living lightly in ireland

50+ Sustainable Ethical Bags 2026.

Realistically each of us only need a very small selection of bags to get us through life so this article isn’t intended to have you lusting after a new bag just because. It meant to help you find a sustainable ethical bag to suit your needs and within your budget, which will serve you well for the rest of your, hopefully, long life. I bought a relatively expensive (€150) leather handbag 15 years ago and it’s still going strong. When the seams started to rip I had it repaired by Isaac Jackman (formerly C&D repairs) on Charlemont St, D2 and I feed it with olive oil a few times throughout the year to keep it supple. Based on its current condition I’d expect this bag to keep me going until the grim reaper comes calling.

Sustainable Ethical Menswear 2026.

Recent research at Utah State University indicates that American and Chinese men resist ‘green’ behaviour because they see it as unmanly. As if caring for our home and wanting it to exist for our children and our children’s children is wimpish! Well I think men in Ireland are more enlightened and more comfortable in their sexuality than this research would suggest, but I do think that they tend to be – what would I call it? – energy-efficient. Now I know this is a huge generalisation but I’m going to say it anyway, in my experience men tend to prioritise convenience over most other considerations. If something is too much hassle it just doesn’t happen. So please do me a favour; forward this article onto all the men in your life, and ask them to forward it onto their friends. The aim of this website is to make it easier to live sustainably in Ireland. Lets spread the word.

Sustainable Ethical Fibres and Fabrics 2026.

The whole issue of sustainable ethical fibres and fabrics is very confusing and is constantly changing. This article started as a paragraph in an article about ethical clothing but as I learned more it was clear that it warranted its own article. As always there are pros and cons to each fibre type depending on your needs, values, budgets and current technology. To find out what they currently are read on.

Sustainable Ethical Shoes in Europe 2026.

I find buying sustainable, ethical shoes in Ireland an absolute nightmare. It seems that either you go for vegan plastic or biodegradable leather. I’ve know canvas shoes are in vogue at the moment and I’d happily chance a pair of canvas trainers in showery Ireland but not a pair of canvas pumps – too risky! To date I’ve limited myself to trying to buy the most durable shoes I can find in an effort to buy less shoes overall but this article has introduced me to some really stunning options that I’m keen to road test in the future.

20+ of the Best Sustainable Ethical Swimwear Brands for Women 2026.

Buying a new a swimsuit or bikini can be a chore of a job, especially if you looking for sustainable ethical swimwear. Thankfully we’ve saved you hours of research and listed some of the top brands of eco friendly bathing suits and ethical bikinis in the UK and Europe. The article is divided into two sections, the first looks at sustainable swimwear, while the other is limited to swimwear made in the UK, unfortunately there is none made in Ireland at the moment. Happy shopping.