The news is out, the ban on plastic bags has changed the lives of Australians for good - as long as you choose reusable bags instead.The National Retailers Association revealed that the first six months of the ban had resulted in 1.5 billion fewer plastic bags distributed. This great result is overshadowed a little, as when shoppers choose a 15c bag purchased at the shop, it’s less eco-friendly.Why question 15c bags? What’s the problem? The main issue is that the bags being purchased are ‘heavy duty’. "Put simply, these bags are made of more plastic so they will take much longer to break down in the environment," says Professor Stephen Swearer,Director of the National Centre for Coasts and Climate. "More plastic also means that as these bags break up, they will produce more micro-plastics." Although the bags are designed to be used multiple times, making them more eco-friendly relative to single-use bags, shoppers don’t always reuse them. Clean Up Australia CEO Terrie-Ann Johnson told ABC News she worries they often end up as bin bags, going straight into landfill.Turning the ban into a winSustainability Victoria estimated 4 billion single-use plastic bags were once distributed per year in Australia, with 150 million ending up in the sea. There’s no doubt the bag ban is good, but without a decrease in plastic bag purchases, it won’t have the impact it could have. What are the alternatives for life after the plastic bag ban? It’s simple really. Bring your own reusable bags, such as Trolley Bags or other eco-friendly options. Experts suggest that a bag that can be used in the long term is friendliest for the environment. More good news is on the way. As more plastic bag bans come into play - with more and more stores getting rid of them outright - the number of bags kept from landfill is set to go even further up. In the meantime, eco-aware shoppers need to be conscious about their shopping habits, and get used to slipping a Trolley Bag into the car whenever they plan a shop.

To pick up a set of Trolley Bags, head to www.packingsorted.com.au. If you are a retailer, click here to enquire about stocking Trolley Bags in your store. Links used:https://www.nra.net.au/media-release/1-5-billion-single-use-plastic-bags-eliminated-since-july/https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-the-plastic-bag-backflip-is-a-bad-ideahttps://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-06-20/plastic-bag-ban-options/9874474https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Live-sustainably/Single-use-items/Plastic-bags

People across the globe are becoming more environmentally conscious. With sustainability playing a key role in many parliamentary discussions, taking innovative measures to reduce environmental harm is being implemented across many Western countries. A lot of countries are now embracing the urge on the necessity of banning plastic bags, but consumers are still a little apprehensive on how to go about it. Biodegradable shopping bags can be expensive, build up in a cupboard and can often be lost or forgotten. A key way to ensure that one of life’s necessities – grocery shopping, is supporting the stability movement in a way that is easy for consumers to adapt to is by using innovative products, such as Trolley Bags. Trolley Bags are a unique invention that fit snugly into a shopping trolley, are ideal for travelling and offer flexibility and convenience. These reusable shopping bags eliminate the need for carting around multiple and awkward reusable shopping bags as they wrap up together, and slot into a trolley nicely. Here are the benefits of investing in Trolley Bags.1. Organisation Trolley Bags can be laid out in the trolley to be packed accordingly, with both hands. This disables the panic when items are scanned fast at checkouts and products become packed and cross mixed with other household items they shouldn’t be packed with.2. Alternative options Trolley Bags are colour coded, so it is easy to identify what is what when the shopping needs to be unpacked. They also feature bags such as a cool bag, to ensure no food is spoiled while being transported and an Xtra bag, which can be unfolded into a box, perfect for transporting any items, while still being able to fit snugly in a car boot. 3. The environment Trolley Bags are grouped together, and it becomes a consumer’s mentality to grab them before they walk out the door. They discourage the need for repeat reusable bag purchase and do not promote some consumers throwing a build-up of excess reusable shopping bags into the waste. To pick up a set of Trolley Bags head to www.packingsorted.com.au.

If you would like to enquire about stocking Trolley Bags in your store, contact us via email info@evolifestyle.com.au or call 02 9666 1014.

The large and dynamic café culture within Australia is growing in popularity. Coffee forms part of many people’s daily routines which makes it easy to assume that most Australian residents have enjoyed a visit to a café, or regularly pick up a take away coffee at a café. In the past, it was a common occurrence for people to purchase their morning routine coffee, enjoy it, then throw away the disposable cup. However, strong educational marketing and a move towards a sustainable society is starting to discourage the use of disposable coffee cups within cafes. The move towards coffee lovers utilising reusable coffee cups is becoming stronger, and there are 2 key reasons that purchasing a reusable coffee cup is worth it.Environmental impacts Disposable coffee cups are made up of styrofoam and it is estimated that over 25 billion styrofoam cups are disposed of annually. Styrofoam is comprised of a petroleum material that is a carcinogenic and very difficult to break down. A disposable coffee cup’s plastic lid is often made of polystyrene, which can leak styrene into the atmosphere. The lid, cup and often a cardboard sleeve or cup holder, make up a large amount of waste and chemicals that are being put into the environment when thrown away. The taste Coffee that is consumed from plastic or even paper cups is susceptible to having a chemical taste from the material it is in absorbed into it. Drinking coffee from a device that has no taste or smell, such as a cup made from thermoplastic elastomer, is the best way to enjoy a coffee, exactly how it should taste. The ideal reusable coffee cup choice for those who care for the environment, and want to enjoy the taste of their coffee to the fullest is the Pokito coffee cup.

The Pokito reusable coffee cup is incredibly durable, which ensures a long lifespan of the product. The Pokito coffee cup is ideal for those who love their coffee routine and consume it regularly, as it is so lightweight and easy to transport. The innovative cup features 3 coffees sizes in one – Expresso, Media and Grande, which makes it the perfect solution for those who want convenience, but the option to mix it up occasionally.

Click here to get your hands on a Pokito. With Christmas just around the corner, they make the perfect Secret Santa gift.

To enquire about stocking Pokito in your store call 02 9666 1014 or email info@evolifestyle.com.au

With Christmas just around the corner, everyone is dreading the massive shopping trips they’re going to have to take to get their home ready for the holidays. Between the food and the gifts, and the cleaning supplies for after Christmas, there is plenty to bring home from the supermarket. This year, however, is the first year that we’re going to have to do our holiday shop without single-use plastic shopping bags. If you’re shopping at the major supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, this year you are going to have to pay extra for the many reusable bags you’ll need to take all your shopping home. You’ll have to lug them around the shopping centre, then spend time trying to fit everything into the car. Then you’ll be spending even more time getting the bags out of your car and into the house.Is there another solution? Luckily, there’s an easier – and more cost-effective – option for tackling the Christmas shop this holiday season with Trolley Bags. Trolley Bags are an innovative system of reusable, eco-friendly shopping bags. When you get to the checkout, the four colour-coded bags easily spread out to fit over any supermarket trolley. The stand-up bags are easy to pack as they don’t require one hand to hold them open like your average shopping bag and even easier to transport since they have a strong durable handle.

Because the Trolley Bags are so useful and a better alternative to the plastic bag, you’re more likely to remember to pack them every time you go for a shop. This makes them more cost-effective as you won’t have to buy a new one every time you go for a shop and find you’ve left the reusable plastic bag you bought last time at home. The large size of each bag also means you won’t need to buy a whole stack of reusable bags for your Christmas shop since everything will fit into the four bags.Consider the Xtra Bag too! If you are looking for even more space, the Xtra Bag can make it even easier to buy everything you need to prepare for Christmas. Not only does the Xtra Bag give you another bag to take your items home in, it can also extend what you can put in your trolley as you walk through the aisles as it hooks onto the end of your trolley and can hold up to 15 kilograms worth of extra groceries.

So if you’re looking to get through this single-use plastic free Christmas season, Trolley Bags might just be the perfect solution for your Christmas shop.

Head to www.packingsorted.com.au to pick up a set of Trolley Bags.

Or if you'd like to stock our range in store call 02 9666 1014 or email info@evolifestyle.com.au

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s never too soon to start thinking of good gift ideas before the shopping season begins in full. There’s always going to be that relative or acquaintance who you struggle to know what to get for. Luckily, Evo Lifestyle Products offers a range of products that are eco-friendly and make for great stocking stuffers. They may not be the type of gifts you instantly think of... but isn't that what makes a great present for the people who are difficult to buy for? Let's explore some ideas:

Pokito Cups

In this more eco-friendly age, more and more people are turning to reusable items to get away from the amount of waste everyone produces. Coffee cups are no exception, with over a billion disposable paper cups used each year!What sets Pokito cups aside from other disposable cups, however, is their portability. Most of the time, having a reusable coffee cup is nice but inconvenient; Pokito overcomes this with its collapsible design, allowing you to easily fold it away when not using it. It’s a great little something extra for a person you care about at Christmas time.

Scrub Daddy

You might recognise this product from Shark Tank USA. The Scrub Daddy represents the newest in innovation for cleaning equipment. The coolest feature is the fact that the Scrub Daddy will change texture based on the water temperature you use it in. The unique foam that it is made of means that it can be used to remove many stains with water alone! It can also be used as a one-stop item for all your cleaning needs in the kitchen, bathroom and around the house!

Red Gorilla Tubs

Red Gorilla Tubs are the perfect gift for a friend or family member. Boasting a range of colours and sizes, these tubs have literally thousands of uses both around the home and outside. These could be great for storing tools or soil while gardening, or they make the perfect reusable feeder for horses or livestock. Coming with a range of accessories, the sky’s the limit! These are just a few different ideas that will hopefully give you some inspiration for stocking stuffers when it comes to holiday time. If you’re looking for more, though, why not browse through the rest of Evo Lifestyle Products' range of items.

To purchase any of the above items today, head to KitnCaboodle.

There are so many points in Scrub Daddy's favour! If you've used other sponges in the past, or are still doing so, then here are seven benefits to consider; you might ask yourself how well other products compare to this one...Scratch free Scrub Daddy is safe to use on stainless steel or non-stick pans, car paint or ceramic, glass or leather - and so many other surfaces.Quick clean Simply clean Scrub Daddy again and again in your dishwasher. Or sanitise it in just a single minute by placing it in your microwave.Unique design Scrub Daddy has eye-holes for your fingers to deliver that vital added grip - amazingly useful when you have to clean awkward spaces or tiny corners. And it also features a mouth to allow you to slip in, and quickly clean, items such as forks, knives and spoons.So many uses Scrub Daddy works just as well on garden furniture as your bathroom sink; or when cleaning your fence railings and then your fridge. If it took up cricket, it would surely be in any team as an all-rounder! Flexibility Scrub Daddy is a truly flexible cleaning friend: it becomes firmer after immersion in cold water and is immediately ready for dealing with those stubborn stains or burnt-on spills where extra scrubbing power is required. It then quickly becomes softer again when placed in warm water.Eco-friendly Use it with baking soda or vinegar, rather than non eco-friendly, harsh chemical products.Exfoliator After completing all those important cleaning jobs, you can use Scrub Daddy to exfoliate. Did you know that Scrub Daddy's amazing FlexTexture™ technology, working with your water temperature, was originally created to help you scrub your hands?How did that other sponge compare? Other sponges surely fall far behind in comparison. Try reusable Scrub Daddy for yourself and be quickly convinced!

Click here to purchase your own Scrub Daddy sponges today.

To enquire about stocking this incredible product in your store, email us today at info@evolifestyle.com.au or call 02 9666 1069.

Do you know how much plastic you use in everyday life? Australia is going through a plastic epidemic. Perhaps it is time we cut down on the plastic we use throughout the day. Below are some areas where plastic is commonly used around the home, with suggestions of alternative ideas. Food preparation

At lunchtime, we tend to use a lot of plastic. We might buy a disposable plastic bottle of juice, water or soft drink, and then you’ve got the lunch that is wrapped in glad wrap. But we can switch this around. Sandwiches can be covered by eco-friendly bee wax wrapping alternatives. Or, you could opt to have a salad for lunch and seal it up in a stainless-steel container; you could bring a drink from home in a glass or stainless-steel bottle. Not only will you be saving the environment, you’ll be saving money as well!Washing up

There are so many new cleaning products released that you can become completely overwhelmed by plastic derivatives! But no more; cleaning can be eco-friendly as well as effective. Our best-selling product Scrub Daddy is soon to become your best friend for these reasons. It’s a green product, as it can be reused hundreds of times. Just sanitise it in the dishwasher or microwave and then it is good as new. Imagine how much waste you will avoid by reusing the same scrubber instead of throwing them out constantly and having to buy more. Another way to save! There seems to be a theme appearing here... Shopping bags

If you can’t use the old plastic shopping bags, then what should you use? Many reusable bags are awkward to carry, with handles that are not long enough or bag shapes that don’t make sense. Have you seen our Trolley Bags? They’re a system of 4 reusable shopping bags designed to slot easily over the edges of the trolley, so nothing gets squashed in your trolley load. Not only that, you never have to hold the bags open again while loading. Trolley Bags make grocery shopping a breeze. As well as being more convenient for you, our reusable Trolley Bags help you save the environment and avoid the necessity of buying more bags at the checkout. Well there you have it, three areas in which you can reduce your use of plastic around your home. You could even make it a game in your household; how little plastic can you use? It’s a great way to teach your kids about environmentally friendly practices.

Click here to purchase your own Trolley Bags or Scrub Daddy.

If you would like to enquire about stocking these products in your store, give us a call on 02 9666 1014 or email info@evolifestyle.com.au.

The one scratch that started a revolution… Aaron Krause is the mastermind behind the Scrub Daddy. In 1988 while studying at University he supported himself by washing cars. After a few years, he found himself in such high demand that he left University in 1992 to open his own company called Dedication to Detail Inc. There, Aaron specialised in using customised buffing pads - cleaning cars up to a showroom standard. This was when Scrub Daddy’s original ancestors were born. One day, Aaron accidentally scratched the paintwork of a customers vehicle. He had to come up with a way to fix his mistake and invented something he then called ‘The Edge’ – a specially moulded pad designed to cut and polish until paintwork scrubbed up like new. After years of tinkering with other applications for The Edge and designing new sponges, Aaron patented his designs and kept sponge samples for later developments in a warehouse. You can read more about Aaron here. In 2011, from a box labelled ‘scrap’, a legend would be made.Out of the scrap box and into the Shark Tank... Scrub Daddy’s original application was for washing the hard-working hands of people like mechanics, builders and landscapers, but the market proved tough to convince. Aaron soon realised that the special foam he’d crafted Scrub Daddy from was perfect for household cleaning and could do a remarkable job without the need for harsh chemicals. It’s temperature reactive qualities meant that the sponge would stay firm in cold water and soft in warm water and it’s cellular structure perfectly captured dirt and grime without heavy duty detergents. Adding ‘eyes and a smile’ for an ergonomic grip and for applications like cleaning cutlery and homewares, the iconic Scrub Daddy was born. Aaron took his eco-friendly invention onto the screen in 2012, appearing on the hit marketing pitch show ‘Shark Tank’. Renowned inventor, entrepreneur and celebrity shark Lori Grenier secured the winning Scrub Daddy backing deal in front of a worldwide audience. Soon after, millions of Scrub Daddy’s were snapped up by happy customers. A follow up show ‘Swimming With Sharks’ aired in 2014. It featured Scrub Daddy as the most successful product launched by the show. You can read about the success of Scrub Daddy here.Scrub Daddy Now… Today, Scrub Daddy is available to buy all over the world in a range of colours and variations, like ‘scented’ and ‘heavy duty’. The miracle sponge’s evolved non-scratch FlexTexture composition keeps odours at bay and is easily washable for reuse over and over again. That’s why people around the world are using a Scrub Daddy every day for a huge range of cleaning applications. To find out more about the little smiling sponge that cleans like no other, click here. References - Mulvey, Kerry. 2017. 'There’s a reason this sponge is the most successful 'Shark Tank' product to date' Retrieved from:https://www.businessinsider.com/scrub-daddy-shark-tank-success-story-2017-3?IR=T Ray, Sanjara. 2016. 'Meet the ‘Daddy’ of Scrub Daddy, who runs a million dollar business on selling smiley-faced sponges' Retrieved from:https://yourstory.com/2016/06/scrub-daddy-founder/ 'About us' Retrieved from:https://scrubdaddy.net.au/about-us/

With unprecedented global challenges from environmental degradation and climate change, it has never been more important for everyone to do their part. For the consumer, there has never been a better time to buy eco-friendly, innovative products that are kind to the environment.The takeaway cup scourge Australians drink a lot of tea and coffee every day, and the vast majority of those takeaway cup

are not recycled. Many of us try to do the right thing and bring a reusable cup with us, but they come with a few problems. They are often bulky and inconvenient, and it can be really hard to remember to bring them with you. Enter the Pokito, the most convenient portable takeaway cup ever created. The Pokito squishes down to a more convenient, flattened-down size when you're not using it. That means it's easier to store and leave in your work bag, so you don't need to remember to grab it on your way out every day! They adjust to three different sizes and come in nine colours, so you can get exactly the look and size that you want.

Reusable shopping bags

Now that supermarkets nationwide have phased out single-use plastic bags, you are forced into find a reusable solution. Yes you can purchase regular reusable shopping bags, or even those 15c thicker plastic bags (but aren't these worse than the single-use plastic bags?). Trolley Bags will revolutionise the way you do your shopping, making it quicker and easier to adjust to living a "plastic bag free" life. With options for small to extra large shops, you will have your packing sorted with Trolley Bags.Home organising solutions

The market for organisational homewares is enormous, but many of them are made of cheap and brittle plastics that break extremely easily. This drastically increases the burden on the planet, as many aren't recyclable, and will take centuries to break down. Our Holster organisers are made of silicone. Their convenient designs are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or the study, with various sizes and configurations that suit many different uses. Perhaps most importantly, silicone is extremely durable and hardy. Our designs all have some measure of heat resistance (from 121°C up), as well as being easy to wash and easy to move around.Durable, versatile tubs

Finally, who can forget Red Gorilla tubs (formally Tubtrugs), the last word in hard-wearing and endlessly reusable plastic tubs with limitless applications? These storage tubs are market leaders in convenient storage and carrying. If you are interested in stocking any of the above products in your store, click here to email us or call us on 02 9666 1014.

To purchase any of the above products, head to www.packingsorted.com.au or www.kitncaboodle.com.au

Queensland and Western Australia are the latest states to ban the use of lightweight, non-biodegradable plastic bags in July. The plastic bag ban has been steadily making its way across Australia since 2009, with all states but New South Wales either implementing a statewide ban already or introducing legislation into local government. Some major retailers such as Coles and Woolworths have also introduced a plastic bag ban. So as a consumer, it is time to decide whether you will pay for reusable plastic bags at the store - or make the switch to an alternative, such as heavy-duty Trolley Bags, instead.Plastic bags versus Trolley Bags Plastic bags are the quick and convenient way to bring shopping home from the supermarket. Often provided free or at very low cost, these thin lightweight bags can hold all manner of goods. However, they are notoriously bad for the environment, taking years to break down - and millions of them have found their way into our landfill sites, and even our oceans. Plus, they often split and tear.Trolley Bags, on the other hand, are reusable so they won't end up as waste. They are extremely strong and have a long shelf life as a result. You can clean them to ensure they last even longer. Plus, they fit comfortably into the trolley so you can pack as you shop - ideal for 'scan and go' grocery stores. Other alternatives to plastic bags If Trolley Bags don't work for you, there are lots of other options for bringing your shopping home. Cardboard boxes and plastic crates are popular choices, though they can be a little awkward to carry so you will need a car to take them home. Reusable shopping bags made from cotton, canvas and wool are also very popular. They won't hold up in heavy rain, but they do provide a quick and convenient way to take your shopping home, without using disposable plastics.Reducing plastic waste If you want to make a difference to the environment through your shopping habits, invest in your own Trolley Bag today. Available in a range of styles and sizes, you can find a style to suit your shopping needs.

Click here to get your own set of Trolley Bags today.

Tubtrugs are renowned worldwide for their colourful selection of multipurpose plastic buckets and tubs.

Made from 100% polyethylene, they are flexible yet sturdy. If you're looking to declutter your life as well as your home, using Tubtrugs' products may be the best solution. Read on for our top tips... Clearing out your wardrobe We're all guilty of owning too many clothes, but if your wardrobe space is limited and you have jeans, tops and dresses spilling out of your drawers, it may be time to consider reducing your collection. If you can, donate any items you no longer wear or sell them online to make some money. If you're still short on space after having a good sort out, consider placing seasonal items you don't currently need into Tubtrug buckets and store them elsewhere. You could store them in airing cupboards, attics, on top of your wardrobe or even under the bed. Tubtrugs are easy to move around and you can still access your clothes whenever you like.

Cleaning your garage Garage organisation presents some unique challenges, so it's no surprise many people struggle to keep their possessions in order. If your garage is full of toys, cleaning supplies, sporting equipment, tools, and beach chairs, set aside time one weekend to sort out what you need and what you can get rid of. Once you've done this, purchase some Tubtrugs to help organise your shelves. A handy tip is to order tubs in a few different colours and allocate each colour to certain items. For example, a yellow tub could be used for beach accessories while a green tub is perfect for storing garden supplies.

Organising your cupboards The number one rule of decluttering is to take stock of what you own and determine what you no longer need. If you've got cupboards full of books, DVDs, CDs and high school memorabilia, think carefully about whether you actually still want these or not. If you can't bear to part with certain items, take them out of your cupboards (you can then use this space for more important items) and store them in Tubtrugs. You could place them in the attic or garage, but just make sure they're out of the way. Click here to purchase Tubtrugs for yourself.

For more information about selling Tubtrugs in your store, email us at info@evolifestyle.com.au or call on 02 9666 1014

Queensland and Western Australia are the latest states to have signed up to ban the use of lightweight non-biodegradable plastic bags for shopping. Six out of the eight states in Australia now have the ban in place, with the earliest ban coming into force in 2009 in South Australia. The state of Victoria is likely to follow suit soon, which would leave New South Wales as the only state in which lightweight plastic bags are used for shopping. But what has been the aftermath of the plastic bag ban in Australia?A step in the right direction...with a few setbacks Though many environmental activists and lobbying groups have lauded various authorities both at national and state level for taking a step in the right direction as far as environmental conservation is concerned, it hasn't all been plain sailing. Some retailers, most notably Woolworths and Coles supermarkets, found themselves under fire from angry shoppers after the recent bans, prompting them to reinstate free plastic bags to help consumers adjust. However, following outrage from environmental activists, these supermarkets have begun charging again. Despite this wobble, a large section of shoppers throughout Australia received the news of the ban positively. In fact, news outlet ABC polled its online followers and found that 85.2 per cent were happy with the ban. It's not just about perception either. A national reportconducted by Keep Australia Beautiful in 2016-17 revealed a decrease in plastic bag litter following the introduction of bans in the ACT and Tasmania. In fact, in the ACT, where the ban was introduced in 2014, waste decreased to 171 tonnes from 266.Alternatives to plastic bags The introduction of fees have forced consumers to look to new and more sustainable ways to carry their shopping. One of the most popular choices has been the introduction of eco-friendly bags which shoppers can keep in their handbag, car or in the home, such as Trolley Bags. Trolley Bags fit flush inside your trolley and don't just help shoppers support the cause of sustainability by reusing shopping bags to eliminate pollution, they can also save you money. In fact, Trolley Bags in particular have become very popular in many states thanks to their exceptional durability - lasting far longer than traditional lightweight and heavier plastic bags.Make a difference today If you want to make a difference to the environment through your shopping habits, invest in your own Trolley Bag today. Available in a range of styles and sizes, you can find a style to suit your shopping needs.

Click here to get your own set of Trolley Bags today.

With winter out of the way, it’s time to open up the doors and let the warm spring breeze flow through the house while we clear up the clutter. The often daunting task of spring cleaning can be turned into a quick and easy job with Scrub Daddy; the eco-friendly and reusable scrubbing innovation that has been a best seller in the USA and is now available in Australia. The first thing you’ll notice about Scrub Daddy is his smiley shape – which is an ergonomic design to perfectly fit in your hand. Scrub Daddy’s FlexTexture has been engineered with semi-closed foam cells to ensure that no debris gets caught in the sponge weave while you clean. His antibacterial properties also mean that he’ll stay odour free for two months, and his non-scratch design makes him the perfect cleaning companion for homewares and almost every surface. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your spring clean with Scrub Daddy!Ditch the harsh chemicals: Forget using harsh and smelly cleaning products to eliminate grease in the kitchen or stubborn grime in the bathroom. Scrub Daddy will quickly and effectively clean up tough debris and icky messes without the need for excessive amounts of water or damaging chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly cleaning solution.Change the water temperature for the best results: Scrub Daddy is designed to stay firmer in cold water, so if a surface really needs a good scrub the sponge will give you the texture you need to make light work of the job. If you require a more delicate texture, use warm water to soften the sponge.Buy two or three in different colours for different jobs: Scrub Daddy comes in a range of colours and scents to help the organisation of your cleaning cupboard. Keep one colour for the laundry, one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom to help you from cross contaminating your sponges.Easy clean up: To clean Scrub Daddy up for re-use, simply rinse under hot water and squeeze him out. If he needs a more thorough clean, steep him in a bowl of warm water with some mild soap and pop it in the microwave for no more than 1 minute, or simply stick him in the top rack of the dishwasher on a short cycle.

Place another order with this writer

To learn more about the Scrub Daddy range head to www.scrubdaddy.net.au.

Click here to find out where you can buy Scrub Daddy.

Every responsible horse owner wants their horse (or horses) to be healthy and happy. And keeping your horse’s environment clean and hygienic is a huge factor in this. There’s no doubt it can be extremely time consuming. And sometimes the time you spend cleaning out your stable, replacing food and water and freshening up bedding, eats into riding time. But it’s worth it because he (or she) deserves the best care you can give him (or her).

You don’t want to cut corners but you do want to accomplish the essential tasks as quickly and efficiently as you can. To spend less time cleaning and mucking out and more time doing the fun stuff, you need the right equipment and a good set up.

Evo Lifestyle Products have a range of feeding and cleaning products that are ideal for use in stables and around horses.

And here are a few tips for keeping your horse and its environment in excellent condition.

Have the right equipment.

In a stable the focus is on sturdy, practical and easy to clean items to keep everything organised. Here are a few suggestions:

• buckets that are robust, hard to tip over and easy to clean out • commercial standard brooms, shovels and pan and rake sets for manure and spills. • versatile feeding bins and portable troughs • tubs of every size and shape (with handles) to store different foods and treats, or to carry extra food or riding equipment to horses on pasture.

For a ship shape stable, the Tubtrugs or Tyre Rubber range of containers and tubs are multipurpose, have optional lids and are super strong. They look good too, so if you’re fastidious about your horse stable, or you want it to look good for visitors, you’ll like their simple, utilitarian look and feel.

Feeding

Use a portable feed bin that hangs off the stable wall or a fence if your horse is outside. If your horse prefers to eat from the ground the large, try a strong shallow tub that’s (almost) impossible for enthusiastic eaters to push over.

What you’ll feed your horse depends on many factors, but no matter what they’re eating it’s easy to store different grains and treats in different coloured tubs for easy identification of contents, with a Tubtrugs Scoop in each to quickly measure it out.

Bedding and surrounds

We all like a clean, dry bed, it’s only fair to assume horses do too. Use a stable rake to pick through beds made of straw or wood shavings twice a day, and replace entirely when it’s soiled right through. Unclean bedding attracts flies and other vermin, making your horse’s bed not a very relaxing place to be and potentially harbouring disease.

Cleaning

Not only is leaving manure and food spills dangerous because it attracts rats and insects, it’s a slip risk.

A dedicated shovel or a pan and rake system like the Tubtrugs Tidee makes it quick and easy to remove manure from your stable. Using a shovel or Tidee just for manure and another only for food spills (and so on) prevents cross contamination of equipment.

Both our shovels and Tidees are multi-coloured so you can set up a system where equipment of different colours are used for a designated purpose. This is particularly useful for setting out procedures if you have staff working on shift and makes it easier for kids to learn how to care properly for their horse.

For sweeping up, a large industrial size broom like the Gorilla Broom is big and powerful enough to move the biggest piles of straw and bedding and sweep up mess and food spills.

Passing the time

Horses, like people, get bored with the same old routine. Instead of just handing your horse a treat, or leaving it in his or her feed bin, use a treat dripfeed ball. The action of the horse pushing the ball releases a treat, presenting a challenge and a reward. Bored horses can become destructive so keep them busy with toys, lots of human contact and changes of scenery, like time in different paddocks.

Keep on top of things.

It’s easy to skip a task here and there and before you know it, you’ve got a mess on your hands. Fail to clean up manure and you’ll attract vermin, don’t put equipment away and it gets lost or damaged. Set up a practical system with some quality equipment and establish daily routines for keeping your stable area clean and tidy.

It’s hard work but it will pay off with a happy horse who loves you. For anyone who loves their horse(s), what could be better than that?

Have a look at our full range of horse and pet equipment here and start organising!