Leakproof. Drinking Bottles - an eco-friendly Christmas gift idea

I actively strive to lead as much of a sustainable lifestyle as I possibly can. From choosing a plant based diet to ditching plastic straws to using cloth bags to taking a travel cup to coffee shops and using bamboo cutlery for eating takeout food, I believe we each have a personal responsibility to do our best to help protect our planet. Every small step is a positive contribution and can help create the change so desperately needed.

Approximately 35.8 million plastic bottles are used in the UK every day.  16 million of these will end up as litter, pollute our oceans or go to landfill where they will take over 450 years to decompose. Refusing single use plastic bottles is something each of us can do to alleviate this devastating environmental issue that blights our landscapes and waterways and poses a threat to our wildlife.

There are many alternatives to buying single use plastic bottles, such as using a refillable bottle for drinking on the go. These are safer, durable, easy to clean and environmentally friendly. Using a refillable bottle, you can personally save up to 1460 plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or from choking our oceans every year (based on drinking four bottles a day). 

Leakproof. provides BPA free, spill proof, leak proof water bottles, drinks bottles, sports water bottles and leak proof travel mugs. Their Ion8 leak proof steel water bottles are an ideal solution for both hot and cold drinks and come in a range of sizes and colours. I've received a 17oz bottle in mint. I love the sleek design and the great colour and powder coat paint finish. The size is the width of a regular can so it easily fits into standard cup holders or mesh bottle pockets. They make it simple to stay hydrated when out and about.

Their 100% leak proof reusable water bottles have a ridged cap that is easy to open with just one twist and the wide mouth is nice to drink from. ThermoShield double walled vacuum insulated pro-grade stainless steel keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours, or cold for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for drinking on the go, while the Flavour Shield preserves freshness. These drinks bottles are not only leak proof, they also stay condensation free so you can put them in a bag without worrying. The bottles are really durable and will last for years without corroding or degrading.

This Christmas, I'm going to be gifting environmentally friendly, sustainable and vegan gifts to my loved ones. These Leakproof. bottles fit the bill perfectly. Priced between £14.99 and £22.99 they are a gift that can be used for years to come and will most definitely contribute to your personal journey towards protecting the planet and are a simple solution to the issue of single use plastic bottles.

Find out more at www.leakproof.co.uk.

A Unique, Handcrafted Gift to Celebrate Your Family - Family Birthstone Drops

With Christmas fast approaching (yes, we are now less than 100 days away from the big day!) my thoughts are turning towards Christmas planning. This year, I am looking at ways to create a more compassionate and sustainable festive season, and will be sourcing more food and gifts from independent businesses that share my ethics and values. I love the idea of giving unique, personalised gifts that are lovingly made by craftsmen, rather than things that are mass produced in factories.

Something that perfectly ties in with my Christmas wishes this year is this beautiful, handcrafted birthstone family tree set in a tactile wooden drop.

Made using reclaimed and repurposed woods such as mahogany, each Family Stone Drop begins as a hand carved ergonomic and tactile wooden drop. The ornaments are then handset with the birthstones of your family, configured in an arrangement approved by you, to create a bespoke piece that is completely unique and as individual as you are. Each creation comes with a numbered and dated certificate, in a beautiful presentation box.

My Birthstone Family Tree has the gemstones of Ian and I at the top, with my five children and two grandchildren included below us. Each of the three generations portrayed has a different sized stone, ours being the biggest and my two grandbabies having the smallest stones. It's a beautiful representation of our bloodline at this moment in time, displayed in a very unique way.

I love having something that represents the people I love most in the world that I can display in my home. It's a great talking point! I also find it very comforting to hold, making me feel close to everyone. It really is so tactile and feels so nice in my hand. There is something about wood; the warmth, the texture and the smell, that I love. And knowing that this is made using specially sourced, reclaimed wood makes it eco-friendly, creative recycling at its very best.

The family stone drop would make a wonderful gift for any parents and grandparents this Christmas. The presentation of the piece makes it perfect for giving. The unique design and loving craftsmanship makes something precious to treasure for years to come.

The birthstone family trees will soon be available to order on Etsy but if you want to express an interest or find out more, you can find the talented craftsman behind the product on Facebook, where you can drop him a message!