JULY 2024 EDITION

As we’ve reached July, a time when many of us may head to the coastline, it seems apt that this month marks Plastic Free July. There’s no denying it: plastic is a problem. Fish, seabirds and marine mammals can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest pieces of it, and the microplastics which are eaten by the smallest marine life mean that these toxins soon enter the food chain to be consumed by larger animals and eventually humans. The good news is that it’s not too late to make a positive impact. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

When the beauty industry is responsible for a whopping 120 billion units of plastic packaging each year, it’s no wonder that it’s often regarded as having an ugly problem. If, like me, you want to make a difference, how about doing what you can to reduce the amount of plastic packaging that goes into our makeup bags and bathroom cabinets?

Here are five ideas for you to try:

2. Think multi-use: Single-use products such as wipes get used for seconds, then take hundreds of years to break down. Instead, reach for reusable face cloths and cotton pads.

5. Use a beauty recycling scheme: for items that can’t be recycled at home, why not take advantage of an instore recycling scheme?

John Lewis, for example, run their BeautyCycle service which allows John Lewis members to receive £5 off their next beauty purchase when they return five used beauty product containers from any brand. To find out more, visit the BeautyCycle web page.

This month

I've been making: a delicious summer salad

I am passionate about salads and this particular one is absolutely delicious. I make a variation of it throughout the summer months – usually batch-making it at the beginning of the week so that I have healthy lunches ready to tuck into. It’s also a great salad to serve at barbecues.

Whilst you could use couscous or bulgur wheat, I use quinoa as it’s such a nutrient dense seed, high in plant-based protein, fibre, and antioxidants, and also has a low GI. I recommend cooking the quinoa in vegetable stock so that it takes on more flavour.

Ingredients

100g dry quinoa

250ml vegetable stock

1 courgette, diced

2 x small peppers, diced (any colour will do)

1 red onion, diced

10g fresh parsley, finely chopped

5g fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

50g roasted pistachios, chopped

100g crumbled feta cheese

Dressing: lemon juice, olive oil, honey

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chilli flakes (optional)

Method

• Preheat oven to 180°C

   

• Add 1tbsp of olive oil to the diced courgette, peppers and red onion. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of chilli flakes (optional) and roast in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.

   

• Add the vegetable stock to a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Rinse the dry quinoa with cold water and add to the stock. Place a lid on top and simmer on a low heat until the quinoa is tender, and the stock has been absorbed (around 10-15 minutes). Fluff up the cooked quinoa with a fork then leave to cool.

   

• Mix the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, mint, parsley, feta and pistachios together in a bowl.

   

• To make a simple lemon dressing add equal parts lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle of honey, and small pinch of salt and pepper (to taste) to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake to combine.

   

• Drizzle with the desired amount of dressing then toss to combine; serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Dates for the diary

Summer Artisan Craft Market at Dunkertons, Sunday 4th August

We’ll be running our Cotswold Remedies stand at this fantastic event which celebrates the work of talented artisanal makers. When the sun shines, it’s a wonderful place to indulge in some alfresco drinks after browsing the stands. Further information is on the Dunkertons website.

Sound Alchemy Day Retreat, Wednesday 11th September

Location: Hawkwood College

A day retreat like no other, the skilled practitioners will heal and rejuvenate fraught minds and tense bodies – I think we all need this from time to time. I’ll be there to show you how to make your own meditation balm and pulse point roller using a personalised blend of essential oils. To find out more or to book your place, visit the Sound Alchemy website.

News from the workshop

Our Collagen Boost Face Oil has been included in ‘The Best of The Beauty Bible Awards' product box, which launched on 6th July. The second drop lands on 10th July at 1pm. There are 53 award-winning products that you can mix and match to create your perfect beauty box. To find our more, visit the Latest in Beauty website.

In case you missed our announcement email earlier this week, we are delighted to share the news that we have won two prestigious awards at the Free From Skincare Awards 2024!

These awards celebrate manufacturers who create ‘free from’ skincare products that exclude some of the allergens, fragrances and other ingredients sometimes associated with skin and health issues, ethical and environmental concerns. Two of our products were given awards after a rigorous judging process:

Our Collagen Boost Face Oil was awarded Gold and our Cleansing Oil with Manuka & Blue Tansy Oil won Bronze.

To celebrate our wins, we'd like to offer you 20% off any purchase of our Collagen Boost Face Oil and Cleansing Oil with Wild Manuka & Blue Tansy Oil products.

Use the code FREEFROM2024 at checkout to receive your discount.

Offer valid until 10th July 2024.

We hope that you have a wonderful July, whatever you have planned. Our next edition will come out early next month and will be packed with lots of inspiring ideas for you to try.