Instagram is a funny thing.  It comes up in a lot of conversations with friends, colleagues, customers... it's a mood-board, a portfolio, it's a LinkedIn, a social calendar.  It is, in some ways, fascinating, and I genuinely learn from each conversation.  But whenever we're in doubt, it has a way of reminding us of the true meaning of a 'social media'; we've made some of the most brilliant connections via the platform.  One of which, is Megan, founder of packaging free shop, Re:Store in Hackney Downs Studio.  Also one of our most favourite customers; supportive, game to try all sorts of circular economy models, and source of the best customer review, possibly, to date.

Upcircle have been at the forefront of the upcycling beauty revolution.  They epitomise authenticity, and really, their products speak for them selves.  To see how far they have come, so quickly - they even appeared on Dragon's Den last year - is hugely inspiring.  Whether you are an aspiring/existing entrepreneur, customer of theirs, passionate about skin care, avid sustainability advocate, or never even heard of them (have you been living under a rock), UpCircle are the ones to watch. 

I find, that a 'Zero Waste' or 'Sustainable' christmas means a reductionist way of thinking; and that perhaps it can come across repeatedly negative, and off putting for many.  No this, and don't do that.   And while it is true, it is encouraging minimising our consumption, of everything from energy, to christmas presents [though let's be real, did we really need all that stuff to begin with..].  But perhaps by having a more positive language, we might inspire more people to try?

The mornings are crisp, autumn has most definitely arrived.  As have 2500 varieties of apple, apparently.