Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash fabric

#PlantBamboo for Fabrics, Yarn & Fashion

“35% of all micro plastics in the world’s oceans are from synthetic textiles”
International Union for Conservation of Nature

There are over 1600 known species of Bamboo across many parts of the tropics and subtropics, with thousands of uses – including for the production of fabrics and yarn for the fashion industry.

Why Bamboo Is Being Promoted in Fashion & Textiles

Bamboo has become a popular material in the sustainable fashion conversation because it grows extremely quickly, requires no replanting after harvest, and can thrive without large amounts of pesticides or fertiliser. As a plant, bamboo has a relatively low land footprint and can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide during growth.

This has led to bamboo being marketed as a climate‑friendly alternative to conventional cotton and petroleum‑based synthetic fibres.

However, the environmental impact of bamboo fabrics depends less on the plant itself and more on how it is processed.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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September 20, 2021

Photo by Merve Sehirli Nasir on Unsplash buttons speaking

Ethical Living

Become your own Brand: Sustainable sewing

In sewing an item from scratch – either using purchased materials or upcycling old items – you will experience the time, skill and patience it takes to create an item of clothing or accessory. Your journey to self sufficiency moves forward, and mending, fixing, upcycling and creating new, bespoke/tailored and exciting items becomes an enjoyable hobby: you become your own sustainable sewing brand!

If you are interested in sustainable sewing projects, or maybe have been motivated to look into this more during COVID-19 lockdowns, here are a few ideas, patterns and links – I just hope that in inspires just one other person to replace one item which they usually buy, with a home-made / upcycled item: By sewing your own clothing and/or accessories, you are choosing a leisurely, more sustainable lifestyle and, at the same time, making a stand against fast fashion.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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September 19, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review – Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, moving to “tablet” forms was daunting. This is my Georganics mouthwash tablets review. I decided to give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets – Thyme – by Georganics a try.

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. The tablets are perfect for travelling as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional mouthwashes avoiding the unnecessary transportation of water (i.e. perfect for hand baggage!).

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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September 19, 2021

Jungle Culture - Straws in a pile

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

🌱 #PlantBamboo for Straws: A Simple Action With a Big Impact

Plastic straws might seem small, but their environmental impact is anything but. Billions are used globally each year, often for just minutes, before ending up in landfill, incineration, rivers, or the ocean. While reusable alternatives like metal, glass, and silicone straws are growing in popularity, bamboo straws stand out as one of the most genuinely sustainable options. One brilliant idea is to plant bamboo for straws, supporting an eco-friendly cycle from the source to the finished product.

Bamboo is fast‑growing, renewable, and naturally biodegradable. It requires no pesticides, very little water, and absorbs more carbon dioxide than many trees. When responsibly grown, bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant — making it an ideal material for zero‑waste products.

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September 19, 2021

Bamboo - a beautiful green feeling by Clement Souchet on Unsplash

Events

World Bamboo Day 18th September

World Bamboo Day, celebrated annually on 18th September, is dedicated to raising awareness of bamboo and its importance in promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and climate‑positive lifestyles.

Bamboo is often described as one of the most sustainable materials on the planet – and for good reason. It is technically a grass, not a tree, and can grow incredibly quickly without the need for pesticides or fertilisers. Furthermore, in some species, bamboo can grow up to one metre per day, making it a renewable resource with huge potential to reduce our reliance on less sustainable materials.

From a zero‑waste perspective, bamboo really stands out. It is biodegradable, versatile, and naturally strong, which means it can be used to replace plastics and other high‑impact materials in many everyday products. From bamboo toothbrushes and reusable kitchenware to textiles and flooring, bamboo alternatives are becoming increasingly accessible.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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September 18, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Georganics Natural Toothpowder

I was a tad nervous, it must be noted, to try toothpaste powder… but, having used a charcoal (traditional) toothpaste for years now, I decided to give the Natural Toothpowder – Activated Charcoal – by Georganics a go. This post is my honest Georganics Natural Toothpowder review after using the product. In fact, this Georganics Natural Toothpowder review aims to share my experience in detail.

Georganics naturally whitening toothpowder, with additional activated charcoal, works by absorbing and polishing away stains and plaque that naturally form on our teeth. It’s a completely safe and fast-effective formula made without the use of any chemicals like peroxides, fluoride compounds or synthetic flavourings. They blend this fine pharmaceutical activated charcoal with high quality mineral powders, all of which food grade so completely safe if accidentally ingested.”, the Activated Charcoal variety seemed a good choice (although it should be noted that there are many other flavours and variations of this product on offer… see below!). If you are looking for a detailed Georganics Natural Toothpowder review, this should help you decide.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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July 19, 2021

Photo by Rawfilm on unsplash

Ethical Living

My carbon footprint & why I can’t do nearly enough

The truth of it is that, for Joe Bloggs and I, aiming for zero waste is truly difficult – alone the fact that I have not managed to source all the items I need for MY everyday life without plastic is both frustrating and deeply saddening. The question of carbon footprint personal responsibility is something I think about a lot.

Some issues arise due to my disability / health and others due to low/reduced income (2020 was difficult for most businesses thanks to COVID-19), and yet more because I ordered something which is eco / zero waste / compositable etc., but it turns out it has travelled the world in order to arrive at my doorstep.

I am also not in a position to change some things at this time, e.g. gas usage due to cost and feasibility. Even without a car, without taking a bus, without buying products wrapped in plastic, I managed to STILL leave a significant footprint on this planet.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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April 19, 2021

Cocoa Loco Chocolates at Weigh of the World

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Cocoa Loco Chocolates

Chocolate is one of the world’s favourite foods (it’s definitely mine!), so I was absolutely delighted when my friend, Sarah, treated me to some Cocoa Loco Dark Chocolate Ginger (OMG LOVE ginger!) from my local zero waste shop a few weeks back! In fact, trying Cocoa Loco chocolates for the first time was a real treat.

That was it…. I was hooked! Since then I have continued to treat myself to these when I have been into the shop…. and then the Dark Chocolate Mango…. mmmmm REALLY love this chocolate! By the way, chocolates from Cocoa Loco are available in so many delicious varieties to choose from.

There’s something to suit everyone with white chocolate, milk and dark options – the dark ones are suitable for vegans. Weigh of the World have also got a number of other flavours, including Chilli, Raspberry…. and bars! With so much choice, it’s easy to see why Cocoa Loco chocolates are loved by many.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Dingbats* Notebook

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?

If you’re trying to live more sustainably but refuse to give up beautiful stationery, Dingbats* notebooks might just be your perfect middle ground.

What truly sets Dingbats* apart is sustainability.
It isn’t an afterthought.
It’s built into every part of the product lifecycle.

In this Dingbats notebooks review, I share my long‑term experience using their journals as part of a zero waste lifestyle.

Read on & add the Zero Waste Llama discount code – LLAMA10 – for a 10% discount on your first order!

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

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April 4, 2021

Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene

Brand Reviews

Home Made Sanitary Towels (& where to buy materials)

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products a few years ago, I have now been producing my own Sanitary Towels for some time – both for me and my friends! You’ll remember from my previous post regarding making these, that, not only have these been much more comfy to wear than those purchased, but my homemade ones have proven to be strong, absorbent and easily washed!

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

In this post I wish to expand a little more into the eco fabrics/materials you can use and where to buy them in the UK.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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July 3, 2020

Why Bamboo Is Being Promoted in Fashion & Textiles

World Bamboo Day, celebrated annually on 18th September, is dedicated to raising awareness of bamboo and its importance in promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and climate‑positive lifestyles.

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