Heart of School, Green School Bali, Indonesia Source: ibuku.com

#PlantBamboo for Construction, Building & Architecture

The construction and building sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, around 50% of energy consumption, and approximately 40% of raw material use worldwide. Innovative solutions such as using bamboo for construction are now being explored to reduce this environmental impact.

As the climate crisis accelerates, the need for renewable, low‑carbon building materials has never been more urgent. One natural material stands out for its speed of growth, strength, and carbon‑sequestering potential: bamboo.

Bamboo has been used in construction for thousands of years in regions where it grows naturally. Today, it is increasingly recognised as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials such as steel and concrete. From housing and bridges to modern architectural landmarks, bamboo is emerging as a key material in climate‑friendly construction and architecture.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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September 22, 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

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash fabric

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

#PlantBamboo for Fabrics, Yarn & Fashion

“35% of all micro plastics in the world’s oceans are from synthetic textiles”
International Union for Conservation of Nature

There are over 1600 known species of Bamboo across many parts of the tropics and subtropics, with thousands of uses – including for the production of fabrics and yarn for the fashion industry.

Why Bamboo Is Being Promoted in Fashion & Textiles

Bamboo has become a popular material in the sustainable fashion conversation because it grows extremely quickly, requires no replanting after harvest, and can thrive without large amounts of pesticides or fertiliser. As a plant, bamboo has a relatively low land footprint and can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide during growth.

This has led to bamboo being marketed as a climate‑friendly alternative to conventional cotton and petroleum‑based synthetic fibres.

However, the environmental impact of bamboo fabrics depends less on the plant itself and more on how it is processed.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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September 20, 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

Jungle Culture - Straws in a pile

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

🌱 #PlantBamboo for Straws: A Simple Action With a Big Impact

Plastic straws might seem small, but their environmental impact is anything but. Billions are used globally each year, often for just minutes, before ending up in landfill, incineration, rivers, or the ocean. While reusable alternatives like metal, glass, and silicone straws are growing in popularity, bamboo straws stand out as one of the most genuinely sustainable options. One brilliant idea is to plant bamboo for straws, supporting an eco-friendly cycle from the source to the finished product.

Bamboo is fast‑growing, renewable, and naturally biodegradable. It requires no pesticides, very little water, and absorbs more carbon dioxide than many trees. When responsibly grown, bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant — making it an ideal material for zero‑waste products.

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September 19, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Georganics Natural Toothpowder

I was a tad nervous, it must be noted, to try toothpaste powder… but, having used a charcoal (traditional) toothpaste for years now, I decided to give the Natural Toothpowder – Activated Charcoal – by Georganics a go. This post is my honest Georganics Natural Toothpowder review after using the product. In fact, this Georganics Natural Toothpowder review aims to share my experience in detail.

Georganics naturally whitening toothpowder, with additional activated charcoal, works by absorbing and polishing away stains and plaque that naturally form on our teeth. It’s a completely safe and fast-effective formula made without the use of any chemicals like peroxides, fluoride compounds or synthetic flavourings. They blend this fine pharmaceutical activated charcoal with high quality mineral powders, all of which food grade so completely safe if accidentally ingested.”, the Activated Charcoal variety seemed a good choice (although it should be noted that there are many other flavours and variations of this product on offer… see below!). If you are looking for a detailed Georganics Natural Toothpowder review, this should help you decide.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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July 19, 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

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Dingbats* Notebook

I had never heard of Dingbats* until Christmas Day 2020 when my best friend (sharing my love of notebooks/bullet journals, and knowing that I was working towards a Zero Waste Life – and blogging in the process), gave me a Dingbats* notebook as a gift.

In the pocket, at the back of the notebook, was a small leaflet, which briefly detailed their product ranges and highlighted key features (discussed below). I tried them, following the link on the leaflet to find out more, then my love affair with Dingbats* began… in fact, 3 months later I ordered a further 5 journals, as well as some lovely dual-tipped pens!!

Why? What makes Dingbats* different/better than the Moleskine notebooks, which I have used for decades?

If you’re trying to live more sustainably but refuse to give up beautiful stationery, Dingbats* notebooks might just be your perfect middle ground.

What truly sets Dingbats* apart is sustainability.
It isn’t an afterthought.
It’s built into every part of the product lifecycle.

In this Dingbats notebooks review, I share my long‑term experience using their journals as part of a zero waste lifestyle.

Read on & add the Zero Waste Llama discount code – LLAMA10 – for a 10% discount on your first order!

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

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April 4, 2021

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Salt of the Earth

This product intrigued me – not only is it plastic free, but it also consists of the subject of my PhD: Salt! This is my Salt of the Earth deodorant review.

Salt of the Earth crystal deodorants work by leaving an invisible layer of mineral salt on the skin which work to inhibit the growth of odour causing bacteria. This is a good product if you wish to avoid plastic packaging!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2020

Ethical Living / Zero Waste Swaps

Northwich Pop-Up Shop to Watch: Waste Away – Plastic Free Life

I first came across Waste Away at the Northwich Artisan Market some months ago, and I honestly couldn’t have been more excited. FINALLY — a local Northwich business offering genuinely ethical, plastic-free alternatives that align perfectly with my zero waste ethos.

If you’re trying to reduce your plastic consumption or live a more low-waste lifestyle, Waste Away is exactly the kind of small business worth supporting.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2020

Why Bamboo Cutlery Matters

Why Bamboo Is Being Promoted in Fashion & Textiles

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