
Tenille Evans

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...
Some of the best nutrition is to be found in wholegrains (and pseudograins) that have been around for thousands of years.
Great food photos can have us drooling over dishes we’ve never even tasted. Here’s how to take your food photography to the next level.
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...
Gut health is no fleeting fad. The more we learn, the more we understand how important it is to overall health. Here’s what you need to...
Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer
Creamy beans with a hint of lemon are the perfect base for delicious, garlicky mushrooms.
Bask in the rays of the summer sun with a glass of this quick, easy, and refreshing spritzer.
Rich and sophisticated, these espresso-enhanced chocolate sponges with delectable chocolate cream topping are guaranteed to dazzle your guests,...
This crowd-pleasing dish is easier than you might think and features flaky pastry, zesty capers, and the star of the show, whipped plant-based...
This vegan take on dauphinoise potatoes hits the spot every time, and is sure to impress as part of any spread.
Afternoon tea, picnic, party, or just because – any excuse is a good excuse to make lemon cake, and this vegan version by baking virtuoso Sara...
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.
Planning your big day? Or a party to remember? Here are seven secrets for hosting an ethical event that’ll wow all your guests.
Food is probably the first thing you’ll think about when planning a wedding or event. Serving plant-based food is the easiest way to make the biggest positive impact through your event. Apart from greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock industry is also a major source of land and water degradation, a contributor to acid rain and the degeneration of coral reefs, and a driver of deforestation. But what if your family and friends don’t love the idea of vegan food?
Food is inextricably linked to culture and tradition, and it can be difficult to go against the expectations of family and friends when it comes to big celebrations. It takes a little bravery to do things differently, but your event should be a reflection of you and your values. It’s also an opportunity to create new memories and a new culture around food. If your family is very unsupportive, you could try taking some of them along to taste the food that your caterer will serve, to put their mind at ease. You can also remind them that it’s just one meal and that it is important to you.
“Your event should be a reflection of you and your values”
Abundant vegan spread at Secret Creek / Harustudio Photography
And what about all your guests? Should you tell them the food is going to be vegan? This is entirely up to you. You’ll need to ask your guests for any special dietary requirements and make sure your caterer can manage those, but beyond that you don’t need to give details about the menu beforehand. If anything, plant-based food is more accessible for more people.
The way that you frame your choice makes a big difference to how it is perceived. You can do this in a short speech, giving the reasons for why every plant-based meal makes a difference. Doing this changes the narrative from personal sacrifice to empowerment.
Beyond the food, there are other ways you can reduce the footprint of your event. One of the things to consider is the waste that your event might produce. If you need to use single-use packaging, plates, or cutlery, you can consider using compostable products. If you are using a caterer, ask them to design a menu that is seasonal and local where possible. Check their waste processes, such as what they can compost or recycle from the food preparation and service, perhaps asking them to pack up leftovers for you or your guests.
You can also consider eco-friendly decorations. You might choose natural and biodegradable confetti made from dried leaves or flowers, bunting made from recycled paper, or recycled jars and bottles to house flowers or candles on the tables. You can also hire decorations and other styling props from a local event styling company, instead of buying small items that you will never use again. Also, instead of paper invitations, try digital. You can even make a website to manage RSVPs and guest information, or use an app such as Appy Couple or Appy Life.
Ask about the processes and products used by other suppliers that you might need. For example, you can find a florist that can avoid single-use plastics like zip ties and floral foam in their work. Check if they can source the flowers from local sustainable farmers instead of from overseas. For vendors like photographers or celebrants that supply a service rather than a product, you can still choose to support people who align with your values. And if you believe memories are more valuable than stuff, you might make photography and videography a higher priority than other items you’ll only use on the day.
When putting together your ethical dream team, start with the most important things. These are usually venue and caterer. Once you find those that align with your values, ask them who they would recommend for the rest of your team. They will likely know suppliers they have worked with before that share your values.
Table setting from vegan wedding at Secret Creek / Benny Valentine
Remember to think about cruelty-free fabrics for your outfit, suit, or wedding dress. For a sustainable option, you could have something from your family’s collection altered, purchase second-hand, or hire something fabulous. Thinking outside tradition in terms of what you should wear can also open up possibilities. Another consideration is to choose a makeup artist and hairstylist who only use cruelty-free products.
You can also be mindful about your jewellery and whether the precious metals or stones were mined ethically. Even better, have a jeweller remake a family heirloom or a piece from an antique store. A preloved piece might come with an added layer of significance for you.
Veganism encompasses so much more than food; it’s about minimising other types of harm too. Thinking about ways your event can be more inclusive to your guests and the wider community is one way to do this. Suggestions include making an acknowledgement of country to recognise the traditional custodians, ensuring your guests with extra accessibility needs are catered to, using gender-neutral language in your speeches, and interpreting some gendered traditions in more modern, interesting ways.
When it comes to gifts, you can ask your guests to donate to your favourite charity or you may choose a wishing well instead of physical gifts. If you are thinking of giving your guests a gift, think outside the box. You could give them seedling of a native tree that they can plant at home, something handmade from an ethical business, or sponsorship of a rescued farm animal in their name.
One of the most significant impacts we can make as individuals is choosing where and how we spend our money. Thinking about weddings in particular, Australians spend an average of around $30,000 on this one celebration. And there’s no shame in going large for your special day. If you use your investment in the day as an opportunity to make a positive difference, you can feel empowered by your spend.
The impact of your spending can also reach beyond your big day too, through the vendors and venue you choose to support and the stories and messages that extend into the community through your guests. Money is power and regardless of the size of your budget, the choices you make about how you spend it are valuable.
Outdoor table setting at Secret Creek / Kirsten Cunningham Photography
|
Lead image: Secret Creek
The science is in. Shifting to a plant-based food system is essential to avoid climate and ecological breakdown. And now we have a roadmap to...
One month. No meat. What a difference it can make! Here’s why we should all give No Meat May a go this year.
Bolster your mental health during the depths of winter by resisting the urge to hibernate indoors.
Wholefoods may just save your life, and at the very least, they will deliver a host of health benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get...
Some of the best nutrition is to be found in wholegrains (and pseudograins) that have been around for thousands of years.
Love yourself by saying yes to desserts made from feel-good ingredients, including a sprinkling of #selfworth, #lettinggo, #ease&flow, and...
We know we’d benefit from it, but we just can’t do it! Here are five ways to find your flow state through a more active form of meditation.
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)...
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...
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...
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...
Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.
Shifting to a wholefood plant-based diet doesn’t mean missing out on cheesecake. This recipe uses tofu instead of cream cheese and is therefore...
Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.