How Supporting Local & Independent Businesses Benefits Everyone

July 25, 2019

It’s often said that ‘local is better’ and that spending your money at small, independent businesses is a much more ethical way of shopping.

We are told to eschew chain restaurants and stores in favour of locally owned businesses, so much so that for many of us, we don’t even know WHY exactly local is better, we just know that it’s the hipster thing to do and so we should probably do it, because after all, corporations are evil, right?

Well, I like to think that it’s not as black and white as that.

Starbucks, for example, says that it practices ‘conscious capitalism.’

In the USA, Starbucks employees are entitled to health insurance, paid vacations, and tuition reimbursement benefits that rival those of many companies in the US.

Not only that, but back in 2013, Starbucks said that it would hire 10, 000 veterans and their spouses by 2018, and by November of 2018, it had hired 21, 000, more than double its original target.

This was prior to its promise to hire 10, 000 refugees in response to Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily barring refugees from coming to the US and banning entry for anyone from seven Muslim majority countries.

It is also undeniable that large corporations create lots of jobs and they are often the most convenient and affordable option for many – I mean, there’s a reason why they’re so popular!

However, as much as larger companies have their place, shopping at locally owned businesses is not only beneficial for the local business owner, but also for you, the customer, and for your local area as a whole!

In this post, I’m going to take a look at some of the reasons why supporting local businesses is better for everyone!

Supporting Local Businesses Supports People’s Dreams

Every small business started with a dream to give the public something that wasn’t already available but oftentimes they don’t receive enough exposure.

That’s why we created Veo.

Veo is a home for unique, sustainable, and high quality products that are better for us and the world around us.

All natural and no nasties!

woman stood on sandy dunes in the sun with her arms in the air

We work with small business owners are passionate about their product, and whether that be ethical clothing, locally produced wine or soap, you can guarantee that the sellers really care about what they are selling.

As I write this from Barga, Italy, a new ‘saffron shop’ has just opened.

The owners of the shop have their own saffron farm and they work with local artisans to create saffron desserts, craft beer, and more, all of local origin.

An idea like this, born out of pure dedication to the cause, is simply not something you see with huge corporations, whose primary motivation is always the money.

Service With a Smile

Of course, all businesses will have helpful and friendly staff, but local business owners go above and beyond to keep their customers happy, often cultivating real relationships with their regulars.

Local business owners will remember your order, ask about your family and gossip with you about whatever’s going on that day.

Local business owners really appreciate each individual customer in a way that a huge chain simply cannot, and that personal touch really makes a difference.

Giving Back to the Local Economy

Locally owned businesses give back to the local economy in SO many ways. Not only are they more likely to spend their money on local labour but they also hire local accountants, local attorneys, local designers and advertise in the local media.

In addition to this, because the owners of small businesses live in the area, the profits of local businesses go straight back into the local economy, which just cannot be said for large companies.

Creativity is Key!

For me, one of the best things about independent local businesses is that they are all so quirky and creative!

While larger scale businesses will roll out new ideas from time to time, they are doing so with profit in mind, and so the whole effort feels kind of manipulated.

Local businesses don’t care whether billions of people will like their take on a classic cocktail or whether their decor is for everyone.

They do what they like and the results are often way more artsy and creative than the efforts of the leading chains, who are trying to be palatable to the masses.

smiling female barista behind a coffee machine

Uniformity is Dead

As a traveller, there is nothing I hate more than visiting a new place and seeing the same high street stores, the same chain restaurants and the same coffee shops lining every street.

What’s the point of going to a new place if it’s going to be just like the old?

You should allow new-ness into your life.

For me, the beauty of travel is to experience NEW, something that I can’t see every day in my hometown.

For example, I recently visited Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and I couldn’t believe how many independent businesses were thriving there.

From vegan brunch spots to artisan coffee shops and independent wine bars, every single place had something different to offer and it was such a welcome change from seeing the same old chains side by side.

If more local businesses were allowed to thrive, then tourism would also thrive in those areas, adding to the local economy even more and allowing destinations to maintain their authenticity.

Safer Production

What’s more is you will often find small independent businesses choosing ingredients and production methods that are better for us and the world around us.

No harsh chemicals.
No big factories.
Cruelty-free.
Sustainable.
Ethical.
FAIR

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Data shows that small businesses donate a whopping 250% more to local nonprofits and community causes than big businesses.

With 81% of small businesses planning to continue giving in 2019, this trend is set to remain strong, creating even more of a reason to support small local businesses!

Some of the ways in which small businesses give back to their communities include giving to local charities, supporting youth organisations, donating to local first responders and donating food or volunteering in soup kitchens.

Knowing this, it suddenly feels a lot better spending that fraction more to shop at a small independent business rather than saving a few pennies and going to the corporate alternative.

make a change - lady holding a hand full of change

Of course, not everybody is able to pay the higher prices that local businesses often charge, but to those who CAN afford to support local businesses, know that that extra cash is probably going to a good cause!

So there we have it!

There are SO many benefits to supporting small local businesses as opposed to huge chains.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope that I’ve shown you that supporting small businesses not only benefits you, the consumer, but also local entrepreneurs and the local community at large by boosting the local economy, giving to charitable organisations and creating local jobs.

I don’t mean to say that all corporations are terrible and that you should never spend your money there.

Some people simply don’t have the luxury of exclusively shopping at fancy artisan stores, and as I mentioned earlier, some businesses are doing incredible things and giving thousands of jobs to people who really need them.

If you look forward to your Pumpkin Spice Lattes every Christmas time, then I am not going to ask you to forgo them forever. All I ask is that you give local businesses a chance and maybe you’ll find out firsthand how wonderful they can be.

5 Ways To Practice Self Love In Your Daily Life

Anna Whitehouse

July 22, 2019

wall in Bali that says 'self love' | ways to practice self love

Feeling stressed, tired or irritable?

Then you need to slow down and make time to practice self-love. Self love is the perfect antidote to the busyness and pressures of life, but it often ends up being last on our to do list.

The problem is, if we don’t look after ourselves, we simply won’t have the energy to look after anyone else.

We’ve come up with five simple self-love remedies that will restore your wellbeing and boost your quality of life.

1. Get a better night’s sleep

Sleeping well is “as crucial to our health and wellbeing as eating a healthy diet or exercising regularly”, according to the Sleep Council. Sleep well and your concentration will improve, you’ll feel happier and you’ll even benefit from a stronger immune system.

If you’re getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night you’re doing well. However, when it comes to sleeping, quality is as important as quantity. This is because the deep stages (slow wave or delta sleep) are responsible for repairing the body, generating tissue and building bones and muscles.

So how can you ensure that you get a good night’s sleep? Here are some tried and tested suggestions:

No blue screens before bedtime

If you often use a blue light emitting device such as a mobile phone in the evening, you might have experienced what the Sleep Council refers to as ‘electronic insomnia’.

This happens because exposure to the light confuses your body clock, significantly reducing production of the sleep hormone melatonin. So if you’re desperate for some good quality shut eye, avoid using your phone, laptop and tablet for at least an hour before you try to sleep.

Turn off the television

The Sleep Council’s research shows that 39% of people who watch television in bed sleep very poorly most nights. If that includes you, try removing the television from your bedroom and don’t be tempted to replace it with your phone or tablet.

Experiment with essential oils

Essential oils have been used to promote relaxation for centuries. The natural sedative properties of scents like lavender and vanilla make them perfect antidote to insomnia, so why not try taking a warm lavender oil infused bath before bedtime?

You can also buy lavender room sprays and body oils that sooth your skin and your mind.

Learn how to relax

A good night’s sleep requires relaxation, so if you’re mind’s still buzzing when you retire to bed you’ll probably struggle to drift off.

Mindfulness meditation is a very effective way to quieten your mind, as it involves being fully aware of the present moment. Fancy trying it? Head over to the Netdoctor website, which features a bedtime mindfulness routine courtesy of psychologist Dr Audrey Tang.

Create a comfortable space

Sometimes sleeplessness is caused by basic factors like a bedroom that’s too light, too hot or too noisy. Thankfully, there are a few simple solutions to problems like these.

If your room isn’t dark enough we recommend investing in some black out blinds or an eye mask. If it’s not quiet enough, earplugs might help. Too hot? Invest in a ceiling fan or a lighter duvet.

Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine has a half life of five hours, which means that five hours after you drink a cup of tea or coffee, half of the caffeine is still in your system.

So if you regularly enjoy a late night cuppa and you’re struggling to sleep, you could try replacing it with a warm milky drink or some herbal tea.

Drinking alcohol late at night can also impair the quality of your sleep, as well as causing you wake up feeling dehydrated. You’re more likely to need the toilet in the middle of the night too.

2. Eat nourishing food

When it comes to wellbeing eating properly is essential, so we recommend making time for three nutritious meals a day.

To keep your energy levels up try and eat a lunch that includes some beans, nuts, eggs or protein packed lean meat, plus a serving of vegetables or salad. Another great choice is oily fish, as supplementing your diet with omega-3 fish oil boosts concentration.

Vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium and riboflavin also play a key role in keeping you healthy, as do antioxidants, which repair your skin and protect it from pollutants.

nicely presented healthy meal consisting of fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat.

Vegetables and fruit are a great source of these, so the easiest way to make sure that your body gets everything it needs is to eat your five a day and include plenty of variety.

Ever tried a drink called Kombucha? If you have it’s probably because fermented food and drink has recently become popular due to its health benefits.

According to nutritionists, drinks like Kombucha ( made using a tree fungus called SCOBY) have probiotic qualities, which means that they help to maintain the balance of friendly and unfriendly bacteria in your gut.

Sauerkraut is considered to be equally beneficial, as vegetables soaked in salt water encourage the growth of friendly bacteria.

Using spices is another simple way to boost the health benefits of your daily diet. As well as enhancing the colour and flavour of your food, many spices possess powerful antioxidant properties. You might want to stock up on:

Turmeric

Turmeric is packed with cancer combating antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and protects your body from free radicals.

Ginger

Whether it’s chopped, grated, sprinkled or ground, ginger has impressive inflammatory properties making it ideal for reducing pain caused by arthritis and migraines. It also aids digestion and relieves nausea.

Cinnamon

Because it slows the breakdown of carbs in your digestive tract and improves insulin sensitivity, this aromatic spice could lower and stabilise your blood sugar levels. It can also relieve inflammation. The recommended intake is 0.5-2 teaspoons daily and cinnamon is delicious mixed into coffee or sprinkled over porridge.

Cayenne Pepper

This fiery spice acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It can also boost your metabolism, speeding up the rate at which you burn calories. Try adding it to stews, soups, sauces and curries.

Be kind to your skin

Once you’re sleeping and eating well you should start to notice a difference in your skin. In the meantime, there are plenty of other ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Avoid irritating ingredients

Unfortunately many synthetic skin products use irritating or drying ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and alcohol. You might have spotted SLS in the list of ingredients that make up your cleanser, as it’s an effective foaming agent.

However, we recommend avoiding it, as it strips skin of its natural oils. We also suggest avoiding alcohol in skincare products, as this evaporates when it touches your skin, causing it to lose moisture.

There are plenty of products that are much kinder to your skin. For example, look out for cleansers containing natural skin balancing plant extracts. You can also buy plant based moisturisers, face masks and anti-inflammatory night creams that soothe and repair your skin.

Drink lots of water

Staying hydrated is essential if you want to keep your skin looking healthy. You should be drinking 6-8 glasses a day, unless it’s hot, in which case you’ll need more. If you’re not keen on plain water, the NHS Live Well website suggests adding a slice of lemon, some sugar free squash or a little fruit juice for flavour.

What about fruit juice and smoothies? Well, they do count as part of your daily intake, but try to limit your intake to 150ml per day, due to their sugar content. It’s also worth reducing your consumption of coffee and tea, as they have a diuretic effect.

Use natural blemish busters

We all get blemishes from time to time, but some anti-spot products will simply strip the natural oils from your skin, encouraging your pores to produce more oil. Thankfully, many natural products possess excellent blemish busting properties. These include:

Rosehip Oil-Helps scars to heal and give skin a natural glow.

Jojoba oil-Has antibacterial properties and won’t clog pores

Activated charcoal- Soaks up toxins

Calendula oil-A flower petal extract that’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Tea Tree-Possesses antibacterial properties

Witch hazel-A natural astringent that removes oil without drying skin

Black willow bark-a rich source of salicylic acid, which helps to smooth and soften skin, as well as balancing oil production.

Release your inner yogi

If you’re familiar with Downward Facing Dog or the Forward Fold you’ve probably tried yoga before. The poses, meditations and breathing techniques of this ancient form of exercise will improve your core strength, flexibility, balance and posture. It’s also excellent for relaxation, making it the perfect self-love activity.

Physical health benefits

Yoga breathing techniques are known as pranayma and they focus on slowing down and deepening your breathing.

This reduces physical tension, making it easier to remain calm. Studies have even shown that taking part in yoga can lower your heart rate, which helps your body to respond healthily to stressful days. If you practice yoga regularly you’ll also benefit from stronger limbs, firmer abs and improved general fitness.

There are plenty of yoga videos online, but if you’re new to yoga the NHS recommends finding a class to make sure that you learn the poses and breathing techniques properly. To locate a class near you, check out the four main yoga associations:

The British Wheel of Yoga

The Independent Yoga Network

Iyengar Yoga

Yoga Alliance Professionals

It’s also worth paying a visit to the NHS’s Fitness Studio , which features its own yoga videos.

Mental health benefits

The plugged in nature of modern living often results in information overload and cluttered minds.

Yoga slows everything down and clears the clutter. As you start to relax, your cortisol levels will drop, restoring calm and reducing any physical symptoms of stress. If you practise it regularly, yoga could even boost your serotonin levels.

If you’ve never tried yogic meditation, you should! It involves sitting in silence, breathing deeply and noticing every sound, sensation and thought. Every time your mind wanders you’ll learn to refocus your attention, which will result in better concentration and clearer thinking.

Mediation will also enable you to pull back and simply observe any negative thoughts and feelings. They’ll travel through your mind but they won’t get stuck.

Enjoy some Ecotherapy

It’s well known that taking part in exercise is an excellent way to combat stress and improve your mood.

It releases endorphins, increases your energy and keeps you mentally sharp. In fact, research has shown that just an hour of exercise a day can combat the effects of sitting still for long periods of time.

Exercising in the countryside has been proven to provide even greater benefits, particularly when it comes to mental wellbeing.

When mental health charity Mind commissioned the University of Essex to carry out a research project involving green exercise or “ecotherapy”, they found that getting active in the countryside enhanced the participants’ mood and self-esteem. It also reduced any pre-existing anger, tension and depression.

The people who participated in Mind’s research took part in a variety of ecotherapy activities including conservation work, cycling, gardening and running. But some of them simply put on their trainers and went for a walk.

Walking is such a simple way to exercise and if you live in England or Wales, you have free access to 130, 000 miles of “public right of way”.

So whether you fancy rambling across remote Moorland, strolling through a secluded nature reserve or cycling along quiet country lanes, why not boost your psychological wellbeing and fitness by reconnecting with the natural world?

If we’ve inspired you to dust off your hiking boots and tackle some more challenging routes, check out your local bookshop, library or tourist information centre, where you’ll find a selection of walking maps.

You could even visit the Ramblers website to find out whether any walks have been organised in your areas. Just be sure to Invest in a decent waterproof jacket before you set off!

Incorporating more self-love into your daily life will help you to feel revitalised, refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life holds in store. So why not put yourself at the top of your to do list this week? We’d love to hear how you get on!

Which Country Is Winning The Electric Vehicle Race?

Sarah Barlow

June 27, 2019

In 2030, the UK will introduce a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles – but is that enough? When compared to other countries around the world, where does the UK stand in the race to home the UK’s most sustainable drivers?

First Place

Norway has recently been ranked as one of the eco-friendliest countries in the world, so it comes as no surprise to find they are way ahead with plans to be petrol free.

At the other end of the spectrum, Poland are lagging in the electric vehicle race. With no proposed ban in place and no incentives or tax exemptions proposed, they are the least sustainable country out of the 30 analysed.

Just 11.91% of Poland’s energy comes from renewable sources and there were only 1,324 EV sales in 2018.

Where else is falling behind?

Slovakia is also at the bottom of the list, also with no plans, incentives or bans in place. 13.41% of the energy comes from renewable sources and only 293 EV’s were sold in 2018.

Czechia and Spain are amongst the worst offenders, also selling less than 1000 EV vehicles in 2018 and homing a low number of electric vehicle charge points for drivers.

How does the UK fare?

. Whilst we have a long way to go before catching up with Norway, we are by no means the worst offenders when it comes to electric vehicles.

In 2018, there were 59,947 electric vehicle sales, and there are almost 2 charge points in a 10-mile radius.

Unfortunately, only 8.71% of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources, which massively affected our overall ranking.

Today, electric cars still only represent less than 1% of all cars registered in the country despite a 55% increase in registrations and sales.

So, what’s stopping us from purchasing electric cars? It seems cost is one of the main reasons why many motorists have yet to make the switch and another one is the limited range available to buy.

Tonik Energy has found that Greater London has the greatest amount of charging points – 3,096 – which is one per every 2,227 licence holders. There are a total of 6,893,909 licence holders registered in London.

Other cities, however, are falling flat. Portsmouth is a prime example, with just 16 charging points for its 516,602 licence holders.

Shrewsbury, Derby, and Stoke are also faring badly with just 11, 26 and 23 charging points per each driver in the cities.

What about the rest of the world?

France is also falling short, with a market share of just 2.1% – a number this low is just not enough when its charge point accessibility and renewable energy usage are so slow.

Whilst the USA may be one of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers, it seems they aren’t forthcoming when it comes to going green. It seems out of every state and city, California is the only one to care. Thanks to the development of Tesla taking place there, California alone would have an EV market share of almost 8% if considered alone.

Japan is also one of the biggest automotive manufacturers, however with a market share of just 1%, the lowest of any country with EV data available.

What vehicles can you buy?

Whilst many Brits are concerned that the range of electric vehicles is limited, there are actually an increasing number of car brands joining the fight to go green.

Volvo has also recently launched the Polestar 2, which is likely to reach the US market by 2020 and the UK shortly after.

SEAT has become the latest car brand to enter the market, announcing its first fully battery-powered car will be “one of the most affordable electric vehicles offered”.

Showcasing in Norway this week, the new Mii Electric has a range of up to 260km on a single charge and is expected to enter the market by the end of this year. For those eager to get their hands on one it’s been confirmed that the pre-sale will start in September.

For those who want to splash the cash on a motor, Tesla has previously dominated the luxury electric vehicle market, however now, Jaguar will join them in offering something a little more special – but certainly not affordable.

The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace SE is the first electric model from the brand, setting drivers back a whopping over £123,000.

As more models are introduced, and more brands take on Tesla, it’s hoped UK drivers will get revved up by the number of models on sale in the next few years.

Driving home

Whilst it’s obvious some countries are making progress in the race to going green, there’s a long road ahead for some of the world’s most powerful players. For many nations it will be a difficult journey, however as a driver, an electric vehicle is ultimately going to be the future, so why not be an early adopter and set a precedent?

Changing The World: How Passion Is Saving The Planet

Sarah Barlow

June 27, 2019

Changing the world isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not a one-man job. To create a real impact, every human being on this planet needs to play a role, even if it’s from the sideline.

We can’t support every cause, but we can use our passions to form a more sustainable future and fight for what we believe in.

There are thousands of different campaigns for change around the world, following different paths that lead to the same place – a better world to live in.

cartoon image of hundreds of smiling faces and the quote, reading 'we don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly'.

So, what are these people doing? And how can you find the right path to follow?

Whether you feel strongly about animal rights, knife crime, or even animal cruelty, your beliefs can be used to make a change, if you make the time.

No cause is more worthy than another, and it’s a blessing how people activate their passions, no matter how different they may be.

Taking a deep dive into just a few of the causes people across the world are campaigning for, we hope to inspire you to find a cause you can support, or just say thank you to those who are fighting for change.

Animal rights

Possibly one of the most talked about movements in the world, the activists fighting for animal rights aren’t afraid to show their passion.

PETA may be one of the biggest organisations, however there are hundreds of groups and thousands of campaigns in the UK alone.

With so many strong beliefs, it’s impossible for one organization to stand for them all.

The Vegan Society is one of the fastest growing groups in the world, founded in 1944 by one man, Donald Watson, and now has over 200,000 members, who contribute to the same cause.

Some members simply donate £2 a month, whilst others volunteer at endless events, but regardless of how they participate, the takeaway here, is that they are making a positive impact on a cause they believe in.

Some people will never feel the desire to give up meat or dairy, and that’s okay, too. But to those who criticize the beliefs of those who support the cause, take a moment to think about how this belief could have a positive impact. Take the time to understand why their passion is so strong, and whilst you may not join them, it’s doubtful you’ll judge them. And, maybe, just maybe, you’ll thank them.

Plastic-free petitioners

With over 8,000,000 pieces of plastic making their way into the ocean every single day, millions of people across the world feel strongly about making this stop.

purple sign pasted on a black lamp post saying 'plastic takes 500 years to decompose'

Savvy brands are reducing plastic consumption; as they realise not only could it help to save the penguins, but also to boost sales.

Friends of the Earth is one of the UK’s leading charitable organisations, leading the way to a plastic free world, with this powerful mission statement.

“The first images of Earth from space inspired a movement of people who wanted to protect the only planet we have to call home. It looked beautiful yet vulnerable.

Friends of the Earth stands with anyone who cares about the world we live in, whether you’re a first-time supporter or a seasoned campaigner.”

Members of the group still live like you and I, however, the passion inside them fuels their thoughts and actions, meaning they make conscious lifestyle decisions and, in turn, make their own change.

You may not have a recycling bin at home, or you may not understand the products you can or can’t recycle. But if you care about reducing plastic waste, you can simply say thank you to those who are trying to reduce our landfills, and that will be enough.

The fight against fast fashion

If you are a huge fan of fashion, you may have noticed the growing number of brands fighting against fast fashion in a bid to help reduce landfills and stop inadequate human labour.

To be part of the movement, you don’t have to campaign outside high street stores, you simply have to make small changes to how you shop.

Whether that means giving your old clothes to a friend, or buying from brands who support sustainability, every action counts towards positive change, and nobody expects you to do it alone.

Whilst it seems young people are playing their role in the fight against fast-fashion, as new consumer research suggests 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands, there will always be shoppers who choose convenience.

Maybe buying sustainably is out of your budget, or the bargain dress is just too good to say no to. Nobody can control where you shop or how many clothes you buy, only you know how much you care about what you wear.

Fighting for the people

Imagine being young, alone, afraid and separated from your family in a foreign country. If just the thought of this alone makes your heart sink, you aren’t the only one. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are fighting for adequate human rights, including the refugee crisis.

black and white image of a climate rally showing a woman from behind holding a sign that reads: 'we are better than this'.

Amnesty International is one of the UK’s leading Human Rights groups in the UK. It’s campaign to reunite refugee families is ongoing, and with thousands of refugees in the UK, safety from conflict has come at a heavy price.

Restrictive and unfair Home Office rules have forced apart children from their parents at a time when they need each other the most.

With World Refugee Day this month, Amensty International is using this as a chance to add more pressure on the Home Office to change the rules, so that child refugees who are alone in the UK without their family could be safely reunited with their parents.

The campaign urges those who feel strongly about this issue to simply send one email to their local MP, in the hope a mass response will urge them to speak about these issues in Parliament.

Most of us send dozens, if not hundreds of emails every single week, so if you care about an issue- would one more be too much effort?

One email may not alter the world, but it’s an effort, and if everyone put just a minimal amount of effort towards a cause they care about, change will begin to appear.

So, to those who say, ‘there’s no point’, or ‘what difference will it make’, take a step back and put yourself in the shoes of a parent who’s separated from their child. Would you be saying ‘there’s no point’? Or would you be wrapping your arms around every person who fought to help you?

How to ignite your own passion

Finding your passion may take a while, and you’ll need to take some time to explore your thoughts and how different issues make you feel.

concrete floor with paint saying 'passion led us here'

If you find yourself thinking about the homeless man you saw in the street weeks later, analyse what you’d do differently if you had the chance. Would you offer him a coffee? Would you take him an old sweatshirt? Or would you simply smile and wish him well? Once you’ve figured this out, your path becomes clearer and you can begin to act on these thoughts the next time around, no matter how big or small your actions may be.

If you read an article about the rise of abandoned puppies in your area and you feel your eyes fill with sadness, you could simply offer to take your neighbour’s dog when they work late.

Standing on the front line isn’t for everyone, and it’s often the acts of kindness that occur behind closed doors that make the greatest impact.

Judging other people’s passions simply leads to more hate, and the world needs less of that. Support the vegans even if you still eat meat, compliment the dress of a friend – even though you know they’ve had it for years.

You don’t have to be part of every cause; you just have to respect every cause. Passion has the power to change the world, and everyone’s passion is equally valuable.

Is Foraging The Next Big Step For Slow Beauty?

Sarah Barlow

June 26, 2019

Benzoyl Peroxid, Dihydroxyacetone, Glycerin, Emollient – the list of ingredients contained in our skincare products is pretty scary.

They claim to work wonders on our skin and often come in beautiful packaging, with an expensive price tag.

But with slow-beauty on the rise, and an increasing number of women keen to incorporate a waste-free regime, foraging could be the next big sustainable trend.

So, what is foraging?

Foraging simply involves sourcing ingredients from the wild, usually for food, but in this instance it’s for skincare.

There is an abundance of natural ingredients with skincare benefits in the woodlands, and you can combine them with other natural sources to create a new, organic treat for your face or body.

Natural ingredients grow by season, so you often can’t forage the same stuff all year round.

To help you out, beauty experts reveal what items you can forage each season, where you can find them, and how you can use them to create a gorgeous new product for completely free.

Spring

Chickweed

Where: Chickweed is found in shady, moist locations including gardens and woodlands.

Benefits: Chickweed is commonly used to help treat a number of skin issues as it contains natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s regularly used as a quick remedy for itchiness and skin irritation.

Dandelion

Where: Dandelions love moist, sunny areas, they only go dormant during cold winters and are easy to find.

Benefits: The sap derived from dandelions is naturally highly alkaline, meaning it’s great for combating germs, bacteria and fungus.

dandelions in long grass next to pink flowers

It’s also thought the sap can be used to treat conditions like ring worm and eczema. Seen as a natural detoxifier, dandelion juice is often used to help treat acne naturally, with its increased vitamin C content helping to treat and sooth scars and inflammation.

Goose grass

Where: You can find it in turf, landscaped areas, like crop fields, orchards, and in gardens.

Benefits: In the past, goose grass has often been used to treat common skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema. It’s also thought to help aid the healing of small cuts, scrapes and abrasions.

Wild Garlic

Where: You can usually find this near marshland or water drainage ditches in all parts of the country.Benefits: Wild garlic is rich in allicin, meaning it has lots of lovely antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It’s used in a variety of products to cleanse the skin and treat acne, removing the bacteria that causes breakouts. Garlic also naturally contains large quantities of vitamins C which, amongst other things, is known to boost collagen and reduce to effects of UV exposure.

Recipe: Dandelion Face Serum

This Dandelion face serum is specially created for all skin types to brighten your complexion, tighten and firm skin. This magical flower has properties known for reducing age spots and scars, so perfect to be used as serum before you wear your daily or nightly moisturizer.

Ingredients

6 fresh dandelion flowers and leaves
Aloe vera leaf
1 teaspoon vitamin E

1. Firstly- wash the flowers and chop off the base of the stems to remove any dirt, leave to drain.

2. Slice the aloe vera leaf down the middle and scoop the gel to fill half a cup.

3. Whiz the dandelions and aloe vera gel together into a food processor (a Nutri bullet would be perfect)

4. Leave to sit for one hour.

5. Either using a cloth or a strainer squeeze the gel into a bowl. Carry on until all you have left is the dandelion leaves left in the strainer and all of your dandelion infused gel in a bowl.

6. Gently mix in the vitamin E

7. Pour into a pot or bottle, preferably made from dark glass to keep it preserved for longer.

8. Add to skin morning and night and use within 10 weeks.

Summer

Chanterelle mushrooms

Where: Growing in clusters, the mushrooms grow in mossy coniferous forests. They are also found in mountainous birch forests.

Benefits: Like many species of fungi, chanterelle mushrooms are packed with vitamin D which is what we get from natural sunlight. Rich in niacin, chanterelle mushrooms can also help address a number of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, as it helps to reduce redness, inflammation and irritation.

Blackberries

Where: Blackberries are commonly found in brambles in most woodland areas.

Benefits: Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which help promote good circulation and a strong immune system. The small fruit often features in face masks because of its acne busting astringent properties. The high amount of vitamin C found in blackberries also helps to boost collagen production, and thus makes the skin appear more vibrant and healthy.

Hazelnuts

Where: Find these little gems in moist, lowland soil and under the shade of oak trees.

Benefits: Hazelnuts contain a high concentration of antioxidants, and as such are often applied directly to the skin. Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, hazelnut based products can help to both hydrate the skin, and preserve its elasticity. Plus they taste great if you want to add some protein to your diet, too!

Honeysuckle

Where: Honeysuckle grows close to home, and even on exteriors of buildings.

Benefits: Honeysuckle is commonly found in remedies for eczema, acne and rosacea. Oil distilled from the plant is also found in hair products as it can strengthen the roots and strands of hair. As an essential oil, honeysuckle is often used in aromatherapy, and is widely thought to help treat headaches, reduce sinus pressure build-up and relieve stress.

Recipe: Rose Face Spritz

This wonderfully refreshing recipe is ideally used as a face toner as well as a face spritz on hot days when you need a little cooling down.

Ingredients

7 Roses
1.5 litres of distilled water

1. Gently pull the petals from the roses and place the them into a colander, under a tap running luke warm water to remove any dirt.

2. When the petals appear to be clean, pop then in a pan of the distilled water. If 1.5 litres is not enough then add more to cover the petals.

3. Over a low to medium heat, bring the petals to a simmer for about 25 minutes until they have lost their colour and are now very pale pink.

4. Strain the mixture and separate the petals from the water. Don’t throw the petals away- they can be enjoyed in a bath that evening!

5. Pour your now Rose water into a dark bottle and enjoy as a Rose water face spritz to cool you down through the summer!

Autumn

Plums

Where: Plums are often found in hedgerows in the wild.

Benefits: Like many natural remedies, rosehips are known for their astringent properties, which means they help to tighten the skin and close the pores. They also contain lycopene and beta carotene (which is what we find in carrots), and can help to remedy hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens in places due to sun exposure, medication or hormonal changes.

Hawthorn

Where: Hawthorn grows in hedgerows, woodland and scrub.

Benefits: Hawthorn berries are naturally rich in polyphenols, and are thought to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. Cosmetically, hawthorn berries are found in a wide range of hair products as they’re supposed to be amazing for helping stimulate fast hair growth.

Walnuts

Where: Search in the woodlands for walnuts, most commonly found in southern parts of England.

Benefits: Most benefits come from the shell and leaves, meaning they’re an excellent zero-waste option for DIY beauty remedies. Research shows that the application walnut products can help to protect the skin from free radicals and they are a great exfoliant due to their rough texture.

Recipe: Walnut Body Scrub

This walnut body scrub is designed to increase blood circulation, remove dead skin cells, smooth and brighten your complexion.

Ingredients

12 walnuts
30g refined Shea butter
30g almond oil
5g of Vitamin E
5 drops of Rosehip oil

1. Firstly, take the shells off of the walnuts

2. Next, ground the walnuts into tiny particles. You can either do this in a pestle and mortar, by putting the nuts into a canvas bag and hitting it with a rolling pin or by using a blender. Leave to the side.

3. Place all of the shea butter with the almond oil into a heat proof bowl and place into a pan of water (just as you would to melt chocolate)

4. Turn the heat to a low temperature and watch until the shea butter melts down into the oil.

5. When the mixture is entirely melted, remove from heat and allow to set and go hard. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up.

6. Grab a big wooden spoon and mix until the product turns fluffy.

7. You can now add in your crushed-up walnuts, Vitamin E and Rosehip oil.

8. Spoon into a dark glass pot to keep it fresh. Enjoy marvelously soft skin with your new walnut scrub!

Winter

Nettles

Where: Nettles love rich, moist soil, meaning you’ll find them growing near rivers, streams, and lakes.

Benefits: When prepared properly, nettles can be a rich source of antioxidants, and as such are commonly used to reverse the effects of a heavily polluted atmosphere. It’s also thought to have powerful anti-aging properties. It’s also thought to inhibit the hormone that causes hair loss, and as such is often used to rinse and stimulate the scalp.

Beech Nuts

Where: Beech nuts like dry conditions, and acidic soil. They can be tricky to find, but woodland is a good place to start.

Benefits: As well as being known to be a powerful antiseptic agent, beech nuts are actually thought to promote healthy, strong hair growth over time. Oil distilled from beech nuts is commonly thought to help strengthen the follicle cells, helping to stall or slow down the effects of hair loss and baldness. Remember: Parts of the beech tree are known to be toxic, so don’t attempt to forage without the guidance and / or supervision of an expert.

Rowan Berries

Where: These berries grow in high altitude locations, particularly in the highlands of Scotland.

Benefits: Packed with a high vitamin C content, these delicious berries can to boost collagen production and synthesis, which helps to keep skin feeling firm, reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time. The berries can also be applied to dry or sore patches of skin to help address itchiness and irritation, and are often used to treat conditions like eczema and other inflammations of the skin.

Pine

Where: Scots pine is the only truly native pine in the UK. It thrives in heathland and is widely planted for timber. It’s also found in the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.

Benefits: Nut -based products can help combat the effects of free radicals – which are caused by higher pollution levels – meaning they’re found in a lot of anti-aging products. Naturally fragrant, pine nuts are also incorporated into perfumes and shower gels, not to mention your car air freshener.

Recipe: Rosehip Bath Salts

This luxurious bath salt is infused with local rose hips which you can find throughout autumn and winter. Rose Hips are rich in the essential fatty acids which will nourish and rehydrate dry winter skin and help fight signs of ageing. So, pour a hot bath, sprinkle in your salts, sit back and relax.

Ingredients:

10-15 Rose hips
Himalayan Bath salts
Almond oil
4 Rose petals
4 drops of lavender

Part one:

1. Chop any stalks and leaves from the rosehips and wash with cold water in a strainer.

2. Fill a jar (jam size is perfect) with ⅓ Rose hips and top up with almond oil

3. Leave to infuse for a minimum of 4 hours (The longer the better)

4. Next, strain the Rose hip oil from the jar into another jar so that you now have a beautiful rose hip infused almond oil.

Part two:

1. In a mixing bowl, add the Himalayan bath salts

2. Mix in one tea spoon of your rosehip oil and lavender essential oil (You can add more if you like a stronger smell)

3. Next, take the rose petals and grind them up in a pestle and mortar and add them to the mix.

4. Mix everything up and spoon into a jar, ready to sprinkle into your next bath!

The Essential Natural Organic Skincare Regimine (Summer 2019)

Aisling O'Connor

June 26, 2019

splodge of cream with a heart drawn in it

As our largest organ, our skin exists to protect the inside of our bodies, but that doesn’t mean what we put on it doesn’t seep through.

Although recent studies (2021) contest this, the American Journal of Public Health found that our skin absorbs approximately 64% of contaminants, and that our face is actually several times more absorbent than the rest of our bodies*, which is why it’s important to nourish our skin with natural organic products.

Natural products are simply products made with ingredients straight from nature, whereas, organic products are made with ingredients that have not been treated with pesticides, which are harmful to wildlife and us.

Not only are natural products better for the environment, as toxic chemicals from our skin make their way into the ocean from our sinks and showers, but better for us as we’re not taking in any harsh ingredients.

We’re exposed to countless toxins everyday from air pollution, cleaning products, and sprays, why add more into our bodies?

Here’s what kind of products you should be using on every part of your body:

Face

CBD has become a popular health supplement and ingredient in skincare over the past year as it’s becoming legal in more and more places.

CBD and hemp oil products are not the equivalent of majuriana, as CBD and hemp oils contain little to no THC, which is the component in majuriana that gets people high.

CBD is a great ingredient for those with sensitive or acne prone skin as it soothes skin and combats inflammation. It’s also a promising anti-aging ingredient due to the fact that it contains antioxidants.

For well nourished skin, it’s worth using a day cream as well as a night cream.

tub of organic skincare amongst rose petals and leaves.

Day creams are intended to be worn under make-up to keep skin moisturized and protected from the sun, while night creams help repair your skin after a long day.

Hope CBD’s Day and Night Moisturisers both contain CBD and soothing shea butter, amoung other natural oils and ingredients to keep your skin looking its best.

Body

Exfoliating is an important part of skin care, as it removes dead skin and helps unclog pores, however, you should only exfoliate a few times a week, as doing so everyday can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process.

Coffee beans are great to exfoliate with as they make your skin feel more awake and refreshed.

The Coffee Bean Cleansing Bar is a great option because it’s zero-waste! You can also upcycle your own coffee grounds after a cup of joe by mixing them with coconut oil.

Exfoliating and moisturising go hand-in-hand as we should moisturise our bodies after exfoliating, and also after the shower as we lose moisture as we dry off. Shea and cocoa butter are common in moisturisers, such as the Organic Shea and Argan: Ylang Ylang and Orange moisturiser.

tub of shea butter with a plastic spoon in it amongst pink roses.

Shea butter is made from the seeds of the shea tree and a hugely popular natural ingredient as it soothes and softens skin.

Eyes

The skin under and around our eyes is the most delicate on our face, which is why they need specifically formulated products, as opposed to using the same products we put on the rest of our face which can be too heavy.

Products such as the Chamomile and Carrot Seed Eye Cream keep how delicate our eyes are in mind.

pretty girl lay on top of some shrubbery with her eyes closed and leaves under her eyes

Eye creams can help ward off those pesky dark circles under our eyes, but we should also make sure to stay hydrated and well rested to look bright eyed.

As the skin under our eyes is the thinnest, we should only put the safest of products and ingredients there.

Lips

Our lips are one of the places we sometimes forget need sun protection but mainstream sun products are not only bad for the environment as the chemicals enter the ocean and contribute to coral reef bleaching, but also for us as they usually contain ingredients we can’t even pronounce.

Mainstream sun protection often contains ingredients such as octinoxate, and oxybenzone, which can disrupt our hormones when absorbed into the skin and contain free radicals, which are molecules that can damage our DNA ** This doesn’t mean that we should abandon sun-protection all together though, we just need to find natural, but effective products.

The Spearmint Clove Lip Balm, has an SPF of 30 as it contains bay and zinc, while also keeping your lips hydrated, it even protects against cold sores.

Hands

Our hands get just as much sun exposure as our faces, and without care and protection, can cause premature aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles.

Not everyone likes putting suncream on their hands which is why a cream with SPF, such as the Timeless Beauty Hand Lotion, is an effortless way to keep them soft and protected.

Our hands also face the brunt of manual labour and weather conditions, which is why they need some TLC. Most hand creams are also good for our cuticles and nails so they’re multipurpose!

From Bottle To Bar: Why You Should Switch To Zero-Waste Hair Care

Sarah Barlow

June 19, 2019

How often do you buy shampoo and conditioner? If you wash your hair three or four times a week, we’re guessing that’s around once a month. Over a year, that adds up to 24 bottles, and over 10 years it’s a staggering 240 – which is a lot of plastic waste.

A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and this number is projected to jump another 20% by 2021. With these alarming figures currently in the media spotlight, many brands and consumers are making changes to their packaging and purchasing.

The beauty industry is already ahead of the game, and you may have already noticed that traditional bars of soap are on the comeback trail; replacing bottled shower gels and body wash.

With that in mind, the latest trend to hit the stores moves north of the body, focusing on sustainable haircare. Replacing your bottled shampoo with a solid solution in the form of a soap bar could break new ground when it comes to environmental impact.

Compact and convenient, this niche beauty category is certainly one to consider if environmental concerns are increasingly playing on your mind.

Adapting a zero-waste hair care routine is one of the easiest changes you can make. However, if you’re worried about switching their shampoo, fear not, as we’re about to assure you that your locks will be just as luscious, and your purse will even be a little lighter.

What is zero-waste haircare?

If you’re a little intrigued but aren’t entirely sure what zero-waste hair care actually means, we’re about to reveal all. Zero-waste products are developed and packaged using only materials that can be reused or composted, rather than sent to landfills or being incinerated.

When it comes to haircare products, we automatically visualise a plastic tube or bottle, because that’s all we know, right? Well, not anymore. Now, thanks to the growth in sustainable living, an increasing number of haircare brands are redefining how we use shampoo and conditioner – and it no longer comes in liquid form.

Say hello to the shampoo bar, a zero-waste, eco-friendly alternative to the endless bottles you’ve been throwing in the bin throughout your life.

Tell me more about shampoo bars…

Although they seem a little strange, solid soap shampoos were commonly used before liquid detergent shampoos became popular in the 1940’s.

Turns out, they even date way back to the 1800’s. In the book Hints on Health, published in 1852, William Edward Coale wrote, “To cleanse the hair, there is nothing better than soap and water . . . the soap, of course, should be mild, and well and plentifully rubbed in, and afterward thoroughly removed with an abundance of water.”

While the process for making a shampoo bar is the same as making soap, a well-formulated shampoo bar is drastically different.

Today’s product has been developed specifically for your hair and is packed with an abundance of rich vitamins and minerals, designed to keep your hair and scalp soft, shiny and full of volume.

Shampoo bars use different proportions of natural oils, butters, and botanicals, that are known to help nourish the hair and scalp.

What are the benefits to the environment?

As mentioned, shampoo bars are plastic free – so you’ll no longer have to squeeze the last drops from the bottle. This also means they have a huge impact on the environment, and as it’s recently been calculated that the number of shampoo bottles condemned to landfills in a year could fill 1,164 football fields, it’s an issue we need to tackle.

Furthermore, because of their smaller size, more can fit into the lorries that transport them to reduce your carbon footprint even further.

What about the benefits to my hair?

Most people find benefits in switching to a shampoo bar such as increased volume, faster-growing hair, reduced dandruff, shinier hair and less frizz. If you have curly hair, you’re likely to have more defined curls with better control.

Shampoo bars don’t contain any harmful chemicals found in liquid shampoo, as they are made from totally natural oils. If you read the ingredients list on the back of the bottle, you’ll most likely see sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which are the chemicals responsible for the foamy lather when you wash your hair.

However, these ingredients can cause a dry, itchy and irritated scalp, they can dry out your hair, and contribute to hair loss, especially if you shampoo every day.

Once they wash down the drain, it’s worth knowing that these chemicals don’t break down. Instead, they build up in our ecosystem, polluting our rivers, lakes and public water systems.

Whilst shampoo bars do not lather as well, you can be assured they also won’t strip your hair of your natural oils, and they certainly won’t be polluting the environment.

How do you use one?

Because there are no chemicals in a traditional shampoo bar, you’ll miss a little lather, and the change in application needs to be greeted with an open mind.

Some brands recommend rubbing the bar between your hands first while others advise applying it directly to the scalp instead, so it’s best to give both a go and see what you prefer.

You may notice a few changes in the first week, but this is just your hair getting used to the switch. Experts say it takes around a week of washing to see the benefits – so stick with it.

Can I take them on holiday?

Did we mention these are perfect for travel? If you’ve ever been victim to a leaking shampoo bottle in your suitcase, you’ll know how devastating that can be. However, as you don’t have to worry about any spillage with a shampoo bar, you can pop them in your case with ease, knowing they’ve not ruined your new kimono or your gorgeous selection of holiday dresses.

So, not only are they small and lightweight, taking up way less room in your suitcase, they are also TSA approved, which means you don’t have to worry about your liquid allowance at the airport. By popping one of these in your bag, they’ll help prevent using the mini shampoos and conditioners at your hotel, reducing packaging waste.

How long do they last?

They look small, but you only need to use a small amount of a shampoo bar to wash your hair thoroughly. With the water removed, one bar can do the job of 4 to 5 bottles of commercial liquid shampoo, meaning it can last for a few months. However, it all depends on how many people are using it and how often you wash your hair.

To make your shampoo bar last, store it on a well-drained soap dish and don’t let it sit in a puddle of water.

Let the bar breathe and allow it plenty of fresh air to dry between uses. If your bar ever gets waterlogged and becomes gooey, the key is to let it rest on a draining soap dish for a few days and let it dry out before using again.

The verdict?

Making the decision to switch is easy but sticking to it is a challenge for many. If reducing your plastic waste and carbon footprint is important, switch your bottle for a bar and get set to give your hair the natural nourishment it deserves.

On Veo we offer a wide range of shampoo bars and refillable earth-friendly hair care options. Check them out here!

CBD (Cannabidiol): A Natural Alternative Worthy Of The Hype?

Paul Kelly

June 13, 2019

Now if you have any semblance of an internet connection (which with you here, you seemingly do) it is likely you will have seen or heard something by now about CBD.

The problem if you are anything like me and many others who occasionally partake in a tipple of social media browsing, you will have seen a lot of misinformation to do with CBD as well. So, to help you navigate these waters safely I’d like you to (hopefully) think of this article as your CBD lighthouse, something you can base your own decisions on, a safe way through the mists!

What is CBD?

I have personally been using CBD for around 2 years now quite frequently, and so I apologise in advance if you can tell that I have a mildly positive bias, but I can assure you that bias is steeped in personal experience.

As a long-term smoker, and someone who has suffered anxiety in the past, I heard about CBD through a friend and began to do my own research and quickly realised it could be a good way to kill two birds with one stone, I had recently started to vape to help get away from smoking and was able to find a CBD liquid with the lowest strength to try out.

The transition was as smooth as the smoke.

And well, I semi- ruined the ending by telling you I have been using it for 2 years at the beginning but realistically the best proof is that CBD has become part of my daily routine, without disrupting it…Also I no longer smoke cigarettes which is another plus. It has also helped with my anxiety, but more on that in a bit.

The first thing to establish is this: It is NOT going to get you “high” in any way shape or form (this feeling comes from THC). CBD is one of 104 compounds derived from the Cannabis plant and CBD comes from its full scientific name, Cannabidiol, but CBD just has such a nice ring to it. The plant that they both come from looks essentially identical though.

Is CBD legal?

Regarding legality?

A strangely hot topic here in the UK since CBD is perfectly legal. No need to worry about a knock at the door as you get ready for work and someone testing your face cream mid-appliqué! In the UK CBD products must have less than 0.2% THC (the part which acts as an intoxicant) in them, which is a good reason to always buy your products from a reputable source.

Is CBD safe?

Who better to answer this, me or the World Health Organisation?

“CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”(WHO)

There is still a responsibility on you to think about what else is in anything you buy though! And again, another reason to use a reputable source if you do choose to dive in yourself.

But all this is before we even get into WHAT IT DOES DO.

The magic in CBD is in the myriad of its potential applications and below we will run through some of the things CBD can help (possibly you) with! (backed with some scientific evidence as otherwise, it’s pretty much just me telling you my personal story on the subject).

GIVING UP SMOKING

As mentioned earlier from my own experience, CBD has been observed to help with people other than myself looking to give up smoking. University Colleges London’s study found that “those treated with CBD significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by ~40% during treatment.” The study also noted that some subjects had continued use of CBD for this effect on follow ups.

ANXIETY

Again as mentioned above, the other main reason I had considered CBD was its apparent help with anxiety, and help it did. Am I cured? No, but having something that is accessible and that I can have on me 24/7 is a help in itself. The best way I can explain the feeling is that it puts me back in a state of balance, and cheesy as it sounds that’s the perfect word as you don’t feel up or down from it, it can just help you to centre. Which at times is all you need. Studies into Anxiety and CBD have had positive results with a study from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Denver showing a decrease in 57 out of 72 subjects (79.2%)

IMPROVED SLEEP

The same study that looked into anxiety above also considered the effects of CBD on someone’s quality of sleep, and found that 66.7% of subjects reported better sleep after taking CBD for the first month.

PAIN RELIEF

CBD has been studied and observed to improve many different types of pain, ranging from mild aches and pains, to pain from cancer and more chronic pains. Also, it gives people a natural alternative to currently available pharmaceutical pain relief many of which can be addictive or have other side effects.

SKIN CARE

Whether it be acne or eczema, CBD has been observed to help with both. A study in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical investigation found that CBD can help with acne and can also help with acne brought on through hormones. With regards to eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, a 2017 study concluded that CBD may be an effective treatment, also as a bonus, it means less unnatural chemicals for your skin!

As research continues, and as people try out for themselves, we seem to be finding out more every day, the uses for CBD has grown parallel with its growing market, meaning that it has never been easier to try in a way that makes you feel most comfortable.

With a lot of other health aiding supplements, they need to be worked into your routine but the beauty of CBD is that it is so versatile it can be built into an already existing busy work day.

Replace your morning drink with a CBD infused tea for example, if you don’t like tea (yes, there are a couple of us out there) then you can just use the droplets and still get the same effect. For the recreational users aiming for a bit more up to balance their downtime then CBD infused chocolates might be the best route for you. If you already use a skin product and feel like adding CBD would be a good thing for you then this literally just replaces it.

The idea is simply to assimilate it into what you already do. It should come naturally as it is after all, natural!

So not everyone will convert like myself, and I’m not trying to convert anyone it’s more a case of letting people know that there is an option there for them, and hopefully this helps someone find something that helps takes the edge off, whatever their reason.

Is There A Link Between Plant-Based And Mental Health?

Casey Gemma

June 4, 2019

It seems as though recently plant based / vegan diets have become increasingly popular and there is quite a lot of attention drawn to the fact that removing animal products from our plate has a benefit in terms of physical health, environmentally and of course… for the animals!

But did you know that some research has made links between a plant based diet and mental health?!

I, myself am a registered associate nutritionist, with a long history of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression and disordered eating who has a predominantly plant based diet. So I find this up and coming area of nutritional research incredibly exciting!

What does the science say?

For a while now the field of nutritional science has made a connection between the food we eat and our mood.

But why?

Well, preclinical evidence suggests that there is a circular link between the gut, the gut microbiome and the brain and is often referred to in science as the gut-brain axis.

In simple terms that just means that all three of those interlink and affect each other.

Plenty of research now suggests that alterations between the gut-brain connection has implications for neurological and psychiatric conditions.

When referring to the microbiome, I am referring to the community microorganisms that live in the gut, and digestive tract.

When our gut is out of whack and our microbiome if unbalanced, it can cause inflammation of the gut and ultimately this has been connected to both depression and anxiety.

This is because a healthy gut has been linked to the function of a healthy central nervous system.

If you need more convincing that our gut can affect our well-being, well you know the happy chemical serotonin floating around our bodies…?

95% of this mood balancing chemical is released from the gut!

Our bodies are beautiful and clever things, and when we provide the right conditions, our body and brain can work harmoniously together – that includes nutrition!

So does a diet high in plant foods help my mental health?

Research in this field is very current and is still emerging, so there is still lots to be discovered.

But from reading the available scientific literature, it appears that a vegan or vegetarian diet, compared to one including meat, contributes to a more stable and more varied microbiota and good bacteria.

Not only this… Increased fibre has been linked to an increase in serotonin AND it has been shown to increase the levels of good bacteria in the gut!

As both of these factors have been shown to effect mood. An increase of fibre in your diet, is a great AND easy place to start if you are looking to improve your mental health.

What kind of fibre you ask?

high fibre, colourful salad bowl with tomatoes, avocado, chickpeas, sweet potato, cabbage and lettuce.

Well, fruit, vegetables and wholegrain have been shown in studies to reduce levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms and to have a positive effect on healthy mood states!

This is another reason to boost the number of plants on your plate!

Do I have to be 100% vegan?

Absolutely not. Firstly, vegan and plant based are completely separate things.

Veganism is the avoidance of animal products in every area of one’s life (cosmetics, clothing, diet etc.), whereas plant based is the exclusion of animal products from one’s diet (meat, fish, dairy, eggs).

The rise in popularity of a vegan diet has been amazing for environmental concerns, however it has promoted the growth of the ‘junk food vegan’ diets i.e. those high in processed vegan goodys like ice cream, sugary sweets etc.. (NOT beneficial to your gut – brain health).

A whole foods plant based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and fermented foods is one of the healthiest ways to improved your gut microbiome AND ultimately this can positively impact your mental health.

SO whatever stage of your health journey you are at, I would advise implementing as many plants as you can into your daily intake and avoid or at least reduce foods which will negatively effect your gut i.e. processed goods, artificial sugars and meat.

Remember, you don’t have to be 100% perfect with your diet, but any step towards a more natural plant based diet will have a positive effect on your health.

Which foods do I recommend for a healthy gut and mind?

· All fruits and lots of them (full of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants)

· Lots of vegetables!

· Protein sources – beans, pulses, lentils, tofu, tempeh

· Healthy fats in moderation – avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil

· And don’t forget to STAY HYDRATED to keep the digestive system happy!

Of course, your mental health doesn’t solely depend on your diet. As well as adding more plants to your diet it is so important to take care of yourself in other areas of your life too.

Getting enough water and exercise (150 minutes a week), as well as spending time with lovely people, getting fresh air and taking time to reflect on your emotions through meditation or journaling are all really important pieces which make up the puzzle which is a healthy brain and mind!

Happy food from my website www.caseygemma.com

Your food really does affect your mood, so eat more plants, eat less processed junk and as always – be kind to yourself!

Eco-Anxiety: What Is It And How Can We Deal With It?

Marie Fieldhouse

May 31, 2019

With all the recent headlines about climate change, it is not surprising that a growing number of people are struggling with a fear for the future of our world, so much so that it is beginning to affect our mental health.

But what exactly is eco-anxiety – and what can we do to combat it?

I had my first real taste of eco-anxiety recently.

A physical reaction in the pit of my stomach as I read the transcript from Greta Thunberg’s speech to MPs in the Houses of Parliament in April.

There was a sense of urgency: we need to act NOW!

Frustration that the necessary changes are coming way too slowly.

Despair at the enormity of the challenge ahead and how impossible it seems.

And, finally, there was sadness.

Sadness for this sixteen-year old girl who is battling for action.

Sadness for my children and their generation as I wondered what the world was going to be like for them. I cried.

That’s a lot to process in response to just one speech.

It is not just one speech, though. We are suddenly seeing warnings like this everywhere we look.

Ginger man in a yellow jacket holding a sign saying save our planet.

New headlines every day about climate change, the state of our oceans, animals threatened with extinction, environmental disasters… A UN-commissioned special report on global warming in 2018 called for ‘unprecedented changes’, while our social media newsfeeds are full of grim reminders.

Those emotions I felt reading Greta’s impassioned plea are not new to me. But it was probably the first time that I felt overtaken by them. Even as I wrote the words above just now, I could feel that fluttering of panic.

It turns out that I am not alone.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the increasing visibility of the issue, it seems that many of us are struggling with a fear for what the future holds; a future that suddenly isn’t quite as distant as we had previously imagined.

This has become so common that there is now a word for it: ‘eco-anxiety’.

While it has not yet been formally recognised, a quick online search shows that eco-anxiety is on the rise and having a very real effect on people.

Psychology Today provides a definition: “a fairly recent psychological disorder afflicting an increasing number of individuals who worry about the environmental crisis”.

‘Worry’ is a fairly ambiguous word here, and I suspect that eco-anxiety has become an umbrella term, encompassing everything from feeling troubled about the environment to a more serious impact on mental health.

Eco-anxiety can be paralysing, often resulting in a feeling of powerlessness.

I can testify to this.

The more I researched environmental issues, the higher my levels of anxiety became, so my solution was to shut it down.

I stopped reading those articles and switched myself off to a problem that I felt I had very little control over.

This is one way to deal with it but, for me, it was not the answer.

I have two children and, for their sake, I realised that I needed to do something, if only so that I could look them in the eye later in life and say “I did try”.

What, then, can we do to combat eco-anxiety?

For those whose mental health is suffering significantly, it is important to reach out for professional support.

While there is no specific medical advice for eco-anxiety, the NHS provides information on Generalised Anxiety Disorder and when to seek help.

Treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (a technique that teaches ways to change thought patterns and behaviour), as well as suggestions for self-help, such as making dietary and lifestyle changes.

For others, the best way to beat eco-anxiety may be to take positive action.

Get involved locally

Concentrating our efforts on making a difference in our own community can reduce the sense of overwhelm.

It is always easier to cope with a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts, and your contributions can have a more tangible impact locally.

plastic bottles, glass bottles and other plastic rubbish littered on a beach.

From participating in litter picking events to joining a campaigning group, there are many opportunities to feel involved and inspired.

Use the power of your purse

In our consumer-orientated society, making changes to what and how we purchase can directly influence companies, who want to protect their profits!

Think before you buy, shop locally when possible, and choose eco-friendly products and ethical businesses, to make sure the money you spend encourages companies to operate sustainably.

Speak out

Write to your local MP to ask them what their party is doing to combat climate change. Sign petitions. Refuse single-use plastic when it is offered to you. Ask your local businesses what they are doing to be more eco-friendly. You may not feel that one lone voice can make much difference – but when lots of us are doing the same, it piles on the pressure for real changes to be made.

Make easy swaps

Yes, the scale of the problem is undeniably daunting.

It can be hard to know what we can do for the best and where to begin making the necessary changes to our lifestyle.

But some action is better than no action; it doesn’t need to be all or nothing.

We are hopefully all getting used to taking our own bags, refillable water bottles and reusable coffee cups out with us. Other small habits and swaps that we can make include:

Committing to one or two meat-free days a week (the World Meat Free Week website shows the impact this can have on the environment and your health).
Switching liquid hand soap, shower gels, shampoo, and conditioner for soap bars.

Using reusable sanitary products; even if only for part of the time, this will save sanitary towels heading to landfill.
Choosing a green electricity provider or tariff.
Substituting some of your car journeys for public transport, cycling or walking.
Of course, the list goes on but search online for ten easy changes you can implement and start working your way through them!
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

This quote is attributed to Vincent Van Gogh but seems very relevant to where we are today.

For me, the key to beating eco-anxiety is to be proactive and to allow myself some hope that there are many of us out there who care enough to do the same.

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The Gift That Keeps on Giving

1. Get a better night’s sleep

No blue screens before bedtime

Turn off the television

Experiment with essential oils

Learn how to relax

Create a comfortable space

Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

2. Eat nourishing food

Turmeric

Ginger

Cinnamon

Cayenne Pepper

Be kind to your skin

Drink lots of water

Use natural blemish busters

Release your inner yogi

Physical health benefits

Mental health benefits

Enjoy some Ecotherapy

First Place

How does the UK fare?

What about the rest of the world?

What vehicles can you buy?

Driving home

Animal rights

Plastic-free petitioners

The fight against fast fashion

Fighting for the people

How to ignite your own passion

So, what is foraging?

Spring

Chickweed

Dandelion

Goose grass

Wild Garlic

Recipe: Dandelion Face Serum

Ingredients

Summer

Chanterelle mushrooms

Blackberries

Hazelnuts

Honeysuckle

Recipe: Rose Face Spritz

Ingredients

Autumn

Plums

Hawthorn

Walnuts

Recipe: Walnut Body Scrub

Ingredients

Winter

Nettles

Beech Nuts

Rowan Berries

Pine

Recipe: Rosehip Bath Salts

Ingredients:

Face

Body

Eyes

Lips

Hands

What is zero-waste haircare?

Tell me more about shampoo bars…

What are the benefits to the environment?

What about the benefits to my hair?

How do you use one?

Can I take them on holiday?

How long do they last?

The verdict?

What is CBD?

Is CBD legal?