Plastic Fantastic

Super-cool shopping – from recycled ocean waste

You've donated to militant ocean environmentalists Sea Shepherd, and your recycling bins are beginning to look like the Pompidou Centre. But what else can you do to put your money where your mouth is when it comes to ridding Earth of the plastic menace? Look no further, as below we've rounded up the most sincere and stylish set-ups that are saving the Seven Seas

Sportswear: Adidas X Parley for the Oceans

The sportswear giant dipped its toe into ethical consumerism in 2016, when what was thought to be a niche project – limited edition Ultra Boost running shoes woven from recycled ocean waste – caused the kind of queues normally reserved for 'hypebeast' labels like Supreme. More than one million pairs were sold in 2017. The collaboration with NY environmental design agency Parley now extends to over 140 pieces, including several sneaker styles, running wear, swimwear, and replica soccer shirts.

Sunglasses: Karun

The Swedish ethical eyewear producers' 7 Seas Collection is not only created from recycled fishing nets and carbon fibre, it was engineered in tandem with professional sailors who'd taken part in the Volvo Ocean Race. The accessories don't let the side down either; straps are woven from recycled cotton and leather found littering the Patagonian wilderness. If you prefer a vintage style for your shades, try Karun's Wood Collection, also made from reclaimed Patagonian wood.

Backpack: Stella McCartney X Parley X Sea Shepherd

To be fair to Stella, she was down with conscious consumerism before most. And every penny of profit from the sale of this rucksack goes to Sea Shepherd, which is like a cross between Greenpeace and the Special Boat Squadron. Available now, with extra chunky zips.

Yoga Mats: Uncommon Goods

A cruel irony that has long haunted the outdoor sports scene is that the gear you need to wear often harms the environment it's made to cope with. The waterproofing chemicals on your high-spec rainwear are just one example. Another is the neoprene used for wetsuits, which is derived from mined chemicals and is non-biodegradable – the equivalent of 30 double-decker London buses being cast into landfill every year. Step forward Uncommon Goods, whose yoga mats made from abandoned California wetsuits won't accumulate dust or bacteria from studio floors.

Children's Toys: Green Toys

Nothing says 'socially unacceptable' quite like plastic kiddies' toys littering the lounge area, right? Well not anymore. California's Green Toys have recycled 53 million plastic milk jugs (and counting, at the time of writing) and even the boxes are printed with soy ink. The new toys are made in the USA too, and the brand recently collaborated with the original right-on TV show, Sesame Street. Sure, the rumpus room may never be the most aesthetically pleasing part of the house – but what price conscience? Also, check out Ocean Sole, who create soft toy animals from discarded flip-flops.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, contact your Lifestyle Manager for more details on these and other innovative, planet-conscious brands.

Meanwhile, Quintessentially's experts are heavily committed to environmental causes and would love your input. Quintessentially Foundation is involved in a plethora of causes dedicated to ensuring that valuable resources and food produce don't go to waste. Contact them to help or donate: [email protected]