Get Glowing: Aurelia's Guide to Sun-kissed Skin

Take a look at our Beauty Buyer, Aurelia’s favourite bronzers, self-tans and accessories, each designed to help you mimic that fresh-off-a-holiday glow, without stepping off a plane.

 

 

MADARA FAKE IT Healthy Glow Self Tan Serum

 

MADARA FAKE IT’s self-tan serum is a vegan formula designed to give pale skin a subtle, healthy glow. With a light texture and a pleasant, uplifting scent, the MADARA serum is best applied overnight, just before your usual moisturiser. As well as offering a subtle, buildable glow, this serum also works to hydrate and plump up the skin - as it’s unique blend of natural ingredients includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
 

Hydrea Gloves

 

 

For best results from any tinted body lotions or self-tan formulas, it’s best to prep and exfoliate the skin beforehand. Skip any regular scented scrubs, or soaps, as they can create a moisturised barrier on the skin which will result in blotchy, irregular tan. Instead, use a dry skin brush, or an exfoliating mitt in the shower. We particularly enjoy the Carbonised Hydrea gloves, as these textured gloves are made from breathable bamboo and have natural antibacterial properties.
 

Sunless Glow, Evolve

 

 

Sunless Glow by Evolve is a gradual tanner that works to nourish and moisturise the skin at the same time. Perfect for those of us who are looking for a fake tan but don’t regularly use self-tan products, Sunless Glow removes the need to exfoliate or prep the skin beforehand, as it soaks into the skin exactly how it is, with minimal effort required. Packed with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, papaya and shea butter, Evolve’s Sunless Glow helps you achieve a natural-looking, silky glow all whilst nourishing skin and leaving it perfectly hydrated.
 

Fushi Vitamin E Skin Oil

 

If you’re a regular tanner and are looking for an oil to apply to tougher areas to achieve all-over, even, fake-tan coverage, then Fushi’s Vitamin E Skin Oil is the product to invest in. Apply to elbows, knees, ankles or other troublesome areas before tan application to achieve the best results. Fushi’s vitamin E oil acts as a hydrating, smooth barrier and stops the tan from catching, as it does regularly on usual scrubs or moisturisers. Carry on keeping your skin hydrated post-application with this nourishing oil to maintain a healthy glow and get the most out of your tan. 
 

Ere Perez Bronzer in Roma

For an easy-to-apply, warm glow, Ere Perez’s bronzer/blush duo is an excellent option. We absolutely love the colour of this bronzer and it works well on all skin tones to build up a dewy, sunkissed glow. This finely milled, pigmented duo builds up on the skin beautifully and has no orange undertones or needless shimmer to worry about. Wear alone and sweep evenly across the face and decolletage for buildable, beautiful colour, or wear atop of foundation for extra full-coverage warmth.

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The Benefits of Vitamin D and How To Get Enough

Whilst most of the UK spends more time indoors, either distancing or working from home, it’s imperative to make sure you’re still getting enough vitamin D.

Lucy Browne, Health & Bodycare team member and qualified nutritionist from Planet Organic’s Queen’s Park branch, talks us through the importance of vitamin D and explains why we need it, how we get it and how best to introduce vitamin D supplements into our daily routines.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and hormone. Almost all human cells contain vitamin D receptors, thus its functions are widespread. The action of vitamin D is unique in that it can influence our genetic material. Evidence suggests that vitamin D regulates up to 200 key human genes.

What are the Functions of Vitamin D? 

• Supports strong immunity by providing potent anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Possesses powerful mood-enhancing properties.
• Regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

What is the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D exists in two forms, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Animal dietary sources contain vitamin D3, whereas plant dietary sources contain vitamin D2. “The Sunshine Vitamin” UVB sun rays convert provitamin D (cholesterol) present in human skin into vitamin D3. Thus, vitamin D is also referred to as "the sunshine vitamin".

Which is the Preferred Form of Vitamin D?

To reap the many rewards of vitamin D, we need to maintain optimal blood levels. The preferred form of vitamin D is D3, this is because it is more effective than D2 at raising blood levels of vitamin D. What is the Unit of Measure for Vitamin D? Vitamin D is expressed in either international units (IU) or micrograms (mcg or μg). 1 IU of vitamin D equates to 0.025 mcg. Conversely, 1 mcg of vitamin D equates to 40 IU. This is true regardless of its origin (plant, animal, sun).

What are the Drawbacks of Plant Dietary Sources?

Mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D, which is in the unfavourable form of vitamin D2. Mushrooms exposed to UVB light (100g) = 400 IU. UVB-exposed baker's yeast contains vitamin D2, but has shown poor bioavailability. As you can see it is near impossible to maintain a healthy vitamin D status through plant sources alone.

What are the Drawbacks of Animal Dietary Sources?

The amount of vitamin D3 per animal dietary source is low. The highest source being wild-caught salmon (100g) = 988 IU. Thus, to reach an adult (>18) daily dose of 2000 IU, from animal dietary sources alone, proves to be difficult. What are the Drawbacks of Vitamin D from Sunlight? Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D3 for humans, compared to dietary sources.

Although, many factors affect our ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.

• Time of Day: Evidence suggests that vitamin D is best produced at midday. This is because UVB rays are most intense and the body is more receptive to producing vitamin D at midday.
• Colour of Our Skin: Melanin is a pigment within the skin that determines skin colour. It acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting our skin from harsh UV rays. Thus, people with darker skin need more time in direct sunlight than people with lighter skin. About 30 minutes to three hours longer, to produce the same amount of vitamin D.
• Amount of Skin Exposed: The more skin exposed to sunlight the more vitamin D you can produce. To meet your daily needs of vitamin D about a third of your skin needs to be in direct sunlight. This equates to exposing your face, arms and lower limbs.
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen contains compounds that block sunlight, exposing the skin to fewer UV rays. Sunscreen has been shown to block UVB rays, inhibiting vitamin D synthesis. Although the long-term impact of sunscreen on our vitamin D status remains inconclusive it is always important to wear sunscreen with the appropriate SPF to protect your skin.
• Time of Year: People living in the UK often cannot produce enough vitamin D during the winter (October – March). This is because the strength of the sun is of insufficient UV wavelength.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation

Vegans and vegetarians have no other choice than to utilise the sun to meet their daily needs. This is because plant sources are scarce and are only in the unfavourable form of vitamin D2. To keep your levels within an optimal range, it is wise to consider taking a vitamin D supplement. This is because many factors affect our ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D supplements are also essential for those abstaining from sun exposure. As well as for those who do not consume enough vitamin D3 rich foods. Other high-risk groups include; pregnant women, the elderly and people with obesity.

How Much Vitamin D Should You Be Taking in a Supplement?

Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Recommendation (>18 years): 5000 IU daily for 2 months followed by a maintenance dose of 2000 IU daily.

Daily Requirements for Different Age Groups:

• 0-1 years: 400-1000 IU
• 1-18 years: 600-1000 IU
• >18 years: 1500-2000 IU

What is the Difference Between Vitamin D Capsules and Liquids?

Liquid supplements may be better absorbed, especially for people with compromised digestive systems. Capsules are very useful to disguise unpleasant tastes. Essentially it boils down to personal preference.
 

Popular Capsules:

 

Wild Nutrition Vitamin D3 

Together Health Vitamin D3

 

Popular Liquids:

 

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 Drops

Natures Answer Vitamin D3 Drops

These two liquid Vitamin D drops are two of our best-selling products, however, my personal preference is the Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 Drops. This is a highly stable oil, making it an excellent carrier for fat-soluble Vitamin D3. The dose of Vitamin D per drop is suitable for all ages, making it easy for you to manipulate your personal dose depending on your age, blood levels and subsequent daily needs. Since there are 750 servings per bottle, it’s perfect for the whole family to share.

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GIMBER's Alcohol Free Cocktails

 

Sweet and sour is overrated…
make your mocktails sweet and pack a punch!

Add some freshness to your favourite alcohol-free summer cocktails with this fragrant pineapple mocktail recipe, brought to us by GIMBER. GIMBER is an organic concentrate based on the finest, organic, Peruvian ginger. It is hugely versatile and can be enjoyed with sparkling water, hot water, in cocktails and in mocktail recipes. It was founded by Dimitri, an animation series producer, who went from event to event with only alcohol or sweet soft drinks available. That’s when he started looking for a drink alternative that could spice up his taste buds - without making his head spin!

Since he couldn’t find one, he created it himself - GIMBER. Using only the finest ingredients, organic lemon juice, a little water and a secret blend of herbs and spices, GIMBER’s completely natural ginger drinks offer a bite that can be enjoyed at any occasion, any time of the day.

Sweet and Powerful GIMBER Pineapple Mocktail

Ingredients

• 1 Organic Pineapple
• 30ml of GIMBER
• 150ml soda water/tonic
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• Ice cubes

Method

1.  
2. 1. Blend the pineapple.
3.  
4. 2. Halfway fill two glasses with ice cubes.
5.  
6. 3. Mix the pineapple juice and GIMBER together in a cocktail shaker and mix well.
7.  
8. 4. Top with sparkling water/tonic.
9.  
10. 5. Serve and enjoy!
11.  

Optional: serve with a sprig of rosemary for a savoury twist.

 

Featured in GIMBER's pineapple cocktail recipe

 

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Vegan Friendly Skincare Supplements

Our beauty buyer, Aurelia Ziomek, talks us through the vegan-friendly skincare supplements she uses all year round to achieve a radiant, healthy glow. Keep reading as Aurelia shares her advice on how best to navigate through the buzzwords and choose the right supplements for your lifestyle.
 

Omega for anti-inflammatory benefits

My all-time favourite beauty supplement is a good quality omega oil and I often switch between omega 3, evening primrose and flaxseed oil depending on my hormones. Recently I’ve been loving the Natural Traditions Ahiflower Oil, as it’s a great source of bioavailable omega that converts well into EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, a long-chain fatty acid) and doesn’t come from fish, so it’s suitable for those following a vegan diet. Omega has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which work to keep your skin looking bright and refreshed.

Supplements for acne-prone skin 
 

If my acne-prone skin needs a little more help I reach for the Viridian Clear Skin Complex. This two capsules-a-day supplement features a formulated-blend of targeted botanicals, including zinc, burdock root and probiotic, which all have properties designed to help diminish the appearance of skin imperfections. I try to stick with the Clear Skin complex for at least six weeks, to really see the results.

Gut-health for skin-health

I noticed a real difference in my skin when I began to add probiotics into my skincare routine. One of the first brands I discovered to focus on gut health for skin health is Aussie born Beauty Chef. Their range of bio-fermented, probiotic-rich superfood products are designed to improve gut health and enhance the skin from within. My favourite product from Beauty Chef is the Glow Powder. I often add a scoop of this to my morning smoothie as an easy way to implement more vitamins into my daily routine. I also combine this powder with plant-based collagen, as our levels of collagen begin to decline as we age.

Collagen supplements

Collagen is the latest buzzword in beauty but it’s actually the most abundant protein in the body. It works like scaffolding for our skin giving it structure and making it firm and supple. I can see the difference in how plump and glowing my skin is by eating a high-protein plant-based diet and taking a minimum 1g of vitamin C. This, combined with the Sun Warrior Collagen Building Protein, gives me all the necessary amino acids and nutrients my body needs to help with collagen production.

Chlorophyll for skin texture

My latest top-tip for glowing skin is Chlorophyll. If you don’t juice or don’t have the time to fit juicing into a regular routine, it’s a perfect alternative. Chlorophyll is a rich green pigment that gives plants and algae their colour and it might also help to purify the blood. My favourite Chlorophyll is the KIKI Health Liquid Chlorophyll, as this bioavailable liquid form is an entirely natural plant-based supplement and is completely free of preservatives, fillers or any nasty artificial ingredients. It also has a sweet, naturally-vibrant taste and after a few weeks of adding it to my water, my skin tone and texture look noticeably improved.

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REN Calming Skincare Routine

Maintaining a regular skincare routine in lockdown has been difficult for all of us - take a look at our latest Blog Post at Planet Organic speaking to David Delport from REN skincare, as he gives us the rundown on his favourite calming skincare routine.

REN is a firm favourite with us at Planet Organic for their seriously effective range of natural and environmentally conscious skincare. David Delport, REN’s global product expert, walks us through how to wake up to calmer, glowing skin in lockdown.
 

Lockdown mornings have been difficult for all of us - routines have changed, we flip between feeling alright and just plain not, and we’re finding our skin is reflecting these changes in quite a dramatic way. As our largest two-way sensory organ, it stands to reason that what we feel is quickly reflected in our skin, and I for one can’t seem to remember a time I didn’t wake up tired, puffy in the face, and just a little worse for wear.

During these unsettled mornings it’s best to treat our skin with a bit more kindness, especially as the stress hormone cortisol is higher around that time, and so is puffiness and dark circles relating to histamine reactions from seasonal allergies.

Here is my tried and tested skin-saving routine to calm, de-puff, and protect your skin for the day ahead - while leaving you looking glowing and (reasonably!) more radiant.

Step One:

Apply the Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Cleanser using deep, meaningful movements. This oil-to-milk cleanser is perfect for creating a great slide on the skin for your morning facial massage. This is an important step to activate the lymphatic system and to start the de-puffing process. It will also instant smooth any flaky/dry areas - smells delicious. I like to say a happy nose makes for a happy mind and a happy skin.

Step Two (optional):

I like to double cleanse. It’s better in the evening as there is more to remove, but at any time of day double cleansing will leave your skin looking incredible in no time - a top tip the beauty director of Elle Magazine shared with me years ago. For this step, I use the Evercalm Cleansing Gel. The calming actives and subtle scent of orange flower blossom make me feel both relaxed and skin-awake. It’s also very shower friendly if you need to get the job done quickly.

Step Three:

Mix a dab of the Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream with a few drops of Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate. The day cream is our best-selling moisturiser and for good reason. Packed with powerful antioxidants and calming agents, it soaks your skin with a layer of plant-based protection against environmental irritants, dryness, pollution, DNA damage and inflammatory pigmentation release.

Step Four:

UV light can still penetrate windows, so I do wear an SPF when working near sunlight. Our SPF Mattifying Face Sun Screen also offers blue light protection, and evidence is emerging that blue light does in fact trigger inflammation and pigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. The added rice extract will keep you looking fresh and non-greasy. Best applied by pressing over face and giving it 5 minutes to warm to the skin.
 

Please follow me @david_renskincare where I’m always available for more advice.

 

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CBD Skincare Explained by Disciples

CBD is all the rage on the wellness scene as a natural remedy for countless conditions, more importantly, skincare, Charlotte Ferguson from skincare brand, Disciples, shares why we need to incorporate CBD into our skincare routine.

Psychotherapist and founder of adaptogenic skincare brand Disciple, Charlotte Ferguson, explains why we need to incorporate CBD in our skincare routine ASAP. Follow Disciple on Instagram @disciplelondon
 

Adaptogens are one of our favourite ingredients to take both internally and to use externally.

They are natural plant compounds that help the body deal with and manage stress. They provide adrenal support and help lower cortisol – the stress hormone related to everything from premature ageing to depression.

CBD is arguably the most famous adaptogen out there and most of us are aware of the benefits of taking as a supplement but using it as part of your skincare routine is more than just a gimmick. CBD offers a three-pronged approach to looking after skin - it's anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and anti-oxidant.

So how does CBD work as an anti-oxidant?

It provides a missing particle that free radicals (these are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells) bond with, preventing it from going on to cause the aforementioned cell damage. In terms of anti-inflammatory properties - numerous studies have shown that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory benefits when applied to the skin and since premature skin ageing and inflammation go hand in hand, CBD is a great activity to add to your routine. CBD helps to reduce inflammation – giving your skin the ability to rebalance oxidative stress.

Research has firmly established that acne is also an inflammatory condition. Although multiple factors trigger acne, we know that anything you apply to skin that can reduce inflammation and help soothe skin is likely to reduce breakouts, especially acne-related redness – and CBD is great for this.

Another benefit of CBD oil is that it has significant skin-soothing properties. It is super skin-calming and can help minimise skin sensitivity, including redness and reactivity. Since all skin types are affected by environmental stressors, CBD can help keep everyone’s skin in check.

Disciple Miracle Drops are in Hemp seed oil which is rich in fatty acids and help to balance sebum and nourish dry patches. They can be added to your face oils and creams to give a potent boost or even used alone.
 

Disciple's CBD Skincare

 

 

 

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G&G Vegan Caesar Salad

Take a look at our latest guest recipe blog by Agned Gallhagen of Cashew Kitchen, as she puts a fresh new twist on the classic caesar salad using Gold & Green's pulled oats.

Created by Swedish chef Agnes Gällhagen of Cashew Kitchen, this vegan take on the classic Caesar salad uses Gold & Green's Pulled Oats for plant-based protein and cashews and capers for the dressing. We’re really excited about Gold&Green’s new Pulled Oats as they’re a protein-packed sustainable meat alternative made from Nordic oats and legumes and without additives and preservatives.
 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 
 
120g of Pulled Oats® Natural
 
4 leaves of kale
 
1 head of romaine lettuce
 
200g coconut sugar
 
Plenty of oil
 
Salt and pepper
 
1/2 lemon (juiced)
 
Ingredients for the Cashew Dressing:

2 dl cashew nuts (soaked overnight)

3 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp capers

1 clove of garlic

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp agave syrup

1 tsp nutritional yeast flakes

1 dl water

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the vegan parmesan: 

1 dl lightly roasted sunflower seeds

1 tbsp canola oil

1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

A pinch of fine sea salt
 

Method:

 

1. Soak the cashew nuts for at least for two hours or ideally overnight. Rinse and drain. Use a food processor to mix the nuts and the rest of the dressing ingredients until smooth.
2.  

 

2. Shred lettuce and kale and place them into a large bowl.
3.  

 

3. Mix the parmesan ingredients in a food processor or a blender.
4.  

 

4. Dice the bread and fry on a pan in oil until crispy. Season with salt.
5.  

 

5. Fry the Pulled Oats on a pan until crispy. Use plenty of oil. Season with salt and pepper.
6.  

 

6. Mix about half of the dressing with the lettuce. Sprinkle with Pulled Oats, croutons, and a few tablespoons of vegan parmesan. Finish with lemon juice.
7.  

 

We recommend seasoning the Pulled Oats with cumin, paprika powder, soy sauce and garlic. Recipe prepared for Gold&Green by Agnes Gällhagen from Cashew Kitchen.

Featured in this recipe

 

**This Vegan Ceasar Salad recipe was sponsored by Gold & Green

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Rude Health Kimchi Dip

Looking for picnic food inspiration? We've teamed up with Rude Health to give Planet Organic customers a unique Kimchi and Miso dip recipe - perfect for picnics!

To help you pack the ultimate picnic basket, Rude Health’s a kimchi and miso dip recipe makes an interesting alternative to hummus and is great for dunking Rude Health cornitas into.

Perfect to enjoy on a summer’s day and quick to whip up, this recipe combines two fermented powerhouses to create a spicy, deeply savoury dip. Although the recipe calls for white miso if you’re already a fan of miso, you can always swap this for brown miso for a more intense hit of flavour.

Ingredients:
 
1/4 cup of Kimchi

2 tbsp of white miso paste
 
2 tbsp of brown rice vinegar
 
1/4 cup oil, prefferably sunflower
 
1 Rude Health's Black Bean Cornitas or Chickpea & Lentil Cornitas to dip.
 
 
Method:

 

1. Creating your very own kimchi and miso dip couldn’t be easier. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and whizz together until totally smooth.
2.  

 

2. And there you have it. Pop it in a jar and you’re ready to picnic.
3.  

 

Featured in Rude Health's Kimchi Dip recipe

Rude Health's Chickpea & Lentil Cornitas

Rude Health's Blackbean Cornitas

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Sustainable Picnic Essentials

Take a look at our favourite sustainable picnic essentials, from thermal bottles to reusable food wraps, so you can best prepare a picnic-perfect spread that is kinder to the environment.

Disposable plates, cups and cutlery go hand in hand with picnicking but as we become a nation dependent on picnicking to socialise with friends and family and to get outdoors, it’s essential we consider the environmental impact of all those single-use plastics and go down a more sustainable route.

So, we’ve collated our favourite reusable picnic essentials that you’ll use time and time again, from our own stainless steel lunchbox to carbon-neutral water bottles. And, they’ll come in handy when you’re back in the office too. Let’s do this sustainably.

Here are our favourite low-waste hygiene products to help reduce plastic consumption and make an impactful difference.  

 

 

Planet Organic The Everyday Stainless Steel Lunch Box

 

Swap out regular plastic containers for a stainless-steel, BPA-free alternative. Our Planet Organic everyday lunch boxes are an excellent, sustainable food storage solution and will fit comfortably in any bag or basket.
 
Whilst it may be tempting to invest in plastic containers as a quick-fix, storage solution, our Planet Organic Everyday Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes are non-toxic, less wasteful and arguably more hygienic. When plastic begins to degrade over time from hot water and cleaning products, the surfaces become scratched and difficult to clean. Whereas investing in a stainless steel container presents fewer opportunities for bacteria to accumulate, allowing you to use time and time again whilst working towards a more thoughtful lifestyle.

 

 

 

Black+Blum Cutlery Set & Case

 

Whilst plastic cutlery may seem like a good quick-fix solution for your alfresco plans, plastic knives and forks are usually thrown out after one use and end up in landfill. It may appear to be a minor inconvenience, but under the surface these plastic utensils are usually too small and too contaminated to recycle, which ends up equating to around 40 billion plastic utensils per year going to complete waste.

Make a smart swap this summer and invest in a portable, stainless steel cutlery set. The Black+Blum Cutlery Set & Case contains a stainless steel knife, fork and spoon that comes complete with a case for carrying home used cutlery. Say goodbye to flimsy plastic forks for good.
 

 

 

 

Last Straw

 

As we all become increasingly aware of the detrimental effects single-use plastic straws has on the environment, with the government banning the use of plastic straws completely in 2019, now is the perfect time to consider investing in a reusable straw.

Whether you’re off to a picnic or you’re hosting your own for your loved ones, the Last Straw Reusable Straws are a sustainable alternative you’re likely to ever forget to bring with you.
Thanks to its unique telescopic design with the ability to extend to up to 19cm in length, the Last Straw is able to fold up into a convenient portable case. The case also comes complete with an added keyring chain, so you can enjoy your fresh beverages in the sunshine and have a handy straw with you at all times.

 

 

 

24Bottles Clima

One of the biggest brands championing sustainable change, 24Bottles’ range of Clima Bottles are completely reusable and are zero-emission. The ultimate synthesis of compact design and thermal resistance, whether you’re picking up a coffee on the way to your picnic, or you’re keeping orange juice fresh and cold for later, the Clima bottle’s unique design offers the ability to keep drinks hot for 12 hours, or cold for 24.

Not only are these stainless steel bottles completely plastic-free, but 24Bottles also offset all emissions from production to transport with the charity Treedom, who plant trees to help farmers and communities. So making this conscious swap to 24 Bottles reusable drink containers helps the environment in more ways than you originally intended. Take a look at our full range of 24 Bottles, each sporting an array of abstract patterns and colours for the style-conscious among us.

 

 

 

The Vegan Food Wraps Company Kitchen Pack

Consider swapping out your regular plastic containers for a number of reusable beeswax wraps instead.

The Vegan Food Wraps Company’s range of beeswax wraps provides an excellent selection of different sized wraps to keep your snacks safe and secure. From small wraps that are intended for covering jars, small bowls or even a bottle of open wine on your picnic, to medium wraps that are the perfect size for sandwiches and baked treats, the kitchen pack offers a great place to start swapping out plastics. The beeswax wraps unique design allows the wraps to mold around any shape, so whether you’re wrapping up picnic goods, or covering serving dishes at home, these wraps will keep food fresh and secure, eliminating the need for plastic containers or clingfilm.

 

 

 

S'nack by S'well

 

Designed intentionally for on-the-go, S’nack by S’well, offers a stylish, sustainable range of food containers that are both lightweight and easy-to-carry. Making picnic days or alfresco work lunch hours a complete breeze, these containers are the perfect plastic-free food storage solution.

Available in an array of colourful, playful designs at Planet Organic, S’well’s double-layer stainless steel boxes keep food either hot or cold, with innovative temperature-controlled insulation. Reduce the use of single-use plastics that pose a threat to the environment and pack up your picnic in a sustainable, portable tote box that can be used and enjoyed time and time again.

 

 

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Apricot Vegan Cream Cheese Bruschetta

This was a lovely lunch we had. It would also be nice as party food, at a brunch, served as an appetizer, or even as a snack.

Yield: about 20 rounds

Ingredients:

• 1 sourdough baguette
• 1 cup vegan cream cheese
• 6 ripe organic apricots, cleaned and sliced
• 3 tablespoons sweet syrup (I made chamomile)
• handful sunflower seeds, toasted
• lemon balm and edible flowers as garnish

Directions:

1. Slice the baguette into 2 inch rounds.
2. Toast the rounds on a grill or in the oven.
3. Spread each round with cream cheese.
4. Clean and slice the apricots.
5. Optionally lightly grill the apricots.
6. Place the apricot pieces on the rounds.
7. Drizzle a bit of sweet syrup on top (agave, maple, or I used homemade chamomile syrup).
8. Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry pan.
9. Sprinkle the tops of each round with a few sunflower seeds.
10. Garnish with lemon balm and edible flowers.

Notes:

A simple syrup is made from boiling equal parts water and sugar- then adding fruit, herbs or flowers such as chamomile.

Related Posts:

• Bruschetta with Vegan Feta Spread, Avocado and Radishes
• Beet Dumplings (Knödel) with Vegan Cheese Sauce
• Bruschetta with Muhammara Spread and Chopped Tomatoes
• Orange Risotto with Tofu, Winter Squash and Apricot
• Vegan Pea Salad

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How to Re-Grow Your Food

Low waste expert and author of More Plants Less Waste, Max La Manna, walks us through how to start re-growing your food scraps. Follow him on Instagram for more tips at @maxlamanna


Growing anything from a seed is impressive, but also difficult, unless you’ve been blessed with a green thumb.  Sure it saves on money, but there has to be an easier way - and there is!  You can actually grow food from your very own kitchen scraps. There is something very MacGyver about it.  It’s true you can upcycle everything from celery scraps to onion butts with a great chance of success.  Use organic fruits and vegetables for the best results.
 

Green onions, lemongrass, leeks, fennel, coriander, basil, mint and spring onions

Place the root ends in water but don’t full submerge.  Change the water daily.  In 2-5 days, growth begins.  Harvest the greens when full, then repeat the process. Simply cut off what you need without uprooting the plant.
 

Celery, cabbage, romaine lettuce, and bok choy

Submerge the roots leaving the tops above the water line.  Spray with water a couple times a week, replacing the water every few days. Leaves will sprout in about a week. Plant the cutting with only the leaves above the soil.  Harvest when fully grown after around 5 months.


Ginger

Soak the chunk of ginger overnight in water. Submerge in moist soil.  Keep watering until shoots appear.  Ready to harvest in a year.  Simply remove the entire plant, use what you need and repeat.
 

Onion
 
Place the root end and lightly cover it in soil.  Keep the soil moist. Carefully separate the new onions, leaving the roots attached, and plant them.  Occasionally, cut the leaves down to promote full growth.  It can take up to 5 months for plants to mature enough for harvest.
 

Garlic 
 
The larger the clove, the larger the resulting bulb.  Sit the plant in a sunny window, keeping the soil moist and lightly covered.  The bulbs will be ready for harvest in early summer when the bottom 1/3 of the leaves have yellowed.
 

Mushroom
 
Use a mixture of compost and soil in a pot. Plant the mushroom stalk in the soil with only the surface of it exposed.  If the cutting takes, new growth happens quickly.  Harvest and repeat.

 
Pineapple
 
Don’t live in the tropics? That’s definitely okay, you can bring it to you. You just cut the top off of the pineapple and insert a few toothpicks to hold it above a container filled with water. Keep the container in direct sunlight. If it is warm outside, sit it on the porch or deck during the day and bring it in at night. Note to self:  change the water every other day or so and keep the container filled so that it reaches just above the base. You will then notice roots in about a week or two and once they are formed you can transfer into potting soil. If you live in a cooler area, (aka not the tropics) it is best to grow your pineapple indoors.



 

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Compost 101

Max La Manna, author of More Plants, Less Waste and composting enthusiast gives us the low down on what composting means, why we should do it and how to get started. Follow him on Instagram for more tips at @maxlamanna


Compost is one of my favourite ways to reduce food waste.  Food that is composted brings nutrients back to the soil for regenerative health. Giving soil new health, provides healthier plants which makes us healthier too.


What is compost?

“Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow”, according to the EPA. That means bigger produce, prettier flowers, and a healthier garden can come at no extra cost to you once you start saving your food scraps and turning them into "plant food."

Composting is the natural process of organic material breaking down into a soil that can be used in your garden for a nutrient-rich fertiliser. People are more interested than ever in embracing this sustainable practice and creating their own compost heap at home by recycling the food waste and scraps that would normally just be thrown away. Being more mindful about food waste is leading to a composting revolution!  Are you ready to get involved?


Why does it benefit the environment?

The process of composting is hugely beneficial to the environment, not only because it reduces the amount of food and garden waste thrown away, which in turn reduces the amount of methane greenhouse gas, but it’s also a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle. Our plants need nitrogen-rich soil to grow fully, and build protein, so soil from a compost heap will add to the natural nitrogen cycle by returning enriched soil to the ground. This also means you’ll need fewer artificial chemical fertilisers to feed your plants with, resulting in much healthier produce. 

Healthy soil = Healthy plants
Healthy plants = Healthy people


How to set your at home compost?

Choose an outdoor space for your compost - you’ll need at least 3 square feet of space for your compost.  A closed bin is a better choice if you’re worried about the way your compost pile will look or smell! You can easily start by using an empty container you have at home or buy one at your local hardware or gardening shop.  Look for a bin that is about 3 feet in diameter and not much taller than your waist. Use fencing to protect your bin from raccoons, foxes or even the neighbours dog.

Once you have your container in place, you need to place it on the soil in a sunny spot as you want to encourage worms and use the natural heat to help the organic material break down.

Make sure to add lots of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials like grass-cuttings, green waste, food waste and sawdust and wood chips, and to mix it regularly with a spade to let the air in. Avoid adding any meat or dairy to the pile as this just attracts pests. 

The trick is to aim for equal amounts of "green" waste and "brown" waste to keep your compost healthy. Maintaining a balance is important is because "brown" materials are rich in carbon, feeding the organisms that break down the scraps and "green" materials supply nitrogen — key for building the cell structure of your new soil.

Your compost also needs oxygen and moisture. Without air, your pile will start to rot and smell. Moisture helps break everything down; sprinkle the compost with water every now and then, unless your scraps are wet enough on their own. With the right mixture, your compost should smell like nothing but earthy dirt.


Composting Basics

1. Chop materials 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 inches for rapid composting.
2. Mix equal volumes of carbon-rich dry brown and nitrogen-rich green plant materials.
3. Keep compost only as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
4. Turn every few days to fluff the pile so air can penetrate.
5. A hot pile composts quickly, a cool pile takes much longer.
6. Finished compost should smell earthy, never rancid.


Why Compost?

• It saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and reduce water runoff.
• It benefits the environment by recycling organic resources while conserving landfill space.
• It reduces the need for commercial soil conditioners and fertilizers. 


Compost provides many benefits. 

• adds nutrients and beneficial microbes, holds water, and improves plant growth
• provides a supplemental amount of slow-release nutrients
• increases soil organic matter
• encourages healthy root structure
• attracts and feeds earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms
• helps balance pH (acidity/alkalinity)


DO Compost

Browns:
most sawdust
chopped woody prunings pine needles
fallen/dried leaves
dried grass
straw
shredded paper shredded cardboard shredded newspaper
old potting mix

Greens:
tea bags
citrus rinds
coffee grounds
coffee filters
shrub and grass clippings 
fruit waste
vegetable waste
wilted flowers
young weeds


Do NOT Compost

dirt/soil
ashes from a stove, fireplace, or barbecue
animal products (meat, bones, fish, grease/fat)
dairy products
sawdust from plywood/treated wood
diseased plants
seed-bearing weeds 
manure or human waste

 

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Low Waste Hygiene Essentials

Implementing a low-waste routine is not only about food packaging and groceries, it’s also about the products we reach for daily when we’re washing our hands, taking a shower or removing our makeup. Most of the products we subconsciously add to our daily routines have one thing in common - plastic packaging.

There has, necessarily, been an increase in the use of hand sanitisers and hand wash over recent months but they are also contributing to plastic waste, with less than 10% of all plastics either being reused or recycled. 

Here are our favourite low-waste hygiene products to help reduce plastic consumption and make an impactful difference.  

 

Beauty Kitchen Hand Sanitiser

It’s estimated that over ~10 million plastic hand gel bottles will be used in the UK this year, and unfortunately most will not be recycled. 

Most hand sanitisers on the market also contain microplastics, which are one of the environments most detrimental forms of plastic. The entire cycle and movement of microplastics in the environment are not yet fully known, but recent studies suggest that this smaller, micro-version of plastic is much more harmful, with an estimated 40 million tonnes of microplastics resurfacing across the world’s shorelines each year. 

One brand working to create effective, sustainable hand sanitising alternatives is Beauty Kitchen. Beauty Kitchen’s natural alternative to synthetic hand gels effectively sanitises your hands whilst reducing  plastic waste. Made up of 62% organic ethanol with added aloe vera and other essential oils to protect skin barriers, this light and refreshing scented hand gel is a great low-waste alternative to consider. 

Beauty Kitchen also offers a return, refill and repeat scheme. Which means that when you’re finished with your hand gel, you can post empty bottles back to Beauty Kitchen to kickstart the packaging life cycle.

 

 

 

Beauty Kitchen Hand Wash

Another low-waste essential hygiene product from Beauty Kitchen worth mentioning is the Sustainables Botanic Bliss Vegan Hand wash, particularly if frequent hand washing is causing irritation.

Suitable for people who may be prone to eczema and psoriasis, Beauty Kitchen’s unique blend of tea tree and manuka kills harmful bacteria, whilst leaving skin smooth and moisturised. Completely free from triclosan, the ingredient that contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, this gentle pH-balanced hand wash is infused with all-natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, like organic coconut, may chang and rosemary oils. Aptly nicknamed the ‘herbal hands hero’, this aromatic 100% naturally -derived hand wash leaves hands feeling cool, clean and refreshed.

View our complete range of low-waste Beauty Kitchen essentials online.

 

 

 

Faith in Nature Soap

Faith in Nature’s collection of locally manufactured body wash and soaps are each made from natural plant-derived ingredients and the packaging is fully recyclable. We love Faith in Nature’s new gentle, fragrance-free soap. Made from wild-harvested seaweed which is favoured among dermatologists for its antioxidant properties and rich mineral content, this low-waste soap alternative is particularly useful for those who suffer from sensitive skin. 

If you prefer a scented soap,  we recommend the low-waste Faith in Nature lavender soap. This natural regenerative formula features a blend of lavender oils that are known to help to soothe inflammation and stimulate cell growth. Particularly useful for those of us who are suffering from dry hands due to frequent washing.

 

 

 

Haoma Hand Sanitiser

Winners of the best hand sanitiser award in the Wellbeing Awards 2020, Haoma’s range of organic antibacterial hand sanitisers are made from 96% pure, fair-trade sugarcane ethanol. Proven effective by WHO, this lab-tested, specially formulated sanitiser is an effective antiviral blend of natural ingredients designed for everyday use. The organic tea tree and sweet orange essential oils work to keep hands clean, fragrant and protected against germs. 

These simplistic, pocket-sized sprays are also bottled in Miron Violet glass, a specially-formulated violet glass that works to preserve natural ingredients and protect products from light, meaning the Haoma hand sanitiser is able to obtain it’s natural, antibacterial properties for much longer than traditional plastic bottles. 

 

 

 

Tabitha Eve Face Masks

Research by OceansAsia suggests that discarded, single-use plastic face masks are set to cause significant harm to the environment.

Most of the industrial-strength face masks are made of polypropylene, which is a plastic property that takes several years to break down and inevitably breaks into micro-plastic particles, which are a lot worse for the planet. Cloth masks are a low-waste alternative that can be washed and reused multiple times. If you’re looking for a cotton mask covering for everyday use, Tabitha Eve’s face masks are made from 100% cotton, bamboo and natural rubber and we love the watercolour print.

Please note, the Tabitha Eva face masks are not intended for medical use, this mask is designed to be worn in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 

 

 

 

Fushi Hand Lotion

Fushi, is a British family-owned and operated brand with ayurvedic heritage. Creating sustainable low-waste hygiene alternatives from family recipes handed down through generations, Fushi’s unique blend of natural and organic formulas are specially designed for those who demand more from their regular moisturisers and lotions. 

For general, all-skin protection, Fushi’s new antibacterial hand lotion, the Purifying Neem and Tea-Tree lotion, seeks to provide sustainable and affordable skincare for those looking to lower their waste impact. This versatile, all-natural lotion fuses the antibacterial properties of tea tree, with the purifying abilities of the neem herb, with an uplifting lemon scent. Keeping the skin fresh, clean and hydrated, this clever formulation is packaged in a reusable earth-friendly glass bottle. 

 

 

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