Celebrating Earth Month: Small Steps for Big Impact

Every April, Earth Month invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the planet that carries us — windswept beaches, mossy forests, bustling cities, and all. For the Zero Waste Llama herd, it’s a chance to celebrate the joy of low-waste living, embrace imperfect eco-action, and remind ourselves that sustainability is a journey, not a finish line.

This year, we’re leaning into the theme of “Small Steps, Big Impact” — because the truth is, most meaningful change begins with tiny, consistent choices made by ordinary people (and the occasional eco-llama).

Read more for some simple sustainable habits for Earth Month!

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Read more about the article The Sustainable Haggis: Scotland’s Smallest (and Silliest) Zero Waste Heroes
A lone haggis gently nibbling heather, beside a Grazing Rota sign under blue Highland skies.

The Sustainable Haggis: Scotland’s Smallest (and Silliest) Zero Waste Heroes

Every April, as the snow melts from the Cairngorms and the heather begins to blush purple, Scotland’s most elusive creature emerges from the hillsides with renewed purpose. No, not the capercaillie. Not Nessie either.

We’re talking about the Scottish Haggis—that shy, round, fleet footed creature known for its mismatched leg lengths and its uncanny ability to outrun even the most determined hill walker.

But this year, the haggis have been spotted doing something extraordinary. Something inspiring. Something… sustainable.

According to the ever-trustworthy experts at the Haggis Wildlife Foundation, these wee beasties have begun adopting eco-friendly habits that put the rest of us to shame. And honestly? Zero Waste Llama is here for it.

Read on to hear about the 4 Haggis Habits which we can learn from.

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Access Free Eco-Friendly Period Products in Scotland

Your guide to stress‑free, stigma‑free, zero‑waste‑friendly support

Scotland has taken a huge step toward period dignity by making period products free for anyone who needs them — and Aberdeenshire has embraced this wholeheartedly. Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor, a parent collecting for a young person, or someone supporting a friend, you can access free period products easily and discreetly.

At Zero Waste Llama, we’re especially excited that the scheme includes reusable options like cloth pads and menstrual cups. These choices are not only budget‑friendly but also planet‑friendly — a win for your body, your wallet, and the Earth.

This is your complete guide to accessing free (eco) period products near you (in Scotland AND the UK)!

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Product Review: Naked Sprout Toilet Paper

Naked Sprout bamboo toilet roll is the most eco-friendly toilet roll on the market. Free from plastic, bleach and harsh chemicals.

Sarah and I have been testing it – alongside other eco brands – for some time now. We think that, if you can get past the colour, then a subscription to Naked Sprout is your pathway to a more sustainable lifestyle.

(Use this link and you can get a £5 order off your first purchase!)

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Sustainability Festival, Northwich, 23rd July 2022

West Cheshire Museums are partnering with Eco Communities to host a sustainable Festival and craft fair, on the 23rd July 2023.

The event is part of West Cheshire Museums’ Festival for the Future, a month-long celebration of sustainability and climate action held accross museum sites Chester, Northwich and Malpas.

The Festival of the Future is a free one day event at the Northwich museums – ideal for families who love nature, performance , craft and free workshops!

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Read more about the article Product Review: Dingbats*
©Dingbats* Notebooks, Journals and Ātopen Pens

Product Review: Dingbats*

I had never heard of Dingbats* until Christmas Day 2020 when my best friend (sharing my love of notebooks/bullet journals, and knowing that I was working towards a Zero Waste Life – and blogging in the process), gave me a Dingbats* notebook as a gift.  

In the pocket, at the back of the notebook, was a small leaflet, which briefly detailed their product ranges and highlighted key features (discussed below). I tried them, following the link on the leaflet to find out more, then my love affair with Dingbats* began… in fact, 3 months later I ordered a further 5 journals, as well as some lovely dual-tipped pens!!  Why? What makes Dingbats* different/better than the Moleskine notebooks, which I have used for decades?

Dingbats* Earth Collection of notebooks & Pens
©Dingbats* Earth Collection of Notebooks & Pens

Read on, and get a 10% discount on your purchase!

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Read more about the article Product Review: Tea from Bird & Blend Tea Co.
©Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Product Review: Tea from Bird & Blend Tea Co.

The Bird & Blend Tea Co. is “an eco-conscious, independent, people-focused, award winning Tea Mixology Company on a mission to spread happiness and reimagine tea” – As a Tea-Lover myself, this statement alone piqued my interest!

So, when my loose-tea cupboard was looking bare in October, I popped off an order to them, and I was not disappointed!

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Read more about the article Buy Local: Focus on Yarn
Photo by Mahyar Motebassem on Unsplash

Buy Local: Focus on Yarn

If, like me, often purchase beautiful yarns for knitting, crochet or even weaving, one small change you can make to reduce your carbon footprint is to #BuyLocal. We are not short of amazing yarn mills, spinners and/or even hand dyers in the UK – look out for them in your local shops or support them via their websites!

As you are looking through the below, PLEASE let me know if I have missed any and I will add them!

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Read more about the article Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products
Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene

Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products in March last year, I have been producing my own Sanitary Towels. Not only have these been much more comfy to wear than those purchased, but the homemade ones have proven to weather the wear far better!

Originally, I made 2 test ones for myself (one for day and one for night), which I have used alongside those purchased, then numerous friends and businesses showed interest, so I made up more (far prettier than my “mock ups” from scrap fabrics). Now, a year later, my 2 sanitary towels still look and feel amazing, the purchased Earthwise towels look a little tatty, but are still functional, and the Eco-Femme Cotton Sanitary Night Pads have worn very badly, and although still functional, the fabric has become rough against my skin.

Compared to the brand of disposable pads I used prior, I would never go back…. No irritation and excellent absorbency!

So I set to to make some nice new towels for me for a change (haha – it was the same story with the COVID-19 masks – I have made nearly 100 for others… and still have not finished my own!).

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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.

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