3 On-the-Go Salads

As the golden hues of dawn caress the shores of Bangtao Beach in Phuket, the ebb and flow of the Andaman Sea gently unveils a less picturesque reality—a mosaic of plastic debris scattered across the sand, a silent testament to human neglect. This striking contrast between natural allure and environmental plight frames our urgent dialogue on sustainability and introduces a beacon of hope: Durbl products.The Weight of WasteThe images of Bangtao, captured with disheartening clarity, portray a beach gasping beneath the weight of plastic pollution. Each bottle, straw, and bag represents a piece of the million-ton puzzle that chokes our oceans annually. The implications are dire—marine species mistake plastics for food, ecosystems falter under the unnatural invasion, and local tourism, the lifeblood of Phuket, stands at risk as the beauty of its beaches wanes under waste. A Sustainable Horizon with DurblIn this challenging scenario, Durbl emerges as a brand and a harbinger of change. With a suite of products designed to outlast and replace their single-use counterparts, Durbl embraces the ethos of sustainability. Durbl's items are meticulously crafted to reduce environmental impact without compromising quality or convenience. Durbl offers a pragmatic path forward for consumers and businesses, from reusable bags to containers.The Local Loom of ChangeWhile individual actions are pivotal, collective effort is paramount. In Phuket, concerted initiatives—beach clean-ups, recycling drives, and educational outreach—sow seeds of environmental stewardship. Durbl extends its commitment beyond products, actively engaging in community efforts to preserve the natural splendor of places like Bangtao. Through partnerships and sponsorships, Durbl aligns its mission with the pulse of Phuket's environmental heartbeat.Embracing the Durbl DifferenceEmbodying the essence of innovation and responsibility, Durbl products stand as a testament to what we can achieve when purpose meets practice. It's not just about selling a product—it's about promoting a lifestyle that values the longevity of our planet.As the sun sets on Bangtao, let it not be a curtain fall on its future. We invite you, reader, to take a stand, choose sustainability, and choose Durbl. Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener Earth—one product, one beach, one choice at a time. Join the Durbl MovementTake action. Choose sustainable alternatives. Support the global effort to restore the vibrancy of Bangtao Beach and countless other natural wonders. Let your choices reflect your commitment to this planet we call home. Visit Durbl's website to learn how you can be a part of the change.

As spring unfolds and we inch closer to the joys of summer, longer days and warmer weather beckon us outdoors. After spending a sun-soaked morning in the garden, there's nothing quite like the rejuvenation offered by a chilled, homemade soda. Forget about the sugar-heavy commercial drinks; I'm talking about a wholesome, naturally carbonated beverage that's refreshing and rich in probiotics.Creating a customized soda allows you to control both its sweetness and fizziness. The beneficial bacteria in the whey feed on the sugars in the honey, gradually reducing the sweetness over time. If you're a fan of a dryer, slightly tart drink, like I am, you should extend the fermentation by a day or two to achieve the perfect taste. Conversely, if a sweeter touch is what you're after, shortening the fermentation period slightly will keep the sugars intact. Remember, the temperature of your surroundings can significantly affect the fermentation rate, so adjust accordingly.The carbonation magic happens when bacteria produce carbon dioxide during fermentation, creating that delightful fizz when there's no escape route in a sealed bottle. The intensity of the fizz can vary—a testament to the unpredictable yet exciting nature of wild fermentation!One of my favorite recipes involves using overripe fruit or fruit scraps that might otherwise be discarded, like apple peels, pineapple cores, or the tops of strawberries, which lend a subtle flavor and a lovely hue to the drink. This method not only maximizes the use of all parts of the fruits but also varies with the seasons, letting you enjoy a taste of each one throughout the year.As for the whey. A fermentation powerhouse is the liquid that accumulates at the top of the yogurt. If you need more than what naturally separates, you can easily make more by straining the yogurt through a cheesecloth set over a bowl. This whey can then kickstart your soda fermentation, be added to smoothies for a protein boost, or be incorporated into salad dressings and other fermented foods for an added probiotic punch.Homemade Probiotic Fruit Soda RecipeIngredients:● 3 cups filtered water● ½ cup organic honey● ½ cup freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice● ¼ cup fresh whey● Fruit scraps of your choice (e.g., berry tops, apple peels)Method:1. Warm the water in a saucepan over low heat to dissolve the honey.2. Remove from heat and mix in your citrus juice and whey.3. Place the fruit scraps into a clean 1-liter glass jar and pour the liquid over them.4. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about two days to start fermentation.5. Strain the concoction into a pitcher, funnel it into a sealed bottle, and let it ferment for another 2 to 4 days.6. Check the taste and refrigerate to stop fermentation once you're satisfied with the fizziness and flavor.7. Serve chilled, perhaps with a splash of vodka or rum for an adult twist.This refreshing drink is a delightful way to cool down and a healthful treat supporting digestion and overall well-being. Enjoy crafting your version of this springtime refreshment!

Like many of you, we relish the bright, crisp flavors of salads during the summer months. Here are two delightful salad recipes to grace your table this season, each perfect for your festive gatherings: one served warm and one cool, giving you options to please any palate at your upcoming events. Warm Beet, Blueberry & Pecan Salad● 1-2 bunches of fresh beets● 1/4 cup fresh blueberries● 1/4 cup pecans● 2 tbsp goat cheese● 1 tsp ground cuminMethod● Preheat your oven to 180°C with fan.● Line a roasting tray with parchment paper. Trim the tops off your beets (save the greens for another use), and wash them thoroughly.● Pat the beets dry and halve them. Place them on the prepared tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with ground cumin.● Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.● While the beets are roasting, roughly chop the pecans.● Once roasted, arrange the beets in a serving dish. Add dollops of goat cheese, sprinkle with fresh blueberries and chopped pecans. Delight in the blend of flavors!● Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil or balsamic reduction for an extra touch of flavor. Chilled Cucumber, Radish & Dill Salad● 1 large cucumber● 1 bunch of radishes (about 6-8)● 1/2 a small red onion● 1 tsp mustard seeds● 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar● Juice of 1 limeMethod● Thinly slice the cucumber and radishes using a mandolin or sharp knife.● Finely chop the red onion.● In a serving bowl, combine the cucumber, radishes, and red onion.● Sprinkle over chopped fresh dill and mustard seeds.● Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and lime juice, then toss to combine everything thoroughly.● Chill in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the refreshing, crisp textures and flavors. These recipes highlight the versatility and culinary creativity of summer produce, not just for their fresh tastes but also for their vibrant colors and textures. Whether you're hosting a casual backyard gathering or a more formal dinner affair, these salads are crafted to impress and satisfy your guests. Enjoy the essence of summer with these refreshing, flavorful salads perfect for any occasion. Let the season of freshness begin!