Notes on Nature

Welcome back to our Indie Spotlight series, where we get to celebrate the independent stores that make our world go round. This month we had the chance to catch up with our wonderful Oxfordshire stockists, The Village Refill.

Going strong since the 70s, Earth Day is dedicated to looking after the place we call home, and, for 52 years, has inspired action on a local, national and global level. In fact, today, it’s difficult to think back to a time when environmental issues were only recognised by a knowing few. So how exactly did Earth Day come about, and how did it become the global movement it is today?

We're not trying to make a molehill out of a mountain, but there are plenty of small, easy things we can all do to make a greener difference to the planet. This Earth Day, we thought it was the perfect time to remind you that sustainable swaps - no matter how small they might seem - will always be worthwhile. Here are nine easy ways to be nicer to nature everyday. 

Greasy hair? We’ve all been there. Just like in nature, it’s normal for our hair and scalp to move in and out of balance. Things like hormones, stress and changing weather can lead to excess oils in your scalp – cue limp, lifeless locks. Luckily, restoring swish-able shine can be a few simple steps away.

Zero-waste and 100% guaranteed to look great on any sink, your refill ritual just got shinier. Introducing our brand new aluminium Refill-a-bottle – also known as the last bottle you’ll ever need to buy. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again and again and again: refill means less landfill. That’s why our bigger, plastic-busting bottles have been around for decades. And now, alongside our 5L and 20L options, there’s a new bottle on the block. 

This month, as part of our Indie Spotlight series, we had the pleasure of chatting to the lovely lot behind Best Health Food Shop – meet Len and Mel. With five stores dotted around the South East, these eco-conscious business owners are on a mission to keep independent, local retail alive and well.

Nature is for everyone. Everyday. Come rain or shine, we embrace it in the great outdoors, but there’s a place for it in the humble indoors too – and we’re not talking about houseplants. Essential oils are an amazing way to connect with the beauty of nature in the place we call home.

Spring is a time of renewal, transformation and fresh starts, so it’s the perfect opportunity to take a more conscious approach to our self-care. For us, looking after ourselves is no good if we’re not looking after nature too – so this is a self-care blog with a difference. Think of it as one for you, one for nature, and say hello to spring with these six acts of kindness. 

There’s a certain magic to the changing of seasons – it’s a chance to notice the wonders of nature at work. The arrival of spring is something that unites countries and cultures across the globe, and it’s been celebrated for thousands (and thousands) of years. Here we look at some of the amazing ways the world welcomes this new beginning.

Knowing what’s best for you and the planet can be big and confusing. But over the years we’ve found that a simple question helps guide us: ‘What would nature say?’

Nothing gives us the warm and fuzzies like a local, independent, eco-friendly store. (And we have a hunch that you might feel the same.) So let us introduce you to our brand new Indie Spotlight series. It’s our way of celebrating our wonderful stockists up and down the country – they really make our world go round.