Holisteeq

After a super long but much needed break... We're back!

A bit late, but happy new year!

Yes, yes, the news is dire, inflation is a b***h, and load shedding is soul sucking, but know this:

We either go down in misery, or rise up above the challenges. We choose. Simple as that. So for this year, I choose to put on my big-girl panties, face the music, and find a way to make things work.

This year, I'm forgoing new year's resolutions altogether. Yep, really! Instead, I'm focusing on mottos.

Some mottos I choose to live by, especially under the current circumstances:

💪 'n Boer maak 'n plan
💪 Where there is a will, there is a way
💪 Life is tough, but so am I
💪 If it is to be, it is up to me
💪 Make, mend or make do
💪 Rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot the rest
💪 Buy less, choose well, make it last
💪 Do what you can, with what you have, where you are
💪 When live gives you lemons, make lemonade
💪 Your mind is a garden and your thoughts are the seeds

And lastly, but importantly:

💚 BE KIND TO YOURSELF, AND TO OTHERS! 💚

Here's to the determined decision that we will rise up to new heights, together 🥂

💚 Tahnia, and the Holisteeq Team 💚

Did you know? Our plastic-free goodies are are shipped plastic-free...

That's besides the shipping label for couriers (because trust me we tried to no avail). If you choose Pudo or Pargo (i.e. you collect), then it is shipped completely plastic free!

Why? Because plastic sucks. Even when it can be recycled (and in most cases, plastic used for packaging cannot be recycled), there are some left-overs that break down to micro-plastics which pollute our waterways and even our drinking water. Fancy a bit of plastic particles with your drinks? What about for your kids' drinks? What about for your baby's milk? I thought not.

Also... we ship country-wide, to anywhere in South Africa! For outlying areas, collect at your nearest Pudo or Pargo pickup points. Easy and economical!

Ever seen these funky earthy-looking tools and wondered exactly how, where and when to use them, and whether they're worth it all?

Then we got the bases covered in the new blog post!

See here, for the run-down of all the funky earthy eco tools to use when you're green-cleaning:

https://holisteeq.co.za/natural-cleaning-accessories-101-why-what-where-and-how/

Lotion bars just dropped!

That's right boys and gals, lotion bars. Think like chocolate bars, but just using body butter instead of chocolate, and melting on your body, instead of your mouth 😁

"But why?!" you may ask, and rightfully so!

Because....
(1) it's more economical in that it lasts longer, because it does not contain any water (ever wondered how much you're paying for the water in normal body lotion? A lot!)
(2) no water means no spills, you can carry it in your handbag or travel bag without worrying about leaks
(3) no yucky plastic bottles needed (ICYMI... plastic is YUCK!)
(4) bars usually mean you can get a refill with minimal packaging (as is the case with the lotion bar)
(5) it really allows the natural ingredients to shine to the fullest, because it is not diluted with water and hence also no preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers, etc... just pure natural goodness

We've got two options in stock:
The lotion bar is more economical, vegan and soft and spreadable, with the option of refills
The lotion bar incorporates beeswax from sustainable sources, it's a bit harder and takes longer to melt and spread (therefore good option to keep in the car or beach bag), it's a bit more costly and does not (yet) come with a refill option.

Both come in aluminium tins, therefore no yucky plastic bottles, and no glass that can break.

If you've never tried a lotion bar... there's never been such a good time!

Amazing eco-friendly give-away!

See https://holisteeq.co.za/give-away/ for details!

Happy Woman's Day, South Africa!

As we commemorate the brave women who marched in 1956... We celebrate that we've come a long way to ensure that human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights. But the fight is not yet won.

There is still plenty of misogyny, discrimination and violence perpetuated against women in our societies.

As we take the day to rest, remember and recoup, let's commit to keep fighting for a better future for all our people, women included.

#

Happy Woman's Day, South Africa!

As we commemorate the brave women who marched in 1956... We celebrate that we've come a long way to ensure that human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights. But the fight is not yet won.

There is still plenty of misogyny, discrimination and violence perpetuated against women in our societies.

As we take the day to rest, remember and recoup, let's commit to keep fighting for a better future for all our people, women included.

What's your fav or go-to natural remedy??

Here are some of ours! A handy collection to address a variety of mild, common ailments. Free from toxins and nasty petroleum-based ingredients, courtesy of mother nature.

Available online from https://holisteeq.co.za with free delivery over R500!

Let's unite and rebuild!

Together we are stronger than we were!

Let's unite and this !

As Madiba had said:

"It's easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build."

If you have not done your part yet... it's never too late. Time, effort, money, positivity, prayers, anything you have to give can help!

As for us... For the foreseeable future, Holisteeq (and by extension Ecoboks, now under management of Holisteeq), is embarking on an even bigger community-building, environmentally conscious drive.

More details to follow soon!

Scary times we live in, but hope flourishes even in the darkest days!

🇿🇦

Tough times, South Africa. We don't have all the answers to all the problems. But we do know: United we stand, divided we fall. So through all of this turmoil, let's try and remember that. To all individuals, families and businesses that have suffered and are suffering, heartfelt sympathy, strength and peace ❤️🌹🌱

Our kids with ASD battle with change and uncertainty on regular days. With the turmoil and destruction in kzn this week, anxiety can be even greater. Be kind, be patient, be honest.

If the pandemic and recent climate disasters, that are increasing in frequency and severity, teach us anything, it's this:

If we treat nature like sh*t, nature will treat us like sh*t.

❗ There's no planet B. Better start looking after this one, if we want it to look after us... It's give and take, after all. Not just take, take, take - that's not how this game of life works.

Sure, I hear you say, but we can just recycle more!

Yes, that's true, we can and should recycle more.

But another truth: recycling is not enough. Every single piece of plastic, EVER CREATED, is still around, and will be, for centuries.

Again - Recycling is not enough. Most plastics don't get recycled, due to a variety of reasons, ranging from people not doing their part, to the plastic being contaminated and therefore not suited to recycling, or the type of plastic not matching the technology available to recycle it, or it simply not being of a type that can be recycled with existing technology.

Many reasons why, but facts remains...

❗ The more plastic we use, the more plastic is created.
❗ The more is created, the more stays around in the ecosystem.
❗ The more in the ecosystem, the more we choke out the natural world that is meant to sustain us.

Did you know there is micro-plastics found in the water we drink? Guess where it came from. There's micro-plastics in the milk babies drink from their bottles. In our urine and in our blood streams? Scary, this stuff. We don't even know yet how this will impact our health, long term. But it surely can't be good.

❗ Simple facts of survival. We need to reduce plastic production, use and consumption. And recycle what is already in the system, not create more.

🌿 So we challenge you! 🌿

🌿 Join us this to make small, easy, incremental changes in your daily life. All it takes is the first step... It starts with a journey, not with a bang.

If we don't, society will die with a whimper, not with a bang.

Holisteeq is proud and fortunate to welcome the EcoBoks 'Bok-Squad' into the Holistic Famz!

We'll be in touch soon to give more details about the transitioning phase, but for now, it's our pleasure to share in the joy and bounty of holistic, wholesome living!

We pledge to continue providing products for eco-friendly, holistic living, excellent customer service, spreading awareness of the environmental and social issues around us, and sharing tips and tricks for a sustainable lifestyle.

Welcome!

Much love and blessings,
Tahnia (founder)

Yes! This is the word I was looking for!

A word that explains what has gradually been happening to our planet, as a direct consequence of our collective and individual choices. It refers to the mass damage of ecological systems, inflicting severe harm.

I've attended a virtual talk shop at the webinar today and yesterday. All the presentations were meaningful and hit home, but the talk by Lorraine Jenks of Greenstuff really stood out.

It was she who presented the word, and showed the stats on how badly the state of the climate crisis and ecological emergency has deteriorated... to the point of people lying passed out on the streets in a 53 degree Celsius heat wave - not in 2050, THIS YEAR. 2021. This is where we are. This is how far we've travelled down this path of destruction.

Climate experts predict the climate and ecological disasters we will face by 2030, will be worse than what we're facing with Covid right now.

The best time to act was 30 years ago. The next best time is now. All hands on deck, boys and girls! We gotz work to do! Gotta stop this madness!

Individual consumer actions matter - but the stats show that's not enough. At the rate we're going, we need serious and swift legislative interventions, to force corporates to do their part.

Natural, wholesome, and special! These gifts for Father's Day will make him look and feel like the Super Dad he is... without costing an arm and a leg, or the earth!

Last chance: Order online today for delivery tomorrow in Gauteng. Free delivery for orders over R500, or a measly R65 in Gauteng for orders under R500.

Support local! Most of these products were made by South African artisans, using only the finest natural ingredients, sustainably sourced - great for skin and hair, great for special memories, great for the planet!

Find these products, prices and more info at https://holisteeq.co.za/product-tag/for-men/

Follow, like and share!

Me thinks the only failure, is the failure to start. And we all have to start somewhere. There is no perfect time, or perfect ex*****on. Just do it, as the slogan goes 😉

Natural, eco-friendly gifts for the Rad Dad who knows "natural never goes out of style" and "old school is more cool!"

Stay safe, stay home! Shop online from Holisteeq... Find Father's Day gifts at:

https://holisteeq.co.za/product-tag/for-men/

Or PM me on 0615002067

Order by Thursday, 17 June for delivery in Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand or Johannesburg Northern Suburbs before Father's Day.

Experience natural beauty... at it's best!

Holisteeq now stocks the Back2Nature range of natural, vegan personal care products. Dry winter skin? Pfffft.... No ways, not with Back2Nature!

Sneak peek into our new men's range for natural, zero-waste beard care... Ideal for the man with a sharp edge!

Stock received, will be live for sale on the website soon, keep an eye out!

This cold snap brings an end to summer's harvests... picked from the garden yesterday, as the cold draws near.

As you surely know, one of the most sustainable lifestyle choices is to grow some of your own food, organically. Good for yourself, your family, and the environment.
✔️ Zero biocides in your food
✔️ Zero miles travelled
✔️ Zero packaging
✔️ Zero refrigeration / storage energy
✔️ Zero waste (because you pick what you need, when you need, and the plant keeps growing!)
✔️ Sub-zero carbon footprint (because you can reuse grey water, used coffee grounds / tea leaves for fertiliser, as well as absorb a tiny little bit of atmospheric carbon dioxide as all plants do),
✔️ Help fight insect apocalypse, by growing it organically
✔️ Provide wild life habitat
✔️ Great to fight stress and improve your inner wellbeing
✔️ Save money
✔️ Increased nutrition
✔️ As fresh as you get!

Yes yes, I know, space is always in short supply. Trust me, no matter how much space you have, it's never enough!

And nobody has the skill, ideal conditions or time to grow everything. But surely, everybody is capable of at least growing one thing. One thing is all it takes... just start!

For those looking to start with something small, what about:
🌿 parsley in a small pot on the kitchen window sill (super source of vitamin C and immune boosting compounds!)
🌿 mint in a glass on the bathroom counter (good source of vitamin A and immune boosting compounds)
🌿 swiss chard (spinach) in a pot on the balcony or beside the entrance (vitamins A, K and C, plus minerals)
🌿 rosemary in a pot on the patio (improves mood, memory and concentration)

Pictured below is tamarillo, granadilla, bite-size sweet chillies, cucamelons, cape gooseberries and quince - all great for small spaces, tough, insect/bird resistant and easy to grow, needing very little time and attention.

Blog post coming soon on making your own divine tamarillo sweet chilli sauce! Keep an eye out!

☀️ Follow for more

Or the ocean. Well, we have to find a way!

Looky looky... Mrs Martins' Microbial cleaners now in stock! You have the option of reusable, sturdy aluminium bottles, with more economical refills available. Many refills are also available as concentrated versions, where you dilute it with water (1:14), with your choice of glass, aluminium or plastic packaging.

These cleaners are legit! They are hypo-allergenic (many in the range are approved by the Allergy Foundation of SA, tested by the CSIR for safety and efficacy), biodegradable in 28 days, and helps to rehabilitate grey water and septic tanks. They are free of harmful ingredients commonly found in commercial cleaners. Furthermore, they are pet safe, baby safe and suitable for those with eczema and asthma.

While you're at it, also check out our range of cleaning brushes, scrubs and cloths, made of natural biodegradable fibres like bamboo, h**p, jute and cotton.

Less plastic, less waste, less toxins, more sustainable, more wholesome. Yes, please!

Well, what more is there to say... Live today like there will be a tomorrow... As in, live and let live!

Anyone who recently visited Durban beach, or Jozi CBD can tell you... Plastic pollution is engulfing us. Who likes seeing all that? Let's clean South Africa!

It's as simple as drawing a line, and making different choices. After all, if you don't change anything, how can you expect anything to change? Be the change you want to see!

Things you could do:

🌿 if you see waste, pick it up. Even one chip packet is still one chip packet less
🌿 if it can be recycled, it should
🌿 if it cannot be recycled but is genuinely biodegradable, compost it and because
🌿 an astonishing amount of waste that CANNOT be recycled - this is trash and causes pollution
🌿 we have to STOP making, buying and trashing non-recyclable non-biodegradable waste

In the case of toothbrushes, plastic toothbrushes are not recyclable. They end up in oceans, beaches, rivers, forests, street curbs, etc... and take centuries to break down into micro-plastics that end up in our drinking water and our very own blood streams.

❗ Recent research has even found microplastics in the urine of every day South Africans - comment below what you think about this! ❗

In the case of toothbrushes, there are simple swaps to make, through different consumer choices.

🌿 Switch from plastic to bamboo toothbrushes
🌿 Bamboo toothbrushes work exactly the same as plastic ones and are no less effective
🌿 Bamboo handles are biodegradable and home-compostable (i.e. they break down into organic matter that is safe for soil organisms)
🌿 Bamboo is a sustainable natural fibre, being perennial, hardy, pest-resistant and self-regenerating
🌿 Bamboo plants grows back at a rate of up to 1 meter per week (WOW!)
🌿 Bristles are usually nylon, not compostable and are still trash... but just bristle trash compared to an entire plastic toothbrush of trash makes a big difference, given that most people use toothbrushes, and replace them every 2 - 4 months
🌿 Bristle choices come in medium and soft (dentists don't recommend hard bristles that damage enamel)
🌿 Bamboo handles are hygienic (bamboo is naturally resistant to bacteria, fungi, etc)
🌿 Prices start from R21 each

☀️ Follow for more!

We're starting a new series of easy-as-pie tips and tricks for changes everyone can make in their daily lives, to live healthier, more natural and with lower environmental detrimental impacts... The series is called "Simple Swap Saturday", and we'll post something every Saturday.

For this week, probably one of the first and easiest changes to make for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle is to switch from plastic-container petroleum-based lip balms to natural lip balms in tin / aluminium containers.

🌿 Why are plastic-container petroleum-based lip balms not the best? Well, two-fold: the plastic, and the petroleum.

🌿 The plastic containers are most often not recyclable at all... Contributing to the massive plastic waste problem that is slowly but surely engulfing the earth. And the petroleum of the balm itself contains potentially carcinogenic chemicals that are easily absorbs by your bloodstream... and worse, being so close to your mouth, can easily be ingested. Yikes!

🌿 Hence, a simple switch to an all-natural balm, often based on either beeswax or a plant-based wax such as soy, candelilla or carnauba wax, avoids the potential hazards of ingesting or absorbing common commercial petroleum chemicals. Also choose packaging that can easily and fully be recycled, such as glass or tin.

There you have it... easy, simple.

If you are looking for products that meet these needs, do visit our online store! Currently, we have Simply Bee all-natural lip balms, packaged in tin, in stock. It is made with sustainably harvested beeswax and propolis, with almond, rosemary and peppermint... Yummy! It is long-lasting and keeps your lips soft, smooth and supple. Also, it is hand-made in South Africa, raising awareness for bee conversation in the Cape Fynbos Biome...

With time we will be adding others (as well as vegan alternatives).

Like and follow for more!

**** Competition Closed ****

Annnnndddd the grand prize winner is.... as determined by randomized draw from all entries.... Nerine Dednam !

Special prizes for enthusiasm goes to Heidi Venter and Johanna Basson (can't @ mention due to privacy settings)

Congratulations, we'll be in touch to deliver your prizes! Hope you, your mom or that special lady will feel treated and pampered!

Thanks a lot to everyone who participated and shared the word, it's very much appreciated. You are all winners in your own right!

**** Competition Closed ****

Mother's Day Gift Pack Give-away! Win this earth-friendly, extra nourishing pamper set for your mom, yourself or another special lady in your life!

Holisteeq now stocks the Simply Bee all-natural skin care range... Perfect timing, as Mother's Day draws near. We're celebrating, and sharing the celebrations!

Here's what the grand prize entails:
💚 Simply Bee Facial Skin Care Starter Pack for Normal / Dry Skin, which has mini / travel size for a complete facial skin care regime:
🌿 Simply Bee Facial Cleansing Cream (30ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Facial Toner with Witch-hazel and Rose (20ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Anti-Aging Cream (30ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Facial Night Cream (30ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Propolis Facial Serum (10ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Carrier Bag
💚 Simply Bee Starter / Travel Gift Set, which has mini / travel sizes of your basic skin care needs:
🌿 Simply Bee Honey Hand and Body Wash (50ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Honey Hand and Body Lotion (50ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Tea Tree Shampoo (50ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Tea Tree Conditioner (50ml)
🌿 Simply Bee Gift Set Box
💚 Simply Bee Honey Bubble Bath Gift Set, which has a full size of the following:
🌿 Simply Bee Honey Bubble Bath
🌿 Simply Bee Gift Set Box
💚 Holisteeq soft, 100% natural cotton knitted wash cloth

At Holisteeq the prize is worth R608... elsewhere you will likely pay even more for the equivalent!

How to enter (1 entry into prize draw):
✅ Follow on Facebook
✅ Like and share this post
✅ Tag three friends in the comments on this post

For another entry into prize draw, repeat the same but on Instagram

T's & C's:
✔️ Competition open to South African residents
✔️ Competition closes midnight 9 May (South Africa time)
✔️ 1 entry per IG account, 1 entry per FB account
✔️ Winner will be chosen at random from all entries
✔️ Winner announced at noon 10 May (South Africa time), made public on IG and FB, and DM via IG or FB
✔️ Prize will only be shipped inside South Africa (no international shipping)
✔️ Prize not redeemable for cash
✔️ Not sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook

Hello World! Our very first order has been packed, and it's off to be delivered... So far so good! Exciting times 😄

Happy Earth Day, All!

Hopefully, all of us can take a moment out of our busy schedules today to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the planet we call home 🌎

This photo was taken from outside my property, where I am growing indigenous, water-wise and edible plants (where passers-by will eventually be able to pick fruits and berries). Small ways in which we can give back to nature, what nature gives to us!

Please share how you are celebrating Earth Day this year???