Patrick Robertson, Author at Natural Collection Blog

Sustainable store cupboard staples for easy summer entertaining

It’s summertime, which in the UK usually means it’s blazing hot one minute and hailing the next. That famously changeable British weather means you never quite know what you’re going to get – blame the jet stream – so planning a garden party can be tricky. When a sunny day does arrive and you feel like inviting people round, you don’t want the additional work of getting drinks and snacks in.

This guide covers sustainable store cupboard essentials for easy summer entertaining, so you can create an eco-friendly garden party without last-minute stress.

A well-stocked pantry makes it much easier to host at a moment’s notice. Here’s a quick guide to our favourite sustainable store cupboard essentials.

Drinks

Sustainable drinks and alcohol-free options for easy summer entertaining.

Drinks are usually the priority on a sunny day. Get those ice cubes jingling and little umbrellas twirling and the good times can roll. Having a few ready-to-serve options on hand makes entertaining effortless, with options for adults, kids and alcohol-free guests.

Nibbles

A packet of salt and vinegar love corn against a blue background

Easy, eco-friendly snacks that require zero preparation.

Who wants to cook when it’s hot? Sometimes you just want to open a packet – maybe pour it into a bowl if you’re feeling extra fancy. Be ready to go at a moment’s notice with these ready-to-eat snacks.

Dips & spreads

Two jars of Olive Branch tapenade shot from above

Another easy option, and one that always goes down well in hot weather. A small range of spreads can easily cater to all tastes. There’s something irresistibly summery about digging into a cool, refreshing dip – just add chips, crusty bread or crudités.

Condiments

Three Olive Branch salad dressings stood side by side

A quick way to liven up your salads, rice dishes or cold cuts. Add a few condiments to your table and even the simplest dish can have a bit of added zing. Plus, they tend to be versatile and long-lasting, so nothing has to go to waste.

Chocolate

A snack for all seasons. No one’s going to object to these coming out at the garden party. Just make sure you keep them somewhere cool, so they melt in your mouth and not anywhere else.

Keep it sustainable

Choosing sustainable store cupboard staples means you’re always ready for eco-friendly entertaining without last-minute waste.

Some things to keep in mind when putting together your party pantry:

Shelf life – will it keep until the next festive opportunity?
Adaptable – does it suit every occasion?
Free from – is it suitable for your vegan or gluten-free guests?
Versatile – will it pair well with your other choices?

Let’s get started

With a well-stocked selection of sustainable store cupboard staples, you’ll always be ready for effortless summer entertaining. Shop with Natural Collection and keep your hosting both easy and more eco-friendly.

Best ethical clothing brands for sustainable summer style

At Natural Collection we’re committed to bringing you the best in sustainable fashion and ethical clothing brands in the UK and beyond. You can focus on finding your style and rest assured we’ve got everything else covered.

From slow fashion clothing to fair trade and eco-friendly materials, these brands are helping reshape the fashion industry for the better.

Check out some of our favourite brands and their ethical credentials below.

Lily & Me – ethical clothing made in their own factory

Close up of a woman wearing a Lily & Me seersucker dress

Transparency and traceability are key issues in the fashion supply chain, but they’re easily solved by simply owning your own factory. That’s what Lily & Me do, meaning they can ensure not just fair pay and good working conditions but also the most eco-friendly manufacturing methods.

In 2024 they were named “Sustainable Brand of the Year” by Boutique Magazine.

Their use of low-impact fabrics and thoughtful design makes them a strong example of ethical summer clothing, from breathable seersucker dresses to timeless wardrobe staples.

Nomads – slow fashion clothing built to last

A woman wearing a pair of Nomads wide leg jeans in green and a green and white frilled top.

In a world dominated by fast fashion and its environmental and social costs, Nomads are proud to embrace the slow fashion label.

Their small-batch clothing is made using sustainable materials such as:

Organic cotton
Eco-friendly viscose derived from wood pulp

By prioritising durability and ethical sourcing, Nomads help reduce textile waste and encourage conscious consumption. Their wide leg jeans and frill shirt are designed to be worn for years, not seasons.

Komodo – sustainable fashion supporting rainforest conservation

Close up of a person wearing a komodo jersey top in blue

As members of 1% For The Planet, Komodo donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes – specifically the Sumatran Orangutan Society.

Their mission supports rainforest conservation and ecosystem restoration while producing stylish, ethical clothing such as this jersey top and chambray culottes.

Natural World – organic and eco-friendly footwear

The shoemakers at Natural World use only organic raw materials like cotton, cork and rubber. Their centuries-old eco-friendly production process is designed to minimise environmental impact while maintaining comfort and durability.

They create shoes for adults and children alike, all packaged in recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes. Their classic designs like these marino blue sandals will keep your feet cool during the hot weather.

White Stuff – Fairtrade cotton clothing for everyday wear

A close up of a woman wearing a White Stuff striped cardigan

The cotton farmers supplying White Stuff aren’t just paid the Fairtrade Minimum Price – the cooperatives also receive a Fairtrade Premium to fund schooling, healthcare and irrigation systems.

White Stuff are currently the biggest UK fashion retailer of Fairtrade Sourced Cotton and they show no signs of slowing down.

A 100% cotton garment is just the thing for summer – treat yourself to a leaf print shirt or a green stripe cardigan.

Pachamama – handmade knitwear with ethical production

Close up of a woman wearing the Pachamama knitted sun hat

The antidote to mass-produced clothing, Pachamama’s bespoke and ever-changing designs mean you’ll always stand out from the crowd.

Pachamama have formed close relationships with their suppliers and ensure good working conditions and fair pay.

The clothing is mostly produced by villagers who can fit their knitting around other work and family commitments. Knitwear might not be your first thought in warm weather, but a daisy sun hat will keep you nice and cool on a sunny day.

Why choose sustainable fashion brands?

Choosing ethical clothing brands helps reduce environmental impact, supports fair wages, and encourages responsible production methods.

By investing in slow fashion and sustainable materials, you’re helping to create a more responsible and transparent fashion industry.

Explore our full collection of eco-friendly clothing and sustainable fashion brands to shop more consciously this season.

From producer to pantry: the journey of an ethical product

Traceability and transparency are important values for any ethical product, but maybe none more so than chocolate. The chocolate industry is notoriously rife with exploitation and unfair treatment of farmers, meaning vigilance is of paramount importance.

A close up of three pairs of hands holding the range of 90g Divine Chocolate bars against a purple background

Come with us on a journey through the production chain for one of our favourite brands, Divine Chocolate.

Cocao beans: the start of ethical chocolate

Did you know cocao beans are technically seeds? They grow on the trunks and branches of cacao trees in 15-30cm ovoid pods. Cacao trees also have white-and-pink flowers that are pollenated by midges. They grow in hot places within 20 degrees of the equator – like Ghana, where Divine Chocolate sources their beans.

A Divine Chocolate worker holding a cacao pod

The amount of cocoa in chocolate varies by brand. Most Divine chocolate is 70% cocoa or more, which isn’t just good for flavour but ensures cocoa farmers get more work and better pay. Divine stick to natural ingredients and avoid monoculture crops like palm oil.

Harvesting cocoa sustainably

There’s an art to harvesting cacao beans. It must be done at the exact right level of ripeness and without damaging the rest of the tree. The pods are cut down, opened and scraped out – it’s skilful and labour-intensive work.

A Divine Chocolate worker handling cocoa seeds

Divine Chocolate was founded by Kuapa Kokoo, a Ghanaian cocoa farming collective who saw it as a more secure and profitable endeavour than dealing with the exploitative chocolate giants. Divine grew in leaps and bounds, but Kuapa still own 45% of the company – meaning fair treatment and fair wages remain a priority.

How chocolate is processed

Untreated cocao beans don’t taste much like chocolate – in fact they’re very bitter. The process of turning them into the sweet treat we all know and love is surprisingly convoluted. They first need to be wrapped in leaves and left in the heat to ferment, then spread on tables in the sun to dry out. Once dried, they’re stored in bags marked with a village code, keeping everything transparent and easily traceable.

After being roasted, the beans are crushed to remove the cocao nibs from their shells. These nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which can be separated into cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Both these products have their separate uses, but we’re making chocolate here; so butter and mass are recombined in a carefully controlled ratio, with milk and sugar added as appropriate.

A bit of conching (continuous stirring over several days) and tempering (slow cooling) later, Divine Chocolate have the basis of their chocolate. This is when it can be mixed with other ingredients like fruit, nuts, salt, or whatever flavour you like. Then it’s ready to be packed.

A close up a 35g wrapped Divine Chocolate creamy white chocolate bar

Ethical distribution and sustainability

Carbon-neutrality is a common aim for ethical businesses – Divine Chocolate’s warehouse for online orders goes one better by being carbon-negative. Air freight is kept to a minimum, and packaging is reviewed annually to make sure it maintains the highest environmental standards. No wonder Divine is certified both by Fairtrade International and B Lab.

Check out the full Divine Chocolate range.

Bio-D personal care range: eco-friendly, fragrance-free essentials

Meet the Bio-D personal care range

The Bio-D personal care range set against a light blue background

Best known for household and cleaning products, Bio-D have taken a step into the world of personal care with their new fragrance-free bath & shower range. Of course, their high quality and sustainability standards still apply, as does their commitment to vegan-friendly formulations. Let’s take a look at the new eco-friendly personal care products.

What’s new in the Bio-D range

Bio-D Shampoo – 500ml
Formulated with vitamins A, C, E and B12, antioxidants to nourish the hair and scalp, and a touch of soothing aloe vera.

Bio-D Conditioner – 500ml
Follow up with this light & easy conditioner that naturally detangles hair, leaving it nourished and shining.

Bio-D Body Wash – 500ml
A gentle body wash that moisturises as you cleanse. Made with 99% natural ingredients, it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Bio-D Bubble Bath – 1L
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this rich all-natural bubble bath that restores the skin’s natural hydration while you bathe.

Fragrance-free, gentle and suitable for sensitive skin

Bio-D personal care range including 5L refill bottles

All of these products are also available as 5L refills – so you can reuse your original bottle and recycle the new packaging, minimising wastage. Additionally, they’re fragrance-free and Allergy UK-approved as being unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin.

Sustainable, refillable and low-waste

Bio-D body wash and bubble bath range against a light blue background

Like all Bio-D products, this personal care range is designed to be gentle on the planet as well as the body. Everything here is fully biodegradable, vegan-friendly and septic-tank safe. Natural ingredients are used where possible, including sustainably sourced palm oil.

Bio-D avoids the litany of dodgy chemicals often found in competing products: chlorine bleach, glycerine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, triclosan, synthetic dyes and perfumes, you won’t find a single one here.

Why choose Bio-D?

A bottle of Bio-D fragrance free bubble bath against a blue background surrounded by bubbles

Over the last 35+ years, Bio-D have built a well-deserved reputation for products that are as eco-friendly as they are effective. As testament to their high standards of accountability and social and environmental performance, they’re verified by Ethical Consumer and B Corp certified. All their products are Leaping Bunny approved by Cruelty Free International – no animal testing here.

Your vegan beauty Christmas gift guide

December is approaching, and as the nights draw in you might be starting to get serious about Christmas shopping. It’s also the time of year where everyone’s in need of a bit of pampering. Check out our top picks for beauty and wellbeing gifts, all guaranteed to be 100% vegan friendly.

Skin care

Winter might bring beautiful snow-covered scenery, but it’s also a recipe for chapped lips, cold hands and dry skin. Keeping stocked up on skin care is a must. Weleda’s face care gift set is the perfect protection against the winter winds. Throw in a lip balm set from Fruu to keep your lips soft and soothed. If something a little manlier is called for, the men’s care set from Benecos might be the way to go.

Highland Soap gift bag with two bottles next to it

If your gloves aren’t keeping the cold out well enough, your hands might need a little extra attention. The Highland Soap Co’s hand care gift sets come in a variety of scents, from sweet orange & cinnamon to Hebridean seaweed. Each one contains hand wash and lotion in a hand stitched tweed bag.

Bathtime

Only The Good Stuff's trio of bath bombs against an orange background.

Give the gift of a soothing bath experience, the perfect way to keep warm this winter and melt away some of that festive stress. Bath bombs always make a great gift. Try Bramley’s rose petal marbles in their charming bauble shaped box, Only The Good Stuff’s trio of aromatherapy based bombs, or Beauty Kitchen’s heart-shaped mini bombs for the special person in your life.

That’s not the only way to liven up a bath. Fikkerts offer a series of natural bath essences, attractively presented in highly giftable bottles. Choose from amber, jasmine or lavender.

Kids

Good Bubble Peppa Pig Luxury Baby Bath Time Gift Set

No reason why your kids shouldn’t get in on the self-care fun. Younger children will enjoy the Peppa Pig set from Good Bubble, a collection of bath & body products with soft scents and mild formulas ideal for sensitive skin. Bramley’s Little B range also keeps things gentle, whether it’s a body wash cracker or a gift set full of soothing bathtime products.

If they’re a little bit older, a Green People Clear Skin Goals set might be just the ticket. It’s designed for teens and tweens and includes special acne fighting ingredients.

Wellbeing

Beat the winter blues with some much needed aromatherapy. Tisserand’s essential oil collections can help with various seasonal malaises; whether it’s aiding sleep, reducing stress or balancing mood, there’s bound to be someone in your life who needs it. Or cover all bases with a daily essentials kit.

Neals Yard Remedies Me Time Ritual Gift Set

Neal’s Yard Remedies also offer two appealing gift sets: Me Time Ritual, part of their Women’s Balance range, and Sweet Dreams Ritual, designed to help you drift off to sleep – handy for the excitement of Christmas Eve.

Fabric care for winter

There’s a chill in the air – time to dig your winter clothes out of the wardrobe and see how they’re holding up. As the weather gets colder, it pays to be aware of the qualities of different fabrics, especially when layering. And your nice warm jumper’s a lot less warm with holes in it. Here are our top tips for taking care of your clothes this winter.

Cotton

An easy one to start. Cotton doesn’t take much looking after, but there are still ways to maximise its life and keep it looking its best. As always, it’s best to check the laundry instructions on each garment, but in most cases a 30 degree wash will suffice – there’s no need to go higher unless you’re dealing with some serious dirt. For stains, try a spot clean first.

Drying on a washing line (preferably outside) is better than tumble drying, which can affect the shape of the garment. But beware of direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade and fabric to weaken. Not that we’re expecting much sunlight this winter. Get layering with a White Stuff crew neck jumper or a zip hoodie from Silverstick.

Polyester

A woman sat on a yellow armchair with a Lily & Me longsleeve top on

Another durable choice, but there’s risk of shrinkage or colour fading if the laundry temperature gets too high. Avoid using bleach and harsh detergents as far as possible. Polyester is quick drying, too, so a low tumble dryer temperature will do the trick. If you’re drying on a line, direct sunlight is once again best avoided.

Warm and water-resistant, polyester is a reliable choice for winter jumpers and jackets. A lightweight pullover from Patagonia will keep the cold winds out, or you might feel comfier in a Lily & Me everyday jumper.

Wool

A smiling men wearing knitted handwarmers and a knitted hat

Wool’s combination of warmth and breathability makes it a popular winter choice. It’s also a very long-lasting material if you look after it properly. Don’t over-wash! Wool has natural antibacterial properties, so there’s no need to wash as often as you would other fabrics. Let the garment air to get rid of odours and take a damp cloth to any stains.

When you do wash it, put it on a delicate cycle and a low temperature, or wash by hand. Don’t hang it up to dry – you risk letting it stretch and lose its shape. It’s best to dry it flat instead, and the same approach is also advised when putting it in the wardrobe. You might also want to let it “rest” regularly instead of wearing on consecutive days.

Pachamama are your one-stop shop for woollen knitwear – from cardigans and waistcoats to hats and socks.

A very vegan Christmas

For a lot of people, Christmas is a time for not worrying about what you eat. But that’s not so easy when you’ve got a dietary restriction to think about.

Here at Natural Collection we’re offering 20% off all vegan groceries until 23:59 17th November, so it’s the perfect time to get stocked up on festive goodies. Here’s some of our favourites.

Advent calendars

Many people’s first taste of Christmas comes on December 1^st when the first door of the advent calendar is opened. Dark chocolate’s a safe bet for vegans, with Divine offering a full month of cocoa-rich treats. But your options don’t stop there. Treat yourself to a Mummy Meegz choccy ball every day of December, or check out So Free’s festive calendar – both oatmilk-based. Moo Free even offer a white chocolate alternative.

Or leave chocolate behind altogether with Candy Kittens, who’ll liven up your December with a variety of vegan, gelatine-free sweet treats. If you’re not so much of a sweet tooth, English Tea Shop offer a number of fun flavour journeys through their varied catalogue of organic blends. It’s a great way to try out a wide range of flavours if you’re unsure where to start, and it’ll keep you warm this winter.

Chocolate

A hand hovering over a box of Catherine's Originals in a repeat patter over a red background

But it wouldn’t be Christmas without chocolate – and with our help, veganism needn’t limit your options. Goupie’s boozy chocolates are a great way to get into the festive spirit. Swap out your Quality Street for a tub of vegan-friendly Catherine’s Originals. And perennial favourites Booja Booja offer a dizzying array of chocolatey truffles, from salted caramel to espresso, from hazelnut to champagne – you’re bound to find something that suits.

A collection of Chococo items arranged against a blue backdrop

A dark chocolate penguin from Chococo makes a great offbeat centrepiece to a Christmas feast. Cocoa Loco’s dark chilli chocolates or dark chocolate and raspberry stars are perfect to share with a loved one in front of some festive telly. Even those chocolate coins you chuck in the kids’ stockings can be vegan.

Party food

What’s Christmas without mince pies? As long as there’s no beef suet lurking in the pastry, anyway. We’re big fans of Lottie Shaw’s vegan mince pies with their classic star-shaped tops and deliciously sweet filling. If you’re going gluten-free as well, try some “free from” pies from the Village Bakery or Foods of Athenry. If all else fails, grab some mincemeat and get baking!

There’s no need to keep it traditional if you fancy something a bit more unusual. Turkish delight might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a Christmas party, but in flavours as varied as rose and lemon, mixed nut and pomegranate, it’s sure to delight.

Desserts

Now for the main event. Treat the whole family to a Lillypuds Christmas pudding, packed full of real fruit and brandy and completely vegan-friendly and gluten-free. So is the Authentic Bread Co pudding, which is also available in an individual 100g portion – perfect for that situation where everyone in the family wants something different.

If traditional Christmas cake is what you’re looking for, the Authentic Bread Co has you covered there too. Or why not borrow a tradition from Italy and try a festive panettone from Probios? Also available studded with raisins or dark chocolate chips, it could become your new Christmas favourite.

Hopefully we’ve shown veganism needn’t be an impediment to a rich and varied Yuletide banquet – not with a little help from Natural Collection. Check out the full range here.