#PlasticFreeLiving

June 10, 2026

An Aberdeenshire beach, with blue sky, sun and clouds reflecting on the calm sea below.

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

World Environment Day 2026: A Real-Life Reflection (Not Just Another Awareness Post)

Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future

Every year, World Environment Day rolls around on 5th June—and if I’m honest, it used to feel like just another date in the calendar. A reminder, yes… but one that didn’t always translate into real change. This year, though, I wanted to share my World Environment Day 2026 reflection on why the day matters more than ever.

This year felt different.

Maybe it’s because I’ve spent more time thinking about the small habits that quietly add up—what I buy, what I waste, and what I ignore. Or maybe it’s because climate conversations are getting harder to avoid (even when we want to).

So instead of sharing the usual stats and headlines, I wanted to take a step back and ask a simpler question:

What has actually changed—for me, and for us?

And more importantly—what can we realistically do next?

(more…)

June 6, 2026

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

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

(more…)

May 29, 2026

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.

(more…)

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

(more…)

May 18, 2025

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

(more…)

February 19, 2024

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

(more…)

2 Comments

November 19, 2023

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

(more…)

October 19, 2023

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

(more…)

September 19, 2023

Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

The Faith in Nature Coconut soap bar is a popular choice for anyone seeking a natural, plastic‑free alternative to shower gel. This review explores whether it lives up to its eco‑friendly, vegan, and low‑waste claims for everyday use.I have used Faith in Nature's Coconut Soap for some years - it is lovely to use: very gentle with a good lather and it does not leave my skin dry, and has a lovely smell. Using Faith in Nature Coconut soap, I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! Estimated reading time: 2 minutes This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found Faith in Nature Coconut soap on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the Faith in Nature Coconut soap itself is very good. 100% Natural Fragrance With Essential Oils Free from Parabens and SLS Ingredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin. Overall, Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a popular choice for those seeking a gentle, ethical product. Key Takeaways Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a natural, plastic-free alternative to shower gel, praised for its gentle formulation and pleasant scent. The soap lathers well, does not dry out the skin, and is suitable for everyday use without causing allergic reactions. Available at various retailers, including Oxfam, but often found plastic-wrapped on Amazon, leading to concerns about sustainability. It features 100% natural…