As we enter a new year, we continue as ever to promote sustainable, ethical practices and plant-based solutions. Here are some of our favourite plant-based trends we’re expecting to see a lot more of in 2021…
Sustainable Leaf Leather
There have been many attempts at creating plant-based leather alternatives over the years – some more successful than others. But now, we might have finally cracked it! We’re going to see lots of leaf leather on the fashion circuit in 2021 – a durable, water-resistant, elegant, new innovation that is taking the world by storm.
To make the material, leaves are sustainably harvested, soaked in water, dried and then arranged together in a stunning design before being fixed onto cotton and sealed with a non-toxic BOPP film (Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene). In an ideal world, a film wouldn’t be needed, but at the very least this one only releases water vapour and carbon dioxide when incinerated.
The results are absolutely beautiful, maintaining the full appearance of the leaf shapes as well as their natural detail and texture. Take a look at Thamon bags for some of the finest examples we’ve seen.
Adaptogens for energy & immunity
Adaptogens, like ginger, turmeric, ginseng and reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as a form of natural medicine. Now, in the aftermath of a year where energy levels are depleted and the need for a strengthened immune system is an absolute must, these ancient ‘miracle plants’ are gaining popularity once again.
Although CBD is not officially classed as an adaptogen, it certainly works like one as it interacts with the body through multiple pathways to produce a wide variety of effects. Adaptogens, just like CBD, work by achieving balance in the body and, in an astounding feat of nature, sometimes even having polar opposite effects at the same time if that’s what’s needed – for example, boosting energy while promoting a better night’s sleep.
Keep your energy levels up, stress levels down and immune system bolstered the natural way in 2021.
Wooden debit cards
Many of us have been striving towards a lifestyle which helps eradicate single-use plastics, and plastics as a whole, from the world. We know that plastic pollution is now at crisis point. An estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s (that’s equivalent to the weight of more than 800,000 Eiffel Towers). Environment Audit Committee Chair Mary Creagh revealed that approximately 100,000 plastic particles enter the ocean as a result of a single shower, thanks to the many plastic-laden product formulations and packaging that still stands strong on supermarket shelves. It’s even predicted that by 2050, the sea will contain more plastic than fish – and we have yet to discover what affect all of this will have on human health.
It’s vital that we all do our bit to move into plant-based habits, and innovative brand Treecard is doing just that. Plastic debit cards may soon be a thing of the past, with the introduction of this sustainable and incredibly stylish wooden debit card. Not only does it look great and mitigate the need for plastic in your wallet, but it also helps support reforestation of the planet every time you spend. Find out more about it and sign up for your card here.
Growing food indoors
We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors over the past year, and it looks like this might be set to continue for a while – so why not bring the wellness benefits of gardening into your home?
The wellbeing side effects of working with nature are well documented, so much so that many NHS GPs will now offer ‘green prescriptions’ instead of the usual pharmaceutical solution. This is simply an advisory to take on your own gardening project to improve mental health.
Studies have shown that gardening can help reduce anxiety, relieve stress, release anger and even alleviate depression, partly thanks to microbes called Mycobacterium vaccae which are present in soil. Direct contact with this has been found to be so effective in improving mental health as they mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide.
Take a look at this excellent guide on growing food indoors, provided by Pebble magazine.
All things cannabis
We’re finally reaching a new age for cannabis use and understanding in the UK – and across the world. The CBD industry is booming, as people continue to discover the unique balancing benefits; medical cannabis regulations are changing; and as a result more and more products are becoming available. We have yet to see which direction this we head now that Brexit has taken place, but we have hopes that the eventual outcome will be positive!
Of course, with this trend continuing to grow in 2021, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what makes a good cannabis product. When it comes to anything you put onto or into your body, like the products Kloris provides, it is vital to look for organic, 3rd party tested, full or broad spectrum products. But it’s not all about wellbeing – there are new entries into cannabis fashions, including cannabis perfumes, cannabis candles and the extended use of sustainable hemp materials too!
