Didn’t you hear? Green is the new black when it comes to style – and our behaviour.
Living greener isn’t just about recycling and it’s certainly no longer just limited to the tried and tested trailblazer methods. Every day we’re learning more and understanding that a few small and simple changes can really make a big difference. Consequently, our green philosophy has stretched to the clothes we wear, the things we purchase, the decisions we make and the places we dine – just to name a few!
Here at Miss FQ, we take loving our planet pretty seriously. And in our conscious workplace, we’ve learnt a thing or two about keeping it green and eco-friendly while feeling even better when we do it, while wearing a sustainably sourced power outfit.
Whether your workplace has made the switch to green, or you’re on the hunt for some conscious knowledge, we’ve got the scoop on all things sustainability – from eco workplace tips to conscious power outfits.
From social butterfly to leader of the pack – what is your eco workplace persona? Read on to find out.
If your workplace persona is… the social butterfly.
ABOUT YOU:
The Social Butterfly is the fun and bubbly individual known for bringing sunshine and laughs to the office, and can always be relied upon for a cheer-up or a chat. Naturally they’re involved in all things social – every committee, activity or event – and they’re the first to stick their hand up to volunteer for things as they love to feel involved and talk to others, especially if it’s over food or drinks.
THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY CAN BE MORE ECO AT THE OFFICE BY:
Giving the social committee an eco-makeover: No social event will be the same after the social butterfly steps in. They’ll swap out plastic straws for stainless steel straws for any work event or gathering and they always avoid using disposable plates and cutlery. On every coffee run, meeting or lunch break which involves a hot drink, they ensure all their colleagues bring their Keep Cup rather than a disposable cup. The social butterfly gets away with being the voice of eco reason, due to their bubbly and likeable nature.
THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY’S WORKPLACE WARDROBE LOOKS LIKE:
Like her sunny disposition, her workplace wardrobe brings a burst of joy to everyone around her – with cheerful shades of lemon and pops of white and grey.
Shop the look: Valhalla skirt, $360 and Manningham knit, $290 both Viktoria Woods; Bonnie bra, $110 from Sisters & Co; Ranger boot, $450, from Rafa; Georgia Jay Boat Basket, $470 from Wixii; Love Beauty & Planet Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash with Coconut Oil and Ylang Ylang aroma, available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
If your workplace persona is… the free spirit.
ABOUT YOU:
The free spirit approaches life and their job with an open mind. Thinking outside the box is second nature, and this person is often responsible for coming up with many of their workplace’s most creative ideas. Always observant of the world around them, they are constantly feeling inspired and proposing ways to do things better. Obstacles are never roadblocks – only challenges to overcome – and the words ‘no’ and ‘impossible’ are not in their vocabulary. The free spirit is steadfast in their own views and they are not easily swayed by the crowd or popular opinion. This means their point-of-view is often very valued and respected by their peers and those more senior to them.
THE FREE SPIRIT CAN BE MORE ECO AT THE OFFICE BY:
Going straight to the top: The free spirit has the ear of senior stakeholders, and they’re not afraid to go straight to the person in charge of making key changes in the workplace to make positive changes that is felt company-wide. The first thing she’ll be canvassing for is the swapping out of standard bulk soap and hand lotion in the bathroom and shower dispensers for natural products, like those from the Love, Beauty and Planet range, instead.
THE FREE SPIRIT’S WORKPLACE WARDROBE LOOKS LIKE:
Dresses are very much the go-to for this persona – not only is the ‘one and done’ ease appealing, so too are their comfort levels. Versatility is also key and there is nothing more versatile than refreshing white accessories.
Shop the look: Dress, $755 from Maggie Marilyn; Nina bag, $3,274 approx, from Gabriela Hearst; Veja sneakers, $159, from Good as Gold; Lonely Lingerie, $125 from Sisters and Co; A5 drink bottle, $59 from Superette; Love Beauty & Planet Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash with Teatree Oil and Vetiver aroma, available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
If your workplace persona is… the office influencer.
ABOUT YOU:
When it comes to knowing everything about everything, the office influencer is your girl. From the latest political news to which new restaurants have popped up around town to new trends in wellness and which serum is best for dehydrated skin, she is everyone’s first port of call for her encyclopedic knowledge. She’s always ahead of the pulse and that includes in the sustainability space, where she’s at the forefront of the latest conscious and eco-beauty trends. Her energy and enthusiasm plus effortless style, influence all those around her.
THE OFFICE INFLUENCER CAN BE MORE ECO AT THE OFFICE BY:
Championing sustainable fashion and beauty: With a wardrobe full of pieces from conscious brands including Kowtow, Maggie Marilyn and Viktoria Woods, this girl knows a thing or two about investing in better quality garments that last, rather than cheaper fast fashion throw-aways. The office influencer loves vegan-friendly beauty products with natural ingredients, such as those from Love Beauty & Planet (and even better, they are super convenient, being available at most supermarkets around NZ!) and after making a switch from standard sanitary products to a recyclable chemical free Hello Cup, she’s spread the word to her female co-workers about its many benefits, health wise and to the planet.
THE OFFICE INFLUENCER’S WORKPLACE WARDROBE LOOKS LIKE:
The office influencer will usually be the first to wear a new sustainable fashion brand, and she’ll also be an early adopter when it comes to all things beauty. She’s also super prepped and ready to jump on the many invites that come her way for a new restaurant opening or hot party (she won’t be caught dead at work without her stainless steel razor and moon cup!).
Shop the look: Rainbow tee, $99, from Kowtow; Hello Cup, from $49 from The Hello Cup; Classic knit, $329 from Revel Knitwear; Kowtow Standard pant, $209 from Slick Willy’s; Veja sneakers, $170 from Nuitrack; Stainless steel razor, $30, from Natural Things; Love Beauty & Planet Body Wash, Body Lotion, Conditioner and Shampoo with Murumuru Butter and Rose aroma, available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
If your workplace persona is… the Queen Bee.
ABOUT YOU:
Elegant, regal and usually the one in charge, this person is typically the queen bee of their office – whether literally (it’s likely they’re a manager, CEO or project manager) or figuratively (your work crew looks to the Queen Bee for guidance and leadership because they’re always in the know and not afraid to speak up). When it comes to being vocal about office eco initiatives, this person is the most natural spokesperson, as where they lead, everyone else follows.
THE OFFICE INFLUENCER CAN BE MORE ECO AT THE OFFICE BY:
Swapping plastic lunch wrap to reusable beeswax wraps: Instead of using plastic wrap to cover and store left-overs or wrap their lunch, the Queen Bee opts for a beeswax wrap (naturally!) instead. Brands like LilyBee wrap are their go-to and they love opening the fridge to their patterned designs rather than plain (and polluting) plastic. Everyone notices what the Queen Bee does, so their desk pod have all been quick to jump on this trend… this person could continue to use opportunities like these to promote a sustainable, yet stylish, workplace.
THE QUEEN BEE’S WORKPLACE WARDROBE LOOKS LIKE:
Purple is the colour of royalty, so it’s only natural the Queen Bee’s wardrobe is loaded with shades from lilac to lavender to wine.
Shop the look: Lonely dress, $256 from Well Made Clothes; boss boot, $235 from Everlane; jacket, $590 from Viktoria Woods; LilyBee wrap, $28 from Waste Not NZ; laptop pouch, $132, from Well Made Clothes; Love Beauty & Planet Body Lotion, Conditioner and Shampoo with Argan Oil and Lavender aroma, available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
If your workplace persona is… the zen master.
ABOUT YOU:
Keeping cool, calm and collected in the workplace is a way of life for the office zen-master. This person can be relied on to keep everyone calm during a crisis or deadline, is always a great listener and keeps everyone in check with tips and techniques for relaxing and counteracting workplace stress. They put measures in place to ensure they’re in the right state of mind for the day and set themselves up best that they can by keeping hydrated (refilling their glass bottle rather than single-use plastic), taking regular breaks to centre themselves and eating hearty and nutritional lunches (always packed stylishly in a stainless steel lunchbox of course!)
THE ZEN MASTER CAN BE MORE ECO AT THE OFFICE BY:
Sharing relaxation techniques and keeping the office clean and calm: Zen masters typically don’t let pressure get the best of them and help others keep calm too. They maintain this zen-like nature by using their lunch break efficiently to relax and regroup, keep hydrated and try to fit in a walk with a colleague or by doing some simple exercises.
THE ZEN MASTER’S WORKPLACE WARDROBE LOOKS LIKE:
Soft, draping fabrics in calming shades of blue and white bring a peaceful, almost ethereal, vibe to the zen master’s work attire. They make their accessory statement not necessarily through their jewellery or handbag but through their choice of lunchbox, water bottle and desk décor.
Shop the look: Blue blouse, $495; and skirt, $395 from Maggie Marilyn; sandal, $375, from Rafa; drink bottle, $49 from Superette; deodorant, $30 from Everkind NZ; lunchbox, $99 from SeedSprout; Love Beauty & Planet Body Wash, Body Lotion, Conditioner and Shampoo with Coconut Water and Mimosa Flower aroma, available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Love Beauty and Planet. Love Beauty and Planet is priced from $9.99-$14.99 and available from Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, Farmers and other selected stores nationwide.
