We all buy stuff! And, since the pandemic started, we are all buying a lot more of that stuff online. If you follow me on Instagram, (www.instagram.com/somekindof50), you will know that I enjoy promoting companies that are selling products that have been produced and distributed sustainably and ethically.

The need to promote and raise awareness about this subject is more prevalent than ever. World leaders, celebrities and other influential personalities are beginning to vocalise their support for ethical and fair trading and an increasing number of huge corporations have come under fire over their ill-treatment of workers, animals or the environment.

As consumers, we have a lot of power, and if we chose NOT to use those companies whose practices are actively damaging the planet, perhaps they will eventually get the message and change their ways. When we buy products from companies who are trying to be sustainable and ethical, we are effectively giving them more incentive to continue making them! It is very encouraging to see that many companies are really trying to reduce their carbon footprint, to become plastic free and/or to use recycled packaging.

If you are thinking of buying a product, (any product!) it is always worth considering whether there are companies that produce and distribute what you need, in a way that it not harming the planet.

I have used all of these companies and can recommend them most heartily. I plan to revisit this post frequently and add further companies, but if you know of any please do let me know in the comments. Remember, you have a choice every time you make a purchase. And every time you make a purchase, your choice can make a difference.

SEA CHANGE WINE: Sea Change Wine – Ethically Sourced Eco-Friendly Wines :My favourite wine company who actively support Ocean conservation charities as well as using innovative new packaging in order to reduce plastic waste.

VEGAN OUTFITTERS: VEGAN T-SHIRTS – Vegan Outfitters : You don’t be a vegan to adore these gorgeous t shirts and sweatshirts – all ethically made and sourced. And every purchase helps feed a rescued farm animal.

OLEO BODY AND FACE CARE: Oleo Bodycare : All Oleo Face and body care is handmade in Dorset with the finest essential oils and only minimal packaging.

GAME OF KNITS KNITWEAR: Game of Knits- Sustainable & Ethical Transforming knitwear Beautiful and quirky knitwear handmade and sustainable.

EDEN ASHRAM YOGA CLOTHING: Premium Clothing For Yogis | EDEN ASHRAM Eden Ashram plant a tree for every order received!

WOOLOVERS: WoolOvers | Cashmere, Wool and Cotton Knitwear | Jumpers, Cardigans and Sweaters A sustainable knitwear company

Knitwear by Woolovers

MAYPYE VEGAN PIES: Magpye – Vegan Pie, Delivery The most wonderful and delicious Vegan pies – Chick N Balti and Vegan Steak are my favourites!

LITTLE SILVER HEDGEHOG JEWELLERY: Little Silver Hedgehog – Handmade silver wildlife jewellery supporting hedgehog rescue

BOTTLETOP HANDBAGS: Handbags, Clutches & Accessories | BOTTLETOP Online Store – Bottletop

CALM AMONGST THE CHAOS CLOTHING: Made in England | Clothing | Calm Amongst the Chaos | Hampshire Hand made clothing from Hampshire with little waste and sustainable packaging.

PEOPLE TREE: People Tree I love this fair trade fashion pioneer and their clothes are made from sustainable and ethical friendly sources.

WE ARE WE WEAR: WE ARE WE WEAR Environmentally friendly lingerie and swimwear

ASQUITH ACTIVEWEAR: Organic & Bamboo Yoga & Pilates Clothes – Ethically Made | Asquith (asquithlondon.com)

CELTIC & CO: Women’s Clothing | Made in Britain | Celtic & Co (celticandco.com)

FOXOLOGY CLOTHING: British Made Wool Jumpers | Sustainable Merino & Lambswool Clothing UK – Foxology Clothing

BEESWAX WRAPS: https://www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk/ The perfect reusable alternative to that nasty clingfilm and when you’re finished with them, they’re fully compostable.

WOODLIKE OCEAN SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR: Woodlike Ocean Sustainable Swimwear & Bikinis – WDLK

LUCY AND YAK CLOTHING: Independent, Handmade, Sustainable Dungarees | Lucy & Yak (lucyandyak.com)

DIVINE CHOCOLATE: Divine Chocolate | Owned by cocoa farmers. Made for chocolate lovers.

LAIDBACK LONDON: Handmade Maasai Sandals, Boho Boots & Moccasins | laidback london

“We are at a unique stage in our history. Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet, and never before have we had the power to do something about that. Surely we all have a responsibility to care for our Blue Planet. The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, now depends on us.” Sir David Attenborough

Lepe Beach Hampshire