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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Copper: An eco friendly cleaning material

When it comes to keeping your home neat and tidy without harming the planet, there are a few materials available like cellulose sponge, loofah and coconut fibre.

But have you considered copper? Copper was a traditional material found in Victorian kitchens before it fell out of fashion. Its unique properties make it a really great choice for lots of cleaning tasks and in this blog, our friends Seep will explore why.

Durability

Copper is very durable, especially when used in the form of copper cleaning scourers. These scourers can withstand heavy use and abrasive scrubbing. Whether you’re trying to shift ingrained residue or a greasy, crusty lasagne dish, copper scourers can handle the job efficiently and don’t lose their effectiveness over time.

Three Seep copper scourers stacked against each other with the packaging in the background.

Eco-friendly

Copper is a natural resource that can be endlessly recycled, reducing waste in the long run. Some councils will recycle copper as part of your normal collection, others will have a waste metal recycling centre. Alternatively, you can take them along to your local scrap metal merchant and they may even give you some cash for them.

Copper can also be used as a slug and snail deterrent, so when you’ve finished using the scourers in your kitchen, you can wind them around your precious garden plants to protect them.

Corrosion resistance

Copper’s natural resistance to corrosion sets it apart from many other metals. You can confidently use copper scourers with water and various cleaning solutions without worrying about rust or deterioration.

This corrosion-resistant property makes copper scourers suitable for a wide range of cleaning tasks, from stainless steel appliances to ceramic surfaces. If they do tarnish a little bit over time, you can brighten them up quickly in a bowl of warm water and a few spoons of citric acid.

Antibacterial properties

Copper has innate antibacterial properties that help you keep things hygienic. Bacteria and germs have a tough time surviving on copper surfaces, making it an excellent choice for cleaning areas where cleanliness is super important, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It’s the reason that copper was used for milk jugs many years ago.

Heat conductivity

Copper has amazing heat conductivity which makes it a versatile choice for cleaning really tough messes with hot water. Don’t forget, if you want to protect your hands while using copper scourers with hot water, make sure you use some gloves.

In summary, copper’s durability, corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties, heat conductivity, and eco-friendliness make it an excellent choice for cleaning scourers.

We also think they’re really pretty when placed next to your sink!

Save during Veganuary

Throughout January we’re offering 3 for 2 across the Seep range. Purchase three (or more) items from the the range to take advantage of the discount. For every three items you purchase, the cheapest item will be free.

Offer ends 23:59 Wednesday 31st January 2024.

How to choose the perfect Naturtint shade

For many, the dawning of a new year sparks feelings of wanting a ‘new me’, bursting in to the new year with a fresh new look and hopefully, a fresh new confidence.

One of the ways we can boost our confidence is by making sure our hair is looking the best it can, and for many that means colouring away those pesky greys or enhancing our natural shade.

Naturtint box dye and hair colouring kit

If you’re colouring your hair for the first time or thinking of making the cost-saving switch from salon to home colouring, it can be a little daunting knowing where to start trying to choose the right product and importantly, the right shade.

Well fear not.

It is very easy to make the switch to a home hair colour and in this blog post we’ll share some of Naturtint’s top tips for happy home colouring.

What type of hair colour do I need?

That depends on what you need the colour to do. If you don’t have many greys and you want to enhance your natural colour a little, a semi-permanent might be best. It washes away in around 10-12 washes.

If you have more than the early signs of fine grey hair or you want to change your colour more dramatically, you’ll need a permanent hair colour. Like the Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour Gels.

How do I choose a shade?

Understanding the colour code on the box is the key to choosing the most suitable colour. The code is simple – almost all (there’s always an exception to a rule!) shades are given a code that consists of a number and then a letter.

The number tells you how light or dark the colour is, with 1 being the darkest and 10 the lightest. The letter after the number tells you what kind of tones you can expect.

Visual guide to the Naturtint colours and tones

So, for example 4M is on the darker side of the scale. Five is the mid-point, so think mid-brown. The M means mahogany, so it’s a dark, plummy red brown shade, or Mahogany Chestnut to give it its official title.

What if I want to lighten my hair?

As Naturtint is free from ammonia and designed for at home use, it cannot lighten hair by more than two shades.

To use the colour code to determine which shades you can effectively use, start by deciding which N shade is closest to your natural colour.

If, for example you think you are closest to the 5N Light Chestnut Brown, you will have a base 5 shade. So, if you want to go lighter you can use a 6 or a 7. If you want to go darker, you can go as dark as a 1 but most skin tones generally suit one or two shades darker than the natural colour.

If you decided you wanted to go lighter but also a little warmer, you could then look at colours like the 6G and 7G. These colours are lighter than a 5 but also rich in warm golden tones as they are from our ‘Gold’ family of tones.

The Naturtint codes follow industry standards. So, if you are already colouring your hair and want to make the switch to Naturtint, chances are the codes will be very similar.

How do I use Naturtint hair dye?

Read the instructions first. It may sound obvious but it’s important that you read the enclosed instruction leaflet carefully and completely before you apply the colour.

You should carry out a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before every application. Even if you have coloured your hair or used the same shade before. Hair colours are complex products and sensitivities can develop at any time so plan ahead and take the time to carry out your own skin sensitivity test.

What will the colour will look like on my hair?

We recommend that you carry out a colour strand test at the same time as your skin sensitivity test. Particularly if you are colouring your hair for the first time or trying a new shade.

A colour strand test will show you just how the shade you have chosen will develop on your own, unique base shade. The same colour will always look a little different from one person to the next. The final colour result will vary based on the colour, thickness and condition of your hair.

You can also use the colour strand test to determine how long you need to allow the colour to develop. If for example your grey is quite stubborn, you will need the full 40 minutes development time.

What’s in the box?

In every box you’ll find a 60 ml bottle of colourant and a 60 ml bottle of developer. The developer bottle can be used as a mixing vessel and colour applicator, so it may look half empty This is so the colourant can be added and there is room for the two liquids to be blended by shaking the bottle.

You’ll also find a Quinoa Mask in every box of colour. This is designed to prolong your new shade and boost shine.

Lastly, attached to the instruction leaflet you’ll find some protective gloves – make sure you wear them throughout the colouring process to prevent staining.

Visual and text description of the contents of every naturtint box.

So now you know how to choose the perfect Naturtint shade for you, we look forward to welcoming you to the growing tribe of Naturtinters!

In celebration of Veganuary, get 20% off Naturtint hair dyes until the end of January.*

*Offer ends 23:59 31st January 2024.

Who are Traidcraft Exchange?

Traidcraft Exchange’s mission is to use the power of trade to create lasting solutions to poverty.

In theory, trade should be beneficial for everyone involved. As goods and money are exchanged everyone should benefit. However, in global trade this doesn’t happen. In a lot of cases global trade feeds the rich and exploits the poor and therefore traps people in poverty.

Everyone should be paid fairly for their work no matter which country you live in. When trade is done right, no one will live in poverty.

Thought’s AW20 Inspiration

Thought’s mission is to ‘live more thoughtfully’. They are committed to offering more considered choices and exist to show that there are more sustainable ways to live, dress and be. Thought continue to be leaders in slow fashion by producing classic, timeless pieces that have been designed to last.

Their AW20 collection is made up of timeless pieces that are modern, high quality and seasonless. Thought want their collections to form the foundations of any person’s wardrobe in a beautiful, yet functional way.

For this collection, they have delved into the hidden corners of women’s history for inspiration and shaped their collection around women who celebrated nature and created a legacy that can be viewed and admired today.