Since then, we have witnessed growth and progress in Slowood and the wider community. The zero waste movement is gaining momentum, and we are proud to be part of this journey. We have celebrated milestones together, from opening our first store to expanding across Hong Kong. Now, we are excited to launch our new refill point project, bringing us closer to our goal of accessible sustainable choices.
Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey. To express our gratitude, we are offering a special promotion for World Refill Day. ♻️ Bring your own containers and enjoy 10% off on all purchases at Slowood. It's our way of thanking you for being a part of this journey and for making sustainable shopping a reality.
Together, we are rewriting the story of consumption, creating a future where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life. Let us continue to refill our hearts, our minds, and our planet with love, compassion, and conscious choices. Together, we will build a better world for generations to come.
💧 Refill Your Water Bottles:
Ditch single-use plastic bottles and opt for refilling your own water bottles. By doing so, you contribute to reducing plastic waste and safeguarding our precious oceans and wildlife. Every refill counts!
🛒 Choose to Refill:
Take a step towards sustainability by refilling personal care and household products. Slowood offers a wide range of refillable options, including cleaning supplies, soaps, and shampoos. Save money and eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging.
👜 Bring Your Reusable Bags:
Make eco-friendly shopping a habit by bringing your own reusable bags. Say goodbye to plastic bags and hello to a greener future. Together, we can make every trip to the store environmentally friendly.
🥤🥡 Ditch Disposable Cups and Containers:
Swap disposable coffee cups and takeout containers for reusable alternatives. Consider bringing your own mug and food containers to reduce waste during your morning coffee runs and lunch breaks.
🛒 Refill Food Essentials:
Visit Slowood's bulk refill stations and bring your own containers to stock up on essentials like nuts, grains, and snacks. Customize your quantities, reduce unnecessary packaging, and try new products without commitment.
👥 Spread the Word:
Share the importance of refilling with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can inspire others to make sustainable choices and create a positive impact on our planet.
On this World Refill Day, let's embrace a sustainable lifestyle and work towards a future where single-use items are a thing of the past. Slowood, the leading advocate for eco-conscious living, encourages you to join the refill revolution. Together, we have the power to create change and protect the Earth for generations to come.
♻️🌍
#WorldRefillDay #SustainableLiving #RefillRevolution #ReduceWaste #SlowoodHK
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When you go bulk shopping, the first step is to weigh your container, then fill it with the foods you want. After that, write down the product codes and calculate the net weight.
If you want to buy different types of bulk foods in the same container, just repeat the steps I mentioned earlier and write down the codes and weights of each item. This way, you can create your own awesome bulk food platter! Why not try making a three-color platter next time you go shopping and bring your own container?
Just remember, when shopping in bulk, you can't mix different types of food items in the same container, except for CFMIX gummies. Happy shopping 🥳
In the concrete jungle of Hong Kong, where skyscrapers dominate the skyline and bustling streets define our city, it's easy to forget about the incredible value of biodiversity. Despite the challenges presented by urbanization, it's important to remember that we have the power to make a difference. Even in the heart of the city, there are numerous ways in which we can actively contribute to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Together, let's unlock the potential of our urban jungle and create a city where biodiversity thrives amidst the skyscrapers and bustling streets.
1️⃣ Create Green Spaces: Transform your balcony, rooftop, or windowsills into mini-gardens with potted plants and flowers. These small green havens can attract pollinators and provide a habitat for urban wildlife.
2️⃣ Choose Sustainable Transportation: Opt for eco-friendly transportation options such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation whenever possible. By reducing your carbon footprint, you help combat climate change and protect ecosystems.
3️⃣ Support Local Farmers' Markets: Purchase locally grown produce from farmers' markets or organic food stores. Supporting local agriculture reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation and encourages sustainable farming practices.
4️⃣ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Practice waste reduction by embracing the "3 R's." Reduce single-use plastic consumption, reuse items when possible, and ensure proper recycling of waste to minimize pollution and habitat destruction. Discover Slowood's extensive collection of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and embrace waste reduction. By incorporating reusable products into your daily life, you minimize pollution and habitat destruction.
5️⃣ Engage in Citizen Science: Participate in citizen science initiatives to collect data on urban biodiversity. You can join bird-watching groups, document insect species, or report wildlife sightings to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts.
6️⃣ Raise Awareness: Use social media platforms, organize community events, or participate in local environmental groups to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Share knowledge and inspire others to take action.
Every individual's contribution counts, no matter where they reside. Let's come together as urban residents and show our dedication to protecting and nurturing biodiversity.Together with Slowood, we can make a difference for a sustainable future!🌍💚
]]>Say 'I Do' to the Environment! 👰♀️🤍🤵🌍
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity to make meaningful choices that align with your values. There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact and make a positive contribution to the community. Here are 5 tips to help you get started:
Choose an eco-friendly venue:
Look for venues that prioritize sustainability, such as hotels and event spaces that offer eco-friendly amenities and serve sustainable food and drinks. Choose plant-based, locally-sourced, and organic food and drinks to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable agriculture. Buffet-style meals may seem like a convenient option, but they often result in a lot of food waste. Instead, opt for plated meals that can be portioned out ahead of time to reduce the amount of food that goes uneaten.
Opting for sustainable decor:
Instead of using mass-produced decorations that can be harmful to the environment, consider choosing upcycled or rented decor. You could also consider outdoor spaces like parks or gardens 🏞️, which can provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding while also minimizing your carbon footprint.
Consider wearing a vintage wedding gown:
Not only is this option environmentally friendly, but it can also add a unique and timeless touch to your wedding day. You can find vintage wedding dresses at secondhand shops, vintage boutiques, or even online marketplaces. And if you have a family member or friend who has a wedding dress that they no longer need, consider asking if you can borrow or upcycle it to create your own special wedding gown.
Give sustainable gifts:
Show your guests you care about them and the planet by giving sustainable gifts like eco-friendly products or experiences. There are a number of sustainable and eco-friendly businesses in Hong Kong that offer a range of products, from reusable water bottles to handmade skincare products. Alternatively, you could consider making a donation to an environmental charity in honor of your guests.
Slowood Wedding Vouchers:
As an environmentally conscious company, we offer wedding vouchers as the perfect way to thank your friends and family with a meaningful and eco-friendly gift for joining your special day.
Don't forget that by making small choices, you can make a significant impact on the environment and your community.
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Existing points under the current ‘membership program’ will expire at midnight on 31/12/2022. For those who register as members online, please log in the account through our official website. For those who register as members in store, please check with our staff for details and redeem the gifts and coupons before the deadline.
Stay tuned for updates on the New App and all of the awesome new benefits that will come along with it!!
]]>German-based skincare brand Studio Botanic is committed to minimalism, from formula to design. An uncomplicated, less is more approach to skincare, easy-to-use products and appealing, gender-neutral, timeless packaging that combines the traditional and modern aspects of nature and technology. We spoke to its founder Alexander Hartan on what makes the brand.
What brought you to the beauty and skincare industry and what led you to launch Studio Botanic?
Many natural cosmetic products I came across did not meet my requirements in their previous form. Having previously worked in the cosmetics and ingredients supply sector, I had acquired the necessary knowledge about the operational processes of cosmetics production and therefore, I wanted to create my own natural cosmetics based on a new approach and ideas.
I was not only considering the ingredients, but above all the minimalist fragrance - it should appeal to both women and men. That's how I came up with the basic idea of Studio Botanic. The "STUDIO" stands for creativity and modern technology and "BOTANIC" for the natural aspects and traditional botany.
What does minimalism mean to you and why was it the inspiration for Studio Botanic?
The minimalist design is an expression of our time - again! But it is also timeless, because time is temporal!
Our minimalist design is certainly influenced by minimal art - not only visually, but also conceptually. Here, we are primarily concerned with standardisation and reducing material consumption through thoughtful industrial design and layout. For example, we use simple white standard tubes and lids that are available to every brand and this helps reduce wastage.
We know that your guiding principle in manufacturing products is "less is more". Can you tell us what you mean by that?
Making a product that is purely plant-based, natural and long-lasting is not new, but it is still very much on vogue – and of course it is better for the people and the planet. The principle “less is more” was my starting point on how I wanted to market STUDIO BOTANIC as an innovative natural cosmetics brand.
When it comes to fragrance, we intentionally avoid strong natural perfumes or high concentrations of essential oils. That is why, we focus on the natural scents of the necessary ingredients, which smell as good as they are effective.
Founder’s favourites:
Living a zero-waste lifestyle can be challenging, but taking small steps towards more sustainable consumption habits is a great place to start. By working together, we can make a big impact and create positive change. Join us in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle with our 12 helpful tips and recommendations!
Enjoy a FREE STUDIO BOTANIC's Natural Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum (valued at $650) with a purchase over $650 on selected cruelty-free skincare products in this collection.*
*promotion period: 1/4/2023 - 30/4/2023
CURRENT promotion:
[ $100 Instant rebate! ] with the code 𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝟭𝟬𝟬
Enter “𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝟭𝟬𝟬” to get $100 off + vouchers + FREE organic snacks when you spend $1000 online!
*This promotion is valid for the whole of October*
*Offer valid while stocks last*
*Available online and in-store*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details*
*This promotion is valid for the whole of October*
*Offer valid while stocks last*
*Available online and in-store*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details*
*This promotion is valid for the whole of October*
*Offer valid while stocks last*
*Available online and in-store*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details*
[ Buy 2 Juniper Ridge products to get a FREE Botanical Tea ] with the code JUNIPER
You can receive one of the following Botanical Tea with the purchase of 2 Juniper Ridge products:
Juniper Ridge Botanical Tea
✓ Formulated by harvesting leaves from wildflowers, plants, bark, moss, etc.
✓ Relaxation and improvement in overall sleep quality
What to do?
*Available online and in-store*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details*
EXPIRED promotion:
[ Buy 2 Tsuno Products to get a FREE TSUNO Regular Pads ] Online Exclusive! *EXPIRED
Regular Pads
✓ Suitable for day time use
✓ Ultra thin, breathable, soft and comfortable
What to do?
*This promotion is valid for one month (7/6/2022 - 6/7/2022)*
*Offer valid while stocks last*
*Only available online*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details.*
Few simple and easy steps to follow:
1. Rinse your bottle before you return it
2. Take your containers to our stores
3. Earn a $5 rebate on the next SLOWOOD purchase
Terms & Conditions
1. Not all glass bottles are included in the REUSE project, only the glass bottles from SLOWOOD with the REUSE logo or label are available
2. It is compulsory to clean and dry the container before returning
3. The container you return should be in perfect condition
Find our stores:
Kennedy Town
Venue: Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 10:00 - 22:00
Phone:2818 0203
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Discovery Bay
Venue: Shop Unit No.151, 1/F, DB Plaza (Block C) Discovery Bay
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 11:00 - 19:00
Phone: 2944 5189
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Shatin New Town Plaza
Venue: Shop 247, Level 2, New Town Plaza I, Shatin, New Territories
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 11:00 - 22:00
Phone: 2121 0321
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Central Market
Venue: Shop 231-233, 2/F, Central Market, 80 Des Vouex Road, Central
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 11:00 - 21:00
Phone: 9860 7047
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What’s better than helping the environment and saving money in the meantime?
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Paying with Pace gives you the freedom to own your SLOWOOD favorites without giving up on the things you need or deserve.
Enjoy a breathing space to buy now no regrets later by spreading your purchases into 3 interest-free instalments.
Special spend $800 get $100 off offer
TWO steps to go:
1. Checkout with PACE by scanning a QR code in-store or selecting PACE when checking out online
2. After scanning or checking out online, you can click on the Voucher box to select a voucher available to you.
Let's enjoy your SLOWOOD favorites with PACE!
*This promotion is valid until 30 Jun 2022*
*Available online and in store *
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details.*
How to pay with PACE?
Step 1 Choose your favourites
Select the things you want at SLOWOOD (available in-store and online)
Step 2 Select PACE at checkout
Instalment payments are approved instantly, along with exclusive access to future Pace promotions.
Step 3 Complete your order!
Your purchases become instalments, and are charged to you automatically. Check your Pace account for a status update at any time.
Step 4 Make payments in 3 interest-free instalments
Reminders and notifications will be sent to you each time a payment is due or has been charged.
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7 active ingredients to give you the plumpiest, dewiest, comfiest skin yet
1. SUPEROX-C™:
A rich antioxidant helping to protect skin against free radicals, brighten complexion, treat pigmentation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
2. AQUAXY™:
A vegan and natural moisturiser to boost hyaluronic acid production and also help limit water loss.
3. WITCH HAZEL:
Helps relieve inflammation, soothe irritated skin and provides powerful antioxidant protection.
4. CONTACTICEL™:
A unique marine ingredient: a 'red macroalgae' extract that protects your skin against pollution, fighting premature aging. Specifically works to regulate oily skin!
5. LIFTESSENCE™:
Extract from the Manaku leaf, a tree native New Zealand, regenerates skin cells and protects skin from water loss increasing radiance and plumpness.
6. EPHEMER™:
Harvested from rare and precious macroalgae, it stands out amongst skin care ingredients for its long-lasting anti-oxidative effect. The nutrient-rich molecules help your skin fight free-radical damage (a major contributor to aging skin) and improve the complexion to be dewier and firmer.
7. MARINE COLLAGEN:
Works to hydrate skin and provide instant skin-plumping effects. Syrene sources its Marine Collagen sustainably from the by-product (wastage of the fish food industry) of tuna fish skin.
Syrene is now available in Slowood.
Unwrap a gift from the sea and discover the blue beauty benefits!
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or just click the coupon above to start shopping and the code will automatically be applied at the checkout.
*This promotion is valid for one month (10/5/2022 - 9/6/2022)*
*Only available online and in store at Shatin*
*Terms and conditions apply. Please check with our staff for details.*
Don’t let the bugs ruin your summer!
Summer is definitely the best time to spend outdoors. Many of us are eager to explore nature, and have plans to go hiking and camping. To protect yourself and your family from mosquitos, remember to equip yourself with spray when you’re having fun in the wild!
Unfortunately, most insect repellents you’d buy in a store are laden with unpleasant chemicals. There have been countless studies showing the damaging effects of chemicals such as DEET, pyrethroids, permethrin, and cyfluthrin. Not only does it cause harm to human health, but also the environment.
With PARA'KITO, a natural insect repellent from France, you can keep the bugs away without causing harm to your skin or the environment!
Why we love it:
PARA'KITO is a MUST-HAVE summer item!
]]>At SLOWOOD, we hope to encourage a bottom-up behavioural change among consumers to turn daily routines into a more sustainable lifestyle. Many eco-friendly options are available for your better living, and a healthier planet, from the refillable & cruelty-free body wash to the carefully sourced healthy food ingredients.
我們一直希望透過為社區提供更多環保的選擇,讓大家能更容易實踐永續生活,逐步作出改變。因此,在SLOWOOD你能找到各種環保日用品,例如可再填充、不經動物測試的沐浴露、經嚴格挑選的健康有機食材等等。
As part of the community, we’re always excited to promote zero-waste living with different partners. If everyone takes “sustainable, natural & responsible” to heart, and makes tiny changes to their daily habits, we believe we can take a significant step forward for the Earth.
作為社區的一份子,我們一直樂於與不同夥伴合作,一起宣揚「零浪費」理念。
當每個人都懷著「可持續、自然、負責任」的信念,我們相信日常習慣的微小改變,都會為保護地球邁出重要一步。
We’re therefore delighted to collaborate with Weave Living and encourage sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyles in their studios, suites and residences. Refillable bath gels, shampoos and even detergents and antibacterial cleaning agents will be available for Weave’s residents. By working together with the community to change lives one day at a time, we hope the joint actions can have a meaningful impact.
我們很高興今次能與 Weave Living 攜手,在他們的服務式住宅、公寓及共享空間中,鼓勵具環保意識的生活方式。我們將為他們的住戶提供一系列的環保日用品,希望攜手的力量能為社區帶來有意義的改變。
Together, we make a difference.
一起同行,我們能帶來不一樣的明天。
As a German cosmetics manufacturer, STUDIO BOTANIC offers purely plant-based, vegan and cruelty-free products that are made with premium ingredients from certified organic sources. The highly effective formulas are as gentle on the skin as they are on the environment, with sleek, minimalist, recyclable packaging.
Naturally effective products
STUDIO BOTANIC’s products have been created with innovative formulas meaning you need only a very small amount to obtain optimum effect. STUDIO BOTANIC values the following in the composition of products:
Interesting Facts about STUDIO BOTANIC
1. Environmentally friendly packaging: aluminum tubes for creams inhibit the growth of germs in the product – so there’s no need for chemical preservatives and synthetic perfumes. |
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2. Minimal use of essential oils or natural perfumes: for a subtle botanical scent |
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3. Clean, sophisticated design: for unisex and universal appeal |
Special recommendation:
STUDIO BOTANIC Hand Soap
In the ongoing battle against Covid 19, it is essential to wash our hands regularly in order to keep them clean. But constant hand-washing can lead our skin to becoming dry, sore and raw. Choosing a hand wash with hydrating properties makes for clean and soft hands - win, win!
Packed with nourishing ingredients like Witch Hazel Leaf extract and Black Oat extract, STUDIO BOTANIC Hand Soap will not only keep your hands cleansed and crack-free, but moisturised and supple too. What’s more the purely herbal ingredients make it perfect for all skin types!
Slowood Staff Favourites:
STUDIO BOTANIC Cold Cream
#SurprisinglyGood!
Recently, I’ve got sunburned after hiking with my friends even though I wore my sunscreen. My skin turned red and peeled. After witnessing the peeling skin on my neck, my colleague recommended the Cold Cream to me as a sunburn soother. It really worked well! It moisturised and healed my dry skin effectively. Last but not least, I really love the rose and fresh mint fragrance.
- Chloe, part of the Kennedy Town Slowood store team
Less is More. Let’s experience STUDIO BOTANIC to nourish your skin with natural ingredients.
]]>The impacts of the choices we make today ripple outwards, affecting people near and far, as well as future generations. Take a conventional disinfectant spray used for home cleaning. The cheapest ones may boast 99.9% effectiveness in killing viruses and germs, but the same toxic particles will enter our children’s and pets’ respiratory systems. When washed away with water, these chemicals may accumulate in our waterways, polluting important habitats. In contrast, a synthetic-free cleaning spray can get rid of germs through the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of essential oils, without sacrificing the health of our loved ones. Ingredients used are naturally occurring and will easily biodegrade in natural conditions.
There are always eco-friendly alternatives to our everyday items. Processed and overly packaged foods can be replaced with whole foods bought in bulk. Highly polluting dairy milk can be substituted for equally delicious plant-based milk. Sugary soft drinks with artificial flavouring won’t be missed once you taste a sip of kombucha, a naturally brewed fizzy drink full of probiotics.
Start seeking out the path to sustainable living, and Slowood will be there to help you. We are an all-round sustainable lifestyle store providing the largest selection of plastic-free, biodegradable, and zero-waste products in Hong Kong. Whatever your motivations are for switching to sustainable living, we promise that you won’t turn back.
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Don't Sacrifice The Planet For Your Skin
As a Korean pioneer and specialist in the clean beauty field, AROMATICA is making efforts to protect consumers and the environment by eliminating all harmful ingredients from their products. Founded in 2004, AROMATICA commits to deliver safe and natural personal care products to the customer, meanwhile, not to compromise the environment for our skin. From the eco-friendly factory operation to the sustainable packaging design, the brand strives for a better planet, for the balanced body and soul.
Sustainable
From the ingredients to the packaging, AROMATICA prides themselves on developing holistic sustainable solutions to save your skin as well as the planet. Committed to protect the environment, their packaging is made of 100% post-consumer recycled PET containers. Eventually, AROMATICA aims to swap to only biodegradable and recyclable plastic for all their products and limit their dependency on raw materials.
Therapeutic
Using formulas inspired by apothecary, AROMATICA uses natural essential oils, adding a harmonious balance between body and soul into your beauty routine. The signature rosemary formula gives you a boost from head to toe, stimulates blood circulation and offers anti-inflammatory benefits to your skin.
Natural
“Safe, authentic and efficacious” has been the brand motto of AROMATICA in their research and product development process. As the pioneer in Korean clean beauty industry, AROMATICA became the first Korean brand to receive the U.S. EWG VERIFIED certification in 2016. The certification shows the brand’s commitment to provide the purest and healthiest products to the customers.
A new personal care brand now available for refills at Slowood.
In efforts to reduce the impact on the environment, we are introducing bulk-buy to their most popular personal care products. We can still purchase products we love and prevent daily disposals of containers. Bulk-buy also means we can also control the amount we need with each purchase.
Everyday is Earth Day at SLOWOOD. The urgency of climate change demands our immediate action, we need to act now before it’s too late. For every package free product that you purchase, you save one plastic bag from entering the landfills. SLOWOOD offers a 5% discount for every item that you purchase in your own container. We carry a range of bulk food and refill stations for all your beauty, personal care and household needs. Next time you visit Slowood, make sure to bring your own container.
What are some ways SLOWOOD can take action to “Restore Our Earth”?
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Since opening our first store in Kennedy Town, in two short years our community has grown tremendously. Now with stores in Discovery Bay and Sha Tin, we have built a community that transcends geographical neighborhoods and is united in the belief that small changes can make a big difference.
We see community as the heart of Slowood. It is what keeps us grounded and what keeps us going. Thank you for sharing our passion for sustainable living and for being the pillar of support as we move ahead. No matter what stage you’re at in your sustainability journey, we hope that you will always find a place at Slowood.
When a tree takes root, it becomes firmly planted in the ground. As the roots extend deeper, the tree can branch out further and higher. In fact, there is as much growth above soil surface as there are roots underground. In soil that is abundant with water and nutrients, similarly, roots will flourish, forming intricate clusters that mesh and mingle. Although roots may be out of sight, they are the source of life and strength for all plants.
Just like how roots anchor a tree, community is what anchors us. As Slowood continues to grow, the strength of our environmental community will keep us grounded in the values that brought us together in the first place–mindful living, conscious choices, and positive impact. Slowood is always looking for ways we can better support our community, whether through bringing you sustainable alternatives or sharing our resources. Stay tuned for new products and upcoming collaborations.
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Last month, our team visited The Mushroom Initiative 菇菌圓 at their Tai Po farm. We were in awe at the incredibly diverse and rich life activity happening silently beneath our feet. Soil is not just dirt–it is composed of vast connections between fungi networks, worms, microorganisms, microbes, and living roots, interdependent interactions that create a complex underground ecosystem. Here are a few learnings we gained from this trip.
1. Waste is a human concept.
In nature, dead organic matter does not go to landfill, instead it is decomposed into soil nutrients by fungi. A perfect example of a circular economy!
2. Good soil will save the planet.
When soil is thriving with life, more organic matter can be broken down into carbon, the majority of which is stored in the ground. Improving soil health is a crucial strategy to mitigating climate crisis.
3. Help your neighbors.
Forest trees are connected to each other via underground mycorryzial networks. Trees feed sugar to fungi while fungi help distribute soil nutrients from beyond the roots. Mutual support is not simply beneficial, but necessary for survival.
We encourage you to learn more about soil health and mushrooms by going onto their website, www.ecomushrooms.org.
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Netflix new documentary @Seaspiracy has opened our eyes to the overwhelming and damaging effects the fishing industry has on our whole ecosystem. I bet you will stop eating fish after watching this movie.
Slowood will take a step forward and STOP SELLING FISH. In the meantime while stock lasts, we will donate a portion of profits to @SeaShepherd.
At Slowood, we believe every tiny step counts and hope to join our community to make the world a better place. Stop crying over the planet, let’s take this step forward to ocean conservation together!
Donation link: https://act.seashepherdglobal.org/
Ocean-friendly Tips
While snorkeling, diving and swimming allow you to enjoy the underwater world, do you know how you can help protect our reefs, marine wildlife and oceans?
First, behave responsibly in the water. Don’t touch or chase after marine life. I know you could be excited to see the beautiful scenery under the sea, but please MIND YOUR STEPS! Be extra aware if you knocked or kicked the coral when you are on the reef.
One of the most overlooked things is the use of toxic sunscreens. Studies have shown that some chemical compounds in sunscreen - including Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-may harm and kill the coral reefs, even in small doses. Thus, choose the reef-safe products to protect the marine life and also your skin.
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Jennifer
Founder of Alive Food
Why do you think Kombucha & Sourdough become so popular in Hong Kong? Do you think this is a trend?
Healthy eating has definitely become a trend in Hong Kong, it is amazing to see how the COVID situation has actually created awareness of conscious eating. People are realizing by consuming the right product actually helps build a healthy immune system, which is crucial for us to combat disease. On the other hand, people in HK are in general very open minded when it comes to food, it is not surprising to see Kombucha & Sourdough have finally started to pick up in HK.
你認為紅菌茶和酸種麫包為何在香港變得受歡迎? 你認為這是潮流嗎?
「健康飲食在香港已經形成了一股熱潮,人們好像發現到進食健康天然的食物,才可以増強身體的免疫系統,從而打倒病菌。再者,香港人的思維對新事物一直比較開放,所以我們並不訝異酸種麪包和紅菌茶受歡迎的程度。」
You mentioned the “Alive Movement” on your website, how does this play into Hong Kong’s food culture? In your opinion, what is the relationship between “movement” & “trend”?
Trend comes and goes but “movement” is a continuous lifestyle. Therefore, Alive food cannot be defined as a single product, but rather a collective of naturally fermented products that could be easily blended into our eating lifestyle.
We hope from “Alive Movement” we can create the consciousness of eating healthy without compromising flavor, delicious food and health should go hand in hand. We want to make “healthy fermented food” approachable by creating a wide range of products with an accessible price point, in order to achieve a sustainable “movement”.
你們的網頁提及到<Alive Movement>,你認為它在香港的飲食文化擔當什麼角色?在你而言,「運動」和「潮流」有什麼關係?
「潮流會有興衰,但運動卻是一種持續的生活風格。因此,我們不可以將Alive Food比喻成單一流行的產品,Alive Food應是選擇將各種天然發酵的食品帶入日常生活的態度。
我們希望<Alive Movement>可以令更多人注重健康飲食,而非盲目追求食物的味道。我們希望以公道的價錢和不同種類的產品告訴大家,健康和美味應共同存在我們選擇的食物中。」
Making fermented drinks and sourdough takes longer time for processing, what inspires you to do so? Does it relate the lifestyle attitude of slow-living?
Food health and mental health definitely go hand in hand. Living in a fast-paced city like HK, it is important to be selective when it comes to what goes into our mouth and the lifestyle we have, as it has a strong impact on keeping our body well balanced.
Making fermented food takes time and patience, which is the great example of how fast doesn’t always equal better. While we live in a world that is full of fast food that is made with chemicals and artificial ingredients, creating “slow food” with love and seeing how our body loves us back , as well as the positive feedback our customers have been giving us , are what inspired us to keep creating more fermented products.
製作發酵食品需要更長的時間,為什麼你們還會選擇製作? 跟慢活的態度有關聯嗎?
「食物健康與精神健康的關係是絕對密不可分的。生活在香港 - 這種節奏急速的城市,我們有必要在選擇食物和生活方式時變得挑剔,因為兩者對我們的身體健康有着重大的影響。
製作發酵食品需要時間和耐性,正正反映了慢工出細貨的道理。處於化學和人工物質製作快餐的時代,我們更應聆聽自己的身體,用愛心製作慢食。我們很高興收到大家對天然發酵食物的讚賞,大家的認同便是Alive Food不斷研發健康食物的動力。」
]]>Tony
Founder of Freshiepick
Why have you chosen to do organic farming rather than conventional farming? As I remember, your crops were once ruined by the pest, could you share some photos with us?
Tony and Adrian, the two owners of Freshiepick met in PolyU during their Master of Design studies where they engaged a lot in topics like ecology, healthy lifestyle and future studies. As they had the chance to take over farmland in Hong Kong in May 2020 they saw it as a great opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice and make a contribution that Hong Kong citizens can eat healthier. That's why it was clear from the beginning that the farm needs to be operated organically in co-existence with its natural ecosystem. Despite the higher effort which is needed to grow organically we see only benefits as the vegetables are not only healthier it also tastes better. We want people to know what they eat and where it comes from.
為什麼你們會選擇有機耕作?
Tony和Adrian於理工大學修讀碩士時認識,他們於讀書期間談論了不少關於生態、健康生活以及讀書方向的話題。於2020年的5月,Tony和Adrian接手Tony爺爺的農地,繼而成立Freshiepick,他們希望將日常討論的想法化為行動,為香港人提供更健康的選擇。毫無懸念,他們選擇了有機耕作 - 雖然有機耕作比一般的耕作辛苦很多,但有機菜不只健康,而且亦更美味!
What do you expect in Hong Kong Agriculture future development?
At the moment the majority of vegetables in Hong Kong is not produced here and is coming from Mainland China. These vegetables are mostly full of chemicals whereas organic vegetables mostly coming from overseas which is also not eco-friendly. However, we are seeing an increasing demand for locally produced organic vegetables in Hong Kong but farmland is limited in Hong Kong and will be more and more reduced. That's why it would be important for organic farmers in Hong Kong to build a strong alliance together that fosters a sense of community and creates an organic farming ecosystem where customers have easy access to locally produced organic vegetables. We are also thinking that farming in Hong Kong will transform more into a learning and leisure experience for the community in the future instead of only producing that people learn how to grow their vegetables by themselves.
你對香港的農業發展有什麼期望?
「現在香港市場絕大部分的菜來自於內地,當中很多的農作物亦有機會受到滅蟲劑和各種農藥的污染。而香港售賣的有機菜亦多數來自於海外地方,所以運送期間亦會比本地菜排出更多的廢氣。
最近,我們有留意到香港人對本地有機菜的需求增高,但由於香港寸土尺金的限制,我們根本沒有足夠土地去發展本地農業。因此,我們認為本地農夫應設立一個組織,去凝聚有機農夫和促進本地農業發展的方向。我們亦認為香港的農業將會轉型,成為一個學習和休憩的活動。」
As I know, the farm you owned in Sheung Shui is from your grandparents, do they inspire you to start your organic farming?
Despite the hard work that farming is, it is also a privilege to be outdoors and in nature compared with sitting in an office the whole day. Tony inherits the farmer gene and it makes him proud to operate the land again that was operated by his grandfather years ago. We are also using traditional farming methods that are taught to us by Tony's grandmother who is checking the land from time to time. In this sense, it is a learning experience for us too where we combine the traditional knowledge in today's world to build the future of urban farming in Hong Kong.
以我們所知,你上水的農地本來是屬於爺爺的,他們在你有機耕作上帶來什麼啟發?
除了耕作期間需要的勞力和汗水,在大自然中工作比一整天坐在寫字樓快樂太多! Tony很自豪可以繼承爺爺的田地,而Tony的嫲嫲閒時仍會到農地幫忙,教授Tony和Adrian傳統耕作的方法,「我們想將傳統耕作的知識帶入香港未來的城市耕作。」Tony說。
]]>Slowood was founded by local Hong Kong people under the vision to build community around sustainable living. This can only be achieved if we all work together, which is why supporting other local businesses with a similar vision is so important to us. Global environmental issues require local solutions, and buying locally is one way we can take action!
Slowood is always looking to spotlight like-minded small businesses. Located at the ground floor of Davis Street, our pop-up booth lets local businesses share their products and connect with our community at Kennedy Town. If you are interested in hosting a weekend pop-up booth at our store, and you are keen on protecting our environment, feel free to sign up with the link below.
Application Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yXOXtSzPbjizYAFBPzklbRcw0JFXS7c0sG98ihhoi50/edit
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