eco friendly

20 November 2023

Budget Conscious Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for Under £12
Please note - Prices & product info correct at time of publication/Not Sponsored/No affiliate links

Shopping List of Gift Ideas for a smaller budget

Bare Kind Bamboo Socks - 10% of profits on every pair are donated to one of 25+ global animal saving charities (£9.95)

Battle Green Lip Balm & Soap Slice Letterbox Gift (£10.95)

Chalke Valley Soaps Love, Peace & Joy Botanical Soap Gift Box (£12.50)

Chococo 5% from every sale of vegan Oat M!lk Turtles is donated to Ocean Giants Programme and Tuandua the Vegan Orangutan supports SOS (Sumatran Orangutan Society) to plant trees in Sumatra

Pure Thoughts Soy Wax Melts Festive Spice/Bergamot & Lemon/Lavender & Rose (£10)

Sow Many Seeds Wildflower Seed Reindeer Poo (£5.50) 

The Little Peace Company Bath Salts 75g sachet (£5.90) and Room & Pillow Mists (£12) various scent options are available in both products

The Silicone Straw Co Single Reusable Straw & Tin (£6.95)

Vent for Change recycled notebooks and sustainable stationery 

10 November 2022

Christmas Gift Ideas inspired by Winners of the Free From Gift Awards 2022
Long time readers will no doubt be familiar with
Free From Skincare Awards but did you know about their 'spin off' The Free From Gift Awards? I'm unlikely to put together a personalised gift guide this year so I'm going to point you in the direction of the winners from these awards.

You may be interested to know that Winners and Medallists in The Free From Gift Awards are brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

Congratulations go to Rhug Wild Beauty who took the Overall Champion prize for their Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Duo in Gift Box.

“A beautifully elegant duo in a chic box,” said the judges. “Gorgeous products, both of which include wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate. A gift set which anyone would enjoy and would feel very spoiled and delighted to receive.”

Many of the medallists are brands I have supported over the years but it's always great to discover new ones. Let me recommend checking out the following -

Blue Labelle, Moroccan Spa Set
Made By Coopers, 'Sleepy Head' Sleep Kit
Silvan Skincare, Hands and Feet Gift Set
BEAM natural body care, Six half sized luxury soap gift set
Eco By Sonya Driver, Hydration Skin System
Green People, Be Kind
Bowe Organics, Get Glowing Face Mask
Sknfed, Rose Trio Gift Set
Lyonsleaf, Natural Skincare Solutions 04 & Hot Cloth Cleansing Revitalising Kit
Obvs Skincare, Well-Being Gift Set

There are more Gold, Silver and Bronze winners (in all categories) to discover so head over to freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

3 November 2022

Swap out your plastic bottles for solid beauty bars from Ethique
(Purchased products)

On our recent trip to Italy we travelled with only cabin allowance luggage and that meant a limit to the volume of liquids we could take with us. In an effort to cut back on toiletries I was looking for waterless products and decided to order a couple of skincare minis from Ethique.

The range from Ethqiue has you covered from top to toe. They specialised in solid bars ranging from shampoo, conditioners, cleansers, solid lotions, balms and deodorants. I was pleased to discover a handful of products that are fragrance free/unscented so I ordered the Mini Bliss Bar™ Gentle Solid Face Cleanser and Unscented Solid Cream Body Cleanser.

Ethique face and body cleanser bars are super easy to use. You simply need to rub in the palm of your hands to create a creamy lather. I will say that they are both of these bars are similar in their formulations with key ingredients of coconut butter, kaolin clay and vegetable glycerine. 

The Solid Cream Body Cleanser was just like using any traditional soap bar. I did find it gentle on my skin and didn't notice any dryness. I'd be more than happy to switch out my body wash for this one.
I was happy to use the Gentle Solid Face cleanser for the duration of our holiday. I didn't find it overly drying or disruptive to my skin but I must admit that I did miss my balm cleanser. As a long term skincare swap I don't think it would be for me but I find it perfectly acceptable for short periods. I know it's frown upon to wash your face in the shower but I do enjoy using it in this way for an early morning cleanse. I don't wear much makeup, it's limited to sunscreen and CC cream and for my evening cleanse I used the bar in conjunction with a cloth to make sure I'm thoroughly removing grime. 

To round this post up I was very happy to have tried these Ethique bars and they left me with a great first impression. I would be comfortable recommending to others and I'm thinking of gifting to family now that Christmas is on the way. Visit the Ethique website where you can find background information about the business and read up about their environmental ethics. 

Sarah x

2 October 2021

unscented vegan soaps for sensitive skin
Long time readers will know that I have to avoid linalool, it's a naturally occurring allergen found in essential oils. These days I'm mindful of my plastic waste so I've been introducing solid soap bars into our home. It's not easy to find fragrance free products, especially those that are truly unscented. When pitching to brands I'm often presented with claims of fragrance free but products are full of essential oils. The language we are using is interpreted in different ways as many are more likely referring to not adding artificial perfumes/fragrances.

I've decided to compile a list of brands with at least one or more soaps that are unscented and free from fragrance allergens. My other focus is suitability for vegans. I hope that you will find this helpful and who knows you may find a new soap that you adore. Even if you're not interest in unscented products soaps do check out these companies as they also have fragranced options.

Beam Naked Unscented - made with coconut, olive, castor oils and kaolin clay

Isle Soap Naked & Oatmeal - two great options available

Lily & Rabbit Coconut - I recently reviewed this one, it's made from coconut oil and coconut milk

Lucky Cloud Clean & Pure Soap Bar - Made with certified organic ingredients including shea butter, sunflower seed and castor oils this soap is rich and creamy

Nathalie Bond Gentle Unscented - like many others it's made from coconut, olive oil and shea butter

Odylique Olive Soap Bar - made from hydrating extra virgin olive oil and moisturising cocoa bean butter, suitable for delicate skin types. Get 20% off your order using my affiliate code SUGARPUFFISH

Organii Neutral Cream Soap Bar - plant based, organic ingredients in a mild formula specifically for those with sensitive and allergy prone skin

Pure Thoughts Olive & Castor - contains nourishing oils and butters including olive, shea and coconut.

Soap Daze Oatmylk Unscented - a base of coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil, with Oatmylk instead of water to add creaminess

Soap Folk Calendula - an olive oil based soap with calendula flowers

The Kentish Soap Co Naked & Oatmeal - another company with two unscented options

The Wrinkly Elephant Simply Natural Unscented and Natural Oats - great to see two unscented options, both made with Shea Butter from Ghana harvested by a women's cooperative.

Wild Sage and Co Pure Olive Oil - this soap contains only olive oil and water, that's quite an interesting formulation. They also have Mama & Baby soap which has a chamomile and calendula infusion (no essential oils)

Sarah x

6 April 2021

Gwyneth Paltrow and that Vogue video
We've all seen the now infamous video of Gwyneth Paltrow and her skincare routine. I do not support the message she gave in regards to SPF application. It is potentially dangerous and irresponsible but with the backlash came other criticisms which I wanted to address. I personally don't like the words non-toxic, no nasties and clean beauty as I agree they are truly problematic within the Green Beauty Community however I am a supporter of Free From and that isn't changing any time soon. I choose to avoid certain ingredients but that doesn't mean I'm here to 'scaremonger' my readers.

I chose the Green Beauty path because I believe it has many great qualities. It's against animal cruelty, it often supports veganism and it helps promote greater understanding for our environment. I think more of us are concerned about the ingredients that wash down the drain into our oceans. We want to rid ourselves of unnecessary plastic bottles and to recycle or repurpose our beauty waste.

I believe in products 'free from' certain ingredients because I experience eczema and allergies. I want to do the best for my skin after years of suffering. Of crying myself to sleep and feeling ugly in my skin. I'm allergic to both synthetic and natural ingredients because life isn't simple but mainstream products are of no interest to me. I want natural plant extracts without synthetic fillers as more often than not the latter causes irritation.

There are no good or bad ingredients but for someone with sensitivities sadly we can experience side effects which lead us to class something as 'bad'. You can not ignore the fact that we have seen a rise in dermatitis and its root cause is open to further investigation. All I know is I don't want paraffin emollient and steroids in my life. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a problem which isn't always acknowledged in the medical community. Call it anecdotal or coincidental but I'm seeing changes in my skin when I move away from mainstream product formulations.

I acknowledge that Gwyneth Paltrow, EWG and elements of the 'clean beauty' movement are problematic but I won't walk away from Green Beauty as I believe it has its place. I want to try and do my part to help save our planet from the devastation we have impacted on it as humans. The Green Beauty community may need to overhaul its message with brands needing to re-evaluate their marketing pitch. Behind the scenes I have encouraged some to drop certain words and ditch the "60% goes into our bloodstream" message but I'm just one voice in a sea of many stronger influencers.

Our lives are overwhelmed with beauty products and we have to decide what makes us happy and this is my chosen path. You may disagree with me and I'm OK with that but I hope we can all agree to take care in the sun. Whether you use physical/mineral or chemical SPF protection make sure to apply liberally and use the recommended amount for your face and body.

Sarah x

24 January 2021

Wave Cases protect your phone and the planet
UPDATE November 2023 - I changed my phone and needed a new case. I was still very happy with my one from WAVE. I sent the old case (pictured in this review) back for disposal and purchased a new Wave pink etched case.

This year I'm trying to make a conscious effort when making new purchases to help the planet and it's always great to support a British business. My new phone needed a case and I decided to take a more eco-friendly approach and try to avoid plastic crap from Amazon. A couple of people were interested in my Wave case after I shared it on IG Stories and so I thought my blog readership may also like to know about it.  

There are a number of eco-friendly phone cases on the market and my research lead me Wave. I was looking for a more affordable British option because the Pela cases I've seen advertised are expensive and ship from EU/USA. In the end I made my decision to order from Wave based on available stock. 

"We are three friends that are trying to encourage the change we want to see in the world, one biodegradable phone case at a time. Growing up in a small seaside town in the North East of England, we have seen first-hand the devastating effects plastic pollution has had, and is having upon our oceans."

Wave cases are made from wheat straw which is a biodegradable material. The small flecks visible in the case design are unique and from the straw. The case feels nice to hold and has a matt texture so it's not slippery. I was able to choose from a variety of plain colours, there are no artistic patterns or imagery designs and only a Wave logo imprinted on the back. According to the FAQ page it should protect against general wear and tear but it's not an impact case. Your phone may survive an accidental drop but of course no guarantees are made. 

If you are looking for a new phone case then of course explore your options but I recommend considering Wave. 

Sarah x

1 December 2020

Winners announced in inaugural Free From Gift Awards
(products received for judging purposes) 

I sat down one weekend during lockdown to participate in a judging session for The Free From Gift Awards. This award was launched from the team behind the Free From Skincare Awards. It's always a pleasure to discover 'new to me' skincare brands and what better to way than with a gift set. The aim was to celebrate the best beauty gift sets, skincare trial packs and cosmetic stocking fillers from brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

In our launch year we had no idea what to expect from our entrants, but the variety of gifts and sets was extraordinary,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “Choosing a winner from all the entries — from pretty soap sets and magical oil duos, to eco-friendly pampering gifts and vegan make-up collections — was tough, but for the effect it had on our tester, as well as the admiration it inspired in our judges, No Secrets deserved the overall top prize!

No Secrets won Best Overall Free From Skincare Gift for their Home Spa, which contains a large jar of body jelly, two mini bath jellies, a soy wax votive candle, with matches, plus extra samples — all lovingly packaged in a classic white box and peach ribbon.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all categories can be viewed at freefromskincareawards.co.uk. You'll probably spot some familiar names - Lyonsleaf, Kiss the Moon, Conscious Skincare, Jane Iredale and Lucky Cloud Skincare. I've also discovered The English Mineral Make Up Company, Seilich, Moksa, Londe Botanics, Millie's Organics and Opala Botanicals.

If you are stuck for Christmas Gift ideas then definitely check out the winners as I'm sure you will find inspiration for a range of budgets.

Sarah x

23 November 2020

Eco Dreams Cloth Pads
(gifted from Eco Dreams)

I've openly discussed my experience with eco friendly and reusable period periods and my love hate relationship with them. Many people are fans of period cups but I aren't for everyone so I think it's important to be mindful that alternative options including cloth pads. We've been conditioned to believe periods are disgusting and I think those feelings are often projected onto reusable products. The thought of rinsing and washing pads seems impractical or unsightly but periods are a natural bodily function and we shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed.

I took up an offer to try Eco Dreams cloth pads made from eco-friendly textiles and ethically manufactured in the UK. The range includes pantyliners, day pads, heavy flow pads and overnight pads in colourful prints. I have heavy periods and received a Day Pad Plus (flowers on white) and a Night Pad (green meadow). Eco Dreams make their pads from a blend of fabrics - cotton, polyurethane, polyester, bamboo viscose and the snaps are Oekotex certified. If you experience sensitive skin and irritation unlike disposables, cloth pads are free from perfumes and materials that may cause contact dermatitis.

I've put my Eco Dreams cloth pads to the test through two periods. The pads are well made with neat stitching and noticeable softness. They have gone through the washing machine several times and have held up well. My initial thoughts were how comfortable the Day Plus pad felt and you of course loose that noticeable 'crinkle like a crisp packet' sound that is common with disposables (IMO Always is the worst for this!). The pads have wings that clasp shut with a popper but you do need to wear a snug pair of undies to provide a good fit. Sadly, I have experienced leakage whilst wearing the pads. I'm unsure whether to put that down to heavy flow or movement of the pad in my underwear. Leaks are part of the course with my periods and it doesn't matter what I'm using it happens from time to time. I appreciate the black lining hides staining but I felt a little uneasy because I wasn't able to judge my flow and when to change the pad. It probably takes a bit of practice.

When I felt it was time to change my Eco Dreams Day Plus pad, I simply rinsed it under the cold tap and hung to dry (next to a radiator). I added them to the washing machine when I had a full load of laundry. This was very straight forward and I didn't find it a hassle. As someone who experiences leaks you get comfortable with rinsing out blood from clothing but it isn't something you would do in a public bathroom. That's when a wet bag would be handy and these can be purchase from Eco Dreams then you can deal with rinsing out your pads when you are at home.

I think the downside to cloth pads is the initial outlay. It's expensive upfront but keep in mind the long term value, Eco Dreams suggest they pay for themselves in a few months. I've recently been through unemployment and at these time reusables are the last thing on my mind so I appreciate it's not for everyone financially. I see them as a privilege in many ways. I'm not entirely converted to reusable period products but I use them where I can. I do still buy mainstream disposable brands from my supermarket. I prefer a mix of options as I've never found my perfect product. I like to think that reducing some plastic products is better than doing nothing at all. 

If you are curious about cloth pads, please visit Eco Dreams website for more information. Perhaps start off with one pad and see how you get on, you can then always purchase more in the future.

Sarah x

25 August 2020

eview Nature's Kitchen Summer Skin Box, PoaPoa Soap Dish, Skinlove Shower Gel
(gifted)

It's a mix bunch this month so lets jump straight in and tell you about these 'new to me' products that I've been testing.

Nature's Kitchen Go Glow Summer Skin Box 
This gift set contains Summer Skin Cooling Spray and Summer Skin After Sun Lotion, both are fragrance free. Aloe Vera is the key ingredient to both products and I can say that during the recent heatwave the Cooling Spray was a delightful addition to warm days. The After Sun Lotion has a pleasant texture which feels hydrating on skin but doesn't feel sticky, an important factor for me in the high temperatures. The presentation box is a nice touch for gifting. It works well general sun exposure and if we ever get to go on Summer Holidays again I can see this as a nice addition for the beach or pool.

PoaPoa Coconut Soap Holder 
A soap dish upcycled from coconut shells and handmade by skilled artisans in Ghana. Poa Poa use coconut oil in their soaps so these dishes use up leftover shells after extraction of ingredients. A unique soap dish that serves it's purpose and gives back. It has draining slots in the base so you will find yourself having to wipe over your sink from day to day. Stylish and eco-friendly, what more could you ask for.

Skinlove Invigorating Shower Gel Grapefruit, Lime & Ginger
A pleasant body wash that produces a soft creamy lather but for me it lacks the promise of an invigorating scent as I find the fragrance mild. I chose this shower gel because it doesn't list linalool in the ingredients (one of my allergies!). It doesn't feel drying or stripping of moisture, an important point for me having eczema prone skin. Performance is as you would expect from this type of product it's just the scent which has let me down.

If you missed last months reviews then hop across via this link - Green People Deodorant, Lavera Shampoo, Ooh Oils of Heaven Face Oil

Sarah x

28 July 2020

Saalt reusable menstrual cup
(gifted PR)

I won't insist everyone should be using a menstrual cup because some people can find them difficult to use and there should be no shame in feeling this way. I have struggled for years and have previously written an honest experience of using my period cup. Even after two years I've not fully converted to using it every month. If you are undecided about using cups it may be of interest to understand some of the benefits. I'm not an expert but I've gathered some notes through researching based on my own curiosities.

- Reusable, environmentally friendly and can last 10 years before needing to replace
- They don't dry the vagina like tampons as a menstrual cup collects your flow rather than absorb
- When used correctly you should not experience leaks
- Cups are made from medical grade silicone so unlike pads and tampons there are no concerns for chemical such as bleach and dioxin
- Many people claim a reduction in cramping when using a cup although there are no clinical studies to support this
- Cups eliminate odor often associated to menstrual fluid when exposed to air.
- More research may be required but cups are safe to use, a handful of TSS cases have been linked but there may have been other contributing factors to these infections
- Reusable products may benefit people who experience period poverty

I was recently gifted a Saalt menstrual cup who have recently launched into the UK. It's available in two sizes with two firmness options. Each cup lasts for 10 years, providing a sustainable alternative to tampons and pads. Saalt is a certified B Corporation which means they commit 2% of revenue to donate period care to regions with the most need, and help fund initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability.

I think one of the first hurdles is choosing the correct cup size as each brand has different options. Saalt has a handy size guide which I found informative in comparison to others. I chose 'Regular Soft' and with hindsight I think small would have been the better option. When placed side by side the Regular Saalt menstrual cup is much larger than the one I have been using for past two years. The cup softness provides flexibility something I am used to as it feels identical my other cup. I want to be honest in my reviews and the regular size isn't comfortable so I was unable to put it to full use.

It is not my intention to discourage anyone from giving period cups a try because they can make a difference to period wellbeing. The reduction in plastic waste and monthly costs is beneficial in the long term. You will often see the claim that period cups can be worn for up to 12 hour. Speaking as someone who experiences heavy periods, I have never been able to substantiate the claim. I do need to empty my cup during the day. However I am able to achieve a longer wear time compared to tampons so there is some benefit. Personally I don't like to wear it overnight but it OK to use a menstrual cup whilst sleeping. There can be issues associated to wearing pads and tampons for more than 8 hours.

I would be happy to recommend Saalt period cups and suggest that you visit their website for further information - www.saaltco.uk

Sarah x

16 July 2020

Plastic Free July easy swaps you can make to reduce plastic in your home
(not sponsored, internal & external links)

350 million tonnes of plastic are being produced each year so Plastic Free July feels like a good campaign to get behind. According to facts available on Plastic Oceans "8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. If waste management practices don't improve, scientists predict this amount could increase tenfold by 2025." If you can't commit to changing your entire lifestyle then lets encourage each other to make a few swaps. When choosing products look for packaging that is made from glass, metal, bamboo, compostable or biodegradable cardboard, silicone and recycled plastic.

19 June 2020

The Free From Skincare Awards 2020 Shortlist is Announced
Wow can you believe this is the ninth year in which I share with you the Free From Skincare Awards shortlist. I'm a long time supporter of these awards because I seek skincare which is free from certain ingredients because of multiple allergies and eczema. Of course this year the testing stage of the awards has taken place in lockdown which brings some challenges to the team but they have successfully pulled through and we now have an amazing shortlist of over 200 products from 120 brands. I'm always surprise that with my extensive knowledge of brands there are name on the list that are new to me. It's wonderful to see how much the marketplace for natural skincare has grown over the years.

The Free From Skincare Awards were founded in 2012 by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson – an expert in free from and director of the Free From Food Awards – and Alex Gazzola – a writer specialising in allergies and free from – to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ many of the allergens, ingredients, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, health issues, as well as ethical, personal and environmental concerns. This year’s Awards are sponsored by Lyonsleaf, previous winners of twenty medals, including five gold, during the history of the Awards.

Awards director Alex Gazzola says “The soap bars in particular were put through their paces. It was especially challenging for our testers, some of whom were NHS workers, to adapt and manage their skincare routines, especially those with caring and home-schooling responsibilities. The pampering products, such as face masks, bath jellies and even a night cream for feet, were particularly valued, both for their skin benefits, and for their therapeutic ones.”

The soap category is the one where majority of the entrants are new to to me. Everyone is deserving of their place but you'll spot that Lily & Rabbit and The Kentish Soap Company were successful in getting three products each onto the shortlist.

Overall the leading brands with six shortlisted products each are Tropic – overall Champions back in 2014 for their Smoothing Cleanser – and first-time participant Codex Beauty. I'd also like to congratulate familiar brands who have recently featured on my blog - Balmonds, Skin Genius, Naturekissd, Odylique, LouLou Belle Skincare, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lucy Bee, Pamoja, Solo Skin London and Nature's Kitchen.

The Shortlist can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site - freefromskincareawards.co.uk - shortlist 2020 and Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced online at the end of July or early August.

Sarah x

9 June 2020

Natural skincare brands Happy Carrot Skincare, Naturekissd, Skin Genius
(This is not a sponsored post, the following brands are known to me through the Free From Skincare Awards, Skin Genius did gift press samples in 2019)

There are so many amazing skincare brands out there and I want to introduce more of them to you. I can't review every single product but I can offer some background information which in turn might lead you to visit their websites. I think now more than ever it's important to support small business. With this in mind lets explore the following brands.

Happy Carrot Skincare is sure to bring a smile to to your face with their bright and cheerful branding. Their "superhero" range is plant based, vegan, cruelty free and eco-friendly. It focuses on a maximum of ten natural ingredients which are high in anti-oxidants to help keep combination and acne prone skin happy and glowing. The product range is small but perfectly formed and includes - Incredible Carrot Hero Balm to cleanse and moisturise, Terrific Tomato Facial oil to nourish skin and Awesome Apricot Lip Balm to hydrate and soften your luscious lips. If you fancy trying Happy Carrot Skincare but are not to sure about committing to full sizes then choose the mini versions. To learn more please visit happycarrotskincare.com

Naturekissd was founded by organic Skincare Formulator Mary Cummings, out of her desire to tackle her family's sensitive skin, naturally. Mary realised that with three of her family members trying to cope with different skincare challenges, drastic changes had to be made. Many of these changes were initially to the hair and skincare products they had been using for years but hadn't given a second thought to - some of which were laden with common skin irritants. Naturekissd's focus is on using botanicals that heal, soothe and moisturise sensitive skin. Core products are unfragranced moisturisers and body butters. Additional products include botanical facial oils, a gentle hand wash, and a treatment set formulated for people with a sensitive scalp. For more details please visit etsy.com - naturekissd

I was introduced to Skin Genius last year when they achieved Bronze in the Free From Skincare Awards. Julia, the founder, experienced spots and acne throughout her teens and early 20s so the product range was created on the basis of this personal experience. Skin Genius receives excellent feedback from customers of all ages and is multi award winning. Products are formulated using natural plant derived vegan suitable ingredients which target bacteria, redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. The range includes cleansing face wash, leave-on purifying gel, soothing moisturiser and a pocket sized spot treatment to target individual pimples. Visit skin-genius.co.uk for further information.

Sarah x

7 June 2020

father's day gift ideas presents 2020
(not sponsored)

This year Father's Day falls on Sunday 21 June and its been a tough few months for us all. Some of us are probably going to have to social distance and send our gifts out in the mail. As I search for a present for my father it gave me the opportunity to collate a thoughtful gift list which you may also find useful. 

22 April 2020

Earth Day 2020 - Climate Action
Earth Day is April 22 of every year but this year also marks 50 years of Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the U.S. population at the time) took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.

Every year there is a theme and for Earth Day 2020 it is climate action. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable. This year will be a digital movement since the corona virus has us in a global lockdown. You can join in for 24 hours of action that aims to fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more. You are encourage to share using the hashtags #EarthDay2020 and #EARTHRISE. 

Visit www.earthday.org to find out how you can help in this global event.

17 April 2020

Introduction to Earthbits natural, ethical and zero waste online shop
As part of my ongoing series, let me introduce you to Earthbits an online shop selling products that are natural, ethical and reduce waste. Founded by Fran and Jason based in West Yorkshire and living a low waste lifestyle themselves so they appreciate the challenges that can bring. They decided to use their experiences to help others find products they can trust.

Earthbits supports UK small makers, fully vetting suppliers and products for sustainability. Packaging is plastic free and recyclable. They ensure products tick the box for environmentally friendly along with quality and durability. Fran and Jason are fueled by the desire to help reduce waste, pollution and plastic.

You'll find all sorts of lifestyle items on Earthbits. Alongside skincare, makeup, oral care and hygiene products there are interesting home and kitchen accessories such as Unpaper Kitchen Towels and Reusable washing up scrubbers. I'd encourage you to explore the website and if you are able to support Earthbits with an order then I am sure it would be appreciated.

Sarah x

If you enjoyed this content and would like to support my site then you may like to buy me a coffee 

10 March 2020

review Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap
(gifted)

Madara Ocean Love is a limited edition collection created to celebrate seas and oceans. The packaging is recyclable and made from recycled ocean waste or plant based plastics, with artwork by Klāvs Loris. The formulations are ocean-friendly and vegan. As Ocean Love products are limited I wasn't sure whether to review but the collection is currently still available from Love Lula.

If you order Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap, please note that the ingredients listed on the Love Lula website are different to the bottle. I've pointed this out to customer service but it remains the same at the time of writing this. It was bittersweet disappointment because the website had me believe this soap was free from linalool and sadly it is not. Coincidentally, the fragrance for Ocean Love is meadowsweet and jasmine which matches with Madara Infusion Blanc Moisture Soap so I suspect it's the same product re-packaged.

I placed the Madara Ocean Love Soothing Moisture Soap in my guest bathroom and received compliments on the pleasant aroma. It has a gentle sweetness which I enjoy. I know bar soaps are favourable for the environment but I find them a little messy and impractical in certain circumstances so I continue to use liquid soaps in my home and at work. I've used Ocean Love sparingly but I have been happy with how it feels on my skin. I would say that in comparison to other liquid soaps, it does feel non-drying so holds up to its name. For me, winter is my worst enemy, cold weather and flu season take their toll on how my skin behaves and feels, the constant washing to protect from illness means I have to hit up hand creams more often than in Summer. I'm always grateful for a soap that isn't stripping and doesn't contribute to skin feeling parched and rough.

When it comes to Madara as a brand, there are a couple of products I've repeat purchased over the years so I'm confident to make recommendations (Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Madara City CC Cream). I might not be able to test more products from them due to linalool sensitivity but I am happy to gift to others and when I do they have been gratefully received. If by the time you read this the Ocean Love collection has vanished, I would still recommend taking time to consider other products from Madara.

Sarah x

28 January 2020

Net Zero Co Petite Munchie Box and folding spork
(featuring PR gifted items)

Once you leave school you think your lunch box days are over but here I am in my forties madly googling for packed lunch ideas. I'm faced with several issues when it comes to getting myself organised. I live a plant based diet with allergies  and it sometimes feels like I'm stuck in a rut because my food becomes very repetitive. I'm reliant on products I deem to be safe for me and stepping out to try something new can be a little daunting (lots of label reading & research). I really am quite lazy and I watch hours of meal prep videos but on a weekend or evening the last thing I want to do is spend more time cooking. I don't work in a big city so purchasing my lunch out has allergy hurdles since there are lack of available establishments and it can become expensive.

5 November 2019

Ethical, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
(This article has been put together by me, some brands mentioned have approached me for inclusion but I have not taken product or payment in exchange for placement)

This Christmas I think many of us will be searching for sustainable and eco-friendly gifts. People are mindful of reducing plastic and overall waste so I have put together some gift ideas. Last year we had the dreaded Secret Santa and Bah Humbug to me but I suspect that by New Year most of these gifts ends up at charity shops or in landfill. Last year I opted for a Charity Donation, my colleague was less than impressed but at least I felt good about it. To add a little element of humour I went with Oxfam's Pile of Poo Charity Gift Card

Gift experiences cut down on unwanted items and are a great way to sort out presents for the person who has it all. There are many options available but let me suggest cooking classes with Cookery School London. They are London's most sustainable cooking school and run over 30 different classes and courses from kitchens in Oxford Circus. I particularly liked that they offer a range of vegan friendly classes, including Vegan Winter, All Day Vegan, Vegan Feast of Indonesia and Ferments and Pickles. If veganism doesn't suit then there are a large range of alternatives available and I note this includes Gluten Free classes.

Green Tulip is on my radar at the moment with a wide choice of sustainable products. They have everything covered from home and garden accessories, beauty, kids, stationery and jewellery. Items that caught my attention are the Recycled Bird Cake Kit, Recycled Skateboard Silver Earrings and Oil Cloth Freya Purse. An alternative website recommendation is Wearth London and some suggestions for you would be the Collapsible Straw & Cutlery Combo Set, Christmas Cracker Face Mask Gift and Plastic-Free Shaving Kit

If you are really splurging on a loved one then Ziorva offers a beautiful collection of handcrafted jewellery. They use recycled gold which is sourced responsibly to ensure conflict free minerals, as well as producing in an ethical and environmentally manner. Helen Russell Creations is an adorable gifting site which I recommend visiting. For anyone who loves organisation and stationery I suggest the Flower Blob Weekly Planner. These pads are created using high quality recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink. Another lovely website to check out is Nectar & Bumble, you'll find a range of items available to suit every budget and 10% of profits are donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. 

You know me I can't skip on beauty gifts and many green brands are reducing packaging waste and using recyclable materials such as glass. If you hop across to a previous post you'll find suggestions for skincare brands with zero & low waste packaging. On trend at the moment are shampoo bars and there are many to choose from but I've selected Kind2. This is of particular interest because they offer a sensitive and fragrance free version within their range. Shampoo bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste and ideal as stocking fillers. Odylique is always a firm favourite in my household and they have a range of gift sets. The Cleansing Bar Trio is ideal for those reducing waste and Glamorous Makeup Gift Set is lovely treat for any all makeup enthusiasts. Buying skincare for loved ones with sensitive skin can be tricky but fragrance free options can be a great solution. LouLouBelle is an aromatherapy skincare brand but they do offer a "Nude" range which is free from essential oils. The Bath & Body Oil sets would make a lovely gift.

Everyone loves sweet treats and a personal favourite is Raw Halo Chocolate. I love the Mylk & Vanilla but there are plenty of other flavour options. You can purchase direct from their website or at Waitrose. Raw Halo is vegan, dairy and gluten free and no may contains or factory warnings for milk (only a nut & peanut warning see website for info). Other firm favourites for dairy free and vegan chocolates include Booja Booja and Cocoa Libre.

I didn't realise for quite some time that wrapping paper is not always recyclable. I'm sure many of us assume it's just paper but glitter and coatings can be plastic. Laura Spring have Fabric Wraps inspired by the art of Japanese gift wrapping known as Furoshiki. These are screen printed in-house onto cotton squares of cloth that have been created by a social enterprise in India whose 'aim is to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women where employment opportunities are limited, to help helping them gain economic independence'. Also check out Laura Spring gift ideas, they also have lavender bags which they make from fabric off cuts. If you'd like to stick to the tradition of paper you can opt for brown paper or check out Re-Wrapped who specialise in environmentally friendly wrapping paper. The paper is recycled, unbleached and printed with vegetable based inks so you can recycle it after use.

I hope this has been helpful and good luck with your Christmas shopping.

Sarah x

6 August 2019

Tincture London Eco Friendly Cleaning Products for around the home
I've been using eco friendly products around my home for years and I have some firm favourites on repeat purchase. I shall place links to my reviews at the end of this article. For me, one of the most common causes of allergic reactions has been household cleaning products. My allergy diagnosis to MI (Methylisothiazolinone) came much later in life but it certainly helped shed light on past situations. I'd reached the point where I had to ban the office cleaner from using their products on my desk due to experiencing itchy skin on my arms.

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