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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March 26, 2023

Ethical Living

Keep Cups: A Simple Zero‑Waste Swap That Actually Makes a Difference

Globally, KeepCup users help prevent over 5 million disposable coffee cups from being used every single day 1. Considering that around one million disposable cups are thrown away every minute worldwide, switching to a reusable cup is one of the easiest and most impactful low‑waste habits you can adopt 1.

I’ve been using Keep Cups for years — not just when I’m out and about, but at home too (clumsy people unite). They’re practical, well‑designed, and genuinely enjoyable to use, which makes them far more likely to stick as a long‑term habit rather than becoming another forgotten cupboard item.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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February 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, trying a new one was daunting. I decided to give the Oil Pulling Mouthwash – Activated Charcoal by Georganics a try (in addition to the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets which I reviewed last month). To clarify, this is my honest Georganics oil pulling mouthwash review based on my personal experience.

Georganics added 1g/100ml of activated charcoal from coconut shells to this blend of virgin organic coconut oil and peppermint essential oil gives it a unique mildly abrasive quality. The highly porous activated charcoal traps bacteria and removes stains, cleansing and whitening teeth naturally. Such ingredients are worth noting in any Georganics oil pulling mouthwash review.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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October 19, 2022

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Naked Sprout Toilet Paper

Naked Sprout bamboo toilet roll is the most eco-friendly toilet roll on the market. Free from plastic, bleach and harsh chemicals.

Sarah and I have been testing it – alongside other eco brands – for some time now. We think that, if you can get past the colour, then a subscription to Naked Sprout is your pathway to a more sustainable lifestyle.

(Use this link and you can get a £5 order off your first purchase!)

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September 13, 2022

Bamboo - a beautiful green feeling by Clement Souchet on Unsplash

Events

World Bamboo Day 18th September 2022

World Bamboo Day is celebrated every year on 18th September to raise global awareness of bamboo and highlight its vital role as one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources. In regions where bamboo grows naturally, it has been used for centuries in everyday life — from building materials and tools to household items, textiles, and food.

However, bamboo has not always been utilised sustainably. Over‑exploitation and poor management have caused environmental and social issues in some areas. As technology advances and greener innovations emerge, bamboo is now being reintroduced to global markets in a far more responsible and forward‑thinking way.

Today, bamboo products are more widely available than ever before, gaining acceptance across households, industries, and architectural design. From eco‑friendly toothbrushes and cutlery to construction materials and fabrics, bamboo is actively changing how we build, consume, and live within our environment.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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September 13, 2022

Sustainability Guides

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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August 19, 2022

Sustainability Guides

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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July 12, 2022

Show Love Shop Small

Sustainability Guides

#ShopIndependentDay

The Ethical Choice- Show Love: Buy Local, Shop Small

When you buy out-of-season produce, e.g. raspberries or strawberries in December, your eco-credentials become lower. The same applies to purchasing any food product that has been flown from outside your country or is wrapped in layers of (unnecessary) plastic. By shopping locally, and independently, (bakers, farm shops, green grocers…) it is less likely that the produce has travelled an unthinkable distance in order to get onto your plate. Not only does this support local farmers, but the produce will be wrapped in less (or even no) packaging and is fresher. The same applies to non-food goods and services.

This is just one positive, others include:

It is often possible to try before you buy!
It may be cheaper
Advice can be sought if required
It helps build your community, get social!
It support local businesses and entrepreneurs
Independent shops often sell unique and unusual products
It boosts the local economy

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June 25, 2022

Sarah's Happy Scrappy Blanket

Ethical Living

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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June 19, 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

The Ethical Choice- Show Love: Buy Local, Shop Small

By Sarah Bellis

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