Let’s Talk About

Let’s talk about… sustainable buying

Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and home, gift, food and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, is trying to seek eco alternatives to everyday products

Yes, I know it’s only October, but if you are anything like me, the Christmas shopping has started. Well, in truth only in my head but still, that’s a start. In gift buying, Christmas shopping started in January, when all our orders were placed. Buying nearly a year in advance is a tricky business, especially when consumer trends are often short and sweet, and the retail world continues to be volatile.

One thing I do know for certain is that the environment is, and will continue to remain, high on everyone’s agenda. How can it not? In fact, it must! I also know we are all waiting for someone to take the lead, to be the guiding star, to show us the way. Should it be the government? Should it be business? And if so, where in the supply chain? Should it come from consumer pressure? My take: let’s stop waiting, stop feeling gloomy, and start acting in our own lives and in our businesses too.

At Yarnton Home and Garden we are not perfect. In fact, we still have a long road to travel on the sustainability front. But where we can, we are trying to seek eco alternatives to everyday products - and that includes gifts. We want our customers to know they can have an ecoChristmas if they choose, and we will do all we can to enable that to happen.

So, I want to share with you gift ideas that consider the environment, but will still deliver colour and joy, as every good Christmas present should. Oh, and if you’re wondering what to get me, any of the following suggestions will do!

VENT for change

Everyone needs a nice notebook and pen, and these truly sustainable stationery products come with a colour pop to boot. All are made from recycled materials such as coffee beans, kiwi, and cherries (yes, really!), and FSC-certified paper. What’s more, this amazing company supports children’s educational projects worldwide.

Swole Panda

The dynamic duo that runs this business have made it their mission to have the smallest possible footprint on the environment and have a positive impact on the workers throughout their manufacturing process. There is so much information on their website regarding the sustainable journey; it’s a brilliant read. But more to the point, why are they fab gifts? Aside from their eco credentials, the belts and socks in this range are big on colour and even bigger on comfort. Our customers love them, and I’m sure you will too.

LIGA

Now, I must let you in on this little gem of a range from LIGA called Beach Clean. In it, you will find notepads, tealight holders, and placemats. These products are made from natural cork and recycled food-safe EVA plastics. They have been warmly received by our customers, so should be firmly on the Christmas list.

Ocean Plastic Pots

When gifting a pot, I insist on putting a plant in the pot. I believe a plant is one of the nicest gifts to give and receive. And when it’s offered in an Ocean Plastic Pot, you are giving a gift back to our seas. Ocean Plastic Pots are made using recycled rope and fishing nets that would otherwise have been plastic pollution.

ROKA

LIGA

A mini ROKA bag made from recycled plastic is just the ticket. Plus, there’s a colour option for everyone. I challenge you not to like these nifty little carriers. And it’s not a one-sizefits-all affair: they have mini bags, crossbody bags and larger types - all glorious.

ROKA

VENT for change Ocean Plastic Pots

Eco Wrap

Eco Wrap

That’s a wrap folks. Well actually, not quite. What’s the point of all those eco gifts if you let yourself down at the wrapping stage? This is where Eco Wrap comes in. A fully sustainable gift-wrapping range, Eco Wrap even has eco tape. There are really no excuses. So, keep that gifting going, but do it with some thought.