the ECO influencer

OUR COLUMNIST, SUSTAINABLE STYLIST ARMELLE FERGUSON, SHARES HER LATEST DISCOVERIES FOR GREENER LIVING

HOME INSPO

I love home decor but I don’t always know what to do to make my home feel cosier, while still being kind to the planet. Resourceful Living (Octopus Books, £20) by Lisa Dawson is a gem of a book that gives me all the inspiration I need.

FEELIN’ FRESH

Sustainable deodorants are a touchy topic. It’s one of those areas where compromising isn’t always possible. I never felt like home-made deodorant was doing it for me, and there were few sustainable options that worked. When I tried AKT, I was pleasantly surprised! The balm comes in plastic-free packaging, is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and lasts months. Deodorant Balm, £18, aktlondon.com

CHEW IT OVER

Until recently, I hadn’t chewed gum for years. Ever since I found out I was chewing on plastic that would never biodegrade, I was thoroughly put off. But I’ve started again now I’ve discovered the plant-based chewing gum from Oh My Gum!. Available in mint and cinnamon, the gums are fully biodegradable and vegan, and are now a handbag staple. From £13 for 4 packets, ohmygum.com

DRIVING THE TRENDS

I was thrilled to hear about car manufacturer DS Automobiles’s eco-conscious fashion collection that contains a layer of live algae to absorb CO2. The brand launched the collection at Paris Fashion Week, and pieces include a trench, jacket and T-shirts. While they may not be available to buy yet, I’m always one for sustainable innovation. dsautomobiles.co.uk

I get my coffee from Easy Jose, which works with the indigenous Mayni community in the Peruvian rainforest and is committed to tackling the destruction of the Amazon. The coffee is truly sustainable – just as your brew should be. 250g Fair Trade Coffee, from £8.50, easyjosecoffee.co.uk