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Cheapest supermarket for winter shopping revealed

Aldi has once again cemented its reputation as Australia’s most budget-friendly supermarket, topping <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/supermarkets/articles/cheapest-groceries-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHOICE’s latest quarterly survey</a> on the cost of winter groceries. The consumer advocacy group compared the prices of an average basket of 14 common grocery items – including staples such as milk, chicken, and fresh fruit, as well as popular winter additions like vegetable stock, drinking chocolate, and butternut pumpkin. Aldi offered the most affordable basket at $55.35 without specials, with Woolworths close behind at $58.92, followed by Coles at $59.22 and IGA at $69.74. “Aldi had the best deal for shoppers looking to keep cosy this winter,” said CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva. “Without specials, Woolworths had the cheapest chicken breasts and pumpkin, while Coles offered the best price on apples. IGA came out on top for carrots and garlic. For all other products in our basket, Aldi is your best bet.” When specials were taken into account, Aldi still led the pack, with its basket dropping to $54.44. Coles followed at $57.67, Woolworths at $58.86, and IGA at $67.54. “All up, if you’re planning a hearty porridge breakfast or wanting a cup of hot chocolate to keep you feeling snug, Aldi should be your first stop,” de Silva added. He also encouraged shoppers to look beyond supermarket choice for savings: “Checking the unit pricing, keeping an eye on specials, shopping around, and trying out house brand products can all add up to significant savings.” CHOICE field workers collected prices in March 2025 at 104 supermarkets across 27 locations nationwide. The group’s base basket includes full cream milk, Weet-Bix, Royal Gala apples, carrots, Cavendish bananas, strawberries and chicken breast fillets. This quarter’s additional winter items were vegetable stock, sour cream, drinking chocolate, butternut pumpkin, quick oats, garlic and onions. The findings come as supermarket prices remain a hot political issue. Cost-of-living pressures and alleged price gouging by major chains dominated debate in the last federal parliament. During the recent election campaign, Labor pledged to introduce laws to crack down on price gouging, while the Coalition promised to introduce divestiture powers that would allow the ACCC to force supermarkets to sell off stores to boost competition. Image: Pexels / Gustavo Fring

Money & Banking

Flight attendant's act after touchdown divides social media users

A United Airlines flight attendant has copped some flak online for playing the violin after touching down in California. The unnamed crew member welcomed travellers to the Bay Area by playing a cheery tune as people got up to disembark from the flight, and while his performance was met with a round of applause from passengers, others weren't quite as pleased. “It was a definite pleasant surprise and welcome change compared to all the news we hear from airlines these days,” the Redditor captioned the clip of the performance shared online. While some viewers agreed it was “lovely” and “awesome,” others found the behaviour “unsettling,” calling the flight attendant “self-indulgent”. “What a sly move,” one wrote. “He has everyone sitting, captivated by his music, while he slowly walks down the aisle with anyone in his way and exiting the plane first.” “Just because I’m trapped and sitting doesn’t mean I have any desire to be serenaded,” another commented. “This would be annoying as hell,” wrote a third. “Can’t imagine breaking out into song on any instrument on a flight." “Honestly I’d struggle not to tell him to sit down and shut the f**k up,” commented another. However, others jumped to the flight attendant's defence, saying: “Of course super mean people as usual telling him to sit down and shut up." “My guess is he actually likes the passengers and is very friendly and kind,” another added, praising the crew member for trying to "entertain passengers." “Not like he’s making much with working at one of the lowest paying mainlines. Yet he has a good attitude despite it.” Images: Reddit

Travel Trouble

Unbelievable moment man finds his aunt's artwork in op shop

A man has broken down in tears as he found a painting done by his aunt in his favourite op shop. Influencer Christian Hull was sifting through an antique shop in Brisbane when something caught his eye from behind a cushion. "I walk into this stall and there on the ground is a beautiful brightly coloured art work from the 1980's that reminds me so much of my aunt," he said of his artist aunt, Helen McCosker, who is based in Sydney and has no connection to the Queensland city. "It was her style of drawing and just screamed at me," Hull shared on his social media accounts. "I thought to myself how strange that this drawing instantly reminded me of her. I wanted it... I knew it wasn't one of hers because the likely hood of that was 0%. No way a drawing she did in Sydney in the 80's would be in my favourite shop in Brisbane staring at me." His find was confirmed when he spotted his aunt's signature in the bottom corner of the artwork, as he said, "There in the corner I saw it and SCREAMED! It was her classic HMK in a circle." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGKO1XCTd-h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGKO1XCTd-h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Christian Hull (@christianhull)</a> </div> </blockquote> "I was stunned, here was a work she had done before I was born. I needed to have it." The content creator was in tears at the find, and quickly snapped up the artwork which was priced at $200, before he promptly called his aunt to tell her of the news, as he found out the story behind the painting. "I was hoping it was a secret lover and that I had uncovered a scandalous family secret but sadly not the case," he shared. Hull relayed that the artwork was of a man named Andrew and was done in a life drawing class she used to go to, with it still being in it's original frame. "We both were shocked at the randomness of the discover... It's so crazy that I saw this thought of her and then realised it was one of her works!" he said of the "surreal" moment. Fans were equally amazed by the find, as one person commented, "That's crazyyyyy. But what an amazing find! Funny how things come full circle, it was meant to be hanging in your home." Image credits: Instagram

Art

Calls for major shops to ditch "toxic" product

Common poisons sold at Bunnings, Mitre 10, Coles and Woolworths could potentially wipe out five species of carnivorous mammals. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972500467X" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:and a new study by Edith Cowan University;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="12" data-v9y="1">A new study by Edith Cowan University</a> has discovered the impact of these common rat poisons is more widespread than first thought, with predators also being impacted by the toxins as well as the pests. “This is the first documentation of pretty substantial rodenticide exposure in our entire suite of top marsupial carnivores in Australia,” researcher and adjunct lecturer Dr Michael Lohr told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-bunnings-mitre-10-coles-and-woolworths-to-ditch-toxic-product-going-to-kill-everything-063045604.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. “Tasmanian devils and quolls are potentially being exposed at rates that could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of their populations going forward, and not in a good way.” The use of second-generation rat baits is currently under review by a government regulator – the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), with Dr Lohr urging retailers to take them off shelves. "I think it's really important for Australia at this point to try to catch up to the rest of the developed world," he said. "Action is needed on this and the world has already agreed on that." The use and sale of these pesticides are heavily restricted in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, but are freely available in Australia. More than 7,000 people have signed a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-wildlife-and-pets-poisoned-dying-in-agony-bunnings-stop-selling-sgar-rat-baits" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Change.org petition;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="20" data-v9y="1">Change.org petition</a> calling for supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ditch these "highly toxic" rat baits which it said can kill pets and native animals. Veteran wildlife advocate Cat Coake told Yahoo retailers have a duty to stop non-targeted poisons, as she said, "Otherwise they're going to kill everything." In a statement, Bunnings noted that it's not the only major retailer in Australia selling second-generation rodenticides. "Like many retailers, we offer a range of rodent control products, including anticoagulant rodenticides and non-poisonous alternatives, to provide choice for customers on the best solution to their specific rodent problem," it said. Bunnings also said it's complying with government regulations on the sale of these poisons. Image credits: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Candid snaps of Scott Morrison unearthed in op shop

A TikTok user has stumbled upon a relic so rare, so historic, that it may just belong in Australia's National Archives – or at least at a particularly niche pub trivia night. Charli Foo, presumably just looking for a cheap second-hand jacket or a quirky mug, was left stunned upon flicking through a random photo album at a Salvation Army store in Rockdale in Sydney's southwest. Nestled between the dusty board games and a collection of mismatched Tupperware was a scrapbook of memories featuring none other than former prime minister Scott Morrison. The photo album, a true time capsule of the mid-'90s, documented a young, fresh-faced ScoMo in his tourism executive days, before he ascended to the highest office in the land (and then swiftly to the nearest Bunnings). The first few pages capture his trip to Port Douglas, where he attended a Tourism Task Force director’s meeting – presumably working hard to put Australia on the map while also perfecting his beachside relaxation techniques. But the real gold lies in the candid moments. There he is, sprawled across a beach lounge at the Sheraton Mirage resort on the Gold Coast, the very image of a man who has had one too many networking beverages. Later, he’s seen posing in front of a friend’s home in West London, his New Year's Eve 1996 exhaustion hilariously documented by an enthusiastic yet slightly judge-y caption: “Scott very, very, very TIRED after spending the day with Steve Girvan. I think too many Guinnesses.” Now, in ScoMo’s defence, who among us hasn’t ended up “very, very, very TIRED” after a Guinness-fuelled evening with a mate named Steve? It’s the most Irish thing outside of accidentally calling everyone ‘mate’ in a thick Australian accent while attempting to order a Guinness in Dublin. And speaking of Ireland, the adventure continues with photos of a sightseeing ScoMo strolling the streets of Dublin on January 8, 1997 – a day of great personal significance. Not for him, mind you, but for his wife Jen, who, as the captions inform us, was back in bed, battling the flu on her birthday. “Scott went sightseeing without Jen. She was sick, sick, sick … in bed.” The triple emphasis on ‘sick’ is either a sign of deep sympathy or someone trying very hard to justify a solo pint or three at the Temple Bar. Naturally, social media exploded. Comments ranged from sheer disbelief to excitement at the historical significance of the find. One user suggested the album should be donated to a “museum or university”, arguing that “future historians would froth over having this kind of source material”. And they’re probably right. Imagine, in the year 2125, a PhD student writing their thesis on ‘The Leisure and Leadership of Scott Morrison’ using a second-hand scrapbook as a primary source. In the meantime, perhaps we should all be combing through our local op shops a little more carefully. Who knows? Next time, someone might find a VHS of Kevin Rudd’s karaoke nights or a collection of Tony Abbott’s forgotten speedo selfies. History is all around us – sometimes, it’s just hiding between an old Abba vinyl and a set of novelty salt and pepper shakers. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

Friends charged hundreds to attend birthday party

A woman has been left horrified after receiving an invitation to her friend’s birthday celebration that she would have to fork out hundreds of dollars to attend. In a post shared to Reddit, the stunned guest showed a picture of the invite - which was texted to the recipient's phone. It stated that the celebrations would take place on a Monday between 5:30pm and 7:30pm, writing that friends will be charged $499, while guests of friends will be $250. The invitee claimed that the party for the friend, who is a member of their local council, is being held at a pub. “I posted this after receiving the invitation, it's completely wrong but whatever. It's happening, now it's just shaking our heads and making a joke of the whole thing because of how ridiculous it is,” they wrote. Hundreds of people took to the comments of the Reddit post to express their outrage over the invitation, with many hypothesising that the party is actually a fundraiser. “Yep. 100 percent political fundraiser. There is a separate real birthday party, even if it is just the spouse and kids,” one person declared. “Since the friend is a politician my guess is they're treating it like a fundraiser, but still. Jesus,” someone else added. Many shared their opinions on the extortionate party, with one person writing, “On a Monday afternoon? For $250 an hour? There are no people I’d ever pay that for.” Others added that the occasion sounds “more like a happy hour” than a party, with another person writing that they “wouldn’t even send a card”. Image credits: Shutterstock / Reddit

Relationships

Why one pizza shop is charging almost $200 for a divisive topping

A trendy pizzeria is charging customers almost $200 AUD for one divisive pizza topping as they reignite the debate of putting pineapple on pizza. Lupa Pizza in Norwich in the UK have reluctantly added Hawaiian pizza to their menu, but the ham and pineapple combo comes with a catch. Diners will be charged £100 ($198 AUD) for it, with the restaurant taking to social media to share the news of the hefty price. "🍍🍕 Pineapple on pizza — love it or hate it?" they wrote. "We're not so keen, but if you are, it's now on our Deliveroo menu for £100 ($198). 🤷‍♂️” "Order the champagne too! Go on, you monster!" they added. The restaurant's owner and chef have defended the cost for a simple reason: their shared dislike of pineapple on pizza. "I absolutely loathe pineapple on a pizza," Francis Woolf, the co-owner of Lupa Pizza, told the Norwich Evening News. Head chef Quin Jianoran agreed, adding, "I love a piña colada, but pineapple on pizza? Never. I'd rather put a bloody strawberry on one than that tropical menace.” Their views, however, are not shared with the majority of the British public. In the most recent YouGov survey on the subject, 53 percent of Britons admitted they enjoyed the taste of pineapple on pizza, while 41 percent of people do not. Lupa agreed to feature the Hawaiian special on its main menu if the people of Norwich voted in favour of the combination in an online poll, which closes on January 24th. “If pineapple wins the vote, I’ll make it,” said Mr Jianoran. “But I won’t be happy about it. And I might charge £200 next time.” Image credits: Instagram

Food & Wine

Flight attendant reveals best tips for end-of-year travelling

A flight attendant has shared her holy grail tips for surviving the ups and downs of holiday travelling, and how to ensure your travel days are a breeze. Florida-based flight attendant Hunter Smith-Lihas, who works as a flight attendant on a major US airline, and veteran Australian flight-attendant-turned-aviation-researcher Liz Simmons, shared their tips, tricks and secrets with <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/flight-attendants-secrets-surviving-holiday-travel/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN Travel</a> ahead of the busy holiday season, delving into their five top tips if you’re jet-setting around Christmas time. Give yourself an extra day Flying at the last minute is risky business, especially if you’re travelling for a special pre-booked event. Smith-Lihas advises travellers to "give yourself at least one buffer day in between your travel and the event," just in case you encounter delays or issues at the airport. Whether you're travelling in the northern or southern hemisphere, there's a potential for storms and weather delays, which can cause cancellations. If you've got a buffer day, a cancelled flight doesn't automatically equal cancelled Christmas, as Smith-Lihas said, "You at least still have that entire day to get rebooked on another flight." Ensure you have a buffer at your lay-over stop With this same idea in mind, Smith-Lihas recommends travellers give themselves at least 90 minutes between connecting flights. While the idea of sitting around in the airport waiting isn't appealing, missing your connecting flight is a much worse outcome. "I see a lot of people who book their layover flight connection times with less than 45 minutes," says Smith-Lihas. "That is not enough time." If your first flight is delayed, you can easily end up missing the second, says Smith-Lihas "especially if you're connecting in a foreign country and you have to go through customs and immigration." Leaving more time in between your connecting flights will also ensure your luggage makes it off your first plane and onto the second, making sure your Christmas outfits and presents arrive at your final destination. Opt for the first fight of the day While it might be tempting to book an evening flight to give yourself the whole day for last-minute travel preparation, Simmons and Smith-Lihas both recommend getting the first flight of the day, if possible. "If you're trying to dodge any delays, flying at the beginning of the day is beneficial, because any delays or cancellations will roll on throughout the day," explains Simmons. "And if the flight is cancelled, you at least still have that entire day to get rebooked on another flight," adds Smith-Lihas. Don’t overdo the alcohol In the spirit of the holidays, it may be tempting to partake in a few glasses of wine on your flight while on your way to holiday celebrations. However, Simmons advises to limit your boozy beverages, as you don’t want to arrive at your destination hungover. "Always keep in mind how you'll feel at the other end," says Simmons. "The real party will start at your destination, so resting and making sure that you're in your best possible state when you arrive for that party is so important." Instead, Simmons champions staying hydrated with water and herbal teas. Meanwhile Smith-Lihas said passengers should never be afraid to ask flight attendants for more water, saying, "The cabin air can be very dry. It's easy to become dehydrated on a plane." Remember to be kind Above all else, Simmons says keeping "the message of the holiday season" in front of your mind is key for surviving stressful holiday travel. "Small gestures of goodwill are always so appreciated and certainly do not go unnoticed, but sometimes the best gift is patience and understanding and a smile and kindness." "A lot is happening in the world at the moment, and there's a lot of unease around, there's a lot of uncertainty for some people, and not everybody has a family to go to during the holidays," she says. "So just keep in mind how powerful kindness is. Being kind and smiling, the impact that could have on a stranger's day, on their mood… It's so special, and it's something that we really don't harness. Maybe we don't realise how much power we have." Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

"This can't be real": Couple's unbelievable op-shop find

An Australian man has made an epic discovery in his local op shop. Rob Klaric was browsing Lifeline's Mosman store on Sydney's north shore when he spotted two framed photos of himself and his wife, which they had lost while moving house more than 30 years ago. The photos were taken in 1988 when he and Leonie, his wife of 35 years, were backpacking across Europe. But turns out luck was on their side and they were reunited with their prized possession more than three decades later. "I'm still buzzing with this. I mean, what's the chances?" he told 2GB's Ben Fordham. "I've walked into a store and I see these pictures and I thought I was hallucinating." The photos hold special meaning for the couple, as it was taken in his mum's backyard when they went to visit her in Europe. "We backpacked across Europe, [went] to my mother's place in the north of Italy – so the photos are iconic because it's [taken] in my mother's backyard and Mum's just passed away a few years ago now." A year later, the couple got married, and the year following they had these images framed before they lost them in a move in 1993, when a removal company misplaced the boxes they were packed in. "I still tremble because I thought, 'this can't be real'." "The ironic thing is that my picture, apologies Leonie, mine was more expensive. It was $12 and hers was $8," he said. Klaric wondered if his late mother had something to do with the special find. "But look, it's got my mum, my beautiful old Italian mum, it's got her fingerprints all over it," he said. "Because those pictures were right in the middle [of the shop], on the floor, you would have never seen it unless you walked through the store. And if it was on the left or the right you wouldn't have seen it. "I think she's looking down from Heaven." Images: DailyMail

Family & Pets

Coles launches new AI-powered shopping trolley

Coles is set to become the "first Australian retailer" to introduce AI shopping trolleys, letting shoppers pick, weigh and pay for their groceries without having to visit a checkout. The supermarket giant said its smart trolley uses advanced AI technology, sensors and an in-built scale to scan groceries, including fresh produce, directly into shopping bags. Shoppers can also use an interactive digital screen to identify and locate in-store specials as well as keep track the running total of their shop to help manage their budget and ensure “there are no surprises” when they go to pay. The trolleys are also designed to "streamline the checkout process" as each smart trolley comes with an EFTPOS machine attached. Coles Chief Digital Officer, Ben Hassing, said the introduction of its Smart Trolley showcases Coles’ commitment to delivering value and convenience to customers through innovative digital solutions. “As the first retailer in Australia to introduce AI-powered trolleys, we’re excited to offer our customers a convenient and engaging way to shop in-store, helping them save time, manage their budget and checkout faster – or at their own pace,” Ben said. “The Coles Smart Trolley illustrates our omnichannel approach, leveraging digital capabilities to enrich the in-store experience. “We are committed to testing and learning through innovative solutions to make sure we are delivering on customer needs, increasing convenience, and helping customers discover more value through their shop at Coles.” Coles’ smart trolley was created by New York-based software developers Instacart, which rolled out its AI-powered grocery carts in several supermarkets overseas earlier this year. However, not everyone is onboard with the smart trolleys, as many shoppers said they would "refuse" to use the AI-powered carts, blasting them as “lazy” and expressing fears supermarkets would also store personal data. “I don’t work for them, scan my products and pack my bags, as per your job description,” one raged on Facebook after Instacart launched in US supermarket ShopRite. “Not a chance I will use an AI trolley, I want a human to scan my groceries,” another added. Coles will trial the “all-in-one” shopping device at its Coles Richmond Traders store in Melbourne from January next year. The announcement comes after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/woolies-trial-bold-new-scan-as-you-go-trolleys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woolworths</a> also announced the launch of "scan as you go" trolleys, although the Woolies carts don't use AI technology to read what is being placed into the trolley, instead enabling shoppers to manually scan each item as they go. Image credits: Coles

Technology

"What a score": Woman finds rare gems in Vinnie's op shop

One lucky thrift shopper has stumbled upon a rare find in her local charity shop, spotting stunning opal earrings on sale for just $2. The shopper took to Facebook to share her find, posting a photo of the gold earrings adorned with a series of blue opals that she got from a Vinnie's op-shop in Queensland. Many were quick to agree that they were "such a rare find" because of the low price, as admirers described the jewellery as "Pretty", "amazing" and "beautiful". "Holy moly," one person exclaimed. "I can't breathe," one other said. "What a score," another agreed. While some people were skeptical that the gems weren't real, others said, "There's no way someone would set that many beautiful opals into costume jewellery so I'd say you have found a unicorn there." "They most certainly look genuine opal and diamond," another agreed — and so do the experts. Sebastian Heffernan from Lightning Ridge Opal mines told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/womans-rare-2-find-at-vinnies-op-shop-worth-1000-absolute-steal-042951545.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> that while it's difficult to determine based on photos alone, the opals "don't appear to be fake". "It's normally pretty obvious when they are," he explained. "They would look a little bit too perfect a lot of the time. Whereas these ones, you can see that some of them have little dots of colour, some have medium flashes." Assuming the opals are real but the diamonds are fake and the gold is plated, rather than solid, Sebastian guessed the earrings could sell for just couple of hundred. However, Wayne Sedawie, who owns Opal and Gem Stone Auctions, reckons the lucky thrifter could fetch close to $1,000 for the earrings, if resold or cashed in to a reseller, and suggested she get them valued. "It's definitely good to maybe get them looked at by someone in person because they do look quite nice from the photo, and the metal itself could be worth a little bit if it is actual gold," Sebastian added. "But either way, two bucks is an absolute steal". "That's such a great find. They're beautiful," Wayne agreed. "Just clean them up and they'll last a thousand years." Image credits: Facebook

Money & Banking

5 items you’re cleaning too much

Cleaning the house is no easy feat. To make life a little easier for you, here are five items you are probably cleaning more than you need to. 1. Clothes worn once For particular items of clothing such as gym gear, shirts and tights it is fine to wash clothes after every wear. However, most other items can be worn up to three times advises Carolyn Forte, the director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Over-washing and over-drying fabrics can cause fading and wear,” she said. Studies have also shown that it is ideal to wash bath towels after three uses. 2. Dinner plates Instead of spending time rinsing your plates before putting them in the dishwasher, just make sure all the food is scrapped off. "Pre-washing dishes is a waste of time and energy,” said Carolyn. "If you aren't running it right away, let the dishwasher rinse them with a 'rinse only' cycle." 3. Light Fixtures It can be tempting to dust your light fixtures every week but Carolyn advises saving your strength from a different household task. She advises that you can get away with cleaning light fixtures once a month. 4. Jackets In the cooler months jackets are worn every day. However, this necessity only needs to be washed every three months. Jackets don’t usually come into contact with skin cells or natural oils, which allows them to go longer between washes than other clothes. 5. Curtains Curtains need to be washed if you get any marks on them but if they are in pristine condition, according to Carolyn they only need to be cleaned once a year. Image credits: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Michael Schumacher attends first 'public' event since accident

Michael Schumacher has reportedly attended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/michael-schumacher-s-daughter-ties-the-knot-at-luxury-spanish-villa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daughter's wedding</a>, making this his first public appearance in 11 years. Gina Schumacher tied the knot with Iain Bethke at the family’s luxury villa in Mallorca over the weekend, and while Michael's attendance was previously unknown, several outlets have reported that he attended the special event. The Formula 1 icon's wife, Corinna, has kept his condition private since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, with only an extremely small inner circle of people allowed to see him, therefore this marks the first time that Michael has been 'seen' by extended friends and family. The Daily Mail reported that privacy was extremely tight at the event, with wedding guests required to leave their phones at the front door upon arrival. The family also reportedly looked at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away. The success of the event has reportedly raised hopes that the family will consider future opportunities for the Ferrari icon to be seen in public, with more people reportedly being let into the 'inner circle'. Michael's son Mick, who has been dating 23-year-old Danish model Laila Hasanovic for two years, is reportedly engaged to her, and in January it was reported that she had been given approval to visit the F1 legend. Updates on the former racer's health have been few and far between. Late last year, Schumacher's former boss at Ferrari and close friend Jean Todt revealed: "He is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different, and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now, and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That's all there is to say." Corinna also spoke publicly about the accident and her decision to keep Michael's condition private in a 2021 Netflix documentary. "'Private is private’, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible,” she said. “Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael. What he really didn’t like was the press, the people, all the hype around him. That’s not what he wanted. He wanted to do the sport," she continued. In the documentary she also said: “I miss Michael every day. “But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. “Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.” Michael reportedly moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive Spanish villa where Gina's wedding was held in September 2020 according to the Spanish press. According to The Sun, Michael spent much of his recent life at the $50 million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care. Image: Instagram

Caring

Shock over op shop item listed for $2,000

An Aussie charity shop has come under fire after a shopper spotted a luxury item with a hefty four-figure price tag. A woman was browsing the shelves at the Vinnies Op Shop in Tamworth where she spotted a forest green handbag by luxury brand Balenciaga for sale for a whopping $2,000. While the handbag retails at roughly $4,000, the eye-watering "sale" price has infuriated many after a customer spotted it isolated on a shelf in-store. "How in the world would a normal everyday person be able to afford that? At the stage now it’s cheaper to go to Kmart," a local woman hit out on social media. Others agreed, saying it's a "slap in the face when everything is donated in first place". "It’s ridiculous these days, all the op shops are so overpriced. Very much so in the suburb I live in because it’s a wealthy area, they think everyone who walks in is loaded," another said, commenting on the designer bag. Vinnies was quick to respond to the backlash over the expensive item, Vinnies North West area manager Julie Crosby reiterated that Vinnies shops are charity stores. "We're raising funds," she told the <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/tagged/social-media/" data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:ABC;cpos:8;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="18" data-v9y="1">ABC</a>. "We can spend that money on helping out homeless people, domestic violence issues where we're relocating families". Store manager Megan Moffat added, "It's a beautiful little handbag" implying the $2,000 is justified. Image credits: Shutterstock / Facebook

Money & Banking

Readers response: How do you feel about online shopping compared to traditional in-store shopping?

When it comes to shopping for things we want and need, many people have a preference over whether they shop in a physical store or online. We asked our readers which they prefer when shopping for food, clothes or anything else their hearts desire, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Ellen Polsen - Why would one buy online? I like to feel and see the things I purchase, particularly garments, as fabrics today are mostly rubbish. Jennie Craven - I do a little of each. But usually use stores that I know or brands where the sizing is correct for me. I always use a payment system that I understand. Gail Ladds - I love online shopping! I often forget that I’ve bought something then get a nice surprise when it arrives lol. Debra Coats - Online is okay when you cant go to the store. I did online shopping for about 8 months after open heart surgery but when i was given the all clear to shop and drive, I was in my element as its a moment of getting out of the house and seeing others around me. Karen Peardon - I have done some online shopping (mainly craft supplies) only because I have been very ill for months but I love in-store shopping more. Retail therapy!! Christine Whyte - Have not and will not ever do it, very old school and too wary of the dangers out there, besides I like getting out and choosing for myself. Helga Bonello - I like to see feel and touch products before I buy. Online scammers are a worry, besides we need a reason to go out and be sociable. Olimpia Palumbo - My family does on line shopping and usually end up with the worst fruit and sometimes the wrong items. Image credits: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Flight attendant shares travel tips for loved-up couples

A flight attendant has shared what loved-up couples should not do when taking a trip together. Seasoned cabin crew member Suzanne Bucknam has warned couples to be wary of appropriate behaviour, and advised against these travel “icks”. Suzie told <a href="https://www.skyparksecure.com/">SkyParkSecure</a>, that one thing couples should be aware of when travelling are public displays of affection (PDA), which could land you in trouble. "A kiss on the lips or handholding doesn't warrant ick status but making out and putting a blanket over each other's laps gets very uncomfortable for everyone in the vicinity," Suzanne explains. "I've seen several couples attempt to join the mile-high club either in the bathroom or, worse, at their seats with said blanket over them. In fact, I've caught a couple with their pants down in the back of our plane once. We did an emergency landing and had them escorted off the plane, then got back in the air without them.” "It should be known that you can be arrested for public indecency, and flight attendants won't be afraid to call the authorities if they see you trying to get too cosy with your partner." Another must do for travelling couples is to book your plane seats together, rather than ask other passengers to change seats. "A simple boarding process can become a nightmare if couples don't book seats together but demand another passenger to move," she says. "Not only does it slow the process down significantly, but it often causes an altercation between passengers when someone won't move. Someone picked and paid for that seat, so they are well within their right to turn down a request to switch." Suzie said that while she understands couples, especially honeymooners, are excited about their travels, that doesn’t give them the right to make demands, and being difficult will get you nowhere. "What I wish all honeymooners knew before travelling somewhere is that, just because they're celebrating, it doesn't mean others have to celebrate or contribute to that celebration. If you do get a free upgrade or a free drink, fantastic! But please don't demand one from an unsuspecting flight attendant," she explains. "And as an employee who has been in that situation, it's just plain awkward if there are no upgrades available, and it's against the airline's policy to give freebies." Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Couple charges guests to attend their wedding

A couple have made the divisive decision to charge their loved ones to attend their wedding in order to save money. When newlyweds Nova and Reemo Styles, a couple from the US, they were originally quoted $150,000 USD ($227,936 AUD) for their dream nuptials. "That's the number they were starting at," Nova explained to US news outlet ABC 7. In order to cut down on costs without cutting out any extravagant extras from their big day, the couple decided to put a price on attendance, and slap their loved ones with a fee. "And I said, 'People choose to go to Beyoncé's concert, because they know that they're gonna have an experience’. Let's put the stress on the guests, and let's sell tickets for a wedding,'" Nova admitted. Her new husband Reemo admitted he wasn’t too keen on the idea, as he recalled telling his wife “Babe, people aren’t going to come.” The couple decided to charge guests $333 USD ($510 AUD) each, which earned them a place on a double-decker bus for the reception which took them on a 12-hour adventure in New York City. The controversial move ended up saving the couple $70,000 USD ($106,260 AUD), and their big day went off without a hitch. They admitted that they received pushback from some guests, as NOva recalled one invitee saying, "I would never spend money on tickets. I don't care. Who do you guys think you are? Jay-Z and Beyoncé?” The couple stood by their choice to charge their guests, as many friends and family did fork out the hefty fee. Nova and Reemo’s story quickly made it to the ‘wedding shaming’ Reddit group, where social media users were not so sympathetic and were quick to condemn their “tacky” and “ridiculous” choice. "Talk about TACKY! I would never think of making someone pay to come to my wedding! That is just ridiculous...," one said. "I absolutely would not pay to come to a wedding, because I'm already paying to go -- gas, time to get ready, a gift, that's money/time I could spend in other ways," another said. "That's probably the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I would imagine many guests RSVP no," added another. Another user was quick to point out that if they needed help covering such a huge sum of money, they should’ve chosen to cut back on the extravagant day instead of expecting their loved ones to cover the cost. Image credits: ABC 7

Money & Banking

5 foods to add to your shopping list to save money – and they’re good for you too

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> Food prices are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-13/anglicare-cost-living-unemployment-groceries-fuel-rent-prices/103972166?utm_medium=social&utm_content=sf273549397&utm_campaign=abc&utm_source=linkedin.com&sf273549397=1">adding pressure on household budgets</a>, especially for Australians on the lowest incomes. To help save money on the weekly groceries, consider adding these five staples to your shopping trolley: eggs, oats, carrots, UHT milk and apples. These foods rate highly on the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20181811/">nutrient-rich foods index</a> and on cost, meaning they represent good value for money when it comes to buying nutritious food. Loading up on these items helps push more expensive, less nutritious foods out of your trolley. Keeping a supply at your place will also save extra trips to the shops, which saves petrol and time. <h2>1. Eggs</h2> Eggs are extremely good value at around A$6 a dozen (50 cents an egg). Meat, chicken and fish prices vary from $12 a kilo for mince, $12–$20 a kilo for chicken, to $20–$50 a kilo for steak and fish depending on cut or type. Selecting the cheapest cuts still costs $2–$3 a serve, compared to two eggs at a $1 serve. When you swap a red meat meal for an eggy dish, this can add up to a big saving. Try our egg recipes on the <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/filter/meals--dinner,lunch/superfoods--eggs">No Money No Time website</a>, from <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/sweetcorn-and-zucchini-fritters">fritters</a>, to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/mushroom-omelette">omelettes</a>, or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-rainbow-rice">fried rice</a>. These recipes also help use up other items you have in the pantry, fridge and veggie crisper. Eggs are a good <a href="https://www.australianeggs.org.au/nutrition/nutrients-and-vitamins">source</a> of protein and also contain choline, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamins A, B2, B12, D, E and folate, and minerals iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. For people concerned about eggs raising cholesterol, a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38370115/">recent review of research evidence</a> concluded there wasn’t likely to be any adverse effect on overall disease risk when consuming up to one egg a day. <h2>2. Rolled oats</h2> Rolled oats vary a lot in price from about $2 a kilogram for “own brand”, up to $9 for premium varieties. Oats are really <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/filter/keywords--Oats">versatile</a>. For breakfast you can make <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/microwave-porridge">porridge</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/easy-overnight-oats">overnight oats,</a> DIY muesli or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/gingerbread-granola">granola</a>. Oats make a pastry substitute for a <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-rolled-oats-quiche">quick and easy quiche base</a>. Or blitz them in a food processor and use as a breadcrumb substitute. For dessert, you can use them to top a comforting <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/wholegrain-apple-crumble">apple crumble</a>. <a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/resource/oats-2/">Oats are a wholegrain</a>, meaning they retain every part of the original grain – the germ, bran and outer layers – and hence more fibre and nutrients. Oats are a rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34236436/">helps lower blood cholesterol levels</a> by binding with bile acids in the gut, meaning they can’t be converted into LDL (bad) cholesterol. They <a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/resource/oats-2/">also contain</a> B vitamins of thiamin (b1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid (B5) and folate (B9), as well as vitamin E and the minerals iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. <h2>3. Carrots</h2> It’s hard to get better value than a bag of carrots at about $2.50 a kilo. They last for ages in the fridge and can be eaten raw, as carrot sticks or with <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/moroccan-carrot-dip">carrot dip</a>, or baked to make carrot veggie “<a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/vegetable-chips">chips</a>”. Try grating carrot as an extra on a salad roll or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/basic-beef-burgers">burger</a>, or mixed into grated cheese to extend it when topping tacos, pasta or pizza, or even a dish like <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-and-cauliflower-macaroni-cheese">mac and cheese</a>. Other versatile uses include soup, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-puree">carrot mash</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/baked-carrots-with-honey-thyme">roasted carrots</a> or, for something sweet, carrot muffins or <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/easy-carrot-cake-bliss-balls">bliss balls</a>. Carrots are rich in the carotenoids <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/">alpha-carotene and beta-carotene</a>, which get converted into vitamin A in the body and used in antibody production and to maintain <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/">healthy functioning</a> of your eyes, skin, lungs and gut. <h2>4. Longlife skim milk</h2> Longlife skim milk costs about $1.60 a litre. While some fresh varieties are around the same price, the value of longlife milk is that you can keep a store of it in the cupboard, meaning you never run out and it has a long shelf life. Milk makes great <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/banana-breakfast-smoothie">smoothies</a> and is an essential ingredient in dishes from quiche to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/cauliflower-cheese-bake">cauliflower cheese</a> to <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/clares-lemon-orange-delicious">lemon delicious</a> pudding. <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/milk#nutrients-in-milk">Milk contains</a> protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamins A, B2 and B12. Research shows regular milk consumption is <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/milk#milk-and-health-conditions">associated with</a> a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer. <h2>5. Apples</h2> A bag of apples costs about $4 or 60 cents an apple and $4–$5 for a large can of stewed apple. Apples make a portable snack. Add <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/comforting-apple-porridge">them to porridge</a>, serve <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/pork-loin-rolls">with pork</a>, <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/carrot-and-apple-coleslaw-with-mustard-vinaigrette">in coleslaw</a> or in <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes/wholegrain-apple-crumble">apple crumble</a>. Apples <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35502671/">contain</a> dietary fibre and pectin, vitamin B6 and C, and the minerals potassium, calcium, nitrogen, magnesium and traces of zinc, iron and copper. In <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31667463/">observational studies</a>, people who ate more apples had a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and death from any cause. For easy, tasty, economical meals that are quick to prepare, without too much effort, along with our food budget tips, visit our team’s <a href="https://nomoneynotime.com.au/">No Money No Time</a> website.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229903/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-foods-to-add-to-your-shopping-list-to-save-money-and-theyre-good-for-you-too-229903">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

How sustainable is your weekly grocery shop? These small changes can have big benefits

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michalis-hadjikakou-129930">Michalis Hadjikakou</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carla-archibald-283811">Carla Archibald</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ozge-geyik-1402545">Özge Geyik</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pankti-shah-1547393">Pankti Shah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> You might think eating more sustainably requires drastic changes, such as shifting to a <a href="https://theconversation.com/vegan-diet-has-just-30-of-the-environmental-impact-of-a-high-meat-diet-major-study-finds-210152">vegan diet</a>. While a plant-based diet is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00795-w">undeniably</a> good for the Earth, our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550924001945#f0025">new research</a> shows modest changes to your eating habits can also have significant environmental benefits. We assessed how food products on Australian supermarket shelves stack up against key environmental indicators, such as carbon emissions and water use. We found swapping the most environmentally harmful foods for more sustainable options within the same food group, such as switching from beef burgers to chicken burgers, can significantly reduce carbon emissions – by up to 96% in some instances. The last thing we want to do is take the pleasure away from eating. Instead, we want to help consumers make realistic dietary changes that also help ensure a sustainable future. So read on to find out which simple food swaps can best achieve this. <h2>Informing sustainable diets</h2> The environmental impact of foods can be estimated using an approach known as a <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(19)30128-9#:%7E:text=In%20this%20Primer%2C%20we%20introduce,cycle%20of%20a%20product%20system.">life-cycle assessment</a>. This involves identifying the “inputs” required along the food supply chain, such as fertiliser, energy, water and land, and tracking them from farm to fork. From this we can calculate a product’s “footprint” – or environmental impact per kilogram of product – and compare it to other foods. Most studies of environmental footprints focus on the raw ingredients that make up food products (such as beef, wheat or rice) rather than the packaged products people see on shelves (such as beef sausages, pasta or rice crackers). Of the studies that do focus on packaged foods, most only consider a fraction of the products available to consumers. What’s more, a lot of research considers only the carbon emissions of food products, excluding other important measures such as water use. And some studies use global average environmental footprints, which <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216">vary significantly</a> between countries. Our research set out to overcome these limitations. We aligned environmental footprints with the products people find on supermarket shelves, and covered a huge range of food and beverage products available in Australia. We also included many environmental indicators, to allow a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2120584119">more complete picture</a> of the sustainability of different foods. <h2>What we did</h2> Key to our research was the <a href="https://www.georgeinstitute.org.au/projects/foodswitch">FoodSwitch database</a>, which compiles food labelling and ingredient data from images of packaged food and beverages. It covers more than 90% of the Australian packaged food market. We combined the database with a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623029748">mathematical method</a> that sums the environmental impact of ingredients, to quantify the footprint of the product as a whole. From this, we estimated the environmental footprint of 63,926 food products available in Australian supermarkets. We then simulated the potential benefits of making “realistic” switches between products – that is, switches within the same food category. <h2>Our findings</h2> The results show how making a small dietary change can have big environmental consequences. For a shopping basket composed of items from eight food groups, we simulate the benefits of swapping from high-impact towards medium- or low-impact food products. Our analysis assumes a starting point from the most environmentally harmful products in each food group – for example, sweet biscuits, cheese and beef burger patties. A shift to the medium-impact foods for all eight items – such as a muffin, yoghurt and sliced meat – can lead to at least a 62% reduction in environmental impact. Shifts towards the most sustainable choice for all items – bread, soy milk or raw poultry – can achieve a minimum 77% reduction. This analysis ends at the supermarket shelves and does not include additional food processing by the consumer. For example, raw meat will usually be cooked before human consumption, which will expand its environmental footprint to varying degrees, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-00200-w">depending on the method used</a>. See the below info-graphic for more detail. The full results are available in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550924001945">our study</a>. <hr /> <iframe id="sR5yB" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sR5yB/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>What next?</h2> Many people are looking for ways to live more sustainably. Insufficient or complex information can fuel confusion and anxiety in consumers, <a href="https://theconversation.com/reducing-eco-anxiety-is-a-critical-step-in-achieving-any-climate-action-210327">leading to inaction or paralysis</a>. Consumers need more information and support to choose more sustainable foods. Supermarkets and retailers also have an important role to play – for example, by giving sustainable products <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07439156211008898">prominent shelf placement</a>. Attractive pricing is also crucial – particularly in the midst of a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/cost-of-living-crisis-115238">cost-of-living crisis</a> when it can be difficult to prioritise sustainability over cost. Government interventions, such as information campaigns and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07439156211008898">taxing high-impact products</a>, can also help. Food labelling is also important. The European Union <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel/product-groups-and-criteria_en">is leading the way</a> with measures such as the <a href="https://docs.score-environnemental.com/v/en">eco-score</a>, which integrates 14 environmental indicators into a single score from A to E. Apps such as <a href="https://www.georgeinstitute.org/projects/ecoswitch">ecoSwitch</a> can also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020024000268?via%3Dihub">empower consumers</a>. The diets of people in developed nations such as Australia <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-shopping-want-to-eat-healthy-try-an-eco-friendly-diet-89086">exert a high toll on our planet</a>. More sustainable food choices are vital to achieving a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/EAT">sustainable future for humanity</a>. We hope our research helps kick-start positive change.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234367/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michalis-hadjikakou-129930">Michalis Hadjikakou</a>, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sustainability, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carla-archibald-283811">Carla Archibald</a>, Research Fellow, Conservation Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ozge-geyik-1402545">Özge Geyik</a>, Visitor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pankti-shah-1547393">Pankti Shah</a>, PhD student, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-sustainable-is-your-weekly-grocery-shop-these-small-changes-can-have-big-benefits-234367">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Flight attendant reveals the unexpected reason why it's so cold on planes

When it comes to packing essentials in your carry-on for your next flight, many people add a jumper, extra socks, or even their own blanket to their bags. Because one thing’s for sure: you’ll probably be cold on your flight. But have you ever stopped to think of the reason why the cabin of a plane is so cold? According to a Canadian flight attendant, it's to do with keeping you feeling good. Vanessa Settimi told Reader's Digest that a cooler cabin helps passengers who are prone to fainting or have motion sickness during turbulence. She also clarified that despite what travellers may think, cabin crew don’t have control over the cabin temperature. "Temperature in the cabin is controlled by the pilots. Even though travellers often ask to get the temperature turned up during flights, it is kept on the cooler side." She went on to say that the key to staying warm on your next flight is bringing extra layers. "Now this might just be the flight attendant in me," says Settimi, "but you will never catch me flying as a traveller in sandals and a tank top!" Image credits: Shutterstock

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Flight attendant reveals the unexpected reason why it's so cold on planes

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