Me modelling the Denim Blue Zero Waste Dress
Me modelling the Denim Blue Zero Waste Dress

Zero Waste Dressmaking

I finally have had time to write about the Zero Waste Dress pattern by Offset Warehouse!

Did you know that on average, 15% of fabric is wasted every time a garment is made? By designing clothes that are “zero waste”, this waste can be eliminated. The sewing pattern uses all the fabric, so nothing is thrown away.

Offset Warehouse have put together this simple zero waste dress pattern so you can try it for yourself – Which is exactly what I did!

UPDATE 2026 – Offset Warehouse is no longer in business: Please email me and I will send you a PDF copy of the pattern.

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Clean Air Day: Why Clean Air Still Matters (and What We Can All Do)

Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. Both the World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise air pollution as the largest environmental health risk we currently face. Clean Air Day, held annually in June, exists to raise awareness of the harm caused by air pollution — and to remind us that a cleaner, healthier future is possible. Although this post marks Clean Air Day 2022, the message remains just as important today. Clean air isn’t something we should think about for just one day a year; it’s something that affects our health, climate, and communities every single day. Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Why Does Clean Air Day Matter? Clean Air Day focuses attention on air pollution by encouraging people across the UK to act together on the same day. This collective approach helps the message reach new audiences, improves public understanding, and increases the number of people taking action to reduce pollution. Awareness is growing. The majority of people now report doing at least one thing to reduce outdoor air pollution, and public support for prioritising clean air has increased significantly in recent years. Clean Air Day also shows decision‑makers that there is widespread support for the changes needed to protect public health and the environment. From more electric vehicle charging points and e‑bikes on our roads to innovative solutions like cleaner delivery services, Clean Air Day highlights that progress is possible — and already happening. Why Does Air Pollution Matter for Everyday…

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Butternut Box lover, Rainbow ©ZeroWasteLlama 2022
Butternut Box lover, Rainbow ©ZeroWasteLlama 2022

Product Review: Butternut Box (Dog Food)

By Sarah Bellis

In this review, I share our experience with Butternut Box fresh dog food — including ingredients, sustainability, packaging, cost, and how it’s affected my dogs’ health and appetites. If you’re considering a fresh, subscription-based dog food with ethical packaging, this review may help you decide.

I’ve always been really “funny” about what I feed my dogs. You hear about people who give their dogs the cheapest foods, and the dogs live forever! But knowing my luck that would never be the case. My dogs have always been fed better than myself. They dress better than me too, but that is another story!

As a dog-parent, it’s easy to get caught up in dog food marketing campaigns. The ones with the bright packaging, the ones with the happy dog on the packet with the shiniest coat and the brightest eyes. Some promise things that they definitely do not fulfil. When it comes to genuinely excellent quality food, it is so important to do your research. Something that can be confusing, you end up down a rabbit hole.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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Product Review: The Little Fudge Box

A Thoughtful, Low‑Waste Treat for Conscientious Gifting

If you enjoy a sweet treat but also care about where your money goes and how much waste it creates, The Little Fudge Box is the kind of product that really stands out. This review shares my experience of this small UK business, focusing on the quality of the fudge, the packaging, and why it works so well as an ethical gift or mindful indulgence.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Product Review: Lavandi Soaps

Lavandi were kind enough to provide me with some of their soaps for testing. I distributed these between myself, my mother and Joe (a 20 year-old who wanted to try the Activated Charcoal soap in particular).

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. Their soaps are made with a carefully curated combination of oils and butters, and their promise is that they are all completely free of harmful chemicals. All their products are free of the palm oil that’s often found in soap and body products. They are all Zero Plastic! Also, you can subscribe to deliveries on a regular basis.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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How to Make Delicious Soya Milk

A fantastic recipe from our new local Noodle bar: Noodle Nana, in Northwich, Cheshire.

“For anyone who is into soya milk or thinking about going dairy free, give it a try and you would be surprised how good it tastes. It is incredibly easy to make too.’

Noodle Nana

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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Jungle Culture Coconut Shell Bowls
Jungle Culture Coconut Shell Bowls

Product Review: Jungle Culture Coconut Shell Bowls

Jungle Culture coconut shell bowls have become hugely popular in the zero‑waste and eco‑living space — and for good reason. Made from reclaimed coconut shells that would otherwise be discarded, these bowls are a beautiful example of turning waste into something genuinely useful.

As someone always on the lookout for plastic‑free, low‑impact alternatives, I wanted to see whether these bowls live up to the hype. In this review, I’ll cover the sustainability credentials, build quality, practical everyday use, and whether coconut bowls are actually worth investing in for an eco‑conscious home.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

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@Abakhan 2022
@Abakhan 2022

Abakhan, Mostyn, Wales

Abakhan fabrics pride themselves on offering value for money throughout the vast range of Fabrics, Yarns, Crafts, Sewing Accessories and Haberdashery which they have on offer. Abakhan Mostyn is well known as a popular destination for crafters and sewists alike.

Abakhan in Mostyn, Wales is more than just a fabric shop – it’s a treasure trove for sewists, crafters, and anyone interested in ethical, low‑waste making. With its huge range of fabrics, yarns, haberdashery and famous fill‑a‑bag sales, Abakhan offers a rare opportunity to reuse surplus and deadstock materials that might otherwise go to waste.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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Product Review: Lavandi Organic Vegan Lip Balm

Lavandi were kind enough to provide me with some of their Organic Vegan Lip Balms for testing. This is a product which I have absolutely loved. It has quickly become a firm favourite of mine.

One of the things I liked most straight away is that Lavandi are based in Northwich, Cheshire, where I (used to) live. I always enjoy supporting local, ethical businesses, especially those that genuinely care about sustainability and ingredient transparency.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Is the ‘Tiny Home’ movement finally catching on in Britain?

The tiny home movement is part of a wider global shift towards minimalism, intentional living, and lower‑impact lifestyles. While it has gained momentum in countries such as the US and parts of Europe, Britain has traditionally been slower to embrace the idea. Recently, though, that seems to be changing.

At its heart, the movement asks a simple but uncomfortable question: how much space do we really need to live well? When we strip away excess possessions and unused rooms, many of us begin to realise that modern housing often encourages far more consumption than comfort.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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