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Posted 1 year ago

Inspiring just about every vegan festival in the UK – and further afield VegfestUK celebrates 20 years of sharing a positive and delicious vegan message. 

The 10th annual VegfestUK festival at London Olympia National is taking place weekend November 18th 19th 2023 and celebrating all things vegan and plant based under one roof.

“The first event we did was 20 years ago now – back in 2003. At the time it seemed like a good excuse for a proper good party – not a lot has changed there 20 years on!” Says Tim Barford VegfestUK founder.

“When we first started 20 years ago a lot of the vegan products were very niche and our shows were the best place to get things like vegan cream cakes – they didn’t exist outside of the events.

20 years on people are as likely to cross the road to a supermarket as they are to cross town to a vegan event, so successful has the growth of plant based options been… And our shows still have the most fabulous collection of independent traders and artisan goods, something the supermarkets will never quite achieve.”

Join VegfestUK for an extravaganza of food, shopping, presentations, panels and workshops covering all aspects of veganism and plant based lifestyles.

There are talks aimed at people new to the idea of plant based living whilst satisfying every seasoned vegans dreams with a plethora of fabulous vegan options ensuring a terrific day out for everyone.

“The star of the show is the food, almost undoubtedly’ state the organisers ‘and visitors will be truly spoilt for choice by so many different options to try – not only some fabulous street food caterers and an abundance of vegan cakes, doughnuts and baked goods, but also some terrific sampling to choose from, including vegan cheeses and chocolate.

Some fantastic independent vegan traders present too with some really interesting lifestyle options, all of them plant based, proving beyond doubt that this compassionate lifestyle choice is both affordable and accessible – and very tasty!”

“And there’s plenty for everyone this year” enthuse the organizers “and a particular emphasis on 2 key areas – welcoming along people who are new to plant based options, and a big focus on ‘movement unity’ and collaboration from the principle charities and campaign groups in evidence.”

Previous events in Brighton and Bristol this year have seen large numbers of people attending who are not vegan, and some spectacular feedback indicating that a lot of these visitors have changed their lifestyle choices after visiting the show with a number going vegan after visiting and many more increasing plant based options significantly.

“It’s the abundance of food and lifestyle options plus some really uplifting people and a fantastic vegan community vibe, coupled with some interesting informative and uplifting talks that seems to tip the balance for a lot of our visitors and we’re thrilled.”

VegfestUK is delighted to welcome back Vanessa Sturman who specialises in helping people new to plant based diets.

Movement Unity is another big theme and aimed principally at existing vegan visitors and in particular those that are active, featuring a number of recent collaborations from the main groups and some exciting plans afoot for 2024.

“We’ve always supported and platformed the campaigns and this year especially is seeing a real shift toward working together and collaborating on existing and new campaigns. We’ll be seeing more of this and indeed look forward to a big announcement shortly around this genre.”

‘”Vegfest exists to help people see the ease and accessibility, the variety and the joy of so many plant based options – and some truly remarkable people too – it’s always been a unique mix of fun and games, good food and music and some truly groundbreaking ethics. 20 years ago we used to say ‘we do parties, not issues’ – true to say these days we do both.”

The show opens at 10am Saturday and closes at 6pm, and again from 10am – 5pm Sunday. Tickets are required in advance, with a small allocation held back for availability on the door at £10.

Tickets are at:

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Posted 1 year ago

London, UK – Socko, a female-founded sustainable sock brand based in the UK, has launched a new range of socks that are 100% recycled and made in the UK. The Montys collection is the UK’s first 100% recycled socks and features a unisex design, plastic-free packaging, and comes in three different sizes and colours.

The Montys socks are made from waste, using Recover™ cotton spun with recycled PET bottles and plated with ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Recycled elastane is used for the stretchy cuff, making these socks not only environmentally friendly but also comfortable to wear. All the materials used in these socks are Global Recycled Standard certified, making them a sustainable and ethical choice for customers.

Each pair of The Montys socks is made to last, and to further reduce waste, each pair comes with a free mending kit (needle and thread) to extend the active life of the socks. Traditional manufacturing and design methods are combined with innovative recycled materials to create a quality product that is sustainable and long-lasting.

The Montys collection is named after actors in The Full Monty and is made by a fourth-generation, family-run factory in Leicestershire. By choosing The Montys, customers can support local businesses and contribute to a circular economy.

The Montys collection is now available for pre-order on Socko’s website. Socko’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production makes them the perfect choice for customers who want to make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying high-quality and stylish socks.

Emma Mathews, Founder of Socko and Author of How to Quit Fast Fashion, said:

“Creating a 100% recycled sock is a project I have been working on since I started Socko. This milestone goes to show that true sustainability is founded in the grassroots through the determination to focus on doing one thing well. It’s this approach that benefits both the people who produce and wear our socks but also means that we tread more lightly on the planet.”

For more information, please contact Socko at info@socko.shop or visit their website at socko.shop.

Pricing: £18 per pair, £50 for a box of 3.

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Posted 1 year ago

With Christmas fast approaching many of us are beginning to think about Christmas presents and how to buy more sustainable gifts.

One company that looks set to be one of the must have Children’s Gifts this Christmas and has sustainable principles at its core is Voxblock, the screen-free audiobook player for children aged 3-12. With tangible audiobooks that slot into the easy-to-use player and zero connectivity, Voxblock has been designed to encourage children’s love of stories allowing children to use anytime, anywhere independently without the need for adult help.

Audiobooks have been proven to aid children’s literacy skills and to encourage reluctant readers to develop a love of books. What could be a more perfect gift for the child in your life? A gift they will love to use that allows them to enter the world of stories independently while simultaneously improving their literacy skills. And…what’s more, there is no complicated set up, on Christmas morning it can simply be opened and used immediately.

Launched in 2022, the award-winning product was designed in Scotland by parents, Rebecca and Tom.  They’ve walked us through their approach to sustainability and being a sustainably responsible business. 

What becomes clear quickly is that at Voxblock, sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle that permeates throughout the business. Their commitment to sustainability has two main aspects, conscious design practices and longevity – keeping Voxblocks telling the stories it was made to. Both are underlined by the team’s desire to continuously improve their sustainability approach as they develop and grow as a business.

Conscious Design

Sustainability starts with the design of the Voxblock players, books, and packaging.  The team have focused on:

  • Minimalist Design, using the fewest possible component parts, resulting in them being easily repairable and ensuring a long life.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials, the audiobooks are crafted from 97% recycled materials, with layers of recycled paper and card held together with biodegradable glue.
  • Plastic-Free Packaging: Packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic free.

Long Life – Keeping Voxblocks Telling Stories

The ultimate goal for Voxblock is for each and every player to continue telling stories, delighting young listeners far and wide for years to come. The team has put in place initiatives at every stage of the customer journey to achieve this.

Settling In

When a Voxblock is ordered it’s important that it’s the perfect fit for families – we all know a huge environmental issue if overconsumption and then lack of use. Voxblock offers a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee to give parents peace of mind, if the Voxblock isn’t the right match for them they can return it, no questions asked, with postage covered for a full refund.

The Beloved Companion

Voxblock often becomes an integral part of family life, from being part of the bedtime routine to a must have for travel. If an accident were to happen Voxblock offers a Forever Repair Service, no matter how old the player is, it can be sent back and repaired by the team.

Moving On

Children grow up and interests can change, when a family is ready to move on Voxblock facilitates the return of the player via their Free Return Service. The team will then refurbish and redeploy your player or its parts to ensure it will be cherished by other children.

As a growing business Voxblock are committed to minimising negative environmental impact whilst at the same time maximising the positive impact that audio can have on developing literacy in children.  At Voxblock, sustainability isn’t a side project; it’s an integral part of who they are. The company is dedicated to ensuring that every consciously designed Voxblock can have a lasting impact by telling the stories it was made to tell.

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Posted 1 year ago

This holiday season, dive into the world of mindful gifting with Ethimaart’s selection of top presents for yoga enthusiasts. Discover the perfect gifts that harmonize functionality and aesthetics, designed to elevate their yoga journey and nurture their spirits.

Ethimaart offers the best selection of ethically sourced crafts and gifts from global artisans and small businesses. They received prestigious recognition, including the London Prestige Award for Best Small Business Online in 2020-21 and being named one of the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in 2022 by #IAlso100, underscoring their commitment to excellence.

1. Chakra Incense Holder: Immerse in the artistry of handcrafted soapstone incense stick holders from India. Skillfully carved and intricately adorned with the seven chakra symbols, each holder becomes a masterpiece of artisan skill. They transcend mere decoration, channeling the energy centers of the human body while beautifully diffusing favorite incense.

2. Incense Gift Set: Ethimaart offers the gift of soothing fragrances with a mixed fragrance incense gift set. Paired with a charming ceramic heart holder and an adorable ceramic elephant with a flower tea light, it’s a wonderful gesture of mindfulness and relaxation.  

3. Tibetan Singing Bowl: Delve into the world of meditation and healing with a Tibetan singing bowl. Measuring 12 x 12 x 6cm, this heartfelt gift restores harmony to the body, mind, and soul, as it has done for centuries. It stands as a truly wonderful and thoughtful present.

 4. Ceramic Oil Burner: Ethimaart allows individuals to elevate their space with a vibrant elephant design ceramic oil burner, available in various colors. Each one is a decorative masterpiece handmade in Thailand, reflecting a commitment to Fairtrade and sustainability. 

5. Chakra Notebooks: Ethimaart offers products designed to nurture creativity and mindfulness. Their fabric-covered notebooks depict the seven chakras and their corresponding colors. These notebooks feature quality handmade eco-friendly paper, made from recycled materials through a non-polluting process. Complete with a gold tie closure, they make for an elegant and conscious gift choice.

 6.Tree of Life Wind chime: Ideal as a gift or to brighten any area, the Tree of Life decor available at Ethimaart is colorful and vibrant. The metal-crafted tree is meticulously detailed, showcasing artisan craftsmanship beautifully. Often viewed as a symbol of strength, growth, and positive energy, this charming hanging decoration is finished off with strings of chakra beads and mini bells.

Celebrate this holiday season with gifts that resonate with the soul. Give the gifts of Zen.For more information about these delightful gifts and our extensive range of mindful offerings, please visit www.ethimaart.com or www.etsy.com/shop/ethimaart.

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Posted 1 year ago
  1. Introduction

In today’s world, it’s hard to ignore the pressing issues that surround us. From the growing concerns about environmental sustainability to the cost-of-living crisis. But on an everyday level, how can we make a difference when it seems like everything has a negative impact on the environment and our bank account?

  • Buy with Purpose: Products that Make a Difference

We would like to introduce Discounted, a sustainable and economical online retail store. Their mission is two-fold, avoid contributing to unnecessary commercial waste whilst providing high-quality products at affordable prices.

Unlike other online stores, Discounted continues to update their stock with new inventory, with each item limited in availability, simply trying to find the right home. Since February 2023, long-standing friends Ben Gaughan and Joe Beastall have saved over 1,000 items from landfill, equating to over £30,000 worth of products. Discounted is on track to save £100,000 worth of household items by summer 2024.

They sell brand new products that are new, customer return, excess, clearance, and liquidation stock, offering unbeatable discounts that Amazon and other online marketplaces cannot compete with. This sustainable business model creates the perfect win-win situation for the demanding commercial sector, making a positive impact on both the environment and people’s bank accounts.

  • Commercial Waste and The Role of Sustainability

In a world where the environment is facing unprecedented challenges, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword – it’s a way of life. Immediate concerns relate to the bigger picture (e.g., climate change, deforestation, and pollution) but its’ impact is much greater. Sustainability is also about:

  • Safeguarding our health and well-being (e.g., cleaner air, safer food sources, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals),
  • Strengthening the economy (e.g., increasing innovation, creating green jobs, reducing costs)
  • Overall resilience (e.g., building resilience in communities and nations to ensure we have the resources and infrastructure to withstand the unexpected.

Discounted specifically relates to reducing the environmental burden of commercial waste.

The UK generates approximately 200 million tonnes of waste each year, and a significant portion of this comes from the commercial sector. Alarmingly, only around 41% of commercial waste is recycled, and managing this high level of waste costs local authorities, businesses, and taxpayers millions of pounds annually. Improper disposal practices can lead to soil and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Discounted is solely based on sustainable procurement – that is, sourcing products from wholesale suppliers and selling them for a fraction of the retail price. Discounted is working on addressing this issue with a multi-faceted approach:

  • Customer Awareness: Raising awareness about the environmental and economic impact of their choices and encourage responsible consumption by promoting the benefits of waste management.
  • Regulatory Support: Implement simplified and streamlined waste regulations which can inform customers and businesses about saving money and improving reputation.
  • Waste Reduction Strategies: Adopt further waste reduction in terms of minimising packaging and using eco-friendly materials.
  • Circular Economic Principles: Promote practices where products and materials are designed to be reused, refurbished or recycled.
  • Collaboration: Continue to foster collaborations among businesses and environmental organisations to create a coordinated effort in addressing commercial waste.

Fortunately, in 2019, the UK government announced a legally binding target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This means the UK aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, effectively ending its contribution to climate change.

  • The Future of Shopping is Here

After receiving high demand on existing marketplaces such as Facebook and Next Door (over 2,000 views a month), Discounted has created their own website: www.discountedonline.co.uk. You can subscribe now to be notified via email when their website goes live.

Currently, they showcase three collections.

  1. Electrical: Lamps & lighting, fans & humidifiers, cameras, etc.
  2. Non-electrical:  Plant pots, cutlery sets, tote bags, cosmetics, candles, toys, and general household items etc.
  3. Seasonal: Christmas wreaths, baubles, trees, games, and toys etc.

It’s important to mention that this list is not exhaustive as Discounted continually updates their stock with new products, so keeping checking back! Alternatively, you can see previously sold products on their Reviews page via Instagram (@discounted_uk) or their website. One example below:

Mohammed – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wi-Fi Multi-Colour LED Ceiling Lights

RRP: £151.99 / Discounted: £50

“I purchased this item which was £151.99 on Amazon but using Discounted services I got an amazing deal for only a third of the retail price. Furthermore, communication is quick, responsive, and concise. Would definitely recommend purchasing from there.”

Finally, in terms of communication, Discounted also offers a unique solution. They have created a Discounted WhatsApp group to promote exclusive offers, early access to products and tailored discounts.

Although you will not be able to send messages in the group chat (this is to avoid spam), you can contact Ben & Joe directly anytime, anywhere. Given the importance of customer satisfaction, this provides a great opportunity to offer personalised support to discuss prices, product specifications and collection/delivery information.

Join us in reshaping the way we shop, where sustainability and affordability harmoniously coexist to make a positive impact on both our lives and the environment, thank you.

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Posted 1 year ago

On 26th August 2023 the Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium re-homed Eddie Lizard the Green Iguana, who was rescued by Brighton RSPCA earlier this year in January.

Eddie was abandoned in freezing temperatures on a stranger’s doorway, inside a plastic box with just a blanket and towel for warmth. Iguanas are endothermic so need to be kept warm to survive, requiring a heat lamp. Eddie was very lucky to survive the ordeal. The Oceanarium encourages pet owners to conduct more research into animal needs prior to taking on the responsibility. The cost, time and needs some animals require, are often overshadowed.

Over the last 25 years the Oceanarium has worked closely with the RSPCA and UK customs to re-home numerous creatures, some of which have been significantly linked to the illegal pet trade. Oliver Buttling, Oceanarium Curator said

“We are very pleased to be able to give Eddie a forever home following the suffering he endured. It is very sad to think there are people out there who think it’s okay to treat animals in that way. I want to stress that pet owners need to be aware of the full requirements prior to taking on any animal. We are very excited to see how Eddie gets on at the Oceanarium. Already he has settled in well and is very active. He enjoys climbing and sitting in his pool. My dedicated team and I will be giving him the highest standards of husbandry and are delighted to take care of him.”

Eddie now lives in a purpose-built iguana enclosure with tree trunks, plants, and a pool, along with shelves and structures to provide basking spots. He is settling in well and is very happy in his new surroundings. Visitors of the Oceanarium can now see Eddie in the Amazonian mud hut themed enclosure at the top of the stairs. Open daily from 10am, visitors to the Oceanarium can save when buying tickets online in advance.

For more information about the Oceanarium – The Bournemouth Aquarium and to keep up to date with news and special offers please visit www.oceanarium.co.uk

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Posted 1 year ago

  • The recipe box service will educate kids on the benefits of reducing food waste
  • New research reveals 79% of Brits are guilty of over cooking at meal times
  • 42% of Brits believe food waste education should be added to the school curriculum

London, October 2023: HelloFresh has teamed up with low-waste chef and social media star Max La Manna to launch the ‘CurrEATulum’, a food waste syllabus built in partnership with Social Farms & Gardens to educate British school children on the importance of food waste reduction. 

HelloFresh teams up with low-waste chef Max La Manna to launch new food waste education initiative named the ‘CurrEATulum’, in partnership with Social Farms & Gardens.

Award-winning author and low-waste chef, Max La Manna, is marking the launch of the campaign by hosting a class of school children at the North London community garden, Sufra, in a bid to enthuse  and educate them on the simple steps that can be taken at home in the fight against food waste. The announcement follows new research from the leading recipe kit provider which revealed that around three quarters (74%) of families feel guilty about the amount of food they waste, with half of Brits (53%) believing that children should be educated on reducing food waste, and a further 42% saying it should be added to the school curriculum. The CurrEATulum has been created alongside Social Farms & Gardens, a charity helping communities across the UK to farm, garden and grow together. Resembling a school syllabus, the teacher-approved educational tool features a number of activities from quizzes to crafts, all designed to teach kids where their food comes from and encourage them to adopt food waste reduction habits.

HelloFresh teams up with low-waste chef Max La Manna to launch new food waste education initiative named the ‘CurrEATulum’, in partnership with Social Farms & Gardens.

Low-waste chef Max La Manna said: “I am absolutely thrilled to join forces with HelloFresh for this campaign that aligns closely with my deep-seated passion. My personal commitment lies in making the most out of every ingredient, be it through creative recipes or mindful practices like repurposing leftovers for composting or crafting. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that we collectively reduce our daily food wastage. What truly resonates with me about this campaign, and the larger mission of HelloFresh, is the focus on nurturing and educating the younger generation about the invaluable merits of food waste reduction. Together, we aspire to cultivate a new generation of food waste champions!”

Speaking on the partnership, Claire O’Neill at Social Farms and Gardens said: Following the success of our partnership with HelloFresh last year, we’re excited to be extending the initiative further, creating a toolkit which will be rolled out across our member gardens. We can’t wait for our member gardens to put the CurrEATulum into action with simple activities that the kids will love. Not only will they be learning about the importance of food waste from a young age, but they’ll also be spending time outdoors and seeing the benefits of growing your own produce at home, no matter how big or small!

The HelloFresh CurrEATulum is available to download here, with pre-portioned HelloFresh recipes boxes available to purchase from £3.15pp here or via the HelloFresh app. 

 

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Posted 1 year ago

Chris Packham has responded to the BBC’s decision to axe the popular wildlife programme Autumnwatch by airing his own free-to-view online wildlife extravaganza.

The respected expert and trusted voice in the conservation of UK wildlife will broadcast live from the British Wildlife Centre for the second week of the streamed show ‘8 Out Of 10 Bats’.

Chris & Megan : Photo Credit – Jo Charlesworth

He will be joined by Megan McCubbin, who co-presented the much-loved Self Isolating Bird Club with Packham during the lockdowns of 2020.

The pair will broadcast four hour long shows (7.30pm-8.30pm) from October 30 to November 2 at the British Wildlife Centre – home to the finest collection of native species in the country.

With over forty different species of wild animals living in natural enclosures on display, owner David Mills MBE is a strong advocate of teaching children to appreciate Britain’s native wild species and encourage them to grow a life-long interest in its conservation.

As is Packham, who as well as showcasing a fabulous variety of wildlife on ‘8 Out Of 10 Bats’ will be giving new talent a platform. The show will feature a significant number of young film makers, conservationists, presenters and campaigners under the age of 25.

“At a time when we are being constantly bombarded with so much negative news about our precious wildlife we want to share our passion for what we love most – all that unparalleled wonder for our natural world which grips young and old alike,” said Packham.

“8 Out Of 10 Bats is about being excited by a love of life, everything which slimes, slithers or stings. But it’s also about making sure young people have a voice and an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary abilities.”

The show promises to be passionate, fascinating and educational, featuring topical films, hilarious props, informative demonstrations, live wildlife cameras and of course Packham and McCubbin winging it live.

Which might mean a starring role for some of the animals at the British Wildlife Centre, such as otters, Scottish wildcats and pine martens, as well as foxes, deer and beautiful free-flying British owls.

“We are so pleased that Chris and Megan have chosen to host their 8 Out Of 10 Bats broadcast at the British Wildlife Centre,” said David Mills.

“We share Chris’ passion and concern for Britain’s precious wildlife, and a wish to inspire a love and appreciation for all the fascinating wild species found in the UK. Our philosophy is ‘conservation through education’, and in this Chris excels.”

The magazine style show will air via the online platform YouTube from Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland (October 23-26) and the British Wildlife Centre (October 31-November 2).

“If you’re feeling starved of wildlife TV this autumn then 8 Out Of 10 Bats will bring some joy and escapism to these darker evenings and celebrate the species on our doorstep and beyond,” added McCubbin.

“The British Wildlife Centre is a spectacular location and I can’t wait to get started and our wildlife nerdiness on!”

To watch 8 Out Of 10 Bats YouTube.com/@8OutOf10Bats and for further information about the British Wildlife Centre www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk

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Posted 1 year ago

Small, Devon based accessories company, Will Bees Bespoke has teamed up with fabric designer, Emma Mawston, to raise awareness of the plight of the humble bumblebee.

Will Bees Bespoke is a small independent accessories company based in the beautiful Devon town of Salcombe.

Will Bees turned an old boatbuilding shed in Salcombe into an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful, unique and artisan-made accessories and homewares. The shed backs onto the beautiful Salcombe estuary where Will can throw open the back doors to the stunning countryside beyond, and let the outside in.

It was important to Will that his  products were made locally and sustainably, minimising carbon footprint and without negatively impacting the stunning countryside and wildlife around him.

Will met Emma Mawston, former head of fashion fabric design at Liberty London, at the 2016 Chelsea Flower Show.  Their shared passion in supporting the local wildlife, flora and fauna, and a passion for helping to save the bees, led to a wonderful collaboration.

Emma has designed 3 different fabrics for Will since 2016, but it is the most recent, Bee Tree design, that is creating a buzz.

In order to highlight the plight of the humble bumblebee and the importance of pollinator planting, Emma set about creating a design more like a collection of short stories, told within the fabric. Emma describes herself as a textiles novelist, where nature, wildlife and the stories of people who help to conserve our bee populations, are interwoven in to the fabric.

Emma created a ‘bee collective’ by choosing 25 prominent women bee-keepers, or ‘passionate and inspirational women bee saviours and conservationists’ all with an important message to convey – and all great lovers of bees. Each woman in the collective chose a flower loved by bees, to add to the fabric, and after months of design, and crafted like a work of art, the Bee Tree fabric design was borne.

As well as highlighting the plight of the Bumblebee, Emma’s fabric also promotes the importance of pollinator planting. Meadows are as bio-diverse as a rainforest and can support up to 96,000 bees in one day. Tree and meadow planting are an essential part of our eco-system, but sadly they’re dramatically declining.

Bee supporters and collaborators in the fabric design include Martha Kearney, Arit Anderson (of Gardeners World fame)  and Jilly Halliday who has set about creating a wildlife haven on the Isle of Tresco. She is the resident beekeeper there and like all the women in the collective, works tirelessly towards helping the wildlife thrive.

When you buy a bag or a cushion, you’re buying a beautiful product with a wonderful story threaded through it.

The fabric is used to create beautiful cushions, lampshades, bags, purses, home accessories and can even be bought by the meter for a statement piece of furniture. These are conservation-inspired products, but they are also just simply stunning items to own, use and enjoy.

Will Bee’s (Bee is his actual surname), Salcombe store is an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful accessories and homewares. The products are central to the business. Yet when you buy a bag or a cushion you will receive a packet of bee-friendly flower seeds and a donation will be made to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and B4 charity.

Will’s on-line store is as eclectic as his Salcombe shop and worth a visit for truly stunning, unique and handmade gifts that can be personalised for free. As you enter the shop you’re greeted by Bumble, Will’s faithful dog, who is very much part of the bee team! Find gorgeous items for personal wish lists as well as Christmas gifts.

www.willbeesbespoke.com

@willbeesbespoke

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Posted 1 year ago

As World Menopause Day is on 18th October, Charlotte Blacker, founder of Mena-pause.com is feeling flushed with the success of her range of functional foods.

The mena-pause.com food range is specifically designed for busy perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Charlotte originally from Devon and now based in Glenalmond, Perthshire has launched the UK’s first food range specifically designed to incorporate plant oestrogens to bring women natural relief from unwanted symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Charlotte says: “The Mena range is the first food range in the UK that specifically offers women a natural food alternative to overcome the negative symptoms of  menopause, not just a supplement or HRT.”

She knows from personal experience how tough it can be when you are both busy and menopausal and wants women to be able to easily incorporate plant oestrogen-rich foods and beneficial botanicals into their everyday diet.

The huge drop in oestrogen levels during this stage of life causes most of the negative symptoms of menopause, like hot flushes, brain fog, and insomnia. Eating a diet which contains high levels of plant oestrogens can help keep those fluctuating hormone levels of perimenopause and menopause in balance. 

Countries where the diet contains a lot of soya and plant oestrogens-rich food appear not to suffer the same level or severity of menopausal symptoms. The mena-pause.com food range contains food rich in naturally occurring plant oestrogens which have the same molecular receptor structure as oestrogen.

Prior to founding Mena-pause.com, Charlotte Blackler, a scientist and keen herbologist, was already using the power of herbs for her other food business, Herb Majesty, which raises pasture and herbal grazed livestock.

She adds:  “Nature has been providing the answers for millions of years. I realised I could harness the natural power of plants to help improve women’s lives.”

She explains her menopause lightbulb moment:

“It dawned on me that a lot of the components in plants have beneficial properties that could help with menopause by incorporating plant oestrogen-rich foods like soya, whole grain, oats and flax into your diet. But to get the full benefits of phytoestrogens they need to be eaten daily.”

 “I knew I could help improve the lives of peri-menopausal and menopausal women by providing them tasty grab-and-go options they could easily fit into a busy lifestyle.”

Having previously worked in the pharmaceutical sector, and with a keen interest in herbs Charlotte developed these formulations at her kitchen table, before calling on the technical expertise of her friends, Denis Casella and Francesca Polegato, at Perth-based artisan bakery Casella & Polegato to manufacture them commercially.

Charlotte has developed her specially formulated food range; which includes Mena-Bread, Mena-Snack Bars and Mena-breakfast cereal.

 She adds: “We are here to help love and support ladies through menopause, with natural and nutritious food options specially formulated to stop sugar cravings and to keep energy levels on track.”

 “Menopause is hard enough, and my aim is to make life even easier and have set up a monthly subscription service which delivers Mena bars, bread, cereal or a bundle of all three –  direct to your door.”