Dear all Guardian readers,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Please find us included in your Health & Wellbeing section of your favourite newspaper today - Saturday, 6th of June⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wait, WHATTTT? Yep, we made it to the national press and we are quite literally on cloud nine right now! Who would ever have thought it! 🤗 #feelingthelove⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . #ethicalbrand #ethicalbrands #ethicalbusiness #ethicalcompany #ethicalshopping #ethicalshopper #ethicalshop #ethicaltrade #ethicalbuying #ethicalconsumer #ethicalconsumerism #ethicallymade #ethicallysourced #ethicallyliving #ethicallifestyle #ethicallife #ethicalbrand #ethicalbrands #ethicalbusiness #ethicalcompany #ethicalshopping #ethicalshopper #ethicalshop #ethicaltrade

Today is the 5th of June - United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. And this year specifically it's calling for urgent action to protect our biodiversity. But what even is our biodiversity? . The term encapsulates the many different varieties of life on earth and is measured by the number of species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. The diversity of our planet can be found in the many different ecosystems such as coral reefs, rain forests, deserts and even large, metropolitan cities have their own unique ecosystems. It is the natural balance of our ecosystems and every species in it. And we need to protect this as every species depends on each other to thrive . We need plants and trees for oxygen and food, plants need polinators, poliinators are kept in check by prediotors higher up the food chain, and so the circle goes on. And these systems make up the foundation of life on this planet . Since the 70s the number of animals that walk the planet has halved. It's been quiet yet constant. But we can work together to tip the scales and preserve these biodiverstities we have left by easing pressure from human activity and letting nature take its course. The leaders at the forefront of this task is @wwf, who work hard to prevent the loss of our biodiversities by identifying threats and implementing solutions that benefit all of us . So how can we help?? . Through spreading awareness and fighting for change - supporting those who do the heavy lifting campaigning to change this place for the better. Whether this be rain forest conservation projects and protecting the orangutans in Borneo, to saving the delicate coral reefs and their fragile ecosystems that are on the cusp of breaking . Spread awareness and show your support. Boycott any business that doesn't demonstrate green or ethical policies, and support those brands and business that do. . Happy World Environment Day people!

The results are in, and it's not looking good for Mums & Dads across the country. A study from Metal Packaging manufacturers Association conducted a poll from 2,000 parents with school-aged children, and it's actually incredibly interesting to read. It tells us that 41% of parents believe it is actually their children that really drive the recycling and sustainable living at home - our little superheroes!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Children are learning about how to be green at school, and with young figures like Greta Thunberg proving popular with kids, many children know more about recycling than their parents⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And the best bit? 43% of parents admitted that they have had a serious telling off from their offspring for not "making more effort" with recycling - that's an average of 3 times a week! 😂⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 35% admitted they have been told off for not washing out cans or jars properly before sending them away for recycling⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And another 35% of parents were happy to admit that their children care more about recycling than they do themselves. Yet only 33% of those parents actually felt guilty!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 45% of parents felt influenced to 'think green' when shopping for food, with more than half encouraged by their children to buy products with recyclable and sustainable packaging like cans and cardboard instead of plastic⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Alarmingly, almost half of those polled admitted to throwing recyclable bits in the normal bin because it was "easier" than trying to work out whether it can be recycled⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ our conclusion? It sounds like parents are confused - so to all children out there reading this - keep on educating them and one day they will get it 😉💚

Rewind 7 months to when we could actually fit everything in what was our new unit - it was such an exciting week and we felt super proud with our cute little set up, and we are so thankful to our wonderful customers who stop buy and shops ethical and eco conscious with us and allows us to continue doing what we do 💚 . . Fast forward to present day. I have just finished packing orders and trying to manoeuvre my way through what is now an obstacle course, because we quite literally can not fit another thing inside it. Even with racking all around, were now spilling onto the floor with boxes of new stock which has been landing with us these past couple of weeks. We are actually amazed with all your orders and your continued support, and so even though we’re climbing over boxes risking life and limb to reach your our stock (ok, I exaggerate), we do it with a huge smile which runs cheek to cheek, remembering HOW we got here, and who it’s all thanks to 💚 . . And this month can’t pass fast enough for us. Why? BecUse we’re moving into a brand new unit with heaps of space and loads of racking, and it’s literally going to be a JOY to work in. And that also means TWO of us can actually work there whilst still being able to maintain social distancing. Say whatttt 🙌🏼 . . . . . #hardatwork #workworkwork #workhardplayhard #worklife #officedecor #officespace #officeinspiration #thankful #thankfulgratefulblessed #onlinebusinessowner #onlinebusinessmanager #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesslife #smallbusinesslove #smallbusinessuk

Last month was a busy month for us! We managed to add an exciting 80+ new lines to our shop and we know you’ll love each and every one of them . . Another new additional to our range is Ocean Saver cleaning drops. These guys make cleaning every room in your house an absolute dream. All you have to do is drop one of the dissolvable, plant-based drops into a spray bottle with 750ml of water, and you have a brand new cleaning solution. No buying more plastic spray bottles, no transporting have liquids in bottles around the world- just one little cleaning drop the size of my little finger 😊 . . We have 7 different scents available, some perfect for rescaling bathrooms, others for degreasing kitchens, as well as general cleaners to keep your home spotless and shiny . . These guys are even giving our range of Iron and Velvet cleaning sachet refills a run for their money, as they both fight for best selling lines in our shop. The battle of the dissolvable cleaning sachets is on, and there can only be one winner 🤣 . . Which is your favourite? 💚 . . FRIENDLYTURTLE.COM . . . . . #plasticfree #naturalcleaningproducts #cleaningproducts #plasticfreecleaning #sustainableproducts #innovative #cleanhome #cleanhomehappyhome #cleanhomecleanmind #dreamhome #kitchencleaning #homecleaning #sparklyclean #noharshchemicals #naturalingredients #ecofriendly #zerowaste

What’s your favourite sustainable toiletries and skincare products? Right now I have three favourites which I couldn’t do without anymore. . 1. RubyCup. When I first switched to a menstrual cup, I had a suspicion that it wasn’t going to work for me. I’ve always used applicator tampons but I wanted to give them up. Never had a single issue since I started using, and my ruby cup, combined with my Ruby Clean, is hands down my favourite product . 2. Organic Children’s Suncream - Green People. Why? Because I wouldn’t want to put any other suncream other my child’s body now I know that most of the big sun cream brands use a handful of nasty chemicals which penetrates into our blood and can be found in our system weeks later. Oh and they can also contain hormone disrupters. Personally, I would use a normal suncream myself if I had nothing else to use (for a short period), but I wouldn’t take that risk with my children . 3. The whole UpCircle skincare range. One of my more recent favs, having only tried them out in April, but entry straight onto this list. Yes, their mission is incredible - they repurpose waste ingredients from other industries to use in their skincare products e.g coffee grounds from London coffee shops and powdered argan shells left over from the argon oil industry - but not the reason they’re my favourite. It’s because they are actually all incredible products. The coffee body scrubs and face scrubs are fabulous, and so is their moisturiser and face masks. I could go on... . . So what’s everyone else’s favourite sustainable toiletries and skincare and why? Extra points if we don’t currently stock it, so that we can do our best getting them in for you! 💚 . . FRIENDLYTURTLE.COM . . . . . #sustainablebeauty #plasticfreebeauty #plasticfreeskincare #naturalskincare #organicskincareproducts #sustainablepackaging #menstrualcup #repurposed #reducewaste #favouritethings #favouriteproducts #zerowastelife #zerowasteliving #ecofriendlyproducts #ecofriendlyproduct #ecofriendlypackaging #beautytips #beautyphotographer #productphotography

Let’s talk drinking water for a moment 🙋🏼‍♀️ . . So apart from tea and coffee, we only really drink water. Whether we’re at home or out and about. What we struggle to understand is why anyone would buy water in plastic bottles when it’s readily available and free from every tap in every home . . Yes, water definitely has taste. As strange as that might sound to some, we can really taste the difference, so we do understand bottles mineral water can taste better than tap water. We are privileged living in London with clean water available for all, so in an effort to reduce plastic waste people will turn to plastic water filters like Brita to remove water hardness and remineralise their tap water. That’s great and should save us a money buying bottles water, but we’re still relying on plastic filters! . . For anyone who has tried natural charcoal filters, let us tell you that it does exactly the same (and more) for your tap water, all without any pesky plastic, and definitely without the need to buy it bottled in plastic to get a glass of decent tasting water . . Our 1.5ltr glass carafe comes with a binchotan charcoal filter that keeps purifying your water for 6 months! Drink sleep repeat. Keep your carafe in the fridge with the charcoal filter inside for great tasting water every time you reach for the fridge. It’s a no brainier. Plus it comes with a super cute cork lid to keep it fresh . . These landed with us last week from Black & Blum, and we’re sure you will agree that they look bloody good 💚 . . Available at FRIENDLYTURTLE.COM today 😊 . . . . . #glassdesign #glassdesigns #glassart #glassblowing #handmade #style #styleinspiration #stylishhome #tabletop #drinkwater #waterfilter #naturalwater #saynotoplastic #noplasticwaste #summerday #reducereuserecycle

The UK has just seen the sunniest spring since records begun...and my god did we need it to help us get through the past couple of months . . And as of next week it looks like we might be able to meet up to 6 friends in outdoor spaces. I don’t know about you guys, but we have never felt so appreciative of the simple things in life, and need to remember to never take such pleasures for granted again . . And remember to smile as we look up to that beautiful blue sky this weekend...and don’t forget your sun cream 😎 #feelingpositive . . . . . #summerday #summerdays #sunshine #positivevibes #positiveenergy #positivity #happythoughts #quoteoftheday #positivequotes #behappy #behappyandsmile #grateful #gratefuleveryday