Plastic pollution affects our land, our waterways and our oceans. Estimates show that 8.8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean from coastal cities, towns and villages each year.
Plastic is made artificially from fossil fuels, such as natural gas or petroleum, and most plastics will not biodegrade, so they stay around in the environment for a long time. Once disposed of in landfill, plastic items can take up to a thousand years to decompose. But disposing of plastics in this way only means they break down into pieces smaller than the naked eye; they never become part of the soil in which they are buried.
Marine animals in particular can be harmed either by becoming entangled in plastic objects, such as the ring seals from drinks bottles or can packs, or experiencing digestive problems after feeding on plastics, or through exposure to the chemicals within plastics that interfere with their bodily processes.
People too are affected by plastic pollution. The chemical ingredients in plastics contribute to the disruption of the finely balanced hormone systems in the human body.
It is time to rethink how we use plastic, and to look for alternatives. Sublime is proud to present these responsible brands that have started the conscious process of developing plastic-free products, for the long-term benefit of people and planet.
Natural Wisdom
Natural Wisdom An artisanal beauty brand on a mission to become plastic-free, Natural Wisdom was founded in 2007 by Maeve, a homoeopath with a background in herbalism and nutrition, on strong eco-friendly principles. All Natural Wisdom products are made from natural and food-grade ingredients, many of which are raw as well as organic, and are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Guided by nature’s wisdom, Maeve and her small team create and manufacture a luxurious premium range of skincare, solid perfumes and haircare, in small freshly made batches in their studio in Hampshire, England.
Using superior-quality ingredients, the team create high-potency skincare products designed to help protect, nourish and repair all skin types, with a special affinity for dry, sensitive and sun-damaged skin. Packaged within biophotonic Miron Violet Glass™, their capsule range offers an antioxidant feast for the skin.
Natural Wisdom’s range of solid perfumes and colognes are designed as aromatherapeutic scents for the senses. Packaged in handcrafted wooden containers made from the root of the cedar tree indigenous to Morocco, their perfumes are ‘a creative celebration of the natural magic and wild purity of nature’.
Maeve’s most recent additions to her collection include a growing range of natural and organic solid shampoo and hair conditioner bars. Made with Ecocert- and COSMOS-approved ingredients, Maeve uses exotic, nutrient-rich botanical actives, herbs and spices, including colloidal oats, turmeric, cinnamon and cocoa and vanilla extracts in her haircare products.
SproutBox
SproutBox Founded by seasoned architect Barbara Griffin and property developer Kate Plumb, SproutBox aim to move away from the trappings of disposable society – including single-use plastics – and embody conscious consumerism. They are a unique brand combining architecture and interior design services, planning and project management for the bespoke sustainable home.
Garden design, modular housing and furniture design are also included in SproutBox’s offer, with landscaping directed by design specialist Samantha Snowden.
The SproutBox online store features a range of ‘re-loved’ vintage objets and antiques, to add the finishing touches to your home. The brand have even created their own wallpapers and fabrics – using FSC-grade paper and organic cotton, naturally.
But the brand aren’t just about consumables. SproutBox believe that sustainability starts at grassroots level, and have developed a schools programme that raises awareness about planting trees in streets. Using resources from the Woodland Trust, SproutBox provide schools with books – such as Where have All the Trees Gone? written and illustrated by the team themselves – and architect-designed play equipment.
In addition, the brand are involved in reinstating British hedgerows, vital to the survival of mammals, insects and birds. SproutBox have already started a hedgerows replanting project, using species such as hawthorn, crab apple, dog rose and dogwood.
MOA
MOA Hero herb yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is at the heart of Magic Organic Apothecary, who create natural and organic skincare products made in England. Yarrow is wreathed around with ancient folklore, and can be found beside hedgerows all across the UK. The miraculous powers of this humble herb have been harnessed for centuries to heal and repair. Named after Greek hero Achilles, who, legend has it, used it to heal his soldiers’ wounds after battle, the yarrow MOA use in their products is grown on an organic farm in Somerset.
MOA combine yarrow with other herbal extracts and selected botanical oils in their formulations, with the aim of encouraging purchasers to practise a simple yet effective daily skincare ritual. The therapeutic scents and feel on the skin have a nurturing effect on mind, body and spirit. The formulas are cruelty-free, do not use petrochemicals (mineral oil), parabens, SLS, phthalates, fillers or artificial fragrance, and MOA’s newer products are entirely plant-based, suitable for vegans.
MOA source as much of their packaging as they can from the UK. Cardboard boxes in which products are packed are made from recycled board and printed with vegetable inks.
As the devastating effects of plastic on the planet have become ever more alarmingly apparent, MOA have been pursuing a reduction as far as possible in their use of plastic. It is their aim to make MOA products plastic-free – not an easy task – but the brand are constantly on the lookout for eco and sustainable packaging options, and strongly encourage reuse and recycling on their packaging.
Anita Grant
Anita Grant What began in a kitchen is now an award-winning phenomenon with label-savvy customers around the globe. And the majority of the packaging is plastic-free, with products housed in glass and card.
Anita Grant products are handmade fresh, to order, in small batches at their studio in Buckinghamshire, England, with each product designed, mixed and labelled individually.
After an adverse reaction to a lotion containing propylene glycol, which is used widely as a humectant in haircare products, Anita decided to stop using off-the-shelf products, allowed her straightened hair to grow out and began her journey towards the Anita Grant (AG) brand. She researched ordinary ingredients from her local supermarket – oils, fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee and salt – and how they worked on skin and hair, and read everything she could about cosmetic manufacture.
Now the brand buy ingredients direct from farming communities, fair trade and organic suppliers, and work closely with a cosmetic chemist to create their products.
With products for the discerning customer looking for safe, natural formulations for Afro hair and skin and Caucasian skin and curly hair, AG’s range is huge – from body and face oils, to hair butters and masks and shampoo bars. There’s even a decent range of deliciously named eyeshadows (try Fig Berry Trifle or Buttered Rum) that are 100% mineral.
Beyond the day-to-day, AG give back by making regular loan contributions available from their profits to budding entrepreneurs in the developing world. In this way, aspiring businesspeople are empowered to earn their way out of poverty. So far, 56 loans have been made, with regular journal updates provided by the recipient throughout the course of their loan.
Anita Grant products are vegetarian, vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
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