In Conversation with Chloë - Manon Lagrève

This year, we thought it would be nice to speak to other like-minded people, brands and influencers about what sustainability means to them. There are so many small things we can do to help make a big difference. As we chat to people from different industries and walks of life, we hope to find little moments of inspirations, to help us all live better.

This conversation is with influencer Manon Lagrève - we hope you enjoy.

Hi Manon, tell us briefly about yourself...

My name is Manon Lagrève, I am a 30 years old Frenchie living in London and Maman to a little girl Fleur, who is nearly one.

I am passionate about baking and making it accessible to my community, I share recipes every week on my Instagram and also a bit of French style and mum life. You might recognise me from the Great British Bake Off 2018!

What does ‘living sustainably’ mean to you?

It means eating as local as possible and being conscious of how much meat or fish I eat. I try to buy only UK grown produce and eat with the seasons. I also have an OddBox every other week (They save fruits and veg which were not sold to supermarkets because of their shape, or because there was too much of it). I also try to use non harming sunscreen and washing products as well. 

What inspired you to start thinking more sustainability?

My farming upbringing (Brittany, France) has always been about not wasting food, eating the seasons and also using a lot of organic produce. I moved to London 10 years ago, and I am not that lucky anymore to have that easy access to local and affordable products, so it really made me think! Also travelling to Mexico and seeing how harmful sunscreen was to tortoise and the ocean, made me think a lot!

What do you think is the biggest threat to the planet in your industry?

Misinformation and lobbying. Sometimes a vegan alternative or a focus on certain veg or grains is not the answer.  

What are you doing as an individual to help protect the planet?

I never ever buy plastic bottles, waste minimal food, and use refillable cosmetics when possible. 

Tell us 3 brands you follow who are doing good things...

I love Kjeir Weis, which is an amazing refillable make up brand, incredible products and luxurious packaging you can refill. 

Justine Taback have some beautiful dresses made in England and respecting the fair pay across the fashion industry and using eco cottons etc.

Too good to Go pick up food leftover from businesses or restaurants and help finding a new home for the food for it to be consumed and not wasted.

And finally, what is your favourite Bramley product and why?

My favourite product is the Little B Hair & Body Wash that we have been using on my daughter Fleur since she was born! It smells incredibly fresh and fragrant and I think it also helps Fleur to relax and calm down at her bath time.