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What is a Sweatshop: Part Two In part one I spoke about defining a sweatshop both historically and in modern times. While there is nothing wrong with going on marches, writing to politicians, organising petitions, or gluing yourself to Westminster bridge in order to make your voice heard, most people do not have the time or the spare capacity in their lives to take on any cause to this extent. Is there anything we can do then? Is there is something relatively easy that doesn’t involve a large commitment except in principl...

How to Make Your Very Own Oat Milk How to Make Your Very Own Oat Milk It was love at first taste. I have tried all kinds of milks and “milks” in my time. Soy milk, sheep milk, goat milk, almond milk, tiger nut milk, cashew nut milk and coconut milk to name a few. Most of these varieties are great on cereal, granted. Soy milk fresh from a stand in a local market in Kuching came closest to “milk as a drink” satisfaction. But it wasn’t quite perfect. Then came Oat Milk. The heavens sang. Great on cereal, decent in coffee, accepta...

Beach Powder Dragons Den Leave the Sand Behind There is a lot of buzz about this summer's hottest new must-have for your next trip to the beach: Beach Powder and Beach Powder Shimmer. Like many people we first saw this product on Dragon's Den. Two Dragon's bought in and gave the founder and inventor of Beach Powder, Stephanie Kelsey, exactly what she was asking for. Say Goodbye to Sandy Skin with Beach Powder So what exactly is this miracle beach powder? According to the manufacturer's website: L...

A Different Kind of Business We are all shaped by our early childhood experiences and many of us carry varying degrees of positivity and negativity around in that regard. Sometimes what may at the time seem negative, ‘miraculously’ turns into a positive. With the benefit of age and a dash of wisdom perhaps, you become grateful for having ‘endured’ these childhood proscriptions. One of my earliest recollections of being preached to by my strong-willed mother was about waste. Mum grew up in the war years with rationing. ‘W...

Ethical & Sustainable Indulgence for Chocolate Lovers Indulge in delicious chocolate while supporting sustainable practices and fair labour conditions.Chocolate is a universal treat enjoyed by people all over the world. However, not all chocolate is created equal when it comes to ethical and sustainable practices. Fair Trade chocolate offers a guilt-free alternative for those who want to enjoy their favourite sweet treat while supporting responsible farming and fair labour conditions. In this blog, we will explore what Fair Trade chocolate is, i...

Autumn Glory: Why Trees Lose Their Leaves Take a trip to upstate New York, Vermont or Quebec in September and you are in for a treat. A short climb or drive up any hill with a vantage point will afford you a viewpoint that will literally bring a tear to your eye. Laid out before you, the hills undulating away to the horizon, a seemingly endless vista in a blaze of colour like nowhere else on earth. It is breathtakingly glorious to see. Every shade of pale to deep yellows, bright to dark ochre oranges, and brilliant ruby to scarlet to...

Dragonflies I have long loved Dragonflies. Even as a child they struck me as magical creatures. With their double wings, their speed, their exquisite flight control, and their iridescent beauty. I was captivated. When it came to my attention that we have Dragonflies featured on RainbowLife.co.uk in the form of an Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet and a Hand-made Ugandan Greetings card I could resist no longer: blog time. Here are a few little-known facts about wonderful Dragon flies. Did you know for examp...

Autumn Foraging Many of us have fond memories of blackberry picking in late August and September. Coming home stained with berry juice sporting purple tongues, there were never quite enough blackberries to make crumble and we all got gripey tummies from gorging ourselves all afternoon. But I don't recall foraging for anything other than blackberries. Indeed I do remember being firmly told never to pick any other berry for fear of poisoning. This fear, successfully instilled, has remained until I learnt...

From Disposables to Durables Addressing Supply Issues of Disposable Feminine Hygiene Products: Embracing Sustainable AlternativesThe global supply issues surrounding disposable feminine hygiene products have sparked concerns about accessibility and sustainability. These essential products are vital for women's hygiene, comfort, and confidence. However, instead of relying solely on addressing supply chain challenges, we can explore sustainable alternatives to disposable options. In this blog, we will delve into the un...

Eco-Friendly DIY Skincare Recipes Pamper Yourself Sustainably with these Eco-Friendly DIY Skincare Recipes:Here are some ideas to create natural, environmentally-friendly skincare products from the comfort of your home...Embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't stop at fashion or household items; it also extends to the products we use on our skin. With the growing interest in sustainable products and ethical shopping, many people are turning to DIY skincare recipes as an alternative to store-bought products filled with...

How to Choose Sustainable and Ethical Workout Gear Workout gear is an essential part of an active lifestyle, but it can have a significant impact on the environment and the people who make it. Many traditional workout clothes are made from synthetic materials like polyester, which require a significant amount of energy and resources to produce. In addition, the production of these materials can be harmful to the environment and workers. Fortunately, there are sustainable and ethical workout gear options available that prioritise both the envi...

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Toy Ideas for Kids Toys are an important part of childhood, but they can also have a significant impact on the environment. Here are some eco-friendly and sustainable toy ideas for kids:1. Wooden toysWooden toys are a great eco-friendly option because they're made from a renewable resource and can last for generations. They're also often free from harmful chemicals and plastics.2. Recycled plastic toysIf you're looking for a toy made from plastic, choose one made from recycled materials. This reduce...

International Literacy Day In the aftermath of the pandemic, nearly 24 million learners might never return to formal education, out of which, 11 million are projected to be girls and young women. Vulnerable populations worldwide are likely to have been significantly affected. Through the celebration of International Literacy Day, UNESCO is calling on all actors in the field of education and beyond to re-think the role of literacy. UNESCO has been working to realize the vision of literacy for all since 1946 in the belie...

A Guide to Sustainable and Ethical Wedding Planning Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, but it's also a significant event that can have a significant impact on the environment and society. From the venue to the decorations to the food, there are many opportunities to make your wedding day more sustainable and ethical. Here are some tips and tricks for planning a sustainable and ethical wedding:1. Choose a sustainable venueWhen selecting a venue for your wedding, consider one that prioritises sustainability and en...

Why Forage? Back in June I had a serendipitous opportunity to learn a little about foraging for wild food. My eyes have once again been opened to the richness of the Kent countryside where I am fortuitous to live. 'Who knew' seems to have become a staple in the modern vernacular and I couldn't help but apply it in this situation. Indeed, I think all my foraging compatriots who looked agape as our tutor revealed the richness, had this phrase in mind. We retuned from our forage in the Canter...

Positive Eco News in March 2022 The news is always full of doom and gloom, so we have compiled three of our favourite positive new articles this month that will make you smile... These solar panels are harvesting the sun twice in Kenya. Solar panels could be used to improve crop production, according to new research. A collaboration between the University of Sheffield, World Agroforestry, and Latia Agripreneurship Instituten based in Kajiado, Kenya, has found potential in initial tests. The project showed increased agricu...

The season of love It's the season of love! But do you know what that means? Over the next few months there are many events that celebrate love and encourage love and kindness! March 1st Pancake day - who doesn't love pancakes? March 27th Mother’s Day April 3rd. Find a Rainbow Day April 11th. National Pet Day - Who doesn't love Pets? May 15th. International Day of Families There are also many other factors to why its the season of love 1) More Sunshine The sunny days of spring are goo...

Why is Ancient Woodland in the UK so important? What is Ancient Woodland? Ancient woods are areas of woodland that have persisted since 1600 in England and Wales, and 1750 in Scotland. This is when maps started to be reasonably accurate so we can tell that these areas have had tree cover for hundreds of years. They are relatively undisturbed by human development. As a result, they are unique and complex communities of plants, fungi, insects and other microorganisms. Ancient woodland has been around for so long it has developed special comm...

Lets Celebrate Global Recycling Day. Today, 18th March is a special day for the world of recycling. It's National Recycling Day - and it is an important day to celebrate. What is this year’s theme? This year, the event’s focus will be on the “recycling fraternity” – those who put themselves on the frontline to collect waste and recycling during the multiple lockdowns. Here are nine simple tips that you can do to reduce waste. Only buy what you need, and use what you buy Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that a...

Seeds of Hope I was moved by a recent BBC interview with some citizens of Kyiv. The journalist was astounded as he witnessed people coming out to do their shopping in the market. He noticed that the longest queue was at the seed sellers stall. He asked some people in the line why they were buying seeds. A woman said ' war is war but the land must still be cultivated'. A man said ' everything you plant is life, it is hope'. Sergei believes he is queuing for hope for the future. He will plant...

Sustainable buildings made from rubbish - Earthships These off-the-grid homes are made from mainly recycled materials and natural resources. Earthships are a type of off-the-grid home built from old tyres and glass bottles and interest in them is increasing as people look for ways to live more sustainably in the face of climate change. Mike Reynolds graduated with a degree in architecture in 1969. He then moved from Ohio to Taos, New Mexico, where he started experimenting with ways to solve two perennial problems simultaneously: too much rubbi...

Random Acts of Kindness Day A random act of kindness is an unexpected act of charity or helpfulness and is often done for a stranger. Here is our top 10 list of kind acts. Why not try some out and see what happens? 1. Send a positive message to someone you think may be having a difficult time. 2. Let someone go in front of you in a queue. 3. Sit quietly with someone who needs a calm moment with support. 4. Be mindful of others' needs & offer a helping hand if you see a need. 5. Help out a single parent with ...

Robert Burns and Russia Haggis. A regular visitor to family meals during my childhood living in Scotland. While at University, on rather tight finances, after rent and booze bills were taken care of, noodles or peanut butter sandwiches were not on our budget conscious menu. Rather we would troop out to Iceland and pick up a dozen frozen haggis. Microwaved they were brilliant. Very filling, great mouth feel (chewy bits), plenty of greasy goodness, totally satisfying. Throw in some mashed tatties and a big dollop of c...

Inspired by Nature- Crafted by Hand Respectful Relationships... A few months ago I came across the most amazing Fair Trade silver jewellery store. A store with an inspirational story too. So begins a lovely partnership with Luna Tree Jewellery. Meet Clare.... Luna Tree was established in 2007 by Clare McCormack. Clare’s career path after graduating from art college took her into retail management and to the role of a buyer for a Fair Trade homewares and gift company, travelling extensively through South East Asia and West ...