blunt umbrella

Blunt Umbrellas are built to last for England’s seriously wild weather, and include free repairs for 2 years, in case you get caught in a  bad downpour. They feature fully tensioned canopies for strength and performance. Always open upwards, dry while open, and store in its included protective sleeve. Clean with a sponge cloth and warm water.

If caught in a thunderstorm, keep a safe distance from trees and metal objects (umbrellas, golf clubs, motorbikes, wheelchairs, tent poles). Stay inside cars (fabric tops could catch fire, if struck).

If exposed, squat close to the ground with hands on knees, and tuck your head between them, touching as little of the ground with your body (don’t lie down). If your hand stands on end, drop to the above position immediately.

blunt umbrellas

These umbrellas were invented by an engineering graduate, after dodging spiky umbrella tips on a busy London street. This brand costs more but (unless you lose it), one purchase should last for life.

Most umbrellas don’t pull the canopy tight enough over the frame, meaning they are little more than ‘rags on sticks’ that flap about in the wind, causing fabric to detach from the edge, in windy weather.

By eliminating these weak points, this brand has created a super-strong, fully-tensioned umbrella which also don’t poke your eyes!

blunt umbrella

The Sport Umbrella is ideal for outdoor adventures.

blunt umbrella

What’s Wrong with Most Umbrellas?

Blunt umbrella orange

Simply that they don’t last. Unlike Blunt Umbrellas, most fly inside out, fly away in the wind or get dumped, as the break apart in a storm.

The average person loses over 6 umbrellas in one lifetime and likely if you live in northwest England, probably more, due to all the rain and wind! It’s estimated that over 18 million umbrellas are lost or discarded each year in the UK.

And the same with tents at festivals, these are mostly made from nylon (plastic) so end up on landfills, or break into microplastics, if discarded in the countryside.

Less than 10% of umbrellas of the billion umbrellas brought each year, are recycled. You can remove the textiles and sometimes recycle them locally (then recycle the metal). But most people don’t do this.

And umbrellas are here to stay, as climate change means more freak weather, like heavy downpours. Duckhead umbrellas are sold in most shops. They are better than most, designed to last for years, and made with some recycled materials.

Designer Lamps (made from broken umbrellas)

ANTI is a company that has worked with London’s Victoria & Albert Museum to turn discarded umbrellas into workable designer lamps and desk lamps. The spokes are used as stands, and the shades are made from recycled plastic). Soon to sell at John Lewis (already selling Totes recycled polyester umbrellas).

Umbrellas Made from Recycled Polyester

recycled polyester umbrella

M & S has just released its own brand umbrella, made with recycled polyester, better than making clothes from from recycled plastic, which just release microplastics in washing machines. The generous canopy size has a push button to open and close, and sturdy construction to help it stand up to the elements.  Leave open to dry.

Raincoats Made from Recycled Umbrellas

r-coat

R-Coat is a European company that turns donated old umbrellas into raincoats. This is a good idea in theory, but if laundered, use a microfiber filter, to stop nylon particles washing from machines into the sea. They are a great idea, for wipe-clean rain-jackets.

Alternatives to Using Umbrellas

rain poncho

Check the weather forecast! Many of us are a big scatty, and just go for a walk, without  checking the forecast for rain with the Met Office, to avoid being caught in a downpour.

Go for a walk in the rain! Sometimes getting soaked in the rain is fine, as long you’re in good health. Just dry off when you get home!

Invest in a sustainable rain poncho. This is made from organic cotton with a front pocket, fun print and packed in sustainable packaging. Use with a vegan fabric wax over time, to keep it waterproof. You can also use this to waterproof bags, rucksacks and shoes.

Test on a hidden area before use, and wash soiled areas after treatment with cold water, and hang to dry.

sky sustainable rainjacket

Sustainable rain jackets are well-made, with waterproof hoods that won’t blow off your head, in the wind. Again, wipe-clean only or launder in a microplastic catcher, due to synthetic materials. Even if recycled plastic, it’s not biodegradable.

Choose Sustainable Waterproof Footwear

rubber wellies

Choose comfy natural rubber wellies. Often one reason for using an umbrella is to keep your feet dry. So invest in a good pair of natural rubber wellies. Dry them stuffed with newspaper, keeping them away from radiators.

8000 kicks

8000 Kicks has created the world’s first waterproof sneakers, made from eco-friendly hemp, along with matching rucksacks and wallets. Made ethically in Portugal, the founder worked with his grandmother (who has a lifetime’s experienced with textiles). The soft foam soles are made from algae, and shoes are sent in eco packaging.

As most vegan sneakers are sold online, get feet measured at a shoe shop (or measure your own feet). Order the bigger size (European brands don’t offer half sizes).

Quality Rain Jackets for Dog Walks

Ruffwear is a quality brand of raincoats, for dogs that will wear them! Made with windproof and waterproof materials, they feature oversized storm collars to fold up for extra weather protection, and the leash portals on the back, means they can be worn with most harnesses.

Featuring leg loops to provide secure fit in windy conditions, the extended vest covers the hips and thighs. The Sun Shower Suit offers full body coverage, with a chest zipper for easy removal. The StormSleeves™ allow for easy movement, without restricting coverage.

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