Given our reputation of trendsetters in Newcastle (well, maybe not), we try to make sure that we are always impeccably dressed whenever we venture out from home. Even a trip to the shopping centre requires hours of careful preparation. Okay, most of that time is spent trying to find the car keys.

Unfortunately, no matter how well turned out we are, it’s impossible to find an outfit that compliments that most modern of shopping accessories – the green eco-friendly shopping bag. Despite their rather bulky, ugly appearance, we use them because it is important to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags that are being used. So, we suffer for our principles and impatiently await the day that someone designs co-ordinating bright green shoes so that all of our accessories match.

Fortunately, we have found an alternative. While the green bags are great for heavy grocery purchases, they aren’t really what you want to be carrying around Myer and David Jones. Ecosilk bags look stylish, are very eco-friendly and come in a range of 17 fashion colours. Jacarandah-toned carry bag, anyone? These bags are designed and made in NSW and are made out of parachute silk material.

They really are a very environmentally friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags. They last for 5+ years and once they reach the end of their useful lifespan you can return them to the manufacturer who will give you a purchase credit on your next order and send the bags off to a recycling plant. We love them and can now hold our heads high as we co-ordinate our shopping bag with our outfit du jour.

Tres chic, n’est-ce pas?

We’re not big fans of cleaning. Don’t get us wrong, we like to have our homes clean and tidy, but as far as we are concerned every minute we spend cleaning is one less minute that can be spent reading books and eating chocolate. We’re sure you can see our point.

So, imagine our surprise when we enjoyed the opportunity we had recently to try out the Cinderella Cleaning products. They are environmentally friendly, which is a good thing AND they don’t leave a horrible chemical smell. Instead, our bathrooms now smell like coconut (reminds us of the beach), our ovens have the lingering scent of passionfruit (yum) and our kitchen countertops smell like mint. It’s difficult to restrain ourselves from licking the furniture. And aren’t they pretty?

The company is Australian owned, so we figure we are helping the environment and the economy. They actually work too (which is kind of useful), so now it takes us less time to clean and we have more time for books and chocolate. Who could ask for anything more?