It's #plasticfreejuly, which is a great a time as any to think about the things we buy and the waste we create.
We wrote a blog at the beginning of the year with our top tips for lowering your waste, but this month we wanted to shine a light on some brands who incorporate zero waste into their businesses, and help you do it too.
There are some really cool brands out there that are leading the way when it comes to sustainability and ethics that not only benefit their business, but the planet that we share, and all of the people we share it with. This directory serves to celebrate those championing of authentic sustainability, promoting a low waste way of living, striving for a better world over profit and considering different areas of their supply chain, as well as the afterlife of their products.
Being low waste in business means striving to ensure that less and less by-products go to landfill. Such businesses might up-cycle by reusing old scraps, using recycled materials in their production, have compostable/recyclable delivery bags or have ditched packaging all together. By creating products built to last or built be be recycled, or using a circular economy models, they're all taking a stand in overconsumption and waste - from food to clothing, shoes to jewellery and kitchen to bathroom.
Do you know any amazing low or zero waste brands? Let us know and we'll be sure to add them to our directory.
HOMEWARE
Beebee Wraps
Beeswax Wraps - the eco-friendly alternative to cling film. Using fabric and beeswax, these wraps are washable, plastic free and reusable! They've branched out into other products too such as wipes, brushes and skincare too, helping you make your home more plastic-free. You can find these guys on our website on our zero waste living page, and many more products on their own website!
Website - https://beebeewraps.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beebeewraps/?hl=en
Peace with the Wild
PWTW are a Lincolnshire based family run business a huge range of all kinds of natural, eco-friendly and plastic free products made with you and the environment in mind, with a focus on natural ingredients handmade here in the UK so you can make zero waste swaps from kitchen to bathroom to travel.
They work closely with over 100 brands who are focused on creating natural, eco-friendly and sustainable products, and their aim is to make sustainability simple and accessible whilst becoming closer to nature. Everything packaged in reusable/recyclable/biodegradable materials for a greener future.
Website - https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peacewiththewild/?hl=en
Weaver Green
All Weaver Green’s textiles and home accessories look and feel like materials such as cotton and wool, but are made from 100% recyclable materials. Through their creation of rugs, blankets and cushions in lots of colours and patterns, they've now repurposed over 80 million plastic bottles and turning them into beautiful, contemporary home textiles.
Website: Weavergreen.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/weaver.green/
BATHROOM
Primal Suds
No plastic, natural soaps and hair care products which are vegan and cruelty free! They use natural alternatives to palm oil that have moisturising properties - kinder for you and for the planet. As well as other all natural ingredients which are plastic packaging free! We're a proud stockist of these guys and their satisfying, chunky and tactile bars - you can find their lovely products on our Zero Waste Living page or via their links below:
Website: https://primalsuds.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/primalsuds/?hl=en
Hairy Jayne
Zero waste hair care that's 100% cruelty free too! All ingredients are naturally derived and have a number of delicious fragrances to choose from. Hairy Jayne offers refillable shampoo and conditioner, plastic free shampoo bars and solid hair conditioner bars! We stock their lovely bars here but there's even more available on their website.
Website: https://hairyjaynehandmade.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairyjayne/?hl=en
We mentioned these guys in our Indie brand guide but they definitely deserve a mention in this guide too! Upcycle transform ingredients that would otherwise be discarded such as coffee grounds and fruit oils into natural, organic beauty products – better for you, better for the world. They make competitively priced, high performing and beautifully branded products from upcycled ingredients in eco friendly bottles, tubes and packaging, to combat waste in the beauty industry.
Website: https://upcirclebeauty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upcirclebeauty/
Shimirose
Shimirose is a luxury beauty and skincare brand who make 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free products, primarily from shea butter sourced from Ghana. Based in the UK and founded by Akua Asiedua Asare, Shimirose is constantly considering the environment in their products. Most come in zero-waste glass jars with metal lids, they use wood and bamboo displays, stands, and boards in their shops, and paper or fabric instead of plastic bags and labels!
Website: https://shimirose.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shimiroseuk/
Wuka
The period pants that allow you to ditch single use menstrual products and the waste that comes with them. These comfortable, absorbent pants can be worn for up to 8 hours on all but your heaviest days, and are a great back up if you're a menstrual cup wearer. Made from CO2 neutral materials, these pants are machine washable and reusable for years. Saving you money on disposable period products, and encouraging a zero-waste home!
Website - https://wuka.co.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wukawear/
Bettercup
Another Brighton based company we just love! For every menstrual cup sold, one is given to a person who menstruates in need. They also provide vital period education to their partner school in Zimbabwe. Bettercups are made from 100% medical grade silicone and can last 10 years, with no dyes, latex, BPA, plastic or bleach - and their packaging is recyclable!
Website: https://www.the-bettercompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bettercup/?hl=en
Oui the People
The reusable razor fighting disposable plastic ones, and conventional razor advertising too!
"From day one, we’ve gone #againstthegrain, believing that we deserve so much more than what’s out there. It began with a razor made for women, rather than a men’s razor dressed in pink. We're continuing that spirit of rebellion; creating products that nourish you and your body, instead of making you feel less-than with marketing terms like 'ageless' and 'flawless'.
A customer advisory board keeps us in check, testing every new product, and our packaging is recyclable or refillable. Our long-lasting steel razors avoid ending up in a landfill, where 2 billion plastic razors are found each year."
Website: https://www.ouithepeople.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouithepeople/
Heavenly Organics
Heavenly Organics are a small vegan online skincare brand (based in Wales) who strive to be zero waste. They use glass and aluminium containers, offer refills in compostable bags, and use recycled cardboard boxes, recycled card wrapping & paper tape. They even shred any waste paper to use as void fill in boxes sent out. Their formulas are natural, organic and palm oil free.
Website: https://heavenly-organics.com/shop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenlyorganicsskincare/
Lalin et La Sirèn
Lalin et La Sirèn makes body care products using simple, natural, and organic ingredients, inspired by the team’s Afro-Caribbean roots.
Lalin et La Sirèn only uses reusable, recyclable, and eco-friendly product packaging. Their Manuka Probiotic Deodorant is in a compostable tube, and its Organic Nilotica Shea Butter is in a reusable and recyclable glass jar.
Website: https://lalinetlasiren.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalinetlasiren/
FASHION
Aesthetic Laundry
A colourful, fun, zero waste, slow fashion brand! Aesthetic Laundry strive to be environmentally friendly, inclusive and fun all whilst not being wasteful and keeping their carbon footprint low! Already known for their amazing rainbow tassels, they launched a specific zero waste project in 2019, to be resourceful with fabric offcuts and end of roll fabric and they decided to launched a No Waste Kidswear range! We love love love everything about this brand!
Website: https://www.aestheticlaundry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aesthetic_laundry/?hl=en
Good News London
This innovative shoe company has a series of circular initiatives to challenge fast-pased fashion, that we have come to identify as normal, and the large amounts of waste the industry process. All their shoes are designed with longevity and recyclability in mind, so that less shoes end up in landfill. This conscious trainer company is one to watch!
Website - https://goodnews.london/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodnewslondon/?hl=en
Kemi Telford
Owned by the lovely Yvonne who designs the most beautiful, stylish, loud, bold and fabulous clothes. Stunning dresses, skirts and accessories in some of the most amazing prints ever. They have a real commitment to the environment, are low waste, use remnants for new products like hair bows and gift bags - and they sell samples and seconds too! All this in addition to their ethics of course - working closely with manufacturers based in the UK, India and China to ensure great treatment across their whole supply chain, with a specific focus on empowering women.
Find the shop here and their Instagram here.
By Megan Crosby
A super fun, colourful, whimsical made-to-order fashion label for people who love fashion, but hate the impact it has on the planet. Megan designs, makes, shoots and ships all her beautiful pieces herself, using up deadstock fabric, organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Her made-to-order method means minimal fabric waste and any offcuts are used for her iconic ruffle hems, cuffs, or made into scrunchies. She offers custom sizing and alterations at no extra charge, making special pieces which are made to last and be treasured - she has just released her amazing Summer Solstice Collection which we're obsessed with!
Website: https://bymegancrosby.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bymegancrosby
Two Days Off
"Two Days Off is a sustainable line of thoughtful pieces by Gina Stovall. Each piece is made in Los Angeles either to order or in limited edition batches. We believe that a good wardrobe should be simple, conscious, and have enough ease for everyday life."
They locally source fabrics from deadstock textiles in Los Angeles, so to not add to existing textile manufacturing demand. They prioritise biodegradable, natural fibres like linen, cotton, wool, and ethical silks that have less of an impact on the environment when growing and manufacturing, and are recyclable once the life of the garment is over. They ship plastic-free and we do their best to avoid plastic and excess waste in all areas of operations. The packaging you receive your order is reusable and 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
Website: https://www.twodaysoff.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodaysoffclothing/
Tala
A sustainable style brand, on a mission to create products that are 100% up-cycled. They make their comfy lounge/activewear from plastic bottles and factory offcuts. They are currently 92% of the way there. Their packaging is recycled and their tags are made from plantable paper! They promise transparency of their supply chain too.
Website - https://www.wearetala.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearetala
Ninety Percent
Launched in 2018 by long-term friends Para Hamilton and Shafiq Hassan, Ninety Percent boasts a pioneering business model that shows fashion can be done differently. The brand share 90% of their profits between charitable causes and those who make each collection happen. Customers are even invited to vote for their chosen cause by using a unique code found in each garment’s care label! Ninety Percent don’t believe in trends, or seasons - just in making clothes that are built to last, encouraging their community to get more longevity out of each piece by gifting to a friend once it’s outlived their wardrobe.
Website - https://ninetypercent.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ninety_percent
Doodlage Official
An independent brand based in India championing eco fashion and zero waste. A hot spot for upcycled and recycled clothes! They save the scraps from their clothes from ending up in landfill by converting them into accessories such as laptop sleeves to sketchbooks.
Website: https://www.doodlage.in/ourstory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodlageofficial/
JEWELLERY
Brighten Daze
An independent jewellery and home decor store, full of bright colours! From earrings made from clay to crochet, they work in small batches for minimal waste. Their packaging is all recyclable or biodegradable and all the scraps from their products are repurposed into new items!
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/brightendazeshop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightendaze
Night Time Holiday
Night time Holiday is a super cute independent jewellery company. Their earrings are the perfect accessory all year round with their bold coloured clay, and they have a monthly 'Waste Not' sale of earrings made from all the scrap clay collected throughout the month - creating even more beautiful multicoloured earrings (and stunning prints too!) They use 100% plastic free packaging, made from recycled and recyclable card. Broken earrings can also be returned and will be repurposed into new jewellery.
Website - https://nighttimeholiday.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeholiday/?hl=en
FOOD & DRINK
Too Good to Go
This is a wonderful app empowering consumers and businesses to fight food waste! The set up is simple, local food stores and restaurants list unsold food on the app, and you can purchase it for a discounted price at an allocated time during the day! Everybody wins! Their Instagram is full of tips and tricks on how you can fight food waste at home too!
Website - https://toogoodtogo.co.uk/en-gb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toogoodtogo.uk/?hl=en
Refill App - Water refill stations
This handy app lets you know where your nearest water refill station is when you are out and about! Their aim is to prevent plastic pollution. Heaps of cafes, pubs and shops all have these handy taps on site! All you need is your reusable bottle - the refill taps are free for anyone to use.
Website - https://refill.org.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/refillhq/?hl=en
OLIO
OLIO connects neighbours and local businesses so that surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This food could be nearing its sell-by date on a nearby shelf, any extras from an allotment harvest, or fresh produce that is left over at the end of the day, such as bakery bread. To make the most of the service, simply browse listings local to you and arrange to collect your goodies via private messaging.
Website - https://olioex.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/olio_ex
Silo London
Zero Waste Restaurant! This is the worlds first zero waste restaurant. Any food that isn't consumed by customers is put into their giant on-site composter, generating up to 60kg of compost in 24 hours. Everything about the restaurant resonates with their zero-waste brand. Plates and crockery are made from plastic bags and repurposed wine bottles. They trade directly with farmers and all products delivered to them arrives in reusable packaging. Whilst we are in Lockdown, these guys have closed their doors but you can still learn more about them through their website, or by taking a peak at their award winning film - A failure of the imagination - about the challenges Silo faced in it's beginnings.
Website - https://silolondon.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/silolondon/
Zero Grocery
US based zero waste grocery delivery - "The Zero mission is simple. If 90% of global plastic waste comes from food consumption, then let‘s change the way we consume food. We architected a way to save the oceans while eating cleaner, healthier, and cheaper than ever before. We are leading the zero-plastic movement, one pantry at a time.
Everyone tells us that convenience and environmentalism don‘t go together. We are fighting against that notion. Zero proves that you can have what you want, when you want it, without ruining the planet."
Website: https://zerogrocery.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerogrocery
Local zero waste food stores!
These are popping up all over the place! Have a search for your nearest zero waste store. Customers bring their own reusable pots, jars and glasses and fill up with what they need! They are worth a visit, not only to discourage the use of single use plastic but also for your pocket - around 1/5 of the average shopping bill is spent on packaging! Pick up everything you need from your store cupboard to your bathroom supplies, without the need for single-use plastic.
Check the Zero waste directory for food stores, and other zero waste shops near you https://zerowaste.directory/