Category: Waste reduction

Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign opposes fast fashion, encouraging people to embrace preloved clothing for a month. The goal? To make us think about where our clothes come from and the environmental footprint they leave behind.

However, after spending a month reflecting on their fashion habits, many participants think one month is too short. Why return to old routines in October when you can continue new ones that are kinder to the planet and the people who make our clothes?

Make a lasting commitment today. Become a more conscious consumer and explore our six simple tips for dressing sustainably without buying new clothes.

Continue reading Six ways to extend Second Hand September

Plastic waste is a growing concern across the globe, and schools are no exception. From lunch packaging to supplies, single-use plastics are difficult to avoid.

However, with careful planning and a commitment to sustainable practices, schools can significantly reduce their plastic waste footprint.

Whether you’re a teacher, school chef, receptionist, parent, or student, find out how to reduce plastic waste in school. Explore our expert strategies and share them with others to take action against waste today.

Continue reading How to reduce plastic waste in school

For the 83% of women and 5% of men in the UK wearing makeup, makeup removal is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing breakouts.

After a long day, the convenience of disposable makeup wipes is hard to resist. However, these single-use products have significant environmental drawbacks. They often contain plastic, release harmful chemicals into the soil and water, and endanger wildlife when littered. Disposable wipes are also responsible for a staggering 93% of UK sewage blockages.

Minor changes to your makeup removal routine can help protect the planet and improve your skin’s health. Join us as we explore eight sustainable options for an eco-conscious skincare regime.

Continue reading Makeup removal: Eight sustainable ways to remove makeup

As our population grows and water demand increases, pressure on the planet’s water resources intensifies — especially with the added challenge of climate change. Protecting this invaluable resource is essential for our environment and well-being.

Yet for many British schools, managing water use efficiently presents a dual challenge: safeguarding natural resources while navigating tight budgets.

Join us as we explore actionable strategies that schools can adopt to conserve water, reduce costs, and contribute positively to the planet.

Continue reading How to reduce water waste in schools

False lashes are fun to wear and add instant drama and flutter to the eyes. A glamorous option for special occasions, they have also become integral to some people’s daily makeup routines.

Unfortunately, this style boost has a hidden environmental cost. False lashes are typically used once and thrown away, contributing to the planet’s growing waste problem.

Join us as we discuss enhancing your eyes without harming the natural world. We’ll explore eco-friendly false lashes, highlight greener alternatives, and share tips on how to clean and reuse single-use lashes.

Continue reading The beginner’s guide to eco-friendly false lashes

The vibrant atmosphere and lively entertainment of UK festivals draw in millions of attendees every year. Our local music festivals attract 6.5 million people, with many more attending festivals dedicated to food, dance, arts, and cultural events.

Despite the excitement surrounding each British festival, there’s a persistent issue: excessive waste.

Waste management poses a significant challenge for organisers, whether those covering the sprawling grounds of Leeds Festival or smaller sites like Slam Dunk, Live at Leeds, and North Leeds Food Festival.

Taking charge of site waste is crucial to festival organisation. We’ve all witnessed the disheartening post-event footage of those lacking a sufficient festival waste management plan — fields strewn with litter, abandoned tents, and chairs.

Powerful Thinking’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ report revealed UK camping music festivals produce 25,800 tonnes of waste yearly. Prevention is ideal but not always feasible, so prioritising reusability and fostering a responsible waste disposal culture among festivalgoers is essential.

Join us as we explore six tips for managing waste at festivals. Learn how to prepare ticketholders, liaise with waste management vendors, and produce a comprehensive event waste management plan.

Implementing these practical strategies can prevent issues, alleviate concerns, and pave the way for a cleaner, more eco-friendly festival experience.

Continue reading Six festival waste management tips for organisers

In 1888, the debut of the first commercial deodorant marked a pivotal moment in the battle against underarm sweat. The first antiperspirant was marketed in 1903, and by the mid-20^th century, the popularity of these products rocketed.

Consumers are now increasingly conscious of the substances they apply to their bodies and release into the environment. This is due to concern surrounding the ingredients in many conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.

The market has witnessed a surge in natural, eco-friendly deodorants in response to these growing concerns.

Join us as we traverse the disadvantages of traditional deodorants and antiperspirants and the advantages of natural ones. We’ll explore the anxieties deodorants provoke before navigating the landscape of natural alternatives and outlining three of the most popular brands.

Continue reading The essential guide to natural deodorant

Easter signals the end of Lent, a period of 40 days marked by fasting and self-discipline, and the arrival of the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

An estimated 44.5 million people in the UK will celebrate Easter this year, representing four in five Brits.

According to recent statistics, 77% of the population plans to spend money on Easter celebrations in 2024, with an anticipated average spend of £53 per person. Shopping lists typically include Easter cards, chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, succulent roast lamb, and spring-themed house decorations.

Unfortunately, spending often leads to waste, and it’s crucial to acknowledge the environmental footprint left by Easter traditions.

Get egg-cited for spring and join us as we explore some key aspects of the holiday and how to mitigate their environmental impact for a more sustainable Easter.

Continue reading Four ways to enjoy a sustainable Easter

Mother’s Day is an annual celebration of the remarkable women in our lives — particularly our mothers. It’s a time when children (young and old) joyfully seek ways to express gratitude for their mother’s unconditional love and care.

Sunday 10^th March, 2024 is a time to acknowledge and appreciate all maternal figures. This includes stepmothers, mothers-in-law, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, those who take on motherly roles, and fathers who fulfil the role of two parents.

Traditionally, gifts range from fragrant bouquets to delicately crafted jewellery, delicious chocolates, comforting candles, and heartwarming mugs. These gifts can be lovely to give and receive, but they typically produce lots of packaging waste.

The desire to lavish our mothers with extravagant presents may be strong, but the most meaningful gifts are often thoughtfully chosen and reflect a genuine understanding of their interests.

If your mum is mindful of her environmental impact, you can gift her something sustainable she’ll cherish.

To help you select the perfect gift for your mother, we’ve curated a list of six eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts.

Continue reading Six eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas

The Lunar New Year is a cherished celebration embraced by communities and cultures spanning East and Southeast Asia. This celebration resonates deeply worldwide, where diaspora communities keep the traditions alive.

Today, we’re delving into the vibrant tapestry of Chinese New Year celebrated in the UK.

Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year customs centre around new beginnings. From spring cleaning to feasting with family, adorning homes with luminous lanterns, and exchanging promising red envelopes, its customs embody luck and prosperity in the coming year.

As we revel in these rich and colourful traditions, it’s worth pondering their ecological footprint. Can we honour the heritage while treading a more sustainable path?

Let’s explore green ways to paint the town red for a more sustainable Chinese New Year.

Continue reading Five steps towards a more sustainable Chinese New Year