Welcome to Citizen Femme’s May 2024 Sustainable Edit, showcasing the sustainable collectives on our radar this month.
Including imitation diamonds, consciously-made handbags and plant-based Caribbean food, these are the names making a positive change this May.
JEWELLERY
Heavenly London
Originally launched by Belinda Scott, in 1993, to supply the finest imitation jewellery to her friends and family – and subsequently members of the Royal Family – Heavenly London was taken over by her daughter Madeleine in 2020 and mirrors the same ethos: to create luxury sustainable-diamond alternatives that are accessible to all. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand, with responsibly-sourced metals and conflict-free moissanite, cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds used across a variety of styles from necklaces, bracelets and rings, ranging in price from £40-£1,700. Aside from the sustainable materials, Heavenly London promotes sustainable economic development and positive community impact and, as a female-run business, is committed to promoting the safety and wellness of young women throughout the world by supporting charities including ActionAid and Womankind.
BEAUTY
bareMinerals
Our pick of Earth Month’s limited-edition beauty collections is the Eco-Beautiful range from bareMinerals. The iconic natural makeup brand has further committed to reducing the use of virgin plastic and new raw materials in its packaging, working with the Forest Stewardship Council for its Eco-Beautiful collection. The result is a loose powder, designed to give a sunny glow to all complexions and housed in a recycled jar decorated with spring florals, and an Eye and Cheek Palette inspired by spring’s florals – Becki Murray
STAY
OKU Kos
It’s easy to reel off a long list of all the sustainably-minded initiatives that OKU Kos has put into practice – 100 percent solar electricity and triple-filtered, potable water in all bedrooms; vegetables sourced from local farmers; herbs grown on-site; beach cleans every two weeks (yes, guests can join in); and proud home to stray cats – but this adult-only resort offers so much more. A truly calming space; settle into the typically-Greek, white-washed buildings for beach-side yoga in the morning and long, lazy dinners come evening. How you spend your time in between is up to you – we suggest sinking into one of the squishy sun loungers on the beach, by the pool, or in your own private garden – Katie Silcox
FASHION
C.Nicol
This female-owned handbag brand based in the Scottish Highlands creates consciously-crafted designs that are built to last. The seasonless collections are made using high-grade leathers from tanneries with environmentally positive practices and finished by accomplished craftswomen, and the brand is part of the Climate Action Hub by the Scottish Business Climate Collaboration, which helps small Scottish businesses achieve net zero (and has already achieved silver status). C.Nicol’s modern, minimalist designs are also available to rent on fashion rental platform My Wardrobe HQ, allowing people to borrow the item they’re thinking about buying before making the purchase – and giving a new life to samples and past season collections.
EAT
Jam Delish
Founded in 2020 by brother and sister duo, Jordan and Chyna, who wanted to offer their grandparents’ authentic Caribbean recipes with a plant-based twist, this family-owned restaurant in Angel, London, has identified a gap in the market for modern Caribbean vegan cuisine. One of a kind in London’s food scene, Jam Delish’s trailblazing menu is loved by both herbivores and carnivores alike. Ethics and sustainability are a huge part of the founders’ morals and ensure regenerative and green practices are implemented throughout all aspects of the business. Jam Delish prides itself on employing underrepresented individuals in the labour market, providing vegan cooking workshops and demos in local schools, and using authentic Caribbean suppliers with fresh, seasonal produce. Stand-out dishes include the Jerk ‘Chicken’ Skewers and Curry ‘Goat’ and the Jerk ‘Pork’ Belly Tacos.
Lead image: OKU Hotel, Kos
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