If we were to tell you that you could help save the planet with a bit of internet shopping, would you believe us? With Earth Day coming up, we're all thinking of how we can help reduce our carbon footprint and be kind to the planet. Shopping – be it for clothes, homeware or food – can have a huge impact on the earth, but luckily, we've found a few brands to browse guilt-free. Need another excuse to fill up your basket? You'll be supporting some of the best up-and-coming independent brands, too...
Righteous rugs
Scandinavian-inspired Liv is doing wonders for the planet with their collection of rugs made entirely from plastic bottles. Each rug is carefully handwoven from threads made from recycled plastic, and the result is a beautiful design that's not only adaptable - it's suitable for indoor and outdoor use – but long-lasting and easy-clean, too. PET rugs, live-interior.com (opens in new tab).
Perfect paints
Set up in 2014, Frenchic Paint is the fastest growing chalk paint company in the UK and prides itself on being an all-natural, eco-friendly version of your favourite paints. It's the perfect accompaniment for a weekend project, whether you're upcycling a bargain charity shop find or giving new life to an old chair. The best bit? It's toxin and solvent free. Buy the paint from £5.95, frenchicpaint.co.uk (opens in new tab).
Easy drinking
Using a reusable water bottle saves over 150 plastic bottles a year from going to the landfill - which means you're committing to a huge environmental change with a tiny purchase. Chilly's Bottles (opens in new tab) makes sleek, stylish and convenient water bottles that will last you years - and the designs are beautiful, too. Tropical flower 500ml water bottle, £25, Chilly's Bottles. (opens in new tab)
Statement style
House of Kind's ethos is all about – well, kindness. Run by friends Raina and Cat, the brand encourages the idea of treating yourself as an act of double kindness – to yourself or a friend, and to the planet. They work with small brands and social enterprises that provide great working conditions for their artisans, use recycled or sustainable materials, and donate to causes like fighting breast cancer, domestic violence and animal rescue. Hexagon mirror/terrarium with recycled glass (opens in new tab), £40, House of Kind (opens in new tab)
Cosy by candlelight
We're big fans of The Handmade Soap Company (opens in new tab)'s all-natural soy wax candles. The rest of the company's products are lovely, too – they specialise in natural beauty products like hand creams and shower gels that are just as good for your skin as they are for the planet. Art Deco candle, £15.95, The Handmade Soap Company (opens in new tab).
Comfy cushions
Claribel's fabrics are handwoven by talented artisans in Peru, and the ethical production process is reflected in the brand's beautiful wares. Take this cushion, for example: it's the perfect accessory to add colour and texture to your living room. Evergreen steel blue small print cushion cover (opens in new tab), from £40, Claribel (opens in new tab)
Take a seat
Dorset-based Oggetto is a family-run business that designs, crafts and sources all its stylish products. 'Oggetto' is Italian for 'object', and that simple word summarises the company's ethos – simple, functional pieces that are ethically made to the highest quality. Round Hogla floor seat (opens in new tab), £129, Oggetto (opens in new tab)
Dishwashing duty
Colour-block tea towels are just one example of Edinburgh-based MAiK's stylish and sustainably-sourced pieces. All of the brand's prints are designed in-house, and the company is committed to eliminating plastic use – their packaging is entirely plastic-free. Coral angles organic tea towel (opens in new tab), £12, MaiK (opens in new tab)
Planter power
Interior design-led Ross & Brown stocks the best in contemporary home interiors and gift ideas, specialising in the Scandinavian design we love. The brands and designers it stocks work hard to make their products as sustainable as possible. Take, for example, these minimalist concrete flower pots, designed by Henrik Anderson for LIKEconcrete,which were made using innovative moulding techniques and organic materials to minimise their carbon footprint. Small Liv flower pot (opens in new tab), £18; medium Liv flower pot (opens in new tab), £22; large Liv flower pot (opens in new tab), £26, all Ross & Brown (opens in new tab)
