Natural Ingredients

Read more about the article Bluebell and Albie, the Eco-cats!
Cat / Cat / Eco-Friendly / Environmentally Friendly / Natural Ingredients / Non-Toxic / Shop Independent

Bluebell and Albie, the Eco-cats!

Firstly, I’ll introduce you to Albie, our 1 year old cat. He also goes by the names; Albus, Albus Dumble-cat, Alfred, Albert, Alberto, Alb and Albachino. This is him, I know I’m biased but isn’t he the cutest?!

A couple of weeks before Christmas 2022, we acquired a cat and her 2 kittens. Sadly, after 4 weeks of hand-rearing, constant vet trips and a last-ditch attempt to save her trip to Luton, we lost the little girl. But our little miracle, Albie survived. So we HAD to keep him.

Bluebell is Albie’s mum, she was my brothers cat who came to live with us around 7 months ago. Bluebell and Albie are practically identical… except. Albie is twice Bluebells size, and where Bluebell has a full white moustache, Albie only has half. Bluebell is also OBSESSED with Cath, who is not a cat-person at all. (Bluebell went on to live with a close friend of ours, as soon as Albie was weened).

Now the introductions are over, let’s talk “Eco cat products!”. I’d had some experience with cats before, but Cath hadn’t. She was eager to extend the Eco-ness out to the cat too….

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June 18, 2023
Read more about the article Veganuary
Copyright Veganuary
Natural Ingredients / Plant-based ingredients / Vegan

Veganuary

Veganuary (taking place during – you guessed it – January) inspires people all over the world to try vegan for January and beyond. Millions of people have already taken part. Are you taking part this year? Even for a few days, or a week?

Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people.

Their site offers a lot of resources for anyone considering trying Vegan:

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January 4, 2022
Read more about the article Product Review: Ocean Saver – Cleaning detergents
Biodegradable / Biodegradable Packaging / Cleaning Products / Eco-Friendly / Environmentally Friendly / Lab Tested / Natural Ingredients / Plant-based ingredients / Products / Reducing Waste / Weigh of the World / Zero Waste

Product Review: Ocean Saver – Cleaning detergents

I picked up some Oceansaver Anti Bac and a reusable spray bottle from Weigh of the World a few weeks ago, and it is sooooooo amazing and easy to use! So far I have only tried the Anti-Bac, with great results – others are to follow!

By using Oceansaver refill drops, the retailers will transport less water, which means fewer trucks on the road, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Also, because you are re-using your spray bottles, Oceansaver drops were developed to fight single-use plastic and preserve our oceans and sea life – A great range of home cleaning solutions made with plant-based ingredients, totally biodegradable, lab tested and proven efficacy.

Oceansaver is committed to finding affordable solutions without compromising on quality or effectiveness. They take an innovative approach to all their products and packaging, ensuring they use the latest in recyclable and biodegradable materials.

These are really easy to use too!

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June 24, 2020
Read more about the article Keep the High Street Shops ALIVE… help them THRIVE!
Allergy Friendly / Aluminium-Free / Anti-Fungal / Anti-Microbial / Asthma Friendly / Bee-Friendly / Biodegradable / Cleaning Products / Coronavirus / Cotton Buds / COVID-19 / Cruelty Free / Deodorant / Dog / Eco-Friendly / Environmentally Friendly / Flouride-Free / Fragrance Free / Glycerine-Free / Hair Conditioner / Hand Sanitiser / LED / Lip Care / Menstrual Cup / Menstrual Products / Mouthwash / Natural Fragrance / Natural Ingredients / Non-Toxic / Northwich / Not Tested on Animals / Organic / Palm Oil Free / Paraben Free / Pet Friendly / Phosphate-Free / Products / Sanitary Towels / Shampoo / SLS-Free / Soap / Soap Nuts / Sustainable / Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Vegan / Vegetarian / Zero Waste

Keep the High Street Shops ALIVE… help them THRIVE!

In November 2019, Eco Store, Weigh of the World, in Northwich opened - THIS was a game changer for me! Local, and a brilliant concept! (you can read my blog post here). In addition to buying my fresh fruit & vegetables from John Griffiths' Green Grocers in Northwich, between the two of these shops, I found that I had 99% of what I needed! However, many small, independent shops, both in Northwich and elsewhere, are experiencing a massive decrease in sales, despite remaining open during the lockdown - people are doing their main shops in supermarkets. Before your supermarket shop, visit your local, small businesses first! Then only go to the supermarket if there is anything which you are unable to obtain! It is more important than ever that we support our local businesses - especially through this time of crisis! Furthermore, buying locally reduces food miles, helps alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions. With that in mind, I have collated a list of independent shops in NORTHWICH who are still open and operating, and what shopping options are available. Independent Northwich Shops Open/Online during Lockdown: Abda's Coffee Shop: Coffee and Tea can be ordered through their Facebook Page.Artisans Online: The Northwich Artisan Market is now online!Crafty Stitches: Online orders are being taken for delivery on FacebookFirthField Pet Stores: Open for business.Ginger & Browns: Pet Supplies at Blakemere - Open for online ordersJohn Griffiths' Greengrocers: 10 Witton St, Northwich -…

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May 10, 2020
Read more about the article Product Review: Lavandi Organic Vegan Deodorant
Deodorant / Natural Fragrance / Natural Ingredients / Northwich / Organic / Palm Oil Free / Sustainable / Vegan / Zero Waste

Product Review: Lavandi Organic Vegan Deodorant

Lavandi Deodorant

I was given the Chamomile and Bergamot deodorant to test by Weigh of the World about 4 weeks ago. And Lavandi provided me with two other versions to try – I took the Sports version and Sarah tried the Cedarwood and Sage.

What I liked most is the fact that Lavandi are based in Northwich, Cheshire, where I live! Lavandi have seen the need for change and have created a range of recipes that are all-natural. Lavandi’s Organic Vegan Deodorants are made from only the finest ingredients and are Zero Waste. With excellent absorption and odour control one application should last you all day, simply apply by pushing up from the bottom of the tube, then warming against your skin and then glide over the required area.

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February 14, 2020
Read more about the article Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut
Natural Fragrance / Natural Ingredients / Organic / Paraben Free / Products / SLS-Free / Soap / Sustainable / Vegan

Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

I have used Faith in Nature's Coconut Soap for some years - it is lovely to use: very gentle with a good lather and it does not leave my skin dry, and has a lovely smell. I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found it on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the product itself is very good! Additional Attributes 100% Natural FragranceWith Essential OilsFree from Parabens and SLSIngredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin

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March 11, 2019
Read more about the article Loose Tea vs Teabags
Natural Fragrance / Natural Ingredients / Products

Loose Tea vs Teabags

I never gave tea-types much thought, until I lived in Hamburg, Germany (2000-2007). Tea was something that automatically came in teabags – I popped it in a teapot or cup, added hot water and let it brew. For me, varieties of tea (up to the year 2000) consisted of Tetleys, PG Tips and herbal (mostly chamomile) and ALWAYS came in a bag!

Lemon Verbena

When I moved to Germany, a whole new world opened: Tea shops are common in towns and cities, and Hamburg, being the largest port in Germany, had more than its fair share (in fact, a quick search on google showed me well over 100)! With more tea varieties than I had ever seen before in my life! And very few in bags! Rows and rows of large jars adorn these shops, and you can ask about the origin or flavours of any of them – and/or have a sniff! Every time I return, I come back with kilos of it! From whole leaf Lemon Verbena, to mixes of loose teas with roses…. It is part of my life and routine now (although I admit, I am more of a coffee drinker!)

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March 7, 2019
Read more about the article Product Review: Solid Shampoo Bars – Bain & Savon
Cruelty Free / Natural Ingredients / Not Tested on Animals / Palm Oil Free / Paraben Free / Products / Shampoo / SLS-Free / Zero Waste

Product Review: Solid Shampoo Bars – Bain & Savon

Following on from my previous review (Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar) I tried a few shampoo soaps from the Bain & Savon range, which I obtained from Peace with The Wild, experimenting to see what was most suitable to my hair-type.

Bain & Savon have a variety of options in terms of scents and hair-types:

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December 14, 2018
Read more about the article Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar
Eco-Friendly / Environmentally Friendly / Natural Ingredients / Organic / Palm Oil Free / Products

Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar

After decades of my sensitive skin reacting badly to any soap products, having dry hair (requiring twice as much conditioner as shampoo) I was particularly nervous about finding a more ecological alternative…. especially as I feared that this would dry my hair further.

The Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar from Living Naturally was the first Bar Shampoo that I have ever tried. This particular soap is advertised as being great for “Nourishing & Moisturising. Suitable for all hair/skin types, especially for dry or lack luster hair/skin or inflamed sore skin” with the added appeal of being:

  • SLS Free
  • Palm Oil Free
  • Organic
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December 12, 2018