While Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly shortened to SAD) is a diagnosable condition that encompasses more serious depression symptoms, many people without SAD feel some sort of downturn when winter rolls around.

With that in mind, here are a few of the easier ways to prevent those winter blues, before they hit you too hard.

Get outside

The first and most obvious way to avoid the symptoms associated with less sun exposure is to get more sun! Getting outside for 30 minutes every day – or even just 10 minutes – can make a huge difference in your mental wellbeing.

Even if it isn’t a ‘blue bird’ day, getting outside and catching a few rays can help your body queue up some serotonin. Serotonin can help moderate your mood, amongst many other key bodily functions.

Even if it’s cold out, learning how to layer clothing can ensure you stay warm in even the coldest conditions. When you can, expose some of your skin to the sun, especially near mid-day. Even better, if you can get out right at the start of your day, you’ll give your body a nice boost to start the day.

Exercise

Keeping yourself physically active has numerous benefits, not only during winter. According to the NHS, regular physical activity can lead to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, depression, dementia and much more.

While different guidelines apply to different ages, in general, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. This might sound like a lot, but it’s really just 30 minutes, five days a week.

If you’re not ready for that kind of commitment, ease your way up to an achievable goal. Sitting less and moving more is a great way to get ahead of the winter blues, no matter how often you do it.

Eat healthy foods

The cold of winter bribes us to eat more potatoes, cheese, carbohydrates and buttery garlic bread. While these ingredients aren’t necessarily bad on their own, everything is better in moderation.

A quick look at the NHS’ Eatwell Guide points towards eating these kinds of carbs in equal amounts to fresh fruit and vegetables. So don’t let the pull of cheese tease you into forgetting about the complex carbs your body needs.

A healthy, balanced diet can help boost your mood and regulate your body weight over winter – if you look good, it can help you feel good as well.

Stay social

The cold and rain pushes people indoors, which can lead many to feel socially isolated or lonely. But it doesn’t have to be this way; just because the weather turns doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on your friends and hobbies.

Indoor and outdoor catchups can bring brightness to your day, and all you have to do is send an invite and bundle up. When you’re invited to an event or party, make sure you attend if you’re feeling up to it. Humans are social animals, so spending time with people – even if you decide to leave early – can help you beat the winter blues.

Embrace winter

A positive mindset can go a long way, and leave it to some of the happiest people on Earth, the Danes, to embrace winter in a positive way with their concept, hygge. Hygge, pronounced ‘hooga’, is about relaxing, slowing down, and enjoying life’s quieter pleasures. You can incorporate this into your life by bundling up, staying indoors, enjoying a hot drink, and simply talking to friends and family.

On the flip side, embracing winter could mean something completely different to you if you wanted it to. You could accept that winter is cold, and revolve your hobbies and activities around this special time of year. Besides, snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, cold water immersion, ice hockey, and visiting winter markets are some of the things that make winter so special.

Light therapy

If the more pragmatic options listed above don’t tickle your fancy or work for you, there are still a few more options to beat the winter blues. One of your options is to use a light box, or what some call a ‘happy light’.

Light boxes can simulate the sun, so when there’s less sunlight and the rays are weaker, light boxes seek to bridge that gap. It’s best to use them early in the day, for at least half an hour. Similar to light boxes, sunrise alarm clocks can help as well. These gradually light up your bedroom, mimicking a sunrise.

What’s good about most light boxes and sunrise alarm clocks is that they filter out harmful ultraviolet rays. They also have little, if any, side effects.

Do your research before purchasing one, as the scientific evidence behind light boxes is mixed, and there are many different products to choose from. It may be helpful to ask your doctor about light boxes as well.

Fish oil and vitamin D

If you eat enough fatty fish, say two servings per week, this might not apply to you. But if you’re not a big fish or seafood eater, getting enough omega-3s could be a challenge for you. Omega-3s, like DHA and EPA, can help with many different bodily functions, including brain and heart wellbeing – and in relation to winter blues, they might help protect against depression.

When it comes to vitamin D, the sun is one of the main instigators of vitamin D production in the body, so when we get less sunlight, we produce less vitamin D. You could consider supplementing your vitamin D, which could help you keep your levels up during autumn and winter. Again, while fish oil and vitamin D are recommended by the NHS, it’s still worth asking your doctor before taking any supplements.

Natural negative ion exposure

Now, this might sound like a bit of voodoo, but if you’ve tried everything else without results, there’s no harm in spending a bit of time outdoors on the beach or near a waterfall. Negative ions are molecules that have gained one or more electrons, and they can be found in a number of places in nature.

The literature on negative ions is mixed, but a comprehensive study based on more than 80 years of research concluded that negative air ionization is associated with lower self-reported depression scores.

The easiest way to get your fix of negative ions is to sit very close to anywhere where water crashes into water, so waterfalls, beaches, even water fountains in public or office lobbies. Mountains and plants also supply negative ions, albeit in smaller doses.

There are also ionizer devices, but these are best avoided. They can charge indoor air and produce ozone, which can irritate lungs.

So if you’re dealing with the winter blues, there are a number of ways to make a difference in your mood this winter.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Best ways to beat the winter blues appeared first on Checklists.

1. Exfoliate once a week 

To keep your hands in tip-top condition, it’s important to exfoliate at least once a week. Not only does exfoliating gently buff away dead skin cells, but it also enables the skin to absorb additional moisturising ingredients more easily to reveal softer, smoother skin. 

2. Keep on cleansing

Regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to keep germs at bay, but it needn’t feel like a chore. Turn washing your hands into a memorable moment with a naturally nourishing collection of hand wash, antibacterial gels and triple-milled soaps, enriched with essential oils and skin-soothing ingredients to keep your hands clean and hydrated.  

3. Gently does it

Ensure to gently pat, rather than rub your hands dry with a towel after washing. Patting the skin dry can help to avoid causing any excess irritation to your skin.  

4. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

One of the most important things you can do to prevent dry skin is to keep your hands hydrated. Choose hand creams that contain moisturising and nourishing blends of shea butter, vitamin E, beeswax and actives of aloe vera leaf juice, known to soothe and hydrate. 

5. Treat mitts to a mask

It’s not just the face that needs an extra treat occasionally – treating thirsty hands to a hydrating mask every now and again is a great way to lock in extra moisture and nutrients.

The ideal size for carrying in your bag or keeping handy on your bedside table, try ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s Hydrating Hand Creams. These are a fast-absorbing blend of rosehip oil, vitamin E and shea butter that help to protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier and reveal instantly softer, smoother skin. Gently massaging hand cream into the skin can help circulation while also having the added bonus of warming your hands up.  

6. SPF is not just for your face

It’s all too easy to overlook the hands when it comes to applying SPF. Yet even in cooler weather, hands are still exposed to the sun’s rays. Wearing SPF is a simple and straightforward solution to treat dry skin and prevent exposure to the sun’s UV rays which can damage and dry out skin. 

Protect your hands by applying an SPF to your hands every morning no matter what the weather or season. 

7. Gloves are your hands’ best friends

If the temperature dips, bring on the gloves. From furry gloves to fluffy mittens to touchscreen styles (for those who can’t put their phones down) – there really is something for everybody and your hands will definitely thank you for it.

8. Avoid hot water

Whether you are taking a shower or bath, washing the dishes, or simply washing your hands, you should avoid using very hot water. Regular contact with water that’s too hot can dry out the skin. Warm water is much gentler on the skin and will help keep moisture locked in.

9. Keep hydrated

One integral part of daily life that is surprisingly connected to hand care, is hydration. If you feel dehydrated, it is likely that your skin is too. If you are not drinking enough water, your skin will struggle to retain moisture, so when you pick up that hand cream, remember that it is just as important that you’re hydrated on the inside. Your body will thank you, and your skin will too.

10. Eat well

Ensuring that you get the daily recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients is just as important for your skin as it is for overall health and wellbeing. Eating well and ensuring that you get everything your body needs day to day will help keep those hands supple and soft.

Discover the full ARRAN Sense of Scotland hand care collection here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post A helping hand – the top 10 hand care tips for softer skin appeared first on Checklists.

Over the last few years, the use of CBD has massively risen in popularity; and the industry is growing in line with this boom too. Innovative products are regularly being released as the general public is starting to discover more about how CBD works.

However, it can sometimes be a little bit overwhelming when trying to choose the right product, as there is such a wide variety of CBD products on offer. So, to take the hassle out of working out how to begin your CBD journey the right way, Nooro are here to help.

Uplifting ingredients

The CBD snacking brand Nooro, started in 2019 when the founders, JD and Jacques began to think blending CBD and certain nootropics could be a game-changer. After much rigorous testing, tasting and trialling, they found the sweet spot between focus and calm. Thus crafting a winning combination of snack bars using uplifting ingredients.

The delicious Smarter Snack bar uses clever elements starting with CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant, which has a myriad of claimed wellness benefits for both active and restful states. 

Then there’s nootropics are natural plant extracts that have a positive effect on cognitive performance, Nooro use Maca and L-Theanine. From the Greek words ‘noo’ for ‘mind’ and ‘tropos’ meaning ‘changing,’ nootropics have been designed to live up to their name by helping support normal brain function. 

Smarter snacking

Each bar of Nooro is packed with 25mg of relaxing CBD, focus-supporting nootropics and smooth, moreish, gluten-free oats. Nooro comes in three flavours: Lemon + Ginger, Banana + Cinnamon & Sour Cherry + Chocolate. All bars are high in fibre and vegan with 100% natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.

Use discount code CHECKLIST20 at checkout for 20% off all products across the website. 

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The beginners’ guide to CBD products for ‘smart snacking’ appeared first on Checklists.

You can look and feel good while making a difference.

1. Bedroom Athletics

Loungewear brand Bedroom Athletics have just launched their first vegan slipper collection with a range of mules and slides aimed at those looking for environmentally-conscious comfort.

The collection includes Scandinavian-inspired felt mules and faux fur slides in soft summer shades, with contrasting details and a range of different sole options.

The contemporary Maria clog design mixes a cool Scandi vibe upper, faux fur inner and a vibrant contrasting wedge sole, and of course, it’s vegan-friendly.

Find out more at bedroomathletics.com

2. Beflamboyant’s UX-68 Water vegan shoes

Unisex, vegan and sustainable, these are the new trainers you’ll be wanting to wear this season.
Beflamboyant is a new vegan shoe brand designed in Spain and launched after two successful international crowdfunding campaigns.

These shoes are constructed with recycled or recyclable materials that do not come from animals, have a low impact on the environment and are manufactured with fair labour.

What’s more, Beflamboyant have committed to planting a tree for each pair of shoes sold.

Find out more at beflamboyant.com

3. Luxtra’s Farrell vegan backpack

This PETA-approved vegan leather backpack is made in Italy from Pinatex – an eco-leather alternative made from pineapple leaves.

Inside its funky, logo embossed design, its compartmentalised, lined interior features separate pockets to neatly fit a 13-inch laptop along with phone, A4 documents, water bottle and other daily essentials.

Ethical, fashionable and functional, all in one.

Find out more at luxtralondon.com

4. We Are Wastd’s Billy hat and Danna jumper

We Are Wastd are a UK-made, ethically-run, zero-waste guilt-free women’s fashion brand.

Exclusively using true deadstock yarn from the local UK textile industry that would otherwise be destined for landfill, no two jumpers look exactly the same.

Established in 2021, by designer Rosa Hutchesson and UK factory owner, Snahal Patel, their ambition was to create fun, sustainable, UK-made knitted clothing for women who love to be unique.

We Are Wastd are committed to making high-quality, affordable knitwear that does not impact negatively on the planet or the people who make it.

Find out more wearewastd.com

5. Mercer’s W3RD vegan trainer

Luxury footwear brand, Mercer, have just launched their most sustainable trainers to date.

Made from grape leather, with a corn lining, recycled plastic insole, Seaqual recycled ocean plastic mesh upper and an EVA and cork outersole, these trendy trainers are handcrafted in Portugal.

Mercer Amsterdam bill themselves as a ‘high-end sneaker label’, founded by Dutch designer, Pim Dresen. Based in Amsterdam, the label focuses on luxury handcrafted footwear and accessories for men and women.

Find out more at merceramsterdam.com

6. Critically Endangered’s socks

These gorgeous socks are made from a beautifully soft blend of bamboo and cotton then packaged in a recycled cardboard box – making them not only gorgeous and luxurious, but the perfect ethical accessories.
Each design features an endangered animal, and, by creating socks that are made from high-quality materials, Critically Endangered are giving their wearers an investment, built to last, and fighting against fast fashion. This sustainable sock company help protect some of the world’s most critically endangered animals by supporting the WWF. They also plant 20m² of rainforest with the World Land Trust every time someone makes a purchase.

Find out more at criticallyendangered.co.uk

7. Dayrize’s Woolly Gloves

Nothing says winter more than a cosy pair of gloves. And with the Dayrize collection, there is truly something for all chilly hands.

Gloves certainly don’t have to be boring and woolly, and they can do so much more than just keeping your fingers warm.

Dayrize also have high-fashion options with an unbeatable range of styles and fabrics for sale. Plus, with their excellent environmental credentials, you can buy from the website with confidence, like The Craven Mittens pictured.

Find out more at dayrize.com

8. Keen – Howser slide

Keen’s Howser Slide blurs the line between house shoe and outdoor slipper, the perfect antidote to autumn’s cold and inclement conditions. Designed to comfort your conscience as well as your foot, all models in the collection use recycled PET for their construction and feature pesticide and chemical free eco anti-odour insoles.

Behind every KEEN shoe are dozens of responsible choices, such as using recycled aluminium eyelets or webbing made from recycled plastic bottles, and even harvesting the waste from one shoe to use in another. They have even taken the step of building their own socially-responsible factories in Oregon, Mexico, and Thailand.

Find out more at keenfootwear.com

9. Luminarium – In Balance earrings

Luminarium are a jewellery company founded by two
sisters with a focus on demanding transparency from the companies they work with, ensuring their production methods focus on reusing, recycling and reducing – working sustainably within communities.

These elegant, long earrings are made with ethically traded and recycled glass beads, reclaimed pearls and are finished with a natural stone in a vibrant green shade. Each purchase comes with a handmade dust bag, made of recycled, natural materials.

Find out more at luminarium.uk

10. Matt & Nat – Sohee vegan coat

Discover the vegan, cruelty-free and recycled fashion brand, Matt & Nat, whose core values include social responsibility, excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, learning, authenticity and, of course, love. Fine sentiments to live by!

All their collections are designed by a close-knit team using recycled, sustainable and biodegradable materials.
This Sohee coat is no exception, featuring a long-sleeve, dropped shoulder, single-button, and shawl collar style; it has a self tie-belt, inseam pockets at the waist, an internal chest pocket, and a centre back vent.

Find out more at uk.mattandnat.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10 vegan and ethical accessories appeared first on Checklists.

Neat

Neat is the plant-based cleaning range designed to give people the tools to make small changes to their daily routine, that it will make a big difference to the planet. The Neat range offers a ‘neat’ 30ml vegan and cruelty-free cleaning concentrate that is mixed with 470ml of water at home in a refillable aluminium spray bottle, to create a highly effective plant-based and biodegradable cleaning solution. These revolutionary and aesthetically pleasing products come in a range of scents including Fresh Sage, Yuzu & Freesia, and Mango & Fig.

Available from neatclean.com

Pure Sport CBD

This CBD brand was launched with a mission to help frequently drug-tested professional athletes to use an effective, healthier supplement, safe in the knowledge that it’s completely risk-free, as each batch is tested independently in a laboratory to guarantee there is 0% THC. Made purely from natural ingredients and free from any artificial additives, all products are vegan-friendly, no animal products are used or animal testing carried out.

Available from puresportcbd.com

Silent Pool Distillers

With pressure on the drinks industry to reduce their carbon footprint, Silent Pool Distillers
have launched the first spirit in the world to be packaged in a cardboard bottle, Green Man Woodland Gin. The bottle is five times lighter than its glass counterparts, uses 77% less plastic than other plastic offerings and has a carbon footprint six times lower than glass or PET plastic bottles. The cardboard layer is made from 94% recycled paper and it’s possible to recycle the inner lining, making the bottle 100% recyclable.

Available from silentpooldistillers.com

Brewgooder

These great-tasting beers create waves of people-positive change in the world. For every can or pint of beer enjoyed, Brewgooder are committed to ensuring that 100 times that amount will be provided in clean water on projects undertaken by their trusted impact partner, Charity Water.

Available from brewgooder.com

NONA

The team at NONA are turning plastic pollution into a useful, durable, and attractive clothes pegs, while helping the environment at the same time. The pegs are made in the UK and designed to last a lifetime. If they do break, however, they can easily be recycled again!

Available from madebynona.com

allplants

Looking to feel better about yourself and the planet, but not sure where to begin? Discover the UK’s award-winning vegan food delivery service and sustainable lifestyle brand allplants. With a sweep of Great Taste Awards, allplants dishes are chef-made from their kitchen in north London, flash-frozen to lock in nutrition, made with 100% wholefoods, with their in-house nutritionist. So this plant-powered food is super tasty as well as balanced. As a B Corp, all packaging is 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable and their kitchen works to a strict minimal waste policy. They have recently partnered with Soil Heroes to sponsor a farmer to move towards regenerative practices. Why not try a limited-edition summer bundle, which can include a selection of main dishes, sides and desserts?

Available from allplants.com

Meander Scotland

Experience versatile, technical clothing for everyday adventures. Meander Scotland source premium performance materials to craft functional clothing inspired by Scandinavian, minimalist design. They make clothes that are comfortable for enjoying the outdoors in all weather conditions.

Sustainability is at the core of what Meander Scotland do, from the fabrics to the suppliers and the packaging the clothes arrive in. Since the beginning, they’ve offset carbon emissions by partnering with Forest Carbon and planting trees in local woodland. Around 90% of the collection is either natural or recycled and by 2022 they’ll make sure that’s 100%.

They are members of 1% For The Planet and each year give back to amazing charities by donating at least 2% of sales. So whether you’re a casual cyclist meandering to the office, climbing a mountain or walking the dog – Meander Scotland have got you covered.

Available from meanderapparel.com

Planet Junko

Planet Junko’s ZOOMER! kit makes thousands of toys, without costing the Earth. The ZOOMER! Kit allows kids to create all kinds of toys using household recycling. Kids can play whilst also developing their design and creativity skills.

Available from planetjunko.com/kit/zoomer-kit

Beco Pets

Beco Pets is one of Britain’s biggest manufacture and designers of eco-friendly pet products, who pride themselves on making affordable, non-toxic toys and accessories. The team are a band of animal-loving sustainability enthusiasts who work all day, every day to make sure your pets can enjoy the best quality products with as little environmental impact as possible. It’s their job to make sure they get the best for you, your dog and our planet. Wherever possible Beco products are made from natural, renewable and recycled materials. From tough, springy and interactive toys for heavy chewers, to squeaky soft toys for dogs to wrestle or cuddle, Beco use sustainable sources, and work ethically with suppliers.

Available from becopets.com

Agua de Madre

Award-winning Agua de Madre is at the forefront of a new and exciting category of live feel-good drinks. This seriously delicious vegan water kefir, which has the same amount of live cultures as most milk kefir, with none of the acetic mouthfeel of kombucha, is the ultimate superfood promoting a healthy gut and positive mental wellbeing. Fermented in London, Agua de Madre is founded by foodie and film producer Nicola Hart. Packed with flavour, this is the only water kefir on the market with 55 billion live cultures per 100ml. A wonderfully sophisticated fresh reset, it is packed full of goodness, organic, vegan, naturally fermented, sparkling and low in sugar – what’s not to love?

Available from aguademadre.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Eco-friendly products for a greener lifestyle appeared first on Checklists.

1. Allwood Magic Table

Want to properly entertain guests coming over for dinner but don’t have the space for a permanent dining table? Allwood is a beautiful coffee table that converts quickly into a dining table to seat six or eight people! Its clever hidden mechanism is super-simple to use, with a height that’s adjustable from 23cm to 80cm, and it’s available in real wood as well as cement and painted finishes. It’s also on wheels, too, so moving it around from room to room is easy.

Find out more at furl.co.uk

2. Wayfair Loretta Chaise Longue

Are you as obsessed as we are for all things Bridgerton-inspired? Give your home a sophisticated look with this Loretta Chaise Longue. This adorable longue is constructed from hardwood, making it sturdy and durable, whilst its upholstery gives it a classy finish. What’s more, you can select the option that best suits your taste, from a variety of different colours and patterns. The four legs of this longue are also designed to perfectly support it while helping it stay steady – and there’s multiple finishes to choose from.

Find out more at wayfair.co.uk

3. Crown Imperial Pantry

Who doesn’t want a beautiful pantry to add to their kitchen space? This must-have Crown Imperial Pantry is a tailor-made solution, boasting a variety of individual elements to customise your design. Presented in the Midsomer oak shaker collection, the pantry showcases the new eye catching Lavender and Rose painted shades; a striking colour pop to enhance any kitchen design. The interior style includes a natural oak silk lacquer with premium solid oak drawers, offering a host of combinations including, spice pull outs, wine and plate racks, door storage and soft close drawers.

Find out more at crown-imperial.co.uk

4. La-Z-Boy Jefferson range

In need of a new three-piece suite? With a nod to retro-inspired shapes, but a firm focus on contemporary design, La-Z-Boy Jefferson’s range from their Urban Attitudes collection will make you happy to be home. This range features solid wood legs and an option to upgrade to a sleek power recline mechanism for ultimate relaxation. Tucked away beneath the seat, the footrest curls out at the touch of a button to offer instant comfort.

Find out more at la-z-boy.co.uk

5. Habitat Rosella Velvet Ottoman

Such style – and such storage! This velvet blush pink ottoman is elegance on legs. Long and luxurious with splayed golden metal legs, it’s classically beautiful with a modern vibe. Lift the hinged lid and there’s masses of room inside, meaning you can wave goodbye to cluttered spaces for good! What’s more, with the lid closed you’ve instant comfy spare seating when you need it most.

Find out more at habitat.co.uk

6. Pash Classics Chairs

Reproduction furniture specialists Pash Classics have added three exclusive limited-edition colourways to their collection of Eiffel Chairs. Founded in 2008, Pash Classics specialises in reproductions of famous mid-century homeware and has a product portfolio of over 1,000 designs. Renowned for selling the highest quality reproduction furniture – faithful to the original design, but at an affordable price – their Olive Green, Blue Pansy and Sandstone versions of the chairs were inspired by Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic mid-century designs.

Find out more at pash-classics.com

7. Spiral UK Staircases

Stairs don’t have to be boring! Why not transform your interior in a way you’ll appreciate every day, by making a feature of your staircase? Spiral UK create stairs to suit, from simple spirals to floating steps and gravity-defying coils. If you’re considering a luxury house build or high-end renovation, remember that a bespoke staircase will add the ultimate wow factor, so why not ask Spiral UK to design, manufacture and install your ideal concrete, cantilever, spiral or helical stair wherever you are in the country?

Find out more at spiral.uk.com

8. Falmec UK Levante Extractor

Brand new for 2021 is a graphite grey version of the popular Levante ‘up and down’ extractor with built in lift system and height adjustment by leading appliance specialist, Falmec UK. Designed for large open plan living spaces, the Levante includes a remote control for lowering when required for cooking, raising up back to the ceiling when not in use over the island. Now available in three colourways – white, black and graphite grey – this 120cm wide appliance boasts Falmec’s patented Circle.Tech technology with carbon zero filters and all-surface dynamic LED lighting. 

Find out more at falmec.uk

9. Thornhill Wood Pellet Stove

Want to cook with more of a conscience? Thornhill Ecorange has launched its three oven wood pellet stoves, offering another step towards a greener future. Featuring generous sized hotplates, an induction hob for fast pre-boiling, spacious 52ltr ovens and pellet hooper with combustion, the main oven is thermostat controlled, the oven next to it 30-40°C cooler, and the third oven 30-40 degrees less than that. Running on 100% renewable fuel with high performance, low emissions, its ability to save an average household a third on fuel costs means it’s easy to see the appeal.

Find out more at ecorangecooker.co.uk

10. Wooden Furniture Store Broomfield Mahogany Shoe Cupboard

Sick of the sight of piles of shoes cluttering up your hallway? Invest in the new Broomfield Mahogany Shoe Cupboard. With its classical design, it offers practical storage and is finished with beautiful, antiqued brass drop handles. The double doors open to reveal four storage shelves, which can hold up to 12 pairs of shoes. Beautifully crafted with hand carved fluted sides and decorative back panelling, it’s finished with a mid-brown gloss lacquer.

Find out more at wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10 furnishing essentials that are clever and stylish appeared first on Checklists.

Pet Care

All pet shampoos are not green and ethically equal. Certified organic ones must meet strict criteria proving they’re genuinely natural, eco-friendly and pet-safe. Green People’s AllPaws range is certified by the Organic Food Federation and approved by PETA; made with natural, non-irritating ingredients that gently cleanse and care for all dog and cat breeds.

They’re concentrated so a little goes a long way. The range includes wild mint shampoo and a sensitive, scent free one. EarthBits also does a plant-based dog shampoo bar that’s 100 per cent organic, vegan and free from palm oil and harsh chemicals.

Visit greenpeople.co.uk and earthbits.com

Phone cases

An everyday plastic item that often goes overlooked is the phone case – some one billion are made every year. Step up the world’s first truly sustainable phone case, by Pela. The fully compostable case is made from flax shive and plant-based biopolymers and is free of phthalates, BPA, cadmium and lead. The cases are durable, slim and flexible and come in a range of colours.

Available from knowtheorigin.com

Homeware

Lifestyle luxuries don’t have to sacrifice green and ethical credentials – Elvis & Kresse makes a range of gorgeous home and fashion wares from reclaimed materials. They rescue leather off-cuts, decommissioned fi re hose, military parachute silk, printing cast-off s, tea and coffee sacks, shoe boxes and discarded auction sale banners and give them a new, innovative, life.

Their stunning range for the home includes the award-winning Beam Bench, in collaboration with designer Katie Walker; leather off-cut rugs, cubes and door stops, plus bags, belts and accessories galore, all handcrafted and unique, from reclaimed materials. They donate 50 per cent of profits to charities.

Visit elvisandkresse.com

Greeting Cards

Incredibly, there are greetings cards that can be planted. These cards are made with 100 per cent recycled paper, embedded with wildflower and herb seeds. They’re handmade in the UK and come in packs or singles for various occasions. They come with growing instructions and even extra seeds.

Visit earthbits.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post It’s time to clean up your lifestyle appeared first on Checklists.

Making sustainable swaps is easier than ever before and resources abound, from books, blogs and apps galore to a plethora of planet-friendly products and services.

Go vegan

Vegan and plant-based lifestyles are a game-changer for the health, wealth and welfare of humans, animals and the planet, saving energy, resources, emissions and lives.

UK annual CO2 emissions by diet are: meat 2,055kg; vegetarian 1,391 and vegan 1,055. Every UK family removing meat from one meal a week is equivalent to taking 16million cars off the road. Animal agriculture is responsible for 91% of Amazon rainforest destruction and its emissions are expected to increase 80% by 2050.

It’s cheaper – vegan meals cost around 40% less than meat and fish ones; meat-eaters spend £645 a year more.

You’re not alone – one in three Brits have stopped or reduced their meat consumption; the number of vegans in the UK has shot up by 62% in the last 12 months.

It’s easy – vegan and plant-based products and menus are now abundant in supermarkets, restaurants, a burgeoning cohort of independents and small businesses and resources for help and advice are plentiful. Among countless organisations, charities and other mines of information are Viva! The Vegan Society and Veganuary.

Fly low

Much of the world may have been a no-fly zone recently but on the lighter side flying is hugely carbon-heavy – air miles cost the earth dear. Highest impact flights are long-haul – one return ticket from London to New York is the emissions equivalent to heating an average home for a whole year. Aviation guzzles five million barrels of oil a day and flying emissions are climbing – by 32% between 2013 and 2018. Cheaper prices are seeing more people are flying, more frequently. Trains and coaches, though more expensive, have far less impact.

While it may be unrealistic and undesirable to ground yourself entirely there are numerous things you can do lighten your load, including reducing the number of flights; using a carbon calculator such as at climatecare.org; buying carbon offsets for unavoidable flights and choosing airlines that fly newer, more efficient aeroplanes.

If Zooming doesn’t cut it, business and first-class flying emits around four times as much as economy, even on the same plane. Travelling light also helps, since more weight burns more fuel.

Up your brew

The carbon cost of our daily cuppa may seem a drop in the ocean but the smallest changes add up. Some 9.5bn kg of coffee a year is produced globally, with demand expected to triple by 2050. There are greener ways of sustaining our caffeine habits so the planet takes less of a hit in emissions, habitats and resources like land, labour and water. But research has shown that changing how it is grown, transported and consumed can cut its carbon emissions by up to 77% – and you can help. One espresso has a carbon footprint of about 0.28kg but if grown sustainably it could be 0.06kg. Among measures you can take are buying Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified and organic coffees that ensure certain ethical standards, as well as reusable cups, filters and coffee pods. If you take yours with milk make it plant-based – a glass of cow’s milk produces nearly three times more emissions and consumes nine times more land. Similar principles apply to tea but there are hidden plastics in the humble bag, including glue used to seal it. Loose leaf tea is the obvious answer, though some mainstream companies are beginning to cut plastic in their bags.

Shrink your plastic footprint

The destruction wreaked on life on Earth by plastic cannot be overstated. Oceans are drowning in 11million tonnes of waste plastic; animals are being trapped, dying in and choking on some 25 trillion pieces of discarded items – from bags to bottle tops, cups to netting, food wrapping and so much more – and what they’re ingesting ends up in the food chain, including us. With the tidal wave of debris predicted to triple to 29m tonnes by 2040 the magnitude of the problem is off the scale. But with a little help from us all it is perfectly solvable. There are single-use plastics in every area of our lives and opportunities to ditch them are greater than ever, thanks to a rapidly-growing market in zero-plastic alternatives to everything from personal to pet care; cleaning products to food; home accessories to stationery – the range is enormous. Even the simplest switch such as using soap bars instead of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and washing-up liquid will save some of the 35.8m plastic bottles used in the UK every day. Sustainable swaps are available everywhere from supermarkets and major retailers to small independents. Buying British can also reduce their transport carbon footprint by 94%. Three of numerous such firms are EcoVibe; EarthBits and Plastic Freedom.

Detoxify your home

You can make your own green alternatives to chemical-laden household cleaners with baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. But there are lots of products now that cut out the toxic nasties that contribute to air and water pollution and high-use activities like laundry and dishwashing are where you can make a big difference. Examples include laundry eggs, soap nuts and soap bars. The ingenious ecoegg is filled with natural mineral pellets, completely free from harsh chemicals and replaces laundry detergent and softener. It doesn’t leave chemical residue on clothes so also cuts out the rinse cycle, saving energy. If you used it for one wash a day you’d save 40 bottles of detergent and softener a year. The egg, from ecoegg.com, costs £9.99; lasts around 210 washes while the refills, at £4.99, last 50; it’s guaranteed for 10 years and is recyclable. Soap nuts, Indian tree berries that contain natural soap, are widely available and cost around 3p a wash. EarthBits also does a traditional, long-lasting, 100% natural, 100% biodegradable soap bar that’s chemical, preservative and cruelty free and so versatile it can be used on dishes, clothes and much more, including people!

Waste not want not

Around 14% of all food purchased in the UK is thrown away, that’s 10 million tonnes of wasted food, 60% of it avoidable. The average UK household throws away £730 worth every year and this waste food mountain creates over 20 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. There are many ways we can be smarter with food, including in the way we shop – we go to supermarkets without knowing what’s already in our cupboards; buy more than we need and can use up and are tempted by offers for things we didn’t know we wanted. A growing crop of zero-waste or refill shops has emerged to help revolutionise the way we shop and cut down on both plastic and food waste. These sell a host of everyday essentials with a long shelf-life, from pasta to beans, flour and rice to spices and everything in between and customers take their own containers to fill with as much or as little as they need. This can cut down on journeys as well as unnecessary purchases and packaging and zero-waste shops are generally ethically-minded enterprises that offer locally-produced, sustainable goods.

Join the circle

A move to a circular economy is taking hold in the UK in a bid to shift production and consumption from our throw-away-and-replace culture to a more sustainable reuse and renew one that generates business and economic opportunities and provides environmental and societal benefits. There are many kinds of waste mountains, from clothes to electronics, with enormous impacts on the planet. But there are many things you can do, including supporting enterprises that put their money where their circular model is. UpCircle, for example, makes ethical skincare products from cafe culture’s cast-off coffee grinds, of which the UK produces half-a-billion tonnes a year – and the food industry’s discarded fruit stones, 23,000 tonnes of which was produced in 2012. You can even save the world one beer at a time, thanks to Toast Ale’s mission to bring positive change to the planet. In the UK it uses surplus bread from the sandwich industry instead of virgin barley to brew its beer. This reduces emissions and demand for natural resources like land and water as well as cutting food waste – up to 44% of UK bread is never eaten. It also donates 100% of its profits to charities that fix the food system. Since 2015 it has saved 1,957,042 slices of bread; 42 tonnes of emissions; 171,848sq m of land; 252,043ltrs of water and more. Visit upcirclebeauty.com and toastale.com for more information.

Clean up your beauty act

With cotton buds set for a ban this year because of their disastrous environmental footprint attention is turning to other eco-evils such as disposable face wipes, cotton pads and balls, which either end up in landfill or the sea. Not only are they non-recyclable and non-degradable, they also contain chemicals that are hard on wildlife and your skin. They have a hefty carbon footprint – 1kg of cotton pads uses 20,000 litres of water to produce and some 9.3 million wipes are flushed down UK toilets every day. The market is now awash with greener alternatives, made in an array of sustainable materials, such as bamboo, organic unbleached cotton, microfibre and in many forms, including pads, flannels, mitts and muslins. They only need water to remove make-up and can last years and hundreds of washes. They can be washed by hand or machine and many brands come with their own laundry bag to keep them at their best.

Go wild

Britain has lost 97% of its wildlife meadows since the end of World War II, while a recent report warned of a global ‘bugapocalypse’ with an alarming 40% of insect species facing extinction, partly because of habitat loss and climate change. However, there are some 24 million gardens in the UK spanning 270,000 hectares, more than all nature reserves combined. Rewilding starts at home and is crucial to help stop the steep decline in insects and species that depend on them, including us, and arresting climate and ecological breakdown. Insects are vital to ecosystems and food chains; to soil health; as pollinators and food for other species like birds, bats and hedgehogs. Outdoor spaces great and small can provide creature comforts and refuge, from hedges to ledges and even leaving the lawn a little longer is a haven for insects. Grow wildflowers and herbs in window boxes, pots and every container imaginable, from old boots to kettles – even the kitchen sink can become a carbon sink, a mini-pond. You can build bug and bee hotels; plant seed balls; provide bird tables, bat boxes, hedgehog homes and shelter all year round in thick ivy and log piles. There are lots of sources of help, information and ideas, including wildlifetrusts.org and backyardnature.org

Let there be decarbonised light

A report for the Committee on Climate Change says consumers urgently need a lower-carbon energy switch for the UK to meet its decarbonising targets. The two areas needing more contribution from households are transport and heating, particularly switching from fossil fuels to low-carbon electricity, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. Not everyone can stretch to these but on the home front consumers can still play a huge role by cutting energy use and supporting green energy companies. Ethical Consumer, which investigates, scores and ranks the environmental and ethical credentials of companies, products and services, recommends two – Good Energy and Ecotricity. Good Energy was the first UK company to provide 100% renewable energy, from its own wind and solar farms and over 1,000 independent renewable generators across Britain. Its green gas is completely carbon neutral, with six per cent from biomethane sourced from UK food waste. Ecotricity is also certified by Viva! and The Vegan Society as the world’s only vegan energy supplier, as it doesn’t use waste from farms and slaughterhouses to convert into energy. For a full green and ethical run-down visit ethicalconsumer.org

The post Ten ways to lighten your carbon footprint appeared first on Checklists.