8 ways to Minimise Waste This Christmas

We all know Christmas means way more of everything is consumed and wasted. The figures are staggering, but there are many simple ways that you can reduce your overall waste over the festive holidays. Below are just a few ideas to help along the way.

Shop Loose

Over the festive period we buy so much more than normal (of everything). So before you order why not try to do as much of your food shop at your local market where you're likely to find fruit and veg loose. Even at supermarkets if you bring your own bags for loose veg you'll never need those rubbish plastic thin bags again. Similarly, shop smart. Think of all the presents you need and if you are needing to order lots from one place (we all know the amazon order) then try to do this in one go. This will mean less boxes, shipping and emissions are created from your order, and less rubbish that ends up in your recycling bin. Finally, take your bags with you. We all have tons of bags sat around at home, so when you hit the shops remember to take them. After all, they are just another product that will likely end in the bin once home if you don't!

Give The Gift Of Experience

This year, instead of physical gifts, why not get friends and family experiences in which they can create memories. Whether it's tickets to see a show, afternoon tea, gin tasting, rally car racing, theme park visiting, or a hotel stay in a new place there are so many options to suit all budgets and personality types! What's not to love?!

Save the Wrapping Paper

These are so many fantastic options for wrapping presents that create less waste. From using Who Gives a Crap toilet roll paper (perfect squares for wrapping candles), to using old pieces of fabric (Lucy and Yak send out their items in beautiful fabric bags), or using gift bags instead which can be reused year upon year. If you do go for wrapping, try not to go for something with glitter or metallics, as this can not be recycled. Instead why not try simple paper and decorate with a festive bow/ flowers/ pinecones etc to get you in the Christmas mood.

Pick Your Fairy Lights With Care

With Christmas Tree lights being a big thing, and many of us stringing lights up around the front of our houses, if you're having to buy new lights then please make sure you purchase LEDs instead. LEDs use far less energy than the other options whilst also often producing far more light. For you're lights around your house, it maybe worth investing in a timer so that the lights are on only in the evenings when it is dark and are not left on all night when you're asleep. Similarly keeping your tree lights to only being on in the evening will save you a fair amount of money!

Plan Your Leftovers

We all know the story, no one can quite finish off that last potato or stuffing ball and with only a few small pieces of veg left over, most sadly end in the bin. Instead though, why not chuck a few more in the roasting tin planning ahead that they will be left over and so then can be made into soups, broths or cracking left over sandwiches. Websites like the BBC Good Food and Waitrose also provide a wealth of inspiration for what you can do with your left overs. If worst comes to worse, just be sure to start a food waste bin/ compost bin to hold your waste after.

Use your Legs Instead of an Engine to get to a Friend’s House or the Pub

The majority of us to not head far over the festive season yet the temptation to jump in the car is great. So this year why not walk to the pub or your friends house whilst enjoying some fresh air and movement (what many of us don't get when stuck behind an office desk all day!).It also means you can go to be knowing you've done a small something for the planet over the festive period as well.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

If you've chosen to buy a real tree instead of renting, then they're fully recyclable and can be shredded into chippings which are then used locally in parks or woodland areas. Although this can be a little trickier in cities, chucking your tree in your green bin or taking it to the tip isn't the only option. Instead if you have a garden you can use the tree as kindling for a fire. Alternatively, there are many beaches that are using trees to help stop further erosion so if you live by the seas be sure to see if you can find your closest.

Reuse or Donate Unneeded Gifts

Everyone ends up with a gift that they may not necessarily need/ like. Instead of stuffing it into ta draw though, why not think how best to use it. Is it one of your friends favourite foods? Do you have a family member that the household item may really match? Finally, if there are so many shelters around the country who would really appreciate donations for unopened shower wash, shampoo and the like. So lets start re-gifting for the better, so that nothing actually goes to waste!

Let me know your tips!

Thanks

Erin

0

Christmas Gift Guide 2020

Spending my time this year curating the Big Sustainable Gift guide has led me to find so many incredible new brands. As the world looks to source more locally and ethically, it is fantastic to see the changes being made as brands move to a greener way of doing business. This year, the guide is bigger than ever with over 100 sustainable and locally sourced gift ideas. 

I hope as always it provides a useful tool as you uncover possible gifts and new brands along the way! 

Enjoy!

Gifts for the Fashion Lover 

Veja Trainers | £140 

One of the most sustainable trainer brands out there, and also the most stylish, if I do say so myself.

Apples Organic Nude Ethics T Shirt | £25

How to improve a t shirt? Made sure it's made from organic cotton of course

Wicker Wings Bag | £190 

Made in the UK out of high quality rattan, a very sustainable material, Wicker wings backs are hand made with all materials fairly and ethically sourced.

Sheep Included Jumper | £160 

Made from ultra-fine Merino wool carefully sourced from New Zealand farms that use regenerative farming methods for a positive environmental impact, and conform to the highest animal welfare standards worldwide. Sheep Inc are creating amazing jumpers that have no negative impact on the planet

Fund Jumper | £160 

Helping to support small independent farmers. Fund work exclusively with a British company to manufacture sustainable high quality wool from free range pasture fed ethically reared sheep. The brand also helps support a variety of charities and offset their emissions meaning you're supporting a brand really trying to do good.

Amaryllis Mashu Bag | £290 

Designed in London, made in Greece, this bag uses vegan suede made from recycled polyester and repurposed wood helping to support the circular economy! 

Retold Vintage  | from £60  

Based in London each vintage item is curated by owner Clare Lewis. Retold proudly supports the circular fashion movement, promoting sustainable fashion choices and positive change within the clothing industry.

Fearless T-shirt | £35 

This t-shirt is made from 100% sustainable cotton, grown and ethically harvested. The art of hand embroidery is a slow process, so the designer wanted to make sure that when you are buying something from her shop you are supporting an ethical process which is designed for longevity. Now what's not to love about that?

Gifts for the Jewellery Fan

Jewellery Case | £54 

I can not recommend this enough, perfect for travelling, perfect for preventing tangling!

Sammi Maria New York Chain Necklace | £69 

SAMMI MARIA jewellery items are made-to-order, making sure no resources or precious metals are being used without a clear purpose. Therefore, production only begins  after your order has been placed. 

Saint Kojo Pearl Studs | £40 

Made with organic freshwater pearls that glisten softly in the light and dipped in 14k gold that reflects beauty on any wearer, Saint Kojo is bringing artisan jewellery to all. The range is selling out FAST.

DAPHiNE ring | £55 

Beautifully simple pieces which are handmade in their Jaipur atelier. 18ct gold laid over brass that is Responsible Jewellery Council certified so you don't have to worry about ethics. 

Wolf & Moon Abstract Charm Hoop | £68 

Wolf & Moon is a handcrafted jewellery label by British designer Hannah Davis. Inspired by nature, architecture, art and design. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in their studio, so you can be sure you are buying a product that has been made with care, whilst supporting independent British design.

Ana Luisa Earrings | £55 

One of my recent finds, and a brand I've fallen in love with, Ana Luisa ensure they only use recycled gold, and are committed to being carbon neutral. One piece of advice though, be sure to know your size as the brand is based in NYC returns cost around £9 

Terracotta Jewellery Plate | £16.50 

A brand dedicated to design with minimalist styling at its foundation. These hand crafted goods, which have been slow crafted with the environment in mind means beauty and elegance are intertwined, perfect for your bedside.

Wolf & Gypsy Harmony Necklace | £84

 Wolf & Gypsy’s beautiful jewellery is made from sterling silver, gold vermeil, 14ct gold, ethically sourced, conflict-free gemstones (moonstone, topaz, turquoise, emerald and diamonds) that are handpicked by the brand's owner, Tori herself, in India to ensure they perfectly fit each piece. Now that's dedication to quality!

Gifts for the Outdoor Explorer

Finisterre Fisherman Beanie | £30 

A brand that I talk about a lot, Finisterre has sustainability at it's core with all their items being so incredibly well made. If you need any more evidence they're also a certified B Corp demonstrating their commitment to people and planet

Finisterre ¼ Zip Jumper | £125

A cosy woollen jumper from a brand with great sustainability credentials. Perfect for a blustery walk along the beach

Running Bear Socks | £6 

My local running shop is a brand in itself and their socks have been around almost as long as they have. Made with British Supplier Ladkins in Nottingham, these socks have British quality ‘stitched in’!

National Trust Membership | £72 

What better gift than the opportunity to visit the 500 sites across the UK

Passenger Jacket | £99 

Another British outdoor brand with sustainability at the heart with manufacturers are based in the UK, Europe and Asia. With a huge variety of sustainability initiatives the brand are working hard to minimise their planet impact.

Fedora Hat | £76

Made by artisan groups, Australian Brand, Lack of Colour are committed to ensuring their 100% Australian Wool hats are supporting the communities who make them.

View Ranger Yearly + Maps App Membership | £24.99 a year 

If you know a walker, this maybe the perfect gift, View Ranger allows them to plan their routes and save offline along with being linked with OS Maps to ensure they always know where they are on the mountainside.

Millican 15L Day Walking Bag | £125

A bag made for walking by a brand working to create sustainable products. Made from only a few panels of weatherproof Bionic® Canvas, 65% recycled and 30% stronger than regular canvas, their strength is in their simplicity.

Gifts for the Garden Fanatic  

Botanist Print | £21 

Because sometimes we want to shake up presents for gardening fan. This print offers the perfect alternative.

Neals Yard, Bee Lovely Hand Wash & Cream | £12.50 & £10 

Another one of my favourite brands, Neals Yard uses a variety of organic ingredients which make up most of their products and as a brand their sustainability credentials are top notch!

Garden Gift Hamper | £55 

Organically nurtured, the Present Tree work hard to make sure all their plants organic, whilst coming in biodegradable, recyclable and carbon neutral packaging. Perfect  

Wild Plum Tree | £35 

As above, o and The Present tree works hard to support the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust as well.

Eden Butterfly House | £11.99 

This Eden Project butterfly house is great all year round as it provides a habitat during the summer, but also an over wintering space for some species such as non-migratory butterflies. Made from sustainably sourced timber where insects can live, nest and let their larvae develop. O and its supporting both Oxfam and the Eden Project.

Hanging Cork Planter | £45

For the green-fingered minimalist, the hanging planter is the perfect gift and looks great in bathrooms.

Eden Project canopy vase/ bulb planter | £18 

Canopy is a range of sustainably produced glassware, designed specifically for the Eden Project by LSA International. A stunning collection of different glass wear. Now you can finally try growing that avocado from the seed!

Crops in Tight Spots Book | £12.71

Having bought this book last year, I have been filled with inspiration for how to use the outside space we have available (or none). With creative solutions and easy to understand, its a fantastic starting book for anyone who wants to tempted to get green fingers.

Gifts for those who love to Host 

Sustainability Starter Kit | £37.50 

Firera, one of the go to sustainability home spots on the internet have combined customer favourites into one set. This set includes one of our linen tote bags, a mesh linen produce bag, selling jute multipurpose cleaning cloth, and a striped pure linen kitchen towel. All handmade of natural materials, reusable and durable.

Fatty's Organic Pink Grapefruit | £35 

Fatty's Gin launched a Grapefruit drink as well with half the amount of alcohol to their gin but all the flavour. Everything about this Soil Association-accredited gin being organic – even down to the ink on the label, you know its bound to be good. It’s also made in small batches of 100 bottles per run in south London.

Hand Dipped Beeswax Candle | £18

These beautiful handmade candles are a real piece of art. Their completely natural honey scent makes them a joy to have in your home. The farm who makes them work in harmony with nature, using regenerative farming techniques to nurture our countryside. So by buying candles you are helping to sustain 25 small-scale farming families as well.

The Eden Project LSA Glasses | £28

Canopy is a range of sustainably produced glassware, designed specifically for the Eden Project by LSA International. A stunning collection of different glass wear, these tumblers are perfect for everyday use.

Portable Table Top BBQ | £149

Sometimes a little different gift is all you need. This portable bbq made from cork offers on the go dining and is the perfect gift for those BBQ fans with limited outside space!

Drinks Trolley | £49.99 

A fantastic find which helps charity through the sales. This drinks trolley is exactly what every living room corner needs.

Make our own gin Botanical Sets | £23.99 

This set of 12 specially selected superior culinary botanicals are perfect for an evening of gin and cocktail drinking. This set provides you an exciting mix of world botanicals created especially for you to infuse.

Elizabeth Rachael Tea Towels | £11.95

These may not be the first gifts that springs to mind, but they're great. Plus you could pair it with a bottle of wine using the tea towel as your wrapping. Perfect right?!

Gifts for a Cosy Night In

RiLEY Studio Co-Ord Tracksuit | Trousers £120, Sweatshirt £110 

Crafted in a super soft fleece-back jersey, this track pant & jumper set have been made from a mix of upcycled cotton and recycled plastic bottles and trimmed with comfortable ribbed edges. Riley aim to create clothes without season and from waste. Now that's guilt free comfort

Neal’s Yard Seaweed & Arnica Foaming Bath | £15.50 

This stuff is magic, who knew that these ingredients (organic) together would create the perfect bath that really does leave you sleepy afterwards. It's my go to! 

Desmond and Dempsey Set | £120

A brand that has a serious rep, Desmond and Dempsey may not be known as a 'sustainable' brand but their garments are built to last, and the reviews speak volumes.

Self Care Gift Set | £20 

Handmade in the UK & plastic free this kit reduces the impact of our beauty routine.

Body Shop Shea Gift Bag | £45

The Body Shop is a staple and with good reason. With so many fantastic products using fair trade ingredients and supporting communities around the world they're a great brand to continue to support.

SKANDINAVISK Onska Mini Scented Candles Gift Set | £42.00 

Certified as a B Corporation in summer 2019, the work of Skandinavisk in the areas of certified raw materials, local production, due diligence in sourcing and supplier standards, and policies toward their staff, including their refugee integration program, all contributed to meeting the stringent criteria to become a B Corporation. This special edition gift set of JUL, SNÖ, TRÆ fragrances are poured into painted mini glass votives with a new blend of perfume and sustainably-sourced soy wax, pure cotton wicks and engraved wooden lids from PEFC-certified European beechwood.

Cork Teapot | £38 

Cosy day snuggled up on the sofa watching films, this teapot is the perfect accompaniment with the cork helping to keep tea insulated. 

Scent to Sleep Gift Set | £38

REN, a cruelty free brand has sleep sorted. This kit is boasted about all over the place helping us all to fall peacefully to sleep. 

Gifts for the Beauty Lover

By Sarah Green Clay Cleansing Balm | £42 

Plant based and organic, this cleansing balm is perfect for those with slightly dry skin. The brand is also pushing transparency with all ingredients listed unlike so many others and they are committed to high quality natural organic plant based ingredients to!

Green People Micellar Foam | £19

 A brand with the highest eco credentials this Certified COSMOS Organic by EcoCert with 99.7% ingredients of natural origin and 20.8% of the total ingredients from organic farming. Not to mention their new packaging which is also increasing their eco friendly status.

LE Labo Fragrances | Multiple testers £4 each 

A completely different approach to perfume Le Labo is rewriting the rule book. Creating scents based on intention working with craftswomen and men to secure unique scents. You will definitely be intrigued! 

Organic Detoxifying Face Oil | From £32

Rich in antioxidants and cleansing botanicals, this uplifting blend soothes, stabilises and supports troubled skin. Basho Skin take a holistic approach with natural ingredients and also aim to honour women using their platform to uplift others.

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Refill |£19 

One of the first brands to offer refills on their lipsticks, this is a great gift for those who have a favourite shade

Pantherine Face Brushes | £34.99

Spectrum is vegan and cruelty free certified and their brushes have thousands of fans for a good reason!

Zero Waste Shaving Kit | £28.99 

Dramatically cut your plastic use with this reusable safety razor. This kit has everything you need to start with and its handmade right here in the UK.

Aromatherapy Polishing Brush | £25 

Fantastic for buffering away dry and dull skin whilst promoting circulation made from cactus bristle and natural wood. Perfect for the post bath boost.

Gifts for the Sustainability Enthusiast

Chimney Fire Coffee | £8.90 

There is a wide range of absolutely fantastic sustainable coffee available. Chimney Fire is just one of them but they are extremely passionate about traceability and aim to be fully transparent on where they  get their coffee from, including how it is sourced and where it is sourced from, and how it is handled from the farm to cup. Plus with Christmas coffee it offers something a little different for the festive season.

Love Fair Fashion T | £39 

Plain T with an important message, this is 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and the brand SABINNA is aiming for circularity, which means your t-shirt can simply be sent back to the factory once you no longer want or need it and they will recycle it for you.

Please Recycle, Please Vote Socks | $14 

There may be a fair few socks on this list, but these are incredible and I am completely here for clothing getting political! 

Our Planet Live in Concert | from £46 

This needs no explaining, a fantastic experience for a BBC nature documentary lover

Chilly’s Refill Bottle | £20 

One of the original reusable water bottle brands, this one also donates a proportion of profits to the Refill project.

John Lewis Sewing Machine | £130 

For those looking to repair and extend the life of their garments or try making something from scratch, this machine is the perfect starter kit.

Organic Basics Pack | £80 

A simple concept, producing organic products, with exceptionally high standards of fabric and workers rights who all care about the environment and they're comfy as hell.

Crochet Kit | £15.49 

For those crafty friends, this crochet kit enables you to make an every day reusable item enabling you to reduce your future waste whilst learning a new skill in the process.

Gifts for the Nesty One

Gina's Ink Girls | £45 

Gina's Ink Girls began as a way to support Gina the founders campaigning work and channel activism into one of the things I love most in the world: art. 10% from each of the works goes to marginalised communities including women's shelters, crowd funders to support communities after political unrest and marginalised individuals who need financial support.

Firera Pale Grey Pure Linen Blanket | £55 

Handmade from pure linen fabric, in a gentle waffle texture, it has a soft and luxurious feel making it comfortable and a pleasure to use. The breathability and temperature regulating properties of linen blankets make them non-seasonal, so can be used throughout the year. Perfect for enjoying a relaxed evening by the fireplace in winter, or breakfast on the balcony on an early summer morning. These are a wonderful eco-friendly alternative to synthetic blankets and vegan alternative to woollen blankets.

Sage x Clare Nudie Rudie Bath Mat | £48

Sage x Clare designs homewares, apparel and accessories that are hand crafted, bohemian, soulful and eclectic. They are all quirky and fun, this bathmat is one of my favourites.

Nkuku Mali Coffee Mugs | £24.95 (20% of orders over £30 with code WINTER20)

Produced in a small kiln, made simply from bricks and lit by an open fire. The Mali pottery is handmade in southern India as part of a fair-trade project. The project was established to provide training and secure employment for men and women both, from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme now employs 40 people and focuses particularly on empowering women in the workplace.

Amber Glass Bottles | £42 

Made in the UK, this collection of 5 various sized amber brown glass bottles have been carefully put together for you to fill with all your favourite zero waste and eco-friendly bathroom products. Plus they amber colour protects against UV light enabling your oils and lotions to last longer

Natural History Whale Illustration | £145

Inspired by original illustrations by top explorers, MADE chose their favourites from the Natural History Museum archive. This triptych whale print is a combination of work from Archibald Thorburn, John Reeves and Dr. Hermann Burmeister.

Hand Woven Baskets | £25 

Raw Label's natural cotton and jute baskets are handmade in Zambia using 100% locally grown cotton and natural jute. These baskets are versatile, strong and sustainable, they can be used around the house for storage or a potted plant basket and adds a natural element to your home.

DoraCreates Iretiola Art Print | £45 

Self taught, Dorcas is passionate about representing and uplifting Black people specifically Black women through illustration. Her art uses a lot of bold colours, pattern-work and references her Nigerian heritage. Simple and stunning.

Gifts for the Sporty One

Allbirds mizzle trainers | £115 

Made from renewable materials that repel the rain, Allbirds mizzle shoes are perfect for everyday use and will keep your feel toasty in the cold as well.

TALA Stride Run Leggings | £48 

Aiming to make sustainable sportswear affordable TALA aim to disrupt your wardrobe with our slow fashion approach to sustainable style that doesn’t break the bank, or our planet. Plus the designs are stunning.

The Organic Company Lunch Bag | £16.50 

For those always on the go, this certified organic cotton lunch bag is the perfect thing to throw in a bag.

Girlfriend Black Topanga Bra | £35 

Another sportwear brand who takes sustainability seriously, girlfriend uses recycled polyester for the majority of their garments. Although an American brand Selfridges stock them in the UK helping to reduce your postage costs.

BAM Zip Neck Bamboo Baselayer | £45 

Perfect for those cooler workouts, BAM sportwear is not only exceptionally comfy, sustainable for the planet but breathable too.

Liforme Yoga Mat | from £80 

Liforme Yoga mats maybe slightly more expensive than other brands but with their environmental ethos and fantastic grip you really do get what you pay for. Piece of advice, don't skimp on your mat, your practice will be 100x better with a mat that actually grips you. 

Weekend Bag | £139.90 

ECOALF is a brand I've been following for a long time, everything they produce is environmentally sound whether that's using recycled fibres PFC free, or other credentials. This bag is perfect for gym/ sports/ weekend life.

The Frankie Shop Padded Jumper | £159 

The Frankie Shop may not be a sports wear shop but hey, they had to feature in this list because everything they make I want in my wardrobe. Sorry not sorry.

Gifts for Little Ones

Critically Endangered Baby Socks | £15 

Organic socks which double as hand puppets the sale of these go towards trying to help save endangered species

Bunny Teether | £6.99

Made from 100% food grade silicone and American Beech wood ring, these bunny teethers are perfect for babies.

BBC Earth Kids Organic Cotton Hooded Towel | £14 

Designed to reduce the impact on the planet and be as transparent as possible, all products in the range has achieved CarbonNeutral product certification. This towel though, just offers a cute alterative to a hooded towel.

Tidy Children’s Book | £6 

I am all here for story books that teach kids to care for the planet, this one is beautifully illustrated as well

Stacking Rainbow | £20 

This site which resells preloved toys is an absolute treasure trove! In particular I'm a fan of this stacking rainbow but there are so many more great gifts to grab and the fact they're all environmentally friendly and sustainable makes them even better!

Patagonia Baby Fury Jumper | £45
The fluffiest and most sustainable jumper a baby will likely own. It will certainly be an item that can be passed down through families for a long time to come!

Blocks | £8 each 

These are the perfect gift for spelling out names and can be equally used as room decoration.

Wooden Ocean Stacking Animals | £24.95 

Birch Plywood, finished with non toxic, water based pain, these stackers are just too much fun to not include. 

Gifts for Foodies

The Good news Baker Brownies | £16

After all, who wouldn't love a delivery of brownies through their door, these sets are the perfect pick me up! 

The Modern Cook’s Year | £19.26

One of the most talked about cook books this year, The Modern Cook provides over 250 recipes throughout the seasons teaching us about the value of seasonality.

Six Seasons: A new Way with Vegetables Cookbook | £26.99 

In Six Seasons, McFadden channels both farmer and chef, highlighting the evolving attributes of vegetables throughout their growing seasons—an arc from spring to early summer to midsummer to the bursting harvest of late summer, then ebbing into autumn and, finally, the earthy, mellow sweetness of winter. Perfect for those looking to expand their cooking

Organic and Vegan Wine Weingut Db Schmitt | £24

Wine is always a great gift, this one with its organic and vegan labels offers a little more than your standard .

Food huggers | £11 

Helping keep food fresh for longer, these food huggers are the perfect addition to a chefs kitchen.

Viners Organic 5 Knife Block | £34.36 

Made from organic wheat fibre and recycled steel this knife set and block offers a great eco friendly alternative to most sets out there.

Gifts for Those Working From Home

Ponderlily Weekly Planner | £35 

Ponderlily Planners and Journals promotes intentional living through beautifully-designed, eco-friendly planners and paper goods. Each product is crafted with recycled paper, vegetable-based ink and REACH compliant 100% rayon covers. This diary is probably one of my favourite that' I've come across hence it being the first on this list!

Ponderlily This Week Notepad | £10 

I'm a big fan of desk planners, easy to jot down and make sure you capture your tasks plus looks great.

Papier My Daily Productivity Planner | £21.99 

A diary with a difference. Inside, there’s space to plan your days and weeks, write to-dos, make schedules and shopping lists, set and review goals, track habits and reflect on your personal growth. You fill out the dates yourself, so you can start using it at any time of the year, perfect so you don't waste pages when on holiday and just long enough so you will know if its something you can keep up.

Papier Personalised Note Book  | £19.99 

Personalised stationary gets most people excited (dont try and pretend it doesn't). Papier take the time to source the finest materials and printing techniques and this is so obvious when you handle their products.

AYM Bamboo Trousers | £89 

The only clothing in this section because these trousers literally look like the comfiest things on earth (along with the rest of AYM gear). After all sustainable bamboo wear that's comfy as heck, what's not to love

Bertie the Boston Fern | £12 + Pot (£12) 

We all know that plants are good for our health but they are also known to increase our productivity and happiness. This boston fern will look great in your space

2021 Wall Calendar | £16 

This eco-friendly monthly planner is filled with hand illustrated designs, perfect for your office wall.

Little Black Book | £6.99 

Little Black Book: A Toolkit For Working Women is the modern career guide every creative woman needs, whether you're just starting out or already have years of experience. Packed with fresh ideas and no-nonsense practical advice, this travel-sized career handbook is guaranteed to become your go-to resource when it comes to building the career you want.

Stocking fillers

A Pile of Poo | £12

Hey, there is nothing like a bit of a joke present that also helps charity!

Amur Leopard Socks | £12

Selling exceptionally fast, these socks help raise money for endangered species and their protection. Fancy an alternative? 

Ocelot Chocolate | £5   

A small business, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that use only the highest quality ethical produce, and ethical business practices in every way we can. From outer packaging made in the UK from FSC certified paper stock to the inner film is 100% home and industrial compostable. They have always chosen to take a smaller profit margin in order to create the most delicious, and most ethical product.

Tweezerman Micro Palette |£20

This mini set is the perfect for travellers. Having well made products means less future purchases as well.

Mini Scrubs - £18.95

If you don’t fancy making your  own scrubs (message me if you do), these are great option that are great for travel and perfect pamper treat. O plus they're natural and made in the UK

Wild Guide | £16.99

I rave about these wild guides to everyone. They are such a fantastic resource to plan any adventures in the UK and show you all the hidden spots around the country that you definitely wouldn’t find without.

Scrunchies | £10.95

 Unique 100% silk patchwork scrunchie made from fabric offcuts from a tiny little little brand.

KeepCup | £20

If you know someone without one of the staples now is the perfect time to give.

Fir Tree, Orange Candle | £16

100% pure essential oils and made with eco-soy wax. These candles are hand-poured in small batches in East London and Brighton and they use wooden wicks which produce a soft crackle and burn slower than tradtional candle wicks which are usually cotton.

Gin Pong Drinking Game | £13.99  

Because sometimes we just need a gin / beer pong kind of night and this is just the gift to support that.

 

Gift Ideas for those hard to buy for

Gin Making Experience | £110 for one, £160 for two people.

Ever wondered what it is like to make your own gin from scratch? Well that's exactly what you can do at Salcombe's gin school. I went a few years ago and still bang on about it now, you can read my post here.

Canopy & Stars Voucher | Any Amount

A present that smells of wood smoke, tastes like s’mores and offers true relaxation in the great outdoors. Gift Cards can be for any value and used at any of Canopy & stars 750+ amazing spaces, from treehouses and cabins to buses and beehives.

National Geographic Traveller Subscription | £34.50 a year

We may not be travelling much at the moment but this will certainly help give you plenty of ideas for the future.

Audible Subscription | £23.99 more 3 months

Perfect for those on the go, audible offers books to those who may not be able or want to make time for books. Plus you may save a few trees in the process.

Patch Plant Gift Card | From £30

Plants can be like children and they offer so many benefits not just for making rooms look 100000x better, but also for our health and wellbeing. So in short, get a plant.

Neom Candle | £32

Christmas in a candle. With 100% natural fragrance. A soothing, traditional scent with expertly blended spicy and fruity oils of mandarin, cinnamon and tonka bean, plus 10 other essential oils to help you relax, unwind and create a warming vibe in your home during the busy festive period.

DIY Creative Bag Kit | from £38

For those creative types, these DIY bag kits by Love and Salvage offer a fantastic way to create something unique and uses fabric offcuts.

Our lovely goods Gift Box | From £38

These curated gift boxes are a way to gift someone (or yourself!) an experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home, whether it’s everything you need for an evening of self care or a moment to unwind with a candle and some chocolate! 

Gifts for those looking to learn about other perspectives and grow

Women don’t owe you pretty | £12.00

A recent read on my list and one that's made me really look at my friendships and connections. This book offers a fresh look and gives you the tools to look introspectively, calling bullshit on our excuses and encouraging us to be the better versions of ourselves.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse | £12.99 

I come back to this book every few months, the imagery, the words, the whole thing is beautiful and many have become my favourite quotes including "What's your best discovery? asked the mole. That I'm enough as I am said the boy" . A perfect table topper.

The Girl with the Louding Voice | £7.49

A book that will enable you to see the truth of others lives and make you realise how kindness really can change the world, one kind act at a time.

Invisible Women | £9.99

Probably one of the most eye opening books you will ever read and the most important as well! It's time for the world to notice women, for everyone's safety and future.

This Book Will Make You Kinder | £10.99

A book that's been on my to buy list since it came our earlier this year , Henry James Garretts drawings and words will leave you laughing and questioning why we aren't kind, always.

The Uninhabitable Earth | £8.99

A book that's a wake up call. Covering everything from the probability of worldwide drought and famine to the risk of total economic ruin, it’s an urgent manifesto for a wholesale environmental revolution, from everyday behaviours to government policy and international cooperation. There has never been a book as needed for the current times.

Papier Wellness Journal | £24.99  or Wearth Daily Goals & Wellness Planner | £24

Sometimes you can grow and express yourself without the need for a book. These goals and wellness journals are a great way to start if its new to you.

Patreon Account of Claire Press, Aja Barber, Helena_, | From £3  

Supporting inspiring women's work and learning from them in the process is a perfect gift, especially for those looking to learn more about sustainable fashion.

My boyfriend's Christmas gift picks

Small Beer Gift Pack | £18 with glasses , £15 Without glasses  

Beer was bound to make an appearance on this list. The glasses make a nice touch.

BAM Boxers | £15

The comfiest boxers someone may ever own apparently. O and they're made of Bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials going.

Kelson Finisterre Socks | £18

These socks are such good quality and are great for wearing under boots of any type.

Zero Waste Shaving Gift Bag | £28.99

Apparently this would be at the top of the list, if Louis didn’t have a beard. These kits though are great and so simple whilst also meaning no waste required.

Patagonia T shirt | £40

An absolute classic T-shirt that’s made by a brand built on sustainability!

Spicery Kit | £32

One of Louis favourite purchases of late, the Spicery recipe book and spice kits make trying different cuisines so easy and delicious. Plus you can reorder the spices online so your kit is always complete. A simple but effective cooking tool.

Finisterre Cable Knit Jumper | £135

If he needed any more jumpers (he doesn’t) then these cable knit pieces are perfect for winter. The wool is fantastic!

Chilly’s Coffee Cup | £30

A new design makes this coffee cup look really robust and more likely to prevent spills as well. Great for just chucking in a bag.

and that isn't all! 

If you need any further inspiration check out 2019s Christmas gift guide

Love

Erin 

9

What does Fashion have to do with Biodiversity Loss and Environmental Damage?

The impact of the fashion industry is far reaching and there is no way to cover every element where it's impacts are felt, whether that be good or bad. But in light of Earth Day and Fashion Revolution Week, I thought it was about time I tried to highlight just some of the ways the Fashion industry is playing a role in from habitat destruction, water pollution and land degradation to energy requirements and waste production.

How we consume fashion has altered dramatically over the past 20 years. Our fashion consumption doubled between 2000 and 2014 (1), yet 50% of the fast fashion garments purchased are thrown away within a year. In Europe, the average number of collections per year for fashion companies went from averaging two in 2000 to five in 2011. Whilst Zara somehow manages to release 24 collections. For comparison, H&M put out between 12 and 16 out.

This excessive buying and waste was naturally going to have an impact, how could it not? From the land required to grow cotton, or the oil needed to create polyester, to the millions are new garment workers required to meet the demand and the chemicals needed to create the colours for that season. All production has had to grow.

Chemical Use in Fashion

Lets begin with cotton, I won't spend much time on this but most cotton is heavily treated with chemicals in fact although it is only grown on 2.5% of the world’s agricultural land, it consumes 16% of all the insecticides and 6.8% of all herbicides used worldwide (2). Not just that though, insecticides and herbicides also destroy the pests natural predators whilst also destroying the soil quality which in turn leads to lower crop yields for farmers. Yet with 73 percent of global cotton harvest comes from irrigated land (3) vital resources like water are also being over used and enabling pesticides and herbicides to penetrate deeper into the soils.

On top of this, chemical run of into other land areas, especially if the cotton is grown near forests eventually leads to our water system being polluted. Stacey Dooley's documentary also brought to light something I was taught at uni, that these chemicals and the high exposure is impacting on the communities that live their causing a variety of life threatening conditions and birth defects. Organic cotton is trying to help solve at least some of these problems by removing / only allowing a small number of certified herbicides and pesticides to be used on the cotton but their is still alot of the cotton growing industry that's causing damage(4).

At the other end of the garment process fluorinated chemicals are still being used even though they are among the world most toxic materials in the world (YES, THEY ARE STILL GOING INTO OUR CLOTHES). Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen which can lead to cancer and is known to be an endocrine disrupter is also still being used in our clothing production to get certain effects like waterproofing or crease proofing that customers demand, although I cant imagine they would if they knew the risk (5)!

There are some brands now fighting the norm though and choosing to stay away from these dangerous chemicals. Levi's chose to not add a fluorinated chemical which helps create stain resistance because they felt the environmental impact was too high, just like Patagonia opted to not add a formaldhyde chemical which prevents creasing to their garments.

Sadly though, we still have a long way before the majority of brands are putting planet and peoples health above the look of the garment they are choosing to create.

Water Pollution created by the Fashion Industry

Chemicals and water pollution for the fashion industry tend to come pretty much hand in hand. Textile dyeing is the world’s second-largest polluter of water, since the water leftover from the dyeing process is often dumped into ditches, streams, or rivers. In fact, the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of all industrial water pollution worldwide (7).

Lack of legislation in many of the countries where the dying and tanning processes takes place leads to this issue and illegal dumping of waste and the heavy metals is common due to regulation (if there are any) not being well enforced. The result?  The  world’s largest clothes exporter, China have declared that nearly one third of the countries’ rivers are classified as “too polluted for any direct human contact”. The same pattern is seen all over the world, and the documentary River Blue is a real eye opener into the true scale of the problem.

Water being polluted isn't just an issue in the process of making our clothes though sadly. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that 35% of all microplastics in the ocean came from the laundering of synthetic textiles like polyester which is a staggering. Although we are creating clothing our of old plastic fishing nets for example this doesn't stop them shedding in the wash.

Due to the size of of the microfibres that are shed as well, the filters used to clean our water are unable to capture them resulting in microfibres being found in every river studied to date along with being in the vast amount of ocean species. A scary reality check for us all.

At the moment, there are only a few options to try and reduce microfibre shedding with the likes of guppy bags (although some studies don't believe they work well). The best option though, is choosing fabrics with low levels of elastin and plastic fibres or are made completely of natural fibres such as  cotton, wool, bamboo and hemp being fantastic options. That way, no shedding would take place because there is no plastic is in the garment to begin with. For those items that you can't help needing, be sure to try and wash garments less frequently to reduce how often shredding can take place.

The Effect of the Fashion Industry on Biodiversity 

The impact the fashion industry has through out the creation process is pretty obvious to most. The destruction of biodiversity during the growing of crops used and the the degradation of soil mentioned before due to the use of pesticides and herbicides has lead to rapid species decline (7).

To meet the growing demand, land has also had to be cleared to enable new cotton and fabric plants to grow, which will have inevitably caused habitat destruction and in some cases, the creation of habitat separation. The issue with this island style clearing that can take place, is if the remaining pocket of habitat for the species is not big enough, the species will be unable to sustain themselves with genetic diversity and result in eventual species extinction. We also can't ignore the fashion industry demand on oil, which is a result of fibres like polyester (the most common fibre in the world) and nylon. In turn, this means that they are partially responsible for the the oil spills that still happen on a regular basis (even if they are not regularly broadcast to the public). Now this may not be a direct result of their actions, but as we know, demand leads to creation and supply.

The impact sadly doesn't end with cotton or polyester though, leather and viscose have been linked to the deforestation of the Amazon due to clearing for cattle grazing and trees to meet viscose demand. Desertification is also taking place due to unsustainable agriculture practices taking place. Cashmere goats overgrazing in Mongolia’s grasslands provides just one example, and thy have been found to be responsible for more than three-quarters of the decline in grasslands, which is intricately linked with soil erosion (9).

The devastating consequences felt from the growing need for materials is most obvious in Uzbekistan. With the demand for cotton in the region, new farms were set up and water filtered from the rivers and away from the Aral Sea. So much so that in 50 years, the sea had completely vanished. Once one of the world’s four largest lakes, the Aral Sea is now little more than desert and a few small ponds. This of course not only had a dramatic impact on the people that relied on the lake for their livelihoods but also all of the unique species that once called it home which are sadly now all gone (9).

Biodiversity has also taken a hit in so many of the river systems due to the high levels of pollution pumped out during the dying and tanning process. In rivers like Bangladesh's Buriganga, that see vast amounts of chemical waste disposed into it from the buzzing garment industry on its shores, the river is incapable of supporting almost any animal life and this is not a one off event (10).

There is hope for Bangladesh at least though, with the announcement last year that The Bangladeshi Supreme Court has given all rivers in the country legal rights. This means that "people who damage a river can get taken to court by the government-appointed National River Conservation Commission. They’ll be tried as if they’d harmed a living entity, because each river now has the right to life. That means the river’s government-designated human representatives can sue on its behalf when it’s being endangered" (11). It's early days as to whether this will rapidly help reduce pollution and enable species to return back to the waters but at least its a start.

Waste Produced by the Fashion Industry 

The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second. Or in numbers, it's estimated that the fashion industry produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually or 4% of the global waste. Now for products that we should hold on to and cherish, 4% is ALOT.

With only around 30% of clothes going to charity shops, its easy to see why and how so much of our clothing ends up as waste yet this doesn't solve the problem. Poor quality clothing that is produced quickly means that even though garments may be unwanted, they can not go onto new homes due to them being unable to last and instead, end up as waste.

Fast fashion and its poor quality is just one side of the story. The trend driven market is another. With fashion collections coming out so regularly, a recent survey found that on average, women are only wearing clothing pieces 7 times before getting rid of them shedding light to just how much of our wardrobe is not used or simply wasted.

As the fashion industry continues to grow, the amount of waste we are producing is only going to increase but there are brands and initiatives trying to help the cycle. From HURR to depop, rental and resale platforms are increasing helping to find new ways of utilising fashion whilst also reducing the amount of waste that may have originally been created. Now though, we need brands to step up and take control on their waste in the supply chain and their wasted stock. In recent years, luxury brands have made headlines because they've chosen to burn their stock to help retain brand value without thought of the impact on the environment. We need better!

The Fashion Industries Energy Demand 

With ever growing demand for fashion it is not surprise that the industry is responsible for 10% of humanity’s  annual carbon emissions. That's more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined! What may be even more staggering is that at this pace, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50 % by 2030 (3). A figure that most definitely is not in line with the Paris Agreement and 1.5 degree temperature rise which is what the world is meant to be aiming for.

The energy demand and carbon emissions produced by the fashion industry mainly comes down to the size of the supply chain and its complexity. The shipping, and travel expense and emissions for each part of the fashion journey means that small adjustments to each stage could have a large impact. From using lighter storage boxes, to streamlining vehicles to reduce drag, to switching to electric vehicles that are powered by renewable energy. There are lots of options to explore and ways for the industry to do better, if they are determined.

Take Away on Fashion and the Environment 

The impact of the fashion industry is far reaching and at a larger scale than most people can imagine. It doesn't have to be this way though, if the demand for fashion was not continuously growing, then the need for further habitat destruction would vanish. If we could help create the infrastructure and regulations in the countries producing the clothing, rivers would not be polluted and instead wildlife would be able to come back. If we reduced our dependency on pesticides and herbicides through education and partnerships, crop yields would remain stable, soil would be in better condition and the risk to those living in the areas of production would be far lower. If we could learn how to mend our clothes, and create a system which enabled real recycling of fibres to be used again we would be able to dramatically reduce our waste. Finally, if all of the billion pound companies invested in their supply chain to encourage renewable energy supply, especially considering many of these countries experience a lot of sunlight, they could not only help reduce fashions footprints but also ensure clean energy for their workforce. A win win.
There is a long way to go. yet there are brands working to improve the industry through transparency and changing the system. We need clothes that last, that are beautiful and that are able to be enjoyed from generation to generation. Clothing is part of our identities, it how we express ourselves yet the fast fashion industry and its constant new trends every month, means many of us do not know what is our own style and what we have been sold. We need a fashion revolution back to slower times, where our environment can sustain our demand and that we can get to wear clothes that make us truly happy (as well as being well made and environmentally friendly).

 

References

1. https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/style-thats-sustainable-a-new-fast-fashion-formula
2. http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/thirstycrops.pdf
3. https://organiccotton.org/oc/Cotton-general/Impact-of-cotton/Risk-of-cotton-farming.php
4.https://www.pan-uk.org/cottons_chemical_addiction_updated/
5. https://www.voguebusiness.com/technology/fashion-remove-toxic-chemicals-from-clothing
6. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/A-New-Textiles-Economy_Full-Report_Updated_1-12-17.pdf
7. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente
8. https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/fashion-biodiversity-problem-wildlife-stella-mccartney-kering
9. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-fashion-blog/2014/oct/01/cotton-production-linked-to-images-of-the-dried-up-aral-sea-basin
10. River Blue Documentary
11. https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/8/18/20803956/bangladesh-rivers-legal-personhood-rights-nature

11