What inspired you to create We Free Women? 

“It was born during a retreat in Italy, when I received shamanic healing that was a monumental point in my own healing journey and personal evolution. I shared a post on Instagram thanking Healing Holidays alongside a photo taken in the Dolomites. I must have looked so peaceful because the response was overwhelming, with women saying how much they needed something like this but couldn’t afford it. From NHS workers to women going through menopause, so many were crying out for rest, connection, and healing.”

What came next?

“I realised we needed to create a free, full- funded space for women to access self-care therapies like meditation, mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, walking in nature, and cold-water therapy. From there, myself, two close friends and three women I met online became the six co-founders. From that same Instagram post, therapists also began reaching out, offering to help for free. Within six weeks, we held our first retreat at my home in the Cotswolds and since then, we’ve run eight more.”

What makes a retreat truly ethical?

“It begins with the people who run it – the therapists and those who hold the space. If they create a calm, open, and comfortable environment people feel safe enough to share, and that goes both ways. When I think back to the most memorable retreats I’ve attended, it’s always the people who made me feel seen and never judged who stayed with me. Privacy is also essential, creating a retreat where women feel protected and can truly relax. That’s the foundation of an ethical experience.”

Are there any retreats you’ve visited that really changed things for you? 

“I’ve become a bit of a retreat connoisseur!. One that really stands out is The Body Holiday in St Lucia. It’s not technically a retreat, but more of a wellness resort, but their motto is ‘Give us your body for a week, and we’ll give you back your mind’. It taught me the art of being able to enjoy life while taking care of yourself. You could take part in yoga, meditation, and every kind of exercise during the day, then relax with a sauna, steam, or spa treatment, knowing you could still have a glass of rosé in the evening if you wanted.”

What do you do in your spare time to wind down? 

“I’ve invested in a tiny two-person sauna that lives in my spare room! Once I learned about how it supports detoxification, reduces stress, and lowers the risk of strokes and heart disease, I became slightly obsessed! I’ll do a sauna session, then a cold shower, then back in again. Otherwise, I walk: dog walks, stairs over lifts, and I’ll even choose the broken escalator just to get the steps in.”

How do you balance theatre life with general life? 

“Because acting work comes in such fits and starts, my schedule is never steady. You can be working eight shows a weekend, then suddenly have a stretch of downtime. I’ve learned to just go with the flow rather than trying to force a strict wellness routine during a run. My current production in Entertaining Mr Sloane finishes on 8 November, and I know I’ll reconnect with my spirituality when it ends.”

You’ve spoken about navigating perimenopause. What advice can you pass on you wish you known?

“We are sold that it’s the end of your fun and your life, and it’s all downhill from there. You have to look to the beginning of a new chapter, opposed to it seeming like the end. It’s not. I’ve never felt more in my own power, more authentic and to be honest, never felt happier!”

So what’s the next chapter for We Free Women?

“To own a property that becomes the permanent home for the retreats. That way, instead of constantly raising money to rent venues, we could simply cover travel costs for women coming from across the UK and hopefully, one day, from abroad. Whatever happens, the retreats will always remain fully funded: keeping them accessible to all women is central to what we do. 

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What are lab diamonds?

“Otherwise known as man-made or cultured diamonds, they’re grown in a lab (hence the name) using cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under which natural ones develop. As they’re formed from the same material and exposed to the same conditions, they’re optically and chemically identical to the natural variety.”

Why buy them?

“For a start it’s their value: up to 30% cheaper than natural, which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or wish to maximise your diamond size for the same price. They also exude the same beauty and quality as natural finds.”

How are they made?

“Each diamond starts its life as a tiny carbon seed, and is then exposed to extreme heat and pressure or entered into a deposition process, to mimic the process of natural formation. It then grows within a lab in six to 10 weeks, and is cut and polished in exactly the same way.”

Are they real?

“Yes! Lab-created diamonds are real; just with a different origin. As we said above, they’re visually and chemically identical, so they can’t be differentiated by eye, and specialist equipment is required to tell them apart.”

So what’s the difference?

“The only real difference is their origin: in the lab as opposed to natural diamonds formed within the Earth’s mantle. Just remember: lab-grown are up to 30% cheaper and none of your friends or family will know any different.”

What else should we know?

“Cut: this refers to its symmetry, and more specifically to the overall polish and proportion. As lab-grown diamonds can be made more uniformed in shape in a lab, diamond cutters can often cut better stones, meaning less imperfections and a better overall cut in comparison to natural.”

“Clarity: natural diamonds can have imperfections, with clearest, colourless diamonds the most valuable, so are the most sought-after. Lab diamonds are almost always colourless or nearly so, putting them on par with more valuable natural diamonds on the market.”

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1. Ketchup

We’re not kidding – ketchup isn’t just for smothering over burgers, chips and more (or everything if you’ve kids). Depending on the brand – we say go for the one that begins with an H and ends with a Z; it’s ideal for removing rust as it’s made with concentrated tomato paste and distilled vinegar, creating a high acetic content. Simply apply a generous layer over the rust in question, leave for a few hours, then clean with warm soapy water and a wire brush.

2. Coke

A can of the good stuff (no, not beer), coke is also on our food and drink cleaning hacks for several reasons. It’s impressive stuff, kicking off by removing oil stains on your drive by letting it soak in for a few hours. What else? It’s for cleaning tile grout – this time letting it sit for just a few minutes before wiping clean. It’s also works well removing stains in your toilet bowl and can also get rid of baked-on grease from your pots and pans.

3. Walnuts

Nut allergy sufferers steer clear, but those who can handle walnuts will be surprised at how effective they are for cleaning. Where and how? They magic away scratches and marks on wood flooring or furniture thanks to their natural oils that get into the marks and make them less noticeable in the process. Just rub over the damage before using a finger to further penetrate the oil. Try it – you’ll be cross you’ve never tried it before.

4. Bananas

Yet another on our food and drink cleaning hacks list is the banana. It’s the peel we’re after here, used to clean your houseplant leaves with just a simple rub. Best for any waxy varieties, the peel’s also ideal as a natural fertiliser, soaking in water for a few days before using to hydrate your plants. Containing essential nutrients for plant growth, you’ll soon see a difference as it boosts roots, helps with shoot growth as well as promoting vitality.

5. Mayonnaise

Another of our favourite condiments is also great when it comes to cleaning your home. What can it do? A lot; starting with helping remove stubborn rust on bathroom porcelain. It gets smudges off stainless steel; lubricates noisy door hinges; adds shine to wooden surfaces and can even remove crayon marks on walls (thanks, kids). Just make sure to only use it on painted walls with semi-gloss or satin finishes, and not matte or flat finishes.

6. Onions

Then there’s the food staple in everyone’s home: the onion. But humble it isn’t when it comes to eliminating odours, soaking up unpleasant smells by absorbing it itself. Dirty grill? Chop one in half and watch as its acidity dissolves grime without you scrubbing away. It’s even a natural way to repel garden pests; with the sulphur found in onions creating a scent bugs detest. Just blend or crush and mix with water before spraying where bugs like to live.

7. Vodka

Stop: before you reach for that mixer you might want to think of the cleaning properties the spirit has. It freshens up fabrics, upholstery, and carpeting, and removes soap and scum. It also destroys garden weeds, cleans your mattress (yes, really), removes glue and also eradicates grease from pots and pans. You can even use it on glass: whether you choose to use it to clean your windows or watch it slowly disappear in your tumbler’s down to you. Hic. 

8. Potatoes

Last on our food and drink cleaning hacks is one we bake, airfry, oven or boil. And, while we eat potatoes pretty much every day (unless you’re a carb-o-phobe, which we’re not), try saving a couple to see how they clean. They scrub away stains with salt or baking soda; and remove rust from metal thanks to their oxalic acid content. You can even get mashing to add shine to copper or brass. If you’ve the willpower not to dig into the mash, that is.

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One of the main factors enabling us to source food sustainably and therefore eat ‘sustainably’ involves protecting the diversity of our flora, fauna (that’s plant and animal life if you’re not in the know) and their ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial to life on earth because it provides us with clean air, fresh water, good quality soil and crop pollination. Want to know more? We asked Birds Eye for their advice on helping to reverse biodiversity loss – and it’s easier than you think.

1 Keep it native

For a start, use plants that encourage a wide range of pollinating insects and other wildlife. Crocuses are great for spring to aid early pollination for bees; foxgloves are also ideal for bumblebees, honeybees and moths; while lavender not only smells amazing but is a great pollinator for honey bees, too.

2 Go wild

If you have a garden, allow a small area to grow wild, or leave a patch of fallen leaves where they are, as insects, birds and small mammals benefit from the cover and native plants. We also did a little digging (pun intended) and discovered wild spaces contribute to better water quality and help absorb carbon.

3 Tree planter

If you don’t have access to an outdoor space look out for a tree down your street – they often have soil at the base so you can grow wildflower seeds quite easily. Why wildflowers? Again they’re perfect for pollinators and hardly need looking after, waving goodbye to the need for fertilisers and pesticides.

4 Inspire the future

Get children involved in gardening so future generations love and respect wildlife and protect nature. There’s tons they’ll love, from growing veg, feeding the birds and digging your own pond to watch dragonflies, frogs, newts and more visit. Just make sure you teach them how to stay safe around it.

5 Know the source

When buying foods, take a look at what the manufacturers are doing to support sustainability. You can do this by looking at their website and many brands, who put the source of their foods on the back of the packaging to help us know that the food has been responsibly sourced and produced.

6 Keep it natural

Want to get rid of weeds? Do it via the no-dig method. Grab a fair amount of cardboard and place it firmly down over the weedy area with plenty of layers. It works well because the cardboard stops light and vital nutrients from reaching the weeds, meaning they can’t thrive.

7 Limit harsh chemicals

Avoid using pesticides, and let natural predators control your garden pests instead. Our tip? Surround your plants with a ring of wool pellets or grit. Put a thick layer around the base of your plants and the slugs will hopefully steer clear. It’s that simple – no need for anything nasty.

8 Feed wildlife

And don’t forget about the importance of feeding local wildlife. Foxes love to snack on raw meat, apples and pears; squirrels should be fed unshelled nuts like walnuts or almonds; while hedgehogs are partial to wet and dry cat food and unsalted peanuts. Keep out a bowl of topped up water, too.

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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

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Organisers behind the environmental campaign are encouraging individuals across the globe to help make a difference, from the business climate, political decisions, and how we take action on climate.

Because a green future is a prosperous future.

However, we must all be in this together. From businesses, governments, and citizens; everyone must be accounted for, and accountable as a partnership for the planet.

The Earth Day 2022 theme is Invest In Our Planet. So how will you get involved?

Every day is Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22. But EarthDay.org works year-round with campaigns that help people invest in the Earth as individuals, at work and at the polls.

Climate literacy

The industrial revolution led to mandated education. The space race generated investment in STEM. The green economy will depend on climate and environmental science education with a strong civic component. After decades of providing nonformal education, EarthDay.org is campaigning for compulsory, assessed climate literacy education around the world.

Eliminating Plastic

Although it’s an incredibly useful material, plastic is a petroleum product whose manufacture contributes to climate change. Because it is not biodegradable and rarely recycled, plastic is a mounting pollution problem with potentially severe human and ecosystem health impacts. The Great Global Cleanup aims to remove billions of pieces of trash in local cleanup events every day of the year around the world. Their plastic pollution campaign addresses individual and systematic problems of plastic use.

Sustainable business

It can be hard to envision how the triumvirate of government, business, and consumer can revolutionise an industry for the green economy. This year, EarthDay.org is focusing on fashion as both an example and a place to begin making a difference. Fashion for the Earth is designed to change how people think about shopping and to encourage clothing companies to adopt more sustainable practice

The Canopy Project

The ongoing Canopy Project plants trees around the globe. In contrast to many tree-planting initiatives, the Canopy Project recognises the economic pressures that lead to deforestation and its community impacts. Working with local partners, they help create access to alternative fuels and jobs. The project is also beginning to emphasise the importance of urban tree cover for habitat, carbon sequestration, and reducing the heat island effect.

For more inspiration and ways to take action this Earth Day and beyond, please visit the website.

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

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The brand, founded by two parents of young children and designed to offer health-conscious parents a no-compromise option, aims to encourage and inspire a love for the natural world and to boost kids’ overall health and happiness through its all-natural products and ethos.

Knowing that children can get bored with water and that they want to drink something delicious, Jamu Wild Water drinks provide a gentle fizz and flavour for an amazing taste that’s unlike any other kids’ drink on the market. The products contain natural plant fibre, which is a prebiotic to help maintain gut health, as it contains 5g of your 12g RDA of chicory inulin. The drinks also help support the immune system with added vitamins. Each product contains 38% of the RDA for Vitamin C and zinc, and 25% of the RDA for fibre.

The drinks come in three delicious varieties:

Sparkling Raspberry, Elderberry & Mallow

A refreshing burst of fizz mixed with a subtle infusion of raspberries. Elderberries have been used throughout the centuries to support health in many ways and are a rich source of vitamin C. Marshmallow Root is an important herb in Ayurvedic Medicine, traditionally used to soothe and reduce inflammation, and it’s also a prebiotic.

Sparkling Blood Orange & Echinacea

A zesty, bright and delicious taste. Echinacea has been used all over the world for years to support immunity and can help to relieve symptoms of cold and flu.

Sparkling Lemon, Dandelion & Nettle

A tangy and lively mouth-watering taste. Used traditionally to relieve inflammation, Nettle provides a variety of vitamins vital for immunity including vitamin C, D and K. Dandelion has been used for centuries by herbalists to support the immune system and the digestive system, and it’s rich in vitamin C and A, potassium, calcium and antioxidant compounds.

Tahi Grant-Sturgis founded Jamu Wild Water in 2020 with her husband, Patrick. They’ve witnessed first-hand as a family the many benefits of connecting with the land and getting closer to nature, and it inspired them to help children across the UK reap the same rewards. As well as creating all-natural products and encouraging kids to get out into nature, Jamu Wild Water will donate 10% of profit to UK charities that improve access to green spaces and increase opportunities for children’s outdoor learning and play.

To find out more and shop the range visit jamuwildwater.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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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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We all want to clean safely and sustainably around the home, in ways that are not only effective but that will also have minimal impact on the environment. Whether it’s by buying the most eco-friendly cleaning products, or using clever, homespun eco-friendly cleaning techniques. If you have children, health conditions or even sensitive pets in the house, then this can also be a strong driver to make your home cleaner and greener.

Here we spoke to three experts in the field of greener cleaning, for their top tips.

Helen Bee, founder of the multi-award-winning, planet friendly and refillable cleaning brand, Clean Living, says: “Skip chemical scents. Air fresheners might smell pleasant, but they’re incredibly harmful to both the environment and to us. Particularly if you suffer from asthma! There are lots of alternative ways to freshen up the air in your home; add some air purifying plants, dot scented pouches of lavender around, or diffuse essential oils instead.”

Von Sy, founder of plant-based cleaning brand Nimble, agrees: “One thing to be wary of is fragrances. Although they make the cleaning up chore more pleasant with the smell of flowers, citrus, and lavender, fragrances are made with a complex range of chemicals. And don’t be deceived by clever branding – just because a bottle has an ‘eco’ look and feel, make sure you read the label for the detailed ingredients.”

And it’s these ingredients, from the chemicals in the products to the plastic packaging containing them, that cause even greater harm to the environment.

Managing director of Ecovibe, a dedicated eco-friendly products retailer, Stacey Skidmore, says: “Minimise plastic where you can, this can be through using refillable glass spray bottles in place of the traditional single-use plastic bottles, or even using soluble cleaning sachets, which dissolve in water. Also, avoid toxic chemicals where you can. A common myth is the stronger the chemical, the more effective the product will be. However, natural ingredients, such as essential oils and plant extracts work just as well alongside certain antibacterial agents.”

Von Sy adds: “Most of the mainstream cleaning products are over-formulated which means they contain unnecessary levels of chemicals that can be harmful to a young child and the environment. Manufacturers do this so they can make bold marketing claims like they are ‘10 times more powerful’, so with this in mind one thing you can do is dilute the regular cleaning products you use – they are just as effective but reduce the amount of chemicals you are using.”

So, whatever practical steps you take to cleaning greener, there’s one that will make a huge difference overall, and that lies in your consumer purchasing power – all of us should take the time to purchase more thoughtfully.
Helen Bee says: “A more sustainable lifestyle starts by making considered purchases. Before you purchase any product, ask yourself if you really need it. Or whether you can buy a more planet-friendly alternative. There are incredible brands out there offering eco-friendly alternatives. Just read labels carefully to ensure products really are as good as they claim to be.”

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

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The festive season is synonymous with plenty of food, presents, and all-round over consumption. But this takes its toll on the environment. So, how do we ensure that we do our best for climate change this holiday season without giving up the things we love?

Every aspect of the party season can become more ethical, with just a slight change. Instead of the traditional turkey, why not have a nut roast? Or, if the family insists on turkey, get it directly from a local farm. If you do go for the supermarket shop, you can do your bit by choosing items marked Fairtrade wherever possible. Since it is the season of giving, the least we can do is contribute to a fair and ethical supply chain.

Christmas trees come in many forms. Plastic reusable trees, that can conveniently be stored may seem like a sustainable choice, but the production process and end-life of these PVC-based trees release harmful gases into the environment.

Many people opt for a cut tree, often embarking on a family outing to the tree farm, and handpicking this year’s centrepiece. These trees can be farmed sustainably, so if they’re bought locally, and recycled at the end of the season, their footprint can be minimal.

The most ethical choice, however, is to choose a living tree – growing in a pot. Bring it inside for the Christmas season, and then come January, just bring it out into the garden to thrive until next year.

One overlooked aspect of the giving season that hugely contributes to waste, is present wrapping. Wrapping paper in itself is often recyclable, so this is an easy switch. Simply avoid glittery or plastic-based wrapping papers and opt for a recyclable tape – perhaps a decorative, paper-based tape which will also add a special touch to your gifts.

When it comes to gift shopping, the perpetuated idea may be that department stores are havens of convenience, with everything you need under one roof. But where’s the festive spirit in that? This should be a time of buying local, knowing where your products come from, and giving back to the community. Often, the ethical gift choice is the more unique and luxurious one.

Making Christmas that little bit more ethical is easily done, and could have a hugely positive effect on climate goals. So, why we all may be dreaming of a white one, perhaps it’s time to make a change, and enjoy a greener little Christmas this year.

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

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