EcoBlog

Choosing a plastic-free deodorant is about more than finding a natural label. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog guide, we revisit the practical checks that can help you compare ingredients, packaging and manufacturing claims before buying. We explain the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, why plastic-free packaging does not automatically mean aluminium-free, and why natural ingredients are not a guarantee of suitability for sensitive skin. The article also looks at refillable formats, local recycling requirements and the questions worth asking about ingredient sourcing. Rather than promising that one type of deodorant is safest for everyone, the focus is on a product that suits your skin, works for your routine and comes with clear information. It is a considered approach to lower-waste personal care, with reliable guidance to help you look beyond broad marketing claims.

What happens when everyday shopping habits no longer reflect the way you want to live? In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog article, we revisit the founders’ 2019 account of stepping away from Amazon and supporting smaller retailers. Amy and her partner describe how concerns about packaging waste, convenience and ethical shopping helped shape the beginnings of Friendly Turtle. The story follows their search for inspiring independent brands, the practical work of building an online shop and the dilemmas that arose when those same brands also sold through larger marketplaces. It preserves the personal character of the original while making clear that references to the age of the company and its charity pledge belong to that period. Alongside the story, readers can find practical guidance on reducing plastic waste and checking the evidence behind environmental claims before deciding where to shop.

The UK’s environmental laws changed significantly after this article was first published in 2019. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog piece, we look back at the proposed Environment Bill and the hope that stronger environmental governance could improve protection for oceans, rivers, wildlife, air and waste management after the UK left the European Union. The original article focused on Surfers Against Sewage and its #GenerationSea campaign, which encouraged people to speak up for stronger protections and healthier waters. A later version became the Environment Act 2021, so the article has been updated with historical context while keeping its original campaign message. It also links readers to current Surfers Against Sewage action, reflecting how ocean campaigning has evolved while concerns around plastic pollution, water quality and long-term environmental protection remain highly relevant.

Reusable cups and water bottles can be a simple way to reduce dependence on disposable drinks packaging and make everyday routines less wasteful. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog article, we look at the practical advantages of choosing durable reusable drinkware, from using the same cup or bottle repeatedly to refilling on the go and potentially saving money over time. The guide also considers convenience, cleaning and the importance of choosing a size and material that suits your routine, because a reusable product only delivers its full benefit when it is used regularly. Originally published in 2019, the article has been lightly refreshed while keeping its original message and structure. Whether used for coffee, water or other everyday drinks, a well-chosen reusable cup or bottle can be a straightforward alternative to repeatedly buying single-use containers.

Avoiding single-use plastic does not have to mean changing your whole lifestyle overnight. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog guide, we revisit seven practical swaps that can reduce everyday reliance on disposable plastic, from reusable shopping bags and water bottles to coffee cups, food containers and cutlery. The article was originally published in 2019, when public awareness of plastic pollution was growing quickly, and it has been refreshed with current links and cleaner guidance while keeping the original ideas intact. We also look at why reusables work best when they are genuinely used again and again, rather than simply replacing one disposable item with another. Small habits such as carrying a bottle, cup or bag before leaving home can make low-waste choices easier, more convenient and more consistent over time. The aim is not perfection, but practical changes that are simple enough to keep using.

Sand is one of the world’s most heavily used natural resources, yet it is easy to assume that it is virtually unlimited. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog article, we explore why construction-grade sand can become scarce even when beaches and deserts appear full of it. The piece looks at demand from buildings, roads, glass and industry, as well as the environmental and social problems linked to poorly managed extraction. It also considers examples from riverbeds, wetlands and coastal areas, where removing too much sand can damage habitats and increase pressure on local communities. Originally published in 2019, the article has been refreshed with current links and context while keeping its original focus. It also looks at ways smarter construction, better material efficiency and responsible recycling may help reduce unnecessary demand for newly extracted sand.

Surfers Against Sewage has long been one of the UK’s best-known marine conservation charities, bringing communities together to protect oceans, beaches and waterways. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog article, we look back at why the organisation stood out to us when we chose our charity partner in 2019. Plastic pollution and the growing impact of single-use plastics on marine life were among the environmental issues we cared most strongly about, making Surfers Against Sewage a natural fit with Friendly Turtle’s values. The charity combines community action, education and campaigning, including its Plastic Free Communities programme, to help reduce avoidable plastic waste and encourage cleaner, healthier waters. This article reflects our original 2019 partnership and the reasons we chose to support its work at the time, while highlighting why local action and long-term environmental awareness remain important.