Maria Slough on the search for vegan options {Part II}

As these weeks have passed us all by, I have become even more aware of how important exercise is for both mental and physical health and how good quality sleep goes hand in hand with that. For many years an old back injury has often hampered both and earlier this year I decided to search for a mattress topper. I was dismayed that a simple search online produced a top result from a company making wool based mattresses and so as is often the case I had to research further. Two companies that stood out were Devon based CottonSafe and Panda London. While CottonSafe may be the first choice for many, with their stunning collection of mattresses registered by the Vegan Society, the product does come with a higher pricetag, so my search continued.

Enter PandaLondon https://mypandalife.com/  whose plans to be fully vegan are on the fast track. They offer a range of bamboo based products from mattress toppers to pillows, sleep masks and bedding. The company is committed to an extensive environmental policy, will be plastic free this year and aside from a few items of coloured bedding and towels, are vegan friendly. Their products arrive magnificently packaged in recycled kraft paper that is 100% biodegradable. This compostable material is capable of disintegrating into natural elements in a compost environment, leaving no toxicity in the soil. Acid free paper and water and soy inks help keep this company on message and over 95% of orders are sent using low emission delivery partners.  The Bamboo mattress cover which is washable boasts a Panda face at the top of the mattress, distinct branding that carries across the range.

“In 2015, we decided to redefine what it means to feel at home creating products that transform somewhere to live, into somewhere to belong. 100% of the bamboo we harvest is organically and ethically sourced. We only harvest from sustainable bamboo forests which are 100% organic and free from pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides. Third-party inspectors ensure that we comply with all FSC and Panda regulations and policies. These practices have been implemented to keep our production footprint to a minimum.”

Sleeping on a Panda topper is like what I imagine sleeping on marshmallow would be like. The product supports you working in partnership with your existing mattress but with a firm yet gentle kindness to your joints and I doubt that many are prepared to give up their newfound sleep quality after a 30-day sleep trial offered by the company. Founder Tamir Teitelbaum says, “The quality of sleep we get will make us happier, more energetic and healthier opposed to lethargic and restless. Bringing Panda to life for me is both, a passion and a mission.”

So after a good night’s sleep, it was time to dust off the treadmill in the house and get walking. The search for some new trainers led me to New Look’s Vegan range.  New Look has designed a host of vegan shoes and bags that are free from animal products and are registered with The Vegan Society in their first high street collaboration.  While many believe that PU Leather is vegan-friendly, most of it is finished with ground-cut leather sprays to give it a textured appearance, which features animal products. The New Look vegan styles are guaranteed to be leather-spray free and they keep their supply chain transparent ensuring that that the hardware and adhesives on their vegan shoes and bags do not undergo chemical treatments that contain animal products, a process often used to stop metal rusting. The range is varied and caters to all style at a really affordable price point, so whether it’s a run on the treadmill, or you fancy dressing up for date night in the comfort of your own back garden, there is little doubt that you will find something here that catches your eye.

Join me next time as I search for pampering products and delicious sweet treats.

Read the first part of Maria Slough’s search for vegan options here.

Follow Maria’s photography journey at mariasloughphotography.com and Instagram and @mariasloughphotography