Guides

As of 2021, 73% of UK consumers want to be more sustainable while 50% have said that 2020 was a “wake up call” to protect the environment. In response, more and more companies have come to the realisation that they must embrace sustainability to ensure their own longevity.

By now, the benefits of organic produce are pretty well-documented. Organic food is better for the planet since it requires no artificial fertilisers and promotes healthier soils that can store more carbon. It’s better for animal welfare, as organic standards ensure that all animals reared for meat and animal products have a better quality of life. It’s better for wildlife, as organic farming supports cleaner water and richer biodiversity. And of course, it’s good for people, too – organic produce has lower concentrations of pesticides and heavy metals, and higher levels of antioxidants and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

COP26 represented a historical moment for the climate conversation. Over the last two weeks, leaders, experts and scientists from around the world have converged in Glasgow to create and agree upon the global action needed to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis. 197 parties have now signed the Glasgow Climate Pact.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its latest report on the state of the global climate, and it’s not good news. The mammoth 4,000-page document – the first of its kind from the organisation since 2013 – lays out exactly how significantly humankind has altered the climate, and what’s in store for us if we continue on our current trajectory. The situation, the report states, is a “code red for humanity”.

The world has been hammered by crises over the past 18 months – chief among them, of course, the global pandemic. But while nations around the globe have been united in the shared challenges of COVID-19 some countries have fared better than others, and they have something in common: women leaders.

Sustainable fashion is well known for its expensive price tags... By using eco-friendly fabrics and paying their workforce a living wage, these brands invest more money into an ethical supply chain and must therefore sell at a higher price point. Quite often the higher cost is the reason why many of us are put off buying clothes from sustainable fashion brands. Yet, in order for the sustainable fashion movement to continue growing, it should be inclusive of all budgets.

Our travel habits changed completely since the coronavirus pandemic last year. As of March 2020, travel and tourism was brought to a virtual standstill and the natural world was afforded a much-needed breather. For many of us, the pandemic was a time to reflect on unsustainable human actions and reconnect with our natural environment. We vowed to live a greener lifestyle moving forward.

Few of us can truthfully say we love getting out of bed in the morning (but if you do, please tell us your secret), and so the seemingly herculean effort of getting ready for the day is enough to contend with without the added worry of what your routine might be doing to the planet.

But don’t you worry your sleepy head – we’ve rounded up the simplest and most effective swaps and hacks that will ensure your morning routine is as sustainable as possible. In fact, the biggest impact you’ll make will be lumbering down the stairs to the kettle.

Since you're no longer commuting, working from home might already seem more environmentally kind. But there are many other things to take into account: from the materials your work equipment is made from to the energy you use. Considering that millions of us are now working or studying remotely, we can approach this as an opportunity to minimise our impact while doing so. These businesses are here to help you create an eco-friendly work environment. 🏡💻

Switching to 100% renewable energy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your CO2 emissions. Did you also know that renewable energy is also more cost effective than non-renewable energy in the long run? If you haven't made the switch yet, now is the time ⚡

It's time to ditch the disposables and ensure your products are reusable! Nowadays there's a whole world of ingenious reusable products out there and the environmental benefits of using them are huge. By switching to reusable products you can help:

With harsh chemicals polluting our air & waters, excessive plastic usage, microbeads and high levels of waste, the health & beauty industry has long been notorious for its environmental negligence. The good news is that the health & beauty industry is responding to consumers by making eco-friendly products and packaging a reality for those who love their beauty products, but also love the earth. 💄🌍

Social enterprises are businesses that use profit earned to help tackle social problems, improve communities, provide people access to employment and training, or help the environment. When you buy from a social enterprise you can be sure that your money is going towards a positive social or environmental cause. 💵💚

These sustainable marketplaces are here to bring you all kinds of eco must-haves. If you can think it up there's a good chance that they'll have it. They work with hundreds of eco-brands to help you avoid greenwashing and rest assured that their products are ethically made & environmentally friendly (but doing your own research is always advised!) 🌎🛒

One person's trash is another person's treasure (or line of eco-friendly products😃). The benefits of recycling are plentiful; from reducing waste and conserving resources to preventing pollution and saving energy. These businesses have gone green by using recycled or wasted materials to make some pretty awesome products. ♻️

Maintaining a clean home doesn't have to cost the Earth. After all, our planet is also our home so it makes sense that we take steps to keep it clean 🧼🌎 These businesses are helping you keep a clean home in a far more sustainable and natural way.

Barbecues are a major feature of garden socialising in the UK – more so in recent times because of lockdown restrictions. There’s a lot to love about them – who isn’t up for a beer and a burger (ideally plant-based!) in the sun with their favourite people?

How your food is grown can have a significant impact on your health as well as the environment. Organic farming is widely recognised as a better agricultural method for both your own health and the planet. Here's why:

Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a chance to relax, spend time with loved ones and chomp through your favourite chocolates before anyone else gets a look-in.

Christmas – ‘tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. And after the year we’ve had we’ve definitely earned it, with many of us rightfully intent on kicking back and chilling out over the festive season.

Halloween is frightfully good fun, but the toll it takes on the environment can be downright terrifying. Cheap costumes, plastic sweet wrappers, single-use decorations… almost everything about the holiday is designed to be disposable, adding to the planet’s mounting waste problem.