Product Review: The Wonderbag

When Cathrene told me that she had ordered a Wonderbag to try, I was so excited. Not just because it meant that I could try out our new pumpkin dish (Le Creuset - a once-in-a-lifetime investment!), but because it would give me the opportunity to try out a new recipe. I’ve loved to cook ever since I was young, I would help my mum by chopping vegetables and stirring the pot! Despite my love of cooking, I’ve never made a stew! My boyfriends Mums Beef stew and dumplings is by far my favourite meal, but I’ve never tried to make it myself. Cath is on a "energy saving" mission at the moment (mind you, given the energy price increases of late, we are both keen to curb our usage!), so this was something that she was really keen to try, having seen videos on TikToK and friends reviews on Facebook.

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October 25, 2022

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner

I first bought the Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner before I fully committed to reducing my waste, and it’s one of those products that has stayed with me through several lifestyle changes.

This conditioner is designed for normal to dry hair and is made with organic coconut oil, giving it a rich, tropical scent without feeling artificial or overpowering. I used it regularly for over a year and found it left my hair feeling soft, manageable, and well-hydrated without weighing it down.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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July 19, 2022

Butternut Box lover, Rainbow ©ZeroWasteLlama 2022

Brand Reviews

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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June 10, 2022

Brand Reviews

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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2 Comments

May 19, 2022

Brand Reviews

Koh Universal Cleaner Review: Does One Product Really Replace Over 20 Cleaners?

If you’re trying to live more sustainably, cleaning products are often one of the trickiest areas to tackle. Most homes are filled with sprays, creams, bleaches and wipes — many of them wrapped in plastic, scented with strong fragrances, and packed with chemicals you wouldn’t want anywhere near your skin.

So when I first came across Koh Universal Cleaner, which claims to replace over 20 different household products, I’ll be honest… I was sceptical.

Could one cleaner really do all that? And more importantly — could it do it well?

This is my honest, experience‑based review of Koh, from someone who tried it reluctantly and ended up completely changing how they clean their home.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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February 19, 2022

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

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: Salt of the Earth

This product intrigued me – not only is it plastic free, but it also consists of the subject of my PhD: Salt! This is my Salt of the Earth deodorant review.

Salt of the Earth crystal deodorants work by leaving an invisible layer of mineral salt on the skin which work to inhibit the growth of odour causing bacteria. This is a good product if you wish to avoid plastic packaging!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2020

Photo by Mahyar Motebassem on Unsplash

Ethical Living

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!

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

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February 19, 2019

Brand Reviews

Brand Review: Method Cleaning Products

I have been using the method (part of ecover) range of cleaning products for some time now. Actually, I was inspired by my lovely cleaning lady, Karen! I wanted to share my Method cleaning products review because these are a great range of products. Importantly, they do what they say on the tin. Overall, this Method cleaning products review reflects my honest experience as a UK consumer seeking better cleaning options.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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February 19, 2019

By Sarah Bellis

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