Have you been following our Shop Local series so far? To celebrate the importance of shopping locally, we’ve profiled Bellingen-based Kombu Wholefoods and Bellingen-based Manna Wholefoods, finding out the stories behind both stores that proudly stock Boody.
This month, we’re excited to catch up with Beck Morley, Organic Grocery and Cafe Manager at CERES Community Environment Park, to learn more about the Brunswick-based eco haven. Once you discover what CERES is all about, it’ll be clear why Boody feels right at home there.
Tell us a bit about how CERES came to be and what it stands for.
CERES – Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies, is an award-winning, not-for-profit, sustainability centre located on 4.5 hectares on the Merri Creek in East Brunswick, Melbourne. Ceres is also the Roman Goddess of Agriculture which is fitting for our community of food growers and focus on regeneration.
CERES was established in 1982 through the efforts of many community groups, volunteers and labour market programs that transformed the site. They were concerned about the desolate and neglected land and creek and had a vision to return the land to a place of nature and beauty, inhabited by thriving wildlife and a vibrant community.
Talk to us about the environmental education programs, urban agriculture projects and green technology demonstrations the organisation runs.
Our education programs lie at the heart of what we do at CERES and have grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest suites of sustainability education offerings in Victoria. From primary school excursions and incursions to accredited vocational training to practical courses and workshops for adults to upskill, CERES Education provides an opportunity for everyone to connect with each other and the earth.
Our urban agriculture projects include half an acre of certified organic land known as Honey Lane Organic Farm, which contains a beautiful mix of fruit trees and raised garden beds, worm farms, a propagation area and an outdoor classroom. We plant organic seedlings propagated by our Propagation team, and the organic produce grown at our market gardens is harvested and available for purchase at the CERES Organic Grocery.
All of our produce is certified organic by NASAA, a leading Australian and international organic certifier. We also partner with the best trainers in Victoria to deliver our Permaculture Design Certificate, and Complete Urban Farmer course, as well as a range of training in practical, earth-based skills. We support a local bee group with a hive of 10,000 bees, and 200 gregarious hens, either called Hazel or Loulou, depending on the colour.
Our green technology demonstrations culminated recently in the launch of our Zero Emissions EcoHouse, which as the name suggests, has been retrofitted to become all electric with no dependency on fossil fuels. Gas was replaced with electricity to allow for solar-powered appliances to run, and the most energy-efficient appliances were installed to reduce energy demand.
A recent partnership with Swinburne University has introduced a new kind of tree to our site – one that dwells in a "smart urban forest". Various trees have been fitted with smart meters, which monitor ‘water use’ and ‘water stress’ on the trees, and provide real-time watering data.
This project "is transformational. Instead of trees dying at 80 years of age because they are spending their whole lives in water stress, they’ll live to be two or three or maybe even four hundred years old." We love knowing we are giving urban forests a helping hand.
In what ways does Boody make the perfect fit for the CERES Grocery?
I love the Boody range; the products are organic, ethically sourced and produced, affordable, durable and super comfortable. I can honestly say that I have solely worn Boody undies (Boyleg Briefs in Black) for the past five years, they are simply the comfiest underpants I have ever worn.
What are the bestsellers from your Boody range?
The top-selling product is definitely the Classic Bikini in black, followed closely by the Full Leggings.
You're the Organic Grocery & Cafe Manager at CERES. How long have you been in the role and what does it entail?
I have been working at CERES for over 15 years now, which blows my mind a little. It is sincerely such a great place to work that staff tend to stay a long time. I became Assistant Manager seven years ago and Manager four years ago. My time at work is split between the working on the floor in the Grocery and working in the office.
My day could entail any mix of the following; making a salad or soup for our Grocery Cafe, sweeping and mopping, chicken wrangling, talking to reps, sampling new products and engaging with customers, amongst other things. There are 17 staff who work in the Grocery and Cafe. We all get along amazingly well and enjoy a chat, a dance and a laugh whilst we work.
Talk to us about the Organic Grocery. What sort of shopping experience can customers expect?
CERES Grocery is an indoor/outdoor shopping experience with a Cafe within the Grocery. We sell organic, local and fairtrade fresh produce and grocery items, as well as a large selection of bulk foods and bulk cleaning products. We encourage reuse, recycling and minimal packaging and offer recycled containers for customers to fill with bulk goods. Our cafe serves food cooked onsite and a range of pastries and goods from a number of local bakeries.
We do not use disposable coffee cups, but offer our customers a free coffee (or hot beverage of choice) when they buy a reusable coffee cup. The outdoor seating area overlooks Honey Lane, which is CERES' market garden, where some of the produce that we sell is grown. Our brood of chickens, The Hazels, reside to the right of the Grocery and provide us with eggs and hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.
We have local musicians play at the Grocery every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10:30-1pm (check our website for band listings) in exchange for free coffee and tea and a box of Organic Produce. On Saturday mornings, there is a Makers and Flea Market which hosts a variety of stalls from local makers and producers. Overall, it is a dynamic environment – there is always something happening.
We recently gave away a copy of the book The Urban Farmer – which CERES released with Justin Calverley in 2017 – to one lucky winner in our Christmas giveaway. Can you tell us a bit about the book?
The Urban Farmer is a fantastic go-to for any gardener that wants to increase productivity in their garden. Amongst many things, it covers growing herbs, veg, and fruit trees as well as pruning, organic pest and disease management and keeping chooks and bees. Written by long-time Melbourne local Justin Calverly, with CERES, it’s a reflection on his vast knowledge and many years of experience.
In what ways can we all be living a more eco-friendly life?
Minimise single-use plastic, Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and support Aussie farmers, producers and shops by buying local.
What are your plans for the near future as the Organic Grocery & Cafe Manager at CERES?
We are currently in discussions with a Landscape Architect to redesign the outdoor seating area, which is super exciting. I am always looking for ways to improve the space and make it a more enjoyable place to both shop and work, so there are definitely a few ideas that I'm hoping to see eventuate over the next few years.
Keep up with CERES by following them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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Interviews
An interview with Laura Kelly, Yoga Teacher
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Interviews
An interview with Seyi Rania, Natural Beauty & Wellness
Been meaning to give your beauty products an organic and eco-friendly overhaul? Seyi Rania has got you covered. With a deep knowledge of natural beauty that doesn’t compromise your health and wellness, Seyi knows which products are good not only for your skin – but for the planet, too. But that’s not all Seyi is about. She’s also a talented mental health counsellor, a gorgeous model and a dedicated Boody fan. We can’t get enough of her! We caught up with Seyi to talk everything from natural beauty to her fave Boody styles. Hey Seyi! How did your love for natural beauty, health and wellness come about? My wellness journey began in 2011 when my beautiful mother passed away from breast cancer. I was only 19 at the time. Following her death, I began questioning why and how my mother developed such a horrible disease… so I did my research and came across many articles detailing potential links between environmental toxins and cancer. 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I suffer from acne oily prone skin so I have a routine that targets this skin type. I do not believe in undertaking a 10 step routine to achieve glowing healthy skin! In the morning: I use the Lavera Gel cleanser + Sensitive facial moisturiser If I feel like I need it e.g. haven’t had enough sleep or my face is looking a bit puffy, 1-2 times a week, I apply a few drops of facial oil to my face then use a jade roller/Gua Sha to bring circulation back into my face. I find that I look less tired and more bright-eyed when using this technique! In the evening: Again I cleanse and moisturise, however, my evening routine can vary depending on what my skin needs. Twice a week I like to use an exfoliation mask (like the Kora Organics product I mentioned earlier) followed by a facial oil Once a week or every two weeks I like to use a clay mask followed by a facial oil If I am wearing makeup on the day then I ensure to double cleanser to remove all makeup, dirt and grime then moisturise. Without a proper clean, it will only lead to breakouts. In what ways can everyone live a more healthy lifestyle? I live by a few simple rules: Drink more water Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day Everything in moderation Practice gratitude and speak kindly to oneself How can we all live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? I think it’s good to question yourself on what you buy/use on a day-to-day basis and be mindful that whatever you buy will eventually end up in a landfill. If what you buy can be more sustainable, recyclable or biodegradable, then this will benefit our planet greatly. To implement more eco-friendly habits, I do the following: Use a KeepCup. I am so strict with myself that if I forget my keep cup then I won’t buy a coffee! Use beeswax wraps instead of glad wrap and reusable ziplock bags as opposed to one use zip lock bags Walk instead of drive if possible Eco-friendly washing liquid In terms of food, buy more fruit/vegetables. Less likely to be wrapped up in plastics and good for you! We hear you're a big Boody fan! What is it about our comfy and sustainable essentials you love? I love the versatility of the essentials in that it is comfortable to wear around the home but also lovely to dress up and wear out during the day. The comfort and durability is also what I love about Boody. When I purchased my first pair of undies and leggings a year or two ago, I was immediately hooked. My essentials/underwear wardrobe is about 60% Boody, however, I am aiming for 90%! I had even reached out to one of the customer representatives to submit a review and I admitted that when I wore the Boody sleepwear for the first time, it was the best night’s sleep I have had. That is comfort guaranteed! Any favourite styles? So many styles I can add here but I really love the Everyday Slip Dress in Black. Perfect for home and to wear out on a warm day. I also really like wearing ¾ sleeve tops with a pair of Boody leggings. My favourite work-from-home attire! And of course, in between meetings and calls with my clients, I like to get out and go for a run. The Boody Active range is really lovely to wear and is durable. Comfort, durability and sustainability are all very important to me. Outside of health and wellness, you are a mental health counsellor. That must be both rewarding and challenging? Absolutely! So I have completed a degree in psychology and a masters in clinical counselling. My experience varies from homeless intake worker, behavioural therapist, NDIS support coordinator and support worker and school counsellor. Right now I am working in the education industry to provide support to students. I love what I do and I love that I can make such a difference. You also do freelance modelling. Is that something you enjoy? I love it so, so much. I have been a model for nine years and it has always been a passion of mine. In the last three years, I was discovered then signed by an agency and now I am represented by JR Management. I have never thought to do it as a full-time occupation but I love that I get a great balance of passions between working in mental health, blogging about all things natural and beauty and doing awesome modelling gigs. Definitely can’t complain! Any plans on the horizon or anything else you'd like to mention? I am always thinking of ways of how I can do more with my beauty blog and spread the importance of natural beauty to all, however, right now I think I am happy where I am. I love that I can make a difference where possible. Though if someone asked me what is my ultimate dream, it would be to have my very own natural organic skincare range! Follow Seyi on Instagram.
