With December too often known as the month for indulgence, we wanted to create a guide on how to better navigate the season of excess. From choosing to dine out at one of our Food Waste Pledge participants and supporting their efforts to tackle food waste, to visiting those retailers that are trying to make a difference, Regent Street is home to a whole host of brands trying to make a difference.
Where to grab a conscious bite:
Neat Burger: one of the newest members to join the Food Waste Pledge, Neat Burger is fast food with a difference thanks to its plant-based offering. Serving Beyond Meat burgers that are ethical, sustainable and of course delicious, it’s a perfect pit stop whilst you’re shopping for gifts.
If you’re looking for other places to dine out, read our dining with a difference guide here.
For a festive tipple or feast:
Hawksmoor Air Street’s latest menu means you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your drink of choice will be producing 60% less waste, thanks to its mixologists revising the use of garnish. They also have a number of number of food-waste-friendly dishes, using ingredients that are usually wasted, if you decide to stay for dinner.
For a staycation:
Hotel Café Royal has committed its full operation to the Food Waste Pledge after iconic restaurant Laurent led the charge. With a location in the heart of London, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from flagship stores, Heddon Street foodie quarter and much, much more.
For endless, sustainable style:
BOTTLETOP is often cited as a go-to for anyone seeking luxury accessories. With gifts crafted from sustainably sourced and upcycled materials, something from this special store is sure to make any loved one smile. One of our favourites remains their partnership with the UN for their #TOGETHERBAND, with 100% of the proceeds from each sale are used to support the UN’s key Global Goals and fund life-changing projects.
A winter warmer with a difference:
Whether you’re thinking of buying a new coat, or simply clearing out your wardrobe, J.Crew is here to help. Each year, J.Crew partners with One Warm Coat and works with local charities to distribute donations through to the end of the year, to offer those in needs additional warmth. If you do donate, you will receive a special treat of £25 off any purchases above £125.
Other top tips for sustainable shopping:
- Shop and swap: similar to J.Crew’s charity partnership, lots of brands offer year-round incentives for donating unwanted garments or products that they then reuse, recycle or repurpose. The likes of H&M, L’Occitane, Levi’s, Microsoft, Apple and Kiehl’s are a few brands offering drop-off points in-store
- Look out for fabrics: the likes of tencel is a sustainable fibre, whilst linen and organic cottons use less water in production, so are also less impactful. Where possible, try to avoid the likes of polyester, nylon, viscose as they are non-biodegradable and are often treated with chemicals
- Bring your own bag: where you can, try to reduce unnecessary usage of bags and pop gifts into a sustainable shopper
- Make a list and buy consciously