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.        

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.

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.

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

Feel Good approved: ways to reduce your plastic use in 2023

February 2023

We pride ourselves on being eco-friendly, plastic free and easily recyclable. However, we know being eco-friendly and cutting down plastic for the rest of your life isn’t as easy as just picking up a pack of Feel Good.

If you’re looking for some other easy ways to cut down on ‘greening up your life’ – look no further.

Here are some simple switches to cut down a little bit more on your plastic use…

Switch to bar soap instead of those that come in hard-to-recycle plastic bottles

Next time you’re adding shop to your trolley in your weekly shop, maybe consider your options. Bars of soap have a much lower environmental impact, due to packing being more minimal and paper-based.

This is compared to liquid soap which is packaged in plastic disposable bottles.

Use matches instead of plastic throw-away lighters

If you’re a candle lover, you might have a few plastic lighters hanging around your house. But how about switching to matches instead? It may be a small step to cut down on plastic, but every little helps. And, doesn’t it feel much classier?


Switch to cans or glass instead of plastic drinks bottles

Instead of buying a plastic bottle of water from the supermarket every time you’re thirsty, why not invest in a reusable bottle?

Over 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year. Scientists predict that by 2050 they will contain more plastic by weight than fish. By switching to a reusable bottle, the average Brit can save around 150 single-use plastic bottles from use every year.


Switch to pencils instead of plastic pens

Another small but might tip you might not have thought of. Instead of buying cheap plastic pens that you’ll inevitably lose, or break and spill ink everywhere, go for a pencil instead! That way you can erase all your mistakes, including any relating to plastic use…


Got any more ideas? Let us know on Instagram @feelgood_eco  

Now available in Tesco!

January 2023

We’ve got some great news to kick off 2023 as Feel Good is now available in Tesco!

Less than two years after we launched in Waitrose, you can now pick up a pack of Feel Good in three supermarket chains – Tesco, Waitrose and Booths, as well as online retailer Ocado. We’re so proud of the leaps we’ve made and it just goes to show that supermarkets are really increasing the ease of which shoppers can pick up sustainable swaps in their weekly hauls.

Made from 100% recycled materials, including magazines and office waste, Feel Good launched in April 2021 as a more sustainable alternative to virgin fibre products. The brand has been well received by UK retailers, with the product’s availability in selected Tesco stores nationwide and online as the latest example.

Coming in recyclable paper packaging, all source material comes from the UK and Europe and comprises of fibres at the end of their life cycle.

Thinking of giving us a try but want to know more? Head over to our FAQs to find out what we’re all about.

We’ll also have more news on where you can buy Feel Good very soon, so look out for updates and get chatting to us on our social channels: Instagram and Facebook.

#WorldToiletDay 2023

November 2022

November 19th is recognised #WorldToiletDay Yes, a whole day dedicated to the toilet!

In the UK, we take the humble toilet for granted – we’re sure we can find a toilet in any public space we go to and we can usually be confident we won’t be… caught short. But, did you know there are approximately 3.6 billion who people don’t have access to a safe toilet? Toilets are key to preventing disease in our communities.

The UN is dedicated to providing a toilet for all by 2030.

Access to sanitation is recognised by the UN as a human right. Everyone should be entitled to have affordable access to sanitation, throughout the world.

To find out how you can help, take a look here: https://www.worldtoiletday.info/

repurposed toilet roll for creative and eco-friendlyhalloween crafts

Easy eco-friendly Halloween crafts

October 2022

Not sure what to do with your leftover toilet rolls? With Spooky Season around the corner, you can magically transform these little bits of cardboard into some creative Halloween decorations. 

Here at Feel Good, we care about the environment and creating sustainable solutions by repurposing this bathroom item, to decorate your home in a fun, easy and eco-friendly way, with minimal extra materials. 

Take a look at these 5 creative craft ideas!

Bat

Hang these little critter’s from your ceiling to make your space feel like a bat cave.

Step 1: Start by painting the outside of your roll with black paint. 

Step 2: Cut out two eyes and spiky teeth with white card (a more eco-friendly solution to plastic googly-eyes).

Step 3: Next, cut out some bat wings with any card you have – old cereal or tissue boxes work well here – and paint black.

Step 4: Stick the wings onto the back of the roll with glue or tape. 

Spider Sweet Holder 

Sprinkle these little spiders around and fill them up with spooky sweets. 

Step 1: Paint the inside and outside of your roll with black paint. 

Step 2: Using scissors, cut out rectangles facing each other on the roll, approximately ¾ of the way up – these will be the front and back of the spider. 

Step 3: Cut three slits on each side, also ¾ up the roll – these will be the legs. Where the legs start, bend them outward and fold downward toward the end of the leg. 

Step 4: Draw on a couple of googly-eyes and a mouth with spiky teeth with white sharpie or paint. 

Step 5: Cut a black circle made of card, the same circumference of the roll and stick to the leg side of the spider. 

Step 6: Finally, fill up the top of the spider with whatever sweets you like! 

Goofy Ghouls 

Halloween doesn’t have to be too scary. Add a little silliness with these goofy ghouls. 

Step 1: To start, paint your rolls white on both sides. 

Step 2: With black paint or sharpie, add on two eyes and a mouth – these can be a little wonky.

eco-friendly toilet roll halloween ghost craft

Step 3: Finish off your ghosts with two arms by cutting out the arms with white card, and stick them onto the sides. 

Mummy 

Got a little extra toilet paper? Make this super simple mummy with only two steps!

Step 1: Wrap several pieces of scrap toilet paper around the roll and stick together with small drops of glue.

Step 2: Simply draw two eyes onto your roll and voila!

Castle

Feeling extra creative? Why not try out this challenging spook-tacular castle. 

Be as creative as you like with the size and formation of your castle. 

Step 1: Paint your rolls black or grey and leave to dry. 

Step 2: Draw on your designs in black, white, or grey sharpie – draw cobbles, windows, front door and some vines.

Step 3: Carefully cut out your windows with scissors or a craft knife. 

Step 4: Create a grassy base with green card and shape like a lawn. Draw on some bunches of grass for extra detail. 

Step 5: Position a few of your rolls for the first level and glue together. Now attach these to the green base. 

Step 6: Cut out a shaped piece of card for the second floor and paint it the same colour as your castle. Glue this onto the top of your lower level. 

Step 7: Now position your second level tubes and glue them together, as well as onto the second floor base. 

Step 8: Stick two tubes together to create a tall turret and add a cone on top by cutting a pattern for a cone and shaping it with coloured card. 

Step 9: Cut some small squares out around the top of the tubes to give a castle wall effect.

Step 10: To enhance your castle, place electric tea lights into the windows and watch them glimmer in the dark.

Step 11: Take your castle to the next level, with mini pumpkins, cauldrons, and a witch.

If you liked these boo-tiful crafts, then head over to our Instagram for even more ideas on repurposing your rolls.

Or if you want even more tips on how to have a green Halloween, check out last years blog!

Make Your University Halls Feel Good

September 2022

Whether you’re moving to your first halls at university or helping someone prepare for the first big step out of the nest. Packing for university can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re making the effort to be eco-conscious, in between freshers’ fairs and pot noodles. 

We’ve asked around Feel Good HQ, and here are some things the team wish they had taken to their first uni accommodation and found some options that’ll help you feel good about your first halls.

A bath mat

It might not seem essential, but whether you have a communal bathroom or you share one, a bath mat is essential. They help keep the bathroom just a little cleaner, and they can look pretty cute! Urban Outfitters is the ultimate option for a funky bathmat. 

Candles

You’ll probably want to air out and freshen up your room as you move in. You might be tempted to get some plug-in air fresheners, but make sure you go for candles instead. Plugin refreshers not only use unnecessary electricity, but are often made with toxic materials that make them hard to recycle. 

Flip flops

Okay, hear us out. We know the UK isn’t necessarily a year-round, flip-flop-wearing country but… If you’ve got communal showers, flip-flops are a must. You never know what germs are lurking on those communal shower floors…

A pack of toilet rolls!

(helps if it’s Feel Good) 

In all the fuss and rush, sometimes the essentials get forgotten. But make sure you’ve packed some toilet rolls, so you don’t have to run to the shop as soon as you’ve moved in! You can also guarantee someone else will have forgotten so you can be there to lend a helping hand by sharing a roll. But, if everyone in your halls remembered this essential, you can rest assured that you’re stocked up for a while! 

If you’re looking for an even more extensive list of everything you need to take to uni, head over to the UCAS website and if you want more tips on living an eco-friendly life, have a look at our bumf page.