Meet Pauline, a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable living. As the founder of Nourish Natural Soaps, Pauline has been sharing her love for eco-friendly products and practices with her community for years. With a background in making handmade baby slings and a transition into creating gentle, eco-friendly soaps, Pauline’s journey is rooted in her desire to live in harmony with nature. She and her family reside on a peaceful 5-hectare smallholding, where they grow their own food and strive to reduce their environmental footprint. Pauline’s approach to sustainability is centered around simplicity, intentionality, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Tell us about your eco-journey: How did you start living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and what motivates you to continue?
My eco-journey began back in 2000, when my daughter was just a baby. Like so many new mothers, I became hyper-aware of what I was putting on her delicate skin—and that’s when everything changed. I discovered Earth Babies nappies, and that was my first conscious step into a more environmentally
friendly lifestyle. From there, it naturally grew into choosing foods that were gentler on the earth, opting for cleaner ingredients and more sustainable choices in every part of our daily life. Over time, this lifestyle evolved into something bigger—Nourish Natural Soaps was born from that same desire to create products that are kind to both people and planet. It’s been a long, beautiful journey of learning, simplifying, and aligning with nature. What motivates me to continue is simple: I want to tread lightly on the earth. It’s not just about what I create—it’s about how I live, every single day.
Eco-friendly habits: What’s your signature eco-friendly habit, and how has it impacted your daily life?
My signature eco-friendly habit is a simple yet effective practice that has become second nature over the years—drying out used teabags and turning them into fire starters. I add a bit of melted wax or even just some leftover cooking oil, and they work brilliantly. It’s one of those quiet, satisfying rituals that makes me smile because it turns waste into something useful. We go through a fair bit of tea in our home, so it’s a lovely full-circle moment—tea to warm the soul, and then those same teabags help warm the body when winter rolls around. It’s small, but it’s those everyday choices that really stitch sustainability into the fabric of your life.
Sustainable food choices: If we came over for dinner, what eco-friendly meal would you serve us?
If you came over for dinner, I’d love to serve you something fresh, colourful, and full of local goodness—most likely a big, beautiful Cobb salad made entirely with ingredients from the Wild Oats Market. We shop there every week to support our local farmers, and it makes such a difference—not just in
taste, but in knowing where our food comes from. The veggies are always crisp and vibrant, and I’d slice up some free-range boiled eggs, crumbly cheese, ripe avocados, and home-cooked chicken if we’ve got it on hand. Of course, I’d serve it with a side of freshly baked bread—still warm if you’re lucky! It’s a simple meal, but it’s hearty, wholesome, and full of heart. That’s the kind of food that feels good to eat and even better to share.
Gardening tips: What’s your top gardening tip for reducing waste and promoting sustainability?
One of my top gardening tips for reducing waste and promoting sustainability is to choose crops that are naturally low-maintenance and generous in their yield—like tomatoes! We recently planted a row of cherry tomato plants, and they’ve absolutely thrived, giving us bowl after bowl of sweet little gems. What
I really love about growing tomatoes is that they don’t ask for much—just a sunny spot, a bit of care, and they reward you tenfold. They require relatively low amounts of water and fertilizer compared to many other crops, which makes them a more sustainable choice for home gardens. Plus, any extras can be roasted, frozen, or shared with neighbours, which keeps nothing going to waste. It’s such a joy to walk out into the garden and pick something fresh for dinner—that’s sustainability at its most delicious!
Eco-friendly travel: Do you make sustainable choices while traveling? Share your favorite eco-friendly travel tips.
I don’t travel much—home is very much where my heart is—but when I do venture out, especially on local getaways or the occasional international trip, I try to make choices that are as gentle on the planet as possible. I really love small-scale, local travel where I can explore nearby towns, nature spots, and
communities. One of my favourite eco-friendly travel tips is to always support local businesses and artisans—whether it’s buying handmade goods, eating at a small café, or staying at a family-run guesthouse. I also make a conscious effort to buy locally-sourced products rather than mass-produced
items. Not only does it reduce the carbon footprint that comes with transporting goods across the world, but it also helps support local economies and preserve traditional craftsmanship. It’s a slower, more meaningful way to travel—and it leaves you with the kind of memories (and keepsakes) that
really last.
Sustainable fashion and beauty: Do you opt for sustainable clothing and beauty products? What are your favorite eco-friendly shops or brands?
When it comes to fashion and beauty, I really try to keep things simple and intentional. My focus when shopping for clothes is always to choose ethically made, high-quality pieces that will last for years rather than seasons. I’m not one for fast fashion—I’d much rather have a small, well-loved wardrobe full of
items that feel good to wear and are made with care. This year, I’ve dusted off my sewing machine and started sewing again, which has been such a joy! So far, I’ve tackled some home accessories (turns out curtains aren’t that tricky!), and I’m excited to start creating “clones” of my favourite clothes—those
pieces that fit just right and make you feel like yourself.
As for beauty, I keep it clean and natural, of course—my own Nourish soaps are a staple, and I love
supporting other local makers who use plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients. It’s all about surrounding myself with things that are kind—to me, to others, and to the earth.
Environmental education: What’s the most important environmental lesson for kids today?
I think one of the most important environmental lessons for kids today is that they can make a difference, no matter how small the action may seem. It’s so empowering for them to learn that caring for the earth isn’t just a big, far-off concept—it starts right in their own backyards. I love the idea of environmental stewardship—encouraging kids to take on small, hands-on projects like planting a garden, starting a compost heap, or helping clean up a local park. These simple acts spark a lifelong connection with nature and a sense of responsibility for our planet.
I’ve seen firsthand how inspiring young adults in my own circle have made incredible shifts in their lives by creating their own gardens and striving to become more self-sustainable. It’s beautiful
to witness, and it gives me so much hope for the future. When we teach kids to respect and nurture the natural world, we’re planting seeds that grow far beyond the garden.
Finding joy and peace: What brings you joy, and how do you find peace in a busy world?
What brings me the most joy is keeping my life beautifully simple. Simplicity really is the key—for me, it creates the space I need to breathe, to grow, and to be present in the moment. I find peace in the quiet rhythms of dailylife—stirring a pot of soap, tending to the garden, hanging up the washing
while the birds sing. I try not to overcomplicate things, and that’s made all the difference.
I also love allowing room in my life for new interests to bloom—like learning to sew again or picking up the piano. When something sparks curiosity or excitement, I follow it through and give it a chance to grow. That’s where so much joy lives—in the little things we give ourselves permission to explore.
In a world that moves so fast, choosing to slow down and live with intention is how I stay grounded, grateful, and gently inspired.
