Natalie Antonopoulos, Author at Natural Collection Blog

Decorations that last

We’re Christmas lovers here at Natural Collection, but there’s no denying its unfortunate reputation as the holiday of gaudy, disposable junk. Decorations are especially notorious for being thrown away as soon as January comes around. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let us guide you through the holiday season with some sustainable decorative suggestions.

Baubles

Nkuku’s gorgeous baubles are made from recycled waste glass – washed, crushed, melted down and blown to create amazing new forms. We particularly like the elegant shapes of the Manipur range, available in ruby, indigo and smoke. The Adisa bauble jar is a good option if you’re looking for a range of colours and shapes. (Don’t worry, the jar’s recycled glass too).

If there’s kids around you might prefer something a bit less breakable. Papier mâché is a lightweight, durable and eco-friendly option. We’ve got floral designs from Fair to Trade, Shared Earth and Dalit Goods – all handmade in India to high fair trade standards.

Tree decorations

Close up of felt penguin decorations hanging on a Christmas tree

Baubles a bit passé? There’s no limit to the sorts of things you can hang on your tree. We have handmade pewter decorations in various festive shapes, including robins and mistletoe. Or recycled aluminium silver snowflakes and gold stars.

If you’re going for a softer, more colourful vibe, why not check out these adorable handmade felt penguins and acorns? Or look to Ian Snow, whose embroidered decorations are eco-friendly and free from plastic (except for a bit of recycled plastic as filling). Their candy canes and gingerbread houses will give your tree a touch of colourful charm.

Garlands

A close up of a Christmas tree with felt candy canes and gingerbread men

Fans of the felt tree decorations can carry that aesthetic into the rest of the house too. These felt garlands, in gingerbread man and mistletoe varieties, have the same cuddly appeal and the same fair trade origins.

Ornaments

5 Ian Snow Origami tress arranged in a group

If the typical maximalist Christmas style doesn’t fit your décor, here’s something a little more stripped back. Ian Snow’s origami Christmas trees might not replace the real thing, but they’re available in a range of colours from yellow to lilac to slate grey – made from recycled paper and 100% plastic free.

Recycled sari star wreath hanging on a wall

For another offbeat alternative to a festive staple, why not try a recycled sari wreath? Keep it green or go multicoloured, or even star shaped. Fans of this product should also check out the recycled sari garland, and they even make reusable crackers the same way.

Check out Natural Collection’s full range of Christmas decorations.

Allergen update

We have received the following allergen update notice from True Origin regarding two of their mustards.

638500 – True Origin Sundried Tomato Mustard – 235g
318862– True Origin Honey Mustard – 235g

Both products contain Potassium Metabisulphite, which is a source of the allergen Sulphur Dioxide. While Potassium Metabisulphite is shown in bold on the ingredients list, Sulphur Dioxide is not specifically declared. It is, however, incorrectly mentioned in the “may contain” statement.

If you have a Sulphur Dioxide allergy or intolerance, please DO NOT consume this product. If you do not have a Sulphur Dioxide allergy or intolerance the product is safe for consumption.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Why white vinegar belongs in every home

We all need cleaning products to be tough on dirt and grime. The problem is that these products tend to be just as harsh on the environment when they inevitably end up there. Chemicals may filter into bodies of water and enter the food chain. Some take a long time to decompose, while others may never break down properly.

What’s needed is a cleaning agent with natural origins, that’s as eco-friendly as it is powerful. As luck would have it, we know just the thing.

White vinegar

White vinegar is the closest thing you can imagine to an all-purpose cleaning product. It’s truly remarkable how many applications it has around the home. It can be used to clean floors, countertops, windows, mirrors, and even rugs and carpets. It even works on chopping boards, scrubbing grills, for polishing jewellery or freshening the inside of the fridge.

The list goes on

A quick splash added to the washing machine can soften fabrics, brighten whites and remove odours
Use it with baking soda to unblock a clogged drain
Mix with washing-up liquid in a dish to trap fruit flies
Add to aloe vera gel and you’ve got a homemade hand sanitiser

About the only thing it can’t do is clean stone, marble or granite surfaces – other than that, let your imagination run wild.

Eco friendliness

Being a natural substance, white vinegar is fully biodegradable and doesn’t leave anything nasty behind on the surfaces it cleans. It’s made from vegan and non-toxic ingredients, via a process that’s a lot less polluting than the production of standard chemical cleaning products. Septic tank owners can rest assured that it won’t harm the bacteria in their tank, either.

All this doesn’t mean you can purchase white vinegar completely free from environmental concerns. Like any other product, it still has to be packaged and transported, and that means it has a carbon footprint – it’s unavoidable. But that’s where Miniml come in.

Miniml

Packaging is a necessary evil with cleaning products, but Miniml’s closed loop system goes a long way towards addressing the issue. After finishing your 750ml bottle of Miniml unscented white vinegar, you can refill with 1L pouches and 5L containers – or even 20L, if you can’t get enough of the stuff. The containers can then be sent back to Miniml, where they’ll be cleaned and reused again and again, getting as much use as possible out of each one.

The same goes for their wild rhubarb and lemon-scented white vinegar, as well as the rest of their product range. They’re a UK-based company too, so their products don’t have to travel far each time.

Check out the full Miniml range right here on Natural Collection.

Plastic free cleaning done right: why Seep is the sustainable choice

Sustainable, Everyday, Essential Products – that’s what Seep stands for, in every sense. They’re on a mission to replace your ordinary household cleaning products with sustainable plastic-free alternatives. You might have seen founder Laura Harnet on Dragon’s Den earlier this year, where she impressed Deborah Meaden and Trinny Woodall enough to secure a big investment. And that’s just the beginning of Seep’s accomplishments.

A still from the founder of Seep presenting on Dragons Den

No plastic required

First and foremost, every single Seep product is 100% plastic-free – no polyester, no acrylic, no recycled PET. Instead, they employ a range of sustainable alternatives, from bamboo and natural rubber to bio polymer and wood pulp cellulose. As a result, many products are biodegradable or compostable.

A collection of Seep products against a white background

Each product is designed to minimise waste, and all packaging is recyclable and compostable. Seep keep their carbon footprint as low as possible, and support forest regeneration schemes to offset the emissions they can’t eliminate altogether. This makes their products carbon-neutral purchases.

Certified B Corporation

Any company can claim to be environmentally friendly, but Seep have the evidence to back it up. They recently completed B Corporation recertification, receiving a score of 109 points – this makes them the highest-rated cleaning product company assessed by B Lab. It’s far from the first time they’ve performed well. In 2022 they were recognised as Best For The World, meaning they scored in the top 5% of B Corps worldwide.

A close up of a persons hand holding a Seep sponge and cleaning an oven

B Corp certification measures a company’s impact on their workers, community, environment and customers. Seep’s high score reflects not only their eco-friendly practises but also the fair pay their workers receive and their partnerships with various charities. These include reforestation organisation On A Mission, and FoodCycle and The Felix Project, who both work to deliver surplus food to the people who need it most.

Good Housekeeping

Of course, quality matters too and Seep have plenty to be proud of in this area. Their signature product, the Eco Sponge Scourer, is now Good Housekeeping Institute certified. As well as praising the scourer’s ecological credentials, Good Housekeeping appreciated its durability and effectiveness. They also approved of the product’s machine-washability as a way to extend its life.

More products to try

Three Seep clothes draped over a white sink

Swap out your microfibre cloth – a notorious source of microplastics – with this bamboo cloth that’ll biodegrade in no time at the end of its life. Their washing up brush is bamboo too, with bristles made of natural sisal cactus fibres. If you need a bit more scrubbing power, these copper scourers might be just what you’re looking for.

Seep also offer a comprehensive range of compostable bin liners, in large, medium and small sizes plus a variant designed for garden waste. Yes, even these are plastic-free. They’re made from plant-based bio-polymer and decompose harmlessly, with nothing nasty leaching into the environment during the process.

Check out the full Seep range here.

The holiday edit

Holiday season is upon us, and we know the last thing you want to do is worry about the environment during your leisure time. Let Natural Collection take the strain. We’ve got a selection of ethical holiday supplies – stock up now and you can put your mind at rest for the remainder of the summer.

Sunscreen

With the British summer on the way out, you’re probably looking for a holiday destination that’ll keep those sunny vibes going. The environmental impact of sunscreen is a complex matter with a lot of factors to consider, so we like to offer a wide range of choices.

Odyskin sunscreen is organic, microbead free and fully vegan. Meanwhile Alba Botanica is fragrance free and mineral-based, making it an environmentally friendly option. Or you could try Green People’s sun cream, with the knowledge that 10% of their profits go to UK charities, including the Marine Conservation Society. All these options are free from parabens, SLS, triclosan and palm oil and have no animal testing involved in their production.

Protection doesn’t stop once you’re out of the sun – it also helps to soothe and nourish your skin afterwards with aftersun lotion. Aloe Pura employ the moisturising power of aloe vera, avocado oil and witch hazel, while Dr Hauschka’s aftersun uses anthyllis, ice plant, almond oil and rose wax.

Insect repellent

Unfortunately, where there’s sun, there’s often mosquitos. The tell-tale whine of a mosquito can ruin your holiday in one fell swoop, so make sure you’re adequately prepared. Insect repellents can vary in effectiveness, though, and the synthetic ones often contain toxic chemicals that can harm both your skin and the environment – not the ideal thing to bring to a foreign country.

Let Incognito come to your rescue with their wide-ranging variety of all-natural ways to beat the bugs. Their basic insect repellent comes as a spray or a roll-on, and also has a gentler child-friendly form. If you’d rather have it as a set of incense sticks or even a bar of soap, those options are available too.

Shampoo

Anyone who’s had a shampoo bottle burst in their luggage can attest to how annoying it is, so why not go for a shampoo bar instead? They last longer, take up less space, and there’s no plastic bottles to worry about.

Our favourites include Green People’s eucalyptus & mint, Alter/Native’s coconut and argan oil, Faith in Nature’s dragon fruit, and Friendly Soap’s lavender & geranium. Friendly Soap have you covered for conditioner in bar form, too. If you really need to travel light, try one of Alter/Native’s all-in-one soap bars – good for your hair, your body, and even clothes and dishes!

Children

Travelling with kids? You might face a few extra challenges – but you probably don’t need us to tell you that. Keeping them out of the sun is an impossible task, so sunscreen is essential, but adult sunscreen might end up irritating their skin. We recommend a child-friendly version like Alba Botanica’s baby sunscreen lotion, Green People’s scent free sun lotion or Sol De Ibiza’s organic mineral cream.

With luggage space at a premium, maybe you’re reluctant to bring kid-friendly versions of items that are already taking up space in your bag. Green People’s travel-size children’s range can help lighten the load. Their bath & shower body wash and shampoo are both available in smaller 50ml bottles, as is their lotion & after sun.

And the rest…

Even the most unlikely items can have sustainable eco-friendly alternatives. You’ve probably never thought of making a wash bag from decommissioned firehoses and old parachutes, but Elvis & Kresse have. Plus they’re donating 50% of the profits to the Fire Fighters Charity. Why not try biodegradable facial wipes from Cheeky Panda? Or a bamboo eye mask from Panda London? The list is endless – and as always, Natural Collection is your one-stop shop for the whole lot.

Product recalls – Organico & Tony’s Chocolonely

Organico product recall (25.04.2025)

This recall impacts the Organico Alla Norma Sauce (product code: 631922) that we sell. This is due to a potential risk of glass in the product.

Product details:

Batch code: 140227
Best before: 14.02.2027

What you should do:

Check if you have bought the affected best before date of the item.
Do not consume the product.
Contact us for a full refund.

Tony’s Chocolonely recalls (01.04.2025)

These recalls impact the following products that we sell:

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Almonds and Sea Salt – 180g (product code: 442447) with a best before date of 28.02.2026
Tony’s Chocolonely Hollow Milk Chocolate Easter Egg – 242g (609834) with a best before date of June 2025
Tony’s Chocolonely Hollow Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt – 242g (609845) with a best before date of June 2025

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Almonds and Sea Salt – 180g bar

This is due to a risk of a small natural foreign object being present in a batch of this item. Whilst the chance of any individual product being affected is low, Tony’s Chocolonely have decided to take this step in order to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers.

What you should do

Check if you have bought the affected best before date of the item.

Do not consume the product.

Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate & Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Easter Eggs

Tony’s Chocolonely is recalling certain batches of their Hollow Milk Chocolate Easter Egg and Hollow Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Easter Egg due to the potential presence of metal fragments.

What you should do

Check if you have bought the affected batch codes/best before date of the item (see list of batch codes below).
Do not consume the product.
Contact us for a full refund.

For more information you can also visit www.tonyschocolonely.com and click the recall notice on the landing page.

Batch codes

The batch code can be found on the side of the packaging. Only the below codes are affected:

L3544D – Milk Chocolate Egg
L3194D – Milk Chocolate Egg
L3204D – Milk Chocolate Egg
L3374D – Milk Chocolate Egg
L3244D – Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Egg
L3254D – Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Egg
L3274D – Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Egg
L3404D – Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Egg

The health benefits of spring cleaning

We’re excited to share this guest blog by The Lab Co., a brand known for its commitment to eco-friendly, effective cleaning solutions. Their range of products not only helps you keep your home sparkling clean, but they also support your health and wellbeing. From natural, plant-based ingredients to eco-conscious packaging, The Lab Co. is dedicated to offering sustainable alternatives that make spring cleaning more enjoyable and beneficial.

Decluttering reduces stress and anxiety

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Research shows that excessive mess can elevate cortisol levels (the stress hormone), making us feel overwhelmed and anxious.

A study from Princeton University found that visual clutter competes for our attention, reducing focus and increasing cognitive overload. By clearing out the chaos, you’re giving your brain the breathing room it needs to function optimally.

A cleaner home improves mental health

Beyond just reducing stress, a clean home can directly boost your mood. Psychologists suggest that cleaning creates a sense of control and accomplishment, which can counteract feelings of helplessness or anxiety.

Spring cleaning = allergy relief

With the arrival of spring, allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould spores surge. Cleaning reduces these irritants, helping to alleviate allergies and respiratory issues. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing fabrics can remove microscopic allergens that trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. If you suffer from hay fever, spring cleaning isn’t just a nicety – it’s a necessity.

A fresh space boosts productivity

Ever noticed how a tidy desk makes it easier to concentrate? There’s science behind that. A study by researchers at the University of California found that people working in organised spaces were more productive and less likely to procrastinate. Removing distractions, cleaning surfaces, and creating order can improve efficiency and help you power through your to-do list with ease.

Movement = exercise

Cleaning isn’t just good for your home – it’s a workout in disguise. Scrubbing, hoovering, and even dusting can burn calories and get your heart rate up. Research suggests that an hour of vigorous cleaning can burn up to 200 calories. Plus, movement releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, making you feel energised and accomplished.

Cleaning helps you sleep better

A messy bedroom can disrupt sleep patterns. Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds daily and keep their rooms clean are more likely to get a good night’s sleep.

Fresh, clean sheets and an organised space promote relaxation and signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down.

A tidy home encourages healthier habits

Your environment influences your behaviour. A clean kitchen, for example, makes it more likely that you’ll prepare nutritious meals rather than order takeaways. A well-maintained space fosters better routines, from sticking to a skincare regime to maintaining an exercise habit. When your surroundings are in order, it’s easier to make positive choices for your health and wellbeing.

The science-backed scent boost

Beyond the physical act of cleaning, the right scent can have a powerful impact on your brain. Essential oils like chamomile have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Meanwhile, citrus scents like lime and peppermint can enhance focus and alertness. Incorporating natural fragrances into your cleaning routine doesn’t just leave your space smelling divine – it actively supports your mental clarity and mood.

The takeaway

Spring cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a scientifically supported way to enhance your wellbeing. From reducing stress and allergies to improving sleep and productivity, the benefits of a spring clean extend far beyond the dust bunnies. So, grab your eco-friendly cleaning essentials, put on your favourite playlist, and embrace the science-backed magic of a fresh start.

Brand spotlight: Weleda

Sustainable beauty products aren’t a new idea – just look at Weleda, who have been providing them for over a century and show no signs of stopping. Though they’ve moved with the times, some things haven’t changed. They still sell some of the same products today as they did a hundred years ago.

Sustainability

Weleda have been dedicated to biodiversity since the beginning. Founders Ita Wegman, Rudolf Steiner and Oskar Schmiedel believed in the importance of a harmonious relationship between humans and plants, and today they follow this philosophy by growing ingredients in their own herb gardens using biodynamic methods – this includes using homemade plant-based compost, absolutely no pesticides or artificial fertilisers, and planting in accordance with the natural rhythms of the sun and moon.

As well as prioritising natural ingredients, Weleda eschew synthetic preservatives, microplastics, GMOs and mineral oils across their entire product range. They’re always looking at ways to improve the sustainability of their packaging too. Their deodorant – available in Sage and Citrus – has recently been repackaged to use more recycled plastic than before. The bottle for their Calendula Baby Lotion is now made from 97% recycled plastic (not including cap and label).

Skin Food

One of Weleda’s oldest and best-loved product ranges is Skin Food. Created in 1926, it’s become a favourite of celebrities and make-up artists the world over thanks to its multi-purpose nature. It can serve as a moisturiser, make-up primer, highlighter, hair styler, cuticle cream… there’s almost no end to its applications.

It comes in many forms too: maybe you’ll prefer the original formulation or the lighter version. Or you might find the lip balm or body butter suits your needs best. The breadth of the range is a testament to what a versatile creation it truly is.

B Corp

You don’t have to take Weleda’s word for it about their environmental credentials. They’re a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet B Lab’s exacting standards for eco-friendliness and social performance.

As part of B Corp Month, we’re offering 20% off all Weleda products throughout March – so it’s a great time to stock up on beauty and skincare products, and know you’re making a positive impact on the environment in doing so.

The Lab Co.’s fragrance-free collection

The Lab Co. believes that true cleanliness should be as pure as possible – no hidden nasties, no toxic fragrances, just powerful, planet-friendly formulas that work. That’s why they’ve created their Fragrance-Free range, designed for those who want a truly clean home and wardrobe without compromising on sustainability, skin-friendliness, or performance.

From their Laundry Detergent and Conditioner to their eco-conscious Laundry Detergent Strips, All-Purpose Cleaner, and Washing-Up Liquid, every product in this range is formulated with the highest standards in mind – free from parabens, paraffin, phosphates, chlorine bleach, synthetic dyes, and anything else your skin and the planet doesn’t need.

Why fragrance free?

Fragrance-free isn’t just about avoiding scents – it’s about purity. Many mainstream cleaning and laundry products contain toxic fragrances that can trigger allergies, irritate sensitive skin, and even contribute to indoor air pollution. The Lab Co.’s Fragrance-Free range strips back unnecessary ingredients, delivering all the cleaning power you need with none of the hidden chemicals you don’t.

FAQs

Q. If there’s no fragrance, does it still clean effectively?

Absolutely! Their advanced formulas are designed to break down dirt, lift stains, and neutralise odours without artificial scents. Clean isn’t a smell – it’s a feeling.

Q. Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes! With no added fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals, their Fragrance-Free range is perfect for those with allergies, eczema, or skin sensitivities.

Q. How sustainable is this range?

Every product is made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and packaged in fully recyclable materials. Their Laundry Detergent Strips are a game-changer – lightweight, zero-waste, and plastic-free.

Q. Will my clothes and home still smell fresh?

Yes! Their formulas work to remove odours rather than mask them, leaving fabrics, dishes, and surfaces genuinely clean – no overpowering artificial scents necessary.

The eco-conscious choice

Choosing fragrance-free isn’t just better for you – it’s better for the planet. Harsh chemicals and artificial scents contribute to water pollution, air contamination, and unnecessary waste. With The Lab Co.’s Fragrance-Free range, you’re making a conscious choice for a cleaner world, one wash, wipe, and load at a time.

Ready to experience pure, powerful cleaning? Shop now at and make the switch to truly clean ingredients today.

Product recalls: Natural Collection Select, True Origin & Spice Kitchen

Natural Collection Select Product Recall

This recall impacts the Organic Smudge Scented Candle – Mandarin & Bay Leaf 200g (product code: 622484) we sell.

This is due to a report of the wax overheating in the candle causing the glass to crack.

Please do not use the candle and dispose of it immediately.

We will issue a full refund for this candle and there is no need for it to be returned.

True Origin Product Recall

This recall impacts the True Origin Christmas Gift Set – Trio (product code: 500758) we sell. The reason for this recall is due to a potential mould contamination in the Peach & Ginger Jam 340g with a best before date of 12^th April 2027* sold within this pack.

* The best before date can be found on the label on the back of the jar.

What you should do

Check if you have bought the affected best before date of Peach & Ginger jam
Do not consume the product
Contact us for a full refund

Want more information?

For more information contact True Origin on 0141 255 0901 and info@trueorigin.org.uk

Spice Kitchen Product Recall

This recall impacts the Spice Kitchen Indian Spice Tins (product code: 458595) we sell. The reason for this recall is due to a potential peanut contamination in the mustard seeds within these tins.

This recall follows recent guidance from the Food Standards Authority (FSA) and is being handled with the utmost care to ensure your safety.

This product is safe if you do not have a peanut allergy.

If you have a peanut allergy, do not consume the affected mustard seeds and please discard immediately.

If you do have a peanut allergy, Spice Kitchen will send replacement mustard seeds to customers directly, please get in touch with them via email soldwithlove@spicekitchenuk.com.