Ditching Disposable: A Guide to a Plastic-Free lifestyle

May 2023

It is estimated that UK households throw away 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging a year. This pollutes our rivers and oceans, causing damage to marine life.

If you’re looking for some easy ways to cut down on your disposable plastic use – look no further! Here are some simple switches to live a more plastic-free lifestyle:

Head to the bar (of soap)

Instead of using soap packaged in hard-to-recycle plastic bottles, swap to bars of soap that come in recyclable paper wrapper. Soap doesn’t have to be a dull addition to your bathroom, you can even get colourful bars to jazz up your space.

Switch to cans or glass instead of plastic drinks bottles

Make sure you carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles. If you didn’t know, your reusable water bottle (or cup) is the hottest accessory to have, so you can feel good, knowing you’re on trend AND saving the planet.

Shopping trip solutions

Take reusable bags when you go shopping to avoid using single-use plastic bags. There has definitely been a decline in the use of plastic shopping bags in the last ten years, but we still have a way to go.

Make sure you’re not wasting 20 p each shop and bring reusable bags.

Sustainable straws

Let’s be honest, no one is a fan of the paper straws that now frequently come with your drink. Save yourself, and the planet, by carrying a reusable straw with you.

Metal, glass, and bamboo straws are all widely available so you can pick your favourite for sipping!

Planet-friendly packaging

Choose products that are packaged in glass, metal, or paper, rather than plastic. If this isn’t an option, always check if the plastic is recyclable. One product that definitely comes in easily recycled packaging is our paper-wrapped, eco-friendly toilet roll!

Recycle properly

Always check for the recycle symbol to make sure packaging can actually be recycled. Disposing of waste in the incorrect bin can affect your whole street, so make sure to only put recyclable materials in the correct waste bin!

With these simple steps to ditching disposable plastic, you can easily progress towards a plastic-free lifestyle that sure will make you feel good.

For more tips, head to our Instagram or check out some more of our blogs.

5 easy steps to make your own bug hotel

September 2023

A bug hotel is a great little way of caring for wildlife and recycling Feel Good toilet roll cores and other bits of scrap material you may have lying around.

This zero-waste idea will brighten up your garden and is super fun to make.

You can build a bug hotel any time of year. However, it might be easier to gather materials such as straw, dry grass and hollow plant stems in autumn. It’s also when a lot of insects will be looking for a place to make their home for the winter.

Bug hotels are really simple to make and have massive benefits to lots of different minibeasts and insects such as ladybirds, bees, spiders, and woodlice. Minibeasts can then use the hotels as a safe space to shelter lay eggs, raise their young, and hide from predators.

Using sustainably sourced materials is important to us at Feel Good (we’re big fans of recycling if you hadn’t realised) You can gather most of the materials for this project from your recycling bin and the garden, but you might also need to dig around the craft box a little bit.

What you’ll need:

Feel Good toilet roll cores
Scissors
Tape/glue
Cardboard
Items like sticks, stones, twigs, dry leaves, pinecones, grass etc.

Here's what we used to make our bug hotel

How to make your bug hotel:

Step 1:

Using the cardboard pieces, build a structure (we made a two-story hotel out of an old cardboard box) and add in the toilet rolls as tunnels on the “ground floor”

Step 2:

Add in the string, arrange however you like, to create a different texture environment on the “first floor”

Step 3:

Add the natural materials in such as sticks, stones, leaves, grass, twigs to fill out the first floor

Step 4:

Start to mix up and layer your materials and build a sort of playground for the bugs in their hotel

Step 5:

To finish off, add some leaves to the top for a little roof and pop it outside for all the bugs, minibeasts, insects, and wildlife in your garden.

Remember – be inventive!

There’s no right or wrong way to make one of these hotels.

Give it a go and share with us your bug hotels – tag us on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re looking for another toilet roll craft for the spring, check out our toilet roll bird feeder tutorial.

Back to school with an eco-approach

August 2023

The beginning of a new school year can be a nervous time for your youngsters. One way to make them feel good? Brand new school supplies! It is a perfect time to start a fresh and make conscious decisions with school supplies, opting for some more sustainable selections.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Recycled Paper Products

Look for notebooks, notepads, and paper made from recycled materials. These products help reduce the demand for virgin paper, saving trees and energy, and keeping our forests looking luscious.

Refillable Pens and Pencils

Instead of disposable pens which add to waste and landfill, refillable stationery provides a great alternative to protect our planet. As well as refillable options, pens can also be made from biodegradable materials like cornstarch or recycled plastic. Young, aspiring novelists or artists can rest assured they are reducing damage to the environment with these eco-friendly options.

Eco-Friendly Highlighters

Highlighters are always essential in the back-to-school pencil case. The kids can still enjoy pops of colour in their schoolwork, whilst being more environmentally friendly. You can purchase highlighters made from recycled materials or those with refillable ink options.

Bamboo or Recycled Plastic Rulers

Bamboo is a sustainable material, and rulers made from recycled plastic reduce the demand for new plastic production.

Reusable lunch boxes and water bottles

Instead of single-use plastic water bottles, use a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. Not only are they better for the environment, but made in a variety of colours and patterns, they are a more fun and trendy option too! Lunch containers made from durable and non-toxic materials can also be chosen to avoid disposable plastic bags and containers.

The right backpack

Picking the perfect backpack is always a big moment before going back to school! As the only aspect of the school outfit where your children’s personal style can be expressed, they will want to nail it. Look for backpacks made from recycled materials or sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or canvas.

When shopping for eco-friendly school supplies, keep an eye out for products with eco-labels or certifications indicating their environmental credentials. By making conscious choices and using eco-friendly alternatives, you can make a positive impact on the environment which is sure to make you feel good.

Remember, every small step counts!

For more eco-friendly top tips, read more of our blogs here.

Eco-conscious parenting: teaching kids about sustainability

July 2023

In a world full of exciting eco-adventures, parenting is increasingly looking to impart some eco expertise onto our little ones! By embarking on sustainability journeys with the next generation from an early age, we can transform them into planet-saving superheroes!

We’ve put together some practical strategies to introduce sustainability into your parenting and raise children who are always in sync with Mother Earth…

Lead by example

Children learn best through observation and imitation. As a parent, it is essential to showcase eco-conscious behaviours and practices. From recycling to reducing waste and using eco-friendly products.

Engage your children in daily eco-friendly habits, such as composting or planting a garden, and explain the positive impact these actions have on the environment.

Make sustainability fun

Learning about sustainability doesn’t have to be boring! Engage your children through hands-on activities and games that promote environmental awareness. Plan family outings to nature reserves, parks, or local farms to encourage exploration and appreciation for the natural world. Create eco-friendly crafts using recycled materials, to teach them the value of upcycling. Additionally, involve kids in meal planning and grocery shopping, emphasizing the importance of locally sourced and organic food.

Teach the why

Children naturally ask questions about the world around them. Take these opportunities to explain the reasons behind sustainable choices. Discuss concepts like climate change, pollution, and endangered species, tailoring explanations to their age and understanding. Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving by brainstorming eco-friendly solutions together. By providing them with knowledge and understanding, you empower them to make informed choices and become advocates for the environment.

Foster a connection with nature

Help your children develop a deep connection with nature by spending time outdoors. Engage in activities like hiking, camping, or simply playing in the park. Teach them about the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all living things. Encourage empathy towards animals and plants, emphasising the significance of preserving habitats. By nurturing their love for nature, you instil a sense of responsibility towards protecting and conserving the environment.

Eco-conscious parenting plays a vital role in shaping the future of our planet. By teaching children about sustainability, we equip them with the knowledge, values and skills needed to become environmentally responsible citizens. Through leading by example, making sustainability engaging, explaining the “why,” and fostering a connection with nature, we inspire our children to make a positive impact and create a greener world for generations to come.

Looking for more tips on how to live a more sustainable life? Take a look at our blogs or follow us on Instagram.

Summer holiday crafts

July 2023

Encourage your children to unleash their creative side in the summer holidays with some creative cardboard crafts! Making crafts has open-ended possibilities for children, allowing them to explore and experiment freely, with no right or wrong. This can be great for improving creativity and wellbeing. It also enables kids to collaborate with others to improve social skills.

The magic of crafts is that a boring piece of cardboard can be anything you can imagine!

Here are some suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Toilet paper roll animals

Transform toilet paper rolls into cute animals. You can create owls, rabbits, butterflies, or even dinosaurs. Decorate the rolls with paper, paint, googly eyes to bring the animals to life. Old bottle caps, ribbon from a present – whatever else you have at hand can embellish your creature.

Miniature Binoculars

Some little ones can’t sit still and were born to explore. For those children, making binoculars from toilet roll will suit them perfectly. Tape two toilet paper rolls together side by side, decorate them with markers, stickers, or paint. Punch holes on the outsides of each roll and thread string through. Now your binoculars can be easily worn in true explorer style. With these personalised binoculars, kids will be empowered to embark on their own adventures in the great outdoors this summer.

Pencil Holders

Many children take pride in their stationary collection and a personalised pencil holder will display their favourite artistic tools beautifully. Glue a few toilet paper rolls together vertically in a sturdy arrangement. Kids can explore their favourite textures and colours to decorate these with paints, papers or any other crafty bits and bobs. They can use these holders to organise and store their pencils, markers, or paintbrushes (which also helps parents trying to keep bedrooms free from mess!).

Head over to our Instagram for a full video how to!

Kaleidoscope

For those feeling extra technical, a plain old cardboard roll and be transformed into a toy as well as a pretty bedroom decoration. Cut a small piece of clear plastic (reused, of course, from a plastic bottle or carton) or cellophane and tape it to one end of the toilet paper roll. Decorate the outside of the roll with colourful paper or markers and fill the other end with small beads, confetti, or shiny materials. When kids look through the plastic end and twist the roll, they will see a magical kaleidoscope effect.

Remember, while doing these craft projects, it’s important to prioritise eco-friendly materials, avoid harmful chemicals, and recycle or repurpose items whenever possible. There are endless opportunities for quirky crafts made from the cardboard tube when your roll is finished. Let’s encourage kids to unleash their imaginative side this summer and see how they can turn waste into something wonderful!

For more info on how to develop a more plastic-free lifestyle, head to our website: https://feelgood.eco/just-for-fun/

4 festival tips make your experience even GREENER

June 2023

Festival season is well underway, with Glastonbury kicking off next week.

Glastonbury has always been a pioneer of sustainability, this year is no different. Climate activist Greta Thunberg will be taking to the main stage to make an impassioned speech about the climate crisis. Everyone who has bought a ticket to the festival has also been asked to sign their ‘Love the Farm, Leave no Trace’ pledge, encouraging festival goers to limit their impact on the site.

Here are a few of our tips to help you have a more sustainable festival…

Eco-glitter

Glitter is a festival staple, but most traditional glitters contain micro-plastics. These plastics will linger around the festival site long after you’ve packed up your tent. Opt for eco glitter instead which is often made from biodegradable plant cellulose and is a lot healthier for the environment!

Bring a bottle

We all know that hydration at festivals is important, ESPECIALLY when you wake up in a boiling hot tent the morning after maybe one too many beverages…

The convenience of bottled water is tempting, but the majority of festivals have plenty of water taps with safe drinking water around the site. All you need is your reusable bottle and you’re good to go!

Pack a mac

UK festivals and rain go hand-in-hand. Be prepared and keep dry by packing a pack-a-mac or light raincoat. You can avoid forking out a fiver on a bright orange single-use rain poncho. And save your style creds in the process.

Recycled toilet paper

If you’ve never been to a camping festival before, here’s a tip: take your own toilet roll. In fact, even if you’re going for a day and not camping – take your own toilet roll. Those festival portaloos are bound to run out so be prepared and keep a single roll in your bag for emergencies. Even better if it’s recycled toilet paper…

For more sustainability tips, make your you check out our other blogs, or head over to our Instagram!

8 Tips For An Eco-Friendly Street Party

May 2023

Planning a street party for the King’s Coronation on Saturday?

Even if you’re thinking ahead to other summer get-togethers, our helpful tips can ensure any street party you throw is as green as can be.

Planet-friendly decorations made easy

Swap single-use plastic decorations for sustainable options such as recycled paper banners, bunting made from natural fabrics – think textiles and paper, instead of plastic, or even improvising with aesthetically placed potted plants! It’s estimated that UK households throw away 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging a year, so opting for plastic-free products where possible can help to reduce this. Avoid balloons to reduce litter and landfill (and strain on your lungs!)

You can pick up fabric bunting from Tesco along with the rest of your street party shop. You can also pick up a pack of Feel Good to extend the sustainable celebrations through to the bathroom.

Reduce the single use!

Bring out the kitchen crockery, instead of using disposable plates, cups, and utensils. If you want to curate your own street party collection then charity shops often have plenty of kitchenware in stock – you might even stumble across some royal-themed gems from celebrations gone by!

Eat local

Support local businesses and reduce the carbon footprint of your event by serving locally-sourced, organic food. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables – blackcurrants, rhubarb and strawberries are at their best in May, and perfect to create a fruity Union Jack fit for the Royals.

Choose seasonal and local produce for your street party

Recycle and compost innovation stations

Make it easy for guests to effectively dispose of their waste by clearly labelling recycling and composting stations throughout the party area. This will help minimise the amount of waste that goes to landfill, as well as making the post-party clean-up even easier!

Solar-powered brilliance

If your party will be running through to sunset, make sure you light the way with energy-efficient LED or solar-powered lighting. This is an easy sustainable swap to make in the lighter months, saving your money as well as the planet! John Lewis stocks party-appropriate solar lights to help illuminate your celebrations into the night.

Plan for waste reduction

Minimise waste by using cloth napkins, avoiding single-use condiment packets and providing bulk or homemade snacks, instead of individually packaged. Consider donating any leftover food to local food banks or composting the organic waste.

Educate, engage and enlighten

Raise awareness about the importance of eco-friendly practices by providing information about sustainable living and engaging guests in environmentally-themed games and activities. This can help inspire and encourage more eco-friendly behaviours beyond the party.

Clean up responsibly

After the party, make sure to clean up the event area and properly dispose of all waste. Leave the street and surrounding areas as clean as, or cleaner, than you found them.

These small changes make a big difference to creating an eco-friendly street party. By thinking green and planning with sustainability in mind, you can help reduce the environmental impact of your event, while still having a fun and memorable time. If every household took a more sustainable approach for this year’s coronation parties, think of the waste we could prevent!

Looking for more tips on how to live a more sustainable life? Take a look at our blogs or follow us on Instagram.

Even more Feel Good news…

April 2023

Ever watch the news and feel like it’s all doom and gloom? Do you ever go to recycle your household items and wonder ‘What is the point!’

Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, refers to a type of anxiety or stress that arises from concerns and fears related to climate change and its impacts on the environment, society, and future generations.

Climate anxiety is a valid – and understandable – response to the existential threat of climate change. It is a natural human reaction to the overwhelming challenges posed by climate change, and it is experienced by individuals across different cultures, backgrounds, and regions of the world.

Taking steps towards sustainability can help reduce anxiety but, if you’re looking for more reasons to Feel Good, look no further!

Here are a few stories that might help ease the fear:

Iceland runs on 100% renewable energy. The country gets 75% of its electricity from hydropower, and 25% from geothermal power.
A housing block in Wales has been fitted with a ‘world-first’ solar system that connects all the flats to the same rooftop panels. The residents are set to save 50 per cent off their energy bills thanks to the new technology.
According to the International Energy Agency, 90% of electricity demand between now and 2025 will be covered by clean energy sources like wind and solar, along with nuclear energy.

If you’re still searching for ways to ease the climate anxiety, head over to our blogs page for tips on how to live more sustainably!

Why do we need to reduce plastic consumption?

April 2023

It’s not so long ago that plastic was hailed as a marvel of modern times. However, it’s now a global environmental crisis.

The widespread use of plastic has led to pollution, ecosystem damage, and harmful impacts on both wildlife and humans.

It is crucial we all do our part to reduce our reliance on plastic for the sake of our planet and future generations.

Plastic Pollution is Choking Our Oceans and Wildlife

Plastic waste is persistently polluting our oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water. According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic items such as bottles, bags, and straws are among the most common items found during beach clean-ups.

These plastics will likely remain in the environment for hundreds of years, posing a threat to marine life. Marine life is particularly affected with sea turtles, whales, seabirds, and other creatures at risk of becoming entangled in plastic debris – often with fatal results.

Plastic Contributes to Climate Change

The production of plastic is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The extraction, refining, and manufacturing of plastic require significant energy inputs, primarily from fossil fuels.

In addition, the decomposition of plastic waste in landfills and oceans releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. As plastic production continues to rise, so do its carbon footprint and impact on climate change.

Plastic is Persistent and Harmful to Ecosystems

Plastics do not biodegrade; they only break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They can infiltrate ecosystems, disrupt natural processes, and harm wildlife, from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales. Microplastics have been found in freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes, as well as in remote areas such as the Arctic and Antarctica, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollutants Pose Health Risks to Humans

The impact of plastic pollution is not limited to wildlife and ecosystems; it also poses risks to human health. Microplastics can enter the human food chain through contaminated water, air, and food. Studies have shown that microplastics have been found in drinking water, seafood, salt, and even in the air we breathe. The long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but evidence suggests that they may have detrimental impacts on human health, including potential harm to our organs, immune system, and reproductive system.

The good news is that reducing plastic consumption is a feasible and effective solution to tackle plastic pollution. By embracing a lifestyle that minimizes plastic use, we can collectively make a significant positive impact on the environment. Looking for more tips on how to cut down to be greener and cut down your plastic consumption? Well, we have a blog for that! And for even more tips, make sure to follow us on Instagram

Why do we use recycled paper?

February 2023

If you didn’t know by now – we use 100% recycled paper to make our soft and strong toilet rolls here at Feel Good. We also use recycled paper for our packaging.

We use only the best quality recycled paper, including waste office paper, to give us the whitest rolls.

But why do we use recycled paper, and why is it better for the environment?

Decreases the amount of material going to landfill

Sending waste paper to landfill releases methane gas, which is 23 times higher and more harmful to the environment than CO2! Using the waste paper instead for something useful, helps reduce this methane!

Less carbon emissions

Not only do we use materials sourced in the UK and Europe, which means we’re cutting down on carbon emissions by not shipping supplies from the other side of the world. The production of recycled paper (as opposed to new paper) uses a lot less energy to produce.

Uses less water

Manufacturing recycled paper also uses WAAAY less water – about 35,000 litres to be exact. We also use recycled water so an added bonus!

Got any more tips for us? Drop us an email at hello@feelgood.eco or head over to our FAQs for more information.

Want to see a little bit about how Feel Good is made? Have a look at our animation.