Notes on Nature

Set up in 2017 by Surfers Against Sewage, Plastic Free Communities is a UK-wide network of passio...

We know, change is scary. Our hair care routines become so habitual, it’s hard to switch them up. You’ve probably heard about our zero-waste shampoo and conditioner bars (admittedly, we like to talk about them a lot) but maybe you need a little more convincing. Do they even lather? Will they even work? Here’s everything you need to know.

The plastics problem is bigger than any one of us. But imagine if all of us did one thing differently. For #PlasticFreeJuly (or as we like to call it, plastic free always) we’re looking at ways we can turn the tide on waste. Here are nine easy ways to reduce your plastic footprint every day.

Whether you’re recreating a spa retreat or squeezing in five mindful minutes before bed – dry brushing suits every kind of self-care routine. It’s quick. It’s effective. And it’s satisfyingly simple. Here’s how to take your skin from glum to glowing in a matter of minutes with this natural (and inexpensive) exfoliation technique. 

As summer days come back around and nature buzzes in the balmy heat, it’s a given that we’re spending more time adventuring outdoors. Soaking up the sun is great news for mood-boosting vitamin D, but too much of the bright stuff can be hard on our skin and hair – then there’s the sea water, chlorine, dust and sweat to deal with. Keep your hair healthy and your skin glowing all summer long with these hot weather hair and skincare tips.

Curly girls – we’ve got you covered. This month we caught up with natural beauty and curl care extraordinaire @abbiecurls to clue-up on how she works our naturally nourishing Shea & Argan range into her three step wash day routine. 

The summer solstice is here again and all around the northern hemisphere age-old celebrations like bonfires, feasts and festivals are underway, but there are quieter ways to revel in the daylight hours. A walk in nature, a picnic in the sun, or an afternoon creating cyanotype prints.

Welcome to Culture Forager, a place for you to root around and rummage in what’s been piquing our interest each month. From books to podcasts, poems to recipes (and pretty much anything else we think you should know about) we’ll take you through our top five foraged findings.

Wild swimming – our favourite way to cool off, connect with nature and soak up the sights of the great British countryside all at once. In the UK we’re lucky that some of the most incredible dipping spots are right on our doorstep. Endorphin seekers – these are some of the best rivers, lakes and lagoons to tick off your swim list this summer (and all year round!). 

We’re living in the ‘anthropocene’ — the epoch in which human activities have come to dominate the planet. And years from now our descendants will know precisely when it started by looking at the layers of plastic in the fossil record. It’s not a legacy any of us want to leave. It’s not something we’re personally comfortable with and we know you’re not either. But what can we do about it? 

Our oceans cover 70% of the Earth, contain 94% of the world's wildlife and yet we've still only mapped 5% of them. So what exactly is in them? 

When it comes to holding down a hair care routine, no one solution suits all. Dry? Oily? Curly? Sensitive scalp? Sometimes our hair needs a helping hand. Using our naturally-derived, vegan shampoos, conditioners, these are some simple ways to get more out of your mane – happy hair days, here we come.