At ecostore, we’ve never just focused on the ‘money’ side of the business. For us it’s always been about making the world a safer place, putting people’s health first and helping them choose products without nasty chemicals.

As we write this, it’s Conservation Week/Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa in New Zealand. And because of COVID-19, the country is also at levels 4 and 3 lockdown. So while we all need to stay at home – this is an excellent opportunity to think about how we can protect our native wildlife right in our own backyard.

Sowing seed and growing seedlings on is a skill that’s truly worth having. In this time where we can be in Lockdown within hours, having seeds in your fridge and some good quality potting mix on hand means you can grow food.

Aro is bilingual husband and wife duo Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice), who share a passion for using the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity.

Kick off your morning with these protein-packed pancakes! With only three simple ingredients, they come together in minutes - a blender does most of the work. These are fabulous made with a pea or hemp protein powder. A finished stack will serve up around 30g of protein, which will help keep you satisfied and full.

This delicious tart is super simple to make and a delicious light meal that’s perfect for spring. These are divine hot out of the oven or at room temperature for a fancy picnic.

I stumbled upon a poem recently and it resonated deeply. We’re at a time here in New Zealand where we are forced to slow down, potentially to reassess. Being at home with fewer distractions, the monotony of staying in one place can affect all of us in different ways.

American comedian Phyllis Diller once observed "Cleaning the house while your kids are still growing is like shovelling the walk before it stops snowing." A sentiment most parents can sympathise with. But while it’s challenging to keep things shipshape with kids at home, there are a few strategies to make things easier on the orderly front.

Since the invention of the dishwasher in 1850, there’s been a debate about who does the dishes better – humans or machines. Now, with that early prototype, the answer was pretty obvious. But what about now?

Just as each child has their own personality and character traits, how they approach homework will differ too. Some will take to it and do it with no fuss. Others will do it but make sure the whole house knows about it, and others will avoid doing it at all costs.