Many of the most revered Japanese arts have emerged from a need for practical solutions to everyday problems. Furoshiki, the art of gift wrapping using cloth, is no different. The term, which literally translates to “bath (furo) spread (shiki)” was first used during the Nara period (710-794) as a means to protect valuable goods. Furoshiki has since evolved into a popular practice around the world, with people using the cloths to not only wrap gifts but also to carry bottles, hold vegetables and even as table settings. I was first introduced to the art of cloth wrapping last year while researching how to limit waste during Christmas celebrations. The thought of giving someone a gift in reusable fabric captured my...
Having a minimalist Christmas has become a goal of many parents worldwide, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. And for parents who are not quite ready to take minimalism to the extreme this festive season, there still seems to be an interest in downsizing the overall experience of giving gifts and celebrating with family. But why would someone want to go the minimalist route? The reasons are plenty. For many families, they want to take away the materialistic focus of the festive season and try to redirect attention to themes such as generosity, kindness, peace and joy. A minimalist approach also helps to limit waste during this special time of the year, which typically involves large amounts of disposable plastic and...
Halloween is one of the most adored holidays of the year and with good reason. It’s an excuse to let your hair down, adorn yourself in crazy costumes, watch horror movies all night and consume copious amounts of candy. Sadly, the traditions that we have come to know and love about Old Hallow’s Eve also carry with them a whole lot of waste. According to a report by U.K.-based environmental charity Hubbub, the plastic waste generated from “disposable” Halloween costumes and clothing exceeds 2,000 tons annually. And that number does not include the waste generated from Halloween decorations and candy. All hope is not lost for Halloween enthusiasts, though. We’ve got you covered with this helpful guide with tips and...
A big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon. A smooth, velvety Merlot. A rich, creamy Pinot Noir. Whatever your favourite vintage or varietal, the perfect reason to delve into tannins, berries and bitter notes is around the corner. As Red Wine Day approaches, we figured that now is as good a time as any to usher in the flavours of the fall and share some tips on how to pair your favourite wines on August 28th and beyond. So, let’s start with the basics… The basics of red wine People are often intimidated by red wine due to its bold flavours. Depending on what you choose, the flavour profile of your wine could be dry, peppery, complex, bitter or a variety of other...
Here at spaZa, we believe in transparency so we’re going to keep it real - the biggest challenge in going plastic-free is going plastic-free. While you can understand the issue, commit to the cause and start making changes, you will inevitably find plastic creeping into your home and your trash at an alarming rate. That’s just the sad reality of the world we live in. But just because the omnipresence of plastic can make the journey difficult, it isn’t impossible! This guide is not meant to overwhelm you but simply to show you that living plastic-free is a possibility. It just requires a bit of extra planning and some effort. Remember that the goal is progress, not perfection. So do...
