November 02 2021 – Mercantile London
Considered Gift Guide // Eco
With a staggering extra amount of waste produced over the Christmas period; this season we are choosing to exchange presents with a more mindful approach. Below we have gathered together a ‘considered' gift edit, that includes ideas from small, UK based, and eco focused brands that will hopefully be appreciated for their point of different, quality and people over profit business approach.
Octō apothecary are handcrafted in East London, and only ever use essential oils, rather than artificial fragrance oils in their candles and reed diffusers. Suitable for vegans and 100% natural, they are made with soy wax, and blended with cotton wicks. Poured into apothecary style amber glass jars that can be re-cycled or repurposed, they have a minimalist design that will sit in any home décor. Memorable fragrance blends such as Sweater Weather and Hygge, and an affordable price point all add to the appeal.
Plant based, non-toxic and 100% traceability are the guiding principles for Norfolk Natural Living apothecary brand. Allowing the force of nature to be their guide, Norfolk Natural Living use scientifically formulated recipes that harness the efficacy of plant-based extracts. The range is formulated using ecologically responsible practice from their workshop in Norfolk where everything is mixed, bottled and labelled by hand. Sourcing as many ingredients as possible from skilled British artisans, including Norfolk lavender, NNL have 100% traceability on every ingredient, so they know exactly what goes into every single bottle. With multi-layered fragrance blends such as Days of Autumn and Mid Winter, the handy 10ml option works well when travelling, or as a handbag staple.
Shyla is a one-woman, London based contemporary jewellery brand. Morally motivated, Shyla offers timeless, wearable jewellery to suit all ages with each of the thought out pieces designed with longevity in mind. The stones used in the collections are always natural, the metals are ethically sourced or recycled and the packaging is recycled. Shyla also works with several small charities educating some of the poorest women in India and teaching a craft where they can learn to support and sustain their families.
As a proudly British company, Plum & Ashby continue to create as much as they can within Britain through their production and ingredient selection. They use natural ingredients to produce their products and the candle wax is vegan friendly. The candle, diffuser, wash and lotion products are all packaged in glass which is made with a percentage of recycled glass and is 100% recyclable. When it comes to cardboard, all Plum & Ashby boxes are made in 100% recyclable and produced using FSC approved cardboard. All outer cartons are made from recycled cardboard and can also be recycled.
The brand supports the wider community, and are particularly proud to work with the charity Tommy’s, through their Wave of Light candle, which they donate 100% of the profits to support their life-saving research and support services.
Find more eco aware brands here