World Refill Day – Loving Co reusable cups

15/06/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

Green or Green-washed? That is the Question

Many of us are back out and about, and back into the swing of grabbing our takeaway coffees again. That means the number of takeaway coffee cups going to straight to landfill is back on the rise – a paltry 0.25% of cups currently get recycled.

The best way to stop this? Get a reusable and use it! Sadly, a lot of reusables are not sustainably produced using virgin plastic and steel and often making claims that seem too good to be true.

I chatted to Alastair Nightingale of the Loving Co ahead of World Refill Day – and found ourselves in agreement that they are selling the UK’s best refillable cup, made in the UK from plastic cups. Alistair has also done a deep dive into whether the leading reusables on the market are Green or Greenwashed.

Q: Before we dive in can you tell us a little more about The Loving Co?

A: Yes of course – we are a tiny little business with a big idea and a big heart. We want to stop single use waste and simultaneously generate desperately needed funds to help end homelessness in the UK. We’re starting with the UK’s best reusable coffee cup (as per The Independent’s reviews!) which we retail at £13 and £3 of that goes to Shelter UK via the Work for Good donation platform.

Q: So why are you looking into which cups are the most sustainable?

A: Well, when we set out to create our products, we didn’t it feel it made sense to stop single use coffee cup waste by using products that might be utilising virgin plastic or were manufactured in ways that generated an enormous carbon footprint. For us it just made sense that if you want to do something loving then you have to make that a principle throughout the entire end to end sourcing process.

Our point of view was also magnified by our experiences trying to source a product from China. We spent several months looking for a supplier that would make a cup from a plant derived plastic but the honest truth is we couldn’t ever get a straight answer and be assured that what we were being told was true! It unnerved us and so we focused our search back here in the UK and found Circular & Co who have made a cup that utilises waste coffee cups and has been designed to last 10 years and be 100% recycled at the end of its life. It’s about as sustainable its possible to get. Oh and its made in Cornwall – no air miles!

Q: So, give us an overview – what did you look for?

A: We created a list of criteria – where is the cup made? Is it locally sourced or Made in China? How far does it travel to get to you? What is it made of? Is it sustainable? Are their claims credible? Can it be easily recycled? Like from your kerbside collection? Does it become waste just like a paper cup or can it have further life? Does the brand help others? Is there a bigger purpose? We ended up with a 5 point score.

Q: So what were the results?

A: Well we’re pleased to say that our cup came out on top with 5 out of 5, which isn’t surprising given what I’ve already told you. Because it’s made here in the UK its carbon footprint is miniscule in comparison to those that are shipped in from the East and it’s a genuinely circular product – the materials can be used and re-used. We also give an enormous chunk of our revenue away which simply no one else is even getting close to.

Q: So, what about the big guys like Keep Cup, Chilli’s and the bamboo ones we hear so much about?

A: Keep Cup are second with 4/5 which is down to the fact that its made in China and that tempered glass is rarely recycled in the UK. They do pretty well other than that but only give 1% of revenue to charities. Chilli’s were scored at 2.5/5. Using steel isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s rarely recyclable from kerbside so most people chuck them out once they’re dinted or they lose the lid and if you don’t take it to a recycling centre then who knows where it will end up? They also manufacture in China and we couldn’t find any evidence of them donating to good causes.

I’ll share the overall table of results (at the foot of this interview) with you so that your followers can take a look in more detail – we also covered off e-coffee cups and Huski.

Q: So why didn’t the bamboo ones perform well?

A: Well, and this is where it gets controversial – that’s because most of them are not telling the truth about what they are made of! It’s not just my opinion, there’s a great EU report which spells it out.

The vast majority of these ‘Bamboo cups’ are made in China and typically state that they are made solely from Bamboo’ however independent testing shows routinely that most include 40-60% Melamine.

What actually happens is that bamboo powder is used as a filler and mixed with plastic. This not only makes them non-recyclable but also can also accelerate the degradation of the plastic which can lead to substances migrating from the plastic into your drink. We haven’t seen any generic bamboo cup brand connect themselves to a cause. Now you know why they are so cheap!

Q: Were you surprised at how much greenwashing is going on?

A: Not really, as I said we spent a lot of time working with sourcing agents out of Hong Kong and asking searching questions and never quite got the right answer so that was always going to be a reality. What does surprise me is that no one else is investing in true circularity – we see biodegradable paper cups which require local collection and a distinct process of disposal and we see these global brands using glass and stainless steel but its only Circular & Co that are really trying to build a product that can be repurposed – and just by recycling it from the kerb. That’s testament to their brilliant design and exactly why we chose to work with their product.

So there you have it, this is absolutely my favourite reusable cup design, I’ve long been a fan of Circular & Co, way back when they were previously known As rCUP. I met Dan Dicker, the founder, many years ago at a product show where I was speaking on behalf of a client at the time, Fairtrade furniture brand Myakka, and have been following their progress ever since, I’m their original loyal fan!

So it absolutely delights me to share Alistair’s research, and the work they are now doing to support Shelter UK by selling the World’s BEST, and first Reusable, 100% Leak Proof Coffee Cup Made From Recycled Cups.

Purchase your cup here: and follow them on instagram here

Activist investing – Tulipshare

07/04/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

strength in numbers ethical activist investing

I’m sure, if you’re reading this, you may well be in my ‘activist bubble’. So, like me, you’ve been sent links to sign petitions, you may have been on a few marches. Or have you written the odd rabble-rousing instagram post, or stories, or perhaps written a blog article?

You will have, undoubtedly, taken part in some form of gentle activism. Whether as simple as talking about recycling soft plastics with your friends, or supporting the sisterhood on International Women’s Day, there’s an activist in you, I know it.

Make your voice heard

I’ve personally dabbled in activist investing in the form of my own ‘ethical pension’ contributions. Having moved my pension a few years ago to more responsible investments*.

However, in terms of having a more dynamic influence on corporate decision makers, there’s another way… Whilst business leaders don’t have to listen to petitions, they do listen to their shareholders.

Activist investing, shareholder activism

Tulipshare, are a company that focuses on shareholder activism. Their aim is to use shareholder activism as a tool to create corporate change. Tulipshare are a licensed broker-dealer in the UK and are regulated by the FCA**. Using the shareholder rights of their activist investing users to try to influence the governance of public companies.

Through Tulipshare, and strength in numbers, we as citizens, can invest as little as £1 in the companies behind campaigns on the investment platform. I’ve recently invested two small sums to try this out, and will keep you posted on my own activities here later. (if you’ve invested with £ GBP, you will need to convert your investments to $ Dollars to be able to invest).

Combine our investing power

Tulipshare will then amalgamate our investing power with other like-minded investors and advocate on our behalf to promote ethical change. I will be able to track any returns and dividends on my Tulipshare dashboard. Tulipshare will send me updates and activities around these two campaigns I’ve invested in.

Example of the campaigns Tulipshare has been running with shareholder proposals

Tulipshare have recently submitted am activist investing shareholder proposal to Amazon.

What is this activist investing campaign about?

Plans to end the unsafe working conditions and unfair treatment that Amazon warehouse employees have been subjected to through a workers’ rights targeted shareholder proposal. The proposal requests Amazon commission an independent audit of the working conditions and treatment that Amazon warehouse workers face.

While Amazon strives to be the “Earth’s Best Employer” and “Earth’s Safest Place to Work”, a recent report indicated that Amazon warehouse employees suffer serious injuries at a rate which is 80% higher than those who work at non-Amazon warehouses.

You can read the latest update on their campaign here: https://tulipshare.com/blog/workers-rights-at-amazon.

Talc, Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products have impacted lives and communities with their global sales of cancer-causing products, they’ve known for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder (via Reuters)

I am amazed that this is still happening, having worked with a natural skincare brand Green Baby, some 15 years ago, Talc as an ingredient was a real ‘no-no’, we campaigned back then to discourage parents from using talc-based products on their babies.

Now, years later, Johnson & Johnson continues to say that their product is “safe” even though long-term use of talcum powder has been linked to multiple cancers including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

So this is one of the campaigns I’m backing – having joined the Tulipshare movement and want Johnson & Johnson to stop the sale of its talc-based powder globally.

Tulipshare’s proposal will be on the ballot for Johnson & Johnson’s annual general meeting (AGM) on April 28th 2022, meaning shareholders will be able to vote on whether or not the company should stop the global sale of their talc-based products. The results of that vote will be revealed in early May 2022.

Visit the Tulipshare website to learn more about current campaigns for change with activist investing.

If you have any questions please send them to support@tulipshare.com

Your capital is at risk. This stock trading platform is facilitated by Tulipshare.Tulipshare does not provide investment advice. Individual investors should make their own decisions or seek professional independent advice if they are unsure as to the suitability/appropriateness of any investment for their individual circumstances or needs, including potential tax treatment. The value of investments can go up as well as down and you may receive less than your original investment or lose the value of your entire initial investment. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Currency rate fluctuations can adversely impact the overall returns on your original investment. Learn more by reading Tulip Share’s full Risk Disclosure and FAQs.

References:

*Make My Money Matter Pensions

**FCA: https://www.fca.org.uk and RiskSave

Clever cool crisp sheets to manage your sleep temperature

05/04/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

Who else sticks their feet out of the bottom of the bed every night? Is your sleep temperature, just too hot for even the crispest of sheets? I feel very fortunate to now manage my hot night sweats and insomnia with the aid of recently prescribed HRT, however I can also highly recommend searching up ‘Smart Temperature’ from Fine Bedding, clever cool crisp sheets to manage your sleep temperature.

Crisp white sheets and heavy 400 thread count fitted sheets make for a GOOD night's sleep

Their own cool crisp sheets have some special magic added which helped me to manage my sleep temperature before I succumbed to a trip to the GP. Afterall, SLEEP is so important, it is the body’s super power and the only time our body gets the rest it needs.

Fine Bedding’s Smart Temperature collection has also been a godsend for other members of my family who find that they have night sweats too (teenage angst!) – we’d been using 100% cotton sheets anyway, I mean, long gone are the days of nylon sheets (yikes, who remembers the static from a sleepover at your Aunty’s?).

But the Fine Bedding soft 200 – 400 thread count cotton bed linen is created with the unique Smart Temp™ technology from Swiss textile innovators HeiQ, delivering temperature control for optimal comfort.

The Smart Temperature Duvet Cover uses a dynamic cooling system, designed to help you feel cool and comfortable throughout the night. The intelligent thermoregulation system works by sensing an increase in your body temperature and activates a unique cooling effect; and when the body temperature drops, the reduced body heat will guide the cooling effect to ease back so that you won’t feel a chill. The perfect duvet cover when you’re prone to night sweats.

Besides cooling your body, the Smart Temperature Duvet Cover is of course machine washable which makes it easy to use, with the technology remaining fully effective even after repeated laundering.

Check out the full Smart Temperature sleep system effect with the fitted sheet, pillow and pillow protectors.

Other top tips to improve your sleeping habits

Find a way to de-stress – stress can interfere with our sleep quality, I’ve been practicing a 12 Minute Bedtime Yoga (free on YouTube – Yoga With Adriene)

No more drinking coffee after 2pm; Try a mint tea, or Rooibos tea as caffeine can stay in our blood stream up to 12 hours after the last cup, which can also lead to disrupted sleep.

Give ‘the most intelligent duvet cover on the market’ a go, the Fine Bedding Smart Temperature sleep collection is the ideal solution for those searching for a complete temperature management sleep system. Using a dynamic cooling system from Swiss textile innovators HeiQ® that is designed to help you feel cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Screentime – avoid blue light exposure from phone/laptop screens right before going to sleep, if you can, switch off your phone 30 minutes before bedtime.

Try going to bed around the same time every night, get that body clock sorted.

Try these ideas to help you feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

We are one of the most sleep-deprived countries in the world. there’s a great BBC documentary full of other tips here, BBC Horizon’s Michael Mosley finds out what happens if we don’t get enough sleep and looks at surprising solutions to help us get more.

Written in collaboration with Fine Bedding.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Perfumes

21/03/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

Spring is in the air! Which scents remind you of this time of the year? I personally love the sweet smell of the first mow of the season, although last year, we went for the environmentally friendly #NoMow option, and I ended up losing my specs in the long grass and mowing over them! (but that’s another story…)

My own love of fragrances

My love of natural fragrances goes back to my childhood, playing dress-up, and spraying myself liberally and dramatically like a film star, with my Grandmother’s cut crystal glass atomiser perfume scent spray bottle.

And then my sister’s hippie boyfriend rocking up in wafts of patchouli oil, an aroma that if I catch it now, it’s a real Proustian moment, taking me back to my teenage years.

When it comes to fragrances now (the type you dab behind your ear, or gently to the inside of your elegant wrist) I can never make up my mind, so many thanks to Dolma vegan fragrances who have sent me a Discovery Box Set Of 12 Perfumes, both Vegan and Cruelty-Free to work my way through…

It can be tough deciding on a fragrance you like, especially when we are all so unique. Our skin type, moisture level and diet can apparently all play a role in how a fragrance interacts with our skin.

I’m slowly working my way through the twelve vegan perfumes, and have selected a couple of my favourites:

My selection from the 12 perfumes

I’m really loving the Sarabande, a romantic, soft floral scent of rose enhanced by the aromatic accents of geranium leaves on assertive wood notes of resinous cypress, earthy patchouli and soft amber. Perfect for a romantic night. (apparently, I’ll let you know how that goes!)

And my second selection is First Rain, a really beautiful scent, uplifting, with “this vegan perfume’s green balsamic notes of galbanum touched with whispers of jasmine, this earthy creation melds mind and nature.”

It’s a really ‘natural’ fragrance I enjoy wearing – would highly recommend!

So if you are looking to celebrate International Fragrance Day today, or Mother’s Day this weekend, do take a look at Dolma Fragrances – ? Vegan Perfumes and Colognes that have been around since 1982 ?No Parabens, Phthalates or Palm Oil.

Click here to find out more about vegan perfume, and here to follow them on instagram.

This post is written in collaboration with Dolma Fragrances and is as such an AD.

Ethical shoe brand Aspect Climate Projects

24/02/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

Chatting to Alex Ward, founder of aspect climate projects

Ali Clifford, had a chat with ethical shoe brand ‘aspect climate projects’ founder, Alex Ward as part of the incredibusy #MeetTheCreative series.

The ethical shoe brand is on a quest to inspire change in the footwear industry.

One that helps to create shoes better for the Earth, and better for your feet.

They have created a range of unisex, plant-based shoes that have had each and every component independently tested for its impact on the climate and biodiversity.

No other shoe brand has gone to this level of detail to ensure its environmental credentials and transparency.

What is your mission?

Our aim is to make the most climate-conscious shoes possible, and we also want to be fully transparent so that customers are completely clear on every component that goes into our shoes and the impact that they have on the planet.

Is the appreciation for the environment enough these days?

It’s a really important start point and motivation for looking for solutions to climate change, but with it being a really complex issue I think each industry needs to look at it in its own way. For footwear, I think we need to improve the way we design but we also need to start selling in a more responsible way. Something we say a lot is that we didn’t set out to sell more shoes, we started to create better more ethical shoes, so it’s not about purely maximising sales, its about being more transparent and educational with our approach so customers understand exactly what goes into their footwear.

While there’s a tendency for companies to mark their own homework when it comes to sustainability, we partnered with Biodiversify, an independent conservation consultancy who looked at every material we used and it’s impact on biodiversity and the climate. They concluded that ‘aspect climate projects’ are “a gold standard example of how shoe design can truly consider environmental impact” and we openly share their findings on our website.

How did the idea of ‘aspect climate projects’ come about?

I grew up in the countryside and my parents managed a nature reserve, so I have always had an interest in environmental issues. Having worked in the footwear industry for many years I was aware of the damaging materials that were going into products, and I was growing increasingly frustrated at how the term ‘sustainable’ was being used for marketing purposes.

Nowadays, a lot of people want to “do their bit” to help the world and for me that meant using my experience within footwear to try and create positive change within the industry. So, while there have been a lot of positive changes going on recently, I felt that there was a real opportunity as a start-up to be really innovative about what we did because whilst bigger companies have quite strict cost structures and timelines, we didn’t have that so we were able to look at every material and think really innovatively about what we did.

I looked at the problem holistically, developing a design principle that considered every aspect of the shoe for its performance and impact on planetary well-being and this meant looking both inside and outside the shoe, considering all hidden components. I focused on looking for nature-based solutions, sourcing plant-based alternatives which delivered on sustainability while also being flexible and hard-wearing enough to be used in shoes, thus creating ‘aspect climate projects’.

What challenges did you face in the process?

Shoes are really complicated so for us the challenge was to find materials that delivered on sustainability whilst still giving us the performance that we required.

We partnered with companies such as Pinatex who make an pioneering hard-wearing alternative to leather that is made using discarded pineapple leaves, a by-product from the food industry. We found other traditional materials such as cork and natural rubber, and these fitted well with our ethos as the materials are harvested from their trees so they stay in the ground and continue to sequester CO2 as they grow.

However, for some materials like our padding and internal reinforcements we couldn’t find solutions within the footwear industry that we were happy with so we took inspiration from mattresses that use coconut fibres and natural latex padding. The waste coconut husk fibres combined with cork are used for internal components such as reinforcements and the footbed. These materials have durability, breathability and elasticity that provide long-lasting support and comfort, and through their, and the pineapple leaves, upcycling, we help to prevent the release of carbon through the normal disposal or burning. Using these by-products also means there is no need for any extra land, water or fertiliser during the growth phase and their purchase gives added income to farming communities, helping to sustain plant-based, decarbonising economies.

Finally, once we had found all of our materials, we worked through a lengthy process with our factory to try and find ways to integrate these materials into our ethical shoe brand product and get the performance that we needed.

Our shoes are crafted in Felgueiras Portugal

Using unorthodox materials is a challenge, so we’ve been fortunate to work with Pedro and his team at Tofel, who showed patience and dedication in finding solutions and help create a shoe we’re truly happy with.

They are a third-generation shoe-maker with a focus on quality over mass-production and strive to work with more sustainable materials. Also, being located at the centre of Portuguese shoe manufacturing, we are able to minimise shipping distances and further lower our carbon footprint; making them a perfect partner for aspect climate projects. So when you ask #WhoMadeMyShoes – we can tell you…*

You’re operating on a pre-order basis, why is that?

We wanted to ensure that all of our shoes have a home to go to from the start so we chose to work on a pre-order basis. This means that we only order the amount of materials needed and cuts out the need for ‘guessing’ what customers might buy which in turn minimises over-production and waste. We appreciate this means a longer wait for our customers to get their shoes but we would like our customers to make informed, considered purchase choices so we are proud to adopt this slow-fashion ethos and hope to be at the forefront of this in the footwear world. Any returned shoes will be re-distributed to customers on the waiting list who may have missed out on the pre-orders.

The delivery elements have also not been forgotten when it comes to acting in the best interests of the planet. The shoe box is made from FSC-certified post-consumer recycled cardboard and is fully recyclable and biodegradable, as is the tissue paper the shoes are wrapped in. The boxes are printed with vegetable-based inks and the shipping bags are made from a corn-based material that can be home-composted. Shipping itself is carried out worldwide via a carbon-neutral delivery service, and we work with Ecologi to offset one tonne of carbon for each pair sold. For context, a ‘typical’ sneaker creates 30-40kg of CO2 to produce and although our shoes would already be lower than this, we are offsetting 1000kg to help create more meaningful change.

To ensure maximum wear from each pair we have also partnered with ‘Sal’s Shoes’, a charity that donates shoes to people in need around the world. Customers who donate their worn ‘aspect climate projects’ shoes to this cause will receive a discount on their next pair.

What is your wish for the future?

I’m really happy with the first style that we have developed called ‘Suber’ (from the Latin name for a Cork Oak), and through the process of developing it I’ve noticed that a lot of the things that we are doing and the materials we are using, are extremely scaleable. Hopefully we are showing that things can be done differently and better so there is hope that the materials could become industry norms.

We’re aware that we are entering a market space full of claims about sustainability, but our message is gaining in momentum. We are proud to be doing things differently and for the lengths we have gone to to ensure full accountability and our hope is that we can continue researching, developing and designing more climate-conscious shoes.

‘aspect climate projects’ range is available worldwide in four colours exclusively on their website www.aspectclimateprojects.com until February 28^th, follow them on instagram @aspectclimateprojects.

What a shock! David Holmes and Jimmy Turrell video

22/02/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

What are the chances… I do LOVE a small world scenario. My friend Yogi Erasmus* shared a post on instagram this morning, and as I swiped through the images, I nearly fell off my chair!

There was my SISTER in an iconic photograph taken in the eighties, my cute little punky sister Pam! (pictured left, and her friend Jo).

David Holmes and Jimmy Turrell video, featuring my sister Pam – what a shock!

This image features in David Holmes recently released video 14th March 2022 – It’s Over, If We Run Out Of Love (Featuring Raven Violet)

Written by David Holmes and Noel Gallagher Video created by Douglas Hart Vocals from Raven Violet

Stream and Download: https://ffm.to/ioiwrool

Jimmy Turrell directed the video, and created some amazing art for “It’s Over Now If We Run Out Of Love” in collaboration with Heavenly recording artist David Holmes.

Follow David Holmes on instagram @davidholmes_1969 and RAVEN VIOLET @byebye_birdy4

Check out Yogi’s website ND Positive* – focus on the positives. “Because we believe NDs are changing the world, one idea at a time”. Visit their website for +Stories interview blog posts

Why Fairtrade Flowers?

09/02/2022 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

With Valentine’s Day looming, and Fairtrade Fortnight just around the corner, it’s time to ask me – “Why Fairtrade Flowers Ali?”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Valentine’s Day 14th February 2022
Fairtrade Fortnight – 21 Feb 2022 – 6 Mar 2022

Fairtrade Foundation hosted a fabulous ‘Future Sustainability’ event at the ever wonderful Petersham Nurseries.*

I was fortunate enough to meet and chat to Grace Adhiambo Otieno, Field Supervisor, at Flamingo Flower Farm in Kenya. Her story is incredible, and the Fairtrade Premium has massively improved her work and home life, in terms of gender equality, workers’ rights, education and the environment in which she and her colleagues work.

“I humbly request if you are going to buy a flower for family or friends, please buy it from a Fairtrade shop….It is a blessing to us. It has really really impacted many lives. I am only one single person, but I am the voice of many many people. If you buy a flower with Fairtrade Premium, and the money goes back to the worker, it changes a life.” Grace Adhiambo Otieno, Field Supervisor, Flamingo Horticulture Ltd. farm.

I was also delighted to be able to bring along a client, Francesca with whom I was working as a consultant, building her Stamptastic social media and the Sustainability Policy for her business. (see below for links)

I had this feeling that at every ‘ethical, or sustainable’ event that I am fortunate to attend, I was finding myself in a ‘bubble’ where yes it’s fabulous to be amongst likeminded business people – however, I have the impression that I/we are all preaching to the converted. It was a real eye-opener to bring a guest who knew nothing about the Fairtrade Foundation. Although of course Francesca (pictured here with me, Ali Clifford) recognised their logo from her bananas and coffee – she had no reason previously to even consider where her flowers were grown.

In fact – There are over 4,500 Fairtrade products available to buy in UK shops

Other Fairtrade Products

As well as those bananas, coffee and tea – You can also find Fairtrade ice cream, wine, vodka, gin, flowers, spices, gold, footballs, rugby balls, massage oils, shaving oils, lipstick, hand balm, sun screen, face cream, face masks and deodorants.

Explore more products on Faitrade Foundation’s Buying Fairtrade page.

So yes – nine out of ten people in the UK recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark, which celebrated its 25th year in 2019. Yet despite huge leaps forward since Fairtrade started working with the first flower farms in 2006, there remain challenges in the sector, and thousands more people are still experiencing shocking exploitation, low wages, unsafe working conditions and dangerous manual labour.

The good news

The good news is that Fairtrade has introduced a minimum floor wage to protect farmers working on Fairtrade flower farms, and standards set out improved regulations and decent working conditions, ways to support women’s empowerment, and community development. In addition, Fairtrade offers an additional sum of money, which goes to support community projects and investment. In 2018, €6.7 million of Fairtrade Premium was generated, nearly a third of this goes towards education services for workers and their families.

The British flower market is worth £1.4 billion and Fairtrade flowers are sold in 17 different countries around the world. An overwhelming majority (94%) of these flowers are grown in Africa & the Middle East. Millions of people there rely on growing flowers for their livelihoods and the sector has become a huge part of economic development. As a result of rapid expansion corners can be cut, people can face misconduct, poor health and safety conditions and unsustainable incomes.

Mike Gidney, CEO of Fairtrade Foundation spoke:

‘As we look to the future, we must consider how we can protect, strengthen and improve this industry. Both for the people working hard to grow our flowers and the environments they are working in. We want to ensure sustainability at each stage, from the growth of the stems to the sourcing of different flowers, both locally and at scale, to the sale of beautiful bouquets online and in stores around the country. Fairtrade is well placed to lead the change’.

Where to buy Fairtrade Flowers

Aldi: Buy now

Co op: 100% Fairtrade single stem roses. Fresh from our growers in Kenya. Buy now

Arena Flowers: is one of only two specialist UK florists to be registered with Fairtrade. Buy now

Asda: Buy now

Lidl: Buy now

Morrisons: Buy now

M&S: Choose from our beautiful selection of rose and lily bouquets to mark that special occasion. Buy now

Moonpig: Their selection of bouquets sourced only from Fairtrade farms are sure to brighten anyone’s day! Buy now

Sainsbury’s: As well as being the UK’s largest retailer of Fairtrade flowers, all our rose bunches from Kenya have been Fairtrade since 2007. Buy now

Find out more about Fairtrade Flowers on the Fairtrade Foundation’s website here

* I love Petersham Nurseries – it’s just up the River Thames from my old flat (I know, lucky me…) so I try and visit when I can. Amazing food and a wonderfully merchandised gift shop and plant stalls. Visit Richmond here

Ethically sourced sustainable Somerset flowers can also be purchased from Georgie The Flower Farmer at Common Farm Flowers

Find me over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/incredibusy

Read Stamptastic’s Environmental policy here

Loved clothes last, repair your clothes

01/02/2022 By Ali Clifford

Many of the clothes we wear today were produced on a sewing machine. The sewing machine greatly assisted our economy and affects our daily lives. It is hard to believe that something as simple as a sewing machine has had such a profound effect on our lives, but it is true. Without the sewing machine, the clothes we wear would be very different.

Nowadays, many people take sewing machines for granted. But what would we do without this amazing invention? Sewing machines are important in our lives because they help us create beautiful pieces of clothing and home decor. Not to mention, they help us repair damaged clothes, loved clothes last.

There are many different brands of sewing machines on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some brands are better than others, and it is important to do your research before you buy a sewing machine. One of the best brands on the market are Brother and Serger. Brother and Serger sewing machines are known for their quality and durability, and they come with a wide variety of features that make them perfect for any project you might want to tackle.

Necessity for clothes:

There was a time when almost all clothes were made by hand. While this is still the case for some luxury items, most clothes are now made by machines. Sewing machines are necessary to sew clothes.

Clothes are an important part of our lives. They protect us from the elements and make us look and feel good. Clothes also communicate something about who we are. They can show our personality and style.

Clothes are expensive and it is important to take care of them so that they last longer. This is why it is important to have a sewing machine. A sewing machine can help you fix or alter your clothes when they need it.

A sewing machine can also be used to repair clothes:

The sewing machine has been a staple in many households for years. It is used to sew clothes, curtains, and other fabrics. And of course, you know that a sewing machine can also be used to repair clothes! Many people don’t make the most of this, and as a result, their clothes often go unworn or unrepaired, and end up in landfill.

There are many reasons why it’s important to know how to use a sewing machine to repair clothes. For one, it can save you money. If you have a hole in your shirt or trousers, you can easily fix it yourself rather than having to buy a new one. Additionally, knowing how to sew can help you extend the life of your clothes. Often, when something rips or tears, it’s difficult or impossible to find a matching piece of fabric to fix it, mix it up!

Sewing machines can also create accessories:

Sewing machines are not just for sewing clothes. In fact, they can also be used to create accessories. This is a great way to add some personality and character to an outfit. There are many different types of accessories that can be created, including hats, bags, scarves, and more.

The best part about making your own accessories is that you can choose whatever fabrics you want. You can also customize the design to match your style. Additionally, making your own accessories is a great way to save money. You can often find materials for cheaper than if you were to purchase them from a store.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a sewing machine is a necessary tool in our lives. It helps us to create beautiful pieces of clothing and accessories that we can wear and enjoy. A sewing machine is also a great way to save money, as you can make your own clothes instead of purchasing them from a store. If you don’t have a sewing machine, I encourage you to consider purchasing one. They are available for purchase at many retail stores, and they are also available for rent from some stores.

This is a sponsored post, in association with Crafts Press.

Sewing Machine Photo by Reuben Kim on Unsplash.

Easy but delicious Veggie or Vegan Sausage rolls

19/12/2021 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

I had an urge for a veggie sausage roll… my mum used to make these at Christmas for me and my sister. I loved them, she used SosMix and puff pastry – and I’ve never managed to match the taste or the memory since.

I tried to buy SosMix locally to no avail and then I had a panic that the ready roll puff pastry, although vegan, contained Palm Oil. So gave up.
I tried the vegan sausage rolls from Greggs, but there was something not quite right about them, a bit greasy for my liking – and just not “homemade” enough.

Yesterday though I thought I’d try again as was feeling Christmassy with all my kids home, and the Christmas tree twinkling I consulted the vegan Christmas group I belong to and – love them – they came up with several recipe ideas for me.

Although the JusRol puff pastry does still contain Palm Oil, a little research illustrates that *General Mills only buy palm oil from RSPO members purchasing RSPO certified sustainable palm oil. This ensures that 100% of the palm oil we use comes from responsible and sustainable sources 🙂

So with that in mind, I took the puff pastry out of the packet, unrolled it flat and cut it in half length ways.

One of the ideas from my Vegan Christmas Group was to take the ‘skins’ off a certain brand of vegan sausage to make the sausage meat, mix it with stuffing and various herbs and spices.
So I took this idea and went ‘basic’ (lazy) with a pack of THIS plant-based sausages. Gently removed the skins from the six vegan sausages, mixed it all together in a bowl.

Then divided the sausage meat in half and place down the middle of each length of pastry.

Roll the pastry around the sausage meat. If you eat eggs, brush a little along the long edge, as a seal, or oat milk works just as well.

Pop these two long sausage rolls into the fridge to chill for 20 minutes whilst the oven warms to 220°C and then slice them into 12/14 mini sausage rolls. Paint them again with your egg or oat milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds. And bake them for 20 mins, allow to cool for ten and then serve!

I am chuckling that the only photo I managed to get in daylight was the one lonely little sausage roll I asked my family to save me. I will definitely make these again though so will try to get some photos to update this makeshift blog post!

Big love to the following for prompting this blog post – mainly so I could share the Vegan sausage roll recipe, and sustainable Palm Oil news:

@retrorita.imreading
@littlepackofvegans
@jadesoar
@prickly.thistle
@janemtaylor66 and @melmartinphoto

And this is the Insta post that started the whole affair.

*https://www.generalmills.com/en/News/Issues/palm-oil-statement

Ethical and Effective Offsetting – Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place

24/11/2021 By Ali Clifford Leave a Comment

Following on from COP26, there is growing international awareness of the urgent need to address the climate change crisis.

Guest post by Creating Tomorrow’s Forests’ Dr Simone Webber, Senior Ecologist and Content Manager

Ethical and Effective Offsetting – Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place – Businesses have a great responsibility to do their part in fighting climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. In order to do this, many businesses are now focusing on reaching net-zero, where they reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible and then use offsetting projects to soak up the excess unavoidable emissions.

This effectively gives them a carbon balance of zero as the residual emissions are offset by an increase in carbon removal elsewhere. Offsetting projects can include planting trees, avoiding deforestation, and improving access to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Let’s explore ethical offsetting

Many new forests are planted as part of carbon offsetting projects, with most planting trees in tropical climates due to faster growth rates, cheaper labour, and lower land costs.

Offsetting projects have been heavily criticised for a number of reasons, primarily to do with transparency and accountability. But also for creating monoculture plantation forests using fast-growing and possibly non-native tree species such as eucalyptus.

Their focus has been on planting a specific number of trees, rather than creating a forest ecosystem, even though natural forests can absorb 40 times more carbon.

This has resulted in forests that do not have much value for biodiversity and have poor resilience to environmental challenges. Planting trees abroad to offset the fossil fuel consumption of richer countries also has ethical repercussions, as land that could be used for agriculture is taken up by planting trees, and the projects sometimes have few benefits for local communities.

From L-R: the amazing team: Nick Hollingworth, Elisabeth Boivin, Dr Simone Webber, Toby Brusey

There can be issues with accountability when trees are planted abroad as it is difficult to track when trees are planted and it is not possible to visit the forest and view how it is developing. Many offsetting projects also plant trees on land owned by private landowners, so are restricted by agreements that only protect the forest for a number of years. These issues of accountability and longevity tie in with those of the uncertainty surrounding the amount of carbon that trees are able to sequester, and can lead to accusations of offsetting projects being linked to greenwashing.

Ethical Offsetting – and sequestering carbon

Done properly, however, offsetting projects can sequester carbon effectively and contribute to increasing biodiversity at the same time. Companies such as Creating Tomorrow’s Forests work towards restoring thriving ecosystems by planting the right tree in the right place. By focusing on biodiversity and considering which tree and plant species would occur in that area naturally, we can create habitats that allow wildlife to thrive and sequester more carbon in the process.

We own the land where we create our forests in the UK. We plant and monitor all the trees ourselves so we can ensure the longevity and health of our trees. Our background is in landscape scale forestry creation, and we have planted over 9 million trees in the UK, so we have great experience in creating healthy forests.

Partnerships

Over the last year we have developed some fantastic partnerships with ethically minded businesses who want to invest in UK woodland creation, such as Sitting Spiritually who have planted over 380 trees since we’ve started working with them.

We can invite people who plant trees with us to come and see the site in person, allowing us to explain how the ecosystem all works together, and provide education on our native biodiversity.

Involving people in the biodiversity restoration process is one of our key missions. We believe that people value and protect what they understand. By working together with nature we can restore lost habitat and contribute towards fighting the climate crisis, offering a different model for offsetting schemes.

Find out more here: creatingtomorrowsforests.co.uk

Follow on social: instagram.com/tomorrowsforests

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