A Summer Staycation Checklist:

Aviation is the most polluting method of transport; producing 2% of all global carbon emissions. Although the temptation to fly across the world may be strong, the need to protect the Earth from climate change is even stronger. Booking a holiday in your home country will preserve greenhouse gas emissions and often money inside of your bank account. Equally (if not more) fun can be had when taking a staycation than abroad, as long as you arrive at your destination prepared for your adventure…

 

1. Lightweight rain jacket or poncho Due to global warming, the weather is highly unpredictable. Therefore, a lightweight rain jacket which can fit inside of your daytime bag is essential! 

 2. Refillable water bottle When sitting in the sunshine or hiking up a mountain, hydration is key. A refillable water bottle will prevent you from contributing towards plastic pollution which endangers life on land and in water. 

3. Sun cream Although the temperature within your home country may not compare to those abroad, sun cream is important for protecting your skin health. When purchasing sun cream, opt for products which do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate as these chemical are harmful to aquatic life.

 4. Picnic blanket Whether sitting on the beach or in a field, a picnic blanket is essential for keeping your clothes clean and dry. This will help to prevent the need to wash your clothes and will therefore reduce the amount of energy consumed and microfibres released through machine-washing. 

 5. Sewing kit Sewing kits are extremely useful, if you find a tear or hole in your clothes when travelling. Learning basic sewing techniques will allow you to repair and prolong the life of your existing clothes, rather than spending money unnecessarily on new. 

 6. Playing cards Playing card games is a great way to bond with friends/family and take a much needed break from your smart phone. There are so many different games to play with a single pack of cards which can be used when and wherever. 

 7. A good book There is no better escape than within a good book. Whilst travelling to your destination or lying on the beach, reading is a great, therapeutic way to spend time on your staycation. 

8. First Aid Kit A basic first aid kit (including plasters, bandages and pain killers) is always needed for those blisters from walking and headaches from late night beverages. 

 9. Homemade snacks Carrying delicious, homemade snacks with you as you travel will prevent you from purchasing over-priced goodies at small, independent store. As well as saving money, a box of homemade snacks will save time (spent inside shops) and single-use packaging. 

 10. A travel bag A bag that is big and easy enough to carry as you travel will prevent you from purchasing single-use plastic bags. As well as saving money, re-usable travel/tote bags will prevent further plastic pollution caused by synthetic bags which eventually enter landfill.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

How to recycle and repurpose beauty packaging:

Over 120 billion units of plastic are produced by and for the beauty industry every year of which 79% are dumped into landfill sites. A recycling revolution is now underway to increase the amount of plastics that are eventually recycled above the current 9%. Not all beauty packaging is inherently recyclable, however, which may cause conventional recycling centres to deny them. All beauty packaging can be disposed of in ways which cause less environmental damage, as no product by nature should be destined for landfill:

Beauty Products

Household recycling centres:

Recycling centres accept clean, empty glass and plastic/PET bottles, aerosols and inherently recyclable (often cardboard) packaging. Plastic lids can be recycled but not plastic pumps or trigger heads. Once clean, pumps may potentially be re-used within other liquid or cream-based products. Be cautious to not pour large amount of liquid or cream cosmetics down the sink, as the chemical/artificial ingredients may pollute water supplies. Instead, be sure to use each product maximally before disposing of it.

 

Recyclable Products

Recycling programmes:

The organisation TerraCycle gas partnered with cosmetic brands (namely Garnier) to provide a free recycling programme for mascara, lipstick, makeup palettes, sheet masks and roll-on deodorants. Empty beauty products can be taken to their allocated drop-off points where they are then re-purposed and/or recycled. Empty bottles of branded products may also be accepted the likes of Kiehls, L’Occitane and The Body Shop, in exchange for recycling rewards, freebies and discounts. TerraCycle has also partnered with the dental hygiene brand Colgate to provide recycling drop-off points for empty toothbrush and toothpastes.

 

A TerraCycle Zero Waste Box can be ordered online and delivered to your door, at a low price. The box is to be filled with clean beauty empties (including:  shampoo bottles and caps, conditioner bottles and caps, hair gel tubes and caps, non-pressurised hair spray bottles, hair paste plastic jars and caps, lip balm tubes, face soap dispensers and tubes, lotion bottles, lotion tubes, lotion dispensers and jars, non-pressurised shaving foam tubes, lip gloss tubes, mascara tubes, eye liner pencils and cases, eye shadow tubes, concealer tubes and sticks) and sent back to the company’s address for recycling.

 

Makeup Products

Upcycling:

There are various creative ways to re-purpose empty packaging. Once clean, empty glass and plastic bottles can be used to create flower jars, jewellery boxes and makeup holders. Empty spray bottles may be filled with water to refresh plants or essential oils for room sprays. Dry, clean mascara wands may also be used again as brow spoolies or an entirely new mascara brush.

Curated Brands 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

5 Easy & Delicious Overnight Oat Recipes:

 

As part of our new Madia & Matilda food range, we have included sustainable and organic foods which promote a healthy lifestyle. Oats are packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidation plant compounds. These slow-release carbohydrates are high in fibre, protein and healthy fats; making them the most nutrient-dense food you can eat. Due to their versatility, oats can be enjoyed in many ways and at any time of day. This is why, at Madia & Matilda, we have chosen to include Wholefoods Scottish Oats within our family of curated brands and have provided a list of recipes to boost your love of oats overnight… 

Milly - Drawstring

 

 

Overnight oats are quick and easy to make; the basic recipe can be adapted to create a delicious, non-boring breakfast or snack. Oats are simply mixed with wet ingredients (either milk or yoghurt) in a bowl and portioned into mason jars to be chilled within the refrigerator overnight. The dry ingredients may also be stirred into the mixture before chilled or used as toppings. After only 2 hours, the oats will absorb the wet ingredients to form a soft consistency of which may be given texture using crunchy toppings (such as chai seeds, nuts, fruits and chocolate).

 

Basic method:

1. Mix the rolled oats, spices and wet ingredients (ie. Milk, yoghurt, syrup, peanut butter) in a bowl.

2. Chop fruit, nuts and/or chocolate and add to the mixture.

3. Scoop the mixture into separate mason jars (1 scoop recommended).

4. Sprinkle the dry toppings onto the wet mixture.

5. Place each mason jar into the fridge and chill for 2+ hours.

 

1.      Snickers overnight oats: Mix mashed banana, oats, milk, maple syrup, peanut butter, cocoa powder and cinnamon, refrigerate, top with peanuts and chocolate chips

·        1 cup oats

·        1 banana (mashed)

·        ¾ cup plant milk

·        1 tsp maple syrup

·        1 tbsp peanut butter

·        1 tsp cocoa powder

·        1 tbsp chocolate chops

·        1 tbsp unsalted peanuts

 

2.      Maple French Toast overnight oats: Mix together, refrigerate overnight

·        1 cup oats

·        ½ medium banana (mashed)

·        ½ tsp cinnamon

·        1 tbsp maple syrup

·        ½ tsp vanilla extract

·        ½ cup plant milk

3.      Pina Colada Overnight Oats: Mix oats, chia seeds and milk, refrigerate overnight, add toppings

·        1 cups oats

·        1 tbsp chia seeds

·        1 tbsp maple syrup

·        1 cup coconut milk

·        1 cup chopped pineapple

·        ½ cup shredded coconut

4.      Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats: Mix all ingredients, refrigerate overnight

·        1.5 cup oats

·        ½ cup plant milk

·        ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned)

·        ½ tsp pumpkin spice

·        1.5 tbsp maple syrup (more for added sweetness)

5.      Lemon Pie Overnight Oats: Mix all ingredients, refrigerate overnight

·        1 cup oats

·        2 tbsp chai seeds

·        1 zest of lemon

·        ½ juice of lemon

·        1 tsp vanilla extract

·        ¼ almon extract

·        ½ cup plant milk

·        2 tbsp maple syrup

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda

How to have a more sustainable summer:

Leah - Wrap Top

Throughout the summer, an abundance of time is spent in nature. Although the sunshine offers positive physical and mental health benefits, action must be taken to prevent an unhealthy rise in global surface temperatures. A sustainable summer can be achieved, by engaging in easy zero-waste habits and participating in enjoyable activities.

 

Paper Straws - Home

1.      Always carry a re-usable bottle

Over 7.7 billion plastic bottles are used, within the UK each year [Water UK, 2018]. Single-use plastics accumulate either in landfill where they release greenhouse gases as they decompose or within marine environments where they are ingested by/cause harm to life underwater. Approximately 340 million plastic bottles would be saved by an individual, by carrying a refillable water bottle. Therefore, as temperatures rise, a refillable water bottle is essential for remaining hydrated without harming the planet.

 

2.      Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables

Over one third of fresh products is imported from climate-vulnerable countries into the UK. Transporting fresh produce thousands of miles across the world generates a mass volume of greenhouse gases which accelerate global warming. Seasonal fruit and vegetables grown locally are fresher, healthier, more tasty and have a lower carbon footprint that others imported out-of-season.

 

Accessories - Curated Brands 

3.      Purchase reef-safe sun protection

Conventional sun-creams often contain oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate which disrupt hormones and eventually enter oceans once washed of human skin. over 14,000 tons of toxic sunscreen enter the ocean each year; bleaching coral reefs and poisoning marine life [Molvar, 2018]. When purchasing sun protection, look for reef-safe formulas that do not contain oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate.

 

4.        Ditch the car; walk, run or cycle in the sunshine

The transport industry consumes the largest amount of carbon (through petroleum) and emits the highest volume of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Travelling by foot or by bike generates zero carbon emissions and therefore are two simple forms of climate activism. Walking and cycling are also proven to have physical and psychological health benefits which may be noticed with only 30 minutes of either being performed 5 days a week.

 

5.      Ditch or thrift summer trends

New fashion trends emerge with the launch of spring/summer collections. Each year, the same products re-enter stores in new colours or slightly-altered silhouettes. As the fashion industry was coined the second most polluting, refusing to engage in short-lived trends will help to reduce the volume of low-quality, disposable garments eventually entering landfill. The key to a gorgeous and sustainable summer wardrobe, it to re-wear and love items already in your wardrobe. However, if you do fancy purchasing something new for the season, shop at ethical boutiques (including Madia & Matilda) or second-hand stores.

 

Mel - Tunic Dress

6.      Dry clothing naturally/ on the line

Drying clothing outside requires zero energy and will prevent fabric damages occurring within a tumble-drying machine. If you do not have access to an outdoors space, clothing may be hung inside on (bathroom/ bedroom/kitchen) rails above a towel.

 

7.      Plan a staycation

Aviation is the most carbon-intensive, polluting mode of transport. If you are in need of break from your daily routine, discover and travel to new places within your local or nearby areas. As well as saving time and potentially money, staycations save a significant amount of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

 

Imogen - Top

8.      Unplug, go outside and enjoy the sunshine

A digital detox is proven to improve sleep, decrease stress/anxiety levels and enhance cognitive functions. As well as improving your mental health and supplementing you with vitamin D, switching off and unplugging technology will reduce energy consumption.  

 

 

References:

Water UK. (2018). National Refill Day. Available at: https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/national-refill-day/

Molvar, K. (2018). ‘Is Your Sunscreen Bad for the Planet? Here’s How to Choose an Ocean-Safe Formula’, August 14, Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/reef-safe-sunscreens-oxybenzone-free-sea-turtles-environment-stream2sea

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda

The re-fillable revolution: The benefits of re-fillable beauty products

Over 120 billion units of single-use packaging is produced by the beauty industry each year.

Due to the short life-span of products and a lack of recyclable packaging, only 9% of all plastic waste has been recycled and the rest either incinerated (12%) or dumped into the environment as landfill (79%) [Prabhakar, 2020]. 

 

Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly threat to life on land and under water. During the 400 years plastic takes to decompose, poisonous greenhouse gases (predominantly carbon and methane) are released into the atmosphere which accelerate global warming. When lying obsolete on land or floating in water, wildlife may ingest, become entangled and harmed by the plastics used once and disposed of by mankind.

 

There are several ways to combat the plastic pollution crisis, one being the use of refillable product packaging. Product refills can be purchased from a retailer online or in-store and the poured and inserted into an empty product already owned. A product refill generates 70% less CO2, 65% less energy and 45% less water than an entirely new product [Niven-Phillips, 2020].

 

The benefits of refillable packaging, however, extend beyond clearing the environment to include:

1.      Save money- Product refills are significantly cheaper than purchasing the whole new product. Although select products may be initially more expensive, money will be saved overtime with every refill purchased.

2.      Brand loyalty reward schemes- Purchasing product refills may be a sign of brand loyalty, as you continue to buy and show love for a specific item overtime. As a way of thanking you for purchasing a product (refill) on repeat, select brands (including LUSH Cosmetics) offer points, discounts and/or the opportunity to enter prize draws. 

3.      Safer materials – Plastic packaging contains BPA and other harmful substances which may transfer into products which are then applied onto the skin. Glass and other non-plastic materials are commonly used to package refillable products which do not pose this same threat.

4.      Customisation- Due to the complexity of the human skin and cosmetic ingredients, it is important to find the products which best suit your skin type. Applying a variety of products onto the skin may cause irritations and blemishes which can be avoided by using few but effective products on a regular basis. A solid beauty/skin care routine (achieved with the use of refillable products) will optimise your skins health, look and feel.

5.      Decrease your carbon footprint- The carbon, energy and plastic waste avoided with the use of refillable (instead of single-use) products will help to reduce your personal carbon footprint and therefore support your zero-waste lifestyle.

 

Shop our curated range of refillable beauty products at Madia & Matilda here: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/BEAUTY-c21482242%3Fsort%3DnameAsc

 

 

References:
Prabhakar, M. (2020). PLASTIC-FREE BEAUTY: THE NEW NORMAL!, June 17, Beat the Micro Bead. Available at: https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/plastic-free-beauty-the-new-normal/

Niven-Phillips, L. (2020). Can refillable packaging *really* solve the beauty industry's plastic problem?, November 10, GLAMOUR. Available at: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/refillable-beauty-products

 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Reduce Your Environmental Impact At Home

 

In September 2015, the United Nations established seventeen Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030 to prevent irreversible climate change. Although of different severities, everybody has an environmental footprint and therefore a part to play in achieving these goals. You can calculate your own carbon footprint to determine the most effective ways that you can reduce your environmental impact.

 

Carbon footprint calculator: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

 

As the saying goes, change begins at home. Therefore, there are numerous ways to begin or continue your journey towards a sustainable lifestyle under your own roof- many of which involve reducing your energy use.

1.      Switch to renewable/ green energy

Renewable energy is collected from sources which are carbon-neutral and replenish naturally. Wind and solar power are (most commonly) converted into electricity and heat for use within the home. As countries aim to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030/50, renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable and accessible.

 

2.      Use energy-efficient appliances

Appliances are tested and rated on a scale from A to G according to their energy use (with A being the most efficiency and G the least). When purchasing new appliances, look for the energy label and consider its rating relative to its size. Energy efficient products reduce unnecessary energy consumption (often obtained from non-renewable sources) by up to 40% and lower energy bills.

 

3.      Wash clothing at low temperatures

Setting the washing machine at 30 degrees (instead of 40) will not only preserve the quality of your clothes but also lower your energy bill by £52 per year. Cooler temperatures prevent colour loss, fabric damage and shrinkages within garments to prolong their lifespan and therefore lessen the demand for new products which diminish the Earth’s resources.

 

4.      Buy in bulk

Unnecessary (often non-biodegradable) packaging is avoided when products are purchased in bulk. Single-use plastic accounts for 40% of annual plastic production and therefore contributes massively to plastic pollution and the saturation of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere [National Geographic, 2019].

 

Jamilla - Pink Bias Cut Ruffled Skirt

5.      Reduce, reuse and recycle

When purchasing items, consider their longevity and re-usability. Look for refillable or recyclable packaging to avoid single-use plastic and minimise waste. if an item is near its end-of-life, research ways which it can be re-purposed or upcycled, rather than throwing it away to become landfill. Check out our range of Curated Brands for zero-waste home wear.

 

Madia & Matilda Curate Brands – Home wear: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/New-Homewear-c14656008%3Fsort%3DnameAsc

 

Storage Baskets

 

References:

Parker, L. (2019). The world’s plastic pollution explained, June 7, The National Geographic. [Online]. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

 

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda