by Leslie Knope | Jul 12, 2026 | Food Safety & Produce
Australian Winter Produce Guide: What’s in Season and What’s on It There’s a common assumption that summer produce is the one to watch. Hot weather, longer growing seasons, more spraying. And while that’s partly true, winter tells a more...
by Lauren Calli | May 20, 2026 | kitchen hacks, low tox living, Pesticides
Key takeaways A 2017 study did show baking soda can break down certain surface pesticides — but it needed a 12–15 minute soak. A quick rinse with baking soda doesn’t do much. The chemistry needs time. It only works on the surface. Systemic pesticides that have...
by Lauren Calli | Sep 6, 2025 | Uncategorized
Berries are one of the healthiest, most delicious snacks out there. Packed with antioxidants, low in sugar, and kid-friendly — it’s no wonder Aussies are eating more berries than ever before. But here’s the not-so-sweet side: a chemical called dimethoate is commonly...
by Lauren Calli | Dec 4, 2024 | kitchen hacks, Pesticides
Have you ever wondered why your strawberries turn mushy after washing them with baking soda? TL;DR To avoid making strawberries mushy, it’s best to wash them with vinegar or electrolysis. It can be more than a bit frustrating when you take the time to clean your...
by Lauren Calli | Jul 25, 2024 | harmful ingredients, low tox living
Let’s have a little chat about something that’s super important but often gets overlooked – the ingredients in our beloved cosmetics. We all want to look fabulous, but not at the expense of our health, right? So, let’s dive into the world of cosmetic...
by Lauren Calli | Jun 3, 2024 | kitchen hacks, low tox living
In today’s world, the move towards sustainability and eco-friendliness is more important than ever. As we become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic, finding ways to reduce our plastic use in everyday activities, like cooking and storing...
by Lauren Calli | Jun 1, 2024 | low tox living
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to breaking down in the...
by Lauren Calli | May 28, 2024 | Bacteria
Fruits and vegetables can harbor a variety of bacteria, some of which are harmless while others can cause foodborne illnesses. In Australia, as in many other countries, the following bacteria are commonly found on fresh produce:Common Bacteria Found on Fruits and...