We believe we all have a part to play in reducing the impact on our environment and need to protect our planet. We want to make you aware of not only ways you can make a change but also what Valley Mill are doing to help too.
Environmental Awareness Days in June
There are many environmental awareness days throughout June. The 5th of June was World Environment Day, May 29 – June 13 in the UK is The Great British Spring Clean, June 16th is World Refill Day and June 17th is National Clean Air Day.
Our Products & Suppliers
Up until early 2020 we only sold products that were made in Wales and in turn, mainly supporting small local businesses. Since then, we have branched out to UK made and UK designed and are only working with businesses who have the same ethos and beliefs as ourselves. Whilst the majority of our products are made in Wales, some of our suppliers products are mainly handmade in the UK or designed in the UK with materials sourced sustainably from outside of the UK.
Carbon Footprint
Our Welsh slate travels only 130 miles from Snowdonia. At Valley Mill it’s not only our products that we want to be eco-friendly, but our staff too. To strive for sustainable living, we offer our team a car share scheme with a monetary bonus to reduce the amount of cars used to travel to work. We also encourage working from home whenever possible. This May we are proud to be starting a cycle to work scheme. Want to find out more about educating yourselves and others? Take a look at the United Nations goals to help transform our world and protect our planet.
Keeping It Local
Valley Mill’s Beliefs to Protect Our Planet
When Valley Mill started in 2007, Kevin Thomas wanted the company to be eco-friendly and materials to be sourced locally providing a low carbon footprint. From day 1 Kevin knew that not only do the products need to be natural but also packaging must be recyclable.
Valley Mill’s natural soy wax candles come in either a re-usable heavy weight tumbler OR reusable tin.
Handmade in Wales using the finest quality soy wax, for a longer burn time and better scent throw. The wooden wick that works perfectly with the soy wax helps to further increase the burn time and to ensure a full surface area melt pool, to get the best possible scent when burning your candle.
Soy wax is important as not only is it a natural, renewable and biodegrable source, it also burns with zero petro soot.
It’s not just our own amazing products that are made from natural raw materials, but all of the new products we source are environmentally-friendly and mainly locally made in the UK. Some of our suppliers use materials sustainably sourced from outside of the UK.
Packaging
We have never used plastic in our products packaging and we use mainly recycled cardboard. In 2020 we also banned plastic bags from our stores.
The harmful effects of plastic is now seen worldwide. Plastic is in our air, our water and our food. Each one of us have a responsibility in reducing plastic pollution.
Reusable Tweedmill Tote Bags
A stylish tote bag, perfect for everyday, these come in a variety of colours and designs. Perfect companion when shopping. Handmade for Valley Mill by Tweedmill in Denbigh, North Wales.
World Refill Day – June 16th
Since Valley Mill was founded in 2007, we have always strived to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. We’re always looking for new alternatives to non-recyclable packaging and products. One of the worst single-use plastics for our environment is plastic water bottles. So we wanted to create and encourage an alternative solution; one that is simple and cost-effective for our customers, whilst making a positive impact on our environment.
These refillable stainless steel water bottles are very durable and last longer than glass and reusable plastic options. They will help you save money long-term, whilst also helping you to do your bit for the planet. Their leak-proof screw top caps make them incredibly practical whilst on the go. Plus, their double-wall insulation keeps your favourite refreshment at the perfect temperature for longer. They are BPA and phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals being released into your drink.
Valley Mill’s refillable stainless steel water bottles are very durable and last longer than glass and reusable plastic options.
They will help you save money long-term, whilst also helping you to do your bit for the planet. Their leak-proof screw top caps make them incredibly practical whilst on the go. Plus, their double-wall insulation keeps your favourite refreshment at the perfect temperature for longer. They are BPA and phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals being released into your drink.
Cutting Down on Single-Use Plastic
Our products reflect our beliefs. From our water bottles to our hip flasks, we want to create and encourage an alternative solution to single use plastic. One that is simple and cost-effective for our customers, whilst making a positive impact on our environment.
Throw Away Culture
How much plastic have you thrown away this week and how much of it was recyclable? It’s hard not to get overwhelmed by it all, however there are always solutions. It takes time and planning but once this change has been made it can be more beneficial on the environment but also your pocket too!
Refill Stations
More and more companies across the globe are consistently finding new and innovative ways of reducing humanity’s footprint on our planet.
Cheers Wine Merchants in Mumbles, Swansea and The Gower Gin Company are two companies that are ahead of their game.
The companies teamed up together to bring an environmentally conscious way of shopping for alcohol.
Save On Waste
Director of Cheers Wine Merchants Dafydd Morris explains why we should all save on waste. “We introduced the Gin refill station at our Mumbles store as it gave customers a great opportunity to both save money and reuse their Gŵyr Gin bottles which in turn helps save on waste.”
“It has proved amazingly popular and we have many customers now reusing their bottles time and time again. We are very proud to be the first shop in Wales to offer this service and I hope it spreads across the UK.”
Natural Beauty for the Planet
Our own beauty products and our suppliers are just full of natural goodness. They’re cruelty free too! Let’s take a look at what you can get from Valley Mill.
We are all striving for sustainable living and Alura Romatics are no different. Part of Valley Mill’s ethos and brand is just this, so it made absolute sense to work together with Alura Romatics.
About Alura Romatics
Stacey, the owner and creator of Alura Romatics, began her love of aromatherapy and essential oils through her mum and her mums trusted Aromatherapy Guide by Christine Westwood. She believed that whatever she was going through in life, there was an essential oil for it. Stacey knew she needed to learn more about these magical oils and became a qualified aromatherapist. Knowing that not all products out there are the same, Stacey decided that creating the perfect product was key. She knew that everyone deserves the best for their health and happiness, thus Alura Romatics was born.
Alongside her small and dedicated team they handmake all of their products and ensure they keep their blends natural and synthetic-free and are committed to making sure as many of their ingredients come from natural sources, where possible. Alura Romatics products use 100% natural fragrances, they contain no harsh chemicals, are vegan and cruelty free and handmade in Cardiff.
Battle Green
Battle Green was established in 2018. Like many people, they were feeling increasingly concerned by the stream of reports on the negative environmental impact humans are having on the planet. It’s hard to believe there are more micro plastics in the oceans than stars in the Milky Way, or that around 100 million marine mammals die from plastic pollution each year.
So, this is why the team knew they needed to create products to help protect the planet.
They are based in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales.
Bramblewood
When searching for new companies to work with, it’s important to us at Valley Mill to find people with similar values to our own. We love to work with like-minded small businesses; that have their own unique story, care about the products that they make and the effect they have on you as a customer, as well as the environment. And BrambleWood Soap Co., the company behind our new skincare range, is exactly that kind of small business!
BrambleWood Soap Co. was founded in 2019 by Laura Cullen. Laura began her company as she wanted to create natural soap and skincare suitable for the whole family. All of her products are handmade in small batches in Dorset. They are 100% natural and are free from chemicals and additives. All of the natural and botanical ingredients have been chosen for their superior smell, aromatherapy qualities, and skin-nourishing properties. Everything Laura has created is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and is as kind to the environment as it is on your budget. They are completely plastic-free and all of the packaging chosen is recyclable or reusable.
About BrambleWood Soap’s Range
These bath bombs’ signature recipe includes moisturising cocoa butter to soothe your skin and essential oils for luxurious natural fragrances. They are wrapped in fully biodegradable glassine bags and recycled paper, meaning there is no plastic waste.
Valley Mill Soaps
Valley Mill natural soaps do not contain artificial colours, preservatives or additives and are free of parabens and SLS; they are just full of natural goodness. They’re cruelty free too!
The combination of bergamot and basil has created a handmade soap which is refreshing and revitalising, without being harsh or abrasive. The fresh bergamot fragrance uplifts and energises, whilst the natural antibacterial properties of the basil work to refresh your skin.
Made by hand at our workshop in South Wales, this 100% natural bergamot & basil soap contains the following nourishing ingredients:
– Shea butter
– Sweet almond oil
– Coconut oil
– Mango butter
– Olive oil
– Castor oil
– Bergamot essential oil
– Basil essential oil
– Coffee powder
– Cinnamon powder
Recycling to Protect Our Planet
Whether you are a business, household or school, we can all do our bit to help. We can drive the change for better living.
If you aren’t sure or need more information of not only where you can recycle but also how we can all minimise the effect we are having on our environment.
A great organisation who can not only tell you where you can recycle but which materials too. They are Recycle More and you find out more details for your business, home or school here.
Recycled Wool
Blanket colours are completely random as they are made from recycled wool from the mill, hence why they are such a great price. No two blankets will be the same.
Therefore you cannot choose a specific colour, you will be sent a completely random colour blanket. All blankets are the same pattern design and the same high quality.
All of Valley Mill’s blankets are handmade for us by Tweedmill in Denbigh, North Wales. 100% British wool.
The random recycled picnic blankets are the budget-friendly option, made using recycled wool just like our best-selling random recycled throws. The use of recycled wool reduces waste, making them just kind to the environment but also to your bank account. But don’t worry, just because they are affordable doesn’t mean they are lacking in quality. Wool naturally repels water, so this combined with the hard-wearing waterproof backing will help keep it clean and dry for longer and last for many summers to come. Why not pair your new picnic rug with our personalised metal bottles to help you stay hydrated whilst away from home and help the environment?
More from Valley Mill
Often the perfect traditional keepsake to mark special occasions, or the ideal gift for those who enjoy long walks and campfires, our stainless-steel hip flasks have a classic design that can be personalised with your unique message.
PLUS between now and Saturday 19th June 2021 17:00 we are offering 10% OFF personalised hip flasks online and instore in Union Street, Swansea. T&C’s apply.
ALSO Photograph Engraving too*.
This June we are giving you the chance to win a fantastic Valley Mill gift pack worth over £100!
The ‘Picnic for Two’ pack consists of:
- Valley Mill Picnic Blanket – luxury cotton quilted waterproof with carry strap (choose from star, palm leaf or triangle design)
- Welsh Slate Small Rope Tray – hand cut with rope handles for a rustic finish
- 2 x Personalised Water Bottles – choose from a variety of colours and personalised for you
- Valley Mill Mixed Berries Candle – made from natural soy wax, wooden wick & comes with a Valley Mill Welsh Slate lid that doubles up as a coaster
Everyone who makes a purchase of £50 or more* ONLINE at valleymill.co.uk AND subscribe to our newsletters will automatically be entered into the draw! T&C’s apply.
