The Milk Dilemma

After an extensive amount of research, and much frustration I have come to the conclusion that I (personally) have very little choice but to continue to buy the 4 pints / 2.272 litre plastic bottles of milk from the supermarket. This is all part of the milk dilemma many of us face when shopping for milk. In short, the milk dilemma truly affects a lot of people, not just me.

Choosing milk isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In fact, the milk dilemma complicates matters for those trying to choose the most sustainable option. This article explores the environmental impact of dairy milk versus plant‑based alternatives, helping readers understand the sustainability, ethical considerations, and climate implications behind one of our everyday food choices.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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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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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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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: 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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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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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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Season’s Greetings!

It has been a hard year for many of us. The ongoing impacts of COVID‑19, Brexit, rising costs, and general uncertainty have made sticking to zero‑waste or low‑waste habits feel difficult — and sometimes impossible. With this in mind, many are looking for ways to enjoy a low waste festive season without added stress.

If you’re still reading this, though, your intention is still there. Zero waste is never about perfection; it’s about small, consistent steps. Every effort you’ve made this year counts, so take a moment to acknowledge that — well done.

With the festive season approaching, here are some simple, realistic ways to reduce waste while still enjoying Christmas and the celebrations around it.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Photo by Nariman Mosharrafa on @Unsplash
Photo by Nariman Mosharrafa on @Unsplash

Plastic Categories Explained (and How to Recycle Them Properly)

Plastic recycling can feel confusing — even when you’re genuinely trying to do the right thing. That’s why having plastic categories explained is so important. Symbols, numbers, mixed messages from councils, and packaging labelled “recyclable” that still ends up in landfill can make the whole process frustrating.

This guide breaks down the seven main plastic categories, explains what those numbers actually mean, and shows you how to recycle plastic properly in the UK — without wishcycling or guilt. Most importantly, it also looks at how we can reduce plastic use in the first place, because recycling should always be the last resort.

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