Hey there, eco-warriors and planet-conscious folks! Today, we're shining the spotlight on Battle Green, a brand that's been making waves since 2018 with its mission to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable living. We chatted with Lucy & David, the brains behind Battle Green to get the lowdown on how this inspiring brand came about, what fuels their passion, and how they're making a difference.
The Birth of Battle Green
It all started with a shared concern for our planet. Battle Green's founders, like many of us, were deeply troubled by the alarming reports of environmental damage caused by human activities. Think about it – there are more microplastics in the oceans than stars in the Milky Way! Or that over 100 million marine mammals die from plastic pollution annually! That's not the world we want to leave behind.
So, Lucy & David decided to take action. Battle Green was born out of a desire to provide eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items, making it easier for all of us to reduce single-use plastic in our homes and on the go. They knew that areas of life like these were big contributors to the global waste crisis, and they wanted to be part of the solution. From reusable products to refillable options, Battle Green aimed to help people save money and reduce waste over time.
The Name: A Call to Action
Ever wondered about the name Battle Green? It's not just a catchy moniker; it's a call to action for sustainable living. The first street Lucy lived on as a child was named Battle Green. It resonated as a reminder that we must stand up and fight for a greener, more sustainable future, pushing back against wasteful practices.
Nature as a Muse
Living in the majestic foothills of Snowdonia, next to Wales' highest peak, Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh), Battle Green's founders draw daily inspiration from the natural world around them. Snowdonia, with its breathtaking beauty, serves as a constant reminder of the importance of preserving our environment. Even in such remote areas, the scourge of plastic waste has left its mark, with microplastics even found in places like Llyn Glaslyn, a remote lake near the summit of Snowdon.
Supporting Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Initiatives
Battle Green firmly believes that businesses, big or small, can be forces for good. Since its inception, they've been active supporters of various sustainable initiatives. They're proud members of Surfers Against Sewage, supporting efforts to clean up beaches and seas through donations and campaign engagement. For every Battle Green box sold, they plant a tree, contributing to a virtual forest on Ecologi. They also volunteer weekly at a local animal sanctuary, Freshfields, donating £1 to them for every gift wrap sold each Christmas. And finally, they partner with menstrual hygiene charity Flo Haven twice a year, donating reusable products to help girls in Nigeria combat period poverty.
Small Business Triumphs and Challenges
Running a small business isn't always a walk in the park. Battle Green's journey has been marked by several highlights, including winning awards for their handmade cosmetics and getting their zero waste kits stocked in National Trust shops. One standout moment is seeing the impact of their donations, via Flo Haven, on girls in Nigerian villages, where reusable pads bring newfound freedom and confidence - things that we often take for granted.
However, the road to sustainability is paved with challenges. As both animal lovers and vegans, Lucy & David ensure all their products are PETA certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free which demands time and diligence. Sourcing sustainable materials, especially when terms and claims aren't always clear, regulated or verifiable, requires thorough research and commitment. Juggling multiple roles, from product development to website management, social media & even business accounting, is an everyday reality for small business owners.
Zero Waste, Zero Compromise
One unique aspect of Battle Green is their zero-waste approach to products and packaging. Their cosmetics incorporate upcycled ingredients like coffee grounds, charcoal, and waste raspberry seeds. Upcycled wood discarded from furniture making is used for cutlery sets, and the lining for reusable snack bags is made from recycled bottles. They prioritise plastic-free, compostable, or recyclable packaging. Most products come in refillable containers, further reducing waste. Imperfect or wonky items find new purpose through donations to their local food bank, and orders are shipped in recycled cardboard boxes and paper tape.
While they offer reusable alternatives to everyday items, it's important that the materials used for their products also help to reduce waste.
From Idea to Market: The Battle Green Process
Curious about how they develop new products? Battle Green's journey is primarily guided by customer feedback. They create products based on what people love, need, and want to see more of. Research is key, as they seek natural, plant-based, organic, and upcycled ingredients to craft effective alternatives to synthetic formulas. Months of testing and refining go into product development. Equally important and time consuming is designing eco-friendly packaging, free from plastic. Their focus is often on products that typically come in hard-to-recycle packaging, like dry shampoo, to create more sustainable alternatives.
The Hero Product: Lavender & Tea Tree Natural Deodorant
Among Battle Green's offerings, the Lavender & Tea Tree Natural Deodorant stands out. It was the first product they started selling in 2018 and was something Lucy had been making for herself for many years prior. It was the first product that won an award at the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2020 and continues to be a best seller. Its success symbolises Battle Green's commitment to creating effective, sustainable alternatives that make a positive impact on our planet.
So, there you have it – the inspiring journey of Battle Green, a small brand that's championing big change towards sustainability and fighting plastic pollution, one eco-friendly product at a time. Through Lucy & David’s dedication to making sustainable living accessible to all, Battle Green is proving that small steps can lead to big changes for our planet.
If you're on a mission to reduce your environmental footprint, be sure to check out their fantastic range of eco-friendly products. Together, we can make a difference and battle for a greener, more sustainable future!
