Fashion
In the Game of On-Demand Fashion, Sell’s on First, and Make’s on Second
When we think about fashion, we typically think about what’s on-trend, what brands are the latest obsession, what shoes will look best with that top. Sustainably minded shoppers have pushed the envelope as of late, asking questions like, “what’s in my clothes?” or “who made my clothes”? With statistics like “less than 1% of …
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rPET: Sustainable Fashion’s Problem Child
What is rPET? In fashion, rPET (or recycled polyethylene terephthalate) typically means single-use plastic bottles, old fishing nets, and industrial waste turned into recycled polyester. We’re all familiar with polyester, because it’s everywhere. It’s the most widely used fabric in the world, accounting for 52% of all fiber production in 2020 (double …
How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
Have a favorite t-shirt? Whether it’s fast-fashion, vintage, or secondhand – Read on to learn how to keep it looking fresh for longer. The tips below are tangible actions that you can take to make that happen, from minimal effort to most. How far will you get? Tip #0:First and foremost, cherish your clothing. By …
How To “Slay Responsibly” With Zavier Clark
#SlayingResponsibly is more than a hashtag; it is a mindset. The concept was bred out of a to include self-care practices into my consumption habits as an individual. As a Black, plus-size, queer, nonbinary person who often consumes luxury products, I felt like I was not the picture-perfect example of what the industry was …
Sustainable Alternatives to Anthropologie Best Sellers
Stylish, unique, and staple pieces never have to come from fast fashion brands! We can all love and appreciate the beauty of trendy brands such as Anthropologie, Free People, or Urban Outfitters. Still, the guilt of supporting unethical practices can be unbearable. Instead of purchasing pieces from Anthropologie that you might be tempted by, shop …
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Turning Trash Into Unique Pieces with Dan Pontarlier
Without a doubt, most people today would say that upcycling is in trend. Nowadays it is not a doubt to anyone, and it’s about time for it to go mainstream! From small brands and designers to major corporations in the fashion industry, everyone is aiming to take a step towards circularity. Collections made from unconventional …
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5 Ways to Donate to Reduce Waste and Ensure Reuse
I still cannot believe it’s been over a year (pre-pandemic times, oh my!) since I volunteered with sorting items to be processed and priced at Goodwill. One by one, I went through clothing donations, inspecting their condition and evaluating each piece, making the call on what could be sold in-store. Although this experience sometimes feels …
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Hollywood’s Newest Trend: Sustainable Fashion on the Red Carpet
Hollywood knows one tale as old as time: Red Carpet Galas. We know them best as the biggest celebrity hotspots of the year and the perfect moment to show up every other A-lister in a custom couture gown or suit. These red carpet fashion shows have always been used as an opportunity to look even …
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The Black One-Piece Swimsuits from Sustainable Brands We Love
Put away your quarantine sweats and get out your best SPF because summertime is upon us! Now is the time to find your perfect Little Black Swimsuit for Hot Girl Summer 2021. Our collection of sustainable and classic black one-pieces range from simple & elegant to edgy & chic. The only things you’ll need …
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Make the Most of Your Next Thrifting Trip
Now that the shops are opening back up again, many of us sustainable fashion lovers cannot wait to get back to what we know best – thrift shopping. I wanted to share my best tips for getting back into the charity shops and how to get the most out of the experience: Number …
Not Everyone Is A Fashion Activist: The Need To Understand Intersectionality In Fashion Activism Practices.
The complex intersection between fashion and activism is an ever-pressing entanglement that designers, activists, environmentalists, and fashion scholars in today’s society need to understand. Fashion, like most industries, is rooted in systemic and structural issues surrounding the subjects of race, gender, class, and ability. Thus, as a result of this ever-changing reality, many individuals have …
Used, But Still of Value
Used, But Still of Value: Rethinking the Use and Functionality of Clothing in an Era that Values Disposability over Quality. With the speed at which fashion is currently moving, we find ourselves trying to stay on top of it all. We are challenged to stay up to date with the current trends, while simultaneously …
10 Pairs Of Shorts from Sustainable Brands for Every Body Type
The summer season is rapidly approaching and everyone knows what that means– SHORTS! Whether you’ve been waiting months to break out your favorite pair, or you’re dreading the struggle of finding a flawless fit, we’re here to help you through the process. Some of us go for teeny cutoffs, while others may be most comfortable …
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Fuchsia and Florals
A celebration of Fuchsia and Florals! Fuchsia is such a lovely, bright, and bold color. Often only found in nature as Chrysanthemums, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, or Fuschia flowers. Fuchsia, the color, can be styled elegantly opulent or vintage casual. Here are some of our favorite Fuchsia features! Model: Aalia Pink Gown (vintage) from Shop Myrgle Earrings …
Sustainable and Ethical Holiday Party Dresses
The most sustainable fashion choice is to re-wear what we already own, swap clothes with or borrow from friends, or to buy vintage and used clothing. But if you are looking to add new items to your wardrobe, consider buying from brands that have more eco-conscious business practices compared to conventional brands. That said, I’ve …
Affordable Brands For Ethical Fashion On A Budget
Ethical Fashion Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive & Exclusive Finding ethical fashion is mostly easy these days, because it’s become a trend. Trends come at a premium when they play on our conscious. Ethical brands know that we want to buy better and we’re willing to pay more, but that doesn’t mean we can …
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2021 Sustainable Swimwear brands
Regardless of what’s going on in the world, we still have long days, sunshine, and days spent swimming to look forward to (hopefully not at a too-crowded public pool or beach). We’ll admit, it’s hard enough finding a well-fitting option, let alone a good one that’s also better for the environment than traditional options. These …
Online Thrift Stores
Thrift and consignment shops have a lot of benefits that extend far beyond that once or twice-yearly opportunistic trip to the local Goodwill. Plenty of online shoppers are interested in purchasing vintage clothes or unique décor items that a savvy buyer has sourced from a thrift shop. You may discover designer products at a fraction …
Ethical Outfits For Working At Home
Coronavirus quarantine, but make it fashion. As we’ve all been told to practice social distancing, it can be tempting to fall into a uniform of sweatpants and pajamas when working from home for an extended time. And while there’s something to be said for relaxing your style when you don’t need to adhere to an office dress …
8 Sustainable Brands That Make the Most Comfy Clothing
These eco-friendly brands offer trendy loungewear for chilling at home. It seems like all we do these days is lounge around, so we might as well dress for the occasion! Loungewear is as comfy as pajamas, but cute enough to hop on a Zoom meeting, post to your IG story, or even take your dog …
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Beauty
7 Anti-Chafing Products for 2021
As ladies and lads, we’ve all experienced the annoying twinge of the occasional chafe (whether we choose to admit it or not). If you are one of the rare blessed beings who is unfamiliar with this phenomenon, chafing is an irritation caused by skin rubbing together or against clothing. Doctors say that the best way …
Clean Beauty Under Attack – Where To Go From Here?
The “clean beauty” industry has lately been under attack for fear mongering among consumers, for banning ingredients on their “no” lists that others claim are fine to use, and for spreading mis-leading terminology like “chemical-free”. Clean beauty has been a significant achievement as it has supported an awakening among consumers to be more aware …
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5 Ways to Donate to Reduce Waste and Ensure Reuse
I still cannot believe it’s been over a year (pre-pandemic times, oh my!) since I volunteered with sorting items to be processed and priced at Goodwill. One by one, I went through clothing donations, inspecting their condition and evaluating each piece, making the call on what could be sold in-store. Although this experience sometimes feels …
5 Ways to Donate to Reduce Waste and Ensure Reuse Read More »
Our 6 Favorite Clean Sunscreens for Summer 2021
One of the most vital and often underrated bag stuffers for the whole year –especially summertime– is an SPF that works to actively protect your beloved skin. We find it extremely important to have a go-to sunscreen that can be trusted inside the bottle and out. This year we’re searching for mineral-based formulas that block …
What do Our Product Labels Really Mean?
Reading labels to find the best products for us can be confusing and crazy. To help with this inevitably complicated task, we’ve put together a list of all the “clean” labels you should be aware of in both cosmetics and food products. Hopefully now we can all be a bit more educated on how ethically …
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Low-waste Life Alternatives
It’s becoming more and more evident that we have reached a point of no return regarding the amount of discarded plastic entering our environment, 50% of the 380 million tons produced a year are single-use plastics, entering our world with a purpose that lasts seconds, and then entering the ocean forevermore and killing 1 million …
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Beauty’s Dirty Secret; The Plastic Problem in the Beauty Industry
As beautiful as the beauty industry can be, unfortunately, it leaves behind a massive plastic footprint. The industry’s mess, often masked by inspiring imagery and hushed realities, is a massive carbon and pollution footprint sourced from packaging, laminations, and ingredients containing harmful microplastics. Just the packaging alone adds up to a global impact of 120 …
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7 Easy Sustainable Mothers Day Gifts
Do you still need a last-minute Mothers Day gift to show your mom how much you love her? Trying to lavish your mom like she deserves but also trying to be eco-friendly and plastic-free? We got you covered! Here are our 7 favorites Mothers Day gift ideas ideal for any budget! 1. A Homemade Card …
10 Toxic Ingredients in Your Beauty Products To Avoid
A better rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t apply it to your skin. Given the thousands of chemicals found in the products lining bathroom counters and store shelves, scanning ingredient lists and identifying each and every one that could pose a threat is challenging, to say the least. So, to start, …
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The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Applying Your Skincare
Are you layering like a pro? The order that you apply skincare makes a real and significant difference to your skin. If you’re not following that order, it could be compromising the overall efficacy of your routine. And why buy the most effective products if you’re not going to use them in the most effective …
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Current Favorite All-Natural Beauty Products
When it comes to all-natural beauty products, it’s all about finding brands that source ingredients that are non-toxic, free of sulfates and parabens, and organic whenever possible. I also like to use things from the grocery store—like oatmeal, coconut oil, raw honey, brown sugar, and organic avocados—to make DIY face masks, hair masks, sugar scrubs, …
Easy, Clean Beauty Swaps
WHAT DOES CLEAN MEAN? Safe for people and the planet, clean means that a beauty product should have considered human and environmental health, using a nontoxic element as a baseline and plant-based ingredients for active results. Where Do I Start? Start by finding a natural replacement for your daily sunscreen, hand soap, body lotion/wash, and deodorant. Then slowly graduate to cleaner shampoo, conditioner, …
AALIA MAURO’S ZERO WASTE MAKEUP ESSENTIALS
It’s time to start taking our beauty waste more seriously. And of course, the beauty industry isn’t solely responsible for our overflowing landfills and plastic-filled oceans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all take accountability for our planet. One tangible step we can each take is to look long and hard at our beauty routines and amend areas where …
5 DIY Organic Skincare Treatments for a Healthy, Glowing Skin
5 DIY Organic Skincare Treatments for a Healthy, Glowing Skin Natural, sustainable, and budget-friendly beauty fixes with ingredients readily available from your local organic market Creating a no-fuss, effective, and organic skincare routine can be daunting to some, especially if you’re just starting to embrace the green lifestyle. There’s the challenge of sourcing for sustainable …
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2019 BEST NATURAL EYE SHADOWS AND PALETTES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Conventional eye shadows use various artificial dyes and synthetic ingredients to create wide variety of textures and an endless array of shimmering, sparkling, and vibrant colors. So, where do natural and organic eye shadows derive their beautiful palettes from? Some of the best natural eyeshadows get their beautiful colors straight from yummy plants and spices …
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Best Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin
We know how difficult it can be to find the right skin-care essentials when you have specific health conditions, like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, dry eye, or just all-around sensitive skin and eyes. Not every product is made for everyone. If your skin becomes inflamed or stings after using a formula, especially one that contains fragrance, alcohol, or harsh …
15 Clean Lipstick Brands that make perfect red shades you will love for the holidays
An ingredient might be natural or organic, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no chance you’ll have an adverse or allergic reaction to it, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re using and how your body responds. Ingredients aside, one of the benefits of using natural products is that many, if not all, …
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2021 Zero-Waste skincare & beauty products
By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, and personal care products are a large part of that problem. Over 129 billion units of packaging are wasted by the cosmetic industry every year. Think about the products you use on a daily basis—the majority are most likely housed in some type of plastic …
Zero Waste Guides
Are Halloween Pumpkins a Problem for the Planet? by Aalia Mauro
After the trick-or-treaters have gone home, what becomes of the Halloween pumpkins that have outlived their decorative purpose? You might be tempted just to throw them all away—and that’s certainly what many people do. Every year, more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin get tossed out and left to rot in America’s landfills. Some are …
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The 7 B’s of Becoming Plastic-Free
If you’re trying to go green for the planet and live more sustainably, OR if you are trying to reduce the toxins and chemicals present in your lifestyle, going plastic-free is immensely beneficial to both personal and environmental health! Why do we consume plastics when they are: Bad for you Bad for the planet Bad …
Zero Waste Starter Holiday Gift Guide
Striving for a Zero Waste holiday season means thinking carefully about what we give and receive, along with choosing purchases that are useful, long lasting, and compostable or recyclable. It may seem counter-intuitive to gift someone interested in living a zero waste lifestyle more products, but reusable essentials are always worth the investment. From reusable water bottles, …
Aalia’s Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again—the holidays. And whether you’re celebrating Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, or another celebration there is usually some exchange of gifts and tokens of appreciation. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring an increase in plastic waste. And with an estimated 30% increase in plastic usage since the start of the pandemic this year, …
10 Quick and Easy Sustainable Home Swaps for Low-Waste Eco Friendly Home
It is NOT difficult or expensive to be eco friendly. It just takes a lifestyle change, breaking old habits and practice. So what can we do to make a positive impact on the environment and teach our children about sustainability? All it takes are little changes. What we throw out goes back into our food supply. …
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Environment
Home
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Low-waste Life Alternatives
It’s becoming more and more evident that we have reached a point of no return regarding the amount of discarded plastic entering our environment, 50% of the 380 million tons produced a year are single-use plastics, entering our world with a purpose that lasts seconds, and then entering the ocean forevermore and killing 1 million …
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Low-waste Life Alternatives Read More »
Companies that are Totally Plastic Free!
Our society has grown to rely so heavily on plastic that it has become difficult to avoid purchasing, even for those of use who are actively avoiding it. That is why we have compiled a short list of companies making efforts to support you in your pursuit of a plastic-free life! If you know a …
10 Quick and Easy Sustainable Home Swaps for Low-Waste Eco Friendly Home
It is NOT difficult or expensive to be eco friendly. It just takes a lifestyle change, breaking old habits and practice. So what can we do to make a positive impact on the environment and teach our children about sustainability? All it takes are little changes. What we throw out goes back into our food supply. …
10 Quick and Easy Sustainable Home Swaps for Low-Waste Eco Friendly Home Read More »
Food
This Week’s Vegan Recipe: My Cypriot Grandmother’s Mulukhiyah
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from my grandmother in and out of the kitchen. Mulukhiyah, also called molohiya or molokhia, is a leafy green vegetable popular throughout many cultures. When put in a stew (or soup, in some cultures), the dish will adopt the same name as the vegetable with which it’s prepared. The …
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Companies that are Totally Plastic Free!
Our society has grown to rely so heavily on plastic that it has become difficult to avoid purchasing, even for those of use who are actively avoiding it. That is why we have compiled a short list of companies making efforts to support you in your pursuit of a plastic-free life! If you know a …
10 Quick and Easy Sustainable Home Swaps for Low-Waste Eco Friendly Home
It is NOT difficult or expensive to be eco friendly. It just takes a lifestyle change, breaking old habits and practice. So what can we do to make a positive impact on the environment and teach our children about sustainability? All it takes are little changes. What we throw out goes back into our food supply. …
10 Quick and Easy Sustainable Home Swaps for Low-Waste Eco Friendly Home Read More »
Lifestyle
Taking the Icy Plunge Like Wim Hof
The icy plunge. It’s become a growing practice throughout the years, and many are practicing it. Loved by some and hated by others, it doesn’t come without benefits. You may have heard of the Icy Plunge practice from the famous Wim Hof, who developed the eponymous Wim Hof Method. He’s surpassed what many scientists have …
5 Ways to Donate to Reduce Waste and Ensure Reuse
I still cannot believe it’s been over a year (pre-pandemic times, oh my!) since I volunteered with sorting items to be processed and priced at Goodwill. One by one, I went through clothing donations, inspecting their condition and evaluating each piece, making the call on what could be sold in-store. Although this experience sometimes feels …
5 Ways to Donate to Reduce Waste and Ensure Reuse Read More »
Parenting
Travel
Best vintage cameras you can still buy
Film is making a comeback, and in a very big way. Collecting vintage camera is a fun way to gain knowledge about history and photography. While people are upgrading to digital, 35mm film cameras are not old enough to be considered antique. Things to look for if you want a working camera. An even shutter …
Wellness
Taking the Icy Plunge Like Wim Hof
The icy plunge. It’s become a growing practice throughout the years, and many are practicing it. Loved by some and hated by others, it doesn’t come without benefits. You may have heard of the Icy Plunge practice from the famous Wim Hof, who developed the eponymous Wim Hof Method. He’s surpassed what many scientists have …
Our 6 Favorite Clean Sunscreens for Summer 2021
One of the most vital and often underrated bag stuffers for the whole year –especially summertime– is an SPF that works to actively protect your beloved skin. We find it extremely important to have a go-to sunscreen that can be trusted inside the bottle and out. This year we’re searching for mineral-based formulas that block …
Companies that are Totally Plastic Free!
Our society has grown to rely so heavily on plastic that it has become difficult to avoid purchasing, even for those of use who are actively avoiding it. That is why we have compiled a short list of companies making efforts to support you in your pursuit of a plastic-free life! If you know a …
Why Healing Your Gut Is Essential for Good Health
The human gut is more complex than previously thought and has a huge impact on whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion, and it may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases. Scientists have also found that gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters that regulate …
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How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
I spent some time researching proper hand-washing techniques, the lifespan of Covid-19, surfaces where the virus thrives, and finally, DIY recipes. With all the ways anxieties are manifesting — hoarding all the toilet paper in North America — and all the ways profiteers are reaping the benefits of those anxieties by cornering the market on hand …
HOW TO PREPARE for Coronavirus and Coronavirus testing
With more than 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and nine deaths in Washington State, you might be anxious about how a potential spread of COVID-19 could affect you. A lot is still unknown about the novel coronavirus but, right now, by following some basic steps, you can help reduce your risk, and do your …
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Best Free Online Workout Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant millions of us around the world are adjusting to life indoors. To combat coronavirus, or Covid-19, health experts are recommending social distancing to “flatten the curve” and save lives. But your gym or fitness studio’s closure doesn’t mean you can’t still make healthy choices. Here’s a list of 15 free online workouts you …