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Thrifting for Fabric: 15 Zero‑Waste Charity Shop Hacks for Low‑Cost Sewing

Buying new fabric is one of the biggest hidden contributors to textile waste. Thrifting fabric in the UK is a more sustainable alternative, as even “ethical” fabric often comes wrapped in plastic, shipped internationally, and produced using water‑ and chemical‑intensive processes.

For Zero Waste Llama readers, thrifting fabric isn’t just about saving money — it’s about keeping existing textiles in circulation and out of landfill.

Whether you’re a garment maker, quilter, upcycler, or slow‑fashion enthusiast, UK charity shops are absolute goldmines for sewing materials — if you know where (and how) to look.

This guide walks you through 15 zero‑waste thrift store hacks to help you source fabric sustainably, affordably, and creatively — all from materials that already exist.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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May 29, 2026

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Dingbats* Ātopen Dual Tip Pens

Finding truly sustainable art supplies that actually last is harder than it should be. For example, sustainable dual tip pens can be difficult to find if you care about quality and eco credentials. Many ‘eco’ pens dry out quickly, bleed through paper, or sacrifice performance for marketing claims — which creates more waste, not less.

What makes Dingbats* Ātopen dual‑tip pens different?

Dingbats* Ātopen Dual Tip Fineliner/Brush Pens are fabulous to use – and are still perfect after several years of use! As you can see from the image I took (yes, my writing IS that bad, LOL), the Dingbats* Ātopen dual tipped pens offer a wide range of possibilities for art drawings, journaling, doodling, calligraphy and much, much more.

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April 26, 2026

Ethical Living

Bluebell and Albie, the Eco-cats!

Firstly, let me introduce you to Albie, our one-year-old cat. He also answers to many other names: Albus, Albus Dumble-cat, Alfred, Albert, Alberto, Alb and Albachino. In upcoming posts, you’ll find out why we consider him one of our official eco-cats.

This is him — and yes, I’m biased, but isn’t he the cutest?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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May 18, 2025

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Kutis Organic Lip Balm

Kutis Organic Lip Balm is a popular choice for anyone seeking a plastic‑free, natural alternative to conventional lip balms. This review looks at its ingredients, sustainability credentials, and whether it delivers effective, everyday lip care without unnecessary packaging. Another lovely lip balm, from Kutis directly or Peace With The Wild. Once again, this is a really nice product and recyclable / up-cyclable packaging! The lip balm is smooth, light and (most importantly) soothed and repaired my dry, cracked lips this winter!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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February 19, 2024

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Solid Conditional Bars – Bain & Savon

If you’re already using a solid shampoo bar, pairing it with a matching conditioner can make the transition to low‑waste hair care easier. I’ve also reviewed the Bain & Savon solid shampoo bars, which are designed to work alongside these conditioner bars as part of a plastic‑free hair care routine.

This is an interesting story, and should be read alongside my first review (Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar). That review also details struggling with adapting to bar shampoos. In addition, it contains some tips and suggestions to aid your own transition.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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November 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Solid Shampoo Bars – Bain & Savon

Following on from my previous review of the Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar, I wanted to explore a different range of solid shampoo options. This time, I tested several shampoo bars from Bain & Savon, purchased via Peace With The Wild.

My aim was simple: to see how these solid shampoo bars performed across different hair needs and whether they offered a practical, low‑waste alternative to bottled shampoo. I focused on everyday usability, scalp comfort, and how my hair felt after continued use.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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October 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar

After decades of my sensitive skin reacting badly to any soap products, and 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

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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September 19, 2023

Ethical Living

LEDs – The Future is Bright!

This is not something new, for me, but given the energy and cost savings, I thought I would post about this. Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is a topic that is getting more attention as people focus on efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, more experts agree that Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is a key area for future home upgrades.

LEDs are the most efficient type of bulb. They have great claimed longevity, give instant light, and work in low temperatures. Therefore, they are “The future of home lighting”, and many consumers now believe that Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is more than just a marketing phrase.

They use very little energy
Last longer than other bulbs
Provide instant light – no “warming up” time

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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August 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Brand Review: Ecover

Ecover is often promoted as an eco‑friendly household cleaning brand—but how sustainable is it really? This Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly? will help you understand what makes the brand stand out.

In this Ecover brand review, we take a closer look at its credentials and try to answer the question raised in the Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly?

I have been using the Ecover range of cleaning products for well over a decade now. While they never completely replaced my trusty powder laundry detergent (I sometimes felt clothes weren’t quite as clean as I wanted), they did replace my fabric conditioner and several other household cleaning products that I used regularly.

Ecover describes its approach as a holistic one, with people and planet kept firmly in mind. They state that they have strict standards for ingredient selection and assess more than a dozen attributes for each ingredient, including biodegradability, skin and eye irritation, and aquatic toxicity. On paper, this all sounds very reassuring and is discussed further within this Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly?

However, as with many “eco” brands, Ecover falls into what I think of as a starting point. In this Ecover brand review, I see their products as a starting point on a low‑waste or zero‑waste journey rather than a final destination..

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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June 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

For those who sew: Gütermann Recycled Sewing Thread

Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 20pk – Basics

As an avid sewer – and I know that I am not alone here – I take pride in repairing and upcycling items in order to lower my carbon footprint. I also know Gütermann to be one of the best brands of sewing thread in the world! I have recently discovered Gütermann Sew-all Thread rPET. Not only can they be implemented for a variety of fabrics and stitches, but they are made from 100 % recycled polyester!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2023

What makes Dingbats* Ātopen dual‑tip pens different?

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