered with sweet bechamel, and...

Katie White
Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Vegan pad kee mao

Healthy, satisfying and flavoursome, this pad kee mao is vibrant Thai food at its best. 

Adam Guthrie
Tammy Fry View ›
Recipe
Creamy vegetable korma

The ultimate vehicle for a colourful array of vegetables (vary the mix by season or as you choose), this rich and fragrant korma with tender...

Tammy Fry
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Coconut lentil soup

You’ll be scoffing mouthfuls of this rich, hearty, budget-friendly soup before anyone else has a chance to dive in. It’s that good! I...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Ultimate green burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting
YOUR INPUT