The whole pack - a family portrait to treasure!

Zero Waste Gift Idea: A Photoshoot!

When we talk about zero waste gifting, one of the most powerful shifts we can make is moving away from things and towards experiences. Experiences create memories, not clutter — and often leave a much smaller environmental footprint too.

Following on from my December post (Season’s Greetings!), where I shared some last‑minute low‑waste gift ideas, I realised one rather lovely option was missing from the “make memories, not waste” section. That option was gifting a photoshoot!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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March 16, 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

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Bath, Bubbles & Beyond – Shampoo & Conditioners

otivated by my actions and blog, Sarah (my Personal Assistant and, most importantly, my best friend!) started her voyage towards her plastic-free future, starting with some Shampoo and Conditioners from Bath, Bubbles & Beyond, which I chose for her at at the Zero Waste shop, in Northwich. For anyone exploring options for Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioner bars, this article shares our Bath, Bubble & Beyond Review and how the products helped Sarah begin her journey. In fact, this Bath, Bubble & Beyond Review highlights key details for anyone interested in sustainable haircare.

After putting off the transition until she returned from her fabulous fabulous holiday over Christmas, she started the new year with a new hair-care regime, and was more than pleasantly surprised by the ease and improvement in making this transition!

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January 19, 2022

Ethical Living

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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December 18, 2021

©Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Tea from Bird & Blend Tea Co.

The Bird & Blend Tea Co. is “an eco-conscious, independent, people-focused, award winning Tea Mixology Company on a mission to spread happiness and reimagine tea” – As a Tea-Lover myself, this statement alone piqued my interest! In this Bird & Blend Tea Co review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences. If you’ve been looking for a Bird&Blend Tea Co review, you’re in the right place.

So, when my loose-tea cupboard was looking bare in October, I popped off an order to them, and I was not disappointed!

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October 19, 2021

Photo from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/grown-up-born-earth-nature-soil-1637302/

Ethical Living

#PlantBamboo, #UseBamboo, #CompostBamboo

Bamboo is often marketed as a miracle eco‑material — fast‑growing, renewable, and a popular alternative to plastic. But when your bamboo item finally reaches the end of its life, an important question remains: can bamboo actually be composted? The short answer is yes — but not always. Whether bamboo can go in your compost bin depends on how it’s been processed and what it’s mixed with. Understanding the difference is key to making sure your bamboo choices really are as sustainable as they seem. Estimated reading time: 3 minutes ✅ New Section: Is bamboo compostable? In principle, bamboo is a natural, organic material and can be composted. However, many bamboo products are treated or combined with other materials during manufacturing, which affects whether they will break down safely in a compost system. A simple rule of thumb If a bamboo item is made from pure bamboo with no added materials, it can usually be composted. If it contains glue, paint, plastic, metal, or synthetic fibres, it should not go straight into your compost bin. When in doubt, always check the product description or contact the brand directly. ✅ New Section: Bamboo composting checklist Before composting any bamboo item, ask yourself the following: ✅ Is it made from 100% bamboo? ✅ Is it untreated (no paint, varnish, or sealant)? ✅ Does it contain no plastic, metal, or synthetic fibres? ❌ No glue, resins, or bonding agents? ❌ No composite bamboo fibres mixed with melamine or plastics? If you can confidently tick…

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September 24, 2021

Jungle Culture Bamboo Cutlery

Zero Waste Swaps

#PlantBamboo for Cutlery

Why Bamboo Cutlery Matters

Single‑use plastic cutlery is one of the most common forms of plastic pollution found in household waste, takeaway packaging, and litter clean‑ups. Designed to be used for just a few minutes, plastic forks, knives, and spoons can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Then, they break down into microplastics that contaminate soil, waterways, and food chains.

Bamboo offers a compelling alternative. As one of the fastest‑growing plants on Earth, bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant. This makes it a highly renewable material. Some species are capable of growing over a metre per day. As a result, bamboo forests regenerate quickly while absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen at higher rates than many trees.

When used for cutlery, bamboo is lightweight, durable, and naturally antibacterial. Unlike plastic, it is made from a natural material that can safely return to the earth at the end of its life when untreated. Choosing bamboo cutlery is not just a swap — it is a small but meaningful step in supporting regenerative materials. It also reduces reliance on fossil fuels and moves us away from a throwaway culture.

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September 21, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review – Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, moving to “tablet” forms was daunting. This is my Georganics mouthwash tablets review. I decided to give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets – Thyme – by Georganics a try.

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. The tablets are perfect for travelling as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional mouthwashes avoiding the unnecessary transportation of water (i.e. perfect for hand baggage!).

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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September 19, 2021

Bamboo - a beautiful green feeling by Clement Souchet on Unsplash

Events

World Bamboo Day 18th September

World Bamboo Day, celebrated annually on 18th September, is dedicated to raising awareness of bamboo and its importance in promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and climate‑positive lifestyles.

Bamboo is often described as one of the most sustainable materials on the planet – and for good reason. It is technically a grass, not a tree, and can grow incredibly quickly without the need for pesticides or fertilisers. Furthermore, in some species, bamboo can grow up to one metre per day, making it a renewable resource with huge potential to reduce our reliance on less sustainable materials.

From a zero‑waste perspective, bamboo really stands out. It is biodegradable, versatile, and naturally strong, which means it can be used to replace plastics and other high‑impact materials in many everyday products. From bamboo toothbrushes and reusable kitchenware to textiles and flooring, bamboo alternatives are becoming increasingly accessible.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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September 18, 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