Love is in the air: the sex toys taking sustainability (and love) to new heights

February 13, 2023

In an era of sexual liberation and expression, there’s a movement on the block that’s been flipping how society perceives and thinks about sex on it’s head…

The sexual wellness movement of recent years is centred around female pleasure – free of taboos – with products and services that impact female sexual wellbeing, thinking about women’s health and other aspects of their lives (Camila Coelho).

Whereas female pleasure has too long been a topic of taboo, the sexual wellness revolution has seen huge strides made when it comes to both the talking about and activity of sex. Granted there’s still a way to go. Could sustainable sex aids aid us into the next phase of the sexual wellbeing revolution?

The surprising history and rise of sex toys

It may surprise you to learn that we are not the first generation to enhance sexual experiences with the help of sex aids. Whilst it’s arguably strange to think about our ancestors using sex toys, historical discoveries and research indicates that they almost certainly did.

A siltstone phallus found in Germany is said to date back 28,000 years, believed to be the oldest known ‘sex toy’ ever discovered. Phalluses made from stone, wood, leather and even camel dung have all been found during excavations, or referenced in historical text and images. (Daily Mail, 2015).

Today, our use of sex toys is (thankfully), a lot more hygienic and comfortable. In fact, it’s estimated that the sex toy market in the UK is worth over £250 million and it has been reported that the use of sex toys is becoming increasingly mainstream, with many people of broad ages and genders reporting that they own at least one sex toy. E-commerce and the growing acceptance of sex toys have made it easier for people to purchase and use these products in the privacy of their own homes.

It’s important to note that the use of sex toys is a personal choice, and some people may choose not to use them. Whether due to culture, religion, or personal beliefs, the choice is and should always be autonomous and a rightfully one private too.

With that said, the overall increasing acceptance of sex toys and the growing awareness about their benefits have been major factors behind the huge market growth and their acceptance within society.

Sex is hot. Waste is not.

The sex toy industry, like many consumer goods industries, can have a significant environmental impact due to the materials and processes used in manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. It is difficult to know the exact amount, but it’s estimated that the sex toy industry contributes 222.9 million tonnes of waste annually in the UK alone, according to one of our very own eco sex toy brands, Love Not War.

Many sex toys are not designed to be repaired, recycled or safely disposed of, and end up in landfills after a relatively short lifespan. However, some brands within the sex toy industry are once again turning things on their head.

Sustainability and sex is a match made in heaven

Sustainable sex toys can help you feel closer and more connected to nature. Given that sex is a natural human behaviour, it seems only logical that our sex toys help to unify that natural act and further enhance that intimate connection.

Thankfully, more brands are taking steps to reduce their waste, such as using eco-friendly materials, designing products that are recyclable, or implementing sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices. On that note, we’d like you to meet The Natural Love Company and Love Not War…

The Natural Love Company

The sex toy industry is dirty, and not in the good way either. Products are often not made to last, use disposable batteries and are packaged with grotesque single use plastic. The Natural Love Company is proud of their long product obsolescence, rechargeable batteries and their beautiful sustainable packaging. From their fully recyclable mailer boxes, to their cute compostable cotton drawstring bags – it’s all plastic-free!

TNLC recognise that we all leave a footprint behind and therefore promise to offset everything they can calculate, and more. They do this by regularly calculating their carbon footprint and then funding sustainability projects that include The Ocean Foundation and 1% For The Planet in a proportional way. In addition, with partner Tree Nation, they help to fund tree planting initiatives around the globe and have so far planted over 6,000 trees!

All of their lubricants, toy cleaners and massage oils are 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty-free as standard.

Every single parcel dispatched is be delivered to you in recyclable, plastic-free packaging. The outer layer of every parcel you receive is plain and discreet and all packaging is sourced from solely recycled materials and is widely recyclable after use.

Love Not War

Love Not War know your pleasure is important, but it doesn’t come before the earth. That’s why they created the world’s first sustainable range of eco-friendly vibrator sex toys.

Since being founded in 2021, the British brand has launched a product range of sustainable toys developed and created in its custom built, green-powered factory using all recyclable and recycled materials including aluminum.

Four recycled 330ml cans provide enough aluminium to produce one toy. It also takes just one recycled daily newspaper (120g roughly) to produce enough eco-friendly cardboard to package two Love Not War units.

Using the highest quality materials, their environmentally friendly sex toys are built to last. Love not War have considered every detail, from using recycled and recyclable material, right down to the soy ink used in their card packaging. Their products are both good for you and good for Earth.

However, as with anything, they know that natural wearing of a product can happen after a long period of use. Therefore, to further their dedication to being as sustainable as possible, if an issue does happen to arise with your Love Not War toy, they commit to doing our best to repair it for you.

If upon inspection your toy can not be repaired, then they will happily recycle it for you at our custom-built, green-powered factory.

Love Not War makes you feel great both inside and out, knowing that your pleasure doesn’t cost the earth!

Save turning up the heat for the bedroom

Sex toys can make your sex life infinitely more satisfying and fun. Whether used with a partner or individually, they’re a powerful tool that can help achieve overall sexual and mental wellbeing and can even help us to better understand ourselves.

But as with anything, it shouldn’t cost us the Earth. Instead, keep the Earth in mind and you’ll find you can achieve a better sex life whilst bettering our world.

Celebrate your sensuality with our full curated selection of plastic-free sustainable sex toys made from recycled aluminnum and silicone, vegan-friendly lubricants, cleaners, and massage oils designed for ultimate pleasure and enjoyment.

Behind the Brand: Dead Sea Dream

Annabel Lindsay

January 31, 2023

Dead Sea Dream offer a streamlined, elegant approach to the spa ritual, beautiful efficacious products with no compromise on performance, dedicated to the pursuit of flexibility in self-care.

Drawing on her deep connection with the Dead Sea, inspired by the unique, mineral rich waters and wishing to share the authentic, restorative experience with people in a more modern and sustainable style; founder, Louise, opens up to Veo about her brands story, capturing the purity and heritage of the Dead Sea region and hopes for the future.

What is the inspiration and story behind the creation of your brand?

I am half French/half Israeli and I have always been very close to the Dead Sea region. I loved to purchase products there and bring them back to my friends and family in Europe. I couldn’t find any engaging beauty brand in Europe formulated with Dead Sea minerals that were engaging, accessible and came at an affordable price.

I also used to work in a very fast paced environment, I was aware that taking more time and care for myself would be beneficial to me, but I just didn’t make the time for it. I think that the beginning of the pandemic has been a turning point for me as it has been for a lot of people. The moment life stopped, I started taking care of myself, self-caring at home, eating healthy and exercising, I quickly realized that it made me become much more productive at work with a better outlook on life in general, what’s important and what isn’t.

I also started to reflect on myself and what I wanted to bring to the world. Which is why I decided to create Dead Sea Dream. Our mission is to make Dead Sea minerals affordable, accessible and sustainable anywhere in the world, encouraging people to care for themselves, without feeling guilty about it. While getting more people to know about the Dead Sea and contribute to its long-term preservation.

How does your brand mission align with current cultural movements and societal needs?

Dead Sea Dream’s mission is to find a sustainable way forward, so that we leave nothing but positivity behind. We are committed to be and remain unisex as we value each customer regardless of their age, gender or ethnic background. Coming from a diverse background myself, inclusivity and diversity are at the core of the brand. I love connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds, I find it so enriching and interesting to learn their story and see how we all interpret the world differently.

In addition, to contribute to greener and more eco-friendly supply chain, it was very important to me at the research and development stage to work with companies who share my vision for a more sustainable future. We’ve developed conscious formulations with natural ingredients that were carefully harvested to protect the environment for future generations. We also chose to pack all of our products in recyclable packaging, sourced close to the manufacturing site, to reduce our carbon footprint to a minimum.

Finally, I had the chance to connect and meet with Ari, from The Dead Sea Revival project. Surprisingly there are not a lot of NGOs out there who care about the Dead Sea and its preservation. Ari is a former entrepreneur himself, so it was so interesting to hear about his life story and benefit from his experience. We directly understood each other and got along really well. Which is why Dead Sea Dream is now supporting The Dead Sea Revival Project by donating a percentage of its annual revenue to raising awareness and contributing to the Dead Sea’s long-term preservation.

Have your brand mission and values evolved at all since you first launched?

We launched in October 2022 so at the moment our brand mission has remained the same. I was very proud and honoured to send our first donation to the Dead Sea revival project in January 2023. Moreover, as we have started to develop new products that will complement our initial range, we are researching more eco-friendly packaging innovations to further reduce our impact on the environment.

Have there been any defining moments or turning points in your brand’s journey so far?

Moisturize! | Body Scrub, Body Cream & Hand & Foot Cream

Building a new skincare brand from the ground up and seeing so many positive feedback after our launch last year has been the most beautiful defining moment for me.

After that, I’d say that one of the main turning point was launching our sampling campaign, which has been very successful in getting more customers to try and review our products.

Alongside this, we have rapidly grown our distribution channels with distributors that share our vision and mission for a better, more sustainable world, such as Veo! And this is just the beginning, I am really excited for what’s to come in 2023 as the health and wellness sector is growing attractively.

Could you share any testimonials, features or recognition that particularly showcase your brand and its impact?

Our products have been featured in Vogue UK, Vanity Fair, and House & Garden. We also received the Vegan Beauty Awards 2023 for our entire range of products. You can find our product testimonials on our website. Below are a few from our most loyal customers.

As you’re featured on Veo, we know that you’re an ethical and 100% vegan-friendly business. But could you expand more on the sustainable practices and initiatives you prioritise and implement?

First of all, I was very proud to send our first donation in January 2023 to help the efforts of The Dead Sea Revival Project in raising awareness and contributing to the long-term preservation of the Dead Sea region.

Where we can, we do not use secondary pack as it is a packaging element that tends to end up straight in the bin after using the product for the first time. We also encourage our customers to up-cycle or recycle our packaging with information at the back of each product and through our marketing communication. We also chose to be very transparent with the ingredients used in our formulation, you can find our full list of ingredients and what they’re used for on our website.

Finally, we carefully choose who we work with, making sure that we share the same sustainability vision with our partners is very important to build strong bases for long-term collaborations.

Have you faced any challenges or obstacles in becoming sustainable and if so, how did you overcome them?

The Biggest challenge I experienced in making the brand sustainable is the packaging selection of our products. I feel like the beauty industry is slowly starting to adapt to minimise the waste associated with single-use plastic or glass containers. There are not a lot of sustainable options out there. Which is why I decided to go with local suppliers, close to my manufacturer to avoid transporting empty packaging from across the world and reduce our footprint to a minimum. All of our packaging is recyclable and we encourage people to be more conscious about recycling our products at the back of the pack and through our marketing communications.

How do you plan to improve upon your sustainability and evolve the brand story in the future?

I’d like to evolve the brand into a lifestyle self-care brand that not only caters skincare, body care and hair care products made with 100% natural Dead Sea minerals but also beauty and home accessories. Product development is very time consuming and there are a lot of details to take into consideration such as regulatory frameworks, ingredients origin and innovations compatibility.

I also plan on getting more involved with The Dead Sea Revival Project and organise Dead Sea beach cleaning twice a year with my team and local communities to help preserve the beauty and uniqueness of the site.

You can explore the whole Dead Sea Dream range at Veo and give your skin and The Dead Sea’s unique and sacred landscapes the love and care it deserves.

How to bring more hygge into your life

Annabel Lindsay

December 16, 2022

Winter is a season of duality for many of us here in the UK. The excitement and anticipation of Christmas and holiday season parties are also met with cold, dark, winter days and nights. But in the midst of the Christmas chaos and the sudden drop in temperatures and daylight, there is opportunity to embrace the simple, the cosy and the comforting. How? Through a little something the Danish like to call “hygge”.

The hearty origins of hygge

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish originating term and concept, that has gained huge popularity across Europe and the wider world in recent years. But what does hygge actually mean?

According to the Google definition, it is ‘quality comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)’. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people (VisitDenmark).

Although hygge is essentially a feeling, the tangible means to achieving hygge in your own life can often be through simple things. The things that spark joy, a sense of comfort and home, for you. Whilst hygge is a state of being that can be acquired all year round, across all the seasons, there is something about hygge in the depths of winter that intertwines so beautifully with the warmth of Christmas.

That overlap, is arguably the antidote to any winter blues and maximising that feeling of Christmas spirit. If you’ve enjoyed a hot chocolate by an open fire, or snuggled up to watch a movie as rain or snow falls outside, you’ve probably experienced hygge, because above all else, hygge is a feeling.

Get your hygge on with veo

Creating the perfect cosy atmosphere is an art form but with our curated selection of luxurious hygge gifts made in the UK, we guarantee you’ll be lounging in style this winter! Light a festive spiced soy candle, sink into your sofa and get nice and comfortable with pyjamas and sleepwear made from the highest-quality organic cotton and bamboo.

Our sustainable dressing gowns are designed with your ultimate comfort in mind; keeping you as toasty as a warm hug! Curled up under a blanket, we promise you’ll feel snug from head to toe with eco-friendly slippers, organic cotton socks and sustainable hot water bottles made from natural rubber and the softest recycled faux fur. Gather friends and family, sit back with a mug of vegan hot chocolate, grab a bowl of gourmet popcorn and enjoy a wholesome night in this winter. We’ve pulled together some hygge inspired gifts for yourself or a loved one, to help get you started…

Cosy pieces for her

When her home is her haven, loungewear is her uniform of choice. So treat her to lush organic velour dressing gowns, bamboo sleepwear, and recycled faux fur slippers with sleep masks and scrunchies to match!

Cosy gifts for him

For the man of comfort and resident homebody, we guarantee he’ll love and appreciate these loungewear essentials; from organic cotton pyjamas and eco-friendly slippers to waffle bathrobes and festive socks to get him in the spirit!

Cosy treats and accessories

Vegan marshmallow hot chocolate, gingerbread gourmet popcorn, and spiced cinnamon orange candles; these cosy gift ideas are guaranteed to bring those nostalgic, festive vibes that truly make it feel like Christmas!

Let’s cosy on up by the fireplace

However you channel your hygge, do it consciously with a little help from Veo. Our cosy edit is fully equipped with the essentials you need to get your hygge on and cosy up over Christmas and the winter season. In the words of Mr Christmas himself, (Michael Bublé of course), “let’s cosy on up by the fireplace”!

5 reasons to shop small this Small Business Saturday

Annabel Lindsay

December 3, 2022

Small, independent businesses were and often still are the vital foundation of most communities, from the traditional bakeries and florists, to the coffee shops and jewellers. With thanks owed to technology, independent businesses, makers and creatives are no longer hindered by their geographical brick-and-mortar locations, now being able to open their offerings and craft to a much wider online digital audience.

Despite threats from huge corporations and giant monopolising retailers, we still find ourselves drawn back to smaller brands. This is not by pure coincidence. There’s a reason, many reasons in fact, as to why small and independent businesses still emerge and thrive. From unique product offerings, to rigid values – often spawning from a place of quality, sustainability or stylised identity – small businesses are also the key ingredient to addressing many of the negations relating to giant corporations. They are effectively the antidote to toxic overproduction and overconsumption. They are often the bridge that connects the notorious value-action gap. They are the grassroots means to addressing some of the biggest issues we face as a society today, including the climate emergency.

Celebrating small is in our nature

Home to 280+ independent brands (and counting), at Veo we understand not only the sustainable and ethical benefits of shopping small and slow, but also the passion that underpins each and every one of our brands. From fashion, beauty and health to homeware, food and more, there are commonalities that unite all the brands across our platform. That is a passion to explore and celebrate their craft and to solve problems with innovative thinking and solutions.

Yes our brands are based all over the world, but that doesn’t mean that the impact of shopping with them is not felt locally too. For every purchase at Veo, you’re giving back to a small business, designer or maker. You’re supporting their future and the enrichment of their locality and the people who operate within or benefit from their business too – small businesses = big differences.

Forget Black Friday, we’re here for Small Biz Saturday

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. (Small Business Saturday UK).

Black Friday madness and absurd deals which often derive from corners being cut (like underpaid workers, animal abuse or environmental destruction) risks overshadowing the countless benefits of shopping small. We cannot afford to let that happen. Without small businesses, not only will our shopping experiences become incredibly repetitive, corporate and lacklustre, we risk loosing the pillars of our communities – in both brick-and-mortar and digital contexts – and a real shot at addressing the most pressing social issues of our time.

So, as we head into gifting season, we’ve created a rather handy list as a reminder of just some of the many benefits of shopping small…

5 important reasons to shop small as often as possible

1. Shopping small helps support real people

When you purchase from a small brand, like the hundreds here at Veo, your money isn’t going into the back pocket of some greedy transnational CEO who has little to do with the day-to-day running of the brand. Instead, your money is going to people who are not only grounded in their brand and work, but also passionate about making positive change. By supporting these people who have built their businesses from the ground-up, it also opens up new opportunities for positive impact employment, creating jobs rooted in doing good and providing positive outputs for people and the planet. These businesses and brands are owned by our neighbours, peers, friends, sometimes relatives. Real people means real impact.

2. Shopping small has more transparency

Small businesses typically produce and manufacture locally or even by hand. Their supply chains are drastically smaller than that of major high-street retailers, and therefore significantly easier to trace. This kind of transparency is incredibly useful for consumers who can be assured that they know where the products have come from, what they’re made of, how they’re made and who made them. As a consumer, knowledge is power. That power can helps consumers to make more informed decisions about their shopping habits. After all, every time we spend money, we cast a vote for the kind of world that we want to live in.

3. Shopping small helps fuel innovation

We currently live in a consumer society that is fuelled by overproduction, overconsumption and waste. Small brands are the grassroots organisations that not only remind us that we must challenge this broken unsustainable narrative of consumption, but they also provide tangible solutions. Whether it’s plant-based leather made from fruit, or zero waste bathroom toiletries like refillable body wash or shampoo bars. These products are not made with sustainability as an after thought. Such values and qualities are built into the product design themselves, and therefor thee very DNA of the brand. Shopping small enables brands to further explore innovative solutions to modern problems, and provide us with consumer goods that bring genuine value into our lives, without comprising on values.

4. Shopping small means better quality

Major high-street retailers rely on shifting mass volumes of products to turn a profit. In order to maximise output and profit, corners are cut when it comes to quality of materials and manufacturing. That’s why a fast fashion item, for example, is only expected to be worn a few times before it suffers from basic wear and tear. We’ve previously deep-dived into how a Cost Per Wear calculator demonstrates that investing in higher quality products is actu ally cheaper in the long run. In contrast, small businesses typically operate through the quality over quantity mantra. They source the highest quality materials, made in the most ethical way, and ensure that the manufacturing process enables these products to last for years and years to come.

5. Shopping small puts you, the customer, first

By shopping with small brands, you have the option for a more personalised shopping experience – yes, even online – as it’s also a point of discovery for other new brands. At Veo, you have the opportunity to discvoer hundreds of small, independent brands, all in one place and learn more about their back story, purpose and mission. What you choose to buy also helps the brands better understand our needs as customers, therefore enabling them to tailor their offerings in order to give the best possible selections. After all, small businesses shine in diversity, uniqueness, and a personal touch (Shopify, 2022).

Shop small for big positive impact

As we begin the final countdown to Christmas, there has never been a better, or perhaps important, time to shop small. We don’t always need to buy new things, but when we do, shopping with small brands is the perfect way to find quality, sustainability and style. It’s a way to give back to real people, who make a real difference. Shop small for big positive impact.

Is sheep wool good for people and planet?

Annabel Lindsay

November 10, 2022

November kicked off with World Vegan Day on the 1st, a welcome reminder of the importance of opting for plant power. When it comes to vegan clothing, the leather debate is often a hot topic and one which both consumers and brands are already highly engaged. Attempting to answer the question ‘Can Leather Ever Be Sustainable?’ is something we’ve also deep dived into before.

The thing with animal leather, is that it can only be attained when an animal is killed, typically a cow. The death of another living being is an essential step in the production of animal leather. Whilst there are complex nuances to the ethics surrounding pleather (often made from PVC), there are many innovations in the form of plant-based leather that are helping to drive the way for truly ethical and sustainable leather alternatives.

But of course, leather isn’t the only animal-based material present in fashion. Sheep’s wool, cashmere (goat) and alpaca wool are also frequently occurring fibres in our clothing. The key distinction between these and leather, is that the animal itself does not have to be killed to obtain the material. In that regards, it would seem that clothing made from such animal fibres are more ethical. So, is this true?

Why did we use animal fibres in the first place?

Natural fibres have traditionally been used in all cultures of the world to meet basic requirements of clothing, storage, building material, and for items of daily use such as ropes and fishing nets. The fibres used often depended on the local availability (Textile School).

Animal fibres such as wool, cashmere and alpaca are also highly regarded when made into garments, for desirable properties such as “soft touch, warmth, beautiful drape, excellent comfort in wear and, using modern synthetic dyes, unparalleled colouration possibilities with very few shade restrictions” (Bruce A. McGregor).

Wool alone currently accounts for 0.9% of the world’s global fibre market. In 2021 around 1.2 billion sheep produced around 1,945 2 million kilograms of raw wool for home and clothing textiles (IWTO).

The wool pulled over our eyes

The practice of obtaining wool and sheep shearing is, for many, underpinned by positive mental imagery, with sheep roaming freely across the countryside, with the occasional shearing to maintain their coats and keep the comfortable. As idyllic this mental image is to believe, it’s sadly often not the case.

A few years ago, ethical clothing company Patagonia discovered animal cruelty practices in what they had believed were ethical farms. The world has also been shocked by many undercover exposés revealing mulesing and tail docking, painful “surgical” practices legally performed with often with no pain relief (Good On You).

According to the RSPCA, mulesing is a painful procedure that involves cutting crescent-shaped flaps of skin from around a lamb’s breech and tail using sharp shears, making mulesed sheep less susceptible to flystrike in the breech area. Mulesing is usually carried out during lamb ‘marking’ when the lamb is between 2 to 10 weeks of age, which can encompass other painful procedures that are carried out at the same time: tail docking, castration (removing testicles in ram lambs), ear notching or tagging, and vaccinating.

Aside from concerning ‘standard’ surgical practices, there are also sustainable considerations to take into account when it comes to wool, as it is the highest greenhouse gas emitter during the fibre production phase compared to all other fabrics. Sheep release huge amounts of methane into the atmosphere, which directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and therefore, global warming (Sustainably Chic).

The importance of nuance in difficult conversations

As part of their ongoing ‘#IMadeYourFabric stories campaign, Fashion Revolution shared an Instagram post of a sheep farmer holding a sign saying ‘I Made Your Wool’. However, the post was met with criticism and backlash with comments like “Sheep made the wool… Not humans.”, “Exploiting animals isn’t something to be proud of. There’s other alternatives.” and “Total ethics fashion protects everyone: people, the planet, and animals — who are not commodities ❤️”.

Despite the campaign helping to bring a voice and transparency to the people in our fabric supply chains, the comments demonstrated a shift in attitudes towards how we consumers view animals (moving away from them being a commodity to sentiment beings). Of course, farmers need to make a living, but in this day and age, there are more future-proof options becoming available. Research conducted by The University of Sheffield (2020), found that sheep farmers would no longer need government subsidies if they allowed land to return to forest. Sheep farming is currently unprofitable without subsidies, but farmers could earn money by growing trees and selling carbon offsetting certificates – just one alternative which would benefit sheep and the planet.

New study by Sheffield University says upland sheep farmers would make more money planting forests for carbon capture rather than “farming” sheep which at present isn’t an industry at all, just a massive benefit handout scheme overgrazing our uplands and accelerating flooding. pic.twitter.com/NWWJL4unYx
— alex thomson (@alextomo) September 1, 2020

Personal ethics will naturally also play a role in what you do or don’t deem to be ethical. However, with so many plant-based, natural fibres available to us, the justification for using virgin animal fibres seems less and less excusable or necessary. The industrialised scale of farming for animal fibres is increasingly seeing animal welfare and wellbeing compromised in pursuit of profit. When animals are deemed nothing more than a commodity for human use and disposal, their unique and individual sense of being is diminished.

If we stopped breeding sheep for our own use and abuse, eventually only wild sheep who don’t need shearing would exist and they would be able to live freely (Animal Liberation).

So what are the alternatives?

Granted, sheep wool is a more biodegradable choice than oil-based synthetic fibres. However, when we take all available fibres and materials we have today, it still ranks poorly for both ethics and sustainability, in comparison to plant-based natural (i.e. organic cotton) and synthetic (i.e. Tencel) fibres.

There are ways we can limit the need for virgin wool and other animal fibres thanks to both more mindful consumer habits as well as innovations and suitable alternatives in the forms of plant-based natural fibres or even lab grown fibres.

Many people also believe wool to be an essential material for knitwear. But we are living proof that we no longer need to rely on- better yet, exploit- other living beings to produce the materials for our clothing.

Knitwear for the modern era: Genes

Many of us may have or still do associate wool as a necessity for cozy and stylish knitwear, but we needn’t have. There are so many vegan-friendly alternatives that offer all the same qualities to the wearer, without any of the exploitation.

One of our the newest additions to our growing Veo family is an example of just that. GENES is a long-lasting knitwear brand created and based in Lima, Peru. They make pieces only with natural fibres to ensure their quality over time and to reduce their impact on the environment.

The brand’s mission is to offer long-lasting knit garments, bringing awareness to the impact of slow fashion in caring for our environment, opting for materials like Peruvian Pima cotton.

Their goal is to inspire people to select rather than accumulate and to promote responsible consumption. That is why they produce timeless garments designed to be worn and kept in good condition through the years. Each piece is inspired by nature and art for its colours, fluidity, spaces and shapes. GENES was born out of a love for versatility and visual experience.

Good things are worth fighting for

When it comes to making changes across the fashion and textiles industry, there’s rarely ever quick fixes. Farming, production, manufacturing and distribution systems are global, intertwined and complex. Therefore, given the current dependency on animal fibres, making the switch or transition away from them is not going to happen overnight. But brands like Genes, alongside countless others (like Will’s Vegan, Tikauo and Komodo), are proof that the future doesn’t have to be animal dependent. We can still access beautiful knitwear, soft fabrics and textiles, without the need for sheep (or any other animals for that matter).

What to get someone who is vegan: foodie edition

Annabel Lindsay

October 28, 2022

Whereas just a few years ago, veganism was somewhat of an underground movement, today it has well and truly cemented itself amongst the mainstream, with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK alone (Food Matters Live). The chances are, you probably know someone who is vegan or at least likes to include vegan choices in their lifestyle. Now that Christmas is around the corner, many of you may also be wondering, ‘what on Earth do I get someone who is vegan?’! First of all, that is a great question. Secondly, you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve got the answers.

What actually is a vegan?

In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals (Vegan Society). More simply put, it’s someone who doesn’t consume any products or foods derived from animals. For many vegans, this also expands into other areas of their life asides from just diet, with beauty products, clothing and other consumer goods also being free from animals.

Some people are often put off by the word ‘vegan’, associating it to extreme lifestyles and a preachy attitude. But for most vegans, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It is merely a way of life which, to that individual, is aligned with their values, typically encompassing both animal and environmental welfare.

Vegan food and drink has never been more plentiful

Just a couple of decades ago, trying to live and eat a vegan lifestyle was probably a beige and repetitive affair. Today, vegan food and drink has never been more plentiful.

At Veo, we are proud to host a wide variety of independent, ethical and even award-winning vegan food and drinks brands. Such brands are not only helping to pioneer the way forward for the v-revolution, they are also tangible proof that opting for vegan choices doesn’t mean having to miss out on tasty, enjoyable and fun food!

Vegan gift ideas for foodies

The concept of a vegan foodie might have once sounded bizarre (and to some of you it still may), but with veganism increasingly growing in popularity, there is no disputing that vegan cuisine is becoming a culinary experience all in its own right.

On that note, and back onto Christmas shopping, we’ve curated a rather helpful vegan gift guide for the foodies in your life. For plant-based food fanatics with adventurous palates, we guarantee they’ll love our tasteful vegan foodie gifts; from indulgent artisan cheeses and dairy-free chocolate to gourmet popcorn and fair-trade coffee.

Vegan Foodie Gifts For Popcorn Lovers

Healthy, delicious, and insanely more-ish, gourmet popcorn is the perfect vegan foodie gift for popcorn lovers who like to keep their pantry stocked full of sweet and salty snacks.

Vegan Popcorn Selection Gift Tin – Trio of Flavours | £25

This popcorn gift tin contains three gourmet popcorn flavours, packed in separate bags to ensure freshness and the best possible taste and wrapped with a beautiful bow. This tin is handcrafted in the UK with all-natural ingredients and contains the following flavours: Butterscotch, Cocoa Caramel, Sweet & Salty. Once you’ve eaten all of your delicious popcorn treats, you can re-use the tin as a decorative piece in your home or a handy storage tin!

Vegan Popcorn Seasonings Kit – Make Your Own Popcorn | £20

POP, sprinkle and shake your popcorn to perfection, just how you like it. Creating your own popcorn magic at home is fun and easy with our seasoning kits. Simply add a sprinkling of flavour to make the most delicious fresh popcorn at home for the perfect snack. This popcorn seasoning kit includes popping kernels and a variety of five popcorn flavours to suit any cravings for savoury, spicy and sweet taste buds alike.

‘You Deserve It’ Vegan Gourmet Popcorn – Letterbox Gift | £15

Filled to the brim with three delicious gourmet popcorn flavours, this beautiful letterbox gift is ready to burst through their letterbox and land on their doorstep. Sending a thoughtful gift to a friend, loved family member or fellow foodie has never been easier. With new flavours, specially created for this pretty gift, it’s time to up their snacking game. PS: buying it for yourself is totally acceptable too!

Vegan Foodie Gifts For Chocolate Lovers

Explore our indulgent range of fair-trade, artisan, vegan foodie gifts for chocolate lovers including bars and bites to enjoy by themselves or share with everyone.

Dark Vegan Rose & Almond Chocolate Bark | £10

A unique dark Belgium chocolate flavour with a floral bouquet made from Nacional cocoa beans. Its delicate notes of jasmine are complemented by the appealing undercurrent of coffee and humus.

Allergen info: Contains Soybeans (and products thereof), It may contain hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews and walnuts depending on the variety.

Oh Lily! Chocolate Snack Box – 6 Vegan Snacks | £12

Gift yourself or a loved one, one of these super-tasty Chocolate Snack Boxes. With two bags each of our favourite chocolate flavours it makes for a perfect healthy snack when that chocolate cravings hits us midday. Also perfect as a topping for your morning porridge or any other sweet dish. Yum!

Chocolate Cake Bundle – Gnawbles, Cacao Powder & Chocolate Cake Mix | £21.21

Chocolate cake galore! This bundle’s designed to be everything you need to indulge in chocolatey goodness; bake your very own top 14 allergen safe double-layered chocolate cake using two chocolate cake baking mixes! Use the organic and nutrition-packed cacao powder to make an icing, and finally use the best-selling Gnawbles as your topping! All products are allergy and intolerance-catered and use the best ingredients. Chocolate Cake doesn’t have to be unhealthy to be tasty!

Vegan Foodie Gifts For Cheese Lovers

Sharp and crumbly or creamy and smooth; our indulgent range of vegan foodie gifts for cheese lovers are perfect for your plant-based pals.

Bree Vegan Cheese – 130g | £7

Introducing breeee-lliant Bree, crafted and matured in small batches at a plant based creamery in North London. A thick and mellow soft ripened cheese, Bree offers a creamy texture paired with subtle earthy tones.

We love it best with chilli onion relish or pear and fig for something sweet.

Shamembert Vegan Cheese – 160g | £8

One of our best sellers for a reason. Styled on Camembert, the Shamembert (also known as a Sham) (160g) has an authentic rind and indulgent, creamy centre.

Infused with truffle oil to create rich, earth tones, this is great smushed on a cracker or baked – ideally with a loaf of crusty bread nearby for dunking!

Vegan Alcoholic Drinks

Raise a glass for sustainable sipping with our tasteful range of artisan vegan alcoholic drinks including vintage ciders and wines – perfect for friends, colleagues or loved ones that enjoy hosting with a fully-stocked cellar.

Cider Hot Toddy & Mulling Kit – Gluten Free Vegan Vintage Cider Gift Set | £15

Real Sussex cider hot toddy and mulling kits. Made from local waste apples in Framfield.

This kit has everything you need to make a really special cider hot toddy or a mulled cider, or maybe both. A winter treat to be enjoyed by the fireside.

Deliveries must be signed for by a person aged 18 or over.

Quarter Strength Gin – 12% Vol / 70cl | £27

The world’s first quarter strength G/N, delivering all the flavour and experience you’d expect from a full-strength gin, just with a fraction of the alcohol. Distilled and blended in England for that lip-smacking taste to create memorable lower strength gin cocktails. As a London Dry, you won’t be surprised to see the usual suspects of juniper, coriander and angelica featuring in this liquid. However, it is the inclusion of the orange peel, grapefruit peel and sweet orange that makes the unique blend so refreshing and delicious!

Spiced Rum – 700ml & 40% ABV | £33

A unique blended rum with salted toffee, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and star anise.

This delicately aged rum blended with care is enough to win anyone over, but with a sprinkle of natural spices and a touch of salted toffee we’ve managed to strike liquid gold. Good rum with a good kick.

Enjoy neat, over ice, or with a splash of ginger beer.

Non-Alcoholic & Healthier Alternatives

Discover a variety of alcohol-free and healthy drink alternatives; from non-alcoholic botanical spirits to organic raw kombucha and bamboo water bottles designed to uplift and boost wellbeing.

Organic Kombucha Mixed Case (3 Flavours) 330ml | £17.45

Sparkling, fermented and from China, this naturally cultured Kombucha, using green tea, contains organic cane sugar, is rich in beneficial live bacteria and is absolutely great as an alternative to sugar-laden soft drinks. It is low in sugar and tastes amazing. Never be without it! Select this mixed case to receive a selection of all the flavours that are currently have in stock.

Juno Bamboo & Yuzu Water (12x250ml Bottles) | £27.49

A delicious blend of bamboo leaf infused sparkling water with a hint of yuzu, for a crisp citrus taste. Used as a natural remedy for centuries, bamboo extract is packed with antioxidants and collagen-enhancing minerals. It’s known to stimulate natural collagen, purify, and boost immunity.

Juno Bamboo Water is sugar-free, low in calorie (~6 cal.), and made with sustainable ingredients. A revitalising soft drink to be enjoyed at any time of the day and mindfully made in the UK.

Adrift & Seaward Non Alcohol Botanical Drink Case of 6 70cl | £129.95 (reduced from £160.80)

Re-stock your shelves with great savings. A Case of 6 x Pentire Adrift. Tasting; Crisp, Herbaceous and Fresh. With notes of citrus, coupled with Sage, Rock Samphire and Sea Salt for a round herbal finish. Serve with Indian tonic, ice and a garnish of lemon, rosemary or bay leaf.

Vegan Foodie Gifts For Coffee Lovers

Give your loved ones the gift of the perfect guilt-free brew with vegan foodie gifts for coffee lovers including plant-based compostable coffee pods, superfood mushroom blends, and more!

Sunshine Reusable Recycled Coffee Cup | £12

A life full of love is lived by those with a sunny disposition. This gorgeous sunshine yellow is a reminder that no matter how stressful your day becomes. Sipping a delicious coffee from your Loving Co. cup, is a gentle reminder of the sunshine that’s waiting behind EVERY single cloud. 1 cup bought = £3 to Shelter. Each cup is made from 6 recycled paper cups and has a 100% leakproof screw-top lid and 360° push lid.

Moving Beans Discovery Pack – 6 Boxes of Plant Based Compostable Coffee Pods | £18.40

First time shopping with Moving Beans? Not sure which coffee to choose? Here’s a new offer for new customers: In this trial selection pack you’ll receive one pack of each of delicious, hand-selected premium coffee capsules: Colombian Single Origin, Kenya Single Origin, Classic Espresso Blend, Reserve Espresso Blend, Indonesia Single Origin, Decaf Espresso (optional).

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder | £160

A good grinder is key to getting the best result from a home brew. This machine gives an accurate fine to coarse grind. Simple to operate, easy to clean. From Espresso to French Press the Baratza Encore is the perfect entry level coffee grinder. This easy to use machine makes adding barista style coffee to your daily routine easy. You can begin your craft coffee making experience by experimenting with the 40 individual grind settings.

Speciality Tea Gift Sets

We all know that one person who loves a brew no matter the occasion so give them the perfect gift to add to their collection with specialty tea gift sets that will ensure smooth sipping and smiles all around.

100% Natural Plant-Based Cocoa Husk Tea 45g & Rose Gold Tea Strainer | £14

Indulge those experimental tea lovers with this Cocoa Husk Tea Starter Pack, which includes 1x 45g bag of Cocoa Husk tea (min. 15 servings) partnered with a stylish rose gold tea strainer. Cocoa tea contains theobromine – an alkaloid of the cacao plant, which gives you a subtle but enduring energy boost in releasing your body’s natural “feel good” endorphins. Increase productivity sip by sip.

The Finest Hand Blended Tea Collection With Biodegradable Pyramid Bags | £27.25

Try them all with the entire Camellios signature bundle. Five premium tea blends, perfect for yourself or as a gift for someone else. All hand-blended in the UK, flavours include English Breakfast, Early Grey, Jasmine & Mint Green Tea, Tropical Tooibos and Spiced Apple Chai.

Loose Leaf Tea Set | £28.65

Everything needed to brew the perfect cup of loose leaf tea. This set includes a Camellios Teapot with Infuser. The teapot is made from high-quality borosilicate glass that is both heat resistant and highly elegant and has capacity for 2 cups at a time. This set also comes with a sleek, engraved stainless steel measuring spoon and an award-winning tea blend of your choice, all ethically sourced and packed in the UK, using 100% natural ingredients.

Plant-Based Food Hampers & Boxes

Treat your loved ones to our luxuriously indulgent plant-based food hampers and boxes; the perfect gift for fellow vegan foodies and baking enthusiasts alike.

Pancake and Waffle Mix Bundle – Make Your Own Vegan Pancakes | £22.79

Vegan pancakes galore! This luscious, super-fluffy, thick pancake mix can be used to make regular pancakes, waffle in a waffle maker or even make mini-pancakes. This hamper also supplies you with four Gnawbles flavours to customise your pancakes, and cacao nibs for the perfect finish. The perfect platform to get creative in the kitchen – we know you’ll have so much fun with it. All ingredients are vegan, gluten-free and top 14 allergen-friendly.

Superfoodio Vegan Gift Hamper – Organic Fairtrade Tea & Vegan Chocolate | £22.99

Packed full of delicious goodness, this Superfoodio x NEMI vegan hamper is the perfect gift on any occasion, as a work from home care package or as a treat for yourself! Made in the UK and thoughtfully hand-packaged.

One Off Lofty Luxe Box – Vegan Waste-Free Hamper | £25

The Luxe Gift Box is the daddy of all presents. Bursting at the seams with full-size products, samples and edible goodies from our favourite brands. Please note, these boxes are transitional so not guaranteed to include exactly what you see in the pictures.

A tasty Christmas for all!

Regardless of whether you’re a vegan or not, we’re confident that there’s something to tickle your tastebuds in our curated vegan food gift guide. So, why not try it for yourself too? Gift yourself, your family, friends and each other an extra tasty, vegan-friendly, Christmas feast! Go on, you know you want to…

Eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas for any occasion

Annabel Lindsay

October 20, 2022

As the countdown to Christmas approaches, we cannot help but begin to get swept up in the merriment and festivities. The thought of spending time with our loved ones, the smell of a nut roast and roast potatoes spilling out of the kitchen, the cozy evenings by the fireplace, and of course, the presents under the tree. The act of giving gifts is synonymous with the festive season, whether it be a gimmicky Secret Santa with colleagues or big splurge on something super special for our nearest and dearest. Whilst the nature of gifting varies depending on who we’re buying for and the occasion itself, there is one commonality shared across all presents. That is, of course, gift wrapping.

Many ancient cultures celebrated various holidays that involved the giving of gifts. The desire to hide the identity of a gift until just the right moment led to people begin wrapping them. Historians believe wrapping gifts in paper probably started not long after paper was invented thousands of years ago (ChildrensMuseum.org).

We need a new approach to this old tradition

We all love traditions, especially at Christmas time, and unwrapping presents is one of our collective favourites but it’s also one of the most wasteful, with us Brits binning 108 million rolls of wrapping paper each year (GWP Group)! On top of that, a lot of wrapping paper (despite ‘paper’ being in the name), is not actually recyclable. So, whilst we may wishfully put our wrapping in our recycling bins, it’s important to remember that much commercial wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics and so on, which cannot be recycled. A lot of wrapping paper also has sticky tape attached to it which again makes it very difficult to recycle (Recycle).

We believe it’s time to adopt a new approach to this old tradition and opt for sustainable gift-wrapping alternatives. Eco-friendly gift wrapping is the perfect way to sprinkle some sustainable Christmas magic into your gift-giving this year and it doesn’t mean your tree’s or stocking’s have to look plain and boring either. From reusable fabric wraps, to recycled and recyclable Christmas gift wrap, right here at Veo, we offer a range of eco-friendly wrapping solutions to fully enjoy the act of giving and receiving gifts, without the waste or eco guilt.

Fabric gift wrap

Join the reuse revolution with beautifully illustrated, reusable fabric gift wrap for every occasion. FabRaps are ethically made from 100% certified organic cotton. Zero waste and multi-purpose, these gift wraps are usable time and again to delight and enhance the act of giving. The very best alternative to throw-away paper to treasure and pass on to cherished family and friends, or to keep forever.

FabRap believes in cherishing the art, tradition and emotion of gift-giving. They just prefer to do it without wasting our Earth’s precious resources. ⁣You can either give a FabRap as part of your gift, or you can ask for it back to reuse again for another gifting occasion. To make this easier, they include a ‘give-back’ or ‘keep’ card that you can include with your gift to instruct your recipient on what you had intended – and keep the guess work out of the process altogether.

The best part about this wrap is that its use is not just restricted to Christmas time. FabRap’s come in a huge variety of prints and colours that can be used for all occasions, all year round, saving you £££ in the long run on wrapping paper, whilst drastically eliminating paper waste.

Lokta paper gift wrap

Lokta paper itself is handmade using the sustainable bark from the Lokta shrub, found in the Himalayas, which naturally sheds its bark every year and continues to grow, so harvesting the bark does not damage the plant. It is harvested by the locals, turned into paper and dyed using natural dyes, so is a natural, renewable source. It is certified Fair Trade by the World Trade Organisation, supporting the local communities that produce the paper through trade. Not to mention the beautiful range of colours and prints!

How will your paper be sent? 1 to 5 sheets are neatly folded, or select the postage upgrade at checkout to have it sent rolled in a tube, 6 or more sheets are sent rolled in a tube as standard (no need to select the postage upgrade, free to UK).

Recycled gift wrap

Printed with vegetable based inks on 100gsm paper, Happywrap’s recycled gift wraps won’t tear easily when wrapping your gifts and each sheet purchased includes two recycled card gift tags in matching design. PS. your order will be shipped in entirely plastic free packaging, using recycled or recyclable cardboard boxes to ensure the whole process is as eco-friendly as possible.

This Christmas, there’s no time to waste

Whilst excess food (and drink), is acceptable at Christmas time, excess waste is not. In fact, we shouldn’t accept waste as a society at all. Doing what we can to minimise our waste at Christmas is vital.

As the old saying goes, what goes around comes around, so give a reusable wrap with your next gift and it will pass on from person to person, around family and friends, spreading a smile on its way and will most likely make its way back to you! Meanwhile, by opting for sustainably made and recycled paper, you’re helping to reduce the need for harmful production methods and the need for virgin resources.

After all, there is no greater gift to give or receive than a healthy, clean and thriving planet.

Black History Month: celebrating black-owned brands at Veo

Annabel Lindsay

October 12, 2022

October is Black History Month in the UK and a time to celebrate the contribution Black communities and individuals have made over the centuries in shaping the dynamic and diverse country that we have today (Gov.uk).

Black History Month is about celebrating and sharing knowledge; celebrating the contribution black people have made to freedoms, our culture and our society – from books, music to art, with authors such as Malorie Blackman, musicians such as Arlo Parks, and scientists such as Maggie Aderin-Pocock, there are many great individuals to celebrate.

However, it’s also about recognising the positive impact and contributions black people have on the world today and in terms of safeguarding and securing a positive future for all.

Some of our fave ethical black-owned businesses

Here at Veo, we pride ourselves on championing the most diverse, unique, and independent sustainable brands; both here in the UK and beyond! We’re dedicated to making it as easy as possible to support the causes and communities that mean the most to you! So this Black History Month, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate and showcase some of our favourite ethical black-owned businesses across Fashion, Food, Health and Beauty!

Each brand has an incredible story to tell and we’re thrilled to be able to share some of them with you.

Elliot Footwear

Elliott Footwear is the world’s first climate positive sneaker brand. Sustainable, recycled and vegan.

Founded in Copenhagen, Elliott Footwear is a brand with a minimalist approach to style and impact on the planet, born out of a desperate need to act and created with a heart for environmental change. Following extensive research and implementation, Elliott launched the World’s first climate positive sneaker collection in September 2018 and since become a member of the UNFCCC climate change initiative.

Inspired by Danish design, global art, elegant architecture and contemporary culture a path has found to combine ready-to-wear-everyday-footwear, climate action and a continued journey towards a sustainable profile.

The founder of Elliot Footwear also uses their social media presence to drive important conversations surrounding inclusion, sustainability and more, across other industries.

Discover more from Elliot Footwear.

Jungle Fruits

“Hey, We are Manny and Sam (AKA the Jungle Chiefs) the brothers behind Jungle Fruits. We’re on a mission To inspire healthier communities by making superfruits more affordable, accessible and convenient for everyone. Born and raised in the concrete jungles of South-London, we have always loved fruits.

So growing up as kids our mum would buy loads of fruit and veg and try to make sure we had our 5 a day. Growing up as adults our mum would still treat us like kids, buy loads of fruit and still try to make sure we had our 5 a day.

But there was a big problem…we always wanted to eat in our own time which was usually when the fruit had gone off. The solution to all our problems was dried fruit! no more nagging from mum too.”

Jungle Fruits are on a mission to inspire healthier communities by making superfruits more affordable, accessible and convenient for everyone. They set about finding a way to get an exotic fruit fix, capturing all their goodness, in a handy pack you can take anywhere by drying them! Jungle Fruits pick the most exotic fruits dry them and leave them be! Just the way nature intended no sugar, no sulphates, just 100% natural fruit.

Discover more from Jungle Fruits.

Pamoja

“Hi I’m Sarah, it’s lovely to have you here. A little bit of backstory….Pamoja was born out of skin allergies that appeared out of the blue on my face, neck and hands 9 years ago, and led me on a journey to find out what I was putting on my skin. So, I began creating natural skincare that nourished and restored my skin and gave me a gentle and easy selfcare ritual that brought a bit of calm to the end of a long day. When you get a spare moment, I’d love you to check out Pamoja skincare and see what happened next!”

Pamoja offers glowing skin and a moment of calm for women on the go. Their award-winning, ethical skincare is handmade fresh, in small batches. Using only the best quality natural, organic and sustainable ingredients backed by science. Suitable for all skin types, but especially dry, dull, and sensitive skin.

Discover the Pamoja range at Veo.

SuperFoodLx

“Hello! We are Cherry and Paula Francis a Nurse Practitioner and Nutritionist-mother and daughter team who are the Founders and Formulators for every single SuperFoodLx product. Together we are passionate about maintaining our health and wellbeing which translates into creating and sourcing the most nutrient dense ingredients for everything we produce.

The idea for SuperFoodLx was born out of Paula living abroad and experiencing unusual extreme hair loss and breakage. This occurred even while she was using supposed organic and natural products. She contacted her mother and asked her to make something for her hair like she used to when she was a young child. A few weeks later, a small pot of oil arrived in the post and after using it, within a few days Paula’s hair began to regain its usual strength and shine. This inspiration is why SuperFoodLx exists today.”

SuperFoodLx are committed to developing luxurious and highly sophisticated nutrient-dense formulations. They endeavour to use a selection of superfood ingredients in every formulation so that each application of their products is like a ‘mini balanced meal’ for the hair or skin. Over the years, nutritional content in food has and continues to deplete so they are always aiming to make every product as nutritionally rich as possible.

Discover the SuperFoodLx range.

Kitchen Cosmetics

“I became a beauty consultant helping women to find the right products for their skin. Every day I would speak to women just like my mum who suffered from eczema and other skin and hair care problems… They wanted natural products that were ethical and sustainable as well as being effective. But they couldn’t find them, neither could I. So I started to make my own.

Kitchen Cosmetics was born because I wanted to create a brand that represented transparency. I wanted to create products from sustainable ingredients and simple forumla’s. I wanted it to be easy for people like my mum to find something that works her condition, her skin and lifestyle.

Every Kitchen Cosmetics product has been created and hand-crafted to solve your everyday beauty needs. I still get the same buzz mixing and formulating products for you all just like i was in my mum’s garden.”

Kitchen cosmetics is a business with a mission to create purposeful and ethical products that you love. Founded by entrepreneur Latoya Adlam, each Kitchen Cosmetics product is handcrafted from the best natural organic and sustainable ingredients. Everything they create is 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Kitchen Cosmetics makes no compromises on quality. Every product is designed to deliver a luxurious experience that’s gentle to your skin, hair and body while staying kind to the earth.

Discover more from Kitchen Cosmetics.

International Coffee Day: time for a wake up call

Annabel Lindsay

October 1, 2022

“But first, coffee”. From the essential morning coffee run to that afternoon slump pick-me-up, our appetite for coffee knows no bounds. But with such high demand for this global commodity comes a far less appetising back story of forced labour, farmer exploitation, and environmental issues that should not be ignored.

Coffee is the second most popular drink worldwide, coming second after only water! In the UK alone, we consume around 2 cups of coffee per day (Roast & Post). For a drink that plays a daily role in so many of our lives, understanding where our coffee comes from, how it’s produced and distributed across global supply chains should be common knowledge. But how much do you know about your coffee?

A brief history of coffee

Despite often being synonymous with Western productivity, coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient forests on the Ethiopian plateau. According to the National Coffee Association, coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. European travellers to the Near East brought back stories of an unusual dark beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent and by the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London.

Today, coffee is the second-most traded commodity in the whole world, second only to crude oil (Everyday Coffee Roasters). Its integration into cultures around the world, as a tool for productivity, a means for socialising and even regarded by some as an art form, cements its unshakeable popularity. But the production of coffee leaves a more bitter taste.

How sustainable is coffee?

The conventional coffee industry, which owes much of its global expansion and success to colonialist roots and the slave trade, is known for unfair wages, poor conditions, deforestation, and single-use plastic waste.

As is the case with most industries propelled by global-demand, traditional techniques for growing and cultivating coffee beans have been lost to industrial agriculture. Traditional coffee growing techniques have been praised for supporting biodiversity, by creating a working landscape where coffee beans grow, farmers make a living and conservation efforts operate harmoniously (Sustainable Business Toolkit, 2021). However, the switch to sun-grown coffee, originating in the 1970s, where coffee is produced on plantations, where trees are cleared so that coffee is grown in rows in direct sunlight, has resulted in over 2.5 million acres of deforestation in Central America.

Deforestation is not the only grave cause for concern. Water Footprint Network reports that the global average water footprint of a 125 ml cup of coffee is 140 litres. Alongside agrochemical usage, water pollution, and waste issues, coffee bean farmers are notoriously exploited.

The human cost of coffee

Many coffee-producing countries have extreme poverty and lack effective social infrastructure. In the highly volatile coffee market, producers and their families are incredibly vulnerable as unstable coffee prices have a direct impact on access to education, housing, food, healthcare, and other basic necessities (Perfect Daily Grind, 2018).

Forced labour, child labour and exploitation as well as poverty wages are all issues rife across the manual and laborious industry of coffee farming. While this certainly leaves a poor taste in our mouth, this doesn’t mean giving up coffee’s for good. If you want to make your coffee habits more ethical and environmentally friendly, we’re sharing our top recommendations with the ultimate guide to sustainable and ethical coffee solutions.

Better coffee. Better for people. Better for the planet.

Ethically sourced coffee beans

Choose organic, high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans and support local farmers and communities around the world.

Inside Coffee Job’s coffee has been produced for a cooperative formed by 20 members (small producers) of Red Association Villamaria. La Batea, the valley in English, is an area of Villamaria (Colombia) where its incredibly steep hills provide a unique microclimate which makes this coffee out of the ordinary and tasty. By opting for this coffee you will be contributing directly to their ongoing development programmes for small producers in Mexico, Honduras and Peru. It has also been sourced from conscious importers who re-invest 100% of their profit back into producers.

Inside Job Coffee are perfect for ethically sourced coffee beans that really give back.

Plant-based compostable coffee pods

Coffee pods offered a convenient way to access delicious coffees at home. However, the environmental impact is a disaster with over 56,000,000,000 (that’s 56 BILLION) being consumed around the world each year, with 350,000,000 capsules being thrown out every year in the UK alone, most of which end up in landfill and take up to 500 years to decompose!

Despite efforts to encourage recycling, hundreds of millions of plastic and aluminium pods are still being thrown away every year in the UK and across the rest of the world.

Moving Beans Nespresso-compatible compostable coffee pods are made completely from plant-based materials originating from sugar cane and sugar beet and contain no aluminium or hydrocarbon plastics. The packaging also contains no plastic or aluminium at all – just recyclable paper!

Moving Beans brings the finest coffees in Nespresso-compatible compostable coffee pods directly to your door, affordably and conveniently.

Home coffee brewing equipment

Fancy yourself a barista? Take your coffee-making ritual to the next level with our curated selection of zero-waste coffee brewing equipment to help you make luxurious smooth and deliciously good cups of coffee from the comfort of your kitchen.

Three generations of the Mariwala family have grown coffee, on hillsides in the lee of the Western Ghats, where the cool temperatures and light monsoon help give the coffee sweetness and depth of flavour.The coffee cherries grow alongside cardamom, chilli and lemon trees, and those notes appear in London Grade Coffee.

The coffee is roasted with great skill at the Tate Roastery on Millbank in small batches, then despatched to our customers. The coffee is packed in recyclable Kraft paper bags, and the sugar cane paper labels are compostable. All of the packaging that we use to deliver the coffee to our customers is made from recycled paper making London Grade Coffee plastic free.

London Grade Coffee pride themselves on their highest quality, organic coffee beans and equipment.

Mushroom infused organic coffee

Mushroom Coffee’s intriguing combination of high-quality organic coffee, as an instant stimulant, and superfood mushrooms to optimise and nurture your body for high efficiency, helping you effectively seize the day, every day.

Their focus was on mushroom species high in nutrients essential for making your body more efficient in converting food into energy (on the cellular level) and for boosting the immune system and cognitive function. They use Chanterelle, Lions Mane, Chaga and Cordyceps to create their signature Mushroom Coffee beverage.

Reusable coffee cups

In the UK we use 7 million disposable coffee cups every day – that’s 2.5 billion every year – and very few are recycled (The Independent). An easy solution to help address this is to ditch the misleadingly named ‘disposable cups’ in favour of a reusable one. Many coffee places are happy to serve you your favourite beverage in reusable cups!

“But first, sustainability!”

International Coffee Day is a celebration of the coffee sector’s diversity, quality and passion. It is an opportunity for coffee lovers to share their love of the beverage and support the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the aromatic crop (International Coffee Organisation).

So today, and going forwards, we should strive to be more mindful about how we can enjoy this popular beverage more ethically and sustainably. Here at Veo, we pride ourselves on offering the essentials to make this happen, whether you’re enjoying coffee’s at home, at work or on the go.

Why is sustainable fashion usually more expensive?

Annabel Lindsay

September 23, 2022

Header image showing flatlay's of similar outfits but one is from Veo and one is from fast fashion brands.

It’s no secret that sustainable fashion usually comes with a higher price tag than fast fashion items- when compared directly at surface-level, that is.

However, unlike most fast fashion brands, ethical fashion brands are dedicated to providing safe working conditions and paying fair wages to garment workers. They also use the most high-quality, innovative, and organic materials to produce pieces that are truly unique and long-lasting. Naturally, this is going to cost more than clothing made in exploitative work conditions with poor quality fabrics and finishes.

But while it’s true that sustainable fashion can cost more than the fast fashion prices we’ve become accustomed to; the overall Cost Per Wear (CPW) makes sustainable fashion well worth the investment!

The Buyerarchy of Needs: Steps to consider before buying something new

You may have come across the Buyerarchy of Needs illustration below, created by Canadian artist Sarah Lazarovic. For anyone just beginning their sustainable fashion journey, this illustration depicts the ideal thought-process for determining whether or not you can use what you already have, and work your way through the steps before resorting to buying new. With overproduction and overconsumption still hugely problematic across all industries, particularly fashion, this can be a useful guide to remind us that the most sustainable clothes, are the ones that we already own.

Image shows a pyramid illustration with 6 layers, depicting the stages recommended that we check. Buy, make, thrift, swap, borrow, use what you have.

However, sometimes we do need to buy new, like when well-worn clothes wear-and-tear beyond repair, or if items no longer fit us. In an article by Dave Farber for Medium, Farber identified several reasons people still buy new, including:

Reduced hassle – not everyone has the time or option to shop secondhand.
Provide information – At Veo, we’re transparent about manufacturing and materials.
Lower risk or increase access – as a platform we prioritise choice, quality and accessibility.
Promote wellness – our brands care about the wellbeing of people and planet.
Offer reward or recognition – it’s good to support independent brands and businesses.
Provide opportunity to give back – many of our brands conduct initiatives that give back.
Create belonging or affiliation – become part of the growing sustainable shopping movement.

Supporting independent brands

At Veo, we work with small and independent brands committed to conducting business aligned with our 3 core pillars: KIND, HEALTHY and SUSTAINABLE. Ultimately, as a platform bringing together over 250+ unique and independent brands across Fashion, Beauty, Health & Wellness, Home, and Food, we know just how passionate our brands are about their craft, products and wider social purpose and impact.

For example, 1 Tree Cards plant a tree for every purchase, with the sale of every Ocean Bottle, 11.4kgs of plastic waste is collected, we offer footwear and bags made from recycled plastic bottles, and fashion brands that operate within a fully carbon-neutral supply chain. All of the brands we work with provide fair living wages and secure, decent working conditions, because sustainability also encompasses the ethics and wellbeing of people. Supporting local and independent business really does benefit everyone.

We thoroughly assess and vet all our products and brands, we do the research so you don’t have to. That’s why we’re a Certified B Corp® – scoring in the top 5% globally – and we’ve been Ethical Consumer’s most ethical online retailer for 3 years running. We’ve done the leg work for you. Now it’s your turn to consider your own consumption habits. Ask yourself, ‘what’s more important to me when buying clothes, quality or quantity?’.

Quality > quantity

Quality over quantity couldn’t ring truer when it comes to shopping sustainably.

Fast fashion has warped our perception of what it costs to manufacture clothing and in turn, what is deemed ‘affordable’ fashion. Whilst fast fashion is essential for some, many people claim that they’re unable to make the switch to sustainable fashion due to it being too pricey. But what many also don’t recognise is that they’re trying to mirror the obscene overconsumption fast fashion prices enable. Sustainable fashion is deemed unaffordable, because many wish to maintain their levels of fast fashion consumption. But without addressing overconsumption, there cannot be real sustainability.

Fast fashion, even fast homeware now, tricks us into believing a false narrative of micro-trends, whereby the things we buy and love one week are, by design, already aesthetically ‘outdated’ by the next. With the terrifying rapidity of changing trends, it’s never been more important to find your style. Through finding our own style, we can become more conscious about what we consume, how often we consume and where we choose to shop. Most importantly, we are able to use our spending power more wisely, by investing in quality pieces that represent who we are, and bring value into our lives beyond the copy-cat confinement of trend-led pieces.

“Fashion is transient, trends come and go. I believe in style, not fashion.”
Ralph Lauren

What to do when buying new

Matching reduced consumption with better consumption, when an occasion to purchase new arrises, is the key to a sustainable future. True to our values, we don’t believe that you should have to compromise on choice when it comes to sustainably, and we’ve already debunked the ‘sustainable fashion is boring’ myth!

The Cost Per Wear Calculator is a fantastic tool to understand just how much we’re really getting for our money when buying a garment. Cost per wear is a term used in clothing to describe the cost of an item for every time it’s worn. In other words, the more times an item is worn, the lower the cost per wear is going to be (Calculator Academy, 2022).

In premise, it looks a little something like this:

The average fast fashion piece is worn just 7 times before being discarded, whether due to it’s poor manufacturing and material quality, or being deemed ‘outdated’ due to the trend-cycle. Which means that while it may cost £20 to buy a dress from the high street, the overall Cost Per Wear is often much higher than that of a sustainable fashion piece. An ethically made dress may require a higher upfront investment of £80, but with versatility and durability as the highest priority, this one dress can last through years of wear, making the overall CPW significantly lower in the long run.

Cost Per Wear: Veo VS. fast fashion

To help you visualise how this works, we’ve pulled together a few examples that highlight the environmental credentials of shopping sustainably, but also shows how it can be the more economically viable option too.

Image shows a Cost Per Wear comparison between a pair of plant-leather vegan boots from Veo, vs an alternative plastic pair from fast fashion. The Veo boots are cheaper per wear.

Sustainability is about progress, not perfection

It is not our place to judge. Nor is it our place to tell you how you should spend your money. We are here quite simply, to help educate, inspire and enable people to shop more sustainably.

Let’s be real, we all want to do our bit for the planet. The looming threats of climate change are increasingly present in all our lives and to be quite frank, we simply can’t afford to be compliant with inaction.

But when it comes to shopping more sustainably, it can be overwhelming to either know where to start or feeling like we’re not doing enough. So, here’s a few helpful reminders:

1. Start small, think big.

2. “Buy less, choose well, make it last” – Vivienne Westwood.

3. Do your own research (The True Cost is a great documentary as a starting point).

4. Demand better and accountability from businesses, brands, celebrities and world leaders.

5. PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION

On a mission to make sustainable shopping easy, accessible and the norm, we adhere to important rules. This means no greenwashing, no fast fashion, and no products that are produced irresponsibly.

As a business, we strive to minimise our environmental impact and make it as easy as possible for you to access all your favourite and essential things, from independent brands who are addressing pressing environmental matters. We know we’re not perfect and there’s always room for improvement. But we are always in pursuit of progress, as we hope to inspire you, our community and beyond to also be.

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What is the inspiration and story behind the creation of your brand?

How does your brand mission align with current cultural movements and societal needs?

Have your brand mission and values evolved at all since you first launched?

Have there been any defining moments or turning points in your brand’s journey so far?

Could you share any testimonials, features or recognition that particularly showcase your brand and its impact?

As you’re featured on Veo, we know that you’re an ethical and 100% vegan-friendly business. But could you expand more on the sustainable practices and initiatives you prioritise and implement?

Have you faced any challenges or obstacles in becoming sustainable and if so, how did you overcome them?

How do you plan to improve upon your sustainability and evolve the brand story in the future?

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