Just For Fun

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.

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/

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.

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 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.

A little bit of Feel Good news

January 2023

Need a reason to feel good?

Did you know that more people are now employed in clean energy than in the fossil fuel industry?

According to a report from the International Energy Agency clean energy jobs now account for more than half of jobs in the energy sector.

When you’re making efforts to live a more sustainable life it can feel as though you’re fighting a losing battle. If you look hard enough there are signs everywhere that the world is slowly changing.

Want some more good news about the environment? We’ve found a few Feel Good stories…

• The earth’s ozone layer is on course to be healed. Slowly but surely, the ozone layer hole over Antarctica is healing! The current pace means that it should fully mend in about 43 years.
• EU is looking to introduce ‘buzz lines’ across Europe to help reverse the decline of bees and other pollinators. A network of ecological corridors – strips of vegetation – that connect habitats and help protect wildlife species as they travel in search of food or shelter.
• Dorset farm gains PETA farming award after converting to being ‘vegan’. The farm has found continued success after switching from a beef farm to dairy and now is animal-free, farming mainly beans and cereal!

Feel Good with an eco New Year’s Resolution

December 2022

Wow, aren’t you prepared! Researching News Year’s resolutions already! Well, look no further, we’ve quizzed Feel Good HQ, we’ve done the research and here are some eco-friendly resolutions to set your mind towards in 2023.

Fun Fact: Did you know news year’s resolutions date back a whopping 4,000 years! It’s a practice that has been found throughout cultures and across the world since then.

We’re not sure the ancient Romans were thinking about their reusable shopping bags though…

Fun Fact: Did you know news year’s resolutions date back a whopping 4,000 years? It’s a practice that has been found throughout cultures and across the world since then.

We’re not sure the ancient Romans were thinking about their reusable shopping bags though…

Invest in a reusable bag
Switch to a reusable water bottle
Turn electrical appliances off at the wall when they’re not being used
Practice meatless Monday
Switch to recycled/reusable products (Swapping your loo roll to Feel Good is an easy one!)
Learn more about nature and your local wildlife
Start your own allotment
Plant a tree (if you have the space!)

Have you got any ideas of your own?

Why not decorate your tree with toilet rolls this Christmas?

December 2022

Decorating your Christmas tree with toilet rolls? It’s not as crazy as it might sound.

You know we love a toilet roll-related craft, even more so when it’s festive! So why not make some Christmas decorations out of toilet roll!

Tis the season…

Christmas is a time of overconsumption, which also means even more waste is produced. Some estimates suggest that 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away and not recycled in the UK this Christmas. So, we all need to be mindful of the little ways we can cut down on waste this festive season.

While many of us will reuse our Christmas decorations time and time again, why not take it a step further and create your own decorations from household waste and a lick of paint?

And, because we’re so great, we’ve got three different toilet roll decorations to try out, so read ahead and decide which one you want to make…

And remember to supervise children when crafting – especially when you’re using a glue gun or scissors!

Snowman decoration

This is the easiest of our toilet paper decorations, all you need is:

Toilet roll core
White paint
Ribbon/thread
Glue (either PVA or a glue gun)
Scissors
Biodegradable white/silver glitter (optional)

How to make:

Cut your toilet roll core into three equal sections.
Paint each of your sections white paint.

Optional step: If you want a little extra glitz, you can also cover the sections in biodegradable glitter! Choose wisely though; most glitter contains microplastics that takes years to degrade.

Glue the pieces together – stacking them on top of each other to look like a classic snowman.
Wrap a piece of ribbon around where the top two pieces are glued together for a scarf.

Optional step: If you want to give your snowman a face, use a piece of white scrap paper or tissue paper. Cut a circle slightly larger than your top circle and draw your face on. Then glue inside the circle.

Use a piece of ribbon to create a hanger. We glued the ribbon to the top of our snowman ornament but you could also pull the string through the opening of the top of the snowman ornament and tie it off.

Bingo! You’ve got a happy snowman for your tree.

A Christmas tree for your Christmas tree!

A miniature tree for your Christmas tree, what could be cuter!

What you’ll need…

Two toilet paper cores
Paint of your choice (a traditional green and brown? A rainbow tree? It’s up to you.)
Glue (either PVA or a glue gun)
Ribbon/thread
Optional: pom poms or other decoration for your tree

How to make:

Cut your two toilet roll cores in half longways.
Leave one piece as it is. Holding the pieces horizontal, cut a little bit off each piece, cutting a little more as you progress through the pieces, so when you arrange them they form a lovely triangular tree shape. Keep one of the scrap pieces to use as the tree stump.

3. Paint the tree in your selected colours. We’ve gone for a traditional green for the tree and brown for the stump.

4. Once dried, lay all the pieces out to form a tree and glue them together.

5. Decorate your tree! Either with paint, you can also glue pom-poms on and biodegradable glitter.

6. Glue a loop of ribbon to the top piece and there you go, now you can decorate your tree… with your tree!

Castle ornament

This ornament is *slightly* more difficult than the previous ones, but it’s still a doddle and can be done with the kids. To make a princess castle ornament, what you’ll need is:

A toilet roll core (of course)
Scrap cardboard (an old tissue or cereal box will do)
Scrap paper OR paint for decoration.
Glue (either PVA or a glue gun)
Scissors

How to make:

Cover your toilet roll core with decorative paper or paint it in a colour of your choice.

2. Cut out a small ‘archway’ about an inch high in your tube.

3. Now for your base: Cut a cardboard circle with a diameter of 6.5cm.

4. For the roof, cut out another cardboard circle with a diameter of 12cm.

5. Decorate both your roof and base however you like. You can use paint or scrap paper, however, covering the roof in scrap paper might make it a little harder to bend into your roof in the next step…

6. Lie a loop of ribbon or string the centre of the straight side of the semi-circle and glue it into place.

7. Take your half-circle and glue the ends together (as shown in the image) to create a cone. If you have a paper clip or binder clips, use these to hold while drying.

8. Once everything is dry, glue your tube to the base by running a bead of glue around the top edge of the tube. Set roof down, press firmly and allow to dry.

9. Do the same with the base – run the glue around the bottom edge of the tube. Press onto your base.

10. Add any additional decorations – you could write the name of your closest princess on the castle and it’s ready to hang on the tree!

Make sure to share your toilet roll creations with us on Facebook and Instagram.

If you’re looking for more toilet roll related crafts, or a homemade gift for that stationery lover in your life, head over to our just for fun page and find out how to make a toilet roll pen holder!

Did you know…

November 2022

The average person uses 100 rolls of toilet paper per year? That’s over 20,000 sheets!

In the UK alone, an estimated 7 million trees are cut down every year just to make toilet paper that is flushed away. We have to stop flushing our trees. The best solution? Recycled paper!

Using recycled paper means we use fewer trees…

Recycled products like Feel Good rely on materials that have been left over from the production process or recycled after use.

…it also means we use less water!

With ‘normal’ toilet roll, the wood is cooked and transformed into pulp, before being washed, bleached, and then washed again. That’s a lot of water!

Recycled loo roll uses about half as much.

And we send less to landfill!

The average family chucks out around six trees worth each year – we’re as shocked as you!

By choosing recycled toilet paper, you’re not just helping trees; you’re saving wastepaper from ‘wasting away’ in landfill.

For more eco tips and facts, make sure to like us on Facebook and check out some of our other blogs!

Get your bathroom ready for spooky season

October 2022

Halloween is just around the corner and when it comes to decorating the house the bathroom is often left out.

But if you’re having a Halloween party or simply want to help the family get in the spooky season mood, why not give your bathroom the same frightening finishes as the rest of the house?

We’ve scoured the internet – and your favourite shops to find some Halloween-themed products for the bathroom, read on below.

Check out our favourite Halloween-themed bathroom products:

Pumpkin Toilet Roll Cover

Turn your humble roll of toilet roll (Feel Good of course) into a seasonally appropriate pumpkin with this toilet roll cover. So adorable you might want to keep it all year round…

Towels

There are plenty of terrifying (and not so terrifying) towels on the market that can easily add a little more spook to your bathroom. Whether you want to carry on the pumpkin theme or go for a black cat or a bat instead!

Bath bOOOmbs

A Halloween-themed bath bomb might be more for you to enjoy than your guests, but you could also display them on a bathroom shelf and really show off that you’ve gone all in this Halloween.

Got any more ideas for spooking up the bathroom? Let us know! Either drop us an email or message us on Facebook!