Forget the main brands, and stock up on Cracking Nuts, a brand founded by a couple who would serve up their homemade nut blends to surfers on the North Devon coast, and now sell online and to local pubs. All the range is free from palm oil, sold in cardboard pots and glass jars with refills. The range includes naked nuts, rosemary spiced, coronation cashews (curry spice)… Source ..read more

Falafel is one of England’s most popular snack foods, mostly sold in supermarkets, and served with hummus. But in the Middle East, falafel is nearly always homemade and served with fresh homemade hummus (served warm, not like the icy, greasy plastic-packed versions here). So let’s travel over the border to enjoy a naturally high-protein snack that’s cheap to make, and good for you too! Source ..read more

Raspberries are one of England’s favourite fruits, but they do go off quickly, so use them up soon after purchasing (or visiting the PYO farm) or freeze to use later on. To do this, wash and dry the berries, then freeze in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a silicone freezer bag. Easy Vegan Berry Cobbler (The First Mess) is an American dessert (like fruit crumble but less crumbly! Source ..read more

Kale is not everyone’s favourite vegetable. But it’s one of the few that grows in England during our ‘hungry gap’ during April (when winter produce has harvested but summer produce is not yet ripe enough to pick). So here a few recipes to ‘disguise’ this unfairly unloved green veggie! Kale has many varieties including ‘cavolo nero’. Just one serving has more calcium than a small carton of semi… Source ..read more

In Italy and France, people who eat meat also eat lentils, yet in England they tend to be reserved for people who are vegan or vegetarian. That’s a shame, because these middle-eastern pulses are super-tasty and make great (cheap) replacements for meat, and also are packed with protein and calcium. If you have a half-opened bag of lentils lying around in the cupboard (or some tins you bought on… Source ..read more

Gravy is real comfort food, whether it’s served over a veggie roast dinner, or with a plate of mashed potatoes. But real gravy is usually simply the cheap by-product of cooked meat, often with added palm oil and other dodgy ingredients. There are not many good vegan gravy brands on the market (we found two, below), so it’s time to learn to make your own. It’s pretty easy once you know how. Source ..read more

Quality zero waste beauty brands cost a little more, but work better so you need less. Good skincare starts on the inside (drink more water than wine, keep out of strong sun, eating well and sleeping more. Choose brands made from plant-based biodegradable ingredients (no ‘parfum’ that is just a term to cloak artificial ingredients). Also avoid collagen (usually made from cow bones) and be careful… Source ..read more

Millions of people wear spectacles and unless you have your eyes lasered, there’s not much you can do but don your specs! There is no evidence that eye exercises improve vision. The best way to help eyesight is to eat well (to reduce chances of macular degeneration), live a healthy lifestyle (diabetes can affect eyesight), avoid eyestrain (get enough sleep and outdoor time, less computer staring!)… Source ..read more

Most of us like to own a few t-shirts to lounge around in. It’s only natural when it gets warm. But polyester and nylon t-shirts leach microplastics into the washing machine, and out to sea. Organic cotton is biodegradable and better for your skin too. As the fibres have not been treated by chemicals, they tend to last longer too, which means garments are more cost-effective long-term. Source ..read more

Spanish food is quite different from Italian food in that it’s a lot more spicy, so bear in mind! Geography and climate has had a big influence on Spanish cuisine and like Italian food, it’s very regional, and shaped by a complex history where invasions and war have modified traditions and ingredients. Never eat rice after 24 hours. Keep recipes away from young children and pets due to onion… Source ..read more