Here are our favourites.
Haeckels
Founded in 2012 by volunteer beach warden, Dom Bridges in the seaside town of Margate, Haeckels harvests the seaweed from the Kent coastline sustainably, harnessing its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, vitamin and mineral-rich natural properties in its skincare, home fragrance and beauty ranges. The company supports beach cleans across the UK and its Blue Mind ethos promotes protection and conservation of the world’s oceans. Beautiful, thoughtfully produced British beauty, at its best.
Sana Jardin
Luxury, sustainable fragrance house, Sana Jardin, is at the forefront of modern, ethical perfume. Training indigenous women to create their own products - such as candles and flower waters - from the by-products of the harvest, ensures they have an income all year round. Waste products are then used to create organic compost for future harvests, creating a zero-waste closed loop production. It also teaches financial skills, leadership and literacy to the female co-operatives it works with, to allow them to build and grow their own businesses, independently. Perfect for wanderlust beauty lovers, Sana Jardin’s award-winning perfumes are inspired by native botanicals from exotic locations including Morocco, Indian and Africa. Available as gift sets this Christmas.
La Eva
Starting life as an artisan soap studio, La Eva has evolved into a simple, organic beauty and wellbeing brand. Based in Oxfordshire, its cruelty-free, ocean-friendly, vegan formulas come in refillable apothecary bottles, beautifully adorned with artist-collaborated labels. Taking a holistic approach, the pared back range of multi-use washes and lotions are infused with the finest-grade, organic essential oils. The capsule box has been created in collaboration with art activist, Nathalie Moisy, to include travel sizes of all of its bestselling products, presented in a beautiful box featuring Nathalie’s exclusive artwork.
Waters + Wild
Organic perfumery, Waters + Wild, is based on the Irish Atlantic Coast in West Cork. Creating a range of fragrances in small batches from an ancient barn, the company uses ethically and sustainably sourced raw and organic ingredients from around the globe, as well as closer to home in rural Ireland. There are candles and award-winning skincare, too – as well as great gift boxes for Christmas and a delicious Christmas essential oil to fill your home with zesty orange and spices.
Elephant Gin
Elephant Gin, handmade in Germany, is inspired by Africa and the country’s endangered gentle giant it references in its name. Distilled using 14 botanicals, including rare African plants, the spirit is created in small batches, hand poured into custom-made bottles. To date, Elephant Gin has donated €450,000 to foundations supporting the conversation of the African Elephant – the perfect ‘do-good’ gift to celebrate this festive season.
Seed & Bean
Seed & Bean is the only chocolate company out of 27 to be awarded 100/100 by the Ethical Company Index (ECI). It also pays above market price for its cacao, only using Fairtrade Standard certified chocolate in its range of 23 bars. All created in small batches, the packaging is 100 per cent compostable too, and even the inner foil is made from eucalyptus tree pulp. We love the wicker collection hampers, which are the perfect gift for ethically minded chocoholics.
Soko jewellery
Ethical fashion doesn’t have to come at a premium. Soko Jewellery is designed in the US and made in Kenya, taking care to support heritage jewellery skills. The artisans use locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled brass and reclaimed cow horn and bone. Using the latest mobile technology, Soko connects with remote makers, creating a ‘virtual supply chain’ and allowing skilled workers to earn five-times more than they would if they were selling to a local audience. Shop its beautiful, bold yet simplistic designs for style-conscious loved ones this season.
Paradise Row
Paradise Row is one of the few modern British leather goods brands to be both designed and made in London. Based in east London, once the capital’s centre of textile manufacture, its social initiative is designed to keep commerce and employment in the district, whilst cherishing the rich heritage and talent of its leather workers. From the graphic designer, to the photographer and craftspeople, it is a wholly east London project; together, the team creates beautiful, handmade leather goods to cherish and gift this Christmas.
Birdsong London
Birdsong London work with skilled female makers in London who face barriers to employment, and pays them a fair wage to create its range of clothing and accessories. The site tells the stories of seamstresses, screen printers and embroiderers – who, without brands such as Birdsong, would not be able to earn a fair living from their skills. The range includes dresses and jumpsuits, perfect for the party season – as well as jewellery and bags for great gifting options.
Thought
A list of Christmas gift ideas wouldn’t be complete without some socks. Thought is a sustainable sock brand, ‘thoughtfully’ creating socks from fabrics such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton and trading ethically with suppliers and without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Designs for men and women, from bright block colours to fun, festive patterns, are available in gift boxes this December.
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Websites for Eco-friendly Homes
Clary & Peg
Good On You App
By Lydia Mansi
November 2019