green – Created Curated by Sara Brown

I talked in my last blog post about Wintertime. Although, as I mentioned before this not my favourite season, but as one that can take up a good percentage of the year in the UK, it seems a good idea to find ways to cope better with what can be a challenging season for many. Longer, darker nights tend to create a need to stay indoors. Focusing on Winter wellness is important, it’s a time that our bodies and minds crave comfort and we need to look after ourselves.

I found a recent article written by interior designer, Biophilic Guru and writer Oliver Heath about this very subject. Seeing nature, even a little bit of greenery and getting direct sunlight can be positive for mental health. (Biophilic design, roughly is a concept used in the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature and indirect nature) View http://www.oliverheath.com for more information.

One of the key elements of the article is about considering natural light, fresh air and stimulating the feelings that nature evokes in us all. In the colder months of the year, often because of the weather conditions, we go out into nature less, than in the warmer months. Which does affect our well-being. Simple things like making sure that curtains are drawn back fully to let all the available light into a room and having clean windows can maximise what little natural light there is. If at all possible, try to open windows even for a small time to let in some air. I do find when I do this it makes a real difference to the feel of a room. Air purifiers can also be used, these would be helpful after a period of illness to make sure of the best air quality.

Sensory and Aromatic additions to a room can make a huge difference to a room in Wintertime. Perhaps using a diffuser with a scent that can remind you of nature or Summer would be uplifting at a time of year that can be a little depressing. There are no set rules about having to use a certain scent seasonally. Candlelight is a must for keeping the ambiance warm and cosy during winter. Use natural Soy candles and ventilate a room well after use. A real fire can be lovely in colder months too.

Artificial lighting is used far more in winter than in summer, so changing bulbs for those with a golden glow, can add warmth and cosiness for a fairly low cost. You can use twinkly lights to create a magical winter atmosphere in your home. Fill some jars with them, string them around your window frames or even drape over your bed. I have left my fairy lights up from Christmas and will leave them up until Spring.

Indoor plants do bring a sense of nature indoors. Green is a natural mood-booster. But in Winter even your plants need light in a different way so these may need to be put in direct light. Having an indoor garden are can be an uplifting place to sit and conservatories are wonderful for making the most of any winter sun, if you have one. But any light corner that could be used for greenery and where you could sit and read and relax would be uplifting.

Well, I hope this you some helpful tips for living in Winter, but if all else fails, why not start looking for a summer holiday?

For many years Green Business has been on the fringes but now the business world is changing. Environmental awareness is on the rise by demonstrating a commitment to the environment it can enhance a company’s reputation among its existing customers and potential customers and by tapping into a new- eco conscious customer base this also encourages younger consumers, who are very aware of environmental issues. Many consumers believe that companies do have a corporate social responsibility or CSR. This is very much change that is consumer-led.

The Beauty industry is one of the worst offenders, with its unnecessary outer packaging, cellophane and use of plastic bottles and containers.

Greening a business requires putting energy into how to use resources more efficiently. Smaller businesses have been quicker to adapt and make greener decisions but even larger companies like Apple have made huge commitments to sustainable operations, by using 100% renewable energy and zero waste etc. Is this just hype to get more publicity and business, we will have to see long-term!

Exactly, what is a Green Business? This is one that uses sustainable materials to make its products and aims to use as little water, energy and raw materials as possible. As well as reducing its carbon emissions, by using local suppliers and not using excessive packaging. This business approach minimizes the company strain on natural resources and contribution to climate change.

The British Beauty Council in a 2020 survey found that two-thirds of consumers want brands to do more to counter climate change. One in Seven want to use a more environmentally friendly product. Also, according to The Beauty Councils survey packaging makes up 70% of the beauty industries waste. Consumers are switching to brands like Labo or opting for refillable perfumes. Larger brands like Chanel, Guerlain and L’Oréal have been investing heavily in farming communities and sourcing partnerships. Long term relationships that benefit the brand and the ingredient suppliers. Farmers are learning to grow sustainably and the beauty companies are following their raw ingredients every step of the way.

How can we all green our beauty products? Try to use a business that is part of a green Initiative such as the Green Small Business Initiative with gives companies the help to put an action plan in place. Look for products that use natural ingredients that are eco-certified compliant and are sourced from a sustainable supply chain. Look at the sustainability and environmental policies of the business, what are they actually doing to make a difference? Look at using refills where possible and fully recyclable bottles and containers. We also have to think again about wanting to see everything boxed and gift wrapped, nice packaging does look lovely, but in reality, it just adds to the landfill. We can all make a difference just my looking at things in a different way and deciding what matters the most.

There are several green business logos that are shown on shop windows and packaging, I have listed these below:

Forests for all-FSC Forest Stewardship Council when you see this logo, you know that any card, paper and cardboard has been sourced from a responsibly managed forest

Soil Association- This for organic perfumes and perfume ingredients

PETRA– This logo guarantees that the brand has never conducted or allowed testing on animals. This has to be more raw ingredients and the final product

B Corporation– To be B Corp certificated means that the highest standards of social and environmental impact have to be met