Simpler Times, Lighter Footprints
My zero waste journey started when I moved back to Omaha in 2015 after being away for over a decade. Now I feel fully integrated back in the community and much more comfortable with a “mostly zero-waste” lifestyle. Along the way, I have met many others with similar personal sustainability goals (like those in our Zero…
I wrote this in response to a March 1, 2017 Quartz.com article entitled “Conscious Consumerism is a Lie. Here’s a Better Way to Save the World”. This article was written by Alden Wicker, co-founder of EcoCult, and a strong advocate for sustainable living. I assume we have very similar goals and both only want what…
In the natural living community, we spend a lot of time on preventing toxins in our home. We’ve replaced our cleaning solutions with natural alternatives. We are more aware of the chemicals in our consumer goods and beauty products. We have decided organic food is worth every penny. Plants line our south-facing windows year-round helping…
As described in my 30-Day Eco Challenge email course, I’m not a fan of purchasing carbon offsets. I see these as more than just an investment in the planet’s future. By purchasing carbon offsets, you are also investing in someone else’s financial future. Saving that money for your own renewable energy investments, or for donations to…
Fair-trade handmade gifts to replace your conventional monthly subscription box
Collections: Bags, Home, Jewelry
Materials: Other, Upcycled or Recycled
Made In: Global (Fair Trade)
I used to be semi-addicted to monthly subscription boxes. Stuck in the consumer wheel, I started to spin a bit out of control. When I decided to simplify my life, my coworkers asked: “Does that mean you are going to stop all those monthly subscriptions?” That’s when you know it’s gotten out of hand…
I could kick myself for wasting so much money and ecological resources on cheap products. Many of these have now turned into donations.
GlobeIn is different.
Each product has a story. You know exactly where and how the artist made it, providing a deeper connection to the item. Also, the company tracks the ethical, social, and eco impact of each month’s box.
Each box contains useful household items and/or unique sustainable accessories. You can sign up for a subscription for a monthly surprise gift each month (at a heft discount). Or, if that’s not your thing, you can buy direct from their shop
Try it out and see what you think! I especially love the colorful palm leaf baskets that come with each box. They make the perfect zero-waste gift box. Or, use them around your house to keep yourself organized!
Collections: Bags, Home, Jewelry
Materials: Other, Upcycled or Recycled
Made In: Global (Fair Trade)
Fair-trade handmade gifts to replace your conventional monthly subscription box...more
Eco-friendly, plant-based makeup line
Collections: Beauty
Materials: Vegan
Made In: North America, USA
They make everything from 100% natural, plant-based materials.
Instead of using minerals, 100% Pure created a process to extract pigments from fruits. So, when you see strawberry colored lip gloss – they actually used strawberries! Peach blush actually contains peach. I haven’t come across any other “natural” cosmetic brands that have accomplished this!
Also, you aren’t sacrificing quality for safety and peace of mind. They actually look and feel like their conventional counterparts (without all the ickiness)!
Other reasons to love:
– Headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution centers are 100% solar powered
– Packaging is all post-consumer recycled material.
– You can send your makeup containers back (any brand) and they will recycle them for you. Plus, for every 10 items recycled, they will give you a free travel size item of your choice!
– They use vegetable inks on their packaging
– They plant 10 trees for every product sold
Support this brand and their hard work for the planet by shopping at their store through the link below!
Collections: Beauty
Materials: Vegan
Made In: North America, USA
Eco-friendly, plant-based makeup line...more
Vegan, eco-friendly couture made in NYC
Collections: Clothing, Coats, Gowns, Men’s, Swimsuits
Materials: Organic Cotton, Upcycled or Recycled, Vegan
Made In: New York, North America, USA
This brand lives and breathes conscious consumerism. Their brick and mortar opening celebration included local salvaged items and vegan cupcakes. Their products are not only vegan, but also conscious of the planet on many other levels. I say this because not all vegan brands are alike. Some just replace animal products with raw petroleum products. FYI – petroleum isn’t good for animals either!
Many of their fabrics come from upcycled or recycled sources. Based in New York, they upcycle “dead stock” fabric from the garment district. Most of this fabric would just end up in the landfill!
I love their winter coats (as featured here and in this blog post). The winter coats are windproof, snow resistant, and made with 100% recycled materials. I have the Emmy in Forest Green and has been my winter staple.
Some of the other items they carry:
– Swimsuits made from recycled carpet fibers.
– Hand-knitted sweaters from recycled cotton yarns.
– Moleskin coats made from 100% organic cotton.
– Cute vegan-themed T-shirts
Show your support for this amazing brand by shopping using the link below!
Collections: Clothing, Coats, Gowns, Men’s, Swimsuits
Materials: Organic Cotton, Upcycled or Recycled, Vegan
Made In: New York, North America, USA
Vegan, eco-friendly couture made in NYC...more