Lizzie Carr's Blog

South Yorkshire – made up of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and most famously, Sheffield - is well-known for its industrial heritage and artisan trades, but it has another more adventurous side that is often forgotten.

So, in the spirit of exploring close to home and unearthing hidden gems on our doorsteps, I’ve created a 72-hour adventure and wellbeing trail of South Yorkshire’s best bits.

 This is my South Yorkshire story.

My whistle stop tour included everything from paddleboarding in Sheffield city centre, weaselling on the Sheffield side of the Peak District and wild swimming in the River Don, to meditation at the idyllic Gomde Buddhist retreat in Doncaster and cycling on the Trans Pennine Trail in Barnsley.

It’s a lot to squeeze in over a few days but it can be done with a bit of planning. So I’ve created an itinerary with all the details so you can head out and make the most of a long weekend micro adventure - including this handy map with all the start points for each activity. And if there’s time, there’s a few more ideas of things to do in the area at the end of this blog.

DAY ONE - 10am

I started the morning paddleboarding along the Sheffield and Tinsley canal in the heart of urban Sheffield. This route nods the industrial history of the city with large chimney stacks peppering its backdrop and beautiful derelict buildings – mostly from the Victorian era - entwined with flora and fauna along the canal as it leads towards the lush green of the Don valley into Rotherham. It’s hard not to miss the trail of street art along this route, turning traditionally unloved spaces into beautiful places, with the help of local artists and community groups. The canal towpath is also an idyllic pathway to walk along too, with its weeping willows shading parts of the way which is particularly welcome on sunny days.

A short drive - around 30 minutes - from Sheffield and you’ve reached the Peak District National Park. Famed for its steep limestone valleys and breath-taking views across the centre of England. But it’s got more to offer than scenery and hiking.

Have you heard of weaselling? Neither had I until recently but it’s just one of the many activities available there. Think of a combination of caving and parkour, but all the best bits and you don’t get wet. And turns out that the Peak District rock formations are the perfect playground to hone your ‘wiggling, jiggling and squiggling’ skills. I spent a couple of hours with my instructor, Dan from DC Outdoors, bear crawling my way through tiny tunnels, squeezing through gaps and and clambering over rocks all in the name of weaselling. Miraculously the only damage done was a slight graze on my thumb from grabbing the rocks - an adventure badge I wore with pride.

The Peak District’s rock formations aren’t just good for weaselling though, and it’s something of a mecca for the climbing community with many world class climbers still living in, and around, the area. Once I’d found my feet and got the adrenaline pumping through my veins, it was time to put my new found confidence to the test. At one time, a few years ago now, I was an avid climber. I spent quite a lot of time at the bouldering centre and out in the Peak District trying routes and problems. Fast forward to now and even looking to the top of the climb Dan had prepped was enough to send me into a tailspin. But I put on my big girl pants and cautiously made my way to the top - hold by hold - with Dan belaying and directing me from the ground. As soon as I completed the first ascent and abseiled safely back to the ground, I was ready for more. I did the same route again but this time with a bit more speed and punch, before moving on to a couple of others without belay ground support and I felt my love for climbing, and the feeling of your hands and feet firmly pressed against the rock rooting you to nature, oozing back.  I headed home that evening feeling pretty pleased with what I had achieved and really excited to see what day two was going to be filled with.  

DAY TWO

Next morning, I headed further north to Barnsley to cycle along a section of the Trans Pennine trail.  It’s a long-distance path that runns across the coast to coast of Northern England. As its entirely on surfaced paths with fairly gentle gradients it’s an ideal route for more sedate or family focused adventure cycles. I rented a bike from the helpful team at Penistone Cycles CIC, which sits adjacent to the trail, and once I was all kitted out I hit the trail. I didn’t expect that, within a matter of moments, I would be greeted with rolling countryside and farmland for as far as they eye could see.

 The friendly faces of dog walkers, families and even horse riders passed me by as I cycled eastwards for around 10km. I didn’t expect the landscape to be so varied but within a couple of kilometres the open countryside views had transformed into what I can only describe as Amazonian looking jungle. There was almost horizontal carboniferous rocks poking through thick green moss, with old overhanging trees shading the path. If there was a way to experience the start of an adventure trail, this would be it.  Although the route itself is around 200km and is often completed over a few days, I covered only a small part of south Yorkshire’s section but I was happy with the taster and turned round to make my way back to drop the bike back.

That afternoon I made my way up to Doncaster to paddleboard on the River Don. The river rises in the Pennines and flows for 70 miles eastwards, through the Don Valley. The section I visited, called Sprotbrough, is one of the prettiest parts of the navigation. It’s situated next to a quintessential 17th Century pub, The Boat Inn, within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The towpath is bustling with dog walkers and people lining at the nearby artisan coffee van for a caffeine fix – which is exactly what was needed after a leisurely paddle and I can vouch for the quality.

Whilst there’s an urban undertone to this part of the River Don in Sprotbrough, with cars driving over the small road bridge nearby and working boats moored to the banks, it’s incredibly peaceful and teeming with wildlife. All I encountered on my paddle was a very territorial swan and its signets (I don’t say this lightly either, if you plan to paddle this route I recommend being overly cautious and giving a significant amount of distance) but other paddlers enjoying the route that day sighted of a terrapin basking and grass snake swimming – it’s amazing the perspective you can get from a paddle board.

Although I didn’t swim here I had been told by locals that this is a popular wild swimming spot, particularly with young people in the warmer weather. I certainly prefer it as a paddle boarding route - on the water rather than in it - but I have included below a few other recommended wild swimming spots in South Yorkshire that I haven’t made it to yet but are on the list.

DAY THREE

Closer to the centre of Doncaster, just 8 miles to be exact, and down a long and narrow winding road, sits a few unassuming buildings. This is Gomde Buddhist retreat. Set around 180 acres of peatland, it’s surrounded by water and is home to an entirely unique ecosystem of wildlife and plant life, not something that springs to mind when you think of Doncaster but I was intrigued to find out more.

The retreat now put on regular open days for visitors to tour the grounds, learn about Buddhism and experience a simple meditation in the temple. After an adventure fuelled couple of days, this was the perfect antidote to bring some calm. An hour-short tour of the grounds, through the kitchen garden full of all the fruits and vegetables you could imagine and which, quite frankly, put my own veggie patch to shame and through the wild meadows, into the oak tree forest and past the wood workshops… and there was still so much left to see.

I was shown the architectural plans for a new state of the art temple and was in awe. On completion, this authentic slice of Tibet will sit right in the heart of England. I entered the existing temple to learn more about symbolism in Buddhism and the importance of its virtues. To finish off I sat down, legs crossed, and eased into a wonderfully calm guided meditation delivered by the charming Paulette, who runs the site.

 Gomde is offering its next tour on 1st August. To find out more and book a slot you can get in touch with them directly via Instagram.

This trip was supported by south Yorkshire stories as part of its awesome South Yorkshire stories campaign.

Other suggestions to add or swap into your itinerary include:

Wake boarding at Rother Valley Country Park

Nature walk at Roche Abbey

Wild swim in the plunge pool, River Rivelin and Slippery Stones, Upper Derwent Valley

As we emerge out of lockdown 3.0 and start looking for ways to escape the everyday whilst keeping safe and being responsible, don’t forget that we have some wild, off the beaten track adventures right here on home turf.

My favourite place - and somewhere I have been drawn back to again and again - is Isles of Scilly. This little cluster of islands off the Cornish coast is honestly somewhere I consider a genuine hidden gem of the UK. It’s so unspoilt and it’s an adventure seekers paradise. From island hopping by SUP or kayak, coasteering, snorkelling with wild seals, hiking and cycling and open water swimming as well as miles of white, sandy beaches - it’s got it all. So much so, I dedicated two chapters of my paddle boarding guide book to routes on the Isles of Scilly.

Last time I visited was in August 2020 as part of Visit England’s Escape the Everyday campaign. I spent three days paddling, swimming and eating my way round the islands. The guidelines in place from Visit England meant the entire experience felt completely safe too. So, here’s my local’s guide to visiting Isles of Scilly based on all my favourite experiences over there - and some little tips on all the important stuff like where to catch the best sunsets!

HOW TO GET TO ISLES OF SCILLY

The SkyBus leaves daily from Land’s End, Exeter and Newquay and costs around £180 return and takes around 30 minutes but it varies on departure location. The boat - known as the Scillionan - leaves daily and costs around £125. It’s a good option for carrying sports equipment or camping gear and the weight restrictions on the SkyBus are fairly restrictive. The other option is the helicopter which takes around 15 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY

There are a lot of campsites dotted around Isles of Scilly. My favourite is on Bryher, sat on a rolling hilltop overlooking the Tresco channel. The Garrison, on St Mary’s,

GETTING ON THE WATER

WAYS TO GET AROUND 

Rented golf buggies are commonplace as a mode of transport on these islands as are electric and standard bikes on St Mary’s. These are also available on Tresco and a brand-new hop on electric bus service is also under development and will be ready to service visitors from 2021.  Taking this approach is ideal if you’re doing an off-island day trip (recommended for a 72-hour break) as it means covering more ground in less time so you can get a much fuller experience. 

 Talking of day trips, Scilly Boating has services that run daily serving all the islands. It’s important to check tides and timings as this change frequently (the website is updated with this info). St Martin’s is my favourite island, and it has some of the world’s (yes, world’s) most beautiful beaches. 

STEP BACK IN HISTORY

There’s a huge amount of history attached to Scilly as it played a key role in the English Civil War back in 1600s. Take a stroll up to the extensive coastal fortification – known as the Garrison - on St Mary or head to the remains of Cromwell’s Castle on Tresco which looks out on the channel towards Bryher. On a spring tide you can walk across. 

STRETCH YOUR LEGS

Over 50% of Scilly is looked after by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, giving nature the space to thrive and visitors to enjoy. That’s 678 hectares  There’s countless island walks to enjoy and the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has been working hard to make routes both accessible and beautiful. Throughout the islands you will stumble across unmanned shops and stalls selling local goods. The tradition here is to pay honestly by leaving money equal to the value of goods at the stall. Honesty shops continue to be a big part of island life and this trusting relationships between tourists and locals is what makes this place so special.

There’s also the Tresco Abbey Gardens to stroll around and overload the senses with some of the rarest flora and fauna found in England thanks to the islands position on the Gulf Stream and its generally milder climates.

ADDED EXTRAS:

BEST VIEW: Sunset the top of the Garrison on St Mary’s.  

LOCAL INSIGHT: Pilot gig racing is a heritage on Scilly and remains a big part of island life. Watch the locals compete every Sunday evening from the Quay on St Mary’s. 

WI-FI: Although this place is best enjoyed without the distraction of technology, the Isles of Scilly island is very well connected and in July 2020 was one of the first regions in the UK to pilot 5G. 

Just 25 miles off the southwest Cornish peninsula lies one of Britain’s best kept secret – the Isles of Scilly - a small cluster islands lined with white sandy beaches and translucent turquoise waters. It’s packed with rich history, rare wildlife and an unparalleled quintessential charm, but this isn’t all that makes the Isles of Scilly so appealing. In recent years it’s become something of a mecca for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers who flock there for everything from open water swimming and snorkelling with wild seals to paddle boarding and hiking. 

I travelled to the Scilly’s earlier this year when domestic travel was allowed across England. It was part of Visit England’s campaign ‘Escape the everyday’ and I spent three days exploring, paddling and eating my way round these magical little islands, uncovering some of the finest spots that exist our doorstep. To be honest, it was exactly what I needed after months in lockdown and with the new covid guidelines created by Visit England the entire experience felt safe. 

It’s not my first time on the Isles of Scilly. I’ve spent countless summers on the islands growing up and even having lived there for a few months in my early 20s, I still discover something new every time I go back. 

I have always championed the UK as an adventure destination. We’re so fortunate to have such varied terrain and the unpredictable weather is all part of the fun. There’re some pretty spectacular places peppered around England (remember when I visited Lancaster last year?), it just takes a bit of effort and planning to find them. 

In this blog I’m going to share my Isles of Scilly highlights. The places I love best - focusing mostly on St Mary’s (the largest habitable island) with some ideas for Tresco and St Martin’s. It’s full of practical guidance as well as handy tips and ideas that you can choose to cram into a short 72-hour getaway.  

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLES OF SCILLY: 

There are a few options when it comes to getting to and from the islands. The Sky Bus leaves daily from Penzance, Exeter and Bristol and takes around 20 minutes depending on your route. The boat – known as the Scillonian – also leaves daily and costs around £70 return. If you’re camping, the boat accepts freight so you can add more baggage to your journey whereas there is a strict limit on the plane. The quickest option taking just 20 minutes is the helicopter. 

WHERE TO STAY ON ISLES OF SCILLY:

You can go five-star fancy at the Star Castle Hotel, or you can ‘rough it’ at one of the islands campsites (Bryher, with its hilltop position and ocean views, is a favourite of mine). On my last visit I stayed at Mincarlo, a quaint but modern bed and breakfast on St Mary’s owned by Bryony and Nick who also run Adventure Scilly – the islands adventure retreat (more to come on that!). 

WHAT TO EAT ON ISLES OF SCILLY:

The islands aren’t short of quality dining experiences.  St Mary’s Hall, an elegant townhouse is just a short level walk from Hugh Town, has an ambient dining space serving up locally caught lobster linguine among other delicious dishes.  Overlooking the pristine Porthcressa beach is Dibble and Grub, a Mediterranean style bistro. Nibbling tapas with the crisp glass of wine whilst watching the sunset across the ocean is one of the finest foodie moments on Scilly. Other restaurants include On the Quay. It’s location? The clue is in the name, and a lovely location to watch the world go by. The award-winning Juliette’s Garden is situated above Porthloo beach and serves up its renowned fresh crab sandwiches. And that’s all just on St Mary’s. There’s The Ruin Beach Café on Tresco where you can devour fresh stone baked pizza on the beachfront and in the distance catch a glimpse of The Old Blockhouse, also known as the Dover Fort, a 16th-century hilltop fortification. Over on St Martin’s you’ll find Polreath Tea Rooms and its fresh baked scones. Jam first, or cream? 

THINGS TO DO ON ISLES OF SCILLY:

 GET ON THE WATER

Being in, on or around the water is my happy place and given the Isles of Scilly is made up of lots of tiny islands, it’s a haven for watery adventures. It was very first place I ever paddle boarded around five years ago. It’s soared in popularity since and in my book, Paddling Britain, I dedicate the first two routes to the spectacular Isles of Scilly. 

It’s possible to swim, paddle or kayak between a few of the neighbouring islands and Adventure Scilly organise swim and yoga retreats throughout the year for anyone that wants a guided experience. Otherwise, it’s easy to rent equipment at Sailing Scilly on St Mary’s and enjoy a sheltered paddle round Porth Mellon beach. St Martin’s Watersports and Hut 52 on Bryher also have rentals, or for more intrepid and experienced paddlers it might be worth take your own. That way you have more flexibility if you want to explore longer routes or get out for sunrise or sunset and watch the raspberry ripple skies from the water. 

Scilly is also one of the only places in the UK to swim with wild seals out on the eastern isles.

The entire experience is fully controlled with only one boat a day visiting and it’s been this way for more than 20 years. Feeding or coercing seals is strictly prohibited. Everything is on their terms so if they are in a playful mood, they will interact and if they aren’t then they won’t. 

Other tours include dolphin and puffin spotting as well as other migrating birds (run by the same company that does the boat trips), but these are all seasonal. 

WAYS TO GET AROUND 

Rented golf buggies are commonplace as a mode of transport on these islands as are electric and standard bikes on St Mary’s. These are also available on Tresco and a brand-new hop on electric bus service is also under development and will be ready to service visitors from 2021.  Taking this approach is ideal if you’re doing an off-island day trip (recommended for a 72-hour break) as it means covering more ground in less time so you can get a much fuller experience. 

 Talking of day trips, Scilly Boating has services that run daily serving all the islands. It’s important to check tides and timings as this change frequently (the website is updated with this info). St Martin’s is my favourite island, and it has some of the world’s (yes, world’s) most beautiful beaches. 

STEP BACK IN HISTORY

There’s a huge amount of history attached to Scilly as it played a key role in the English Civil War back in 1600s. Take a stroll up to the extensive coastal fortification – known as the Garrison - on St Mary or head to the remains of Cromwell’s Castle on Tresco which looks out on the channel towards Bryher. On a spring tide you can walk across. 

STRETCH YOUR LEGS

Over 50% of Scilly is looked after by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, giving nature the space to thrive and visitors to enjoy. That’s 678 hectares  There’s countless island walks to enjoy and the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has been working hard to make routes both accessible and beautiful. Throughout the islands you will stumble across unmanned shops and stalls selling local goods. The tradition here is to pay honestly by leaving money equal to the value of goods at the stall. Honesty shops continue to be a big part of island life and this trusting relationships between tourists and locals is what makes this place so special.

There’s also the Tresco Abbey Gardens to stroll around and overload the senses with some of the rarest flora and fauna found in England thanks to the islands position on the Gulf Stream and its generally milder climates.

ADDED EXTRAS:

BEST VIEW: Sunset the top of the Garrison on St Mary’s.  

LOCAL INSIGHT: Pilot gig racing is a heritage on Scilly and remains a big part of island life. Watch the locals compete every Sunday evening from the Quay on St Mary’s. 

WI-FI: Although this place is best enjoyed without the distraction of technology, the Isles of Scilly island is very well connected and in July 2020 was one of the first regions in the UK to pilot 5G. 

Seven years ago I spent over a month in isolation during radiotherapy treatment. For the first ten days I was confined to a sealed hospital room after popping a radioactive pill. No one was allowed near me, meals was served through a letterbox, everything was wrapped in cling film and visitors were instructed to stay behind a lead screen to reduce exposure. There was no WiFi or phone signal so binge watching Netflix, FaceTiming family or scrolling through social media wasn’t an option. Audiobooks and podcasts weren’t a thing then either. My only interaction was a sterile visit from the physicist every morning to check radiation levels, otherwise it was cold turkey.

Once my levels dropped and I was allowed to leave hospital and was told to physically distance myself from people for up to another three weeks to reduce risk. I couldn’t do any of the things I missed the most like hug my mum, play with my nieces and nephews, go for a walk in the woods or visit friends. Life was carrying on around me whilst I was stuck in time.

I didn’t realise back then, but that experience taught me so much about myself. Lots of it has parallels with what we’re all going through now, during this pandemic.

Here’s some of the lessons I learned: 

1) Deprivation builds appreciation: whenever something or someone is taken from us we build a deep sense of gratitude in anticipation of its return. Deprivation helps us realise (very quickly) what is really important. We rarely force ourself into that hardships that offer us this kind of perspective and clarity, so when its thrust upon on its helpful to recognise its significance. We often find that when life is stripped back it’s the simplest things that we treasure most, and the building blocks are in place to reset with those values in mind. Everything else is just habit and privilege.  

2) Breath brings calm: deep breathing is one of the most powerful tools I have developed to deal with anxiety. It’s hugely undervalued but when simple techniques it can help us cope with highly stressful situations. As you take a deep breath it signals your brain to relax, which then relays this signal back to your body… Try it.

Take a long, slow breath in through your nose…
Fill your lungs from the bottom to the top and hold for your breath for three full seconds…
Exhale slowly through pursed lips (keeping control of the breath) and relax the muscles in your jaw, face, shoulders and stomach as you release…
Do this five times and I promise you’ll feel better. 

3) Mastering discipline instills good habits: every aspect of our lives out of synch right now. We’re worried about family, friends, finances, food and the future - and that’s a normal response - so don’t feel bad for it. However we need to create structure and build rhythm into our days to feel happier - the science says so. Now is not the time to mount pressure on yourself with overcommitments to learn new languages, knit, bake or anything else. It’s the time to slowly build up good habits through disciplined behaviour. In hospital my aim was simple: set an alarm and get up at the same time every day, shower, eat and read my books. The structure to my days evolved naturally and I gravitated towards things that interested me. I wrote more, I listened to music, I thought a lot and slowly got comfortable with the corners of my mind. Go easy on yourself, but try and instil some routine.

4) Tuning out really means tuning in: we live mostly through screens these days - laptop, phone, TV, tablet - and we’re consuming huge amounts of information that it’s overwhelming… yet we don’t realise the impact its having as we barely allow ourselves time to think. Instead we race through the days. When solitude is imposed on us - like now - we can can feel quite daunting. It’s hard to adjust pace and allow ourselves to delve into the untapped corners of our mind. But it’s in these moments of stillness without distraction that we learn so much about ourselves. Tuning out brings us back to the present. It creates awareness and appreciation for things we usually miss because we’re not looking. Once you disconnect you reconnect with yourself and life starts to present itself in full colour, high definition again.

5) Creative outlets are cathartic: feeling bored is OK… in fact, it’s a good thing because it will route you towards what genuinely interests you. Embrace it. I got the idea to start this blog whilst in hospital as I gave my mind time to wander and get creative. Writing has always been my way to make sense of the world or situations that I’m struggling to deal with. I write letters to people but never send them. I write blogs but never share them. Often writing is a way to process feelings that would otherwise be ignored. Whatever your outlet is - exercise, painting, drawing, meditating, dancing, cooking - or anything else, now is the time to finally indulge in it without feeling guilty. We often prioritise the unimportant trivial parts of life over the things that make us happiest and create the space to learn more about who we really are. Take this time to shift the power back.

There’s no denying that this is an incredibly scary time but take comfort in the fact you are not alone. The entire world is going through the same rollercoaster of emotions and we can all learn from and lean on each other for support because we all understand. These are the strange things we should find thanks in at a time life this. We really are all in together, that’s the only way it will resolve itself.

What have you learned about yourself in the last couple of weeks? I’d love to know any more thoughts on this, and I’m sure other readers would too.

Since lockdown there’s been a surge of underwear sales as people invest more in their sexual wellness (there’s also been a sharp rise in this search term!). But there’s a problem - did you know that only 2% of underwear is sustainably sourced? Cheap underwear shares many similarities to fast fashion; poor quality, unethical labour and harmful fabrics.

If you’re on the market for some new undies to boos the mood, have a look at these sustainable options. Because, what’s sexier than looking after the planet? 

But first, what makes underwear sustainable? It’s important we know what to look for when we’re buying underwear, or clothes generally, and with persistent greenwashing initiatives from fashion brands, we need to educate ourselves and be prepared to do some research.

1.     Look at the supply chain. Women working in harsh conditions in third world countries make up 85% of the workforce in textile factories and are some of the lowest paid workers in the world. Were the garments made in a safe environment? Were the workers paid a fair wage? If you can’t find this information easily, that should be your first alarm bell.

2.     Buy natural. Generally, the most sustainable materials are derived naturally. As well as that, look for organics, in particular cotton. There’s underwear brands using organic bamboo, Tencel and other eco-conscious materials. Be cautious of synthetics - these aren’t breathable like natural materials and they release harmful microfibres in every wash which, eventually, end up in our oceans.

3.      Check the packaging. If you’e buying online then check to see how your garments are packaged. Recycled cardboard or plastic wrap? It’s not just the product that we need to check, it’s the entire process.

FIVE SUSTAINABLE UNDIES, NIGHTWEAR AND LINGERIE BRANDS

Stripe and Stare www.stripeandstare.com

Instagram @Stripeandstare

Described as the 'world’s most comfortable knickers’, Stripe and Stare undies are sustainably sourced from beechwood trees. Tencel (the name of the material) is proven to be twice as soft as cotton so great for sensitive skin, it is anti-bacterial and better at handling moisture - plus it is kind to the planet. I adore these knickers (and the the die underwear set!). They also have bra, knickers and vest sets as well as pyjamas.

They boast the ‘Eco-Age brand mark’ seal of approval and all knickers come beautifully packaged in recycled cardboard boxes. At the moment they are support the NHS efforts by selecting 5 front line workers to receive a box of knickers - and giving all other NHS workers 50% off (this is only in the UK).

Prices start from around £20

Organic Basics www.organicbasics.com

Instagram @organicbasics

Not only is Organic Basics’ clothing made from good quality, natural fibres, it’s all made in factories that care about their environmental and ethical impact. In fact, head to the website and the 2019 ‘Impact Report’ is one of the first things you’ll see. That’s the kind of transparency we like! The factory workers are in safe working spaces and are paid a living wage. The fabric used in all of their pieces are organic (hence the name) based on its ‘environmental footprint and lifetime durability.’

Organic Basics have underwear for men and women, as well as gym wear, with many styles and colours to choose from. The organic cotton used to make their garments is grown without harmful insecticides and pesticides. What’s great about this brand is that each product on their website tells you how much CO2 was prevented, how many litres of water was conserved and how much waste was prevented compared to conventional fabrics and traditional clothing manufacture practices.

They’ve also sett up the Organic Basics Fund to help fight climate change, regenerate our natural resources and restore biodiversity. This is about giving direct funding to people, groups and projects that address the problems at the root cause — and aim to create long-term, real impact. Nice.

Prices start from around £30

Cotton & Push www.cottonandpush.com

Instagram @cottonandpush

Cotton & Push creates lingerie that’s both sustainable and sexy, using certified organic natural fibres. The website states, ‘We wanted to find alluring, comfortable, skin friendly and eco-friendly lingerie….we were determined to pair nature with style.’ The collection is small - no breakneck speed fast fashion lines around here - and it delivers gorgeous classic pieces and some great nightwear options too. 

They also claim to work with just two suppliers of organic fabrics and ‘do not purchase any fibre that is not either GOTA or OEKO Tex Certified.’ This means that no pesticides are used in the growing of the cotton used to make their lingerie, preventing villages where the cotton growing takes place from being at risk of toxic chemical pesticides. The farmers are supported every step of the way too and get to earn a genuine living wage to support their families. And they also use bamboo fibres that are produced in a closed loop system, minimising use of resources needed to produce the final product.

Prices start from around £30

You Underwear www.youunderwear.com

Instagram @youunderwearuk

You Underwear claim to be good for you, good for people and good for the planet. They make all their underwear with organic cotton for a super soft feel. And they have men’s and women’s options available in classic styles. Their bras are non-wired, which provides a comfortable finish. 

A positive message is found in every pair of pants, which gives a cute touch, and all products are delivered in a reusable organic cotton bag. What’s more, the ethos of the brand is that it should be just as easy for people in poor communities to have access to underwear as it is for us, so for every pair you buy they give a pair to someone in need.

Prices from £12

Woron www.woronstore.com

Instagram @woronstore

This Scandinavian brand is ‘vegan, cruelty free and a slow fashion brand.’ Every piece of underwear they make is crafted from Modal; a fine smooth fibre made from beech wood. Woron states that the fabric is more resistant to shrinking, fading and greying than cotton. 

They are Vegan approved by PETA and products range from adjustable bras that provide a natural shape to fun, lace camisoles. Woron also have great loungewear for ultimate relaxation.

Prices start from around £30

Studio Pia www.studiopia.co.uk

Instagram @studio.pia

Sustainable can definitely be sexy (and sassy!), and Studio Pia proves that. Their fashion-led collection is ‘ethically crafted in the UK and Europe.’ Their garments are made from peace silk which is non-violent silk breeding and harvesting, cultivated organically without pesticides or genetic sprays. With everything from suspenders to bodysuits Studio Pia has it all.

They state that their products are manufactured by workers who receive a living wage in working conditions with high standards, and their products are shipped in cardboard and recycled tissue paper, which is a bonus.

Prices start at around £70

It’s clear to see that there are plenty of options for sustainable underwear in the UK for both men and women. But, let’s not forget the best action we can take in becoming more sustainable is changing our shopping habits and buying less. I’m not asking everyone to walk around with holes in their underwear, but next time we’re at the shops, ask ourselves, do we really need these?

Ethical clothing doesn’t have to be expensive and exclusive; it’s something that can be embraced by all if we’re given the right information. And the same goes for sustainable underwear. Cheap underwear shares many similarities to fast fashion; poor quality, unethical labour and harmful fabrics and dyes. That’s why I’ve done a bit of digging into the best ethical underwear brands on the market to direct you to sustainable underwear that will make you look good and feel good, without breaking the bank.

But first, what makes underwear ethical? 

It’s important we know what to look out for so we know what to avoid and what’s good to buy. 

1.     Find out who made the underwear you’re about to buy. Women make up approximately 85% of the workforce in textile factories, and are some of the lowest paid workers in the world. Were the garments made in a safe environment? Were the workers paid a fair wage?

2.     Buy recycled. Generally, the best materials are recycled. As well as that, look to buy organic materials, in particular linen and cotton.

3.     Avoid synthetics. When clothes made from the man-made material are washed they release microfibers. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny pieces of plastic pass through into our waterways. 

4.     Avoid trends. Nowadays, high-street brands tend to produce new trends weekly, and have an endless supply of stock. Without demand there is no supply. 

Sustainable underwear and sustainable nightwear

Ethically made underwear is readily available; you just have to look a little harder. Here are some great options for you to try.

Organic Basics www.organicbasics.com

Instagram @organicbasics

Not only is Organic Basics’ clothing made from good quality, natural fibres, it’s all made in factories that care about their environmental and ethical impact. The factory workers are in safe working spaces and are paid a living wage and the fabric used in all of their pieces is based on its ‘environmental footprint and lifetime durability.’

Organic Basics have underwear for men and women, as well as gym wear, with many styles and colours to choose from. The organic cotton used to make their garments is grown without harmful insecticides and pesticides. What’s great about this brand is that each product on their website tells you how much CO2 was prevented, how many litres of water was conserved and how much waste was prevented compared to conventional fabrics and traditional clothing manufacture practices.

Prices start from around £30

Cotton & Push www.cottonandpush.com

Instagram @cottonandpush

Cotton & Plush make lingerie out of certified organic natural fibres. Their website states, ‘We wanted to find alluring, comfortable, skin friendly and eco-friendly lingerie….we were determined to pair nature with style.’ Their small collection certainly delivers just that with gorgeous classic pieces and some great nightwear options too. 

They also claim to work with just two suppliers of organic fabrics and ‘do not purchase any fibre that is not either GOTA or OEKO Tex Certified.’ This means that no pesticides are used in the growing of the cotton used to make their lingerie, preventing villages where the cotton growing takes place from being at risk of toxic chemical pesticides. 

Prices start from around £30

You Underwear www.youunderwear.com

Instagram @youunderwearuk

You Underwear claim to be good for you, good for people and good for the planet. They make all their underwear with organic cotton for a super soft feel. And they have men’s and women’s options available in classic styles. Their bras are non-wired, which provides a comfortable finish. 

A positive message is found in every pair of pants, which gives a cute touch, and all products are delivered in a reusable organic cotton bag. They’re also against airbrushing which is a positive!

Prices from £12

Woron www.woronstore.com

Instagram @woronstore

This Scandinavian brand is ‘vegan, cruelty free and a slow fashion brand.’ Every piece of underwear they make is crafted from Modal; a fine smooth fibre made from beech wood. Woron states that the fabric is more resistant to shrinking, fading and greying than cotton. 

They are Vegan approved by PETA and products range from adjustable bras that provide a natural shape to fun, lace camisoles. Woron also have great loungewear for ultimate relaxation.

Prices start from around £30

Studio Pia www.studiopia.co.uk

Instagram @studio.pia

Sustainable can definitely be sexy, and Studio Pia proves that. Their fashion-led collection is ‘ethically crafted in the UK and Europe.’ Their garments are made from peace silk which is non-violent silk breeding and harvesting, cultivated organically without pesticides or genetic sprays. With everything from suspenders to bodysuits Studio Pia has it all.

They state that their products are manufactured by workers who receive a living wage in working conditions with high standards, and their products are shipped in cardboard and recycled tissue paper, which is a bonus.

Prices start at around £70

From comfortable to luxurious, it’s clear to see that there are plenty of options for stainable women’s underwear in the UK, and there are styles available for men too. But, let’s not forget the best action we can take in becoming more sustainable is changing our shopping habits and buying less. I’m not asking everyone to walk around with holes in their underwear, but next time we’re at the shops, ask ourselves, do we really need these?

Ah, that monthly cycle that nobody looks forward to. Period. Around 2 billion of us experience them every month, yet periods remain a taboo subject. They aren’t talked about openly, and many people, women included, often refer to the monthly cycle as ‘that time of the month’. Whilst society is seeking more sustainable ways of living across fashion, diet and zero waste living, periods are falling behind. 

Look at pop culture, you have to dig deep to see even a glimpse of period references. For instance, in the Fifty Shades of Grey novel, there’s the famous scene where Grey pulls out a tampon from Steele’s body, but this scene was left out of the Hollywood film adaptation.  Instances where periods are talked about in the mainstream tend to be linked to comedy or horror. With all this in mind, and the societal ‘period shaming’ that makes women feel the need to be secretive and hide their period, there’s no wonder periods aren’t getting the airtime they deserve in sustainability. It’s not harder or more costly to be period savvy, it’s you just have to do your own research and be prepared to speak out to find alternatives.

How many tampons does the average woman use in a year?

Most of us have been brought up to manage our periods the disposable way, through tampons and pads. With busy lifestyles, tampons are an easy go-to. Throw them away, pop them in the sanitary bin (or, in some cases, down the loo) and that’s done with. But it doesn’t end there. 

The average menstrator throws away up to 200kg of menstrual products in a lifetime. A year’s worth of disposable menstrual products leaves a carbon footprint go 5.3kg Co2. (1) It was also revealed that 4.8 menstrual items were found for every 100 metres of beach across the UK. That’s staggering. And it’s not just the waste we’re creating that we should be concerned about. Although tampon manufacturers and the FDA reassure that tampons are safe to use, toxic ingredients found in tampons shouldn't be ignored. Tampons contain alcohols, fragrance additives, hydrocarbons that produce dioxins and other endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s). With all of this is mind it’s time we enlightened ourselves to the issue - because no-one else wants to do it for us.

Alternatives to tampons and pads

Luckily for us and society there are plenty of alternatives to tampons and towels. To make it easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of them all here:

Dame // www.wearedame.co

Instagram @dameforgood

Dame is the creator of the world’s first reusable tampon applicator, named D. D is made of Mediprene® by UK medical engineers, which is BPA free, leak free, and built for life. Antibacterial Sanipolymers® inside the Mediprene® act as natural sterilisers, helping the product to stay clean. 

How do you use the D? 

Pop a Dame organic tampon in the D and simply use as you would a standard applicator, but don’t throw the applicator away! Wash the applicator under running water and dry clean with a paper towel ready for the next time.

Dame also has a whole suite of sustainable products including organic cotton tampons, which are free from toxins and synthetic materials. They claim that ‘Your D could save another 12,000 disposable applicators from entering our oceans.’

Prices start from £8.50

Mooncup // www.mooncup.co.uk

Instagram @mooncupltd

The Mooncup is so far removed from the tampons we’re used to, and has so many positives. It’s made from soft, medical-grade silicone creating real comfort. Unlike a tampon, the Mooncup is non-absorbent so it won’t dry you out or leave fibres behind. It also holds 3x more than a regular tampon, giving you longer-lasting protection. It’ll for up to ten years, paying for itself.

So how does the Mooncup work?

Once the Mooncup is inside it opens up and forms a light seal with the vaginal wall which holds it in place. It sits lower than a tampon and is taken out using the 5cm-long stem. It can be emptied, rinsed and reinserted every four eight hours.

The Mooncup costs £21.99

Period Pants

Ok, when I first started my research into sustainable periods I wasn’t expecting to find out about period pants. But there are so many options available.

Period pants look and feel just like normal underwear, so you don’t have to deal with the bulk and discomfort that comes with using pads. They come with a special layer that stops blood from seeping through, replacing the need for pads, tampons and liners. Let’s take a look at the options available for period pants:

Thinx // www.shethinx.com

Instagram @shethinx

Thinx period pants come in so many styles including hiphuggers, boyshorts and hi-waist options. Each style gives a different absorbency level, starting from 2 regular tampons worth up to 4 regular tampons. Each style can be worn to back-up tampons, to wear on lighter flow days, or used alone, without the use of any tampon or pad.

Simply wear like normal pants. Thinx are washable, reusable, and easy to care for. Rinse, wash them separately, or with the rest of your laundry, steering clear of bleach and fabric softener and hang dry.

Prices from £18.84

Cheeky Wipes // www.cheekywipes.com

Instagram @cheekywipes

Cheeky Wipes sell a whole host of sustainable products, from period pants to make-up removing pads. Their period pant styles range from pretty and lace designed to simple and functional. The Cheeky Wipes’ pants are moisture wicking, highly absorbent and are made with breathable fabric. Choose from pants designed for heavy flow days to lighter days.

Cheeky Wipes’ period pants are machine washable on cold (maximum 30 degrees). They recommend not using bleach or fabric softener or putting them in the tumble dryer.

Prices start from £8

Period subscription service

Period subscription services are a great way to celebrate the period. And there are some great eco-friendly options out there. Although subscription services don’t hold the same sustainability as the Mooncup or the D, they do provide the option of a greener way to manage your periods.

&Sisters // www.andsisters.co.uk

Instagram @andsistersuk

&Sisters’ subscription boxes allow you to personalise your period, letting you choose the types of tampons and pads tailored to your flow. Simply choose your plan and they’ll send it out to you in pretty, letter box-sized, eco-friendly packaging.

Their eco-applicator tampons are made from biodegradable cardboard applicators. The tampon insert is crafted from 100% pure natural organic cotton fibres and cotton thread with no synthetics, no harmful chemicals and no perfumes. Their pads are made with varying high levels of organic cotton and biodegradable biopolymer. Also, 10% of their profits are donated to help tackle period poverty across the globe.

Prices start from £1.50

TOTM // www.totm.com

Instagram @totmorganic

‘We’ll deliver your favourite products to your door in line with your menstrual cycle.’ TOTM use 100% organic cotton, certified by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS). It’s a cruelty-free brand with a range registered with The Vegan Society. You can purchase everything from applicator tampons to menstrual cups, opting for individual tampons or a full subscription service. 

Whilst organic cotton and paper wrapped tampons aren’t fully sustainable, as ultimately it all ends in landfill, they are certainly are safer way to manage your periods. 

Periods have a way to go before bring normalised in society but that doesn’t mean we can’t go against the grain. These brands are helping to fly the flag for periods, celebrate them and embrace eco-friendly alternatives to standard tampons and pads. 

REFERENCES

(1) Women’s Environmental Network

How the Winter Youth Olympics is adapting to climate change 

Climate change is snow joke. And my time at the Winter Youth Olympic Games held in Lausanne, Switzerland early this month was a stark reminder. 

It occurred to me just how much effects of climate change could impact the future of the Winter Olympics. I did some research – this wasn’t just a dystopian prediction for a few hundred years’ time -  there’s rigorous research that shows by 2050 many of the existing host nations of the Winter Olympics (9 of the 21 analysed), may be too warm for snow, and to even host them again.  

In real terms, it means that within the lifespan of every single youth Olympian that’s been in Lausanne, as few as one-third of host venues would remain as viable options to run outdoor events. 

That itself throws up wider issues. Young, hopeful Olympic athletes that are in the early stages of their career may, in just a handful of years, struggle to find places to train. These are the ones who will be hit hardest as frozen lakes stay flowing and ski hills stay slushy.  Some ski resorts in the USA have been predicted to see a 50 percent drop in season length by 2050 and 80 percent by 2090. If this offers a glimpse of how the rest of the world will be affected, we are in big trouble.

Finding solutions goes beyond the events themselves, although we’ve seen enforced by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the Games. As the Olympic cauldron was lit in Lausanne earlier this month to mark the start of the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games, it used eco-friendly fuel for the first time. A symbolic choice and a signal of its commitment to making this one the most sustainable games yet. 

I managed to catch Virginie Faivre, President of the Lausanne Youth Olympic Games, to get her take on sustainability measures this year.

Some other steps include: 

-       Speed skating on a natural lake which happened to be located about 5 hours from Lausaane, in St Moritz, whilst biathlon and Ski Jumping were in France to avoid the environmental implications of building more infrastructure for single use purposes. 

-       The Olympic village which housed 1,800 athletes over two weeks was designed with student accommodation in mind, helping add value and improve economy in the area

-       Everyone involved in the Olympics  across the Suisse Romande region – from athletes and coaches to media and spectators – were given lanyards (not plastic free, sadly, but we’re all about progress not perfection) that provided access to the entire public transport system in Lausanne – buses, trains and trams to reduce congestion on the roads and limit the associated emissions.

-       Pre-existing infrastructure has been redeveloped for winter sport activities. The Vaudoise Arena – which housed the Youth Olympic ice hockey and the Opening Ceremony, was already part of the region’s long-term development goals. Its renovation was accelerated in order to be ready on time for the YOG. It will remain as the new home of Lausanne Hockey Club and used for future sports events, including the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.

Of course, this alone doesn’t protect our winters or secure the future of the winter Olympics, but it does set a standard for international sporting events and illustrates the action-based approach IOC is taking the issue of sustainability – and that’s a step in the right direction.

Note: My travel to Switzerland was carbon offset by the IOC with EasyJet offset scheme.

Arctic mining, fracking, arms dealing, nuclear weapon production. It sounds like the shopping list of James Bond villain, but what if I told you that the money sat in your bank account right now is probably funding all these activities?

If you bank with any these guys…

HSBC

Barclays

Royal Bank fo Scotland (includes Natwest)

Santander

Lloyds

… and I bet my reusable coffee cup that most of you do if you’re UK based (collectively these banks have 80% market share in the UK), then it’s time you knew the truth.

These banks use YOUR money to fund unethical, carbon intensive and financially risky projects all over the world. Chasing profit at the expense of the planet and human health is easy when you’re not required by law to publicly declare how shady your spending is - so it’s time to untangle this mess ourselves.

Whilst you’ve been innocently squirrelling away for your dream holiday, or a deposit for your first home, or just to have some cash set aside for a rainy day, your bank has been investing it everything from UK fracking sites and American oil pipeline to Colombian coal mines.

It’s not just happening in the UK. Since the 2015 Paris Agreement was signed, 33 leading banks globally have poured $1.9 trillion to the fossil fuel industry, and $600 billion was invested in 100 companies most aggressively expanding fossil fuels. So if you don’t bank with any of these culprits, do your research.

Here’s a snapshot of ways these big banks have been complicit in climate change - focusing on the last few years only. All these figures are as recent as I can find but are not 100% up to date. Why? Because, well, it’s not easy to access recent figures on the ethics of banking when they aren’t obligated to provide them!

Barclays:
Barclays is the biggest funder of fossil fuel infrastructure in Europe. It’s claimed that between 2012-2017, Barclays bankrolled 15 fossil fuel companies with more than £22.6 billion, including corporations pushing plans to develop the UK’s fracking industry. Barclays has supported the hugely controversial North Dakota Access Pipeline - a 1,172-mile-long underground oil pipeline that cuts through land in the United States, impacts indigenous communities, affects the quality of drinking water puts wildlife at risk, not to mention it’s significant contribution to climate change. It’s also The application for the pipeline was made in 2014 approved in 2016 - AFTER the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 by almost every nation including the UK to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Barclays has invested in North Yorkshire’s fracking plans - although this wasn’t approved by UK government and over the last two year its shelled out $5 billion in the nuclear weapons.

HSBC:
HSBC spent over £7.7 billion from 2014 - 2016 on dirty investments including tar sands exploration and deepwater drilling for oil in the Arctic. In 2019 HSBC launched a PR campaign to announce it would ‘mostly’ stop bankrolling unethical companies working on coal plants and arctic drills in high-income countries. We celebrated - for a moment - until it was revealed they had simultaneously created a deliberate loophole in its energy policy that allows them to fund coal plants across countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam - all in the global south on the frontline of climate change. The commitment made to cut tar sands exploration ‘over time’ without any specific goal for completion is loose at best too. Reality is that HSBC is one of the biggest backsliders in banking having increased its investments by $2.6 billion from 2016 to 2017.

Santander:
Santander has escalated spending in fossil fuels too. In 2014 investments stood at $574 million and this increased to a whopping $2.24 billion by 2016 - again after the Paris Agreement. Spending in ultra-deepwater mining (one of the most extreme fossil fuel extraction methods) was the most significant area of growth from $290 million in 2014 to $1.82 billion in 2016. Santander not only demonstrates support the fossil fuel by investing, it’s also aiding its expansion despite claims to support the Paris Agreement. Santander also maintains over 21 subsidiaries in tax havens, suggesting its involvement with tax avoidance plans.

RBS
The Royal Bank of Scotland (which incorporates NatWest) is 62% publicly owned. Evidence shows it has invested over $4 billion into fossil fuels since the Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2015, directly contradicting the Government’s objectives to curb climate change. RBS has shares in companies involved in unsustainable palm oil deforestation and claims of serious workers’ and human rights issues. In 2018 the bank announced new energy lending policies that excluded Arctic oil drilling and oil sands exploration plus fossil fuel lending by RBS in the last couple years has fallen considerably but their track record reinforces skepticism - we can only celebrate their changes once they’ve been made permanent and specifically exclude financing fossil fuels.

Lloyds:
Last but not least, Lloyds Bank put almost £3 million into nuclear weapon production companies between 2014 - 2017 and has been linked to funding companies selling arms to Isreal, fuelling a massive humanitarian crisis (HSBC and RBS have also been caught up in this).

What can we do about it?

Whilst most of our major banks have recently announced commitments to reducing finances that support carbon intensive, financially risky and environmentally catastrophic fossil fuel projects, we’re not feeling the urgency. Don’t be fooled by the squeaky clean image they are trying to build as they slowly build portfolios of clean, renewable and sustainable initiatives. Their actions (or lack of!) since the Paris Agreement accord was signed clearly demonstrates a lack of genuine intention to revolutionise their efforts for the sake of people and planet.

An IPCC report on Global Warming estimates that we need to invest $2.4 trillion per year up in clean energy to 2035 to have impact. We don’t have time to stand by whilst the finance sector profits from destroying the planet, leaving us to feel the environmental backlash. Our money has the power to change the world, and we need to act.

Triodos, hailed as the pioneer of ethical banking, screens out companies that are harmful to people and planet before making investments. It finances companies which it thinks add cultural value and benefits society and the environment - and all its reporting is transparent so you can see where every penny goes. Ethical Consumer has investigated, scored and ranked the ethical and environmental record of 29 current accounts so you can find a bank that aligns with your values.

If changing banks isn’t an option then hold your current one to account for its investments. Visit your local branch and speak to the manager. Find out where your money is going, demand transparency and ask for your concerns to be escalated. Put pressure on your bank to divest from funding from unethical projects, weapons manufacturing and arms dealing. You have a right to know (and say) where YOUR money is invested.

Ultimately we need to take control of our money. Make sure it’s invested in places that align with a world you want to live in and a future you want to leave behind.

Other resources:

People and Planet has launched a campaign to divest Barclays and have been staging peaceful protests around the UK in 2019 with more planned in 2020.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also incredibly wasteful. Thankfully there’s still a slow but steady rise in the demand of experiences over stuff, but can we do more? If you’re about to embark on a pre-Christmas shopping spree, here’s a few eco-friendly gift ideas to spark your imagination.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS - THE FACTS

We receive over 60 million unwanted Christmas presents in the UK every year.

Around 30 million of these are not returned, and one in 10 are expected to end up in landfill.

ECO FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR ADULTS

ARTIVISM:
There’s loads of wonderful collaborations with brands and charities, including this one with the The Guardian and Friends of the Earth, who have to released a series of activism- inspired prints this Christmas. More than half of profits are donated back to Friends of the Earth.

DONATIONS:
If you don’t need anything for Christmas but family and friends are insisting that they have to buy for you, ask them to make a donation to a charitable cause.

Here’s a few ideas:
Adopt and orphaned elephant with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (my foster son is called Jasiri and I adore getting my monthly updates).
WWF has penguin or polar bear adoption programmes and other organisations like Cool Earth are doing a lot of work on climate change through deforestation initiatives with local communities. Perhaps you want to support something environmental? The non-profit I set up, Plastic Patrol, puts all donations towards our clean up efforts globally. Or help lift African families out of poverty and use the money you’d spend on a present to donate chickens to a community in rural Africa through the Send a Cow charity.

REFURBISHED TECH:
ignore the stigma, refurbished and pre-owned tech or devices are the way forward. Not only does it save a shed load of cash, it’s so much better for the environment than buying new. For example, a brand spanker of an iPhone X will have produced the equivalent of 79 kg of carbon dioxide emissions during its compilation. 80 percent of energy comes from the production, while about 15 percent is down to usage over the 18 months people usually keep their phone before replacing it. Refurbished tech looks almost identical to brand new and usually comes with a manufactures warranty too for extra peace of mind, so there’s literally no excuse.

GO PLASTIC FREE:
it’s a lovely idea to gift people with plastic free, zero waste alternatives but these are only sustainable if they are actually needed. Swapping one perfectly useable item for another one made more sustainably doesn't make it better for the environment. Every single purchase comes with an environmental cost, so choose wisely. Sustainability is only sustainable when its replace something that no longer works, otherwise it’s still an act of unnecessary consumerism. The Kind Store has lots of great ideas from skincare, toiletries, jewellery and homeware - all zero waste, all vegan and all ethical. Give the gift of green for another plastic free present idea - house plants. Patch Plants has a huge selection and offers a delivery service.

ACTS OF KINDNESS:
Love doesn't have to be displayed in the form of material things, consider offering something equally thoughtful but less environmentally impactful buy exchanging Kindness vouchers instead of gifts. You choose what you’re willing to offer - wash up the dishes for a week, play taxi driver after a night out or offer to do the gardening. Download a template here, or go a step further and make your own voucher for an extra personal touch.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Spotify, Audible, Netflix, Patreon - they are all subscription services for content and are always welcome. They save the waste generated by physical gifts and with the breadth of content available digitally, it’s easy to tailor choices specifically to the interest of loved on.