A recently published article in the Guardian celebrates ethical spending in the UK hitting a record high, swelling to reach over £41 billion. Consumables take the largest portion, with energy, home and personal products scooping up significant portions of the rest. The industry that has had the most tussles with ethical issues however, the one […]
Latest Posts from The Blue Patch Blog
Why the ethical fashion sector in the UK struggles to grow
in Sustainable Living Tags #buylocal ethical fashion Fashion Independent UK makers Sustainability sustainable and ethical products Sustainable living
What does net-zero mean for British businesses?
in Environment, Sustainable Living Tags Advice for small businesses british business carbon saving circular economy low carbon net zero sustainable sustainable business
In the past few months the discussion on climate change has intensified, with strategic conversations taking place to shape policy both globally and locally. Earlier in 2019, the UK became the first country to pledge to bring all its net emissions to net zero by 2050. A few cities have stepped up to the challenge with Bristol […]
10 ideas for sustainable stocking fillers made in the UK
in Sustainable Living Tags British made christmas gifts Made in britain sustainable and ethical products UK artisans and designers
Stocking fillers are a wonderful extra little surprise. Yeah there’s a gift or three under the tree for you, prettily wrapped. Still, it’s fun reaching into a stocking to pull out tiny little treasures.If you’re racking your brains for stuff to put into stockings, here are some ideas from us. 1. Squeaky clean and smells […]
We’re totally crackers about these ethical Christmas crackers
in Sustainable Living Tags British made christmas christmas crackers circular economy eco friendly christmas crackers ethical christmas crackers Made in britain Sustainable living
We’ve been on the hunt for eco friendly, sustainable Christmas crackers that are made here in the UK. I think that one of the most fun things about a very British Christmas are definitely the crackers. A small gift, a joke, a crown and you can be Queen (or King) for the day, along with […]
Tis’ (almost) the season: 6 non-traditional British advent calendars
in Blue Patch Business, Sustainable Living Tags british business British design British made christmas handmade Independent UK makers Made in britain Sustainable British Made Sustainable Makers UK artisans and designers
Have you started playing Christmas music yet? I haven’t. For me, Christmas begins with the advent season and leads up to a day spent with family, good food, drinks, full spirits and lots of fun. I love a good advent calendar. Mind you, my favourites are the ones with adult beverages but I do like […]
What does it mean to be an ethical business in 2029?
in Blue Patch Business Tags Advice for small businesses Business ethical business Independent UK makers Natural products Sustainable Makers
In 2017 we featured this guest blog written by Sian Conway of #EthicalHour on what it means to be an ethical business. Now as we step into the first days of 2020 we’ve decided to revisit this issue and share our thoughts with you. So, what does it mean to be an ethical business in […]
Making waves: British brands creating cool things from recycled marine plastic
in Sustainable Makers Tags British design British made Made in britain plastic waste recycled Sustainability sustainable and ethical products Sustainable British Made Sustainable Makers upcycled
A few days ago American Express announced a complete revamp of its classic Green Card. Following a long list of the benefits of owning an Amex Green card comes the revelation that the card is designed using reclaimed ocean plastic collected from beaches by Parlay for the Oceans. Coca Cola too has been in the […]
A garden transformed : From mud to spud, or kale as it happens!
in Gardening Tags biodynamic soil Fruit and Veg Gardening organics Tomatoes wildlife
Memories of a lovely late summer! The Blue Patch garden has come on in leaps and bounds from a neglected tangle of weeds to nature-friendly oasis. The garden is now in the capable hands of Theo from The Almanac Garden. Theo is creating the ultimate eco-garden. Within a week butterflies, not seen for years, […]
Thrive at 25
in Environment, Our Members and Patrons, Youth Blog Tags Avonmouth Wind Farm Green Energy Thrive Renewables UK energy
Celebrating the past and envisioning the future at Thrive’s 25th birthday party By Nick Stromberg 2019 marks 25 years in which Thrive Renewables has been connecting people to renewable energy. Last Friday, the celebrations for this exciting anniversary were launched with a two day open day event, in association with Bristol Open Doors, that welcomed […]
Look who won! Blue Patch Awards 2019
in Blue Patch Awards, Blue Patch Events, Blue Patch News Tags Art Workers Guild circular economy social impact Sustainable Business Awards party 2019 sustainable innovations
A great time was had by all at the Blue Patch Sustainable Business Awards. Conversation and wine flowed at the Art Workers’ Guild, 6, Queen Square, London WC1. The Guild, founded in 1884 by architects and designers, included members of the Arts & Crafts Movement, making it the perfect place for welcoming our Award winners […]