I consider myself a Level 1 eco-warrior. I’ve been a vegetarian (until pregnancy cravings kicked in). I take oat milk in my coffee. I recycle. I’ve had a WWF membership – that’s the World Wildlife Fund, not the wrestling.

In my previous career in Human Resources for a fashion jewellery retailer, I saw the ugly side of the industry from the inside. That’s when I had my wake-up call. It was fast fashion at its ugliest – churning out micro-trends for the high street. The Buying and Design teams used to joke that “we create landfill.” But the joke wore thin.

A few years, a lot of personal growth, a relocation, a baby, and a career change later – Green Threads Cornwall was born in winter 2022.

After my son was born, I found myself with a wardrobe full of clothes that didn’t fit, or didn’t feel like “me” anymore. But they’d cost a pretty penny, and I was on maternity leave. Mama needed the cash. I tapped into Bude’s brilliant thrifting community and created a space where likeminded people could come together to promote a circular economy.

Since then, I’ve organised a tonne of slow fashion markets, bringing together sellers of vintage, pre-loved, and eco-conscious brands under one roof. Green Threads Cornwall was created to offer a diverse, low-impact shopping experience for the people of Bude and beyond. It’s good for the planet, and good for the wallet, especially during a cost of living crisis.

Since then, I’ve worked hard to raise awareness on the harm associated with fast fashion and how small changes in our buying habits can have a lasting impact on retailer behaviour. I’ve had the pleasure of working with community groups and local councils on sustainability and climate-focused initiatives.

During this time I was lucky enough to land a 12-month contract working with Bude Climate Partnership on their Sustainable Tourism Project. And wow what a year it’s been. I’ve worked in the most wonderful team of brilliant, knowledgable, inspiring individuals. I’ve learnt so much about environmental science and study, whilst working with Bude’s tourism business community to build a resilient future, to navigate the challenges ahead brought on by climate change. My actual dream job, and every day was a ‘pinch me’ moment.

Sadly this project, which was National Lottery funded, has run its course, and I’m moving on to pastures new. And whilst Green Threads Cornwall is a huge part of my Cornish life – the markets are taking an extended hiatus for 2025 for personal growth. Whilst I make that transition, I decided to create a (digital) place of my own – to continue the work in some small way, to keep my hand in, to stay accountable, and to keep pushing. And so this blog was born.

I do have another blog over at Lauren Heart, which I started back in 2020 – as a place to encourage responsible, positive shopping through Covid-19 and beyond.

This blog is my way of exploring sustainable living – the honest, messy, beautiful kind. It’s about learning to tread more gently. To ask better questions. To be curious – about where things come from, how they’re made, and what happens when we’re done with them.

You’ll find reflections on sustainability, low-impact living, mindful consumption, and reconnecting with nature and community. Some of it will be practical. Some personal. Welcome, or should I say dynnargh!

Lauren x