Home of Juniper came from a dream to collate a range of homeware and gifts with thought and meaning. Each piece at Home of Juniper is conscientiously chosen, not only for the joy it will bring the recipient, but also the positive affect it has on the maker and designer. The range includes jewellery made by fair trade groups in India and South America, ceramics handmade in Leicestershire and Rutland & Clocks made from recycled plant pots. We support startups, mummy’s who make and many more. The core value of this independent brand is to be inclusive: with a range of accessible price points, but most importantly, high quality products.
Guest Post by Elizabeth from Home of Juniper
Image: Home of Juniper
As well as helping people, we try to have a positive impact to the world, too. One of the things that we try to do is limit our impact on the world and sell products that help limit our impact on the world. Here are a few ways we try and help:
1. Recycling Plastic
Image: Home of Juniper Cold-Pressed Soap
We have been really struck with the plastic swap movement and the amazing ideas people have come up with to try and rectify the problem. We have always aimed to be as eco-friendly as possible in how we work (amongst other things, all our gift wrap is ethically sourced), so it is great working with people with the same ideals. Items made from recycled materials were one of the first things we stocked. And we have been excited to extend our plastic revolution pieces this year.
At Home of Juniper we have a wonderful range of products made from recycled materials. Plant labels and bird feeders made from old unused or broken plastic plant pots, placemats produced from recycled paper and made to look like slate (but much lighter weight), soft blankets made from recycled plastic bottles and perfect for use outside, and much more.
Although these are only small things, recycling what we can helps correct some of the pollution. The innovation used to design and create the pieces we sell is truly inspiring. And each piece we sell is carefully chosen to also be useful and they look stunning.
2. Supporting Plastic Alternatives
Image: Home of Juniper Food Wrap
Image: Home of Juniper Food Wrap
As well as recycled plastics and paper, Home of Juniper also have a range of plastic alternatives. Plastic is part of most of our everyday lives. And so finding alternatives is essential in the battle against one-use plastics. Though plastic alternatives can seem expensive to begin with, in the long run, you save money and help the world a little bit. This is the reason we try and be as eco-friendly as possible. We aren't perfect, but each swap means something.
The Home of Juniper range includes; pretty reusable food wraps which replace cellophane, bamboo or metal straws to replace plastic ones, cotton shoppers to carry your food in. There are various ways you can make plastic swaps. One of our favourites are cold-pressed soaps. Using these traditional, natural soaps instead of soap in plastic bottles is another way to limit your plastic disposal. All the soaps we sell are made from natural plant ingredients by a very talented mummy, Rebecca Amesbury.
Each small alternative to throw-a-way plastic means less plastic is cluttering up our seas and countryside. Plus, they can make your lunch look prettier. And can save you money, either by getting money off in coffee shops when you bring your own cup, saving you on plastic bag fees (5p’s add up!), or by being able to reuse things you would usually just buy more of.
3. Becoming Bee Friendly
Image: Home of Juniper Bee Candle
We have always been passionate about bees and for the second year we are partnered with BBCT Bumblebee charity (registered Charity No 1115634, Scottish Charity No SC042830). At least 10% from our bee range will be going to this wonderful bee charity, as it has since January 2017. Our vegan well-being range is due to expand this May to include shea butter hand cream (perfect to fit in the handbag), a large bee candle (the same fresh, fragrance as our votive candle) and a foaming bath and shower gel.
Our bee and butterfly wildflower seeds look lovely and contain a selection of seeds to help encourage bees into your garden. They make affordable gifts (and wonderful wedding favours for eco-friendly couples) and they help support a wonderful charity. Bumblebees are such an important part of our world and the eco-systems in this country. Since we have been partnered with the BBCT, we have learnt a lot about them and the positive impact they have on the world.
Everything we have talked about is currently on our website or will be arriving by June. And we will be adding more sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly products over the year. PS! Let us know what plastic swaps you have made.