We all want to contribute in some way to help protect the planet we live on, but don’t want to sacrifice the high-quality ingredients that benefit our health, wellbeing and body. There are so many eco-friendly products from ethical businesses that are tackling to solve climate change in a sustainable and friendly manner. These products can make a real difference by enabling us to reduce our environmental footprint and encourage us to take better care of the planet we live on.

Here are top 10 environmentally-friendly and ethical products we recommend.

1. Bambooloo

Bambooloo are a single-use plastic free home care brand with a purpose of empowering people to make more sustainable choices.

The FSC-certified Bambooloo range consists of toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, facial tissues, face masks and baby wipes made with 0% plastic and 100% love.

Bambooloo have also partnered with Seven Clean Sea to clean up 1kg of plastic from the ocean for every 100 rolls sold by Bambooloo.

In light of Covid-19 pandemic, Bambooloo have released a 100% natural fibre NAT:Mask, that is made out of a trio of bamboo, cotton and silk to keep you safe, sustainable and stylish.

Find out more at lovebambooloo.com

2. Friendly Soap

They’re a wee bit obsessive at Friendly Soap and putting ethic before profits underpins everything they do. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free and made by people paid a living wage, without using plastic, parabens, SLS phthalates or triclosan.

Their ranges contain no animal products or by-products and have never been tested on animals, which means they’ve earned their registration with Cruelty free International and The Vegan Society.

The soap is biodegradable too, so it’s better for the planet even once you’ve used it. The recycled and recyclable packaging is just them being stickers.

Find out more at friendlysoap.co.uk

3. Satipharm CBD

Taking Satipharm CBD capsules is equal to over 14 drops of CBD oil. One pack of Saptiharm CBD capsules provides more CBD than two 500mg bottles of oil.

The reason Satipharm 10mg CBD capsules provide approximately 350% more CBD into your system than the same dose in a 5% CBD oil is because they are powered by their patented Gelpell technology, as proven by their clinical trials.

The Gelpell technology places cannabinoids inside seamless microgel spheres which provide approximately 3.5 times higher bioavailability.

Find out more at satipharm.com

4. Eco Kids Planet

Tens of thousands of children have joined Eco Kids Planet since its birth five years ago. The exciting nature magazine will take them on an extraordinary green adventure to explore wildlife secrets, struggles and super-skills.

It is an ideal gift for ages six to 11 to help them learn about the planet. Watch your child start crucial conversations and create solutions. Your kids will be sharing fascinating facts instead of begging for a toy they have seen in an ad.

No plastic toys are attached and the magazine is delivered in a paper envelope making it 100% recyclable.

Find out more at ecokidsplanet.co.uk

5. Hemps Magic

Hemps Magic is committed to providing organic, sustainably grown, non-GMO hemp skincare and wellness products consumers can trust. All products are free from animal testing as Hemps Magic recognises it’s their planet too.

Hemp is not marijuana. Both derive from the cannabis plant, but marijuana is rich in THC and hemp is rich in CBD. These phytocannabinoids are designed to work with our bodies when consumed or applied to the skin. Importantly, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and unlike THC it cannot get you ‘high’.

It is important for consumers to educate themselves on the many benefits CBD can offer. It is imperative consumers trust companies in this space to provide quality, sustainably certified products.

Find out more at hempsmagic.com

6. Hope In Health Solutions

Hope in Health is here to make your wellness journey easier, using only the tools Mother Nature has provided us with. Their products are simple, chosen for their fundamental cleansing effects on the body.

The organic skincare range Frankly Irresistible and the Frankincense Tonic Water are both designed to help, repair, revitalise, rejuvenate and recuperate the body inside and out.

Finding the best and easiest way to a healthier way of living has been an incredible journey so far for the award-winning brand and the team.

Find out more at franklyirresistable.co.uk

7. Pit-Tastic!

Pit-Tastic! Deodorant is designed for everyone, from breastfeeding mothers, menopausal women, tweens and teens, athletes and those who travel or anyone who wants fresh armpits without artificial ingredients on their body.

So many people want to ditch the bottles and tubes to ensure that our seas are cleaner yet still desire great products that work for everyday use. Pit-Tastic! ensures satisfies this as it is a 100% biodegradable, from top to bottom, solid deodorant bar that is paraben-free with zero aluminium.

Sensitive and vegan options are also available in the same solid bar form in four great fragrances.

Find out more at tasticrange.co.uk

8. Think Green Partners

Award-winning renewable energy company Think Green Partners is dedicated to providing all homeowners with the very best solutions so that the world can become a more sustainable place to live in.

Think Green have completed thousands of installations across the UK and are very passionate about providing their money saving and bill reducing services to households nationwide. These uncertain times and forever rising energy prices mean that looking at all aspects of saving cash is important to homeowners.

Which is why Think Green believes that their offerings, including heating options such as Solar PV, air source pumps and battery storage systems, can not only save you money but have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more at thinkgreenpartners.co.uk

9. Ontex

Ontex is a leading global provider of continence care products. They have launched an environmental policy to become a carbon neutral operation by 2030 with zero waste to landfill in the same year.

To achieve this ambitious goal Ontex have set out an upscaled sustainability strategy with three clear goals. The first is 100% of all packaging will be recyclable by 2030 and they will increase renewable and recycled plastic in their plastic packaging.

The second goal is by 2030, all Ontex production sites will have zero waste to landfill, and they will be in a position to turn waste into resources. And finally, circularity will be a prime design consideration for absorbent hygiene products.

To become a carbon neutral operation, the company have committed to working to reduce direct and indirect emissions using science-based targets aligned with the reductions called for by climate scientists.

Find out more at ontex.com

10. The Cheeky Panda

The Cheeky Panda is a vegan certified brand and uses bamboo for tissue instead of trees. Don’t worry its not the same type that pandas eat.

Every tree is home to 80 species of animals so using tree-based toilet tissue is not vegan friendly.

Using the world’s fastest growing plant is ultra-sustainable and to help protect future generations they work with the World Land Trust to protect and restore the rainforests. The project makes all their tissue carbon balanced, supporting the Annamite Lowland Forest at the Khe Nuoc Trong in Vietnam and the wide variety of plant and animal life that thrives within the site.

Find out more at uk.cheekypanda.com

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

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When you regularly try new vegan foods, the ones you like quickly work their way into your everyday diet. However, our classic favourites can always take a little persuading.

Here are some companies offering amazing vegan alternatives that you need to give a shot.

1. Plenish

Award-winning plant-powered drinks brand Plenish has launched a new range, Enriched M*lks, that are the most nutritionally complete plant-based m*lks on the market.

Their Enriched M*lks are fortified with calcium, iodine and vitamins B12 and B2, as well as essential nutrients that many are deficient in, like vitamin D and omega 3.

Created by expert nutritionists, they come in almond, oat, and soya. They can take your latte, breakfast and baked goods to the next level.

Doing something good for the planet has never been easier!

Find out more at plenishdrinks.com

2. Miami Burger

Plant-based health hackers Miami Burger declare they have created ‘probably the healthiest burgers in the world’. With their Classic imitation beef patty containing just a fraction of the saturated fat of other burgers and only 167 calories, it’s hard to argue with them.

Miami Burger’s patties are free from cholesterol, heme, palm oil, and coconut oil, and unlike some other vegan burgers, they are made in northern Europe, reducing their burgers’ total carbon footprint.

The burger makers also offer a plant-based Louisiana chick’n patty with a panko crumb. The Louisana is wheat-based and has 17 grams of protein while still only 0.7 grams of saturated fat.

Find out more at miamiburger.co.uk

3. Banhoek Chilli Oil

The idea for Banhoek Chilli Oil stemmed from a fear of average-tasting chilli oils. When chillies are mixed with olive oils, the taste of the olives gets in the way of the pure chilli flavour. That’s why they use high-quality rapeseed oil – it does not get in the way of the chilli taste.

On the other hand, made-to-fresh or dried chillies served in oil never quite cut it consistency-wise and so they infuse the chilli flavour to keep the chilli flavour and hotness consistent.

Find out more at banhoekchillioil.co.uk

4. Crazy Bean

Crazy Bean aim to be the world’s number one online platform for buying and selling vegan products. They support producers by enabling sellers to list products and sell completely free. They know how hard it is to start a business and want vegan sellers to secure market share and beat the bigger companies.

They want to support these new startups by helping them through their first steps to market. Crazy Bean also aim to create a vegan seller community where forums and events will bring people together to tackle challenges that all new businesses face. Sharing stories and solutions will help businesses through the risky and difficult first years.

Find out more at crazy-bean.com

5. Faith in Nature

One of the original pioneers in natural beauty, hair and skincare products, Faith in Nature has been creating recipes from naturally derived sources for over 40 years, and from humble beginnings at the kitchen sink.

Established in 1974, they believe in harnessing the raw power of nature without harming it in the process. They don’t use animal ingredients in any of their products, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and are proud to be registered with the Vegan Society.

All their formulations are biodegradable to ensure that they are gentle on the planet, minimising the impact they have on the environment.

Find out more at faithinnature.co.uk

6. Moo Free

Moo Free have been creating delicious chocolates for the last decade, perfecting recipes brimming with milk chocolate flavour but without using any milk. All of their products are ethically made in Devon, are certified for vegans and are free-from dairy, gluten and soya.

At Moo Free they believe there’s no such thing as normal. They champion the fact that everyone is different, broadening minds through their dairy-free chocolate.

Find out more at moofreechocolates.com

7. The Vegan Society

In 1944 The Vegan Society founders coined the word ‘vegan’, making them the world’s oldest vegan organisation.

The vegan movement is thriving, with more people choosing a kind, healthy and sustainable lifestyle every day. They’re a little different to most. They live a life less ordinary. A healthy life that they live to the fullest.

The Vegan Society continues to hold true to the vision of its founding members as they work towards a world in which humans do not exploit other animals. They’re as determined as ever to promote vegan lifestyles for the benefit of animals, people and the environment.

Find out more at vegansociety.com

8. Reclaim Your Self

Reclaim Your Self retreats run 10 transformational yoga-travel experiences a year, taking their guests to breath-taking locations in some of the most remarkable places on earth.

Retreats include world-class yoga with top teachers Emma Henry and Adam Husler. Delicious plant-based and vegan menus are created by the brilliant Bettina’s Kitchen, author of Happy Food and the 7-Day Vegan Challenge.

Stay in exceptional, unique accommodation like eco-lodges, remote farms, treehouses, off-grid cabins and yurts. Travel in style to Costa Rica, Japan, Lapland, Scotland, Iceland, Svalbard and Mongolia.

Reclaim Your Self are passionate advocates for responsible travel and their retreats have a positive impact on the places and people they visit. They limit their environmental footprint while supporting local economies, respecting nature and helping wildlife to thrive.

Find out more at reclaimyourself.co.uk

9. Sweet Freedom

Sweet Freedom, the fast-growing, best-selling, Great Taste Award-winning plant-based brand started by two best friends in London has added a brand new decadent tasting palm-oil-free Chocolate Spread to their bestselling range of 15 all-natural, vegan sweet syrup and spread products.

Sweet Freedom have always been wild about animals. They donate 10% of the profit from every jar to The Orangutan Project which are dedicated to saving these critically endangered creatures.

Find out more at sweetfreedom.co.uk

10. Sacla

Italian food is a way of life for Sacla. They are on a mission to ‘transform’ your food life, from the busy supermarket trip to the satisfied smiles around your dinner table. They love nothing more than sharing plates of home-cooked Italian food. From their pesto to rich pasta sauce, and juicy antipasti, their products will bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen and table.

Sacla have used their expertise to create a vegan alternative, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the same authentic dishes. There’s no compromise on flavour either – it’s still got that marvellous cheesy taste. Whether you’ve followed a vegan diet for years, or you’re trying it out, you can always experience the joy of fantastic Italian food.

Find out more at sacla.co.uk

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

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First of all let’s look at how much protein we actually need. The World Health Organization recommends the amount of protein we need to eat in order to maintain health is 0.75g per kg of bodyweight per day for both sexes1. Therefore an individual weighing 63.5kg (10st) would require 47.6g of dietary protein per day. Our dietary protein intake needs to increase as we get older. In those that exercise regularly, protein requirements are also higher.

It’s worth mentioning that while animal proteins are considered ‘complete’ proteins, as they contain the full requirement of amino acids that the body needs to function properly, consuming plant-based ‘incomplete’ proteins can also provide the body with this full list of amino acids – it just requires a little more knowledge about what you are eating (beans on toast, for example, is a complete protein meal).

Also, the plus side to eating a plant-based diet is that you get the benefit of all those extra vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols from consuming a wider variety of delicious plant-based foods!

Best plant sources of protein

Tempeh 19g / 100g

Made from fermented soya beans, tempeh is vegan and highly nutritious. It’s low in carbohydrate, approx 5g per 100g, and on average has 6g of healthy fats per 100g, and packs a further punch with high levels of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc for the immune system. Tempeh also contains prebiotics, which may help promote digestive health and reduce inflammation and even improve cognitive function.

Tofu 8g / 100g

Tofu (bean curd) is made by curdling fresh soya milk, and pressing it into a block – in a similar fashion to how traditional dairy cheese is made. Although not as high in protein as other foods listed here, it does contain all nine essential amino acids, along with iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, vitamin B1 and the minerals manganese and phosphorous (trace minerals needed for the healthy function of the brain, nervous system and enzyme systems), and has numerous reported health benefits.

Peanuts 26g / 100g

Peanuts are delicious, protein-rich, full of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Although unrelated to tree nuts, peanuts are actually a legume, and related to beans, lentils, and soy and therefore share similar characteristics. They are good sources of amino acids and essential B vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorus, and magnesium. Studies have linked them to weight loss and improved heart health.

Hemp seeds 25g / 100g

Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (yes, that one), and are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and are a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc. They are exceptionally high in omega-6, omega-3 and fatty acid gamma-Linolenic (GLA), which is linked to numerous health benefits and can also be found in the oils of evening primrose, blackcurrant seed, and borage seed.

To be featured in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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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

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1. Luxury pampering gift set

Ideal if you want to sample as much of Ralph’s Orchards products as possible for a great price, their gift set features a variety of items from their range in one convenient bundle.

The set contains their Lavender and Eucalyptus bath salts, a candle from the wellness collection, a wax melt and a botanical wax melt and air fresheners.

2. Wax melt advent calendar

If you fancy something a bit different over the festive season, Ralph’s Orchards Advent Calendar is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chocolate-filled paper and plastic calendars.

Filled with 12 different wax melts, the calendar will have every room of your home smelling of Christmas this December. It contains some of Ralph’s Orchards most popular scents from their autumn and winter collection.

3. Bergamot, Rose and Honeysuckle candle

Checklist recommends this candle for freshening up the living room or changing the scent profile of your kitchen.

This fragrance was designed to promote clarity of mind. Take in the top notes of bergamot, blending into rose, jasmine, honeysuckle, neroli, geranium and davana, finishing with vanilla, patchouli and musk.

4. Cassis, Rose and Green Tea candle

Looking for ways to relax after work? Checklist recommends trying Ralph’s Orchards’ Zen collection.

Settle down with a clean and calming fragrance combining cassis, violet leaf, and green fig leaf at the top with rose, geranium and green tea at the very heart. There’s also soft amber, musk and cedar wood to complete this beautifully composed fragrance. 

5. Vintage Bookshop candle

If you’d rather relax with a proper book and a soothing aroma, Checklist loves this novel candle.

This beautiful musky and woody scent has a lovely perfume, best accompanied by a good read! It is romantically inspired by leather and dusty tomes on creaky wooden shelves. This scent is rich and slightly masculine, with tones of cashmere, leather, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, and warm ginger.

6. Lavender and Eucalyptus Bath Salts

To wind down in a calming hot bath, Checklist recommends Ralph’s Orchards lavender bath salts to enhance your relaxation after a long day.

These hand-made luxury bath salts contain 100% pure essential oils of Lavender and Eucalyptus, and 100% organic sweet almond oil to nourish your skin. Epsom salts, coarse sea salt, and bicarbonate of soda make up the remaining ingredients so your skin will feel fresh.

7. One-of-a-kind upcycled candles

Fancy something a bit unique? These soy candles have a strong throw and come in all kinds of quirky containers. Find up-cycled wine glasses, vases, crystal bowls, plant pots, teacups and seashells. Particularly stunning is the Thai Benjarong set, with candles set into an exquisite pair of vintage bowls.

These are unique artisanal candles and therefore have limited availability.

8. Frankincense and Myrrh candle

Checklist has found this candle is ideal to give a room a festive scent, even in the office.

Experience the heady smell of Christmas mass and incense; with the resin frankincense immersed in warm amber, rock rose and myrrh and complimented by woody cedar, vetiver and patchouli.

Part of Ralph’s Orchards autumn-winter scent collection, these scents are meant to evoke those days when the cold sets in and the harvests reaped. So light a candle, snuggle down and let nature come to you.

9. Cigars and Cognac candle

For the candle-lover who fancies something a bit different, Ralph’s Orchards refined aroma offers an alternative to floral and herbal scents to Checklist readers.

Immerse yourself in a surprisingly elegant and smooth scent, combining creamy vanilla and leathery tones. 

10. Enchanted Forest candle

Transport yourself to a winter wonderland. Evoking the fresh smell of Christmas trees, this scent has strong hints of pine needles, cedar and oakmoss.

Perfect in the living room for a festive ambience.

Make sure to check out Ralph’s Orchards if you’re interested in any of these products.

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

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When it comes to the mysteries of the recycling bin, there can often be some confusion as to what goes in, and where. How clean do the bottles need to be? Can I recycle this pizza box? What symbols do I need to look out for?

Recycling practices change from borough to borough, based on council facilities or even which companies services are contracted out to – so what are the general dos and don’ts of recycling and how can you maximise your efforts?

Where possible, sort your recycling by type

Sort your recyclable materials by the following types: glass, aluminum and plastic together, mixed paper, cardboard, and compost separately.

By separating your recycling it ensures your rubbish stays ‘clean’ during transport to the recycling depot, which makes the processing easier and more efficient. Separating your recycling leads to higher recycling rates and significant cost savings.

While throwing everything into one bin is the simple option, sorting by type retains the value of the materials as much as possible, reduces cross-contamination and significantly increases your recycling rate.

Clean food containers, bottles and packaging

Although time-consuming, any plastic, metal and glass materials containing foodstuffs must be completely emptied and fully rinsed clean before going into your recycling bin.

Do not recycle any materials that have food or drink contamination because they will soil the whole load and that means the potentially recyclable materials will be made useless and end up in landfills. And do not recycle greasy pizza boxes!

Any cardboard or paper contaminated by foodstuffs – grease, oil or otherwise – cannot be recycled because the oils cannot be separated from the fibres. Never recycle fibrous materials that have been soiled in this way.

Plastic bottle tops

Probably one you hadn’t thought about – plastic bottle tops can throw a spanner in the works.

Although on the whole, most plastic bottle caps can be accepted by your recycling centre, it is dependent on your local facilities. In some areas you can keep them on, and some require you to remove them all together and place into the normal bin.

The important thing to do is to check with your local recycling centre beforehand. You can easily check on your local council’s website.

Don’t recycle plastic shopping bags

Plastic shopping bags are generally made from thin plastics, which can clog up processing equipment at the recycling centre. Plastic shopping bags require special recycling facilities.

Most supermarkets or food shops will collect and properly recycle your plastic bags for you. Instead of using plastic shopping bags, reusable bags made from recycled materials or from natural fibres are a much better alternative.

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

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Lagatta

Founded by ex-athlete Stephanie Reynders and her mum Dimitra. The entire collection is sustainable and made with Italian fabrics which use over 78% of recycled yarn from abandoned fishing nets. Each piece features built-in ShapeTech and is UV protective, moisture-wicking and breathable. The fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified. This means that each one has been put through extensive testing to ensure that they have not been unnecessarily treated with harmful chemicals like pesticides and lead.

Available from lagatta.com

Sourced by Oxfam

There’s a world of ethical, sustainable and brand new items available at your local Oxfam shop and online. The carefully chosen great food, gifts and homewares that are made with care, protect the planet and help the women and men who produce them to earn a decent living. For example, these Raffia Fan Earrings earrings have been handmade by traditional jewellery-makers in India. Both modern and stylish, they are the perfect addition to any jewellery collection.

Find out more at onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/sourced-by-oxfam

Glasses Direct

Every year 640,000 tonnes of fishnets are lost or discarded in the ocean. Samples of plastic waste accumulated in the ocean reveal that 46% of this plastic is attributed to fishing gear.
Waterhaul is a Cornish-based social enterprise that produces eyewear from plastics found in the ocean and along our coastline.

Glasses Direct has partnered with Waterhaul to stock its stylish sustainable spectacles. Each on-trend frame is made from 100% recycled fishing nets and sold with a sustainable folding cork case

Available from glassesdirect.co.uk/waterhaul-glasses

Valentina Karellas

Valentina Karellas is an independent knitwear brand focussing on sustainable, zero waste pieces which are handmade in London.

A sustainable approach to urban chic, every piece of knitwear is one-of-a-kind. Valentina Karellas’ commitment to source surplus yarns and knotting materials means that this reduces wastage and is zero waste. Every piece is an origina and has a story.

Available from valentinakarellas.com

Critically Endangered

Critically Endangered is a sustainable sock company that’s saving some of the world’s most endangered animals by supporting charities that protect them – their main partner is WWF.

Socks are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and come in a recycled cardboard box, making them as sustainable as possible. Critically Endangered have also teamed up with World Land Trust to protect 20 metres squared of tropical forest every time someone makes a purchase – and who doesn’t need more socks?

Available from criticallyendangered.co.uk

Cool Earth by Vivienne Westwood

Cool Earth by Vivienne Westwood is an organic, sustainably produced T-shirt sure to be your new wardrobe favourite. Helping you make a colourful statement and a hugely positive difference to the future of Earth’s rainforest.

The organic cotton T-shirts are printed in the UK in a renewable energy powered factory, and made in real time using lower impact inks, software, machinery and automation technologies.

Available from coolearthshop.org

Luxtra

Luxtra uses plant-based leathers to make timeless accessories. The range of handbags and accessories are crafted from vegan friendly materials including pineapple leaf, apple skin, cactus leaf, corn and mango leathers.
Founded and designed by Jessica Kruger, the range includes belt bags, totes, cross body and clutch styles for both men and women.

Available from luxtralondon.com

Pikol

Having never used a sewing machine before, founded by Dan Branston taught himself to repurpose vintage embroidered tablecloths into beautiful, one-of-a-kind men’s shirts. Clients have included celebrities such as One Direction’s Niall Horan and Roger Taylor of Queen.

Available from pikol.co.uk

LØCI

LØCI sneakers are 100% vegan and unlike many vegan footwear brands, they don’t imitate leather.

All LØCI sneakers are made using recycled ocean plastic sourced from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast of Africa. Every pair of LØCI made ensures 20 plastic bottles are saved from polluting our world.

LØCI footwear is versatile and effortlessly cool, adding a distinctive sense of minimalist style to any outfit, dressed up or dressed down. The sneakers adopt a clean, sleek design, with a core debut collection of eleven different two-tone colour palettes, and a capsule collection designed by Twilight actress, environmentalist and designer, Nikki Reed.

The 10% of profits on every pair purchased is donated to ocean conservation sites and protecting endangered ocean species.

Available from lociwear.co

Kind Bag Totes

Kind Bag transforms old plastic bottles originally destined for the ocean and landfill into beautifully printed design-led bags.

Maria launched Kind Bag in 2019 following a holiday to Asia, where she was horrified by the amount of plastic pollution on the streets and beaches. She developed a printed shopping bag made 100% from recycled bottles spending 18 months researching fabrics, testing her designs and using her own savings.

New totes have just launched (each recycling 18 old plastic bottles) and all bags are despatched in 100% recyclable packaging.

Available from kindbag.co

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Environmentalists, human rights campaigners and animals are all against it. It makes up a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry and you can find it in food as well as beauty products and cosmetics.
Yet despite being such a common, everyday ingredient, palm oil is facing increasing opposition due to the widespread deforestation it has led to, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.

A vegetable oil made from oil palm trees, its cultivation has grown rapidly and seen rainforests razed in order to grow it. It is estimated that an area equivalent to 300 football fields of virgin rainforest is cleared each hour to plant the palm.

Greenhouse gas emissions are produced when clearing forests. The lack of forest then also leads to less carbon dioxide being removed from the atmosphere, making the practice doubly problematic.

Much of Indonesia’s forest grows in deep, swampy peat which stores huge quantities of carbon.
For a healthy oil palm plantation, dry land is needed, yet draining the peat – as is the practice – leaves the peat highly flammable. Huge forest fires have broken out as a result, causing major health problems for those living downwind.

Palm oil cultivation is estimated to be responsible for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. People and animals indigenous to the forest are also displaced and many animals will not survive outside of their natural habitat. Added to which, plantation workers in Indonesia consider orangutans a pest and are believed to have killed as many as 1,500 orangutans in a single year.

Having seen first-hand the implications of palm oil production while living in Bali, Preyanka Clark Prakash felt compelled to find alternatives. This led to her and her husband setting up Bloomtown, an ethical beauty brand which uses no palm oil.

“Those who argue that palm oil is necessary because it’s a high yield crop don’t seem to understand that no crop can be high-yield enough to justify such widespread deforestation and species annihilation,” said Preyanka.

Lower-yield crops planted in less ecologically sensitive regions would be far more preferable. “They do exist, they’re just not as cheap.”

In 2004, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was set up to reassure consumers that palm oil didn’t have to be a no-no. Members include Unilever, Cadbury and L’Oreal. Around 19% of the world’s palm oil is now RSPO-certified, but not everyone is convinced it’s the solution.

“Sustainable palm oil really just means using already cleared land, and because the global demand for palm oil is ever increasing, we need to prevent more virgin forest from being cleared by reducing overall demand,” said Preyanka. “Reasonably priced, palm oil-free alternatives are a necessary part of the sustainability equation.”

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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

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With our mental and physical health in the spotlight like never before, increasing numbers of us are taking to the streets and parks to improve and maintain our health through exercise and other outdoor pursuits. With this rise in active lifestyles, combined with increasing ethical awareness, footwear manufacturers are rising to the challenge and meeting consumer demand head on; getting fit and being friendly to the planet can go hand-in-hand.

In meeting this demand, footwear manufacturers are increasingly looking for sustainable, durable and carbon neutral materials to work with, and when it comes to sustainability, the environment and ethical production, then bamboo – yes the plant – comes near the top of the list. It’s the fastest growing plant in the world, is 100% biodegradable and requires no fertiliser. As the bamboo grows, it sequesters carbon, making it carbon neutral and harvesting methods do not kill the plant, allowing for perpetual growth. It can easily be turned into a durable, moisture-wicking, breathable and antibacterial fabric, perfect for leisure and sports shoe applications.

Processing the raw materials and creating the multiple components means making a standard pair of sports shoes generates approximately 13.5kg of CO2 emissions – in an average of 300 to 400 processing steps – so one way manufacturers are creating footwear that is better for the environment is to simplify the process, design and materials they use in their shoes, not only saving on labour intensity (money which can then be paid to the workers themselves in fair and ethical payments), but also on pollution and extraction of materials from the planet itself.

Brazilian footwear company, Cariuma (cariuma.com), are one such manufacturer making waves, offering carbon neutral footwear in leisure, sports and even skateboarding ranges. Uppers are knitted from a blend of bamboo and recycled plastic, avoiding older processing methods that involve dissolving the bamboo with toxic chemicals, and instead mixing bamboo ‘powder’ with recycled PET plastic. This can then be turned into a durable thread as using woven thread instead of larger pieces of fabric reduces waste.The foam in the sole, normally made from petrochemicals, is made from sugarcane, which sequesters carbon as it grows and the insoles are made from recycled cork. Any remaining emissions the company create, including from shipping and transport, are offset through projects protecting the Amazon rainforest.

So, buying sports and leisure footwear that is environmentally conscious is now easier than ever. Buyers should keep their eyes peeled for recycled materials, such as post-consumer recycled plastics which are repurposed into yarn or shoelaces. Of the plant-based materials, eucalyptus fibres, flax, hemp and organic cotton also have significantly smaller environmental footprints than virgin plastics.

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