“Reuse is the new luxury”: Karen Prado’s low-impact living tips

Latest low-impact life reset…
“This year has been an incredible one for resetting. I'm not sure if it's an age thing or just part of the journey, but I’ve made a few low-impact changes that have really grounded me:

1. Meditating every morning and evening
2. Journaling daily
3. Cutting out alcohol completely.” 

And the one that has brought you the most joy
“Meditation: what started as just a few quiet minutes each day has become a non-negotiable ritual, filling my mornings and evenings with presence and calm. It helps me slow down, breathe deeper and notice more. Over time, it’s shifted how I respond to stress, how I listen and even how I talk to myself. It's not about perfection, just about showing up, again and again.” 

Low-impact living podcast you’d recommend
“I have two that I really like: Wardrobe Crisis by Clare Press – thoughtful, honest, and full of connections between creativity and conscious living. And Gastropod, a fascinating podcast that explores food through the lens of science and history. It digs into the stories behind what we eat, uncovering how food shapes culture, health and the environment. Each episode offers thoughtful insights that help listeners make more informed, mindful choices about food and sustainability.” 

Most beautiful cycle journey
“Richmond Park, it is our local park and my favourite one for cycle rides with my daughter Amber.”  

Favourite walking route
“Snowdonia in Wales – it’s truly breathtaking. We love heading there as a family, surrounded by mountains, fresh air and beauty. It’s where we unplug from the noise, recharge our energy and reconnect with each other. Our long walks with Jacques often turn into the best brainstorm sessions, that’s where some of our most creative Chimi Love ideas have come to life.” 

Most joyful weekend moment
“Gathering with friends and family for a spontaneous outdoor feast, a good Asado (South American BBQ) food with some Chimi Love, kids running around, good music in the background and lots of laughter.”

Plant-based dish of dreams
“We have so many good ones… how about:
Smoked Paprika grilled Aubergine on a flat bread with rainbow coleslaw, red pickled onions and Chimi Love – Red Jalapeno and Chipotle mayo: 

Aubergine: (makes four portions)
Ingredients

• 2 aubergines stems removed and cut in half lengthways
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• a splash olive oil
• 25g sliced white cabbage
• 25g sliced red cabbage
• 15g sliced savoy cabbage
• 15g grated carrot
• 15g pickled red onions
• 4 tbsp red jalapeño chipotle mayo
• 4 Greek flatbreads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• green salad leaves to serve

Method

• Heat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Cut the aubergine lengthways into quarters and then cut around 5mm wide sliced, then toss with all of the spices, salt and a splash of olive oil. Spread the aubergine slices out on a baking tray in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.
• Mix the cabbages and carrots in a bowl with 1 tbsp Chimi Love chipotle mayo
• Heat up the flatbread until warm throughout
• Spread 3/4 of a tablespoon of chipotle mayo on the flatbread
• Place a 1/4 of the grilled aubergine over the chipotle
• Top with coleslaw and finished with pickled red onions.” 

Song that lights you up and the story behind it
“‘Yellow’ by Coldplay. Every time I hear this song; it takes me back to a meditation retreat I did. That line – “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you” – feels like a quiet reminder that love, presence and beauty are always there, even when we’re too busy to notice. There’s something spiritual about the whole song, like a mantra, repeating in a way that feels grounding, like someone saying, “I would do anything for you,” not to impress, but for love. Even the word YELLOW doesn’t feel like a colour to me, it feels like a mood. Warmth. Stillness. Light. Like golden hour for the soul.”  

Second-hand store or market worth a mooch
“Portobello Market, London – it holds a special place in my heart. The colours, the street vendors, the energy, it reminds me so much of South America. I love wandering past the vintage shops and colourful houses, soaking in the creative buzz. Years ago, I used to work there selling jewellery I designed myself with semi-precious stones. It was one of the first places in London where I felt part of a community, surrounded by makers, storytellers and friendly faces.” 

Causes we support each month
“We proudly support Just One Tree by donating for every jar we sell. We also partner with Pineapple Women, a small nonprofit organisation founded and run by a Colombian woman. Their mission is to empower girls aged 14 to 25 by helping them find their voice, access resources to become creators and start their dream careers. My personal role is to mentor these young women, helping them build resilience, believe in themselves and overcome their fears.”Top book that inspired a change
“One of the most transformative books I’ve read is Supernatural by Joe Dispenza. In this book, Dispenza explores the connection between the mind and body, showing how we can tap into our innate potential to heal, create and transform our lives by changing our thoughts and beliefs. He combines scientific research with practical meditation techniques to help readers unlock extraordinary abilities beyond what we usually consider possible. Supernatural inspired me to rethink what’s possible for myself and taught me how resilience and belief can create real change. It’s been a powerful guide on my journey toward personal growth and empowerment.”

Favourite planet-positive products
“We love refillables; they make sustainability simple and accessible. Whether it's our glass jars getting a second life in someone’s kitchen or our customers refilling their favourites from zero-waste stores, it’s a beautiful way to reduce waste without sacrificing quality or style. Reuse is the new luxury.”

Person who inspires you and why
“My grandma is the most incredible woman I know. She raised a child on her own, worked hard her entire life and now dedicates her time to helping underprivileged communities in Colombia. She's the most positive person I’ve ever met, always with a smile on her face. She embodies resilience, humour, kindness and generosity. Her love and energy have supported me so much throughout my journey, always encouraging me to see challenges as opportunities and to stay positive no matter what.” 

Quote to live by and who said it
“‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right,’ Henry Ford. This quote speaks to the power of mindset. It reminds us that our beliefs shape our reality, confidence and determination can be the difference between success and failure.” 

What gets you every time
“Hearing people tell us that our sauces are flying off the shelves at their local deli or how much they love cooking with some Chimi Love. Getting those great reviews is incredibly motivating, it truly fuels our passion and keeps us going!” 

What is love
“Love is connection. It’s being present, open and believing in yourself and in the possibilities that come from truly caring.” 

Issue you care most about changing
“The overuse of plastic and polystyrene, especially single-use plastics in food packaging, is a major environmental problem.” 

Message you’d love to share with the collective
“I came to London from Colombia 25 years ago, without speaking the language, carrying a heart full of flavours and traditions. London, a city of many cultures, opened its arms and heart to me and became my first home. Chimi Love is a celebration of that journey. We are proof that being different is powerful, that food is a universal language and that community is everything. Build bridges. Share meals. Support each other. That’s how we all rise.”

Now check out Chimi Love in our Pantry Essentials Reset Box