Natural Living

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free to ‘anyone who needs them’, in a scheme approved by MSPs.

UKRI and WRAP are collaborating to develop a Plastics Pact in India, aimed at enhancing ‘knowledge exchange’ between the UK and India.

The Beauty Shortlist has announced the launch of its global Eco Lifestyle Awards which will shine a spotlight on the most sustainable brands.

A new ‘super enzyme’ has been engineered by scientists to degrade plastic, signalling major developments in recycling.  

City to Sea has extended its Refill campaign to include an app to help consumers find refill locations and reduce their use of plastic.

Spruce is starting ‘a refill revolution’ with the launch of its plastic- and toxin-free refillable cleaning products.

Prolonged use of hand gels during the pandemic could lead to a superbug 'armageddon situation', an expert in surface disinfection has warned.

This month sees Eat Grub co-founder Neil Whippey launch Shower Blocks – bubbly, hydrating and plastic-free alternatives to shower gel.

A scheme launched by the DfE which makes period products free to school pupils has seen under 40% uptake, reports the Free Period group.

More than 100 scientists this week signed a statement to reassure the public that reusable containers are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New household cleaning brand Colt & Willow has launched with a range of sustainable, plant-based products created to look great as well as being effective.

Organic, vegan and innovative recycled materials are all called into action in H&M's latest 'circular fashion' collection.

GOTS, the international organic textile standard, reports the highest growth in certified operations ever last year, reports Jin Manson.

TODDS has introduced its 100% natural Coconut Scourers to the UK in a bid to offer a competitively priced plastic-free alternative.

In February, The Squeeky Cleaners will be unveiling a new solution for more eco-friendly house cleaning: a range of 100% natural, organic, vegan and pet-safe cleaning fluids packaged in aluminium bottles.

Australian brand Onya has brought its line of reusable and recyclable household essentials to the UK market in a bid to help reduce single-use plastics.

A location in Oxford has become the first store to trial Waitrose’s new refill station, providing customers with a facility where they can shop for unpackaged everyday basics such as rice, pasta, cereals, lentils, seeds and coffee, using their own containers from home.  

Organic cotton, says the Soil Association (SA) is not only good for the environment, but good for business too, as consumer spend within the category rises.

Growing concern about the presence of fatbergs in the UK’s sewers, along with mounting plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, has led organic personal hygiene brand Natracare to develop and launch what it says is Europe’s ‘first truly flushable' moist tissue wipe.

Last weekend a new sustainable shop opened in the Fiveways area of Brighton, to cater for the plastic-free shopping needs of local residents.