Welcome!
I’m Sophie and I’m here to help you create a natural, sustainable home that aligns with your values.
If you’re on a budget, I have a page of discount codes from eco-friendly brands to help save you money.
If my research helps you, you can say thanks by buying me a coffee.
New to green living?
Most recent posts:
This guide shares the pros and cons of non-toxic, sustainable period products so you can work out what is best for you. Learn more about reusable cloth sanitary pads, period underwear, menstrual cups and discs.
Here are five sustainable underwear brands in the UK that cater to plus-size men and women. All products are made from 100% non-toxic organic cotton and go up to at least a size 18-20.
Although PFAS (poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) can be harmful to our health, they are useful substances and can be found in a huge range of products. Here are 10 tips for avoiding forever chemicals in your home.
If your energy levels are low, you’re always tired, or you're feeling too “lazy” to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes, here are 5 sustainable actions you can do from your sofa right now.
Are you shopping for an organic or natural American mattress? If you want a sleep environment free from harmful chemicals, here are the best non-toxic mattresses made in the USA
Are you looking for a natural or organic mattress? If you want a sleep environment free from harmful chemicals, here are the 5 best non-toxic mattresses in the UK.
Zero waste hair
Wondering if Hairy Jayne’s shampoo bar is right for you? I’ve tried over a dozen different shampoo bars and in this review I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Hairy Jayne’s solid shampoo, including what ingredients are in it, and how sustainable it is.
Did you know a shampoo bar “transition phase” is a myth? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about switching to solid shampoo and how to avoid waxy hair in hard water areas.
If you’re new to shampoo bars, you may be wondering how you use them properly. There are many different opinions online, but I’ve spent the last six years researching and testing different shampoo bars and today I’m going to share the 8 steps I use to wash my hair with one.
In this detailed review of grüum’s shampoo bars, I will break down the ingredients so you can see if grüum’s solid bars will work well with your hair. I will also be sharing my review of the grüum nourishing shampoo bar.
Going plastic-free with your hair care shouldn't be so hard. I get a lot of questions about which shampoo bars work best so I thought it’d be useful to create a list. All 13 bars are cruelty-free with zero waste packaging.
Does Kitsch's solid shampoo contain silicones? This Kitsch review analyses the ingredients in its shampoo bars to see if they are both non-toxic and effective at cleaning hair.
Are you fed up with shampoo bars leaving your hair greasy? Or nervous about trying a new zero-waste hair product? Wherever you are on your zero waste journey, this list of American shampoo bars will effectively clean your hair.
Let me guess - you switched to a solid shampoo bar and now you’re wondering if this greasy nightmare will ever end? I hear you, the same thing happened to me (and it wasn’t pretty). It’s been over two years since I figured out what the problem was with certain shampoo bars and I’ve been researching ever since. In this post, I'm going to list the most common reasons your shampoo bar isn’t cleaning your hair and offer some solutions.
Plastic-free conditioner, why is it so hard to find a good, solid bar? As a sleep-deprived mum who rarely remembers to brush her hair, I need a conditioner that helps me to keep on top of the tangles so I can avoid the dreadlock that lingers on the side of my head. While there are ‘natural’ liquid options available in recycled plastic packaging, a solid conditioner bar has a lower carbon footprint so I really wanted to make the swap.
I’m on a quest to find an eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner bar that won’t leave me scratching like I’ve got nits. One that cleans well in hard water, is plastic-free and has no transition phase or vinegar.
Here is a review of 5 products by Ethique: the frizz wrangler shampoo bar, the heali kiwi shampoo bar, st clements shampoo bar, the guardian conditioner bar, and the wonderbar conditioner bar.
Eco Cleaning:
When you’re making homemade cleaning products from ingredients like citric acid, white vinegar, and bicarbonate of soda, you don’t want to be spending a fortune on postage. Here are some eco-friendly stores where you can buy all your DIY essentials.
Have you been a victim of greenwashing? Here are three ways to spot and avoid greenwashing, aka, eco-friendly marketing scams, by cleaning brands advertising themselves as natural, plastic-free, or sustainable.
Are you looking for the best sustainable cleaning products that use natural (plant-based) ingredients? This list has 10 eco-friendly cleaning brands in the UK and will help you ditch toxic cleaners.
Are you trying to reduce your plastic waste in the kitchen? Swapping to eco-friendly washing-up liquid is a good place to start. Here are 10 non-toxic and sustainable brands that are reducing plastic by creating refillable products.
Looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent that works (and isn’t greenwashing)? If you want a washing powder or liquid that is sustainable but still removes stains then keep reading…
Concerned about toxic ingredients in commercial kitchen cleaning sprays? Don’t worry - it’s simpler than you think to make your own homemade cleaner. Here’s a recipe for an easy natural Castile soap kitchen cleaner that takes five minutes to make.
Want to make a DIY non-toxic limescale spray for your home without toxic chemicals or smelly vinegar? Look no further! This homemade cleaning spray can be used for hard water stains and soap scum.
Are you looking for an effective yet affordable laundry detergent in the UK that is kind to the environment? In this review, you’ll find out if Miniml’s liquid detergent is for you.
Do you have a smelly washing machine? Or do you just want to keep your appliance clean and working at it’s best? Here’s a three-step method for a regular maintenance cycle using natural soda crystals (aka washing soda).
Whether you're after an eco sponge, a coconut scourer, a bamboo dish brush, or a recycled scouring pad when you’re washing up, this article will help you get one step closer to a plastic-free, sustainable kitchen.
If you live in a hard water area, you’ll be familiar with pesky limescale residues. It makes choosing eco-friendly cleaning products tough, but dishwasher tablets are particularly difficult. (Anyone else cringe at the feeling of chalky glass?) As the dishwasher is my most precious kitchen possession (I am not a washing up person), I want to find the best plastic-free and vegan dishwashing product there is. In today’s blog post I’m going to be reviewing the brand I know the most about - Ecoleaf.
A recent study estimated that 14 million tons of microplastics are on the ocean floor. These pesky polymers are entering the sea through popular products that we have all used (including myself). Today, I’m going to explain where you usually find microbeads in your home, what their purpose is, and how to avoid them.
Going plastic-free in your kitchen couldn’t be easier. Castile soap makes this homemade kitchen cleaner effective on all surfaces. Because there's no vinegar, it is fragrance-free so ideal for those allergies. It only contains 3 ingredients and is completely biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Are you overwhelmed by the idea of making homemade cleaning products? This beginner's guide will tell you everything you need to get started with DIY natural cleaners (without vinegar).
Is your toilet covered in brown limescale stains? Want to know how to remove it with one natural ingredient instead of bleach? In this blog post, I’m sharing how to use citric acid to remove limescale build-up.
I am always getting asked if certain cleaning products are good for the environment and safe to use around children so I thought it’d be helpful if I put together a list of ingredients I avoid and why. Some chemicals are toxic if you have asthma or eczema, others are bad for the environment.
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BRAND INVESTIGATIONS:
In this Who Gives A Crap toilet paper review, I’m going to answer all your burning questions about sustainable loo roll while looking closely at Who Gives A Crap’s eco credentials This is for you if you want to learn more about bleaching bamboo toilet roll, WGAC’s manufacturing, and whether there is BPA and other chemicals in it.
Is Smol worth the hype? You’ve probably seen plastic-free cleaning and laundry brand Smol plastered over social media and now you’re wondering if they’re actually eco-friendly. Today I'm looking at Smol's manufacturing, ingredients, packaging and transparency to figure out if they're as sustainable as they say.
Natural Parenting
If you're trying to navigate the world of eco-friendly baby products while creating a non-toxic nursery, this is for you. This beginner's guide is here to help stressed pregnant parents create a sustainable lifestyle without stress or overwhelm.
This is a review of Modibodi’s maternity cami for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is a nursing top with built-in breast pads to help you reduce the disposable breast pads you use.
Choosing a reusable nappy brand is a big decision. In this review, I’m going to share everything you need to know about the Little Lamb one-size pocket v2, along with the pros and cons so you can see if it’s the right nappy for you.
These Montessori spring-themed books are ideal for 1 and 2-year-olds. They cover natural topics like gardening, birds, insects, playing outside, and growing plants from seeds. Whether you’re exploring the changes in the season, trying to make bug houses, or growing plants together in your garden, there will be a story book for you.
No matter how eco-friendly you are, there will come a time in pregnancy when you need to buy maternity clothes. Here are my top tips for creating a sustainable maternity wardrobe, including 10 places to shop for ethical fashion
Want to know if the Little Green Sheep cot mattresses are any good? I've bought them for both of my babies so here’s my review of the eco-friendly Twist Natural mattress that is free from chemical flame retardants.
As the winter weather is getting cold and dark, you are probably looking for some warm, eco-friendly pyjamas (or pajamas) for your kids. The beautiful children’s PJs I have included today are made from sustainable organic cotton in ethical factories so you can shop consciously without guilt.
The beginners guide to plastic-free toys for babies under 6 months. For sustainable parents interested in a minimalist Montessori approach whilst supporting small, ethical businesses.
As washable nappies aren’t very “mainstream,” chances are higher that you don’t know another parent that uses them. This can make it harder to get started because you have to work it out alone. Well, today is your lucky day! I asked 17 parents and cloth nappy users for one piece of advice they would give a pregnant parent or caregiver who wants to try washable nappies.
15+ Eco-friendly, ethical clothing brands for babies and kids. All clothes featured are made from organic, natural, sustainable materials and have responsible manufacturing processes.
The first time I heard of washable nappies, I’ll admit I was horrified. I was pregnant with my first baby and doing my best to not think about cleaning pooey bums. By trimester 2, I was curious enough to look it up and I was shocked by the statistics I read. That was 4 years ago and now I’m going to share the main reasons you should consider trying cloth nappies.
Confused by the many types of cloth nappies? You’re not alone! It feels like a lot to remember, but you don't have to learn the fancy lingo. The easiest thing to do is read the pros and cons of each style (keeping in mind how you’re going to dry them) and then test out a few. It’s hard to know which type you’ll get on with best until you test them. The aim of this post is to help you decide which styles of cloth nappy you’d like to try.
All you want is a sustainable, non-toxic wooden toy for your child that isn’t tied to deforestation and slavery, why is that so much to ask? Today I'm sharing my favourite eco-friendly brands and giving you a list of ethical places to shop in the UK, US and AU.
Pregnancy is tough but if you have the energy and would like to give it a go, I’ve got a bunch of tips and advice for helping you to make your postpartum period more eco-friendly. I’ve focused a lot on bleeding after childbirth because I had so many questions when I was pregnant and really struggled to find answers.
In this beginner’s guide to elimination communication, I share my experience of doing EC with a newborn. Also known as baby-led potty training, EC involves listening to your baby’s natural bodily rhythms and signals to give them the opportunity to eliminate hygienically.
Everything you need to know about choosing reusable nappies for your newborn baby. This article explains the different types of cloth diapers and includes washing routine tips.
If you want to be a sustainable parent, instead of just a plastic-free one, then this post is for you. Zero waste is more than just eco-friendly swaps, it’s about human rights, social justice, inclusivity, and understanding your privilege.
Muslin squares are an essential newborn baby product, but large muslin swaddles are useful in a variety of ways (especially if you're a sucker for cute designs). All the companies I have listed have used natural, organic materials without any toxic dyes. Is there anything you can’t do with a muslin?
Do you ever feel like your home would fall apart without you holding it all together? My minimalism journey was helping me to create a low-maintenance home, sustainability allowed me to live with intent. And I had decluttered to my heart's content. So why was I feeling mentally drained and exhausted? Three words: the mental load.
A zero-waste lifestyle can seem impossible when you have kids. The “I keep my trash in a jar” stories and Instagram’s high standard of filtered perfection can make any person run in the opposite direction. I’m here to tell you that isn’t what eco-friendly living is about, at all.
Are you feeling completely baffled trying to get your premature baby into a reusable nappy? I remember that feeling all too well. It all started when I tried to put my 4lb premature baby in a cloth nappy and ended up covered in poo… this is my comparison of both my preemies in newborn nappies
If you’re new to green living, you may wonder how to start creating a sustainable lifestyle. This guide for beginners will teach you three ways you can become more eco-friendly at home and reduce your plastic waste