The Ruby Collection of cushions
Elegant recylced deep green glass lamp.
Eco chic vintage or recyled glassware
Would you describe yourself as an eco-activist?
“I would! I think everyone should be an eco-activist to a degree. We all have to look after this planet for our children; if we become complacent, none of this is going to work. Being an activist doesn’t need to be dirty word - it just means being active in doing something positive, whether recycling at home or paying more attention to which products you buy. You don’t have to be out there demonstrating, although I’ll happily take part in an environmental rally - I love that!”
Do you think attitudes are changing?
“People’s attitudes are incredibly positive now and there’s definitely more awareness, particularly among the Greta Thunberg generation. The plus side of social media is that companies can be called out and there’s nowhere for them to hide. As an information spreader, social media can have a really positive effect and educate people without being elitist. People shouldn’t be intimidated. It’s hard to believe nowadays that everyone used to smoke on planes. We’ll look back at this time and say, ‘Oh my God, why did we use so much plastic?’”
How do you go about making your events fully sustainable?
“I work with only the most sustainable and ethical professionals in all areas of entertaining, from florists to chefs, who are mindful of not creating waste or using unnecessary plastic. All wine and food are organic and vegetarian. We use only up-cycled, vintage or ethically-produced items, ranging from vintage tables, chairs and plates to handmade table linen and napkins, recycled wine glasses and coconut speakers. We also use eco couriers and electric or pedal-powered transport, which helps clients reduce their carbon footprint and creates an all-round greener event.”
How difficult is it to source ethically and sustainably produced food and products?
“Food is easier to source. You just have to be thorough. It involves trial and error, checking producers, visiting suppliers and factories, whether for pickles or a piece of fabric, and doing your homework. It’s about research, research, research.”
Tell us about your homeware brand?
“Although I love fashion, I decided to focus on eco-lux ethical homeware because that’s the gap in the market. We sell affordable, well designed, responsibly made and vintage homeware. Our Ruby collection of napkins, tablecloths and cushions are made with vintage and up-cycled silk saris and our glassware is all recycled or vintage as are our table lamps. The message is that you don’t have to buy everything new; buy things that are made to last. I also want our products to be accessible and for people to realise you can have green glamour - you don’t have to have a style bypass.”
How have your daughters influenced you?
“They are definitely my conscience. Their generation is much more aware and prepared to take action. They’ve always bought cruelty-free makeup and don’t buy fast fashion anymore. They’d much rather get their clothes from charity shops or from some of the amazing young brands that are coming up. It’s more tasteful to buy from charity shops anyway; it’s so outdated to buy disposable fashion. It’s better to save up for one bespoke piece than buy 40 pieces of rubbish that will end up in landfill.”
@yasminmillsofficial