Tangle by ExamplE ‘leads’

The INNovATIve NeW brAND creATeS D o G AcceSSorIeS froM recycLeD fIShING NeTS

Launched in 2022 by Sam Cartwright and Xavier Warburton, Tangle is a premium, sustainable dog brand on a mission to raise awareness around the issue of ghost nets being dumped in our oceans. Both lifelong dog lovers, Sam and Xavier first met whilst working with different startups in central London and bonded over their joint passion for sustainability and a desire to make a tangible difference in the world. The idea for Tangle was born out of their shock at the impact ghost nets had on ocean life combined with the realisation that approaching the problem sustainably with the help of man’s best friend was a great way to also raise awareness.

With a mission to make a real difference to global ocean life preservation, Tangle’s range of premium dog accessories made from recycled fishing nets, prevents these nets from entering the marine ecosystem. Every Tangle product sold also supports Ghost Fishing UK, a charity dedicated to removing abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear from UK waters.

Nearly half the plastic in the ocean comes from ghost fishing nets which is why Sam and Xavier, started the business – to counteract the ghost net problem in an innovative way, repurposing old fishing nets into long-lasting dog products for environment conscious dog owners.

Tangle Co-founder Xavier Warburton explains: “For 2023, we’re on track to stop 526 tennis courts worth (137,800 sqm) of fishing nets becoming ghost nets. We’re all aware of the impact of plastic bottles and straws, but in reality, ghost nets make up nearly half of all ocean plastics and they’re far more deadly. By creating our beautifully made dog products from recycled nets, we’re helping animal lovers save the oceans without compromising on quality, function, or design.”

The Tangle Dog Lead has all the benefits of a fishing net, newly recycled with a strong 4ft dog lead, it’s conveniently lightweight, waterproof, non-stink, strong and chewproof. Each product features a padded cork handle, easy carry clip and safe and secure fastening.

Available in two sizes 10mm and 12mm depending on the size of your dog.

£39 including P&P.

For more information visit: www.tanglemission.com

About Wave

Sustainable brand, Wave, consists of three friends trying to encourage the change we want to see in the world, one biodegradable phone case at a time. Growing up in a small seaside town in the Northeast of England, they have seen first-hand the devastating effects plastic pollution has had and is having upon our oceans. They decided to act and created Wave. Their first product, Wave Case, was designed as a stylish yet biodegradable phone case made from wheat straw. Afterall, if you’re going to protect your phone, make sure you protect the planet too!

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for the big spring clean.

The crew at Wave are on a mission to help people find eco-friendly alternatives that make a small difference to your lifestyle, but a big difference to the planet.

That’s why they’ve partnered up with Mahira Kalim, Founder and CEO of Spruce, to share top tips on how to do a big, eco-friendly spring clean.

WHAT IS ECOFRIENDLY CLEANING?

Eco-friendly cleaning, or ‘green cleaning’, is when you use products that are not harmful to the environment. Instead, you use products made of natural ingredients for a more environmentally friendly clean.

HOW HARMFUL ARE CHEMICAL CLEANING PRODUCTS?

Mahira explains how the concoction of toxic chemicals found in cleaning products impacts our health and the planet: “For decades, we’ve trusted cleaning brands to keep us safe. But here’s the truth: regulations for what can – and can’t – be added to these products haven’t changed at all.

Traditional cleaning products contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals, such as VOCs, pesticides, phthalates, ammonia, and chlorine bleach, just to name a few. Because of products like these, the air inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside!

This indoor air pollution is harmful to the planet and our health, often contributing to serious health concerns like hormone disruption, infertility, breathing difficulties and even cancer.

A study, spanning over 30 years by Harvard University, found that using bleach just once a week could increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 30%.

Furthermore, a more recent Norwegian study suggests exposure to cleaning products has the same effect on the lungs as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.

That’s why it’s so important to switch to a non-toxic eco alternative.”

WHY SHOULD I SWITCH TO ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING?

The most obvious reason is because it is a lot better for you and for the environment. The elimination of harmful chemicals in cleaning products reduces pollution and improves your health.

Mahira explains: “Most cleaning brands rely on single-use plastics, synthetic fragrances (known as carcinogens and endocrine disruptors), palm oil, petroleum, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals in their formulations.

Plus, it’s estimated that 468 million plastic cleaning spray bottles are thrown away in the UK every year, with less than 9% of plastic being recycled.

Instead, it ends up polluting our waterways and soil, causing ocean acidification, threatening marine life, and even ending up in the food we eat.

Choosing to switch to a refillable and single-use, plastic-free option is far better for the planet, and your health. Just this simple swap will prevent dozens of plastic bottle waste per year for the average household, which over a lifetime amounts to thousands! Once you have the bottles-for-life, you can simply top up with plastic-free refills and water from your tap, composting the refill packaging for zero waste.

Refillable cleaning is also often a cost-effective solution later down the line. For example, at Spruce, once you have the refillable bottle, our refills can be purchased for as low as £1.75 per full bottle of cleaner.

Eco-friendly cleaning products also contain no toxic chemicals, and are instead made with safe, natural, ethically sourced ingredients. By switching to eco-friendly alternatives, you can prevent indoor air pollution in your home and reduce your chances of ingesting and inhaling toxins which contribute to serious health concerns.”

WHAT ARE THE BEST PET-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS?

According to Mahira: “The best eco-friendly cleaning ingredients that are safe for pets are those that are non-toxic and chemical free. This is because it’s very easy for animals to come into contact with these chemicals through their paws or by licking surfaces. Ingesting or inhaling these chemicals can cause a range of health problems for pets, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, poisoning, and even organ damage.

You can utilise safe ingredients with natural antimicrobial properties that are already lying around your home. Vinegar, lemon, and bicarbonate of soda are must-haves for pet-friendly households!

You can try the Spruce nontoxic refillable cleaning products, which are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients and fragranced with natural organic essential oils. With no harsh chemicals, it means your fourlegged-friends – and you – can breathe clean.”

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?

The eco-friendly cleaning market is continuing to grow and there are plenty of sustainable products you can use to switch to green cleaning.

Try and opt for products that are made from natural, vegan-friendly ingredients and avoid anything with harsh chemicals in.

Products like plastic-free spray bottles, bamboo brushes and reusable cloths are also great items to own.

How To Make Your Own Cleaning Products

One way to clean ‘greener’ is to make your own products from natural ingredients you can find at home. It’s cheaper and a lot better for the environment and will leave your home spick and span.

A great alternative to bleach is a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and borax, whilst tea tree oil is also another effective solution.

Mahira adds: “When it comes to making your own ecofriendly cleaning products, a few simple ingredients like bicarbonate of soda, lemon, white vinegar, and essential oils, will be your best friends.

Natural and organic essential oils are not only a safer alternative to synthetic fragrances, but they also have natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can be good for disinfecting surfaces naturally.

Citric acid is also great for cleaning purposes, whether it’s formulated in a product or used as a stand-alone ingredient. It’s effective at tackling soap scum, hard water stains, calcium deposits, lime, and rust, and it can help kill bacteria, mould, and mildew. It’s great for general disinfecting and cleaning without harming your health or the planet.”

Oven cleaner

“Spruce Multipurpose Cleaner Spray: This natural but powerful multipurpose spray is perfect for cleaning your oven without any harsh chemicals ending up in the very place you cook your food. Formulated by scientists to be highly effective against grease and grime without harsh chemicals.”

Carpet cleaner

“Bicarbonate of soda is a great natural carpet cleaner for general use and stains. Sprinkle baking soda lightly all over the carpet or stained area, rub in and let the baking soda sit on the carpet for 30 minutes, before vacuuming the carpet as you normally would.”

Fridge deodorizer

“One of my favourite ecofriendly cleaning hacks you can easily do at home is to make your own fridge deodorizer from bicarb and essential oils. Simply add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and 5-6 drops of your favourite essential oil to a small jar and place in the back of your fridge to warn off any nasty odoursit works every time.”