The ‘Queen of small business’ whose mission is to restore the joy in Christmas – and the humanness in retail

The ‘Queen of small business’ whose mission is to restore the joy in Christmas – and the humanness in retail

As the founder of Notonthehighstreet.com and the curated marketplace Holly & Co, Holly Tucker is a busy woman, especially around the festive season. In addition to overseeing her B Corp retail platform, she is leading the way in creating a more colourful and ethical alternative to Black Friday while sharing tips on how to make… Continue reading The ‘Queen of small business’ whose mission is to restore the joy in Christmas – and the humanness in retail

20 ways to shop more mindfully (and resist pressure to part with cash)

20 ways to shop more mindfully (and resist pressure to part with cash)

Shopping can be a taxing experience, especially if one is not mindful of their purchases. However, mindful shopping has a solution that will not require much effort or money. Mindful shopping means taking time to think before making a purchase, making sure that the purchase aligns with intentions, ethics, and means. Here are ten tricks… Continue reading 20 ways to shop more mindfully (and resist pressure to part with cash)

What would nature say? Second UK company appoints the natural world to its board

What would nature say? Second UK company appoints the natural world to its board

Nature has been given a say in the decision-making process of a second UK company, as House of Hackney appointed a ‘nature guardian’ in November. The London-based firm, which sells wallpaper, paint, furnishings and fabric, is committed to sustainability and wishes to connect its customers with nature. The nature guardian, appointed by faith-based beauty firm… Continue reading What would nature say? Second UK company appoints the natural world to its board

100% renewable electricity for the UK – how close are we?

100% renewable electricity for the UK – how close are we?

The UK reached a record-breaking level of renewable energy use, generating 48% of electricity in Q1 of 2023 – an impressive feat considering just 13 years ago only 7% came from renewables. However, there is still a long way to go before the country’s goal of a decarbonised electricity system by 2035 is reached. The… Continue reading 100% renewable electricity for the UK – how close are we?

Black Friday: seven things to do instead of buying stuff

Black Friday: seven things to do instead of buying stuff

The majority of Black Friday deals are not a good deal, as shown by new research by the consumer group Which?. The company analysed over 200 deals from eight major shops, including Amazon, Argos, Currys and John Lewis, and discovered that 98% of the bargains on offer were cheaper or the same price at any… Continue reading Black Friday: seven things to do instead of buying stuff

Eight ways to transform a walk in the forest into a wellbeing immersion

Emerging research confirms that being among trees can be good for our health, and walking in the forest is a popular pastime for many people. Being surrounded by nature has a calming effect on individuals, with some researchers even suggesting that it can lower the levels of cortisol in the body. Here are eight ways… Continue reading Eight ways to transform a walk in the forest into a wellbeing immersion

How do you challenge or avoid consumerism?

How do you challenge or avoid consumerism?

With the arrival of Black Friday and the lead up to Christmas, consumerism is in full swing. But for those looking to avoid the shopping frenzy, it can be overwhelming and challenging to know where to start. So, what alternative approaches can you take? Whether you refuse to buy into the consumerist culture altogether or… Continue reading How do you challenge or avoid consumerism?

As Ireland’s smartphone school ban is approved, the town where it all began

As Ireland’s smartphone school ban is approved, the town where it all began

Last May, parents and teachers in Greystones, County Wicklow, launched a town-wide ‘no-smartphone code’ to tackle the rise of smartphones being used by primary school students. The concept stemmed from conversations between parents who were regularly feeling pressure from their children to purchase a smartphone. By setting up the code, the town removed the peer… Continue reading As Ireland’s smartphone school ban is approved, the town where it all began

What went right this week: the good news you should know about

What went right this week: the good news you should know about

Climate change, endangered species, and LGBTQ+ rights saw some positive developments this week. China, the world’s biggest polluter, is set to experience a drop in CO2 emissions. Carbon Brief analysed the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure to conclude that the decline is likely to begin next year with fossil fuel use set to enter structural decline. This… Continue reading What went right this week: the good news you should know about

All I want for Christmas is: Positive News

All I want for Christmas is: Positive News

In an attempt to show their appreciation for clients and employees in a more meaningful and memorable way, companies are becoming more creative with their Christmas gift choices. While traditional gestures such as gift vouchers and Christmas food hampers remain popular, more values-led companies are opting for gifts with a positive, socially conscious message. Wholegrain… Continue reading All I want for Christmas is: Positive News