A more sustainable ocean cruise is about much more than the destination. The route, pace, onboard practices and respect shown to local communities all shape the environmental impact of a voyage. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog guide, we explore what travellers should look for when comparing ocean itineraries, from marine conservation and slower sailing schedules to responsible shore excursions and transparent sustainability policies. Thoughtful operators can reduce pressure on sensitive coastal areas by avoiding vulnerable habitats, limiting unnecessary fuel use and spending more time in fewer destinations. Longer port stays can also give travellers better opportunities to support independent businesses, local guides and community-led experiences rather than rushing through heavily visited tourist hotspots. Onboard, factors such as single-use plastic reduction, wastewater treatment, food waste management and responsible sourcing are equally important. The best ocean itineraries combine environmental awareness with cultural respect, education and meaningful travel experiences. By looking beyond glossy marketing and asking how a journey affects wildlife, water, emissions and local communities, travellers can make more informed choices and enjoy the sea with a lighter impact.
Share your articles with us and get published! Reach out at hello@friendlyturtle.com.
6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Solve Your Home Storage Problems
People have more money to spend than they have had in generations. This has led to a lot of people’s houses becoming storage dumps for their unused junk. If you live in a house that’s overflowing with your belongings, perhaps now’s the time to take action. Clearing your living space up and optimizing your home storage can have benefits on your physical and mental health, which means it’s definitely worth doing. This post explains six eco-friendly ways to solve your home storage problems. Read on to find out more.
1. Self-Storage Spaces
You might ask yourself why eco-friendly storage is important. The reason is because the environment is in a terrible condition, all because of us. If we do not collectively start making an effort to protect the planet, future generations will suffer. Self-storage spaces give you somewhere out of the way to store your things, which means you don’t have to throw them away. Storing your things in Wilston self storage spaces will prevent waste from going to landfill. It also means you don’t have to let go of your precious belongings. When searching for self-storage spaces, it’s important to prioritize quality above everything else. Try to find a unit with air-conditioning, security, and humidity controls. All of these things can protect your belongings and prevent them from deteriorating during storage. Always read a storage provider’s reviews before you commit to working with them.
2. Optimize Your Space
Optimize your storage space by installing vertical shelving units and cabinets. Storing things vertically can be an extremely effective way to increase the amount of storage space in your home. It’s also worth noting that by storing things vertically, you can free up floor space. More floor space means your home won’t feel as cramped. You can build your own vertical shelving units, although if you want eco-friendly storage, why not buy an old set of shelves and fix them? Upcycling old furniture is a good way to save money and protect the planet.
3. Eco-Friendly Storage Bags
For things you are going to store at home, invest in eco-friendly storage bags. Most people use plastic bags to store their things, but plastic is terrible for the environment. Hemp bags are a sustainable, affordable alternative. The good thing about hemp bags is that they are very durable and can withstand a lot of use, which means they can long outlast plastic ones. Also worth noting is that when a hemp bag begins to show signs of wear or deteriorate, it can be repurposed and turned into an item of clothing, a cloth, or a hand towel.
4. Compostable Trash
Buy a compost bin for your yard. A compost bin will give you somewhere to discard food scraps. Throwing food scraps in a compost bin will prevent them from going to waste. You can then use the compost you make for gardening. Not only will homemade compost save you a lot of money, but it’ll also stop you from having to use compost that contains harmful chemical additives, which many store-sold composts do. There are guides and articles you can use online that break down home composting. It’s worth reading them before you start doing it yourself.
5. Repurpose Old Items
Don’t make the mistake of throwing away old furniture. You can repurpose them and turn them into storage solutions. As mentioned above, it’s much better to repurpose old items than it is to buy new ones. When you buy new storage furniture, you are contributing to deforestation and unsustainable furniture manufacturing processes. You are also likely wasting money since furniture is more expensive than ever. If you are going to upcycle furniture, there are lots of guides you can use for free online. It’s worth exploring digital guides if you are interested in upcycling, as they can be very motivational and informative.
6. Recycle and Resell
Finally, recycle and resell old things you no longer want to keep. Don’t throw things out unless you absolutely have to, and if you are going to throw things away, recycle them. You can buy a recycling bin for your house if you don’t already have one. There are also recycling centers where you can take the trash. If you have any old items of furniture you don’t want to upcycle for yourself, you can upcycle and sell them. Selling upcycled furniture on the internet can be a profitable and effective way to make money.
If you have too much stuff at home and it’s making your house unlivable, follow the guidance given here. This post’s advice will hopefully help you resolve storage problems and perhaps even make yourself some money from upcycling.
0 comments
Let customers speak for us
Blog posts
A low-waste haircare routine should make everyday life easier, not leave you with more half-used bottles, complicated swaps and products that never quite suit your hair. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog guide, we explore how to build a practical routine that reduces waste by focusing on what you already own, choosing fewer products and making each one last longer. From finishing shampoos and styling products before replacing them to washing more efficiently, using less hot water and choosing refillable, concentrated or bar formats carefully, small changes can reduce both packaging and unnecessary consumption. We also look at styling products, hairsprays, durable tools, towels, brushes and hair accessories, showing how thoughtful choices can cut clutter while supporting lower-impact habits. Recycling matters too, especially for aerosols, pumps and mixed-material packaging that may not be accepted everywhere. The most sustainable routine is not the one with the most eco-labelled products, but the one you can realistically repeat, even on a busy morning. By buying less, using products fully, caring for reusable tools and adapting your wash routine to your actual hair needs, you can create a simpler, lower-waste approach that works long term.