Tag: zero waste

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Small Swaps, Big Difference – Why Reusable Handmade Items Matter

Constellation-themed sandwich wrap and snack bag on a wooden board. The wrap and bag feature dark blue fabric with white star patterns, evoking a night sky filled with constellations. A sandwich is partially wrapped in the sandwich wrap, a cupcake is inside the snack bag, and fresh strawberries are placed on the board.

Making more sustainable choices doesn’t have to mean completely changing your lifestyle.  In fact, some of the most meaningful changes come from the smallest swaps.

That’s one of the reasons I started In Stitches by Tracey—to create simple, reusable alternatives to everyday items that are often thrown away without a second thought.

Regularly used items such as makeup remover wipes, gift wrap, paper towels, cling film and plastic sandwich bags can all be switched to reusable versions.  By doing this, you’re not only reducing waste but also saving money over time.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making better choices where we can.

Handmade reusable products have a unique advantage. They’re made with care, designed to last, and created by someone who genuinely values quality and sustainability. Every item I make is stitched with attention to detail, so it can be used, washed, and reused many times.

Choosing reusable doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with something as simple as swapping out a single item in your daily routine and those small changes really do add up.

Through my shop, I hope to make it easier for people to choose reusable, reduce waste, and still enjoy beautifully made, practical items.

Thank you for supporting small businesses and making more conscious choices—it truly makes a difference.

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Five ways handmade soap is better for the planet

Handmade Lavender Rose soap

Swapping from liquid soaps in plastic bottles is a great way to help the planet. Here at Gower Lavender we work hard to make our business ‘planet-first’. We have solar power, we grow our lavender without weedkillers and pesticides, our packaging is made of compostable and/or recyclable material, and we use natural, ethical ingredients in our products – and we NEVER use palm oil.

If our business can make planet-first changes, then we reckon you can too. Swapping to a solid soap is a simple change which can have far-reaching benefits.

Here are five reasons to make the change:

1) Solid soap uses less water than liquid soap, so it takes up less space and is lighter – that makes it more efficient to transport, reducing its carbon footprint. And better value for you too!

2) You can say goodbye to plastic packaging. Did you know that only 9 per cent of the plastic ever produced has been recycled? Even if you diligently put your old bottles in the recycling, there’s a high chance they won’t be recycled, ending up in landfill instead

3) Handmade soap is better for your skin. Most liquid soaps are detergent based, stripping moisture from your skin without replacing it. A proper cold process soap like ours is ‘superfatted’, meaning it contains extra oils which hydrate your skin as you wash

4) Buying a handmade soap from a British artisan maker or crafter means you can get much more information about the ingredients, the process and the people behind the brand. You’re also keeping money local, which is better for British businesses, and for the British economy. It also has less distance to travel, and lower ‘soap miles’ equals better for the environment

5) A bar of soap lasts longer than liquid soap, so you don’t have to buy it so frequently – again, better for the planet and better for your pocket!

We take great care in our range of lavender soaps, using as many local, Welsh ingredients as possible, including our own Gower-grown lavender of course! It makes the perfect gift for someone eco-conscious, or who loves eco products but doesn’t want to compromise on luxury. Take a look at our range, and make the swap today!