Doing your bit There is so much we need to do to help our environment. Find out what our editor, Zandra, is doing

doing

your bit

We all know that there is much we need to do to help our environment. This is a new journey for me, but I realise anything we can do, even if it is one small change, is a positive change. Being honest I am still not there, but I am acutely aware of the need to do more, and as a family, we are trying hard to make simple changes that we hope are effective.

RECYCLING The first thing I looked at was household recycling – how were we doing with it? I knew that I had always done a quick bin check to hook out any cardboard and tins that the family may have inadvertently binned, but what else was I missing, or doing wrong?

I am still learning, but the first three things I learned were:

Fruit punnets: I used to put fruit and mushroom punnets in the recycling, but as they are usually made of a combination of plastics, and are often non-recyclable.

Cleaning your jars: I knew to rinse milk cartons, tins, jars and bottles but I didn’t realise not doing so could end up sending all the collected recycling to landfill. Wrapping paper: I always put wrapping paper into the recycling bin, but much of it is plasticised, has glitter or metallic and cannot be recycled. (Same for greeting cards). Unlaminated paperbased wrapping paper and pre-recycled wrapping paper are usually recyclable. A good way to test is try to scrunch up the paper into a ball. If it scrunches, and stays scrunched, it can probably be recycled.

Cardboard and paper: Plastic tape cannot be recycled so remove from cardboard boxes first. Similarly, the windows in paper envelopes need to removed and placed in general waste before recycling the paper.

If it’s smaller than a post-it note it can’t be recycled - plastic caps needn’t be removed from the bottle before recycling. Whilst soap dispensers belong in the recycling, the tops don’t.

Our recycling bin is much better utilised now and fills rapidly. Council websites will usually have details of what is recyclable, and Dacorum has a little video outlining what happens to our waste. http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/environmentstreet-care/recycling-refuse-waste/what-happensto-my-recyclables

utilities I had read about Green energy and was becoming more aware of renewable energy – but I had not realised until I researched it, that you could choose a provider of green energy for your household energy.

The Definition of Green Energy Green energy comes from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, plants, algae and geothermal heat. These energy resources are renewable, meaning they’re naturally replenished. In contrast, fossil fuels are a finite resource that takes millions of years to develop and will continue to diminish with use.

( source: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/ stories/what-is-green-energy)

As a family, we chose BULB (although there are others).

Bulb is the UK’s fastest-growing energy supplier, providing over 1.4 million homes with affordable, green energy. Bulb was founded in 2015 by Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka because they were fed up with the way the energy industry treats customers, and with how much businesses were charging for renewable energy. They saw an opportunity to make energy simpler, cheaper, and greener for everyone - and made it their mission to do so. Simpler: Bulb make energy simpler – They have one, simple tariff for all. And you can speak to a human when you have a question.

simple swaps

One swap I found very easy was to use natural bars of soap instead of liquid soap in containers. There is an amazing array of organic, vegan and eco-friendly bars of soaps. You can buy bars of shampoo, conditioner and even washing up liquid.

Make-Up Remover – one of my biggest sins was using makeup removing wipes, but I now use a facial cleanser and a flannel.

Gifting: This year I have endeavoured to by upcycled items, gifts from charity shops or eco-friendly gifts.

Refill Stations: Our local health food shops offer basic’s refill stations for things like pasta and rice so I can refill my own jars saving on packaging.

Cheaper: Bulb makes energy cheaper – they invest in technology to reduce costs, and they pass savings on to their members. Greener: Bulb make energy greener – so they help protect our planet. This isn’t about being do-gooders; it’s just about doing what makes sense for our environment and future generations.

And they’re constantly looking to improve. By obsessively listening to their members they want to make the whole energy industry better.

W | https://join.bulb.co.uk/

There is much more to do, and I am still learning. I hope that this issue will inspire thinking and inspiration. Zandra x

favourites editor’s

YOU CAN WIN ALL OF THIS! Details at the end of the article.

Being more aware of what I use on a daily basis for health and wellbeing as well as for the Environment has been a huge learning curve. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite finds from this year!

Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

These mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, SLS and glycerine free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. Flavoured with organic essential oils these ecofriendly tablets, that you add to water, are ideal for everyday use and great for travelling.

Georganics Mouthwash Tablets are made entirely in Britain. All the ingredients are mixed together, adding organic essential oil and natural colourings. The bulk is then gently heated to remove any moisture, and is collected as dry powder. The powder is then run into a press machine which turns it into tablets. The bulk tablets are collected and stored in large paper bags and then hand dispensed in retail containers when more stock is needed.

Add mouthwash tablets to a drop of water and gargle for a healthy mouth and fresh breath. Natural flavours are used such as spearmint and thyme, with no alcohol or other damaging nasties found in many commercial alternatives. Their design also makes them easy to carry about. They come in recyclable glass jar, packed in a compostable craft paper box. W | georganics.com E | beauty@mantelpiecepr.com Facebook, Twittwer, Instagram | @georganicsuk

Alkaline Tea-bags Alkaline T bags are a very effective and economic way to transform ordinary bottled or filtered water into alkaline antioxidant water with good structure. The T bags use natural mineral crystals formed into ceramic balls to change the water. The T bag can be reused for upo to 30 days. This is an excellent way to trial the benefits of health promoting water. W | water-for-health.co.uk

Green People for Men Organic Shave Kit

For many men, shaving can feel like a daily chore and one that they would rather avoid. Discover the secret to a comfortable shave that feels like a morning pamper session with protective, moisturising ingredients that keep the skin supple and hydrated. Treat Dad this Father’s Day with the Green People Organic Men Organic Shave Kit. Comprised of three concentrated organic products, this kit is great for travel and on-the-go grooming and includes; No. 1 Exfoliating Face Scrub 30ml A gentle scrub with Bamboo extract and Cranberry powder to remove dead skin cells No. 2 Soothing Shaving Gel 30ml A 2-in-1 organic shaving gel and face wash containing soothing Aloe Vera - seaweed extract lubricates the skin and helps prevent razor burn and reduce nicks and cuts

No. 3 Cooling Moisturiser 30ml An aftershave moisturiser with cooling

100% Natural Magnesium Deodorant – antiperspirant with 0% aluminium It will not only stop any unpleasant odour, but also provide the necessary portion of magnesium through our skin without any involvement of our tired stomach. One roll-on around the armpits will bring us up to 90% true magnesium, will stop the smell for many hours, and the wonderful aroma from the natural Aussie shrub “Lemon Myrtle” which leaves a pleasant and delicate citrus scent. 100% chemical-free, gentle on skin and the magnesium can help with other ailments. W | Uk.karmarub.com E | enquiries@uk.karmarub.com T | 07940 780932

peppermint and nourishing almond oil, intensely hydrating organic formula

Key ingredients include: Organic Aloe Vera, Yucca, green tea, bamboo stem and grapefruit (£14.95)

Green People products are available from Waitrose, Ocado, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Revital and independent health retailers nationwide, as well as online at www.greenpeople.co.uk

Georganics Tooth Floss Our natural silk floss is the perfect alternative to conventional single use plastic dental floss. Ahimsa silk is used as a cruelty free floss without the use for non recyclable nylon.

The 30m floss comes in a reusable, plastic free, glass dispenser and metal lid which allows to easily cut the floss. The dispenser can be re-used with our floss refills. Supply: 30m gives 100 applications.

Natural, sustainable and conscientious. W | georganics.com E | beauty@mantelpiecepr. com Facebook, Twittwer, Instagram | @georganicsuk

NFco Original Toothpaste 100g Natural toothpaste. Original Formula 100g with native Australian rivermint. 70% organic ingredients.

Each NFco toothpaste is designed for the whole family. The Australian made gel formula with native Australian rivermint is rich in xylitol and free from fluoride, SLS, parabens and harsh chemicals.

Australian River Mint (Mentha Australis) is native to the wild, pristine rain forests and waterways of eastern Australia. It is known for it’s fresh aromatic flavor and is used by indigenous Australians for medicinal purposes. Vegan, non GMO, fluoride free, paraben free, gluten free, soy free, sugar free, no artificial flavours or colours, cruelty free and SLS free.

Contains 25% xylitol – amongst the highest available.

NFco Bio-Degradable Cornstarch Toothbrush & Resin Stand Biodegradable toothbrush. Handle made from non-GMO cornstarch, soft nylon bristles, BPA free. Biodegradable packaging.

Jack and Jill Kids – Natural Tooth Care Set

Cornstarch toothbrush. Rounded nylon bristles (soft) for superior cleaning.

Ergonomic handle made from 100% corn starch non GMO! Rinse mug Made from bamboo and rice husks, this biodegradable cup is earth friendly and cute!

With a matte finish and a familiar face, it is perfect for hygienically storing Jack N’ Jill products in the bathroom, rinsing after brushing and even that midnight drink of water! Great as a regular drinking cup as well. These are naturally BPA & PVC free. Dishwasher safe. Dimensions: 9cm (height) x 8cm (top diameter). Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste. Flavour free. Rich in xylitol, salicylate free, fluoride free, sugar free, colour free, SLS free, no artificial preservatives, gluten free, safety seal, easy open flip top cap, BPA free, minimal Recyclable Packaging – made in Australia.

Ingredients: Xylitol, purified water, vegetable glycerin (coconut derived), silica, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate (naturally derived), citric acid. W | jackandjillkids.com

Karma Rub – Magnesium Rub

A totally natural magnesium product from Australia containing other trace elements to provide even more benefits.

By applying Karma Rub to an area of the body you are delivering magnesium directly to where its needed most. Research has shown that the body retains about 90% of the magnesium from mag chloride when its applied to the skin as opposed to taking magnesium internally (30% retained). Applying to the skin also avoids upset stomachs. Idea for aches and pains, bruising, muscle fatigue and headaches amongst other things.

Average 35% - 45% magnesium, chloride,

Green People’s - Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo Dull and lacklustre hair? Artichoke boasts deep cleansing properties to remove mineral deposits which could be causing dullness, revealing the natural high-shine beauty of your hair. Like a protective shield to the cuticles in the hair shaft, Artichoke leaves the hair’s surface flat and smooth, giving shiny, sleek and frizz-free locks. Looking for volume? Quinoa coats every shaft, delivering body for hair that looks thicker and fuller. Made with 81% certified organic ingredients. (200ml - £15.50/ 100ml - £10.00)

Green People’s - Quinoa & Artichoke Conditioner 200ml Restore luxurious shine and vitality. Quinoa and Artichoke preserve the surface of the hair, leaving both natural and coloured hair with high-shine and brilliance. 5% magnesium sulphate, 5% other natural W | Uk.karmarub.com E | enquiries@uk.karmarub.com T | 07940 780932

Studies on Quinoa protein see shine increase by over 50% after just 5 washes. Intensely conditioning; Quinoa protein also enhances the softness of your hair, making it more manageable and easier to style. Multi-tasking Artichoke leaf boasts high levels of antioxidant activity helping to repair damage from UV exposure. Made with 91% certified organic

ingredients. (£15.50/ 100ml - £10.00) W | greenpeople.co.uk

NOW WIN ALL OF THESE! Simply email zandra@yourhealthhub.uk with the title EDITORS FAVS and you will be entered into a draw. Winners will be picked at random when the next edition is published.