What’s inside the eco-friendly monthly subscription box for December?
Go green this Christmas with sustainable swaps for your festive favourites in this months eco-friendly subscription box from Between Green.
Socks
A staple of the Christmas stocking! We met Karla at Naked Nation and loved her brand promoting community, culture and craftmanship and we’re sending you some of the comfiest bamboo socks in this months eco gift box! Bamboo-based fabric is kind to all skin types, even sensitive ones, and has natural breathability and bacteria resistance for fresher and healthier feet!
Chocolate
The Resident Pheasant mission is simple, “To deliver exceptional, ethical chocolate that’s encased in fun, contemporary and sustainable packaging.”
With 208 billion boxes of chocolate consumed by brits over the Christmas period it’s good to know Resident Pheasant chocolate is kind to the planet with GMO-free, compostable and sustainable packaging. In addition to this, Resident Pheasant is proud to partner with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation that supports cocoa farmers along the Ivory Coast.
Included in your box is the Christmas Marzipan Stollen Dark Chocolate, topped with juicy raisins and orange flavoured jelly pieces and infused with nut-free almond flavouring. Paired with the intense and smooth 70% Dark chocolate. Both are suitable for Vegans.
Wrapping Paper and Accessories
Last year we threw away 227,000 miles of wrapping paper, almost enough for us to paper ourselves to the Moon!!
Make the switch to eco-friendly sustainable gift wrap and accessories that can be recycled! Curlicue make beautiful gift wrap, it’s also made from 100% recycled uncoated paper and printed with vegetable ink which makes it vegan. Not only are all their products are plastic-free, they are also completely recyclable and made in the UK. Their bespoke designs exclusive to Curlicue, created by a diverse and eclectic mix of independent artists and illustrators.
We are leaving one thing a little surprise….
Grab your sustainable Christmas Between Green Box HERE
Give the perfect eco friendly gift with 1, 3, 6 and 12 month Gift Subscriptions
You’ll receive an eco friendly gift box monthly to go green one month at a time.
Labre’s Hope Soap – Review
About Labre’s Hope Soap
Labre’s Hope are the first non-profit employing people experiencing homelessness to handcraft luxury self-care products alongside employment and wellbeing classes.
Its founder, Aaron Probert brought his university dissertation to life after hearing a story of a homeless woman he noticed in his local area.
Her story of abuse that led to homelessness inspired a three year journey for Aaron, testing his business model from his dissertation and researching cosmetics and skincare – a daily routine for most of us – and Labre’s Hope Soap was soon born.
People who are at risk of homelessness or on a recent journey out of homelessness that are ready for employment, are referred to Labre’s Hope through homeless charities such as Shelter and Crisis, to be hired to make handcrafted, planet-friendly soap on both a full-time and part time basis, providing a stable and secure salary that equates to the London Living Wage.
In July 2022, the first line of soaps were ready and I was honoured to give them a try.
Review
As soon as it was delivered the scent was unreal. Opening up the parcel to find the beautifully decorated box, its mission is clear, quoting “It Starts With a Bar, Ends with a Home” “Changing Lives One Bar At a Time” and “Together, Lets End Homelessness”.
I received Blood Orange Botanicals, Gentle and Sensitive, Lift Me Up Litsea, Tantalising Turmeric and Ying and Yang.
Each box contains a generous 110g soap bar, and what I love most is the little card inside telling you exactly who made your bars. With a little picture and story, you feel connected to the cause with every use. Thank you to Ricky, Andy and Danny for making these beautiful bars! You can read more of Ricky’s Story Here
Whilst going through the box it didn’t take long for my partner to get a whiff and immediately demanded a soap for himself! He decided on the Blood Orange and Botanicals which I had to agree, smelt awesome.
I was eager to use the Lift Me Up Litsea for its fresh, zingy scent, perfect for a morning shower.
Each bar is 100% vegan, cruelty free, palm oil free, biodegradable and contains no harsh chemicals – What’s not to love?
Find out more about Labre’s Hope on their social media and get your hands on their bars on the website – there’s a sale on their range including the customisable soap gift set – perfect for gifting or putting individual bars into stockings this Christmas.
Naked Nation – Bamboo Socks – Review
Originally from Venezuela, Karla, founder of Naked Nation, took inspiration from her grandmother, who made and sold jewellery and pyjamas to the local community. Combining the attention to detail and passion for community from her grandmother and her own experience as an environmental engineer and fashion designer, Naked Nation was born.
I loved the personal approach, happiness and sense of belonging that Karla envisioned for Naked Nation as a British brand, so she kindly sent me a huge parcel with different sizes, colours and styles to try!
Everything from the signature gift packaging to handwritten note instantly made me feel that personal approach, happiness and sense of belonging that Karla wanted everyone to feel when they received their items from Naked Nation.
Happy Planet, Happy Feet!!
Naked Nation socks are made from bamboo which is super soft, as well as being breathable, naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Their bamboo-based fabric is kind to all skin types, even sensitive ones, and has natural breathability and bacteria resistance for fresher and healthier feet – something my teenagers can definitely benefit from!!
Bamboo doesn’t require pesticides to grow healthy, and needs less land and water than equivalent cotton crops. Even more amazing, when grown instead of trees, bamboo fields contribute 35% more oxygen to the atmosphere in the same acreage!
Review
In honesty, I wear socks 24/7! Even in bed! I can’t sleep without socks on and I really can’t stand walking around in bare feet! (Unless I’m on a hot sunny beach….)
First to try were the trainer socks in 6 different colours and the Naked Nation logo on each pair. I’m sure most of us are familiar with the feeling of socks not staying in place and rolling down our feet… I’m happy to say this did not happen while wearing these trainer socks! Even when I wore wellies walking the dog they stayed in place.
The breathable mesh design on the instep keeps you cool when wearing in summer and their ‘no show’ design means socks stay hidden underneath your stylish footwear!
No matter what you’re up to, in the gym, walking the dog or commuting to work or simply staying cosy at home, Naked Nation socks are perfect. Other designs include the crew style, that warms comfortably on the cold days but stays cool when it’s hot.
My teenage son soon had his hands on the skater style socks that complimented his style and comfort while hanging out with friends, walking around the city, playing football and going on his skateboard.
Thank you Karla for sharing your amazing story and amazing socks with Between Green.
I cant wait to share them with Between Green Subscribers very soon!!!
Find Naked Nation at https://nakednation.co.uk/
Winter-Proof Your Skin the Natural Way
Cold weather can make your skin dry and sensitive, so it is important to protect your skin with moisturising sustainable beauty products.
Clay Face Masks
For centuries, clay has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in many cultures. Nowadays, clay face masks are used as one of the most effective treatments for skin problems.
Pink Clay is ideal for normal and sensitive skin types due to its unique balance of properties. It helps in stimulating circulation on the skin, exfoliating and cleansing.
It does not draw oil from the skin so it’s suitable to use it on dry and dehydrated skin.
Green Clay Face Masks can be used for both normal and oily skin because of its ability to restore skin to its natural pH balance. It also stimulates blood circulation to the skin to helps with many types of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, bug bites and sunburn.
Red clay is rich in iron oxide and copper and low in aluminium and it was traditionally used in treating joint pain and washing to protect oneself from infections and disease.
Its natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling on affected areas and also stimulates blood circulation.
Good Things Come To Those Who Remove Their Make Up
Make-up remover wipes contain strong, drying chemicals that are harsh to the skin and strip the skin of its natural oils. Wet wipes don’t clean your face properly leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Choose reusable makeup remover pads made using a blend of sustainable bamboo and organic cotton fibres. Intended for use with all skin types and on sensitive skin regions such as the eyes, designed to give your skin a deeper clean & cleanse, remove stubborn makeup and exfoliate your skin.
9.3 million wet wipes are flushed down the toilet every year in the UK alone. Make a sustainable switch to eco-friendly makeup pads today and start your zero-waste journey!
Facial Serums
A Facial Serum is an excellent next step after cleansing.
Facial Serums are stronger than a cream. They have higher concentrations of active ingredients and a lighter, watery consistency. They are used to strengthen and intensify daily care.
Serums absorb quickly into skin and can be used before applying cream or makeup.
Depending on the type, serums have different uses; they can brighten, moisturize the skin and also have an anti-wrinkle effect. Perfect for the winter with an instant hit of hydration and protection for all skin types.
Facial Toner
Using a toner after cleansing penetrates pores and works to dissolve dead skin and impurities. Wonderfully calming, soothing, and full to the brim with goodness to ensure pores are refined, toned and hydrated. Like all good things, don’t rush into it. Try using a few times a week and watch how your skin reacts.
A facial toner spray is an easy way to refresh and hydrate throughout the day, helping to keep skin in check.
Toners containing witch-hazel will help reduce redness, inflammation and irritation with its natural properties.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks have soared in popularity in recent years to give a saturated boost to skin that is easy to apply and easy to remove. Although they are great for your skin, they are not so great for the environment. Anything single use is an obvious no-no, additionally these masks tend to be made from cotton that releases microplastics known for polluting our oceans.
Eco-Masks are natural, plastic-free, compostable sheet masks that provide natural skincare without compromising the environment.
These DIY masks allow you to create a liquid of your choice to benefit your skin, for example, soaking the mask in chamomile tea for a soothing mask, or using essential oils to target your skin type.
All these swaps are included in the Between Green Box for November for just £20 including UK letterbox friendly postage and packaging – this month’s box is worth over £40 and continue to make savings with reusable products – we spend over £100 a year each on make-up wipes alone!
What’s inside your Between Green Box in November?
This month we are making sustainable swaps in our beauty routine. Ditching wet wipes, plastic and chemicals that we use daily for reusable and sustainable alternatives better for you and for the planet.
Jungle Culture Reusable Makeup Remover Pads – are made using a blend of sustainable bamboo and organic cotton fibres. This 18-piece makeup pads set includes 15 ultra soft cotton and bamboo fibre makeup remover rounds, intended for use with all skin types and on sensitive skin regions such as the eyes. Additionally, included are 3 plastic-free bamboo microfiber Terry pads that are designed to give your skin a deeper clean & cleanse, remove stubborn makeup and exfoliate your skin.
Set Contains: 15 x Ultra soft organic cotton and bamboo fibre makeup rounds 3 x Reusable bamboo fibre Terry pads 2 x Cotton wash bags (Machine washable)
Worth £16!
Pink Clay Face Mask – This clay is ideal for normal and sensitive skin types due to its unique balance of properties. It helps in stimulating circulation on the skin, exfoliating and cleansing.
It does not draw oil from the skin so it’s suitable to use it on dry skin. Also for dehydrated skin.
Daily Glow Oil – Facial Serum with 100% natural blend of oils for an instant hit of hydration and protection for all skin types. Made in the UK and is Vegan Friendly.
Facial Toner Mist – Let the feeling of calm wash over you with this Facial Toner Mist. You can use it to tone skin after cleansing or to refresh and hydrate throughout the day, helping to keep skin in check. Facial Toner Mist is made from pure Witch Hazel and Essential Oil, lovingly made in Sheffield.
Facial Toner Mist penetrates pores and works to dissolve dead skin and impurities. Wonderfully calming, soothing, and full to the brim with goodness to ensure pores are refined, toned and hydrated. Like all good things, don’t rush into it. Try using a few times a week and watch how your skin reacts.
Sheet masks have soared in popularity in recent years to give a saturated boost to skin that is easy to apply and easy to remove. Although they are great for your skin, they are not so great for the environment. Anything single use is an obvious no-no, additionally these masks tend to be made from cotton that releases microplastics known for polluting our oceans.
Eco-Masks are natural, plastic-free, compostable sheet masks that provide natural skincare without compromising the environment.
These DIY masks allow you to create a liquid of your choice to benefit your skin, for example, soaking the mask in chamomile tea for a soothing mask, or using essential oils to target your skin type.
These Boxes would also make a great gift! Give a 1-, 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription as a gift this Christmas to show you care for them and for the planet.
Between Green Box for October – Health and Wellness
Welcome to your Between Green Box for October
This month we are looking at sustainable health and wellness. Skip those painkillers, chemical filled rubs and choose natural alternatives.
Natural Wheat Bag – has a unique cellular structure which can absorb heat or cold quickly and then release it evenly, helping conditions such as arthritis, menstrual pains and aching joints, etc. Lavender is renowned for helping to relieve tension and pain so you can imagine how relaxing these are combined. An excellent and safe alternative to hot water bottles.
Organic Fairtrade Cotton Buds (FSC Mix 70%) – The most eco-friendly cotton buds in the world. FSC recycled paper, certified Fairtrade organic cotton. 100 biodegradable cotton buds, zero plastic and zero waste. Vegan and sustainable.
Vegan Multivitamins – sweet bear shaped gummies. A week supply suitable for kids and adults. Contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Biotin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid.
Patch Plasters – made from organic, sustainably sourced natural bamboo that can be home composted. This makes them hypo-allergenic and free from irritating chemicals as well as plastic, latex and parabens. As well as this, they are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Muscle Ease Massage Oil – made in the UK with Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils in grapeseed oil specially blended for muscle ease.
Product Review – Commes Des Jumelles – Skincare Range For Mum and Daughter
I’ll be honest, as a busy mum, skincare hasn’t always been on my list of priorities. What skincare I did use was very basic as I continued to make my way through the landscape of sustainable beauty.
When Julie reached out and introduced her new skincare brand Commes Des Jumelles, passion for the planet and connection between Mum and Daughter was clear.
As you may not know, I have a 14 year old daughter, and although we are very close, it can be difficult to find things to do together, especially as the darker nights and shorter days roll in.
Julie kindly sent a ‘little kiss box’ for me and my daughter, Jaime, to try. Fresh from being developed alongside the manufacturer, that has recently been awarded best natural skincare manufacturer in the UK!
First thoughts, I loved the eco friendly packaging and opening the little gift together to see what was inside.
The box included all the information we needed, so we got started on the Magic Gelee as a cleanser. You can use the Magic Gelee as a hydrating mask also – I love products that have more than one use!
The cleanser worked amazingly at removing any make-up and daily dirt, transforming into a light cleansing milk with a little water, easily removed with reusable cloth pads. It left my skin feeling soft and clean, whilst being gentle enough for my daughter to use too.
As a teenager, the added benefit of fighting acne and breakouts from such a gentle routine is great compared to what is traditionally on the market for acne-prone skin.
As soon as I opened the tin of ‘Commes une Carresse’ the luxurious cream looked and smelled beautiful. Thick and rich including nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba, apricot and blue tansy oils, this cream can be used as a hand and body cream. The cream easily absorbed into skin leaving a subtle and sweet vanilla scent, “as warm as a mummie’s love for her daughter.”
We loved our little pamper session. For me, it’s important that my daughter sees not only that skincare is important but also self care. I love all the values behind the products and the brand and its great to spend those few moments together at the end of the day taking care of our skin and ourselves.
The Little Kiss Box makes a great stocking filler and gift that is eco-conscious and premium quality. Even the packaging is printed in the UK using a carbon-neutral printer of the highest environmental distinction.
Find out more about Commes Des Jumelles at https://commedesjumelles.com/
Guest Blog: SheHeThey – The Home of Diverse Brands
Between Green is thrilled to be collaborating with SheHeThey on some exciting projects coming up very soon. Here we meet Luke and Michael, the guys behind SheHeThey, The Home of Diverse Brands, their vision, passion and commitment to people, planet and progress on their online marketplace.
What is SheHeThey?
SheHeThey is an online marketplace creating a platform for underrepresented brands. With a huge range of products from Home and Living, Clothes, Art and Design and Gifts all made by a minority or marginalised group, for example, Black/ POC, Queer / LGBTQ2SIA+, Woman/Female, Disabled, Neurodiverse, Ally and/or a Social Activist who campaigns for change. For those interested, as well as a woman/female I identify myself as a proud Ally.
Why SheHeThey?
Founded in 2021 by Luke and Michael (soon to be married), SheHeThey is a result of trying to find a marketplace that they felt represented them and their identities (queer, neurodiverse and non-binary). Failing to do so despite overly saturated marketplaces with little to no attention to the people who make, create, Luke and Michael set out to create a solution, a place where they could buy quality products from a diverse range of people whose businesses they wanted to learn about and support.
Where is SheHeThey?
Find SheHeThey on their website and also on Instagram
My Favourite Things….
You can shop by store; minority owned, queer owned, black owned, POC owned, disability owned, neurodiverse owned, woman owned and black owned.
Here’s a few of my favourite products:
- How cool is this weirdly shaped boob cactus from That Succs? They have a huge range of beautiful and weird succulents on the SheHeThey website. It’s a plant lovers paradise!
- You can never have enough tote bags! It was hard to choose from the range of 100% eco-friendly cotton tote bags from Totes-Adorbs, but the retro and rainbow print of this bag caught my eye!
- You might recognise Ewenique With Love Crafts from previous subscription boxes. Clare made our reusable cup cosies in October and plant pots for our airplants in November. I love the classic pattern of this eco-friendly cleaning cloth. As a user of Clares eco-friendly cloths I can recommend they clean great and bring a pop of colour to any kitchen or cleaning cupboard!
Upcoming Projects
I will be a special guest speaker for their first ever Business Recovery Hour on the 15th September. This is an hour session giving small business owners a chance to stop, reflect and move forward.
EVERYONE is welcome – sign up here
Between Green will be a part of the Network/Resources page on their website offering my sustainability advice to individuals and small businesses.
Eco Friendly Subscription Box in August
Lets CELEBRATE!
August is my FAVOURITE month as it’s my birthday month! (My birthday is on the 30th so I celebrate all month!) Kids are off school, Summer is well and truly here, Jetting away or enjoying a staycation, lets make August one to remember!
Lets have a look what’s in August Box from Between Green….
Vegan Funfetti Cookie Baking Kit
Everything you need to make these delicious vegan funfetti cookies for any celebration! They will bring a pop of colour to any party table!
The kit contains ready-measured ingredients including:
- Gluten Free flour and Gluten Free baking powder from FREEE at Doves Farm
- Wholefood Earth Organic Golden Cane Raw Sugar which is Unrefined, Vegan, GMO Free and Certified Organic
- Native Vanilla Organically Farmed and Sustainably Sourced Tahitian Grade B Vanilla Pod
- Vegan Natural Superfood Milled Flaxseed to make a vegan alternative to egg
- Vegan Rainbow Sprinkles
- All you need to add is vegan butter!
Eco-Friendly Baking Paper Sheets
Perfect your baking with these non bleached, non toxic and non-wax baking parchment sheets. They are pre-cut and easy to use in the oven or microwave. High quality waterproof materials prevent the paper from tearing easily and is 100% non stick which means it can be reused many times!
Eco Friendly Wrapping Paper
Did you know most wrapping papers contain plastic and therefore can’t be recycled? Make the switch to this handmade recycled wrapping paper.
With its bright and colourful gorgeous abstract design its a perfect wrapping paper for all occasions.
Ideal for wedding stationery, card craft, paper crafts, wrapping paper, gift wrap, birthday wrap, wedding wrap, Christmas cards and crafts, vintage weddings, scrapbooking, invitations, nature lovers, and other special occasions.
This natural gift wrap is truly gorgeous and to top it all is fully recycled and recyclable!
Reusable Jute Hessian Bunting
Celebrate every occasion with this reusable plain natural hessian triangular bunting. Made out of durable jute fabric, it is suitable for indoor & outdoor use.
You don’t need to wait for a party for this beautiful bunting! Decorate your garden, shed, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, campervan or tent with this secure tying bunting.
Plus it’s lovely and lightweight so it will flutter in the breeze.
Weddings, birthdays, christenings, valentines day, Christmas, anniversaries; this bunting will become a staple for all your gatherings and celebrations!
All these Green Good Time Goodies for just £20 with Between Green Boxes! Includes UK Letterbox Friendly Delivery!
Chocolate With Attitude – Resident Pheasant Ethical Chocolate
Hi Betweeners,
Recently I heard from Resident Pheasant Chocolate and they wanted to send me some of their Chocolate with Attitude to taste and review!
I shared a live story on Instagram that I’ve shared below but if you’d rather read all about it – keep scrolling past the video….and you’ll also find a discount code exclusive to Between Green
When the psychedelic box landed on my doorstep, I was so excited to try the Resident Pheasant ethical chocolate bars. The packaging, as well as being crazy coloured, is compostable and recyclable. Resident Pheasant specialise in eco-friendly letterbox chocolates; and you know I’m a fan of letterbox friendly parcels 😉
I was chuffed to bits with the selection; Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt, Milk Chocolate with Fudge and Vegan Dark Chocolate with Raspberry – honestly, these are the flavours I would have picked for myself!
First up was the Milk Chocolate and Sea Salt, I ripped open the compostable cellophane package and the smell of amazing chocolate hit me right in the face! I loved that the bars were chunky – no one wants a small piece of chocolate!
The salt wasn’t overpowering and gave a little twist on the milk chocolate that honestly competes with my personal favourite tasting bars. Now I know my favourite taste is made by an unethical company so I’ve been looking for a bar that would not only taste good but do good – and I’m happy to say I’ve found it!
They also do Vegan friendly chocolate! So next up, the Vegan Dark Chocolate with Raspberries. When I opened the packaging, I was surprised that the raspberry pieces weren’t the same as I’d seen in other chocolate bars. I was expecting the almost luminous pink dried raspberries, but these had good chunks of part dried raspberries that were still soft to the touch. I know some find dark chocolate quite bitter, but this was smooth, and the raspberries gave it a kick of freshness and subtle sourness to cut through the dark chocolate. Their vegan-friendly best sellers can be found in this Vegan Letterbox Gift.
Finally, the Milk Chocolate with Fudge. Just like the raspberries, they are not shy with chunky pieces of fudge scattered over the milk chocolate. Now this is no ordinary fudge! These pieces are made with real Cornish clotted cream, and it shows! Creamy and chewy all at the same time – perfection.
A MASSIVE thank you to Resident Pheasant for sending me your amazing chocolate – you definitely have a new fan!
We will be adding a chocolate treat with an upcoming subscription box – Subscribe to Between Green Boxes to get your hands on these amazing chocolate bars or Sign Up for our Newsletter here so you don’t miss out!
If you can’t wait for your chocolate fix – Resident Pheasant are giving Between Green an exclusive 10% off across their website using code GREEN at checkout– Resident Pheasant – Chocolate with attitude.
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