Seasonal Gifts – Sowing Seeds for the Future

Although my seasonal gifts were sent off to friends all over the world over a month ago, most would only be opening them today… so I had to wait before sharing this idea! This year, I wanted to focus on choosing seasonal sustainable gifts that felt thoughtful and eco-friendly. Actually, finding seasonal sustainable gifts was my main priority for this festive season. In recent years, I’ve been trying to move away from traditional seasonal gifts that are often expensive, resource-heavy, and quickly forgotten. Instead, I’ve been looking for meaningful alternatives that align with low-waste and sustainable values — gifts that create joy without creating clutter. This shift has inspired me to seek seasonal sustainable gifts for loved ones. Estimated reading time: 2 minutes This year, friends and family received something a little different:an envelope of wildflower seeds, with this message: “Here are some wildflower seeds to scatter, in your own garden or in the wild!To bring you – and others (people, bees and butterflies) – joy and happiness at the sight.Please scatter during March.” I love this idea because it’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. Not only does it avoid unnecessary packaging and waste, but it also supports pollinators, boosts biodiversity, and adds colour and life to outdoor spaces — long after the festive season has passed. Moreover, seasonal sustainable gifts like these wildflower seeds have a lasting positive impact. Wildflowers are especially important for bees and butterflies, whose habitats are increasingly under threat. Even a small scattering…

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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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Sustainability Festival, Northwich, 23rd July 2022

West Cheshire Museums are partnering with Eco Communities to host a sustainable Festival and craft fair, on the 23rd July 2023. This exciting event will provide a perfect opportunity to experience the Sustainability craft fair Northwich.

The event is part of West Cheshire Museums’ Festival for the Future. It is a month-long celebration of sustainability and climate action held across museum sites Chester, Northwich and Malpas. Additionally, the Sustainability craft fair Northwich forms a key part of this celebration with its focus on environmentally friendly crafts and activities.

The Festival of the Future is a free one day event at the Northwich museums. It is ideal for families who love nature, performance, craft and free workshops! Sustainability craft fair Northwich will delight both locals and visitors looking for meaningful ways to get involved with the community.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Product Review: Vegan Scourer Brush Ecococonut

When shopping on Peace With The Wild, I found the Vegan Scourer Brush by Ecococonut, a plastic‑free alternative to conventional washing‑up scourers. As someone trying to reduce waste in everyday cleaning, I’m always on the lookout for swaps that actually work — not just ones that sound good in theory.

These vegan scourer brushes are 100% plastic free and come in a two‑pack, making them a practical option for low‑waste kitchens.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Sarah's Happy Scrappy Blanket
Sarah's Happy Scrappy Blanket

Happy Scrappy Crochet Blanket

A zero‑waste crochet project full of memories My mum taught me to crochet when I was around 8 years old. While her methods were anything but conventional, a few taps on the hand with her crochet hook soon made me get the hang of keeping my tension consistent! I started out making granny‑square blankets — which is as far as I got at the time. I never actually finished them. In fact, I only completed my first ever crochet blanket about three years ago. From blankets to toys (and lots of leftovers) After getting bored of blankets, I decided I needed projects that would finish quickly, so I moved on to crocheting toys. The first thing I made was a bunny… though it looked more like Frankenstein. There are no photos, and for very good reason — I insist you erase that image from your mind immediately. After that came what felt like a million unicorns, Christmas mice, and various other animals. I even made a paramedic doll for a friend. Despite loving every project, I was never quite sure what to do with the leftover yarn. Most projects only leave small amounts — not enough for anything “important”. And, shamefully, I often threw them away. Discovering zero‑waste crochet When I met Cathrene, I slowly became much more mindful of waste. It really made me stop and think about what I could do with my scrap yarn. The tiny bits could be used as toy stuffing, but the slightly larger…

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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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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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