I'm a freelance writer and sustainable living enthusiast. I work with ethical brands and love writing informative articles that inspire others to take steps towards a greener, fairer future.
Is Linen More Eco Friendly Than Cotton? Why Linen Is a Must-Have for Your Sustainable Wardrobe
Best known for its cool, airy properties, linen is a popular choice for warm summer days and holidays abroad. Linen is also widely considered to be a sustainable fabric. But is linen more eco friendly than cotton? We take a look and find out whether investing in this earth-friendly fibre is a good idea.
Linen is made from the flax plant, a blue-flowered plant that grows especially well in Western Europe. (Belgium and France are major producers). It’s one of the oldest known fibres in the worl...
Biophilic Design: Bringing The Outdoors In
What Is Biophilia?
Translated from its Greek roots as ‘the love of living things', the term biophilia is used to describe humankind’s innate, biological connection with nature. It helps to explain why walking through woodland can help us feel relaxed and rejuvenated, why mountain views uplift and inspire and why the sound of waves lapping gently on the shore can instil a sense of calm and wellbeing. We intuitively understand that being outdoors in nature is good for us and a growing body of research demonstrates that contact with nature can improve our physical and mental health. It can boost
HELP END CHILD LABOUR: 22 BRANDS COMMITTED TO CHILD LABOUR FREE CLOTHING
Child labour is, sadly and unknown to many, endemic in the fashion industry. Complex, interwoven supply chains make traceability a major challenge. We take a look at the issues involved and list 22 of our favourite child labour free clothing brands.
ETHICAL RUNNING SHOES: 15 BRANDS GOING AN EXTRA MILE FOR THE PLANET
It’s important to find the right pair of running shoes. Shoes that will enable you to run comfortably and safely and help you reach your personal fitness goals.
But what about ethics? Is it possible to find trainers that tick all the performance boxes AND tread lightly on the planet, people and animals? If you’re on the hunt for a pair of ethical running shoes then this article’s for you.
The Beauty and Benefits of Natural Dyes
Natural dyes are making a comeback. As the health and environmental impacts of synthetic dyes become more widely reported, many farmers, designers and textile producers are returning to age-old methods of colouring cloth. Natural dyes are safer, gentler on the planet and can enhance our well-being through reconnecting us with the natural world.
Recycled Polyester Fabric: Have These 10 Brands Found a Solution to Plastic Pollution?
You’ve probably seen the words ‘recycled polyester’ popping up on clothing labels and heard the merits being spoken about by brands who are on a mission to be more eco-friendly. But what exactly is recycled polyester fabric, how is it made and is it really the eco-conscious solution to plastic pollution that it’s cracked up to be? Good Maker Tales takes a look.
Ethical Cosmetics: How to Choose Products That are Kind to People, Animals and the Environment
Vegan nail polish? Organic shampoo? Fair trade lipstick?
There are so many products out there marketed as “vegan”, “natural”, “organic”, and “fair-trade”, but what do these words mean and how can we be sure that these products really are what they say they are?
Beyond Organic: Restoring the Land and Communities with Regenerative Textiles — ECOSOPHY
At Ecosophy, we’re passionate about responsible textile production. We choose to work with growers and producers who adopt organic and sustainable practices as well as ensuring fair and safe conditions for their workers. Recently, we’ve been finding out more about regenerative agriculture and its potential to transform our fibre systems, rebuilding soil and water health to leave the environment in a better state for future generations.
Boosting Biodiversity in Building Projects - The Role of Wildflower Meadows
Housing developers can play a key role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Wildflower meadows are a low cost, low maintenance, landscaping solution for boosting biodiversity in building projects, providing essential habitat for wildlife and providing communities with much-valued green space.
It’s estimated that we need to build around 340,00 new homes each year to address the UK housing shortage. We also need to build more homes for wildlife. Are these two needs at odds with each other ...
Air Purifying Plants – Using NASA Research to choose Plants for a Healthy Home
Research shows that we may be exposed to significantly more pollution indoors than we are outside. One of the many benefits of house plants is that they offer an easy and effective way to improve indoor air quality.
Get Closer to Nature - Simple, Fun Ways to Attract More Wildlife into Your Garden
Stuck for activities during lockdown? Why not have a go at making your own bee hotel or building a mini wildlife pond. There are lots of great ways you can encourage more wildlife into your garden and they come with a whole host of rewards for gardeners and nature-lovers alike. Sometimes the best way to attract wildlife is to do less, not more! Cutting your lawn less will mean a proliferation of native wildflowers including daisies, dandelions and clover - all great forage for our precious po...
The Power of Cycling to Transform Lives
Freedom. Fresh air. Fitness.
There are so many reasons we love cycling.
And for some people, cycling really is life changing.
The power of cycling to transform lives is understood by the people at Wheels For All (WFA), an initiative at the forefront of bringing inclusive cycling activities to local communities. With over 50 centres across the UK and more on the way, Wheels for All is the largest network of inclusive cycling centres in the county.
Tiny Trees: An Introduction to the Art of Bonsai
Bonsai gardening is a horticultural art form that involves growing and training miniature trees. Gardening, in all its forms, dates back to ancient times. But where did this particular art form come from and why is it still so popular today?
If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the art of bonsai or contemplating buying your first ‘tiny tree’, read on for more information and tips on how to start.
What is Bonsai?
The word ‘bonsai’ in Japanese means ‘tray planting’, an art form that ...
Get Your Garden Buzzing - Create a Bee-Friendly Garden This Spring!
Bees and other pollinators are an essential part of our ecosystems. Many of our food crops depend on insect pollination yet pollinators are in steep decline due to shrinking habitats, the loss of flowering plants and the use of agrochemicals including pesticides. Gardens are extremely important havens for pollinators and whatever the size of your outside space, you can help by growing plants that are rich in nectar and pollen as well as providing a safe habitat. Here are seven ways you can he...
Bespoke Cast Iron Guttering for Chiltern Firehouse
Heritage cast iron specialist Tuscan Foundry supplies custom-made guttering for a new project at the Chiltern Firehouse. Managing Director Paul Stenning discusses the advantages of working with this traditional material.
A must-visit destination on the London restaurant and A-list scene, the prestigious Chiltern Firehouse is a restaurant and boutique hotel occupying the Grade II listed building of the former Marylebone Fire station. Built in 1889, the iconic building was one of the first purp...