Let’s talk eco. The more we say it, are shopping for it, challenge brands about it, the more it will stick. If you’re looking for something that’ll give you an added ‘feel good’ factor… these are the products for you.
A sucker for brightly coloured yoga anything, these gorgeous mats from Wild Body Active are keeping me energised this year. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, their aim is to produce eco-friendly mats that are both unique in design and super functional too. Made from natural materials, these mats are extremely versatile whether you’re into yoga/Pilates or a more traditional workout, so the only question is… which pattern do you fancy the most. The premium microfiber top will absorb sweat making for a supremely grippy surface suitable. They are all 100% recyclable, biodegradable and free from PVC, chlorine, phthalates, latex, silicone and all other toxic nasty’s. Made with natural tree rubber and water-based inks so you’ll be able to wash them with ease too.
Founded by locally based Scandinavians Henna and Anna, OHOY is the uber chic and ethical solution to our summer, created with the ocean in mind. Their one-piece’s, boasting the hottest SS18 shades, are on my wish list this season and I salute these ladies for their environmentally friendly approach to my favourite piece of clothing. All OHOY swimwear is produced from plastic and fishing nets collected from the sea & recycled into luxurious Italian fabrics and to top it off… made here in the U.A.E.. Tested in real-life conditions and leading the way in terms of materials too, as they are also twice as resistant to chlorine, sun creams and oils so the weather’s the only excuse for not jumping in.
Who doesn’t have a pair of sunglasses for every occasion? *I tell myself as I hand over the credit card for these…* The WildWood frames are without a doubt the perfect pair for the beach and all manner of outdoor adventures in the U.A.E.. Based in Dubai, these wooden sunglasses aren’t just for show, as they are fully U.V. protected. They’re on an eco-friendly fashion mission too, having recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and plant a trees through their ‘Plant a Billion’ campaign for every product they sell. 1 sale = 1 planted tree… Voila guilt-free shopping.
Why should my shopping be blameworthy when the World benefits from it… Right now I love products that are made differently and the VEJA sneaker project is made with a really positive process. Using organic & fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes, wild and fairly traded rubber for the soles, they also use solely recycled plastic bottles to create their unique technological fabric! Made in Brazil, these beauties can be bought in Dubai’s favourite athleisure hub, Hautletic.
Ok, so not technically an apparel brand, but any product you buy from the Sea Shepherd UAE will all go towards helping to keep the ocean and its wonderful wildlife clean and safe. I’ve been stocking up on their famous swimwear and recently launched bikini’s, that features the iconic skull and harpoon logo and is made by famed Aussie brand Gypsea. They’re available now at Shay Martian at La Mer Dubai, and also the Surf House Dubai too!
*As featured in Women’s Health Middle East, Dec 2017.