We all know that the climate crisis should be pretty far up our agendas these days. What we really need is to decarbonise the global economy and enact a socially equitable transition away from fossil fuels, but that requires huge collective action, and feels a bit of an impossible dream right now.
I think it's important to acknowledge that as an individual, you can still make a difference, and not just with your vote. Every choice you make, especially purchasing choices, can make an incremental positive change.
So I've put together a little list of brands you might like to check out. A few stocked in our store, and others not. I've focussed mainly on brands that are offering alternatives to plastic, and those that allow you to switch out single-use items for reusable. Think refill not landfill.
Wild - Natural Deodorants
I switched to using Wild deodorant when they launched last year and I'm 100% sold! Essentially they're replacing the throwaway plastic of other brands with an aluminium case that you use again and again (it does come in black, monochrome gang!)
The refills are made using bamboo pulp and are home compostable. There's all sorts of scrummy scents, but Mint Fresh is my personal fave.
Fill - Refillable Eco Laundry and House Cleaning Products
I'm super happy to have found this brand as they've solved so many of my ethical cleaning dilemmas! Where Fill stand out for me is their utterly gorgeous monochrome branding.
Their glass jars and bottles are stylish enough to have out on display in your utility room for everyday use, and then you can top up from the larger refill containers squirrelled away in your cupboards.
There's enough benefits to be going on with, but for me as well the infrequency with which you need to buy is great. Buying laundry powder 10kgs at a time is totally the way forward! It's like having one of those refill stations in your own home.
Modibodi - Period Underwear
Hopefully not too much of a "personal" product for me to recommend, but for those of us who have periods, these are a brilliant way to cut down your personal plastic footprint.
You'll need to order a decent quantity as they can take a while to dry especially in colder weather, so the cost upfront can be pretty hefty, but it's definitely worth it in the long run. There's all sorts of options for different cuts, colours, absorbencies etc., so there's bound to be something that suits your needs.
KeepCup - Reusable Coffee Cups
Reusable coffee cups are perhaps a bit of an obvious suggestion when it comes to ditching single-use plastic, but I'm still so in love with our unique monochrome colourways that I had to mention these here.
I write this from the depths of 2021 lockdown, so coffee shops are a distant memory right now, but I like using mine to take a tea on my daily walk.
The Organic Company - Reusable Textiles
The Organic Company are one of the first brands I ever chose for my little lifestyle store and are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to replacing plastic products in your home. My top picks would be their canvas lunch bags, reusable tea bags, cotton wash cloths and waffle weave make-up pads.
All of their products are made from 100% GOTS organic cotton, right down to the thread. Their minimal designs are beautiful, and I know I'm not supposed to say this, but their palettes even beyond the monochrome are just stunning.
Brick Sixty - Bar Soaps
Making the switch from liquid hand soap to soap bars is another really easy win for reducing your plastic usage. Plus bar soaps look so much cooler when styling your bathroom for Instagram.
COMING SOON...
Next month (February 2021) we'll also be welcoming Legra Soap to the White Black Grey family, to broaden our bar soap offering. Plant based ingredients, plastic-free biodegradable packaging, minimal monochrome branding, what's not to like??
I hope you have enjoyed my list of sustainable swaps and do feel free to email me with your own suggestions. If I get enough, I'll do another one of these posts later in the year. Until then, here's to a fossil-free future!