Lately, on our eco blog, we’ve been chatting about ingredients to look for and avoid in bathroom products. Because our skin absorbs around 60-70% of everything we put on it, it’s important to opt for nourishing, natural ingredients where possible. Our new Elliqua Cleansing Body Bars are chock-full of beautiful ingredients including olive and coconut oils and shea butter, keeping skin soft and supple with every wash.

We are delighted to share the news that a record amount of plastic has been removed from the ocean recently – a record-breaking 11,400 kilograms in one fell swoop. You can read more about the amazing company and technology behind that story here.

With the silly season swiftly approaching most of us are starting to put together our gift lists, so it’s a great time to think about careful consumption and buying presents that are gentle on the environment and hopefully easy on the wallet too.

1 - Opt for sustainable materials
Eco-friendly gifts prioritise sustainable materials. Consider gifting items made from bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. These gifts not only reduce the demand for new resources but also help support environmentally responsible practices in production.


📷 Ganna Zelinska via Shutterstock

 

2 - Give gifts that last
Reusable gifts are a wonderful choice if you are looking to minimise waste. Items like stainless steel water bottles, cloth shopping bags or beeswax wraps can replace disposable alternatives, encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

3 - Upcycled treasures
 Embrace the beauty of upcycled gifts. Creative and unique presents breathe new life into old items, diverting them from landfill. Think about gifting repurposed furniture, vintage jewellery, or accessories crafted from reclaimed materials.

4 - Give the gift of experience
Consider offering experiences rather than physical gifts. This can include tickets to a concert, cooking classes or a spa day. Experiences create lasting memories, reduce clutter, and often have a lower environmental footprint than material possessions.

📷 fizkes via Shutterstock

5 - Make DIY delights
Personalised homemade gifts show thoughtfulness and dedication. Consider creating homemade candles, bath salts or preserves using natural and sustainable ingredients. These gifts not only demonstrate your care but also reduce the environmental impact associated with mass-produced products.


📷 New Africa via Shutterstock

“Green is a process, not a status. We need to think of 'green' as a verb, not an adjective.” — Daniel Coleman