This simple pleasure has been blighted in recent years by the huge amount of rubbish washed up on our shores. Rubbish that has been discarded in the sea, which can break into smaller pieces but never fully decomposes. In a landfill environment it is estimated to take approximately 500 years for plastics to break down, unfortunately wild sea plastic breaks down within years as the natural sea forces rapidly break them down into smaller and smaller pieces.
Micro plastics - smaller than your fingertip - are eaten by fish, sea creatures and birds. Once inside the fish, the plastic breaks down into even smaller 'nano plastics' - some of which can't even be seen. When we eat the fish, the nano plastics enter our bodies and scientists are still researching what affects this will have on our long term health.
Through these connections and working with scientists and volunteers we have found a way to collect tonnes and tonnes of waste plastic from our sea and from the beaches and turn them into coasters.
This project will ensure hundreds of tonnes of plastic are taken out of harms way and will create coasters that are practical, raise awareness and offer a solution. Our Ocean Plastic coasters are from 100% reclaimed ocean waste and sea salt. The salt actually helps the plastic blend in the way that it does, giving it a unique look that virgin plastic cannot replicate.
We have launched this collection with our sea blue colour which is made from discarded fishing crates, nets, water bottle tops, buckets and spades - with a pinch of sea salt.
]]>Step into a world where holiday cheer meets sustainability, where every decoration tells a story of eco-conscious celebrations, all crafted from our range of zero-waste materials, beach clean, dash, and natural cork. Find decorations that not only sparkle but also make a statement for a greener planet.
Get ready to celebrate sustainably this holiday season with our eco-friendly decorations that not only pop with colour but also pop a cork for a truly festive atmosphere, coming in a range of our zero waste materials, beach clean, dash and natural cork.
Elevate your hosting game with our collection of eco-friendly placemats and coasters made from organic cork and other sustainable, zero-waste materials. Impress your guests while making an eco-conscious statement with every meal, creating a makeshift conversation piece.
If you're looking to bring warmth and comfort to someone's Christmas season, these eco-friendly gifts are the perfect choice. Embrace sustainability and leave stress behind as you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or tea while lighting a candle, allowing it all to melt away.
For the person who is alway in the kitchen, make their festive season by sprucing up their kitchenware. From stylish oil dispenser sets, perfect for showcasing their chilli and garlic-infused oils, to elegant cake plates ideal for presenting the beautifully perfected bundt cake they've been perfecting for the big day.
Assist your fellow creatives in unleashing their artistic potential this Christmas by gifting them all the necessities they require. This includes notebooks for jotting down their ideas, cork boards to exhibit their visions and plans, and keyrings to help locate their keys amidst the abundance of creative essentials in their overflowing bag. Don't forget about the mugs that will be filled with coffee to keep their creative energy flowing.
]]>
Is your dining table lacking that special something, failing to evoke the desired joy and aesthetic charm? From the vibrant energy of summer starting to slow down, you might have noticed your table setup feeling a tad repetitive, lacking the inviting allure you wish for. Well, fear not! We're here to guide you through a delightful transformation using our step-by-step approach to styling your table with beach clean-inspired elegance.
Due to the Beach Clean collection boasting such a spectrum of colours this collection truly comes to life when paired with natural hues like the warm embrace of natural wood or to infuse an extra layer of cosiness, consider draping a tablecloth with the soothing tones of taupe and cream tablecloths.
Create a captivating ambiance by introducing the soft flicker of tea lights held by our beach clean tea light holders. These small yet impactful additions infuse a touch of serenity and warmth, setting the mood for an enchanting dining experience.
Now, the pièce de résistance – Beach Clean placemats and coasters. Arriving in a set of four or six, these boast a one-of-a-kind character, each uniquely patterned with the colours of a mix of recycled EVA plastics and organic cork. A testament to individuality, no two mats share the same design. With the choice of three shapes (round, rectangle and oval), we've opted for the round variety to perfectly complement your setting.
Now relax, take a deep breath, and savour a delectable meal in the company of friends and family. Your dining experience has been elevated to an entirely new level – one that celebrates both style and sustainability.
]]>
Colours have a sneaky way of influencing our emotions and well-being. Just think about it – when you see lush green plants or landscapes, it's hard not to feel a sense of relaxation and balance, right? That's because green is known to evoke feelings of harmony and connection with nature, providing a much-needed escape from the daily grind. And those warm browns and soft beiges? They give off a cosy and comforting vibe, making us feel grounded and at ease.
When we strategically incorporate these colours into our living spaces, it's like magic happens. They transform the whole environment, setting the stage for relaxation and helping us forget about the chaos of everyday life. It's like bringing a slice of nature indoors, giving us the opportunity to recharge, find balance, and experience a renewed sense of tranquillity.
So, go ahead and let those vibrant greens and soothing earthy tones take centre stage in your living spaces. Trust me, they'll do wonders for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere that you'll absolutely love spending time in.
The materials we choose have a significant impact on creating a serene atmosphere in our living spaces. When it comes to shaping the overall ambiance, the selection of materials used in our surroundings is key. Incorporating nature-inspired materials like cork, organic cotton, compostable cloth, recycled plastics, ceramics, and ethically-sourced options can make a world of difference.
Organic, unbleached cotton not only feels soft and luxurious but also ensures that no harmful chemicals are present, promoting a healthier environment. Compostable cloth is a fantastic choice as it naturally decomposes, reducing waste and leaving a smaller ecological footprint. When we opt for recycled plastics, ceramics, and ethically-sourced cork, we prioritise sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
By mindfully curating our living spaces with these nature-friendly and ethical material choices, we not only create an environment that reflects our inner calm but also foster a harmonious coexistence with the world around us. It's a beautiful cycle of taking only what the planet is happy to provide and giving back by designing clever and sustainable items for our homes. So, let's make conscious choices when it comes to materials and create a living space that not only brings us joy but also contributes positively to our planet.
In addition to providing an array of designs, here at LIGA we deeply recognise the significance of discovering the ideal design that harmonises with your home. That's precisely why we present a diverse range unique style and preferences. Within our collections, you'll find the printed range, brimming with different themes including country, coastal, and landscapes. Whether you find yourself captivated by the rustic charm of the countryside, the soothing allure of coastal vibes, or the mesmerising beauty of landscapes, we guarantee there's something special awaiting you.
In conclusion, amidst the whirlwind of life, nurturing a serene oasis in your own home is vital for your overall well-being. By embracing natural elements, choosing calming materials, incorporating gentle lighting, simplifying and decluttering, and adding personalised touches you can transform your living space into a natural haven of tranquillity. Regardless of your home's size or style, implementing these practical tips and selecting thoughtfully crafted items will make a significant difference in creating an environment that fosters relaxation, rejuvenation, and a renewed sense of well-being.
]]>Our mission is to harness our nation’s collective love for the sea, by empowering individuals and organisations to make a tangible difference, and supporting marine conservation projects to drive positive change. In essence, Sea-Changers gives grants to projects protecting our marine life and ecosystems around the UK. We fund our programmes through partnerships, like the one with Liga.
In 2000, we learned to scuba dive and the experience sparked a profound passion within us. Over time we noticed a distressing degradation of the underwater environment. Inspired by Streetsmart, a grant-giving charity aiding local homelessness projects, we wondered why a similar approach couldn't be applied to marine conservation. And when the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill intensified our sense of helplessness, even though we are based in a completely landlocked location in the Midlands, we recognised the need to take a stand and initiate change, and so Sea-Changers was born.
Sea-Changers gives grants to community projects and charities working for marine conservation. Projects can apply to our Main Grants Fund. They are evaluated by our Grants Panel to assess them against our criteria including their conservation impact, community impact and value for money. Many of the projects we have funded have gone on to grow exponentially, based on the seed-funding that our small grant provided. For example Richard Unsworth from Project Seagrass explained to us:
“We received a small grant from Sea-Changers and I think it was actually our very first official grant and that helped develop seagrass monitoring work up in North Wales, that we still continue to this day. It helped foster the development of the world’s biggest seagrass citizen science programme that has now had thousands of data uploads into it.”
Project Seagrass is now an organisation with an annual income of over £800,000.
The Polzeath Marine Group is one of our all-time favorite success stories! They've shown us the incredible impact of small community initiatives for ocean conservation. It started with a simple idea: they applied to us for a grant to pay towards a water bottle refill station to reduce plastic waste on their beautiful beach. But guess what? It sparked something bigger. Based on their idea, we developed and launched the Bunzl Coastal Fountain Fund. Now, Sea-Changers has funded water bottle refill stations in 30 coastal locations all around the UK. It's like a domino effect, inspiring communities to make a real difference in protecting our oceans.
TIME is probably the biggest barrier for us because Sea-Changers is almost entirely volunteer-run. We really try hard to put as much time as we can into it whilst also managing our professional careers. As we are growing, this challenge gets harder every year, but it is very satisfying to achieve more as we develop.
Working with companies like Liga and the many projects we fund brings together remarkable individuals who share a passion for saving our planet. The best part is that these relationships sustain our inspiration. Keeping positive can be challenging with the seemingly constant stream of negative news, especially concerning the environment. Having like-minded people by your side gives you hope. It’s great to inspire one another.
No action or donation is too small. A lot of people feel overwhelmed when looking at environmental challenges. But if enough people do their bit, together we can make a difference. Together, we can harness our love for the sea, make a difference, and ensure a sustainable future for our magnificent oceans. That’s what it means to be a Sea-Changer!
Buy your sea changers coasters set here we will be donating £1 for every set sold to Sea-Changers.
]]>At LIGA, we firmly believe in the power of small actions to create a significant impact on our planet. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our new cork recycling initiative—a simple yet powerful way for you to contribute to a greener future.
]]>At LIGA, we firmly believe in working together to make positive impacts on our planet.
One of the reasons we are thrilled to introduce our new cork recycling initiative - a simple yet powerful way for you to contribute to a greener future, and we would love for you to join us.
Simply buy a bottle of wine with a cork wine stopper - enjoy - and save the cork wine stopper. Bring your cork wine stoppers to your nearest LIGA Cork Recycling Partner - see in the map below.
By participating in this initiative, you instantly become an essential part of the global effort to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
Equally important for our future we are pledging to plant Cork Oak trees - for every 100 kilos of cork collected, we will plant one cork oak tree—an emblem of biodiversity preservation and a powerful weapon against climate change. Your involvement will directly contribute to the reforestation and restoration of natural habitats, ensuring a greener and healthier world for future generations. Cheers !
Cork is an incredible material that has many many uses, from the placemat on your table, to insulation within a rocket, to flooring and all the time it continues to 'breathe' and absorb C02.
In recent years the cork harvest yields have been down. Lack of water impacts on the quality and thickness of the bark that can be harvested and we all know that we have experienced hotter drier summers. This is why recycling is so important and one of the reasons it is important to plant more cork oak trees.
Find your nearest LIGA cork recycling partner on the map below:
]]>
Have you noticed that the more we go through the challenges of the 21st century, the more we’re drawn to the healing power of nature? It's no surprise that being in nature can help us cope and find peace. And with this growing appreciation for the natural world, we're seeing a greater movement towards sustainability and a deeper connection to the planet, which here at Liga we’re loving to see. It’s time to get back to reflecting our revolutionary spirit & re-finding ourselves & our connection to nature again.
So in this blog we'll explore how these two seemingly unrelated things are actually intertwined with our innate human need to connect with nature. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the groovy world of funghi and how it can help us find our way back to nature.
So let’s begin the trip down memory lane and indulge in the nostalgia of the 70’s by casting your mind’s eye to colour schemes of earthy browns and orange, curved edges, and soft geometric shapes. The era where spaces were made to be inviting, comforting, cosy. A time where the future seemed full of possibilities. For a while, the minimalist trend tried to simplify our lives by removing excess and clutter. But in doing so, we may have lost touch with our true selves and our connection to nature, so the question is, how do we get back to that nostalgic feeling of comfort which can be found back in the 70’s?
The last few years have certainly highlighted the importance of our senses in our overall wellbeing. With many of us spending more time indoors, we have become more attuned to the sights, sounds and smells of our immediate environment. The addition of natural elements, such as plants and funghi, can have a positive impact on our mental health and help create a sense of calm and tranquillity translating more organic, earthy iterations that fit with an increased interest in bringing the outside in.
Buy your funghi Tea Light Holder here
At LIGA, we're dedicated to incorporating sustainability and natural elements into our designs, with the belief that being environmentally conscious doesn't mean sacrificing beauty and aesthetics. As we move forward, the significance of sustainability and our connection to nature is predicted to grow, as people become more aware of their environmental impact and seek out products and designs that align with their values.
Our Mushroom Tea Light Holder is just one example of how we can integrate sustainability and natural elements into our daily lives and homes. It's made from a brand new sustainable material derived from recycled sweetcorn husks, demonstrating how we can have both sustainability and beauty in our products, because why should we sacrifice one for the other.
So as we continue to grow and learn the importance of sustainability and our connection to nature will only continue to grow. Let’s take some inspiration from the 70’s style and embrace the whimsical elements of nature, creating living spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
]]>We discovered Trevenna whilst doing research on wedding venues that cared about the environment, to keep in line with our eco ethos. The barns are nestled within the Cornish countryside, with stunning views everywhere you look. The food they serve is locally grown and sourced and their beautiful gardens & barn wedding venue encourage biodiversity within Cornwall.
We knew instantly that they were the perfect venue for this shoot.
We had a clear vision and that was to create a warm, romantic atmosphere whilst keeping it as organic and natural as possible. We took a selection of our Natural Cork Tableware, dried flowers and recycled glassware supplied by LIGA Eco Store.
Luckily for us our Creative Director, Jennie, collects cork wine stoppers to one day be recycled into a future LIGA product. Knowing this, we decided to borrow them for the day and turned them into unique, plastic free place card holders. These went perfectly with the natural linen napkins we'd chosen to bring along with us.
We chose to go with our Rectangle Natural Cork Placemats and Square Natural Cork Coasters for this tablescape. We felt that they filled the table nicely and complimented the sage green we'd picked as our predominant colour. Made with eco friendly cork that's been naturally smoked with ink to create patterns, each mat is completely unique which made each place setting different.
You can shop our Natural Cork collection here.
We were extremely happy with how this shoot came together and hope that we can give you a little inspiration on how to create a beautiful, sustainable table layout for your wedding or event.
If you want to see the behind the scenes of this shoot, check out our Instagram.
]]>Growing up in the 1970s I remember the wonderful Saffron pattern in our home. It was simple and comforting in the shape of a teapot, tea, coffee and sugar container - it summed up British design for me at that time.
What I didn’t know then was the story behind the teapot; where it had come from and how it had come into being. I’m not sure it even crossed my mind to question. I didn’t know it was a family business started by two brothers, with passion and an idea, who made products at their kitchen table to sell as souvenirs to tourists in their seaside hometown of Hornsea. I didn’t know that the designers’ father had backed these same brothers in the early days and had taken a chance to support local entrepreneurship. I didn’t know that the designer, John Clappison, was limited by what processes the pottery, as it became, would be able to manage and that led to his innovative way of doing patterns and glazes.
Shop our Hornsea Cork Coasters
His quirky design style was all his own, and was allowed to flourish by Hornsea. By the early 1970s, Hornsea Pottery produced over three million pieces a year and was the largest pottery manufacturer in the world.
It was sold in thousands of outlets across the world for over 50 years with virtually every household in Britain having at least one piece of Hornsea pottery. Once I had learnt all this I was really amazed.
Fast forward many years to today and I was delighted and curious to be approached by the license owners of Hornsea Pottery to bring these designs alive on eco and sustainable materials. It has been such a joy and pleasure to delve into the Hornsea history to discover so many wonderful designs and to be able to bring them to you in a new collection of sustainable homewares.
Shop our Hornsea compostable Dishcloths
Our LIGA homewares are every day, affordable products and we hope all those whose hearts and souls were poured into making Hornsea Pottery fifty years ago, would smile and nod with approval, as this iconic British brand lives on in a new way into the 21st Century.
]]>We are always happy to welcome Spring here at LIGA, and after what feels like a long Winter I think we're all more than ready for it.
We're ready to see the wildflowers begin to grow again and the bright yellow daffodils scattering the grass. We're ready to feel the warmth in the sunshine and the evenings stretching longer and longer.
We have picked out some of our favourite products that help us get ready for Spring. From the colours to the designs inspired by nature, these will definitely help brighten up your home.
You can shop the full Spring collection here.
Aqua Pottery
The perfect calming shade of blue for Spring, to compliment the clear skies (that will eventually show). Our Aqua pottery collection is are perfect for afternoon teas, to hold your favourite flowers or enjoy a fresh breakfast in the morning sun.
Swallows Cork Mats and Cork Tray
From March onwards, we can welcome the Swallows back from their long journey over the Winter. Printed with white eco ink, our placemats and coasters are a lovely and bright addition to your Spring tablescape. Our Swallow design is also available in grey on our cork mats, trays and 100% organic cotton tea towels to complete whole set.
Rose Pink Pottery
We've always had a soft spot for a dusty pink shade and feel that's it's a match made in heaven when placed on our eco friendly pottery. It's a subtle, effective way to add a hint of colour into your home. We have several different products available in this beautiful colour including a statement Ceramic Tall Jug or an everyday Eco Coffee Mug.
Wildflowers Cork Mats & Cork Tray
Our designs are always inspired by nature, but our Wildflowers design has been a firm favourite of ours for a while now. Featuring flowers such as Poppies and Lavender, it's perfectly for bringing a little bit of the countryside into your home.
Shop the Wildflowers range here
]]>
Set in a Grade 2 listed building in the heart of the town, the store began its life as The Clementine which opened in 2011. The Clementine was a unique gift shop with an emphasis on contemporary homewares and interiors created by myself, Jennie Elderkin. Whilst sourcing brands for the shop, I really struggled to find great eco-friendly products that were useful, practical and affordable. This led to me creating my own brand, LIGA, in 2017.
Find out more about our LIGA story here.
When introducing LIGA into The Clementine, it quickly became the stores bestselling brand and as LIGA grew, the interest in eco homewares developed. This led to my decision to turn The Clementine into LIGA's first own label store. The LIGA Eco Store showcases our entire LIGA range along with many carefully curated collections from other eco brands that sit beautifully alongside our LIGA products. We also enjoy designing exclusive products just for the store and have a large collection of gorgeous organic cotton T Shirts, prints and LIGA products inspired by Cornwall.
Our other products are carefully handpicked from small businesses that give back to the environment in some way, may that be with their reduced carbon footprint, being plastic free, organic, sustainable and cruelty free.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a thoughtful gift or freshen up your home, you can do so ethically. From eco-friendly t-shirts, blankets and baskets to everything you’d expect from the LIGA homewares range, the store is full of ideas that we hope will help to inspire an eco-living lifestyle.
We want people to visit our store – curious, wanting to learn more about an eco-living lifestyle and to leave inspired and ready for change.
Trafalgar House | Trafalgar Square | Fowey | Cornwall
Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday - 11am - 4pm
Contact us at 01726 458281
]]>What are the sustainable R's ?
Our new way to live, to ensure we have a future. Simple words to provoke thought and provide guidance for this new way of thinking.
The Sustainable R’s are now being taught in schools and will become basic rules in life for our next generations. These guidelines makes sense and for now, the adult generations in some parts of the world, need to play catch up fast, and make sure we are leading by example.
‘As an eco designer it is crucial to understand the key philosophies of the sustainable R’s and to build them into everything that LIGA does, to encourage our manufacturers and consumers to believe and do the same.’ Jennie, Founder - LIGA
We have two, unique materials made with a mixture of eco friendly cork + recycled materials: Beach Clean (made with eco cork + recycled EVA plastics) and Dash (made with eco cork + recycled rubber). We also use sustainably sourced cork for the majority of our affordable homewares.
Shop our recreate collection here
It is sobering to realise that the richest 50% of the world’s population emit 90% of carbon pollution into the atmosphere.
The poorest 3.9 billion people have contributed just 10% of the carbon pollution in our atmosphere.
Whilst we get our heads around buying differently and making new choices nearly 4 billion people have never experienced a life like ours and yet our choices directly affect the quality of their lives.
This different way of thinking, buying and living is something we can all get behind, by working together for change.
]]>Harvested naturally means just that, the bark of the lower part of the tree is cut by hand, using an axe. To make the job a little easier than it used to be, someone scores the bark and makes it into big rectangles before another uses an axe to lever it off from the tree.
The workers are fast, very focused and skilled, the process is surprisingly quiet. The bark on all the branches is left intact so the tree is protected and not harmed.
The healing process begins, and the tree quickly replaces the bark on its lower trunk with it becoming thick enough to harvest again in nine years.
The skills needed to harvest cork have traditionally been passed down from one generation to another. Though finding people who want to learn those skills is getting harder in our modern world.
The cork oak forests in Portugal offset ten million tonnes of carbon every year, and the more cork we use in our everyday lives the more cork oak trees will be planted.
They are a long-term crop; the tree will be 25 years old before its first harvest, 43 years old before its bark is good enough to be used as a cork wine stopper and has a long 200 year life. It’s incredible but cork really is a living breathing material, which continues to breathe and absorb Co2 even as a LIGA product.
By Jennie
]]>