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This article first appeared in our autumn ’18 issue of MyGreenPod Magazine, The Consumer Revolution, distributed with the Guardian on 16 Nov 2018. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
There’s a sustainable alternative to just about anything, and these five ethical products and services are simple switches that would make a big difference – and could save you some cash along the way.
Re-wrapped gift wrap is made entirely from post-consumer waste pulp that has not been bleached. It’s printed using vegetable inks.
Defend your skin from cold weather and the drying effect of central heating. Apply Weleda Skin Food everywhere and keep a tube in your pocket for emergencies.
Switch your home to a renewable energy supply from Octopus Energy. As well as sleeping better at night, you’ll almost certainly be rewarded with cheaper energy bills.
Looking for a delicious stocking filler that’s not full of sugar? Try the Raw Chocolate Co’s Raw Organic Chocolate Mulberries. Just like chewy, toffee caramel dipped in chocolate.
Escaping for some winter sun? Pack light with incognito Suncream – it’s a three-in-one suncream (SPF 30), insect repellent and moisturiser.
Forget the Christmas jumper – these gift ideas will help your loved ones make a switch that will really make a difference.
We’ve hand-picked this selection of MyGreenPod Heroes to show you that conscious shopping doesn’t need to mean compromising on quality or luxury.
These superstar products and services are ethical alternatives from companies that are doing things differently. You may not have heard of all these green pearls, as they’re from companies that don’t necessarily spend their profits on mass advertising or negotiating the cut-rate bulk deals that would get them onto supermarket shelves.
We think that if you don’t know the real options, you don’t really get to choose. Click here to view our full range of MyGreenPod Hero products and services, in sectors ranging from money and energy to health and beauty.
VINTAGE ROOTS WINE
If you don’t have time for a hangover this Christmas, try the delicious wines from Vintage Roots. The organic wines are pesticide free and contain less – or no – sulphur, reducing your risk of a fuzzy head the morning after. With 11% alcohol the prosecco is light and easy, making it perfect for parties.
HUSKUP COFFEE CUP
This reusable coffee cup is free from plastic, melamine, BPA and toxins. It’s made from the humble rice husk, a natural, sustainable and biodegradable waste by-product of rice milling. Stain resistant and durable, Huskups are safe to put in the dishwasher or microwave: no nasties will leach into your coffee.
NOT 1 BEAN LTD COFFEE
Not one bean of this company’s coffee is roasted outside the developing nation that grew the coffee. Get a regular supply delivered to your office or buy a bag for anyone who enjoys speciality-grade coffee – either way you’ll be helping to ensure a fair distribution of profits along the coffee supply chain.
VALLEY FEST
If your friends or family enjoy great organic food, live music, family fun and beautiful scenery, get them tickets to Valley Fest 2019. This small but perfectly formed festival (02-04 August 2019) takes place on an organic farm that overlooks a tranquil lake and rolling countryside. It’s packed with tractor-loads of entertainment and there’s genuinely something for everyone – from top chefs and circus acts to great bands, arts, crafts and more glitter than you could shake a welly at.
THE BARN BEAUTY SALON
This award-winning salon in Somerset is set in a beautiful 400-year-old converted barn, with four acres of green land. The Barn is a rustic retreat with generous treatment rooms and an indulgent copper bath. Escape from the city to a space for true relaxation.
MYENERGI ZAPPI
If your home has solar panels or a wind turbine, the zappi from myenergi is a classic no-brainer. It lets you charge your electric car using surplus power that would otherwise have been sent back to the grid, meaning you essentially get a free charge with green energy.
ANANDA ROUND UP
Ananda’s Round Up is a first-class treat for veggies, vegans and anyone with a dairy intolerance. The handcrafted waggon wheels are handmade in the UK by Ananda Foods, an artisan and all-vegan producer. Vanilla marshmallow is sandwiched between chocolate biscuits and rolled in Belgian chocolate.
SHUI ME REED DIFFUSERS
Shui Me’s luxury reed diffusers are made from 100% organic essential oils; their natural aromas will help to support your wellbeing – which is where the art of aromatherapy meets the harmonising intentions of feng shui. Choose from three therapeutic fragrances: Relax, Purity or Uplift.
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