Simply by becoming present in the moment and focusing on the breath, you can incorporate meditation into your everyday tasks with minimal effort. So in honour of World Meditation Day, we're sharing some of our favourite and most creative ways to meditate.
It is clear that plastic pollution needs immediate action but it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. So we're sharing some easy ways you can get involved in Plastic-Free July this month!
A weekly/monthly trip to the grocery shop is something most of us do on autopilot, not really thinking about the wider impact we might be having. We're breaking down some easy ways to make your grocery shop more eco-friendly.
An addiction to extremely low prices and fleeting trends has resulted in a 'fast-fashion' culture that is destroying the planet at an alarming rate. With more people wanting to make better fashion choices, we're sharing some easy ways to buy less, choose well, and make it last with slow fashion.
Making a house into a home is a fine art. Whether you're going for bohemian chic or clean and minimal, we've put together the finest selection of eco-home essentials you won't want to live without.
Diet culture is a pervasive part of modern society but it goes far beyond calorie counting. It's all about our relationship with food and body image. So how can we achieve balance? Keep reading to find out!
Taking on the Sober October Challenge this year? We're sharing some healthy, alcohol-free alternatives that are guaranteed to make this month a breeze.
Serotonin and Dopamine are our happiness hormones, which when imbalanced, can negatively affect our mental health. Find out how you can boost these hormones naturally.
From skin dullness and age spots to dryness, wrinkles and fine lines; discover the best organic essential oils to help you rediscover your youthful glow!
When it comes to sustainability, the fashion industry still has a very long way to go. An addiction to extremely low prices and fleeting trends has resulted in a ‘fast-fashion’ culture that is destroying the planet at an alarming rate. The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, after the oil industry, producing an estimated 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2e (Fixing Fashion, UK Parliament, 2020). While there is an argument to be made for the positive impacts of making fashion more accessible regardless of income, the unfortunate negative impacts of fast fashion vastly outweigh any positives that may exist.
This week is #FashionRevolutionWeek, a movement created by Fashion Revolution, in response to the tragedy of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse back in 2013. Eight years later, fashion brands still continue to profit from unethical practices with little being done to regulate them. This past year in particular, fashion brands were under scrutiny for failing to pay garment workers for canceled orders, in an attempt to reduce their losses from the pandemic. This left many garment workers unemployed and resulted in a global call on social media for these companies to #PayUp. It is clear that more and more people are considering the impact that their fashion choices have on the wider community and environment as a whole. So for today’s blog post, we’re sharing some easy ways to buy less, choose well, and make it last with slow fashion.
1. Stop following trends and develop your own style
Much of the appeal of fast fashion comes from being able to rock the same trends as your friends, your favourite celebrity, or influencer. We get it, being able to emulate the people you admire can feel empowering, especially when those Instagram likes start pouring in! But the confidence boost you get from creating your own unique look; that’s a feeling that doesn’t go away with the next big trend. By developing your own style, not only will you feel more comfortable with what you wear, but you also won’t break the bank (or the planet) buying more clothes than you need, just to throw them away with the new season.
2. Seek out high-quality, versatile pieces
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Credit: Veo
When it comes to making better fashion choices you essentially have two options. Option 1: you can spend money purchasing lots of low-quality pieces that are trendy right now but are cheap enough to discard once the ‘gram has seen them. Option 2: you can spend the same amount of money buying fewer pieces that are high-quality, go with almost every outfit, and will last for the next few years. We are all guilty of thinking we get good value from Option 1, proudly telling our friends the long list of things we bought and getting them to guess how much we got it all for. But it’s not long before all those pieces end up at the back of your wardrobe, never to be worn again. The true value comes from having a wardrobe you can mix and match to create classic outfits that you’ll wear time and time again.
It takes around 2700 litres of water to produce just one cotton t-shirt. So if you’re really looking to reduce your impact on the environment, it’s time to take a closer look at the materials in your clothing. Avoid conventional cotton, polyester, acrylic, nylon, and viscose which are difficult to recycle, utilise excessive resources, and release hazardous dyes and microplastics into the environment, disrupting ecosystems. Instead, look for organic alternatives such as organic cotton, organic hemp, and organic linen or recycled alternatives such as recycled cotton or recycled polyester (rPET). Recycled polyester in particular is made from plastic bottles and is therefore, a great way to support the reduction of plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill. New and innovative biomaterials are being created every day using anything from pineapple leaves (Pinatex) to grape skins. Check out ACBC, a brand that makes innovative footwear that is comfortable and versatile, made entirely from recycled and bio-based materials.
4. Take better care of the clothes you have
Credit: Bruno Nascimento
Even if you can’t replace your entire wardrobe with eco-friendly fabrics and materials, one thing we can all do is take better care of our clothes. Simple things like checking the care instructions can ensure your clothes don’t become worn out and dull over time. Washing your clothes less frequently in general not only helps maintain the quality of your clothing but is also better for the environment as it reduces water waste and water pollution from detergents and microplastics. Another great way to make your clothes last longer is to learn how to do basic repairs. Being able to replace a button or stitch up a small rip in your clothing means you can avoid throwing away pieces that are otherwise still wearable.
5. If you must buy fast fashion, buy it second-hand
Credit: Ivana Cajina
While ideally, we’d love to avoid fast fashion altogether, it’s a process. We understand that shopping from sustainable brands only can be a challenging transition due to lack of accessibility, financial restrictions, and more. So if for any reason you have to buy something from a fast fashion brand, avoid creating additional demand by shopping second-hand. There are countless platforms that allow you to buy and resell clothes you are no longer wearing, helping to promote a circular economy. By only purchasing second-hand fast fashion, not only are you keeping these products out of landfill for longer, but it’s cost-effective as well!
And if you’re looking for a platform to get you started on your transition, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our Fashion section to discover the best, fashion-forward, sustainable brands on the market!
Minimalism. Some people believe it’s the ultimate path to enlightenment while others think it is something only the privileged few can afford to think about. Whatever your opinion might be, one thing we can all agree on is that much of our lives are overwhelmed by stuff. The average household has around 300,000 items. On average, 1 in 2 people in the UK admit to holding onto things for longer than they should while 1 in 3 say they don’t like the idea of parting with their possessions. But why does having ‘too much stuff’ matter, you may ask? Not only does clutter increase the levels of cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) in your body, but studies have shown that it can also trigger coping behaviours such as overeating. With clear negative impacts on both mental and physical health, you might be thinking it’s time for a clear out. However, the problem with decluttering is that it can very easily become a wasteful practice. In an effort to achieve that elated feeling that comes from a clean space, we often throw out things that could have been utilised in a much more sustainable way. So we’re sharing some useful tips to help you declutter your home sustainably.
BEDROOM & WARDROBE
Credit: Thom Bradley
If you’ve read our recent blog post on making better fashion choices, you might be feeling the urge to give your wardrobe a reset. However, simply throwing out all your fast fashion pieces is not the way forward. Rather than allowing your unwanted clothes to end up in landfill, it’s important to find ways to extend their life cycle. One option that we typically turn to is donating to charity shops however this may not always be the most sustainable option. Unfortunately, many charity shops have far more clothing than they can sell and particularly in the case of fast fashion pieces, the low quality means they are often impossible to shift. So what happens to those clothes that no one wants? They usually end up being sold abroad, dumped on African economies to deal with, eroding their local textiles industries and polluting their environments as a result. So what’s the alternative? First of all, if your items are still wearable and just need minor repairs, keep them in a separate pile and take them to your local tailoring service to mend. Give your unwanted pieces to people who will actually use them. Do clothing swaps with your friends and family, sell your clothes online, or simply donate them to someone for free! And if you do need to replace any pieces, shop from brands that are ethical and sustainable – click here to discover more.
BATHROOM & BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Credit: Annie Spratt
With skinmalism trending and a return to more ‘natural beauty’ on the rise, there’s a good chance you’ll want to downsize your beauty cabinet. But like anything else in your home, throwing away a half-full bottle of foundation or an unused eyeshadow palette doesn’t get rid of the clutter, it just creates more waste. Of course, if a product gave your skin a horrible reaction or has expired, it should be thrown out. However, if being in lockdown has meant you just haven’t used something as much as you thought you would, don’t count it as clutter – just start using it! With restrictions easing and many of us going out more, now is the perfect time to try a new look and use up some of those beauty products you’ve been holding onto. If you have products that are unopened that you don’t see yourself using any time soon, give them to a friend or family member who will make good use of them. When you do finally run out of beauty products, you can find clean, cruelty-free replacements right here on Veo.
KITCHEN & PANTRY
Credit: Nadia Pimenova
A popular way that people choose to make their homes more sustainable is by adopting a zero-waste approach to organising their kitchen. This can often mean purchasing tonnes of new jars and baskets for your food, in order to re-create that aesthetically pleasing pantry you saw online. While we totally get how satisfying it is watching those ‘homemaker gurus’ organise their homes to perfection, buying more to have less isn’t really the answer. Chances are, you already have some perfectly good Tupperware that could do the same job. Sure they don’t all match and your cupboards might not look ‘Pinterest-worthy’ but it means that instead of throwing out those plastic takeaway containers, you can actually make use of them, have less plastic waste, and ultimately less stuff. That’s the goal, right?
So essentially, the most sustainable way to declutter isn’t necessarily about getting rid of all your things but finding ways to make better use of what you have, reducing your waste, and shopping more consciously when you do need something new. If you’re looking for brands that prioritise sustainability, functionality, and long-term use, we have an amazing platform to find sustainable home goods all in one place. Head to veo.world to discover more.
When it comes to sustainability, the fashion industry needs to step up. With consumers increasingly calling for brands to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more ethical, transparent practices, many fashion companies are being faced with a conflict of interest between people, planet, and profit. There’s a major debate happening right now involving one material in particular: leather. According to search platform Lyst, searches for ‘vegan leather’ have increased by 69% year-on-year while searches for ‘faux leather’ have remained constant. Additionally, searches for leather have decreased by 3.5% year-on-year, demonstrating that consumer attitudes are shifting in favour of cruelty-free, eco-friendly alternatives. So consumers are seeking better options but why are fashion brands still lagging behind? Well, luxury leather goods are a huge source of revenue for many fashion houses, accounting for 48 billion USD (33.9bn GBP) of global revenue in 2019, a number that is predicted to increase by a further 16 billion USD (11.3bn GBP) by 2025 (Statista, 2020). According to Vogue Business, supporters of the leather industry claim that leather is in fact sustainable as it is a natural, biodegradable material that utilises waste from the meat production industry.
Despite this being technically true, many people believe this argument is missing the point. Commercial cattle farming is a notorious contributor to the negative environmental impacts of consumption, producing 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The tanning process that turns animal hides into what we know as leather also involves a significant number of toxic chemicals that find their way into our water systems. With such adverse effects on the environment, can the leather industry really claim to be sustainable? We think not. So what’s the alternative?
Faux leather was initially pitched as the more ethical alternative to real leather and it certainly has its positives. These materials use no animal byproducts which technically makes them vegan and cruelty-free. However, the most common types of faux leather are actually made from petroleum-based plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) which use fossil fuels and release harmful toxins into the environment. PVC-based materials have become far less common in recent years due to their toxic impact and positive advances have also been made towards improving the production process of PU to make it less toxic (water-based polyurethane dispersion). However, these materials are still non-biodegradable, contributing to global plastic waste. So while faux leathers might be vegan-friendly, they certainly aren’t the eco-friendly alternative we need.
Enter plant-based leathers. Could this be fashion’s answer to the ongoing leather debate? Sustainable brands such as ACBC and Bohema certainly think so! These brands are making waves with their use of leathers derived from plants and bio-waste. From pineapple leaves and mushrooms to cactus plants and grape skins, here are some of the innovative, new alternatives that are changing the future of fashion.
1. Piñatex
Credit: Ananas Anam, the makers of Piñatex®
Piñatex is made using the cellulose fibres of pineapple waste leaves. The pineapple industry produces 40,000 tonnes of pineapple waste every year which would typically be burned or left to rot. With this waste being a byproduct of an existing crop industry, it requires no additional land, water or fertiliser to produce. It also contains none of the harmful toxins of both real and traditional faux leathers.
Cactus leather is another plant-based alternative that has a huge positive impact on the environment. The cactus plant naturally absorbs a high volume of CO2 and can also help to regenerate soil in degraded areas due to its resilient nature. The process of creating cactus leather only uses the mature leaves without damaging the whole plant, allowing for repeat harvest from the same crops, without requiring additional land or environmental resources.
Wine leather is made using pomace: waste comprised of the skin, seeds, and stalks of grape clusters recovered from the winemaking industry. With 26.3 billion litres of wine produced in 2019 alone, this process has the ability to produce an extremely high yield of material with low environmental impact, low production costs and no polluting substances. Wine leather also comes from a renewable source and does not require additional resources to be produced.
While these materials have a far more positive impact on the environment and promise a more sustainable future for leather, it is worth noting that many of these materials are still a work in progress. Many plant-based alternatives are still combined with PU or petroleum-based resins in order to resemble leather, and most are still not fully recyclable or biodegradable yet.
So to answer the question of whether leather can ever be sustainable, the answer is complicated. However,we can all take steps to make better fashion choices and reduce the impact of our consumption habits. For fashion brands that prioritise ethical, cruelty-free, and sustainable practices, explore our curated collections right here on Veo.
If you’ve never tried meditation, you might think of it as a practice reserved only for spiritual yogis, hippies, and monks but that is no longer the case! With our lifestyles busier than ever, more and more people are turning to meditation as a way to unwind and relieve stress. Research shows that meditation is actually the most popular form of wellbeing therapy in the UK with 26% of Brits using it to improve their mental health. The benefits of meditation include reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved mood to name a few. But while meditation seems like a great practice to incorporate into your day, sitting still in silence for half an hour every day simply isn’t practical or enjoyable for everyone. But the principles of meditation are actually a lot simpler than we think. Simply by becoming present in the moment and focusing on the breath, you can incorporate meditation into your everyday tasks with minimal effort. So in honour of World Meditation Day (21st May 2021), we’re sharing some of our favourite and most creative ways to meditate, below!
Start your day with intention by taking the time out for a tea meditation. This form of meditation is incredibly easy and simply requires you to focus on the process of making yourself a heartwarming brew. Pay attention to the details, from the sound of the water boiling to the feeling of steam on your face as you hold your cup. Focus on breathing deeply as you sip, to truly feel a sense of calm. In order to make this moment even more mindful, choose teas that boost your mood and offer great benefits to your health including calming chamomile and green tea. Click here to explore our range of loose leaf teas and biodegradable teabags available in a variety of blends and flavours.
Another great way to incorporate mindfulness into the start of your day is with a shower meditation. Also known as waterfall meditation, this practice uses water as a mechanism for washing away any tension, stress, or anxiety within the body. Breathe in deeply and pay attention to the sound of the rushing water. Focus your awareness on the feeling of each droplet hitting your skin. You can enhance the experience by choosing shower cremes and lotions that soothe the skin with essential oils which are known to promote a sense of calm such as Peppermint and Lavender. Click here to discover our lush and luxurious bath & shower selection.
If you’re someone that finds it hard to sit still and concentrate, movement meditation might be exactly what you need. The mind-boosting benefits of exercise are well known but mindful movement takes it one step further. This is one activity where focus on the breath is essential. Work on controlling your breathing through each movement and practice paying attention to the way each muscle flexes and contracts in the process. Whether you enjoy yoga, lifting weights in the gym, or simply taking a walk in the park, you can find a way to make your next workout more mindful and therapeutic. Discover our selection of lightweight and breathable women’s and men’s activewear that is perfect, whatever your exercise style.
We know it might sound strange but yes, cleaning your home can also be a great way to meditate! It involves a process of simple, methodical tasks that can help you get into a state of flow and gentle concentration. Rather than letting your mind race thinking about all the other things you need to do with your day, take time to feel present and focus on what’s right in front of you. Enjoy the warmth of the water as you wash the dishes or the motion of wiping down your surfaces. What’s great about using toxin-free cleaning products is that you can focus on breathing in deeply as you clean, without fear of inhaling harmful chemicals in the process.
Those are four effective and creative ways to incorporate meditation into your daily routine that don’t involve sitting still. If you enjoyed reading this, you’ll love our blog post on 6 daily habits to improve your mental health.
It’s that time of year again; Plastic Free July is here, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and tackling plastic pollution worldwide. This campaign has gained increasing popularity over the years, with an estimated 326 million participants taking part last year, even amidst a global pandemic. Our very own study conducted here at Veo demonstrated that over 60% of people consider reducing plastic waste as the most important cause to them. But why are people so passionate about plastic? It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish if significant changes are not made. Microplastics are destroying marine ecosystems at an alarming rate with traces also being found in the food we eat. It is clear that plastic pollution needs immediate action but it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. So we’re sharing some easy ways you can get involved in Plastic-Free July this month!
One of the first ways you can begin the journey to reducing your plastic waste is to review your current usage. Do you find yourself buying a bottle of water and packaged meal deal on your daily commute to work? Maybe you consistently forget to bring your own bags on your weekly trip to the supermarket? Most of us use plastic so much in our daily lives that the amount of waste produced often goes unnoticed. But the great news is that many of these uses can easily be swapped out for reusable alternatives. Instead of buying a bottle of water with your meal every day, invest in a reusable bottle that you can refill as many times as you like. Keep your shopping bags by the door, in your bag, or in the boot of your car to make them easier to access whenever you need them.
Once you’ve got an accurate idea of where your plastic waste is coming from, you can begin to find ways to reuse it. This is the perfect time to get resourceful and creative with upcycling. By turning your takeaway containers into food storage or using your empty water bottles for bath/cleaning refills, you can give your waste items new life, keeping them out of landfill for longer. To stock up on zero waste refill essentials, check out brands such as Milly & Sissy for natural bath & body formulas and Mix Clean Green for toxin-free cleaning products.
Try out a local zero waste store
Credit: Unicorn Grocery Manchester
Zero-waste shopping is becoming more common every day with independent retailers and even popular supermarkets launching refill stations within their stores. From cereals, pasta, and pet food to beauty supplies and cleaning refills, these stores are the perfect way to stock up on all your essentials without buying into additional plastic waste.
Get to know your recycling codes
Credit: Sigmund
A lot of times we think that doing our part towards reducing plastic waste is as simple as throwing it all in the recycling bin however this is not always as effective as we’d think. One thing that often gets overlooked is that different types of plastic cannot actually be recycled effectively or easily depending on the facilities available in a specific country or region. To know whether your plastic waste can be recycled or not, you’ll need to look at the resin codes. As a general rule, the lower the number, the easier it is to recycle. Plastics that are generally easier to recycle include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), used in water and drinks bottles, and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), used in milk cartons and shampoo bottles. One plastic that is far more difficult to recycle is Polystyrene (PS) which can often break down into small pieces and enter water systems, impacting marine wildlife who accidentally ingest the pieces as food. By deciphering between these plastics you can figure out what you can effectively recycle and what you should try to find a new use for.
So those are just a few easy ways you can start to tackle plastic waste within your daily life. Going plastic-free, like any zero-waste practice is all about progress and not perfection. By making a few small changes every day, we can all make a major difference to the future of plastic waste.If you liked this post, you’ll love our blog on How To Make Your Grocery Shop More Eco-Friendly!
Making a house into a home is a fine art. Whether you’re going for bohemian chic or clean and minimal, we’ve put together the finest selection of eco-home essentials you won’t want to live without. Breathe in the fresh botanical scents of a clean home with toxin-free cleaning products and set the atmosphere with natural soy candles & diffusers that add the perfect touch of fragrance to your space. Explore organic cotton cushion covers and hand-crafted kitchenware designed to add character to your decor. Check out our top picks to turn your living space into a blissful eco-sanctuary. Your happy place awaits…
A rich, calming, and strong fragrance opening with sparkling citrus top notes leading to a heart of lush lavender and resting on a substantive base of tonka bean, vanilla, precious woods, and amber.
Top Notes: Citrus
Middle Notes: Lavender
Base Notes: Tonka, Vanilla, Woods, Amber
Made in England, with a natural soy wax, lead-free cotton wick, and premium grade fragrance oils. Hand-poured into clear glass jars with simple, minimal labels and topped with aluminium lids.
The Ubiety Balancing reed diffuser usesa comforting blend of essential oils, including the smoky wood and green aromas of linden, cedarwood, and rose geranium, expertly chosen to calm and balance the mind. Captured in an environmentally friendly natural carrier oil, these plant-based formulations are sustainable and non-toxic, using vegan-friendly ingredients and simple glass packaging.
A strategically placed accent can bring the whole room to life, and this cushion is just what youneed to do that. Uma cushion is inspired by the classic African Mud cloth textiles which have been cherished for generations. These cushion covers are hand-printed using Indian hand printing methods incorporating Moroccan patterns. The fabric is handmade using recycled cotton. These dreamy cushion covers are perfect for a living room or bedroom with high windows and they will make any interior looking exotic, relaxing, and inspiring.
This Marble Two Tone Serving Board is handcrafted by artisans using marble and wood harvested from ancient mango trees. The smooth surface makes it perfect to use for charcuterie and cheese or as a serving platter. A statement piece for the kitchen, ideal for any food lover.
Clean U Skincare’s hand-carved coconut bowls are made using reclaimed coconuts that would otherwise be burned after harvest. They help to provide a well-needed second income for some of Vietnam’s most impoverished communities. Etched by local craftsmen in the Ben Tre region of Vietnam, each bowl is hand-picked from the thickest and highest quality coconuts.
Infused with cleansing rosemary, lemony freshness, and the calming ambiance of juniper berry, this award-winning duo is a gamechanger for your bathroom. In a glass dispenser that marries function with style, this plant-based, natural solution deeply cleans while instantly uplifting your living space.
For more eco-home essentials to transform your space, check out the full Home Edit here!
If you’ve found yourself questioning the origins of your clothing more often than not lately, you’re not alone. When it comes to making more sustainable fashion choices, there’s no better place to start than with the basics. We often overlook those undergarments that no one really sees but these are often the pieces that we should be investing in the most.
Whether you’re into lacey pairings, cute and comfy sets, boxers, or briefs, these brands have got all bases covered. Explore a range of sustainable, ethically made underwear brands that use the most luxurious eco-friendly natural materials for the perfect fit and feel.
BEDSTRAW + MADDER are righting the wrongs of an industry known for being dirty. Their cotton farm pilot in Southern India is committed to their regen cotton without cutting corners, all whilst giving their customers the transparency and traceability they deserve.
This is a story of revival – of the land, of biodiversity, and of crafts & techniques that have been around for centuries. But it’s also a story of people; namely the farmers, spinners weavers and seamstresses that make this all possible.
This is intimates with integrity; this is uncompromising underwear; this is conscious cotton.
This is the regeneration generation. And they won’t settle for less.
Features | organic cotton & bamboo, minimal design
Styles | boxer briefs, boxer shorts, briefs, thongs, trunks, bras
Ships from | United Kingdom
ROZENBROEK is a British, women-founded, sustainable clothing brand. They are a brand that celebrates design and durability.
They ONLY use organic fabrics; no compromise. Their fabrics are sourced as locally as possible, with the majority coming from Europe.
No wool, silk, and NEVER any fur or leather. Their accessories are all made from 100% organic & vegan fabrics and off-cuts.
All of their items are made in small batches or made to order. This is the most sustainable way as to avoid overproduction and unnecessary use of materials.
OLLY creates gorgeous sustainable lingerie designed to make you look and feel your absolute best. Slip into something a little more comfortable with cuts that flatter the female form. Using GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled lace, and breathable Tencel, saving the planet never looked so good.
Hedoine wanted to create something different – tights that make you feel great and that wouldn’t add to the world’s ever-growing throwaway culture.
Let’s face it – you need tights that do the job properly. They need to feel good, look great and last longer. That’s why Hedoine mastered their craft. Hedoine have made it their mission to craft the best tights you’ll ever wear – the most comfortable, the most sustainable and (hopefully) the only pair of tights you will ever want to wear, again.
Governments across the globe have started to ban the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products.
After a Greenpeace petition against microbeads amassed 385,000 signatures, the UK microbead ban came into effect in 2018.
The Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan, Sweden, New Zealand, France, Canada, and some states in the US have also legislated against microbeads in cosmetics.
India and Italy will follow suit in 2020.
Sadly, there are some microplastics which aren’t covered by the legislation, such as glitter.
The EU is currently considering a comprehensive ban on microplastics in cosmetics, paints, polish and detergents for all members.
The Truth About Microplastic in Our Cosmetics:
What are microbead/microplastics?
Why are microbeads added to cosmetics?
Why are microbeads a problem?
How can we avoid microbead plastic pollution?
What are microplastics and microbeads anyway?
Microplastics are defined as any piece of plastic under 5mm in size.
Microbeads are a type of microplastic that can be added to cosmetics and cleaning products.
They are usually smaller than 1mm and can be listed on cosmetic ingredients as polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP).
Primary microplastics are pieces such as microbeads which have been intentionally manufactured at a small size. Secondary microplastics are made from larger pieces breaking down in the environment.
Why are microbeads added to some cosmetics?
Microbeads are added to some face and body scrubs for their abrasive qualities.
Their uniform sizes and shapes can make them less abrasive than natural alternatives such as almond, oats, or pumice.
They are cheap to manufacture, so they help companies make big profits.
Microbeads won’t degrade or dissolve in products with a long shelf life.
They are used to add colour or sparkle.
As cosmetic companies compete for sales in the aisles of pharmacies and supermarkets, every brand is looking for a ‘Unique Selling Point’ while maximising their profits.
Brands often redesign and repackage the same products, with the promise of a new formula, better performance.
Constant innovation is a key part of capitalist consumer society, and microbeads grew in popularity until the shelves were full of products ranging from toothpaste and facial scrubs, to glittering bath bombs and hair gel.
But what’s the problem with microbeads?
Microbeads are designed to get washed down the drain, but they are too small to be filtered out by water treatment plants.
This means that they enter the environment through treated waste water. Microbeads are not biodegradable, and will travel through the rivers and into the sea. With nearly 1.5 million microplastic particles in a single tube of facial scrub, researchers at Plymouth University discovered that between 4,594 and 94,500 microbeads may be released with every use.
That’s a whole lot of teeny pieces of plastic in the ocean from just one wash!
When microplastics are in the sea, they attract waterborne toxins and bacteria, which stick to the shiny surfaces.
Microbeads and other microplastics look very similar to food items for fish, amphibians, insect larvae and marine animals, so they often get eaten.
The particles can block digestive tracts and cause other physical problems. Worryingly, the pollutants which have accumulated can enter the human food chain through contaminated seafood.
Microplastics have been found in 73% of deep sea fish as well as every single marine mammal surveyed in the UK.
It’s been estimated that if you eat shellfish regularly, you might be consuming around 11,000 pieces of microplastic a year. Yuk!
How can we avoid causing more microplastic pollution?
Even though the UK has banned microbeads, there are still lots of other ways that microplastic pollution can enter our environment.
With primary microplastics still found in glitter, paints, waxes, polishes and detergents, there is a long way to go before we’ve seen the back of them. Here’s a list of ten simple actions that you can take to help beat microplastic pollution:
Check your old cosmetics for polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) and throw them out if you spot these on the ingredients list!
Wear clothes made from natural fibres such as linen, hemp and organic cotton (synthetic fibres such as polyester fleece and polyamide shed microplastics when they are washed).
Choose natural paints, oils and polishes for your home. (acrylics, polyurethane and alkyds all contain types of plastic).
Avoid glitter. (Even ‘biodegradable’ glitter can contain up to 8% plastic.)
Choose shoes made from natural fibres with natural rubber soles.
Make your own natural household cleaning products from simple ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.
Use natural fibre sponges and scrubbers for washing up, household cleaning and bathing.
Switch to loose leaf tea – most teabags are made from plastic – ewww!
Avoid single-use plastic products to help stop secondary microplastic pollution.
Sign the Plastic Soup Foundation’s petition asking the EU to ban microplastics in cosmetics.
When trying to make better lifestyle and health and beauty decision when it comes to shopping we understand it can be difficult and confusing with so many conflicting opinions already out there on the web.
Veo is a destination for consumers who care about the origins of the products they purchase.
A home for unique independent brands who create high-quality sustainable products, which are better for us and the world around us. Our mission is to make the kind healthy green choices simple and easy: “effortlessly ethical”!
How often do you buy shampoo and conditioner? If you wash your hair three or four times a week, we’re guessing that’s around once a month. Over a year, that adds up to 24 bottles, and over 10 years it’s a staggering 240 – which is a lot of plastic waste.
A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and this number is projected to jump another 20% by 2021. With these alarming figures currently in the media spotlight, many brands and consumers are making changes to their packaging and purchasing.
The beauty industry is already ahead of the game, and you may have already noticed that traditional bars of soap are on the comeback trail; replacing bottled shower gels and body wash.
With that in mind, the latest trend to hit the stores moves north of the body, focusing on sustainable haircare. Replacing your bottled shampoo with a solid solution in the form of a soap bar could break new ground when it comes to environmental impact.
Compact and convenient, this niche beauty category is certainly one to consider if environmental concerns are increasingly playing on your mind.
Adapting a zero-waste hair care routine is one of the easiest changes you can make. However, if you’re worried about switching their shampoo, fear not, as we’re about to assure you that your locks will be just as luscious, and your purse will even be a little lighter.
What is zero-waste haircare?
If you’re a little intrigued but aren’t entirely sure what zero-waste hair care actually means, we’re about to reveal all. Zero-waste products are developed and packaged using only materials that can be reused or composted, rather than sent to landfills or being incinerated.
When it comes to haircare products, we automatically visualise a plastic tube or bottle, because that’s all we know, right? Well, not anymore. Now, thanks to the growth in sustainable living, an increasing number of haircare brands are redefining how we use shampoo and conditioner – and it no longer comes in liquid form.
Say hello to the shampoo bar, a zero-waste, eco-friendly alternative to the endless bottles you’ve been throwing in the bin throughout your life.
Tell me more about shampoo bars…
Although they seem a little strange, solid soap shampoos were commonly used before liquid detergent shampoos became popular in the 1940’s.
Turns out, they even date way back to the 1800’s. In the book Hints on Health, published in 1852, William Edward Coale wrote, “To cleanse the hair, there is nothing better than soap and water . . . the soap, of course, should be mild, and well and plentifully rubbed in, and afterward thoroughly removed with an abundance of water.”
While the process for making a shampoo bar is the same as making soap, a well-formulated shampoo bar is drastically different.
Today’s product has been developed specifically for your hair and is packed with an abundance of rich vitamins and minerals, designed to keep your hair and scalp soft, shiny and full of volume.
Shampoo bars use different proportions of natural oils, butters, and botanicals, that are known to help nourish the hair and scalp.
What are the benefits to the environment?
As mentioned, shampoo bars are plastic free – so you’ll no longer have to squeeze the last drops from the bottle. This also means they have a huge impact on the environment, and as it’s recently been calculated that the number of shampoo bottles condemned to landfills in a year could fill 1,164 football fields, it’s an issue we need to tackle.
Furthermore, because of their smaller size, more can fit into the lorries that transport them to reduce your carbon footprint even further.
What about the benefits to my hair?
Most people find benefits in switching to a shampoo bar such as increased volume, faster-growing hair, reduced dandruff, shinier hair and less frizz. If you have curly hair, you’re likely to have more defined curls with better control.
Shampoo bars don’t contain any harmful chemicals found in liquid shampoo, as they are made from totally natural oils. If you read the ingredients list on the back of the bottle, you’ll most likely see sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which are the chemicals responsible for the foamy lather when you wash your hair.
However, these ingredients can cause a dry, itchy and irritated scalp, they can dry out your hair, and contribute to hair loss, especially if you shampoo every day.
Once they wash down the drain, it’s worth knowing that these chemicals don’t break down. Instead, they build up in our ecosystem, polluting our rivers, lakes and public water systems.
Whilst shampoo bars do not lather as well, you can be assured they also won’t strip your hair of your natural oils, and they certainly won’t be polluting the environment.
How do you use one?
Because there are no chemicals in a traditional shampoo bar, you’ll miss a little lather, and the change in application needs to be greeted with an open mind.
Some brands recommend rubbing the bar between your hands first while others advise applying it directly to the scalp instead, so it’s best to give both a go and see what you prefer.
You may notice a few changes in the first week, but this is just your hair getting used to the switch. Experts say it takes around a week of washing to see the benefits – so stick with it.
Can I take them on holiday?
Did we mention these are perfect for travel? If you’ve ever been victim to a leaking shampoo bottle in your suitcase, you’ll know how devastating that can be. However, as you don’t have to worry about any spillage with a shampoo bar, you can pop them in your case with ease, knowing they’ve not ruined your new kimono or your gorgeous selection of holiday dresses.
So, not only are they small and lightweight, taking up way less room in your suitcase, they are also TSA approved, which means you don’t have to worry about your liquid allowance at the airport. By popping one of these in your bag, they’ll help prevent using the mini shampoos and conditioners at your hotel, reducing packaging waste.
How long do they last?
They look small, but you only need to use a small amount of a shampoo bar to wash your hair thoroughly. With the water removed, one bar can do the job of 4 to 5 bottles of commercial liquid shampoo, meaning it can last for a few months. However, it all depends on how many people are using it and how often you wash your hair.
To make your shampoo bar last, store it on a well-drained soap dish and don’t let it sit in a puddle of water.
Let the bar breathe and allow it plenty of fresh air to dry between uses. If your bar ever gets waterlogged and becomes gooey, the key is to let it rest on a draining soap dish for a few days and let it dry out before using again.
The verdict?
Making the decision to switch is easy but sticking to it is a challenge for many. If reducing your plastic waste and carbon footprint is important, switch your bottle for a bar and get set to give your hair the natural nourishment it deserves.
On Veo we offer a wide range of shampoo bars and refillable earth-friendly hair care options. Check them out here!
Benzoyl Peroxid, Dihydroxyacetone, Glycerin, Emollient – the list of ingredients contained in our skincare products is pretty scary.
They claim to work wonders on our skin and often come in beautiful packaging, with an expensive price tag.
But with slow-beauty on the rise, and an increasing number of women keen to incorporate a waste-free regime, foraging could be the next big sustainable trend.
So, what is foraging?
Foraging simply involves sourcing ingredients from the wild, usually for food, but in this instance it’s for skincare.
There is an abundance of natural ingredients with skincare benefits in the woodlands, and you can combine them with other natural sources to create a new, organic treat for your face or body.
Natural ingredients grow by season, so you often can’t forage the same stuff all year round.
To help you out, beauty experts reveal what items you can forage each season, where you can find them, and how you can use them to create a gorgeous new product for completely free.
Spring
Chickweed
Where: Chickweed is found in shady, moist locations including gardens and woodlands.
Benefits: Chickweed is commonly used to help treat a number of skin issues as it contains natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s regularly used as a quick remedy for itchiness and skin irritation.
Dandelion
Where: Dandelions love moist, sunny areas, they only go dormant during cold winters and are easy to find.
Benefits: The sap derived from dandelions is naturally highly alkaline, meaning it’s great for combating germs, bacteria and fungus.
It’s also thought the sap can be used to treat conditions like ring worm and eczema. Seen as a natural detoxifier, dandelion juice is often used to help treat acne naturally, with its increased vitamin C content helping to treat and sooth scars and inflammation.
Goose grass
Where: You can find it in turf, landscaped areas, like crop fields, orchards, and in gardens.
Benefits: In the past, goose grass has often been used to treat common skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema. It’s also thought to help aid the healing of small cuts, scrapes and abrasions.
Wild Garlic
Where: You can usually find this near marshland or water drainage ditches in all parts of the country.Benefits: Wild garlic is rich in allicin, meaning it has lots of lovely antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It’s used in a variety of products to cleanse the skin and treat acne, removing the bacteria that causes breakouts. Garlic also naturally contains large quantities of vitamins C which, amongst other things, is known to boost collagen and reduce to effects of UV exposure.
Recipe: Dandelion Face Serum
This Dandelion face serum is specially created for all skin types to brighten your complexion, tighten and firm skin. This magical flower has properties known for reducing age spots and scars, so perfect to be used as serum before you wear your daily or nightly moisturizer.
Ingredients
6 fresh dandelion flowers and leaves
Aloe vera leaf
1 teaspoon vitamin E
1. Firstly- wash the flowers and chop off the base of the stems to remove any dirt, leave to drain.
2. Slice the aloe vera leaf down the middle and scoop the gel to fill half a cup.
3. Whiz the dandelions and aloe vera gel together into a food processor (a Nutri bullet would be perfect)
4. Leave to sit for one hour.
5. Either using a cloth or a strainer squeeze the gel into a bowl. Carry on until all you have left is the dandelion leaves left in the strainer and all of your dandelion infused gel in a bowl.
6. Gently mix in the vitamin E
7. Pour into a pot or bottle, preferably made from dark glass to keep it preserved for longer.
8. Add to skin morning and night and use within 10 weeks.
Summer
Chanterelle mushrooms
Where: Growing in clusters, the mushrooms grow in mossy coniferous forests. They are also found in mountainous birch forests.
Benefits: Like many species of fungi, chanterelle mushrooms are packed with vitamin D which is what we get from natural sunlight. Rich in niacin, chanterelle mushrooms can also help address a number of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, as it helps to reduce redness, inflammation and irritation.
Blackberries
Where: Blackberries are commonly found in brambles in most woodland areas.
Benefits: Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which help promote good circulation and a strong immune system. The small fruit often features in face masks because of its acne busting astringent properties. The high amount of vitamin C found in blackberries also helps to boost collagen production, and thus makes the skin appear more vibrant and healthy.
Hazelnuts
Where: Find these little gems in moist, lowland soil and under the shade of oak trees.
Benefits: Hazelnuts contain a high concentration of antioxidants, and as such are often applied directly to the skin. Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, hazelnut based products can help to both hydrate the skin, and preserve its elasticity. Plus they taste great if you want to add some protein to your diet, too!
Honeysuckle
Where: Honeysuckle grows close to home, and even on exteriors of buildings.
Benefits: Honeysuckle is commonly found in remedies for eczema, acne and rosacea. Oil distilled from the plant is also found in hair products as it can strengthen the roots and strands of hair. As an essential oil, honeysuckle is often used in aromatherapy, and is widely thought to help treat headaches, reduce sinus pressure build-up and relieve stress.
Recipe: Rose Face Spritz
This wonderfully refreshing recipe is ideally used as a face toner as well as a face spritz on hot days when you need a little cooling down.
Ingredients
7 Roses
1.5 litres of distilled water
1. Gently pull the petals from the roses and place the them into a colander, under a tap running luke warm water to remove any dirt.
2. When the petals appear to be clean, pop then in a pan of the distilled water. If 1.5 litres is not enough then add more to cover the petals.
3. Over a low to medium heat, bring the petals to a simmer for about 25 minutes until they have lost their colour and are now very pale pink.
4. Strain the mixture and separate the petals from the water. Don’t throw the petals away- they can be enjoyed in a bath that evening!
5. Pour your now Rose water into a dark bottle and enjoy as a Rose water face spritz to cool you down through the summer!
Autumn
Plums
Where: Plums are often found in hedgerows in the wild.
Benefits: Like many natural remedies, rosehips are known for their astringent properties, which means they help to tighten the skin and close the pores. They also contain lycopene and beta carotene (which is what we find in carrots), and can help to remedy hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens in places due to sun exposure, medication or hormonal changes.
Hawthorn
Where: Hawthorn grows in hedgerows, woodland and scrub.
Benefits: Hawthorn berries are naturally rich in polyphenols, and are thought to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. Cosmetically, hawthorn berries are found in a wide range of hair products as they’re supposed to be amazing for helping stimulate fast hair growth.
Walnuts
Where: Search in the woodlands for walnuts, most commonly found in southern parts of England.
Benefits: Most benefits come from the shell and leaves, meaning they’re an excellent zero-waste option for DIY beauty remedies. Research shows that the application walnut products can help to protect the skin from free radicals and they are a great exfoliant due to their rough texture.
Recipe: Walnut Body Scrub
This walnut body scrub is designed to increase blood circulation, remove dead skin cells, smooth and brighten your complexion.
Ingredients
12 walnuts
30g refined Shea butter
30g almond oil
5g of Vitamin E
5 drops of Rosehip oil
1. Firstly, take the shells off of the walnuts
2. Next, ground the walnuts into tiny particles. You can either do this in a pestle and mortar, by putting the nuts into a canvas bag and hitting it with a rolling pin or by using a blender. Leave to the side.
3. Place all of the shea butter with the almond oil into a heat proof bowl and place into a pan of water (just as you would to melt chocolate)
4. Turn the heat to a low temperature and watch until the shea butter melts down into the oil.
5. When the mixture is entirely melted, remove from heat and allow to set and go hard. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
6. Grab a big wooden spoon and mix until the product turns fluffy.
7. You can now add in your crushed-up walnuts, Vitamin E and Rosehip oil.
8. Spoon into a dark glass pot to keep it fresh. Enjoy marvelously soft skin with your new walnut scrub!
Winter
Nettles
Where: Nettles love rich, moist soil, meaning you’ll find them growing near rivers, streams, and lakes.
Benefits: When prepared properly, nettles can be a rich source of antioxidants, and as such are commonly used to reverse the effects of a heavily polluted atmosphere. It’s also thought to have powerful anti-aging properties. It’s also thought to inhibit the hormone that causes hair loss, and as such is often used to rinse and stimulate the scalp.
Beech Nuts
Where: Beech nuts like dry conditions, and acidic soil. They can be tricky to find, but woodland is a good place to start.
Benefits: As well as being known to be a powerful antiseptic agent, beech nuts are actually thought to promote healthy, strong hair growth over time. Oil distilled from beech nuts is commonly thought to help strengthen the follicle cells, helping to stall or slow down the effects of hair loss and baldness. Remember: Parts of the beech tree are known to be toxic, so don’t attempt to forage without the guidance and / or supervision of an expert.
Rowan Berries
Where: These berries grow in high altitude locations, particularly in the highlands of Scotland.
Benefits: Packed with a high vitamin C content, these delicious berries can to boost collagen production and synthesis, which helps to keep skin feeling firm, reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time. The berries can also be applied to dry or sore patches of skin to help address itchiness and irritation, and are often used to treat conditions like eczema and other inflammations of the skin.
Pine
Where: Scots pine is the only truly native pine in the UK. It thrives in heathland and is widely planted for timber. It’s also found in the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.
Benefits: Nut -based products can help combat the effects of free radicals – which are caused by higher pollution levels – meaning they’re found in a lot of anti-aging products. Naturally fragrant, pine nuts are also incorporated into perfumes and shower gels, not to mention your car air freshener.
Recipe: Rosehip Bath Salts
This luxurious bath salt is infused with local rose hips which you can find throughout autumn and winter. Rose Hips are rich in the essential fatty acids which will nourish and rehydrate dry winter skin and help fight signs of ageing. So, pour a hot bath, sprinkle in your salts, sit back and relax.
Ingredients:
10-15 Rose hips
Himalayan Bath salts
Almond oil
4 Rose petals
4 drops of lavender
Part one:
1. Chop any stalks and leaves from the rosehips and wash with cold water in a strainer.
2. Fill a jar (jam size is perfect) with ⅓ Rose hips and top up with almond oil
3. Leave to infuse for a minimum of 4 hours (The longer the better)
4. Next, strain the Rose hip oil from the jar into another jar so that you now have a beautiful rose hip infused almond oil.
Part two:
1. In a mixing bowl, add the Himalayan bath salts
2. Mix in one tea spoon of your rosehip oil and lavender essential oil (You can add more if you like a stronger smell)
3. Next, take the rose petals and grind them up in a pestle and mortar and add them to the mix.
4. Mix everything up and spoon into a jar, ready to sprinkle into your next bath!
