12 - FEATURES issue 175
Have yourself a sustai As the festive season begins to reveal its glittering, bright, (and expensive) head, it is easy to forget that the excessive surge in spending has adverse impacts on the environment. Behind the wrapping paper and carols, there are unethical working conditions, alongside an unfathomable amount of waste. It is therefore important that we invest our pennies in businesses that offer sustainable solutions to such crazy consumerism.
HOUSE PLANTS
By Elly Savva Coyle The simplicity of houseplants is the perfect antidote to the over-indulgence and consumerism of the Christmas period. In its essence, it is a small gift of life - a little portion of the natural world that you can add into a special person’s life. It’s a present that can last for years on end; becoming a constant alongside them as their life changes. Prices start really cheap, but you can spend a little more if you were wanting something extra special. Gift them with a few instructions on how to care for it (e.g. the light & water requirements), and you’ll have a thoughtful, sustainable, and really special present.
FOLDABLE KEYRING STRAW
By Rhianna Hurren-Myers Ok, fine - straws are admittedly not a huge part of the climate crisis, but they do play a role. I’ve carried a foldable metal straw on my keychain for over a year, and it is hands down the most useful gadget I own. It comes in a range of colours; blue, green, black - I’ve opted for baby pink (anyone that knows me will not be surprised by this). It even has a handy wire cleaner tucked inside. Channel your inner Greta with this perfect, sustainably inspired gift and say #NO to plastic straws for as little as a pound on eBay.
RE-USABLE WATER BOTTLES
B_ND AND TALA BY GRACE BEVERLEY
By Niamh Sullivan Grace Beverley, founder and director of TALA and B_ND, recognised the need for companies to put ethics before fast production and low prices. Grace’s active-wear range TALA provides consumers with on-trend products which exhibit sustainability. This is shown by the REC and CORE collection which is made of plastic bottles and factory off-cuts, that would otherwise have been dumped in landfill. As well as having a transparent supply chain which supports workers with fair pay and favourable working conditions, TALA provides both a sustainable gift for a loved one and gym gear to start fitness-based new year resolutions.
By Imogen Green Chilly’s: £20 – The OG of reusable bottles. Due to the 18/8 stainless steel, it is sure to keep your beverages cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 - plus it is BPA free. Swell: £25 – Aside being partnered with UNICEF to help make progress in the world, they too are BPA free, and will keep your drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12. Waterdrop Steel Bottle: £29 – This hardcore yet sleek bottle is designed and built for hard-use. From the minimalist bamboo lid to the double-stainless steel inside, it makes for a worth-while purchase. Dopper Yellow Water Bottle: £12.50 – This multi-use bottle is perfect to use on the go, and can also serve as a jug and cup. Dopper is a climate-neutral brand and its bottles are both BPA free, and fully recyclable.