Guest Blog: Moira Tobin from Duck’s Back gives her top tips to improve yOUR environment

Introduction from Julie at Space and Time: Growing up I didn’t really think too much about the environment. We lived on a farm and money was tight depending on the season. We had what we needed and not a lot more. We were lucky to receive new items on road trips to Adelaide (3h20 hours from home).  Although I didn’t really think about it at the time, I’d say our family were fairly kind to the environment.

Over the years since my days on the farm times have changed. Today, society over consumes on fast fashion, food and “stuff”. The results are not healthy for us, or yOUR planet (you’ll see yOUR used more below to remind us to be mindful that what we do individually effects everyone).

I asked Moira Tobin who is an Ashburton resident and owner of duck’s back – move.grow.cook what her top tips are to ‘sustainably’ improve our health and environment. Here’s what Moira had to say…

I don’t know you, however if you are reading this article we have a few things in common; a heartbeat and only 168 hours a week to complete our ‘must do’ list.

What I stand for is what I stand on and most of us are living as though there’s another planet earth. Without a healthy planet we cannot co-exist.

The difference between a grape and a sultana is water. It might but winter but your vital organs still need hydrating. Invest in a good quality stainless steel (reusable/bpa free) drink bottle and fill it with h2O from the tap. Refills will be (virtually) free and the added bonus is #zerowaste! It’s common for people to confuse thirst with hunger so by staying hydrated you may lose a few kilos also.

According to oceancrusaders.org 40% of all bottled water comes from the tap. Each year 17 million barrels of oil are used to produce bottled water, only 1 in 5 bottles are recycled and 6.4 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans. It is up to us to change the world. Refuse before recycle.

We have never had so much information at our fingertips about nutrition and fitness. Despite this, there has never been so much confusion and, our health crisis is expanding. Quite literally.

After qualifying as a personal trainer I began my eco-fitness business. The great outdoors is my gymnasium as is my bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom. My body weight provides all the resistance I need. Basic, functional exercises are the best! I’d like to expand on this topic but there is a book in my head so for now it’s top secret!

Exercise is optional, movement is essential. #fitnessisfree

I host a weekly community #netwalking group which departs from the East Malvern RSL every Saturday morning (during school terms) at 6.30am. We are a welcoming and social bunch and always stop for a coffee on High Street, Ashburton. Our mantra is to walk as fast as the slowest walker. The distance is around 8kms (approximately 10 minutes per km) and we return back to base around 8.10am. Event details are on my duck’s back Facebook page.

Your body is your temple. Every single piece of food consumed feeds information to cells and, they will behave accordingly. Your mirror image is a direct reflection of the lifestyle you are leading.

Learning to grow your own food, even if it is just one thing. It will help yOUR environment and hip pocket.

Boroondara is thriving with community ‘growing’ projects such as the Food Forest Ashburton Group and their monthly Abundance Food Swap/Share project. Damper Creek Food Collective. Ashburton Community Centre seed exchange and the Ashwood College Permaculture Food Garden. All of these projects depend on volunteers…if you have a few hours to spare please make contact. Your gardening knowledge might just grow too.

I have owned my Thermomix for eight years and have been a consultant for almost four. I am completely passionate about the product and love how simple it is to create healthy, preservative-free fit food for my family.

Unlike rice cookers, bread makers, electric kettles and toasters, you will never see a Thermomix discarded on Council hard waste. They are designed and built to withstand the rigours of daily use and are built to last. Buy Me Once.

Thanks so much Moira for being our guest blogger this week! I’m sure you will agree there are some easy things we can do every day. to make a real difference to yOUR environment and yOUR health.