I mentioned this on the KB blog but this book is REALLY amazing as is the website:
It got me thinking. Well, I have been Vegetarian/Vegan since the age of 17 but I have never been one of those. Each person has their right to choose their own path but for me personally, though I subscribe to many aspects of the 'Hippie' lifestyle, I have never EVER wanted dreadlocks, chosen to 'opt out' or wanted to join a commune, 'nuff said.
What I mean is, it has always REALLY annoyed me when I would tell people I was Vegetarian they would assume these things went along with it. That I would be eating in earthy wooden huts, meditating or following some Guru or other or that I was somehow abnormal and not to be associated with. Well, of course I HAVE done some of these things: I was a Shiatsu Therapist, A Yoga Teacher, I've studied with Tibetan Monks but I've aspired to do it all in a more glamorous style and always with an eye for personal style, grooming and demeanor so that's why I am SOOOOOO excited about this book.
Yes, the planet needs help, it needs to be respected, we need to honor that place that supports our life but we DON'T HAVE TO BE HIPPIES and that is why I LOOOOOOVVVEEE this book.
It got me thinking, perhaps that stereotyping of Hippies was an evil ploy (OK, no quite Dr. Evil) that kept us focussed on being consumers and wanting MORE, MORE MORE. After all, if we admitted to being Vegetarian, Composting, Recycling or anything of that nature people would automatically assume you were 'one of them' and since human beans like to 'belong' generally, we chose to not follow even for a moment any belief that was remotely related to that culture.
Now, don't get me wrong, I have a HUGE respect for those who protested about Vietnam, the whole peace movement thing, they were right, they could see it coming. But their association with the drop out lifestyle and drug use didn't do anything to help the cause and perhaps (just perhaps people) contributed to where we are today. Really, just ruminating here....
With the current trend in being environmentally aware - now cool to adapt some of the 'Hippie' lifestyle - we desperately needed a book that tells us that it is OK to be glamorous, to want to participate in society and that even making a few small changes to your lifestyle can make a HUGE difference and you don't have to be deprived of your fabulous skincare regime.
Reading the chapter on beauty and all the alternatives available will really change your life alone!
So, that said, here are a few safer options for staying gorgeous yet saving the planet at the same time:
Dr. Hauschka, Suki, Pangea Organics, Juice Beauty, Lavera & an Australian brand Nvey Eco.
If you want to stick to PURELY Australian, Natural AND Cruelty Free then check out Musq and Pukka in Melbourne as well as The Natural Skin Care Place (where you can experience Dr. Hauschka)
