Chances are that most, if not all, the spices lined up in your kitchen racks right now have not been packaged and transported sustainably, are not produced ethically and have been grown using pesticides… And let’s not even get started on quality!

For a long time, consumers haven’t really paid attention to how sustainable spices are. After all, despite being an important ingredient, spice ranks low in the produce hierarchy – there are bigger things to worry about. But things are changing; with consumers starting to take more notice and focusing on all aspects of the food industry, spices are increasingly getting roped into conversations regarding sustainability.

Similarly, the values of buyers are also changing. In a recent survey, a significant majority of respondents said they were ready to pay up to 35 percent more for a product that is environmentally sustainable.

See also: 10 Useful Food Sustainability Terms

What are sustainable spices?

While there is no strict definition on how a spice becomes labelled as sustainable, to put it simply, we can say that it’s sustainable if it is of high quality, ethically produced and strives to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint.

First, let’s look at production. High-quality, sustainable spices are usually single-origin, meaning they come from a single place – a single farm or region – as opposed to the blends prevalent in most supermarket brands. Keeping things single-origin preserves the spice’s flavour and gives consumers a fresher, more intense experience.

Another term you will see is ‘organic spices’, which means exactly what you think – spices that were grown without the use of chemicals, preservatives or pesticides. Aside from the growing process, how spices are bought from farmers is also important. The hallmark of sustainable spices is direct trade with farmers. Conventional spices are bought through indirect trade and as such, a company goes through a chain of distributors, exporters, importers and other parties to secure their order.

Direct trade results in a more equitable relationship with the actual spice producers themselves, giving them a larger slice of the revenue instead of losing money through a plethora of middlemen. Sounds familiar? Indeed, it does – fair trade for the win!

And finally, a low carbon footprint. Another benefit of dealing directly with farmers is that the supply chain is significantly shortened, thus saving on transport costs and emissions.

Sustainable spices are also packaged differently than their conventional cousins. For instance, they’ll use recyclable materials for their packaging or encourage you to bring your own containers – as with Hong Kong bulk stores like Live Zero and Slowood, or even century-old chefs’ favourite Yuan Heng Spice Company – to maintain carbon neutrality.

See also: 8Shades Of… Tamsin Thornburrow Of Live Zero

Where to buy sustainable spices in Hong Kong?

If you’re new to the world of sustainable spices, the first step would be to visit one of the many farmers’ markets Hong Kong has to offer. The easiest to visit would probably be the farmers’ market at the Star Ferry Central Pier, which currently runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, but there are also farmers’ markets in Tai Po, Mei Foo and Fanling.

Aside from the bulk buy retailers mentioned earlier, another option is to hit up SpiceBox Organics in the Mid-Levels, Kennedy Town and Tseung Kwan O for a variety of organic spices; they even have their own in-store vegetarian cafés for a quick bite or drink during your shop!

There’s also Regency Spices, a Hong Kong-based online store that specialises in sustainable spices. You can opt for your order to be packaged in recyclable paper to make it even more eco-friendly.

But the best way to access sustainable spices? Grow them! There’s no better alternative to fresh seasoning than by plucking something delicious straight out of your spice and herb box. Try looking around Prince Edward Flower Market to see what you can grow in your kitchen, window box, balcony or garden – and enjoy!

See also: 8Shades Of… Michelle Hong Of Rooftop Republic

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The post Spice Up Your Life: A Guide To Sustainable Spices appeared first on 8Shades.

We chat to Bailey about what sparked her sustainability journey, get the lowdown on her newest business venture EcoGo and find out what advice she’d give to others who want to make a difference.

See also: Neighbourhood Guide – Eco Retail Shops in Central

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I’m a high-school senior, book lover and youth changemaker. I’m also the founder of a social enterprise called ReBooked, a platform that promotes the reuse of pre-loved children’s books. I guess you can say that I’m surrounded by books most of the day, whether for work or for play!

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

I started becoming more sustainability-conscious around four years ago when I was confronted with a personal – although admittedly first-world! – dilemma of what to do with books that I’d outgrown. I didn’t want to contribute to Hong Kong’s monumental waste problem by throwing them away or even recycling them; instead, I was eager to pass them onto other young readers who would enjoy them as much as I did. I launched ReBooked to make ‘disposing’ of books in a green way more convenient, sharing my love of reading and making second-hand books more accessible.

Starting ReBooked was the first time I became truly aware of the impact of my lifestyle choices. Since launching, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in local eco-friendly fairs and meet the teams behind many local sustainable businesses. With this came an increased consciousness of looking for eco-friendly options. Since then, I’ve become more purposeful about looking for eco-friendly options and supporting sustainability-focused brands.

That being said, actively making the shift to greener brands and products was not necessarily easy! I knew I wanted to live a greener lifestyle, but I didn’t know where to start… and found that my friends felt the same way! This inspired me to begin my next business venture, EcoGo – an app and website that serves as a directory for sustainable stores in Hong Kong. I’m working with a team of other young people based all over Asia to test, develop and launch EcoGo. We all hope that through EcoGo, living a sustainable life will be more attractive, accessible and convenient!

I think sustainable consumption is important because when we buy goods, we vote with our dollar. Although a small change in your shopping habits may not make a huge difference to you, these acts add up. Supporting eco-friendly brands helps them thrive and shows that their green practices and beliefs are valued.

3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

I always bring a refillable water bottle and a reusable tote bag with me. My not-so-green guilty indulgence is taking taxis around the city when I’m running late or in a rush… which is often! I could definitely utilise Hong Kong’s MTR, tram and bus networks more often.

4. Fave eco store?

One of my favourite pastimes wherever I am is thrift shopping for clothes. Here in Hong Kong, I always check the clothes selection at Mee & Gee. I’ve found some amazing treasures there!

5. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong?

My favourite vegan dish might just be the Zeus Gyros at Big Dill – a ‘lamb’ wrap filled with veggies, fries and sauces. Another restaurant I love is Veggie4Love, a 50s-themed restaurant in Central that serves vegetarian dishes from around the world.

Also, a quick shoutout to my friend Chandni Sacheti, the founder of Lives Without Knives. She’s the one who introduced me to all my favorite vegan restaurants!

6. What have been your biggest challenges and proudest achievements since starting ReBooked?

Launching ReBooked at the start of Covid meant we had to adjust our business processes as the pandemic situation evolved. While there were some challenges for new businesses like ours, Covid also presented meaningful opportunities to serve our customers by providing reasonably priced book options for families, alongside an online bookstore where parents could shop in the safety of their home.

Last year, we opened our own retail store in Central to complement our online shop; I’m really pleased that ReBooked is now Hong Kong’s biggest platform for second-hand books. I’m also excited that ReBooked has branched out to expand in Brazil and Turkey, and our literacy outreach programmes are in the Philippines too. I’m looking forward to seeing ReBooked’s social impact and presence grow in the years to come.

7. What advice would you give to other young people wanting to make a difference?

Just do it! There’s no such thing as a perfect time, perfect plan or perfect team to start making a difference. A lot of the journey is having passion, being open to trial-and-error and learning along the way.

Another big tip – and something I wish I did more when I started ReBooked – is to ask for help. With help from teammates, mentors, family and friends, you’ll have a much greater impact than you would have just by yourself. Whether you need expert advice from a specialist in the field or just someone to chat and take a break with, support from others is essential not only for the success of your project, but also for your own sense of wellbeing.

8. What shade of green are you?

Being a newbie in this area, I would be a pale mint green. My goal is to progressively work towards being a bright, cheerful lime green or maybe even a deep, sophisticated royal green in the next few years!

Find out more about ReBooked on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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Whether you’re looking to help at a one-off event or trying to incorporate regular volunteering work into your everyday life, here are six green opportunities around Hong Kong that might interest you:

WWF

Focusing on biodiversity, the oceans, wetlands, wildlife and community education, the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong (WWF) aims to make Hong Kong the region’s most sustainable city.

WWF volunteering applications are always open, with the organisation mainly looking for part-time volunteers to help run their educational tours at Mai Po Nature Reserve. Applicants with a science background are preferred and successful volunteers will need to take a few training sessions before becoming qualified to lead tours.

Sign up to volunteer for WWF here

The Green Earth

The Green Earth was founded in 2016 with the aim of spreading eco-awareness as a core value for all. This charitable organisation is responsible for looking after many of the recycling points that you may have noticed sprouting up throughout Hong Kong in recent years.

The Green Earth runs education seminars, second-hand clothing drives, tree planting and various other eco activities to inform and educate public – and it’s exactly these kinds of events they need volunteers like you to help with!

Sign up to volunteer for The Green Earth here

SPCA Hong Kong

If you’re more of an animal person, how about volunteering for the SPCA Hong Kong? This charitable organisation has been rescuing and taking care of abandoned, sick and injured animals as well as re-homing and de-sexing animals and enforcing animal welfare laws ever since it was founded in Hong Kong, back in 1903.

SPCA are always looking for volunteers for kennel upkeep, animal care and foster parenting sick or injured animals. They also welcome people with other special skills like photography, writing or art to volunteer their talents.

Sign up to volunteer for SPCA here

Hong Kong Cleanup

If you’re sick of seeing beaches filled with rubbish, why not join one of Hong Kong Cleanup’s events? Hong Kong Cleanup was established in 2000 as the city’s first communal cleanup and has evolved into the region’s largest environmental volunteer event – having removed over 10 million kilograms of rubbish from Hong Kong’s shorelines along the way!

You can volunteer to join one of Hong Kong Cleanup’s regular free #TeamSeas Community Cleanup events, part of the world’s largest cleanup initiative organised in partnership with international environmental group Ocean Conservancy. Cleanups are held on various weekends throughout the month – check the calendar for details on the next one.

Sign up to volunteer for Hong Kong Cleanup here

Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden

Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden (KFBG) is a longstanding Hong Kong institution that was originally founded by the Kadoorie family in 1956 to help farmers in the rural Tai Po area. It’s now a sanctuary for displaced animals and birds not native to Hong Kong, as well as a botanical garden and farm open to the public.

KFBG runs educational tours to raise awareness on ecological and sustainability issues. You can volunteer in various areas including Fauna Conservation to help care for rescued animals; Sustainable Living & Agriculture to work at KFBG’s weekly organic farmers’ market in Central; and Floral Conservation to help with planting, gardening, recording plants and other scientific research.

Sign up to volunteer for KFBG here

Green Power

Founded in 1988, Green Power is a charitable institution that promotes environmental education in Hong Kong. They manage several projects across the city, most notably the Sha Lo Tung Conservation Scheme that aims to preserve the area’s freshwater wetlands and restore its ecological biodiversity.

They also run an urban greening programme to plant more trees around the city, a Butterfly Surveyor scheme to record and protect Hong Kong’s butterfly population, and an annual Green Power Hike to raise funds while encouraging an appreciation of nature.

Sign up to volunteer for Green Power here

See also: 8 Endangered Marine Species In Asia – And How You Can Help

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Also famous for the dam of the same name that encloses Plover Cove Reservoir, Tai Mei Tuk is an ideal destination for a scenic day trip in Hong Kong – so here’s our eco guide to help you explore!

See also: 8 Eco-Friendly Hiking Accessories

Where To Eat & Drink

Mr Cardigan Plant House

Open on Sundays only, Mr Cardigan Plant House is a cafe set in a refurbished shipping container that is now a heaven for succulents. It’s known for its photogenic plant-filled grounds and is located right next to its owner’s farmland. Their menu changes seasonally, with food and drinks made from fresh, mostly local ingredients.

Mr Cardigan Plant House, corner of Shan Liu Road and Ting Kok Road, Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Mayse Artisan Bakery

Mayse is an authentic Latvian bakery founded by father-daughter duo, Alex and Elina, which makes healthy, organic bread following traditional Latvian and Northern European recipes. The main attractions here are their signature sourdough and handcrafted breads, with some other delicious food items like truffle pizza and panini also available – and everything is vegan too.

Mayse Artisan Bakery, G/F, 64 Sam Wo Road, Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, Hong Kong

What To See

Tai Mei Tuk Dam

Tai Mei Tuk Dam is a 2km-long dam that closes off Plover Cove Reservoir and has become a popular spot for cyclists and kite fliers. You can easily walk up or take a cycling trip from Tai Wai or Tai Po.

It offers sweeping views of Tolo Harbour across to Ma On Shan, and also the Pat Sin Leng mountain range behind. Many people come to see the sunset, but cyclists should be mindful of when they need to return their bike rentals!

Lung Mei Beach

Lung Mei Beach is slightly controversial as it was built in a protected marine area. This government-regulated beach has full changing rooms and shower facilities, plus lifeguards on duty. As long as you wear reef-safe sunscreen and are mindful of what you step on when you swim, it’s a great beach to visit and is the only one in the area.

See also: 8Shades’ Guide to a Sustainable Beach Day

Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail

Plover Cove Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Hong Kong and can hold 230,000,000 cubic metres of water. The hills surrounding the reservoir are relatively less steep – you can hike around it in one day! The Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail starts at Wu Gau Tong and ends at the dam, covering 18km and taking around nine hours.

The trail is a great challenge that should only be attempted during cooler weather, making sure you carry enough provisions and a head torch. But if you’re up for that and more, you can also try the Devil’s Fist Trail, which is a 30km hike!

Pat Sin Leng Country Trail

Hiking the Pat Sin Leng is a good alternative to the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail. Its name comes from the eight Taoist deities known collectively known as Pat Sin, one for each of the mountain’s eight peaks. It’s an easier and shorter trail compared to Plover Cove Reservoir but does involve a steep ascent to the first peak.

This hike offers a higher vantage point to the region with a full view of the dam, the reservoir and towards mainland China. You can hike all the way to Hok Tau Reservoir if you choose but the fastest route is to return the way you came, which takes around four hours.

See also: 8Shades’ Eco Guide to Sai Kung

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As well as shopping for pre-owned designer fashion on their website, HULA has a Wong Chuk Hang warehouse and a Central boutique where you can browse hundreds of fabulous pieces in-person – meaning there’s no excuse not to get in on the pre-loved action!

We chat to Sarah about what inspired her to start HULA, whether there’s a stigma around second-hand clothing and her top tips on making our wardrobes more sustainable.

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I’m the founder and CEO of HULA – a highly curated, authenticated consignment business selling the best luxury womenswear, bags, shoes and accessories. HULA helps customers monetise their wardrobe while offering consumers the best authentic, pre-owned, designer womenswear at up to 95 percent off retail price. In short, I turn people’s waste into other people’s treasures!

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

The rise of fast fashion and consumerism has made textiles waste one of the biggest polluters worldwide – which became a massive reason for starting HULA.

I used to work at Lane Crawford’s head office and realised how much waste there was in the fashion industry – not only on the retail side, where a product would have an 8-12 week shelf-life before going to the sales bin, but also among friends who would often ask where to get rid of items they no longer wanted. I knew there would be an opportunity for this type of business… plus loads of amazing products to unlock in my friends’ wardrobes!

Having previously founded my own lingerie and swimwear label, I also really appreciated the effort that goes into designing, producing and marketing a collection – so I wanted to make it HULA’s mission to extend the lifespan of well-crafted fashion pieces too.

3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

Of course, its shopping mostly second-hand fashion! I’m also almost vegetarian throughout the work week. My guilty pleasure is that I love jumping on a plane to travel.

4. Fave eco brands?

For fashion, I love Gabriela Hearst and Cult Gaia. For lifestyle, I can’t live without Oatly oat milk for my go-to daily latte fix! I also love ECOS household products – they work really well and smell so good!

5. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong?

Treehouse’s veggie bibimbap, Dandy’s Organic Café’s veggie curry with brown rice and Maison Libanaise’s mixed rice, Lebanese salad and roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce.

6. Do you think there is still a stigma when it comes to buying second-hand?

Shopping second-hand is still not broadly accepted amongst local Chinese. Superstition has partly held this market back from developing over the past decades, because second-hand clothing was known to come from someone who had passed away or was sold due to lack of money – so buying pre-owned was deemed ‘unlucky’.

Luckily, times have shifted and the pre-owned market is now widely more accepted… So much so that the second-hand market is projected to double over the next five years, growing eleven times faster than the broader retail clothing sector; it’s also set to become twice the size of fast fashion by 2030!

We’ve seen a surge in shoppers shifting their mindset about buying pre-owned, from it being something they were ashamed of to something they’re now proud of. Pre-Covid, we did lots of events and discussions, tackling issues about fashion sustainability and really bringing the community together. The new generation are popularising pre-owned in a big way – and I’m glad we stuck through the hard times to see this market grow and finally break some barriers.

7. What are some simple tips for a more sustainable wardrobe?

If you’re looking for key capsule wardrobe pieces, make sure they will last! Buy better quality pieces from better brands so items are easier to resell should you tire of them afterwards. If you can’t afford high-end brands, shop from luxury consignment stores like HULA, where pieces are a fraction of the price. Shopping pre-owned opens up a world of styles and brands you might never have considered or could afford previously.

Look for fabrics that are easier to maintain or can be cleaned regularly such as silk, cotton, linen-mixes and bamboo rayon or viscose and make sure you don’t over-wash your pieces. To be more sustainable, some pieces can be worn at least 3-7 times before being washed – this will ensure your pieces don’t look old and over-washed too soon.

If you want a more unique look without wearing what everyone is wearing this season, shop vintage items that are unique and not so recognisable. These pieces will become your wardrobe treasures and will help define your look.

And of course, please buy pre-owned fashion! Extending the average lifespan of clothing by just three months of active use per item would lead to a 5-10 percent reduction in its carbon, water and waste footprints. Buying pre-owned really is the quickest way right now – aside from buying nothing – to help solve fashion sustainability.

8. What shade of green are you?

A vintage olive green – it’s such a classic colour and I love vintage style!

Find out more about HULA on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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When shopping for a summer skirt, my advice is to look for those made from natural materials. Not only are they perfect for the humid weather, but they’re also generally more eco-friendly and durable than synthetic fabrics. 

Here are my three of my favourite sustainable skirt picks, made from different natural fabrics:

See also: 3 Eco Items To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Cass Livia Skirt 

CASS’ Livia skirt is made of hemp, a fast-growing, resistant and renewable natural material that is made to last a lifetime. It grows with little water, without pesticides and is extremely durable, breathable, comfortable and great for skin, thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. Even with all those benefits, hemp still has one more trick up its sleeve – it’s also considered a carbon-negative raw material, as it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

This skirt design is timeless and I love its simplicity. I’m currently pairing it with a crop top and squared heels for a classy and elegant look, or with a t-shirt and sandals for a more relaxed vibe. 

Available at CASS

Mayamiko Doreen Mini Skirt

Mayamiko’s Doreen Skirt is made from pure rain-fed organic cotton grown in Uganda, and crafted at a fair trade workshop by talented artisans in Malawi. Organic cotton is made from natural seeds, with zero pesticides or other harmful chemicals used when growing the plant.

This skirt is so soft that I get slightly emotional at the end of the day when it’s time to take it off! It’s a great summer staple and I love pairing it with a cami during the weekend or a shirt on work days. I personally wish more brands would follow Mayamiko’s lead and promote fair trade practices, as I believe that the people who made my clothes should be paid fairly for their work.

Available at Mayamiko

See also: Sustainability Defined: 10 Useful Eco Fashion Terms

Linen Handmade Studio Valencia Slit Skirt

Linen Handmade Studio’s Valencia Skirt is made of linen, a strong but lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. It is naturally hypoallergenic and very breathable, making it a great material for warm weather. I love this skirt because the design is so fun, yet it’s smart enough to wear to work when paired with a shirt.

What’s great about this brand is that their designs are made-to-order; with 27 different colours to choose from, you can pick the best shade to fit your capsule wardrobe. Made-to-order business models help reduce waste and minimise surplus stock but are they the future of sustainable fashion? Keep in mind that small businesses like these need your support as they face scalability issues. 

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

This summer, let’s rethink the way we buy fashion. Read clothing labels carefully, take time to research materials and support small businesses whenever you can. Through these small yet conscious steps, we can make a difference in the future of our planet!

See also: 3 Sustainable Mini Handbags To Invest In For Summer

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Founded back in 2011, Bathe to Basics’ gorgeous skin, hair and body-care products are handmade locally in small batches in Hong Kong, using all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients; in fact, they were one of the first beauty brands here to offer eco-friendly refill stations for many of their products.

We talk to Edmund about how Hong Kong’s sustainability scene has changed over the years, his top green beauty tips and why he’s all about embracing the basics.

See also: Neighbourhood Guide – Eco Retail Shops in Central

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

We locally create products derived from nature for the benefit of both ourselves and the environment.

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

It feels good to be sustainable! It’s the same feeling you get when you help others – it’s just that you’re helping the environment and Earth instead. I believe that if all of us do a little to help the environment, our collective efforts will be big enough to change the future.

3. Fave eco brand?

Hyginova – they focus on making disinfectant that easily decomposes and their products are made locally in Hong Kong too.

4. Fave veggie dish in Hong Kong?

The spicy cauliflower hummus bowl from Chickpea. Their pickles are so fresh and tasty – you really feel the joy of veggies with their colourful selection!

5. Bathe To Basics started back in 2011; how has Hong Kong’s sustainability scene changed since then? And what improvements would you like to see in the future?

We started our refill stations when bulk shopping was not really a thing yet in Hong Kong. We provided more than just the body soap or shampoo that you’d normally expect, with refills for other products like toothpaste, cleansing oil and deodorant too. I’m happy to see more bulk shops opening around different districts these days, with even more product options!

When it comes to sustainability, I think most people are currently concerned about disposable containers and single-use plastics; however, I think it’s about more than just that. We should put more emphasis on ingredients too. Besides being vegan and cruelty-free, it would be even better if products didn’t use artificial fragrances and colours, as well as other ingredients that impact our environment, such as oxybenzone in chemical sunscreens which harms the sea and coral.

6. What are some of the biggest challenges in making your all-natural beauty products? How long does the development process take?

I think one of the biggest challenges is keeping ourselves up-to-date with the latest trends and standards. Going eco and natural is now a global trend, so we’re constantly checking to see if there are any better ingredients for our formulas. But of course, we’ll always embrace the basics, like our brand name! That’s why we use a lot of natural plant oils – they’re the most basic ingredient and still the best.

Indeed, the development process never stops! I think that is one of the benefits of being a smaller brand; we can keep our production batches smaller and keep our ears open to feedback from our customers, so we can make minor adjustments to our formulas and make our products even better. We also have so many ideas for new products – like shampoo bars, mouth wash and other customisable products. It’s an endless process as I think there is always room for perfection!

7. What are your favourite Bathe to Basics products? And what are your top green beauty tips?

My personal favourite combo is our Basic Facial Oil and Porcelain Face Scraping Plate. I love using oil in my skincare routine; the scraping plate helps the product get absorbed while boosting blood circulation and working its magic to keep my skin in good shape!

My top green beauty tip is to pay attention to ingredients and read the labels! Many of us aren’t used to reading labels and understanding ingredients; I think it’s essential for brands to provide their full ingredient lists for clarity, like Bathe to Basics does. As customers, we should also start learning how to read labels properly instead of just believing marketing jargon, so you know exactly what you and your family are using.

8. What shade of green are you?

A dark greyish green. It’s subtle and calming – I even dedicated one of the walls in my room to this colour! 

Find out more about Bathe to Basics on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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Forget pork lard and double-yolks; these days, there are all kinds of mooncakes available to tickle your fancy, including plenty of more planet-friendly vegan, plant-based options. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up seven of the best vegan mooncakes in Hong Kong to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival this year, so let’s dig in!

See also: How To Have A Sustainable Mid-Autumn Festival

Green Common

Green Common can always be relied on to have some delish vegan goodies up their sleeve for every special occasion – and Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception. Take your pick from vegan custard or low-sugar green tea mooncakes, both made with Miyoko’s award-winning organic vegan butter. Even better, their paper packaging is plastic-free and completely compostable too.

Available at Green Common

The Cakery

The Cakery’s beautifully-presented mooncake box would make an ideal gift for any vegan friends and family and features an assortment of four colourful, creative flavours – yuzu blueberry, hojicha chocolate, black sesame lava and mango lava. In addition to being 100 percent vegan, these Instaworthy mooncakes are also gluten- and preservative-free.

Available at The Cakery

Bien Caramélisé

Plant-based patisserie Bien Caramélisé has combined classic Cantonese techniques with contemporary flair to create their first ever mooncake set. Their four innovative flavours – pecan and apricot, pineapple and apple jam, local young ginger and osmanthus, and lotus with salted “yolk” – are totally plant-based and made with zero artificial flavourings or preservatives. They’ve also collaborated with local tea brand, MoreTea, to offer special tea pairing sets… sounds like the perfect afternoon tea to us!

Available at Bien Caramélisé

Conspiracy Chocolate

One for all you chocoholics – homegrown chocolate label, Conspiracy Chocolate, have worked their magic to produce their own unique take on tradition with their fully vegan, gluten-free chocolate mooncake. This decadent delight features a coating of white chocolate; a rich ganache made from red dates, almonds and dark chocolate; and a fruity filling of homemade mango and yuzu jam, seasoned with green Sichuan pepper.

Available at Conspiracy Chocolate

Foodcraft

Only two grams of sugar per mooncake… it sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! Foodcraft’s dairy-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, plant-based mooncakes are the ultimate feelgood Mid-Autumn treat, and feature zero cholesterols or trans-fats. Coated with an Oreo-inspired crust, they come in four different fillings – vanilla, raspberry, blueberry and citrus – and utilise eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Available at Foodcraft

Essentia by Holger Deh

Is there no limit to renowned pastry chef Holger Deh’s plant-based powers? His sophisticated plant-based patisserie Essentia has crafted a stunning box of mooncakes that takes inspiration from the autumn harvest, with four flavour varieties in each set – green tea, red bean, coffee and sweet potato.

Available at Essentia by Holger Deh

Cocoparadise

We’re going coconuts for these Mid-Autumn creations! Showcasing coconut milk, butter and sugar, Cocoparadise’s mooncakes are completely vegan, flourless, grain-free, gluten-free and handmade without preservatives, fillers, additives or refined sugars. They come in two flavours – coconut and black sesame mochi, and Thai tea and coconut milk mochi – and while they’ve sold out online, a limited number will be available at Cocoparadise’s upcoming ESPRIT pop-up shop. Run, don’t walk!

Available at Cocoparadise ESPRIT Pop-Up, 3/F, 42-46 Russell Street, Causeway Bay from 29 August-9 September on a first-come, first-served basis

See also: The Best Vegan Cakes in Hong Kong

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What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is a type of exfoliating body massage that uses a special brush, leaving your skin smooth, soft, glowing and more luminous. Devotees of this ritual, including celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Elle Macpherson, also attest to its additional benefits – such us the feeling of relaxation during brushing; reducing the appearance of cellulite; and even lymphatic drainage, helping the body release toxins by stimulating its pores and opening them up to release sweat.

Its origins date back a few thousand years. Ancient Egyptians were said to have used the dry body brushing technique to exfoliate, following this with natural enzymes from our milk or wine for soft, supple skin.

Hailing from India, Ayurvedic dry brushing – called garshana – uses raw silk, linen gloves or a natural bristle body brush to stimulate circulation and blood flow. Meanwhile, in ancient China, dried fibres of a gourd fruit – or the modern-day loofah – were used, either alone or mixed with sesame oil to remove dead skin, and stimulate circulation along the lung, stomach and liver meridians.

See also: 8Shades Of… Kavita Khosa of Purearth

How to dry brush?

Before showering, when you’re completely dry, brush your skin using wide, circular clockwise motions, starting at your feet and moving up your body towards the heart. Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin, and harder pressure on thicker skin like the soles of your feet.

When brushing your arms, move towards the armpits. Avoid any sensitive areas or where skin is broken; skip your face too. The process should take anywhere between five to 15 minutes. Take a cool shower to help remove dry skin, dry off and moisturise with a plant oil, or your preferred hydrating body cream.

How often should I dry brush?

Based on a variety of sources and reviews online, there isn’t really a consensus on how often one should dry brush. Some do it daily while others, once a week.

Dr Barbara Sturm, a German aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous anti-ageing and clean skincare line, recommends dry brushing twice a week: “I like using a body brush before taking a shower, and after using an anti-ageing body cream to nourish and hydrate the skin,” she says. She adds that dry body brushing is an important part of one’s skincare routine and an effective way to treat cellulite at home.

But before you start typing the words “dry brush” into Google, some words of caution: the ritual may not be for everyone. US-based dermatologist Dr Michelle Henry says that while a dry brush helps encourage effective circulation and lymphatic drainage, excessive or improper use can cause irritation and inflammation.

People with skin issues like eczema and psoriasis should avoid dry brushing over inflamed areas. Those with more active melanocytes, or with darker skin, should also watch out for a risk of hyperpigmentation, or darkening certain areas of the skin due to constant rubbing. Always wear sunscreen and use gentle skincare after dry brushing.

7 Of The Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Body Brushes

Dry brushes come in a variety of designs and materials. Natural bristle brushes give a firm pressure, while synthetic ones are softer and less stiff. Here are our top picks of cruelty-free and vegan brushes to try:

Best Natural Bristles

Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush

Available at Aromatherapy Associates

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush No. 1 (Soft)

Available at Net-a-Porter

Best for Men

Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush Medium

Available at Mr Porter

Best Budget

EcoTools Dry Brush With Cruelty-Free Bristles

Available at iHerb

Best for Leg Cellulite

Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush For Body

Available at Net-a-Porter

Best Long Handle

Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush

Available at Revolve

Best Synthetic Bristles

Mio Body Brush

Available at Lookfantastic

See also: Gua Sha – Better Than Botox?

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The post 8Shades’ Ultimate Guide To Dry Brushing appeared first on 8Shades.

Of course, the climate crisis only contributes to the harshness of our city’s notorious summers, but that doesn’t mean we should just stay inside and miss out on all the fun! Read on for our picks of the cutest sustainable sun hats and visors for a well-protected summer outing.

See also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Prana: Genevieve Sun Hat

If there’s one thing we know about the Hong Kong seaside, it’s that things can get incredibly windy – which is when the drawcord of this minimalist sun hat comes into play.

But that’s not the best thing about this floppy darling; made of hemp paper and recycled polyester, the Genevieve Sun Hat from Prana, a “clothing for positive change” advocate, is lightweight, wearable and strong with UPF 50+ protection.

Available at Prana

Bagtazo: Tin Can Beach Hat

Just because you’re going to the beach doesn’t mean you can’t still be classy and stylish. Created by Filipino-American environmentalist designer and founder Coco Bagtazo, this sun hat is an elevated classic handmade from sheer braided hemp, featuring a natural silk tie that keeps your hat in place.

The brand also works with materials from verifiable sources, continually strives towards sustainability and regularly donates to grassroots and mutual aid funds, as well as Planned Parenthood.

Available at Bagtazo

Janessa Leoné: Wes Hat

A short-brimmed bucket style with a tall crown, the Wes Hat is braided and sewn with natural raffia for strength and durability. It comes in three staple colours – chocolate, natural white and black – to go with any summer outfit.

We also love that Janessa Leoné is a brand guided by conscious consumption, especially in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.

Available at Janessa Leoné

Ceremonia: Palm Leaf Sun Visor

This handwoven sun visor is probably the most summery headwear to ever exist! Crafted from palm leaf, cotton and nylon, it comes with a one-size-fits-most elastic band.

This BIPOC, women-owned brand also ensures it is made of sustainable and vegan materials, so we can keep on enjoying those beautiful sunny days without worrying more than we already do about the planet.

Available at Ceremonia

Girlfriend Collective: 50/50 Bucket Hat

Designed with 50 percent Texloop RCOT recycled cotton and 50 percent organic cotton, this classic bucket hat from Girlfriend Collective comes in six different colours to fit any aesthetic. Of course, our favourite is the muted banana yellow – it just screams summer!

The best part is, Girlfriend Collective is a fair trade label and its recycled fabric is Oeko-Tex-certified, so you know they’ve got a conscience too.

Available at Girlfriend Collective 

Caminito: Sombra Sun Hat

Handmade from woven palm leaves and vegetable-tanned leather by skilled artisans in Mexico, this shady sun hat features a hand-drawn sun pattern that is both subtle and unique – just a little bit of fun detail to help you step up your beach game!

We also adore that the San Francisco-based Caminito is a women-owned label and uses sustainable materials to craft its summery collection.

Available at Caminito

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags for Seaside Escapes

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The post 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors For Summer Protection appeared first on 8Shades.