Embarking on a sustainable fashion journey is a transformative and empowering decision.

A sustainable fashion journey starts with a commitment to aligning one's personal style with a conscientious approach to the planet and its people. The journey begins with a curiosity to understand the intricacies of the fashion industry, from sourcing materials to production processes. It involves a shift in mindset, valuing quality over quantity and acknowledging the impact of our choices on the environment. 

Here are15 ways to Embrace Sustainable Fashion:

1. Educate Yourself: Start by learning about sustainable fashion, understanding the environmental and social impacts of the industry, and familiarizing yourself with key terms like fair trade, organic, and circular fashion.

2. Assess Your Wardrobe: Take stock of your current clothing items. Identify what you already have that aligns with sustainable principles and what might need replacing.

3. Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last longer and withstand fashion trends. This approach reduces the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on waste.

4. Secondhand Shopping: Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms for secondhand clothing. It's an eco-friendly way to find unique pieces and extend the life of garments.

5. Swap Parties: Organize clothing swap events with friends or in your community. This allows you to refresh your wardrobe without spending money or contributing to new production.

6. Rent Instead of Buying: For special occasions or trendy items, consider renting clothing. This reduces the demand for new production and minimizes the environmental impact.

7. Support Sustainable Brands: Research and support brands that prioritize sustainability. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or B Corp certification.

8. Mindful Washing: Extend the life of your clothes by washing them in cold water, air-drying when possible, and avoiding excessive ironing. This reduces energy consumption and garment wear.

9. DIY and Upcycling: Get creative with DIY projects to refresh or personalize your clothing. Upcycling old garments into something new gives them a second life.

10. Capsule Wardrobe: Streamline your wardrobe by creating a capsule collection of versatile, mix-and-match pieces. This minimizes the need for excessive shopping and helps you make the most of what you have.

11. Natural Fibers: Choose clothing made from natural, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, or linen. These materials are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact.

12. Mindful Trend Following: Be selective with trends. Opt for timeless styles that won't go out of fashion quickly, reducing the temptation to engage in fast fashion cycles.

13. Repair Instead of Replace: Learn basic sewing skills to mend and repair your clothing. This simple practice can significantly extend the lifespan of your garments.

14. Conscious Accessories: Extend your sustainable choices to accessories. Look for jewelry, handbags, and shoes made from eco-friendly materials or recycled components.

15. Spread the Word: Share your journey toward sustainable fashion with friends and family. Encourage others to join you in making conscious choices, creating a ripple effect towards a more sustainable fashion community.

As I tread this path, I find joy in exploring secondhand treasures, cherishing timeless pieces, and supporting brands dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. It's not just about updating a wardrobe; it's a conscious effort to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. With each mindful choice, the journey unfolds, revealing the beauty of fashion that doesn't compromise the well-being of the planet or its inhabitants.

Motherhood is a transformative journey that brings about significant changes in a woman's life. From sleepless nights to heartwarming smiles, the experience is a rollercoaster of emotions. Amidst the chaos, many mothers find themselves reevaluating their priorities, including their approach to fashion. The transition to motherhood often sparks a desire for a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle, and this shift is reflected in the growing trend of women embracing sustainable fashion.

The journey of motherhood comes with a heightened sense of responsibility, not only for the well-being of the child but also for the future of the planet they will inherit. This newfound awareness prompts mothers to seek eco-friendly alternatives in various aspects of their lives, including fashion choices. Sustainable fashion offers a solution by providing clothing that is ethically produced, environmentally friendly, and designed to stand the test of time.

Many mothers are turning away from fast fashion, with its disposable nature and questionable labor practices, in favor of sustainable options. They are choosing clothing made from organic materials, supporting brands with transparent supply chains, and opting for timeless pieces that can be worn for years. This shift represents a conscious effort to minimize the environmental impact of fashion and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Embracing sustainable fashion after motherhood is not just a style choice; it's a statement of values.

It's about fostering a world where our children can grow up in a cleaner, greener environment. As mothers increasingly become the driving force behind the sustainable fashion movement, they are not just dressing themselves but also shaping a more conscious and responsible future for their families.

Are you ready to embrace your sustainable fashion journey but not exactly sure where to start? Read our 15 steps here. 

In a world where environmental consciousness is more critical than ever, the way we approach gift-giving has evolved.

The era of disposable and unsustainable gifts is making way for a more thoughtful and eco-friendly approach. Here's why you should consider gifting sustainable living gifts, not just for the recipient's enjoyment but for the health of our planet.

1. Conscious Consumption: Sustainable living gifts often prioritize quality over quantity. By choosing items made from eco-friendly materials and ethical practices, you contribute to a culture of conscious consumption. These gifts are designed to stand the test of time, reducing the need for constant replacements and minimizing waste.

2. Environmental Impact: Traditional gifts often contribute to environmental degradation through excessive packaging and the use of non-renewable resources. Sustainable living gifts are typically crafted with the environment in mind, using recycled materials, minimal packaging, and eco-friendly production methods. By choosing such gifts, you actively reduce your ecological footprint.

3. Promoting Eco-Friendly Habits: Gifting sustainable products encourages the recipient to adopt more environmentally friendly habits. Whether it's reusable water bottles, eco-friendly kitchenware, or sustainable fashion, these gifts inspire a lifestyle shift towards more mindful and green choices.

4. Supporting Ethical Practices: Many sustainable living gifts come from companies committed to ethical and fair-trade practices. By supporting such businesses, you contribute to a supply chain that values fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing of materials. This ensures that your gift has a positive impact not only on the environment but on the lives of those involved in its production.

5. Educational Value: Sustainable living gifts often come with a story – a narrative of how they were made, the materials used, and their impact on the environment. Gifting these items provides an opportunity to educate the recipient about sustainable practices, fostering awareness and a deeper connection to our planet.

Choosing to gift sustainable living items is more than just a trend; it's a conscious decision to contribute positively to the well-being of the Earth.

As we are becoming increasingly aware of its environmental impact, these gifts symbolize a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. So, the next time you're looking for the perfect present, consider the lasting impact of a sustainable living gift – a gift that keeps on giving, not just to the recipient, but to the planet we all call home.

(Need some ideas? Check out the sustainable living gifts we love here.)

Teaching kids about sustainability is a valuable way to instill lifelong habits and values that promote environmental responsibility. Here are some tips on how to approach sustainability with kids:

1. Lead by Example: Children often learn best by observing the behavior of adults. Practice sustainable habits yourself, such as recycling, conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly products. Explain your actions and their positive impact on the environment.

2. Use Kid-Friendly Language: When discussing sustainability with kids, use age-appropriate language. Explain concepts in simple terms and avoid overwhelming them with technical jargon. For example, you can talk about "saving energy" instead of discussing kilowatt-hours.

3. Engage in Nature Activities: Spend time in nature to help children develop a connection with the environment. Go on hikes, visit parks, or simply explore the backyard. Encourage them to observe and appreciate the natural world.

4. Hands-On Learning: Involve kids in hands-on activities that demonstrate sustainability. Planting a garden, setting up a compost bin, or participating in community clean-up events can be fun and educational experiences.

5. Teach Resource Conservation: Explain the importance of conserving resources like water and energy. Show them how to turn off lights, unplug devices, and take shorter showers. Make it a family effort, and track the results together.

6. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Teach the three R's of sustainability. Encourage kids to reduce waste by using reusable items, such as water bottles and lunch containers. Explain the importance of recycling and how to sort recyclables.

7. Discuss the Impact of Consumer Choices: Talk about how our consumption choices affect the environment. When shopping, involve kids in selecting products with eco-friendly labels or those that use less packaging.

8. Storytelling and Media: Share books, documentaries, and movies that address environmental issues and solutions. Discuss the stories and lessons to promote understanding and empathy for the planet.

9. Art and Creativity: Use art and creative projects to explore sustainability. Create recycled art projects or crafts that reuse materials, allowing children to see the potential in items that might otherwise be discarded.

10. Encourage Questions and Curiosity: Be open to children's questions and curiosity about the environment. Encourage them to ask why things happen and how they can help. This fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.

11. Celebrate Sustainable Holidays: Introduce sustainable practices during holidays and special occasions. Discuss eco-friendly gift-wrapping, decorations, and ways to reduce waste during celebrations.

12. Promote Local and Seasonal Food: Teach kids about the benefits of eating local and seasonal foods. Visit farmers' markets and involve them in meal preparation with fresh, local ingredients.

Remember that sustainability education is an ongoing process. Be patient and allow children to gradually embrace these concepts. By introducing them to sustainability in a positive and engaging way, you can help raise environmentally conscious and responsible individuals.

1. Teach them about the importance of reducing waste and the impact of fast fashion on the environment.
2. Encourage them to recycle and upcycle their clothes by showing them how to turn old clothes into something new.
3. Shop for clothes at second-hand stores or swap clothes with friends instead of always buying new.
4. Choose clothes made from sustainable materials, like organic cotton or recycled polyester.
5. Support ethical and sustainable fashion brands that prioritize fair labor practices and eco-friendly materials.
6. Get creative and have fun with DIY fashion projects that use recycled materials, like making jewelry from old buttons or creating a tote bag from an old t-shirt.

5 Steps to Reset Your Goal to Live More Sustainably 

I don't know how many times I warned myself, but I did it. I took on too much too quickly and felt myself completely overwhelmed with trying to live as sustainable as posible. Unfortunately the overload left me feeling numb and unable to make decisions on how to move forward.

When I first started this journey, I started small. I took my already vegetarian diet a step further into veganism. I used resusuable grocery bags and produce bags 100% of the time, switched to bar shampoo, tubeless toothpaste and even started composting. I refused to buy anthing made in China or of syntheic fibers and even turned down gifts from family and friends. 

Fast forward 5 years, right before Holiday 2021 and I was feeling miserable. I was as plastic free as a mother of 4 could possibly be, vegan and felt 100% out of touch. I found it difficult to go out and relate with people and even going to the grocery store was giving me anxiety. Most importantly, I was lost on how to pick myself up and start all over again. 

But you know what? One of the beautiful things about life is that its a journey. You can reset and restart as often as you need to. Yes, its true! You don't even have to wait until Monday to do it. And what's even better than that, restarting and resetting doesn't cost ANYTHING.

 How to Reset Your Eco-Living Journey Right Now!

1. Accept where you are in this moment without judgement.

If you are not where you want to be, don't beat yoursefl up over it. Negative self talk won't accomplish anything, in fact, it will only hold you back even longer. So just stop the negative thoughts and emotions and lets more forward!

I find it really helpful to journal. And this doens't need to be a huge commitment.  Just find a few minutes and get it all out. Don't worry about spelling or sentence structure. Just start writing and allow yourself to get all your thoughts and frustrations out of your head and heart and on to the paper. 

2. Decide where you want to be. 

With your your thoughts and frustrations out on paper, its time to decide where you want to be. Think about what is not working, and what you want to do more (or less) of. Now that you have accepted things as they are, its time to decide what you are still wanting change. Imagine your future self writing the same type of journal entry. What does that look like? 

For example, for me, I had reduced my plastic usage in my beauty care routine almost 100%. And while I was feeling very proud of myself for using less plastic, I was hating the result because I was not getting the skin care that I really needed, especially for just turning 40. So one of my one of my goals this year is finding a clean beauty routine that works for me as opposed to the one I created that is more fitting for my 7 year-old son.  And while I realize that I might not be able to make my beauty routinie 100% plastic free, I'm looking at my approach more holistically and considering brands that are doing more for the planet and humanity.

3. Make a game plan.

With your your thoughts/frustations and ideas of where you want to be all on paper, now its time to make a plan! Your plan should be a slow and steady one where you revisit your goals monthly, weekly or even dailiy. If you aren't actively working on your goals, they aren't going to get accomplished. 

There is a lot you can change to live more sustainably. When making your game plan, I urge you to take on one section of your life at a time. Trying to do too much, too quickly almost always ends up in eco anxiety. I suggest picking from areas such as, Sustainalbe Fashion, Clean Beauty, Green Home, Zero Waste Kitchen, ect., and then really honing in on your efforts. Once you feel like you have the swing of one area, then start back on step 1 with another area of your life in mind.

4. Move on from what doesnt work. 

If it doens't work from you, move on. 

There are a million ways to live more sustainably. If it doesn't make sense fo you at the time to change a certain area of your life, work on another area. You can always come back to it when the time is right. It is much better to just move on to another area than to stop your Sustainable Journey all together. 

When I feel overwhelmed with trying to revamp a certain area of my life to live more sustainable, I find research exremely helpful. So while I may pause a goal, I take a little time to continue my research so that when I am ready to come back to the sustainabel goal, I feel more prepared.

5. Reasses and reset as often as needed.

Resetting can sometimes feel like failure. Negative self talk about why you didn't accomplish your green goals creeps in and moving past it can be difficult. 

I read a great article, Why Its Okay to Change Goals. Jigessa's first 2 reasons really hit home for me. 1. Your priorities will change over time and 2. The process of pursuing goals should be enjoyable and satisfying. These two key points are so true. Throughout life, your priorities will change and some green goals may no longer be relevant. Even more, the process of pursing your goals should be FUN, the moment its not and it starts to feel like a handicap is the moment we get ready to throw in the towel. 

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So those are my tips on how to reset your sustainable living goals. I hope they were helpful! Don’t let anything hold you back from what you want to accomplish this year. Making small changes add up and if you keep at it, but the end of the year, you will be amazed of how far you have come. Comment below with your tips on how to reset your ecoliving goals!

Thank you for reading!

Have you heard the buzz around sustainable, or ecofriendly fashion? Right now in the fashion industry there is a lot of information regarding sustainability circling around and to be honest, as a consumer, it can be overwhelming. The great news is that you are here, which means in some way, you are interested in creating a more conscious wardrobe.

If you are ready to start Sustainable Fashion but have no idea where to start, that't totally ok. We all have to start somewhere and similar to any lifestyle change, the hardest part is actually starting. Below I am sharing 3 Simple Ways to Stop Fast Fashion.  

1. Shop your closet before buying new clothes.

We have all been there. Standing in front of our over stuffed closets, wondering how is it that we have so many articles of clothing, yet feel we have nothing to wear. I know this is easier said than done, but try cleaning out and reorganzing your closet to get inspired to wear something you already own. It may also help to try a Wardrobe Challenge. Wardrobe Challenges can help you get creative making outfits with pieces you already own an help you narrorw down what you really need, if anything at all. 

Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels

2. Give pre-loved pieces a second chance by thrift or vintage shopping

In my days addicted to fast fashion, I would justify buying something uber cheap, wear it once and then discard it, just because it was cheap. But let me tell you, if you haven't tried second hand shopping you are MISSING OUT.  You can score great finds at local thrift and vintage shops. Pieces that are well known brands and tell a story. Pieces that help you build a wardrobe that is just as unique as you. Plus, every time you shop at certain thrift shops such as GoodWill or Salvation Army, you are giving back to your community and those in need. I don't know whats better than that!

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

I carry second hand and upcycled pieces at my local Miami Markets but recently started to share a few of my favorites on the shop. Check them out. 

3. Invest in sustainable brands but beware of greenwashing

We are lucky now that more and more sustainable brands are launching. We even have access to big brands with sustainable initatives. But with more brands promising to be more sustainable and green, comes greenwashing. Business News Daily explains greenwashing as "when a company or organization spends more time and money on marketing themselves as environmentally friendly than on minimizing their environmental impact." They wrote a great article on How to avoid greenwashing. 

The truth is in order to shop sustainable fashion,  you must do your research. Take a moment to look into the brands you are interested in purchasing, take the time to research ecofriendly fibers, and trust your instinct.

Remember, with all 3 of these steps in mind to kick fast fashion, this is a process, so strive for progress instead of perfection. 

The more I continue on this path to building a sustainable closet for myself while sourcing pieces for grupomancin, the more I am on the search to learn. Learn about what a circular fashion model looks like, learn how to wholeheartedly support sustainable living (through fashion and every other facet possible), and learn how to build a conscious closet that my customers and myself can be proud of wearing while feeling confident and empowered. 

It’s no surprise that I absolutely love and am pretty obsessed with Elizabeth L. Cline’s book The Conscious Closet. If you haven't yet read it, I highly recommend it as a great starting point for sustainable fashion! I learned so many new things about conscious fashion and was intrigued with the idea of reconnecting with my personal style by a wardrobe challenge. I will admit, I had heard of wardrobe challenges but I was intimidated to try to limit 10 days of outfits to only 10 pieces in my closet, let alone try to document the daily process. 

But with 2020 being all about the unknown, trying new things and it never being too late, here we are - My first 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge. 

My 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge Pieces

- Black Jumpsuit from grupomancin
- Destroyed straight leg denim from Boyish Jeans
- Black Midi Dress from grupomancin
- Secondhand White Bodysuit from Goodwill
- Secondhand Crocheted Yellow Crop Sweater from Goodwill
- Tan Maxi Skirt from grupomancin
- Deadstock Crop White Tee from grupomancin
- Denim Button Shirt from former life in luxury fashion
- Black Knit Short Sleeve
- Destroyed Denim Shorts (which I had to mend during the challenge ♻)

My 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge Looks

5 Things I learned with a Wardrobe Challenge

When picking your pieces, look for the pieces in your wardrobe that you love but that are also versatile. Being able to dress up and down your pieces will help you get the most out of your wardrobe and the ability to create many different looks.

The great thing with a wardrobe challenge is that you don’t have to include your accessories and shoes in your piece count (Mad props to the real pros who do count their shoes!) When you styling your outfits, make sure to mix up your accessories and footwear. Even small styling techniues as in knotting the bottom your shirt, folding your sleeves, or cuffing your pants can completely change an outfit.

Jeans are always my go so I might be bias, but making sure you have at least 1 or 2 denim pieces in your mix is a must. And if you haven’t heard, Canadian Tuxedos are in, so be sure to venture and try out some denim on denim looks. I love to mix different shades of blue and even pair destroyed pieces with clean crisp pieces.

Its easy to associate basic with being boring, however when it comes to building a conscious wardrobe, that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you look for basics, look for upgraded versions. For example, for a white tee, I had two options. I picked a secondhand deep vneck bodysuit and a deadstock crop white tshirt from the 80s. Both pieces are pretty basic, but neither is boring. Both pieces support sustainable fashion and exude the right amount of sex appeal.

Colors and patterns can easily refresh a wardrobe. When you are trying to get the most out of your wardrobe with versatile basic pieces, you might feel its a little stale. Keep your wardrobe interesting with seasonal colors and patterns that you love.

The Next Wardrobe Challenge

I loved this wardrobe challenge way more than I was expecting. I found it fun and exciting to get dressed every single day, and in 2020 that is HUGE. I also found that I was more motivated from the start of each day and more productive overall. But what is even more exciting than the surge of motivation, is that I am finally feeling like I am building the sustainable conscious closet that I have dreamt of having. A wardrobe that fits the new me, the woman me, the entreprenuer me and mom me. 

If you are new to sustainable fashion, or feel your wardrobe needs a makeover, I challenge you try a wardrobe challenge to jumpstart your journey.

Will You Accept the Challenge? 

The other day, a friend of mine asked me for advice on how to help those around her live more sustainably. And phew, it was a super hard question to answer! I’ve had a lot of success helping my children embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle (see: How to Embrace Eco-Friendly Living with Kids). But in my experience, getting peers, parents, or basically any adult to change his or her ways and live more sustainably is no easy task.

Her question got me thinking: why is that? What is it about sustainability that makes it more difficult for adults to adopt? To answer this, I went back to the basics of what sustainable living really is, at its heart. The dictionary defines sustainability as:

“The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.”

As a mother, I’ve seen firsthand how my children have an innate connection to the environment.  They genuinely want to help all living things. They’re also naturally very open to new ideas and perspectives. On the other hand, many adults have grown accustomed to a certain way of life. They’ve experienced the convenience of living a less environmentally conscious lifestyle. Breaking those habits and changing those ways of thinking can be a huge hurdle. 

But all hope is not lost! It is possible to inspire those around you to better their lives and be more conscious of the impact their choices have. 

Here are a few ways you can inspire those around you to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

1.  Lead By Example 

When you start your sustainable journey, it can be nerve wracking to share the changes you’ve made with those around you. You might be afraid that they might not accept your new lifestyle. It’s true that you might encounter judgment from people who aren’t ready to make changes in their own lives. I know I have. Some of my family members have even labeled the changes I have decided to make (such as eating organic, avoiding bulk produce in plastic, and purchasing all-natural products) as elitist. 

Just do you! Make your sustainable changes and live your life in a conscious, authentic way. Your friends and family members will definitely notice your dedication. They’ll probably even ask you about it! Which leads me to the next point...

2. Talk About It

Inspire those around you by talking about the small changes you’re making in your everyday life. Explain why sustainability is important to you. Educate your friends and family about how to better take care of the planet. Mention products you love and how they’ve improved your life. The more you talk about why you’re doing what you’re doing, the more your passion comes across. And passion is so contagious!

Here are a few facts that I’m always eager to share with others:

• All plastic ever created is still on the Earth today! At this rate, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish!
• Fast Fashion is the second-largest polluting industry, after Big Oil. It creates unnecessary waste and pollutes our water system with harmful chemicals and microplastics. 
• Cow farts stink! In fact, raising livestock for meat contributes to 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Read more about that here!)

3.  Be Honest

Share your REAL feelings about your sustainability journey. Of course, it’s great to let your friends and family know when you fall in love with a new eco-friendly product. But in a way, it can be even more impactful when you share about an experience trying something that totally didn’t work for you! 

Living sustainably is not all sunshine and rainbows. If you try to act like it is, you’ll just turn people away from it — especially when they try adopting a sustainable lifestyle and it’s way harder than they expected. Being honest with your sustainability journey allows others to offer helpful suggestions or solutions. By creating an open, judgment-free zone, you are building an earth-loving community that’s committed to solving the world’s important problems, And isn't that the best thing we can do?

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4.  Don’t Expect Perfection

Be patient with others as you begin to share your experiences with them. Don’t expect them to totally change their mindset and their lifestyle overnight, even when you start to see some positive changes. Be honest with yourself and others and try to see things from a different perspective. None of us are perfect, and that’s okay! Let that shared humanity help you relate to one another and build community. 

5.  Share the Journey 

Now that your friends and family are more open to the sustainability movement, share the journey! I personally love trying new eco-friendly products with others so we can share our experiences in real-time. And embracing a more environmentally conscious lifestyle together can give you the chance to make plenty of new memories!

The next time you meet up with a friend, try doing one of these sustainable activities:

• Skip the coffee shop and plan a picnic at a park. Even better, bring to-go coffee in sustainable mugs! (My favorites are from Greens Steel.)
• Get your sweat on and go for a hike. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. (Need to save room in your bag, use the clever collapsable Hydaway.
• Visit a farmer’s market to support local businesses and pick up some organic, sustainably grown produce.
• Cook a meal together and give “Meatless Mondays” a try! Here are a few of my favorite recipes: Vegan Chickpea Torta, Quick Chana Masala, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. 

Sharing your experiences and knowledge is the best way to create a positive, more sustainable environment. As you lead by example and look for opportunities to share your eco-friendly lifestyle with others, you’ll find that others will start to feel the same passion you have. 

How do you share your sustainable lifestyle with others? Do you have any suggestions of other ways that have worked for you? Let me know in the comments!

However, when it came to making other areas of my life more sustainable, I struggled. I felt (and still sometimes feel) pretty overwhelmed about just how much I needed to change in order to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. But every time I change a habit or tweak a routine or swap something out for a greener alternative, I feel that much better about my efforts! Those little fixes really add up.

One of my resolutions back in 2019 was to transform my beauty and self-care routines. I switched out five products for plastic-free, eco-friendly alternatives. And it really made a difference for me! The product switches have been totally painless and 1 year later, I feel so much better knowing that something as simple as washing my face or brushing my teeth doesn’t have to harm the planet. If you’re not sure where to start in upgrading your personal care routine, try starting with one of the below!

An Easy & Sustainable Beauty Routine

1. Bar Shampoo
   Make the switch from liquid shampoo that comes in big plastic packaging to bar shampoo. Since bar shampoos are solid, they don’t come in plastic bottles. Plus, they can last as long as two to three bottles of your favorite shampoo, and most bar shampoos use natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals that end up damaging your hair in the long run. It’s a win-win!

Lush has a lot of great, affordable options of shampoo bars in different scents. I also love these all natural shampoo bars from Silver Falls Sustainability Co and my recent favorite is Made with Mission available at Wholefoods. Not only does it smell great and leave my hair soft and shiny, but they have a 3 in 1 that is good for your hair, body and shaving! A true win for my minimalist routine.

2. Bamboo Toothbrush

News flash -- the large majority of toothbrushes are made of plastic that isn’t biodegradable. Nearly 50 million pounds of toothbrushes end up in US landfills each year! So I recommend switching to a compostable bamboo toothbrush. For me, it was such an easy switch! It took a little getting used to, but now I don’t even notice. I’ve tried both Brush with Bamboo and Humble Brush and I love both.

3. Nontoxic, Plastic-Free Deodorant
   Conventional deodorants are full of potentially hazardous chemicals and packaged in plenty of needless plastic. We can do better! I was a little skeptical of switching to a natural deodorant since I wasn’t sure if it would work as well as the products I was used to. But Love Momma Bell works great for me!

4. Bar Lotion

I have pretty dry skin, so lotion has always been a really important part of my regular skincare routine. I was really excited when I discovered Silver Falls Sustainable Co.’s lotion bar -- its citrus scent smells amazing and it leaves my skin feeling so smooth! And it’s totally plastic-free.

5. Makeup

Conventional makeup tends to use tons of toxic chemicals and all kinds of plastic packaging. Elate Beauty is nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free, with sustainable packaging. Antonym Cosmetics is another of my favorite beauty brands, with natural and organic makeup and bamboo compacts. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but whenever I do, they help me look and feel my prettiest!

Small changes can add up in a big way. Every time you choose a plastic-free, eco-friendly alternative, you do your part in taking care of the environment and making the world a better, safer place to live in for everyone. And I totally appreciate you for it!

Like I said, upgrading my personal care routine is still an ongoing process… so I’d love to hear your suggestions! Do you have a favorite product you think I should try out? Let me know in the comments!

Trust me, I get it. Making sustainable choices is a lofty task without kids. But with kids? It can seem downright impossible. 

I mean, even simple things like making it to the grocery store can be daunting. I’ve rarely ever made it to and from the grocery store without at least one of my little ones having a breakdown… and even though I do manage to make it to the store once or twice a week, I always wind up forgetting at least two major things on my list.

But I’ve found that going green with your entire family can actually make things easier than going at it alone. Ever since I decided to make big changes to try and make my lifestyle more sustainable, I’ve been amazed at how living green has really brought us closer together as a family. My children surprise me every day at their willingness to adapt.

So I encourage you to tackle this adventure with your whole family. I promise you will be amazed and inspired by your children’s motivation and determination to save Mother Earth, and at how easily they will start making changes in their routines, the products they use, and even the food they eat.

Here are my top 5 tips for making eco-friendly changes with your kids:

Talk about it

Whenever you’re about to make any big changes as a family, talking about it first is a MUST. Kids are creatures of habit. They live for their routines. But that being said, children also so resilient. They’re often very open to change when they feel as though they’re part of the process. Explain to them why your family wants to make this change. Ask for their opinions. Encourage them to share ideas on how they think the family can reduce waste and cut back on plastic use.

Start slow & small

Don’t try to change everything at once — that’s setting yourself up for failure. In the beginning, start off small. Swap out just one item for an eco-friendly alternative. Make changes slowly, one at a time. Allow plenty of time in between each change so it becomes the new normal. Then, once you and your family feel comfortable with the change, introduce something new.

Test products together

initial shock of changing brands or processes will wear off and testing new products will become a fun family activity everyone can look forward to!

Lead by example

Once you’ve talked the talk, now it's time to walk the walk. Showing your children (and adult family members) that you’ve made the same changes you’re asking them to make will encourage them to participate (Monkey see, monkey do, right?).  It’ll also help them see how important sustainability is to you.

Leave room for error

Remember: cultivating a sustainable lifestyle takes time and effort. Unfortunately, you’re not going to wake up to the perfect sustainable household one day out of the blue. So just do the best you can. Prioritize feasible changes that are especially important to you and your family — for me, that’s using reusable bottles, using cloth napkins, recycling, and using reusable bags. Then, forgive yourself whenever you fall short.

But above all, remember to have fun!

Take the time to celebrate the small victories along the way. Make sustainability a group effort. Get creative as you find ways to help the planet. I promise it’s worth it — after all, with every small change you and your family make, you’re impacting the planet in a big way. 

As mothers who are trying our best to live an intentional, sustainable life, the best gift we can give our children is knowledge.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to worry a lot over my children’s wellbeing and education. I’m always wondering… Are they engaged enough? Are they on the right track? Are they learning what they need to learn in order to keep up in school?

But some things aren’t taught in the classroom. And those skills can be the most important of all.

I’ve learned that it’s so important to take an active role in my children’s nutrition. But that doesn’t just mean that I need to make sure whatever’s on their plate is healthy. To me, that means that I need to teach my children to care about what they put into their bodies. I need to help my children understand the difference between healthy foods and unhealthy foods. I need to teach them, step by step, how to take care of themselves, from purchasing food to preparing food to eating it.

Eating right is the foundation for good nutrition, so it’s absolutely crucial to help your children form a positive relationship with food early on. So if you want to prepare your children to live healthy lives well into adulthood, start including them in the kitchen!

If you don’t love cooking, that’s okay. Start with super basic healthy recipes and go from there. Once they see you making an effort to cook and eat healthy food, your kids will want to join in! 

Here are five fun, easy ways to include your kids in the kitchen.

Take them to buy produce.

Start involving them from the very beginning! Let your kids know what you’re planning on making later and put them in charge of finding certain ingredients. (Remember to bring along reusable bags!)

Wash and prep ingredients.
Next, ask them to help you wash and prepare the ingredients, demonstrating the proper way to do it first. My youngest daughter (who’s almost 3) loves helping out this way. The last time we cooked a meal together, she helped me rinse veggies, pull stems off, sprinkle salt, and pour in chopped garlic. 

Measure (or count out) ingredients.

Use cooking as an impromptu math lesson! Teach older kids how to accurately measure ingredients. Help them understand the difference between teaspoons and tablespoons, ¼ cup & ½ cups, etc. For younger kids, encourage them to count out ingredients. I’ll often ask my youngest to count out blueberries for muffins or chocolate chips for cookies. 

Stir and taste test.

My favorite part! Once the dish is underway, ask children to take turns stirring. Encourage them to taste things in order to judge whether the dish is done or not. (Though in my family, we do plenty of taste testing along the way, too!)

Plating.

Once the food is finished cooking, put your children in charge of arranging it on each plate. Encourage them to embrace their creative side and see what they come up with!

Kids are never too young to start their healthy relationship with food. And it’s never too late to start cooking together as a family. 

Still wondering how cooking with your children could benefit you as a family? Read my latest post!

As a big family of 7, we cook nearly every meal at home. It helps me make sure my kids and I are always eating real, delicious food. It also helps us eat more sustainable, organic foods and avoid unnecessary waste. (Not to mention it saves us a TON of money!)

But I don’t cook all of our meals by myself! I absolutely adore cooking with my kids. Honestly, I love cooking with any kids — sometimes my nieces or even neighborhood kids join in on the fun! There’s just nothing that compares to the closeness that you feel as you’re helping each other, creating something delicious together, and helping a child do (or taste!) something for the very first time. 

And as enjoyable as cooking together is, there are so many additional benefits of cooking with children and showing them what a healthy relationship with food looks like. Here are just a few of the positive changes I’ve noticed as I’ve tried to involve my kids in the kitchen more and more.

It helps their social & emotional development. 

Involving children in hands-on cooking activities helps them develop pride and confidence in their skills and abilities. They’ll feel empowered and capable as you patiently help them accomplish tasks, then show them their delicious results. Help them if they get frustrated. Praise them for their efforts. And encourage them to share the food they make with their friends!

It aids in their physical development.

Chopping, squeezing, spreading, and mixing are all cooking skills that help develop a child’s small muscle control and hand-eye coordination. Plus, cooking can help your children develop a healthy relationship with food and appreciate eating right, which is the foundation for good nutrition. 

It makes them more open to trying new foods.

Taste-testing is my kids’ favorite part of cooking. (It’s mine, too!) While we’re cooking, I make it a point to make a big deal about introducing new fruits or vegetables. I try to make it fun and exciting — and that attitude often translates over to mealtime. I’ve found that when my children help out in the kitchen, they’re more open to trying different meals and other healthy foods. 

It’s a teaching opportunity. 

Cooking with kids gives you a chance to teach them valuable skills. Depending on your child’s age, you might use cooking to practice reading, following directions, and measuring ingredients. For younger kids who don’t read yet, try having them count out ingredients. My youngest loves to count out blueberries for muffins or chocolate chips for cookies. You can also use that time to teach them about how certain foods can help their bodies get stronger and do more of the activities they enjoy.

I truly believe it’s so important to help children form a positive relationship with food early on. Giving them regular experiences cooking healthy food will help them gain self-confidence, have better nutrition, be more open to trying new things, and learn valuable skills. And the close relationship you’ll form with them in the process? Well, that’s the icing on the cake.

The new year is here-- full of promise, change, and hope. Now is the perfect time to reflect on the past 365 days, evaluate your progress and look for things you can improve in 2019.

In 2018, I really strived to make every decision I made a conscious one. Of course, that’s easier said than done. With my family of seven, becoming more environmentally conscious seemed like a pretty daunting task. But as I made an effort to be more aware, I was able to make a lot of small changes to live more sustainably and think about my consumption habits.

This year, let’s resolve to live even more sustainably and responsibly.

Let’s make decisions that have a positive impact on the earth and everyone who lives here.

Here are some little things you can start doing in your home to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly and sustainable. They’re small, but together they have a huge impact.

1. Switch to a bamboo toothbrush
   Most toothbrushes are made of a variety of different plastics that aren’t biodegradable. Around 50 million pounds of toothbrushes go straight to US landfills every year. Bamboo toothbrushes can be composted and therefore help reduce waste. And it’s such an easy switch - you can get a pack of four on Amazon for under $8. 
   
   
2. Use reusable grocery bags
   Paper or plastic? Neither! Bring your own bags with you when you shop at the grocery store, and commit to it. If you forget your bags, load up your car without them and bag your groceries when you get home. You’ll never forget your bags again!
   
   
3. Switch to bar shampoo
   Shampoo bars are package-free, making them much better for the environment than liquid shampoos. Plus, they’re very concentrated, so they last a long time. Lush has a lot of great, affordable shampoo bar options.
   
   
4. Use cloth napkins
   Choosing to use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins helps you cut down on waste. Plus, they usually look nicer and end up costing less in the long run. 
   
   
5. Say no to plastic straws ALWAYS 
   Last year, Americans used about 390 million plastic straws daily. Most of those straws end up straight in the trash. Choose to drink your drinks without a straw or bring along a bamboo or metal straw in your diaper bag, car, or purse.
   
   
6. Hang dry clothing
   Dry your clothes the old-fashioned way. Line drying your clothes conserves energy and reduces your carbon footprint. It’s also gentler on clothing and saves money. If the weather isn’t good, you can still dry them inside on an indoor drying rack.
   
   
7. Choose organic cotton over regular cotton
   Regular cotton is frequently treated with harmful GMOs and pesticides. This makes it harsher on skin, unsafe for farmers, and detrimental to the environment. Organic cotton has a much lower environmental footprint, it’s hypoallergenic, and it’s free of dangerous chemicals.
   
   
8. Reusable water bottles
   Resolve to never buy a plastic water bottle ever again. It’s so important to stay hydrated, but you don’t need to create waste in order to do so. Get a reusable water bottle and keep one with you all the time.
   
   
9. Cook at home
   Commit to making home-cooked meals more often and eating out less. Not only will it be better for your health, but you’ll also eliminate tons of unnecessary packaging from take-out and delivery.
   
   
10. Organic tampons
    Switch over to organic cotton tampons and pads. It’s better for your body, better for the environment, and better for farmers. My favorite brand is Cora -- plus, they provide pads and health education to girls in need with every purchase.
    
    
11. Recycle
    Sure, this one may sound obvious. But the truth is, we could all do a little better when it comes to recycling. Take the time to learn about what can and can’t be recycled. Place a number of recycling bins throughout your home, wherever you think you’ll use them most. Then, make sure you always recycle -- even when it’s hard.
    
    
12. Grow a small garden
    Start growing your own produce in your backyard. Fresh, homegrown vegetables and herbs taste amazing, and they’re safe. Plus, any food you grow yourself has a much lower impact on the environment than commercial produce. Don’t have a yard for your own vegetable garden? Find a community garden, or start small by growing a few fresh herbs right in your kitchen. 
    
    
13. Borrow one-time items instead of buying
    Whenever I don’t have something that I need, my knee-jerk reaction is to go out and buy it. However, borrowing is often a much better choice. It helps you declutter, it saves money, and it cuts down on waste. Here’s a great list of items you should almost always borrow instead of buy. Just be sure to be as quick to lend as you are to borrow!
    
    
14. Use reusable silverware
    If you often eat lunch at work, keep silverware at your desk instead of using plastic utensils every single day. You can even go the extra mile by keeping other dishes nearby -- cups, bowls, plates, etc. 
    
    
15. Reusable coffee mugs
    If you’re an avid coffee-drinker, invest in a reusable mug or tumbler. It’ll keep your drink warm for longer and it’ll cut down on tons of waste. Bonus -- lots of cafés offer a discount to people who bring in their own cup.
    
    
16. Upgrade your makeup routine
    Switching makeup brands can do wonders for your plastic consumption. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and avoid plastic packaging. Two of my favorite brands are Elate Cosmetics and Antonym Cosmetics.
    
    
17. No plastic bags in the produce section
    We’ve already talked about avoiding plastic bags at the checkout counter -- don’t bag your produce in them, either. Bring smaller reusable bags from home and bag your fruits and veggies in those, or simply go bagless.

18. Take good care of your body
    Stay active and exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Taking proper care of yourself first helps keep you motivated to make good decisions and take the extra steps required to make mindful, sustainable choices.  
    
    
19. Minimize
    Simplify your life. Cut back on the products you use in general. From your wardrobe to your beauty regimen, turning to minimalism helps you focus on what’s really important in your life. Rather than mindlessly purchasing things you don’t truly need, you’ll invest in products and routines that positively influence your other decisions.
    
    

There are plenty of simple changes you can make in order to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, but sustainability is about more than just recycling and reducing waste. It’s about being more conscious of your decisions and choosing to live responsibly. It’s a way of showing you care about the environment and making it a better place for everyone. This coming year, let’s all try a little harder to make this world a little better.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, love is totally in the air. You might already be thinking about how you’ll make your special someone feel totally loved this February 14th -- what to buy them, how you’ll express your feelings in a card to them, how you’ll try to surprise them.

But perhaps even more important than what you give to your loved one is how you’ll spend the day together. Spending quality time together away from kids, work, and other responsibilities is a great way to rekindle the flame of your love and to make Valentine’s Day feel extra special.

These sustainable date night ideas are a few of my favorite ways to spend a night out with my husband in a responsible, eco-friendly, AND totally romantic way.

Cook Together

Embrace your inner chef and cook a delicious meal together. Cooking at home allows you to have total power over exactly what ingredients go into your meal and what ingredients don’t -- you don’t have that luxury when you eat out. Plus, it gives the two of you the chance to bond and work together. Try a new vegan recipe together, and don’t forget dessert! Just try to send your kids off with a babysitter, so you can spend a romantic evening focused on only each other.

One of my absolute favorite thing to cook is Vegan Alternative to the Famous Spanish Torta.

Go on a Hike

If you live in a warm enough climate, get outside and go on a hike. There’s nothing more romantic than spending time in the great outdoors, all alone with the one you love most. Show the planet a little extra love by picking up any trash you see along the way. You can even bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy in nature -- just remember to pack reusable utensils and dishes.

Get Massages

…and give massages! Set the mood at home by dimming the lights, lighting natural candles, playing soothing music, and using essential oils. Pamper your loved one by giving them a long, relaxing massage in the comfort of their bed. Or, opt for a couple’s massage at a professional spa.

Go Ice-Skating

Lace up your skates and embrace the chilly, wintry weather at the ice rink. It’s a sentimental, active way to spend your evening. Get all bundled up, hold hands, and be prepared to laugh and fall a lot (probably). Warm up afterward by making hot chocolate (made from organic, fair trade cocoa, of course.)

Go to a Museum

Spend the day learning and supporting your community by visiting a local museum. It’s an inexpensive, stimulating date option, one that’s sure to invite a lot of conversation and quality time. Trust me, it’s a totally different experience going on a date to a museum than it is dragging along your kids!

Spend this Valentine’s Day making memories with the one you love, without compromising your eco-conscious mindset and lifestyle.

What are your favorite date night ideas? Let us know in the comments!

Whenever a holiday comes around, Mother Earth always seems to get the short end of the stick.

While using fancy gift wrap, purchasing cards, and buying cheap gifts that aren’t sustainably sourced are common ways of showing your loved ones you care during the holidays, they can have a negative impact on the planet we all share. Luckily, there are better ways! This Valentine’s Day, seek out eco-friendly, fair-trade items to show your loved ones you care.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance -- we’ll include gift ideas for your significant other, but also suggestions for what to give your mom, sister, or your best friend. Because after all, Valentine’s Day should be about spreading love and showing appreciation to ALL the people who are most important to you.

Sustainable, Romantic Gifts for your Husband/Boyfriend

Men can be hard to buy for already -- so it can be a little daunting to add the extra requirement of your gifts being eco-friendly, too. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

A Wooden Watch

Image from www.we-wood.com

Gift the man in your life a non-toxic, chemical-free, eco-friendly watch made of beautiful wood. WeWOOD (Kappa watch pictured above) and Jord are both great places to find watches made of recycled, sustainable hardwood from around the world.

Handwritten Note

Skip the store-bought Hallmark card and write your Valentine a letter from the heart. It’ll mean so much more than a generic greeting card ever could, anyway.

Skip the Gift: Plan a Date Instead
Forget about “stuff” altogether and focus on spending a romantic evening together instead. Find a great recipe online and cook up a delicious meal together. Or, spend some time hiking around in the great outdoors if you have more free time during the day. Quality time can be so much memorable than a perfectly wrapped present (especially if quality time is your sweetheart’s love language!)

Sustainable, Romantic Gifts for your Wife/Girlfriend

Don’t just go on autopilot -- resist the urge to stop by your nearest supermarket and get an overpackaged heart-shaped box of chocolates and an imported, out-of-season bouquet of sad red roses. There are better ways to keep flowers and chocolate a part of Valentine’s Day.

Fair-Trade Chocolate

Image from www.theochocolate.com

Give your sweetheart the gift of fair-trade-certified, non-GMO, organic chocolate. You don’t have to sacrifice pretty packaging -- we love Theo Chocolate’s Love is Love box (pictured) and Chocolove’s romantic, vintage-inspired design.

Live Plants

Image from www.bloomnation.com

Just as beautiful as a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, but they last so much longer. Orchids and lilies are great floral potted options.

Skip the Gift: Indulge in a Luxurious Couple’s Massage

Surprise your sweetheart with a spa day for two. She’ll love having a day to unwind, relax, and spend with you. Gift her a professional massage or treat her to a long massage from you in the comfort of your home.

Sustainable, Sentimental Gifts for your Mom

Cement your status as the favorite child by getting your mom something thoughtful and eco-friendly this Valentine’s Day. She’ll never see it coming!

A Candle

Image from www.prosperitycandle.com

Give your mama a beautiful hand-poured candle that’s eco-friendly and smells amazing. We love Prosperity Candle’s ethically-made, hand-poured candles (Adelaide Candle pictured) and Eco Candle Co’s wide selection.

Heart-shaped Seed Bombs

Image from www.etsy.com

Ditch tired conversation hearts and opt for these equally adorable heart-shaped seed bombs. Simply plant in loose soil, water, and watch them grow. Purchase a customizable gift pack on Etsy (Wildflower Seed Bomb Gift Box from FreeMountainDesigns pictured) or learn how to make your own here!

Skip the Gift: Take Her Out
Take your mom out on a mother-daughter date to her favorite restaurant. She’ll be tickled to get the extra time with you.

Sustainable, Fun Gifts for your BFF/Sister

Celebrate Galentine’s Day by giving your best girlfriends a little something to show much you care.

Jewelry

Image from www.grupomancin.com

Surprise your BFF or your sis with a beautiful, ethically made piece of jewelry. Our Layered Bar Necklace makes a perfect gift -- it’s modern, yet timeless and understated enough to wear with anything.

Fancy Bar Soap

Image from www.grove.co

Give your friend a gift she’ll definitely use -- an organic ethically made bar soap that smells amazing. We love Grove Collaborative’s wide selection of all-natural soaps. Or, shop small and seek out handmade local options at your nearest farmer’s market.

Skip the Gift: Brunch it Up

Invite your friends out to a Galentine’s Day brunch -- no matter what your love life’s like, you’ll still be able to appreciate and enjoy the company of the gals who’ll always be there for you.

If you want to host a brunch, try out cooking A Vegan Alternative to the Famous Spanish Torta. It's so delicious and you can come up with endless variations.

Still not sure what to give your Valentine? Check out 5 Sustainable Date Night Ideas. 

How do you like to keep Valentine’s Day eco-friendly? Got any other great V-Day gift ideas? Let us know in the comments!

“It’s like you don’t even care about the impact your actions have.”

“If you want to save the planet, you’re going to have to change your entire life.”

That sort of negative self-talk haunted my thoughts the moment I decided to live more sustainably. It felt as though no matter what I did, there was always so much more I needed to do if I was going to dare to call my lifestyle “sustainable.” If you’ve decided to join the “Necessary Revolution” and live more sustainably, I bet you’ve felt the same way.

When I first started my research and reading a lot of blogs on sustainability, I came across one post in particular that completely turned me off. It said something how too many people were jumping on the bandwagon, claiming the term “sustainable” without really understanding it. The post said that unless you were taking drastic measures, you couldn’t call yourself sustainable.

For a newcomer, that sort of thinking made me feel like a fraud. Though I had just come to recognize my need to make some conscious changes toward sustainability, that post made me feel as though no good choice I made even counted if I wasn’t going to go turn my entire life upside-down and go to extreme lengths to save the planet.

I wondered if I belonged in this new world of sustainability.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how wrong that comment really was. There is no right or wrong way to be sustainable. And changing your life isn’t easy. Every choice toward a more sustainable future matters, no matter how small. We should welcome EVERYONE who is interested in sustainability and be patient with them (and ourselves) as they make changes today for a better tomorrow.

No one knows everything when they first start. The people who’ve been trying to live sustainably for a long time don’t know everything, either. Living sustainably is about balance. It’s about making small changes that fit with your current lifestyle.

If you try to take on too much when you start this sustainable journey, you’ll quickly feel defeated. You might even give up -- I know there were times when I considered it.

But you shouldn’t give up. Your decisions matter. The most important part of sustainability is making changes TODAY that will impact TOMORROW.

Sustainability is simply choosing to not be harmful to the environment in order to support long-term ecological balance -- and there are a lot of ways to start doing that. As you start making changes, you’ll start to notice that plastic and other unnecessary waste lurks in every corner of your home and your daily routines. Trying to eliminate all of it all at once just isn’t possible.

Instead, I encourage you to start small. These little things will add up and make you happier by feeling and seeing your progress firsthand. Here are a few tips that definitely would have helped me as I embarked on my sustainability journey:

1. Start Small
   Try eliminating or replacing just one product. Give yourself some time to get used to the alternative product and decide whether to commit to it -- I like to give new products a good 2-4 weeks.
2. Start Where it Makes Sense
   Our individual routines are different -- make changes that are best for you personally. For example, if you get coffee at work, keep a mug at your desk. If you buy coffee or tea on your way into work, buy a reusable mug that fits in your cupholder. Places like Starbucks are more than happy to fill reusable mugs (and they’ll even give you a discount for it!).
3. Share Your Experiences
   We are truly stronger together. Your journey won’t always be easy, but sharing your experiences with your friends and family can make you feel more empowered and may also inspire them to make some small changes.

So, in response to that negative self-talk that creeps in far too often, my message is this:

What you’re doing matters.

Every action you take to be more sustainable adds up.

If you have the desire to live more sustainably, you’re already on your way.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed about sustainable living? What are some things you wish you’d known as you started on this same journey? Let me know in the comments!

Living a sustainable lifestyle goes far beyond just recycling or eating organic. We can make better choices in nearly every area of our lives, from our everyday diet to our personal care habits to what we wear.

When I first set out to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, I never realized that the way I cared for my clothes actually had an impact on the environment. But it totally does! Around 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions from clothing actually occur during the consumer use stage. So, regardless of the clothing we already have in our closets or what we choose to buy, we have a lot of control over the environmental impact of our wardrobes.

In the past year, as I’ve tried to be more eco-conscious, I’ve made a lot of simple changes that have really helped me minimize my carbon footprint -- without inconveniencing my life at all. In fact, they’ve even made my clothes last longer and feel better. Here are a few quick fixes you can start implementing today to care for your clothes more sustainably.

1. Wear your clothes more than once before washing
   

   Of course, I’m not suggesting that you need to wear stinky, dirty clothes in order to save the planet. But the truth is, you’re probably washing your clothes more than you need to. In particular, jeans can be worn many times between washes. Bras can also be worn multiple times before you need to wash them, and overwashing usually just makes them wear out faster.
   
   There are also plenty of machineless alternatives to make your clothes feel fresher for longer. Airing your clothing on a hanger outside can eliminate odors pretty well. Freezing clothing is also a very effective way to kill bacteria and odors caused by it. (Though I recommend giving your clothes plenty of time to thaw out and warm up before you put them on again!)
   
   Each time you wash your clothes, your garments shed microfibers that ultimately end up polluting oceans. Plus, your washing machine emits harmful CO2 into the air and uses large amounts of water. Washing your clothes less frequently is better for the environment and makes your clothes last longer.
   
   

2. Wash your clothes in cold water
   

   When you do wash your clothes in the washing machine, be sure to use cold water. Again, it’s easier on both the planet and your clothes! Turning the temperature down on your washing machine can eliminate a hundred grams of CO2 emissions each time you wash, and it keeps colors brighter and the shape of your garments more intact.
   
   

3. Hang your clothes out to dry
   

   While washing your clothes less frequently and at a lower temperature can minimize your carbon footprint significantly, drying your clothes by machine is the main emissions culprit. Clothes dryers are one of the largest energy users in a home, usually using as much as a refrigerator, a dishwasher, and a clothes washer combined. A household running a dryer 200 times per year could save nearly half a ton of CO2 emissions simply by switching to hang drying!
   
   If you live somewhere with a balcony and warm weather, hang your clothes on a line outside to dry. But if not, using a drying rack inside is a great option as well!

Every change you make to live a more sustainable life counts. It’s small, conscious decisions like these that really add up and put less of a strain on precious environmental resources. As you start being more conscious about the impact each decision you make has on the environment, you take better care of the planet, yourself, and those who come after you.

When I first started being mindful of the impact my personal consumption had on the environment, I relied a lot on labels to tell me what was good and what was bad. If a shirt said “eco-friendly” or “green” in the description, I was all there for it. If it didn’t, I assumed it was the enemy and I needed to stay away. But I wasn’t exactly sure why some fabrics were good and others were bad.

Here’s what I learned from a lot of thoughtful research on what exactly makes different fabrics and fibers better for the environment, and why so many common synthetic fabrics are problematic. As you shop for new clothing, keep an eye for these high-quality environmentally-friendly fabrics. Try out a few of them to figure out what you like best!

Natural Eco-Friendly Fabric Options:

Organic Cotton

All the well-known benefits of regular cotton, without any of the drawbacks. Nowadays, organic cotton is increasingly common, in small-scale shops and department stores alike. Organic cotton is breathable, durable, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, fair-trade, and always pesticide-free. It adheres to a rigid set of standards, guaranteeing it’s always made ethically and sustainably.

Since it’s made without pesticides, it requires significantly fewer resources and less land to produce, making it better for the environment and for farmers. Conventional cotton, on the other hand, uses more pesticides than any other crop. Its production releases harmful greenhouse gases and chemical runoff into waterways.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing woody tree that, when processed, can be turned into a sustainable, high-quality fabric. Unlike organic cotton, it requires energy input in order to be converted from wood pulp to a soft fiber for clothing. Still, that process uses no harmful chemicals and produces only minimal waste. Eucalyptus fabric is also biodegradable, soft, lightweight, and pesticide-free. Eucalyptus fabric is usually called TENCEL, so keep an eye out for that on labels.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an incredibly sustainable plant. Technically a type of grass, it grows from its roots -- so when it’s cut down, it quickly grows back, without requiring any pesticides, irrigation, or replanting.

The production process of bamboo fabric is similar to that of eucalyptus, with bamboo pulp being dissolved and then spun into viscose fibers. Bamboo fabric is chemical-free, hypoallergenic, and very soft. It’s also naturally antibacterial and offers great temperature control.

Hemp

If you’re unfamiliar with hemp fabric like I was, you might imagine it to be coarse, scratchy, and a little lumpy. In fact, hemp fabric is soft, comfortable, and totally eco-friendly. It’s a renewable resource that grows remarkably quickly without pesticides and requires only minimal water. It’s also hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and super durable. Hemp can be converted into a fabric with a sustainable, non-chemical process, though some companies produce it with chemicals and dyes that can have a worse environmental impact.

Recycled & Upcycled Eco-Friendly Fabric Options:

Recycled Cotton

Commonly referred to as reclaimed cotton or regenerated cotton, recycled cotton is another eco-friendly fabric option. It’s made primarily of pre-consumer cotton scraps, though it can be made of post-consumer cotton waste as well. Since recycled cotton most often is created from manufactured cotton that would otherwise be thrown away, it helps to reduce waste. It also doesn’t require the use of any additional cultivation, pesticides, or chemicals.

Upcycled Denim

Upcycling goes a step beyond traditional recycling. While recycling usually results in a lower grade fabric or plastic, upcycling converts waste or useless materials into new materials or better-quality products. It refashions materials rather than breaking them down. This process is highly sustainable. It eliminates waste, saves water, and prevents tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Recycled Plastic

Many top brands have started creating clothing from recycled plastics found in oceans in an attempt to be more sustainable. It’s a noble effort -- turning terrible waste and pollution into wearable, recyclable clothing. However, many have criticized recycled plastic clothing, saying it may actually do more harm than good. Research has found that microfibers may be the biggest source of plastic in the ocean -- which end up in the ocean as a result of washing synthetic clothing in washing machines. Use your best judgment when it comes to purchasing recycled plastic clothing (and maybe wash it sparingly!)

Remember: while it’s important to make smarter, more sustainable purchases going forward, that doesn’t mean you have to throw out everything in your closet that isn’t as eco-friendly. Making the most of what you have now is just another way to minimize your waste and your personal environmental impact.

But now that you know better, you can make informed decisions about the fibers you’ll wear and the like-minded businesses you’ll support. As you seek out clothing made with natural, environmentally-friendly fabrics, you’ll do your part to take care of the planet and support others striving to do the same -- all without sacrificing your personal style.

Nowadays, plastic waste is everywhere. Dishes, bottles, utensils, straws, bags -- all single-use plastic items that usually end up straight in landfills. On average, Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour -- not to mention all the other kinds of plastic items that either can’t be recycled or end up in the wrong bin.

And that plastic waste never goes away. It’s not biodegradable. It piles up, impacts the environment, and can even damage your health.

With all the plastic waste in the world, it’s more crucial than ever to minimize your plastic use.

Here are just a few reasons why it’s so important to start cutting back on plastic.

1. It’s bad for the environment
   Plastic waste accumulating in the ocean has quickly become a major global crisis. Since plastic is not biodegradable, billions of pounds of plastic are currently swimming around in the ocean. At current rates, the amount of plastic in the sea is even expected to outweigh the amount of fish in the sea by the year 2050! This is a huge problem for marine wildlife -- fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds all frequently die from ingesting or getting tangled up in plastic, disrupting ecosystems and putting some endangered species at even worse risk of extinction. Cutting back on plastic makes it so you don’t cause more waste to pile up in the ocean.
   
   
2. It’s toxic
   All sorts of chemicals are added to plastic during its production. These chemicals (and the plastics that are treated with them) have potentially harmful effects that may be carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Not much is known about how severe the effects of these chemicals can be, but limiting your plastic use puts you and your family at less risk.
   
   
3. It adds to the world’s trash
   As the Environmental Protection Agency says, “Every bit of plastic ever made still exists.” Most single-use plastic items are used for a few moments, then exist forever as trash and pollution, taking up space and causing all sorts of problems. This is the only planet we have, and it’s up to us to take care of it. Anything we can do to minimize the waste we contribute is a positive thing

While cutting back on ALL plastic use can seem a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Start small and replace certain single-use plastic items with reusable alternatives, one by one. It may not seem like much, but those simple lifestyle changes really add up and make a big difference.

Here are a few changes you can make to make your day-to-day life and decisions more eco-friendly!

1. Say no to plastic straws
   In 2018, Americans used around 390 million plastic straws a day. Most plastic straws can’t be recycled, so they end up in landfills or in the ocean. Drink your drinks without using a straw, or keep a bamboo or metal straw in your purse or car.
   
   
2. Use reusable bags
   You don’t need paper or plastic. Find some sturdy reusable bags and bring them along with you when you go to the grocery store. Remember to skip the plastic bags at the produce section as well!
   
   
3. Swap out your toothbrush
   Did you know that roughly 50 million pounds of plastic toothbrushes go straight to landfills in the U.S. each year? Switch to a biodegradable, compost-friendly bamboo toothbrush. They’re inexpensive and get the job done just as well.

Minimizing your personal plastic waste in small ways may not seem like much, but those simple lifestyle changes really add up and make a big difference.

Looking for more suggestions on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Check out 19 Easy Ways to Live More Sustainably in the New Year to read about the small, eco-friendly changes I’ve made in the last year.

When I first gave up eggs a few years ago, the hardest meal for me to prepare was breakfast.

Between pancakes, oatmeal and cereal, my family and I were tired of having sweet breakfasts. And I missed the big family Sunday breakfasts we used to have each week.

As a kid, I remember always having Spanish Tortas for breakfast. Somehow, I mastered the art of making them at a young age, so I could eat them any morning I wanted. We made them with just about every animal product imaginable -- eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, and cheese.

So naturally, Spanish Tortas went out the window once I started eating a vegan diet. But when I saw a recipe that used chickpea flour instead of eggs, I couldn't help but be intrigued.

I can’t remember where I first saw the recipe or what exactly the ingredients were, but I know the water to chickpea flour ratio was 1:1. So with that in mind, over the last few years, I’ve played around with it. I’ve tried adding lots of different veggies to the mix, such as mushrooms, kale, spinach, peppers, etc. But the one I’ll be sharing today is my family’s absolute favorite. As an added bonus, it also happens to be the simplest!

For all you parents out there -- I have found that not all my kids like the torta. My youngest kids in particular are still at the age where they want everything deconstructed. So I usually make extra potatoes for them, and a torta for everyone else. I make even more potatoes than I think they’ll eat -- because who doesn’t love leftover breakfast potatoes later in the day?

I also like to make a quick pico de gallo to go along with the torta. Once the torta’s ready to eat, I garnish it with arugula, the salsa, and avocado. It’s delicious -- plus, it looks beautiful!

Ingredients

TORTA

• 1 Tsp Olive Oil
• 3 small potatoes
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

PICO DE GALLO TOPPING

• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 1/8 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 chopped pepper of your choice (I like yellow for the color variation)
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 2 tbs oil (I have been loving Avocado Oil recently)
• Fresh Basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

TORTA

1. Chop potatoes and sauté in oil on medium heat until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove and place in bowl.
2. Slice onions and sauté in oil on medium heat until translucent. Remove and place in bowl with potatoes.
3. Add more oil to coat pan and leave on medium heat.
4. In a separate bowl, combine chickpea flour and water. Whisk thoroughly, then pour over potatoes and onions. Toss so all potatoes and onions are fully coated.
5. Return to pan. Make sure mixture is evenly spread out on pan. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Place a large plate over the top and flip the torta. Return to pan for 3 mins to cook the other side.
7. Serve hot with arugula, pico de gallo, and avocado (optional).

PICO DE GALLO

1. Combine chopped tomatoes, red onion, and pepper in bowl.
2. Drizzle oil and vinegar and toss lightly.
3. Add salt, pepper, and basil and toss.

So there you have it! I’m so happy I still get to enjoy one of my very favorite childhood breakfasts. What’s your favorite vegan breakfast?

Want more sustainable, plant-based livestyle inspiration? FOLLOW HERE

This is me. RAW.

Striped down to my undies -- a simple nude bralette, and a pair of briefs I borrowed from my aunt after a freak outburst of overprotective mothering, when I jumped into her pool fully clothed to “save” my daughter.

I am not sharing this to get approval. Trust me, caring about anyone's approval slipped off my give-a-shit list years ago. Whether it was due to working in corporate fashion and seeing how no one cared about the wellbeing of the environment and others involved in the garment industry, or just being fed up the damage we as a human race are doing to the world our children and our children’s children will grow up in, I’ve stopped searching for approval altogether.

I’m baring my soul (along with a little skin) and sharing my confessions to show you that I am not perfect by any means. I mean, this is what I wore on my first night away with my husband in years - sexy wife, right?

But for the entire year, I have battled with even buying new undergarments because of their material and/or country of origin. So this was as good as it was going to get for our romantic getaway.

Here’s the thing: living sustainably and responsibly isn’t easy.

There are sacrifices that come along with it, sacrifices I’ve already had to make. And it can feel so overwhelming looking at the world and seeing everything that needs fixing. But making an effort to live sustainably truly can make a difference.

Staying Fluid in Your Sustainable Journey

I often don’t fully know what I am doing or where I am going. We all try to act like we have everything figured out, but I’ll admit that I really don’t. I have an idea of what I want, but even those desires are fluid and changing. My ideas shift as I grow, as my children grow, as my understanding of sustainability and mindfulness reach new heights, and as the world around us changes. All that uncertainty can be hard to deal with.

Sometimes when I look in the mirror, I don’t even recognize the woman I see.

I think sometimes I expect to see the young girl I once was staring back at me, full of confidence and a kickass attitude, obsessed with fashion and looking her best.

That girl is long gone. She’s morphed into a determined mother who barely has time to look put-together at all, let alone her best. But that woman’s stronger, with the understanding that true strength requires showing some weakness and vulnerability. She knows that we have a responsibility to take care of those around us and leave the world better than we found it.

When I say I’m a mother, I don’t just mean that I have children. For me, it goes so much deeper than that. I am a mother by nature, with a desire to mother anyone that comes into my life. I’ve been that way since I was a small child.

As a mother, from my core and soul, I can only hope to inspire others to dive right into this same difficult yet rewarding journey of sustainability I’m on.

Feeling Crippled by Sustainability

I’ll be honest. This past year has been really challenging for me.

Launching RAW has been a dream come true, but that dream keeps growing. And with growth comes more and more changes, challenges, and decisions on how to live sustainably, not only in everything that I do for myself but everything I do for my family.

Even in this hotel room, on what should have been a relaxing night away, I questioned every move I made. Is opening the sample lotion and shampoo necessary? What will happen to the plastic containers they are in? Should we share our coffee cup to cut down our waste even further? Where can we go to eat that will actually listen to me and not bring out straws?

I’ll confess: I can find the desire to be sustainable crippling at times. It’s crippling in the sense that I don’t always know what’s the best thing to do. Sometimes, I just can’t find a sustainable, eco-friendly and ethical alternative to things I need.

For example, just this year, I purchased underwear and bras. I definitely needed them -- I was still wearing old ones from my maternity days (back when my breasts were bursting with breast milk… and much bigger than they are now!). But when I got home, I felt the deepest sense of regret since they were made from synthetic fibers. So I promptly returned the items and went back to my ill-fitting bras.

We need to be patient with ourselves through this journey. No one is perfect, and there is no perfect (or easy!) way to live sustainably. All we can do is do lots of research, look for the best products that fit our individual criteria, and do our best to not give in to the pressure we face every day to consume irresponsibly. It takes time and a change of mindset.

But it’s possible, and it makes a difference. After doing a lot of research, I found eco-friendly, sustainable undies and bras and replaced my old ones. (In case anyone else is going through the same dilemma I was, some of my favorite sustainable underwear brands are Miakoda (bralette pictured), Naja, Pact, and Hara!)

Sustainability Runs Deep

I’m striving to make every decision I make a conscious one. I’m constantly questioning how I can make a bigger impact, cut my waste, transform my wardrobe, and upgrade my beauty products on this journey to live sustainably. I’ve already changed so much about my daily routines, purchases, consumption, and disposals. And I’m still learning how to live better and how to be patient with myself as I try to. 

But this coming year, I hope to take the next step and start really sharing these experiences with others in order to make a deeper connection. 

In sharing my journey, my desires, my struggles, and my weaknesses, I want you to know that you’re not alone. The pursuit of sustainable living isn’t easy. It requires a lot of work and dedication, and we’re all only human. We’ll stumble sometimes, we’ll get frustrated sometimes. But it can make a lasting impact on the world we live in and the individuals we share it with.

Past the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, and the cars we drive, we have so much in common. We have the limitless potential to be anything we want to be. We’re flawed, complicated humans with pure, powerful souls.

Whether you’ve just started trying to live sustainably, you’ve been environmentally conscious for years, or you’re just barely considering whether you should make some changes: I get you. And I’m grateful for you. Together, we can help our amazing planet and the people we share it with.

What’s Next

If you are ready to start your sustainable journey, please check out 19 Sustainable Tips for the New Year. They’re all small things that I currently do to live sustainably, and I just started doing most of them this year.

I also encourage you to read some past posts: 

The First Steps to Becoming a Conscious Consumer

First Steps to Sustainable Fashion

For those of you who have already started your sustainable living journey, I’ll also be sharing my own personal sustainability goals for 2019 as well. 

This lifestyle isn’t the easiest. It takes planning, dedication, and plenty of patience.

But for our future and our children’s future, it's the only lifestyle.

Want to see more on my sustainable, plant-based livestyle journey? FOLLOW HERE

Leave Your Thoughts

I'd love to hear your thoughts, tips and/or frustrations on your own personal sustainable living journey. Leave your comment below. XOXO

‘Tis the season for celebrating, shopping, and gift-giving. The holidays are a great opportunity to shop consciously and support sustainable brands. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for a friend or compiling your own Christmas list, here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly items that won’t break the bank. Let’s keep Christmas extra Green this year!

1. Gold Bolo Necklace by Mata Traders, $32
This unique, sophisticated necklace is such a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. Made of goldtone-plated brass, the Gold Bolo Necklace was crafted by hand at a fair trade cooperative in India.

2. Daily Essentials Trio Bag by Happy Spritz, $30

Give the gift of aromatherapy and beautiful skin. This assorted bag of 30 towelettes features a mix of Happy Spritz’s top three essential oil wipes. Their products are made of 100% natural ingredients and they’re always cruelty-free. Plus, their packaging is so cute (and recyclable, of course!)

3. Lyocell Denim Shirt from H&M’s Conscious line, €19.99

Sustainable style at low H&M prices? Count us in! This basic top is sure to become a staple in any woman’s wardrobe - and it’s made from organic, sustainable materials. 

4. Unity Hoop Earring from grupomancin, $42

These classic, simple earrings are a great gift for any friend, mom or sister. Made of 18KT gold-plated brass, the Unity Hoop Earring is ethically handmade in Honduras. They add a touch of effortless style to any outfit.

5. Cozy Day with Tea Gift Bundle by Greenheart, $15

Two gifts in one, this gift bundle is a sweet present for any tea-lover. This bundle comes with a box of 20 tea bags of your choice of four teas (Earl Gray, chai, green, or rooibos) made ethically in Sri Lanka and a large, decorative mug made by hand in Tunisia. And at only $15, it’s a steal.

6. Skin Renewing Face Masks by Uncommon Goods, $25

This organic, luxurious set of organic face masks is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to be pampered. Each kit comes with ingredients for fifteen heavenly-scented face masks. Great for the skin and great for the planet!

7. BEAST Tumbler by Green Steel, $21

This tumbler is so ideal for the avid coffee-drinker in your life. BEAST Tumblers feature maximum insulation, toxin-free stainless steel, and a lifetime guarantee -- meaning they’ll help reduce single-use waste for life. The BEAST Tumbler comes with a lid and two reusable straws, all packaged in a decorative, recyclable gift box.

8. Human Ringer Tee from grupomancin, $36

This casual tee is stylish, comfortable, and inclusive. The ethically-made Human Ringer Tee is a great gift for your loving, socially-conscious friend. Plus, you’ll give seven meals to a child in need by purchasing it.

9. Mosaic Two-Tier Set by Prosperity Candle, $38For a gift that’s sweet, fragrant, and absolutely gorgeous. This two-tier candle set comes with a hand-poured soy and coconut candle in the bottom tin, and a pack of delicious caramels housed in the top. Each Prosperity Candle is ethically made and individually poured-to-order by a former refugee in the United States.

10. Love

Contrary to popular belief, buying things for friends and family isn’t the only way to show your love for them during this season. There are plenty of non-physical gifts you can give - try gifting experiences or treating a loved one to a nice meal out if you don’t want to give them more stuff. And of course, nothing can beat a genuine, thoughtful note expressing your love and appreciation. Money just can’t buy that.

At grupomancin, we believe that style and gift-giving doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment. As you give eco-friendly gifts this holiday season, you’ll be able to experience the joy that comes from both shopping consciously and giving freely.

Did you love any of the ideas we suggested? Do you have a favorite sustainable brand whose products didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments - we’re always excited to check out other like-minded shops!

Let the Shopping Begin

Holidays are definitely about family and fun, but they’re also about SHOPPING! And this year being a little different with the pandemic, I wanted to encourage everyone to shop green because everyday is Earth Day, and because we care about future generations. Also we HATE plastic! If you choose to order everything from Amazon, no problem! Try adding “eco-friendly” to all of your searches.

Besides what you can find on Amazon, here is a giant list of green products, broken up by category, to help you have a happy, successful, shopaholic Holiday season:

KID’S TOYS AND GAMES

Amazon's Eco-Friendly Best Sellers

Green Toys These are made of fully recycled plastic AND made in the USA!

KID’S CLOTHING

Cat and Jack Collection at Target (okay this one makes me cry- they include products for disabled children AND their products are made from recycled plastic. COME ON)

H&M's Conscious Line

WOMEN’S FASHION

Mata Traders

EcoVibe Apparel

grupomancin

H&M's Conscious Line

MEN’S FASHION

Many of these sites also include more women’s fashion! Yay!

Levi’s Jeans (this shocked me- read about their sustainability practices here)

Pact

Everlane

Threads4Thought

H&M’s Conscious Line

GIFTS

Uncommon Goods Recycled Gifts

Amazon's Zero Waste Products

Ocean Plastic Bracelets BONUS: for every purchase, you are supporting the removal of plastic in the ocean!

Green Heart Shop the food selection is really fun in this one!

HOME PRODUCTS

Buy Green Goods

Green Home Goods, Gifts, and Office Supplies

Better Life Cleaning Products(you can also order these products from Amazon)

Green Steel Tumblers For your favorite coffee addict!

PET PRODUCTS

(honestly who could forget about buying your pets great stuff)

Castle Baths Pet Care

Best Bully Treats

Harry Barker Toys they also have so much more, and all of it is eco-friendly!

P.L.A.Y. Plush toys made from recycled plastic AND donates to the International Fund for Animal Welfare! Win-win.

Eco-friendly tips courtesy of Amazon products to help you live your best life in 2020:

• Shop with reusable bags AND reusable produce bags (find some here)
• Replace your janky Ziplocs with dishwasher safe silicon bags
• Skip those paper towels and opt for washable bamboo replacements (P.S. this saves you money on buying paper towels. It might not be a lot, but small savings add up)
• Stop using regular dryer sheets and get some wool dryer balls (again with the saving money thing)
• Connect with your inner green goddess (yes men, you all have a green goddess as well) and start composting with this easy, non-smelly compost bin
• Destroy the enemy of the people (and turtles) by using metal straws (or shatter-proof glass straws if you have an aversion to metal)
• Cover your food using a beeswax food storage wrap, because plastic wrap is sooo 2018
• Clean your kitchen with eco-friendly sponges
• Write all your notes with these cool pens made from recycled plastic
• Opt to use a decomposition book for your notes, because a) the patterns on these notebooks are awesome, and b) if you’re going to kill a tree it might as well be one that’s already been killed

Also, last but not least, do a little research before purchasing a product! There is probably an eco-friendly alternative out there. The cost may be a little higher, but we are all in a rut right now because we value cheap and fast over slow and sustainable. Just a quick Google before buying can help you lower your environmental impact!

Cheers to a better, more sustainable 2019!

By Lindsay Poss

RAW Collected was created based off a dream. A dream of creating a marketplace where conscious fashionable consumers could shop and feel good about everything they purchased without having to spend hours researching online and shopping from multiple vendors. Personally, for a long time I had this idea of the kind of consumer I wanted to be and it took me over a decade to finally make the shift and make my dream into reality.

What I’m trying to say here is that it’s never too late to start. It’s never too late to start making small changes in the way you think about your wardrobe, fashion and really, everything you buy. 

3 Tips for Becoming a Conscious Consumer

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

How many times have you purchased shirt from a store for a good (maybe even cheap) price and after washing it one time it starts to fall apart? I am guilty myself! I used to justify these purchases because they were affordable. I was able to wear trendy items and not pay an arm and a leg for them. This is the mentality that fast fashion brands want you to have. I can’t stress the importance enough of shopping for quality over quantity. Brands who produce products for under $10 that are on trend want for their products to wear out as you wear them because that means you’ll need another item to replace the old item. And, by the time that adorable shirt you had to have for spring looks more like a dishcloth than a crop top, they’ll be a new delivery of products that are on trend for that season waiting for you.

This system is a trap we have all found ourselves in. You wouldn’t buy an appliance that falls apart after a few months, so why do it with fashion?
Purchasing items that are quality guarantees longevity in your wardrobe. Sustainable fashion provides you with well made products built from quality fabrics designed to last.    

CELEBRATE SMALL CHANGES

Going from trend shopping to conscious shopping takes time! Celebrate the small changes you make and know that each change is one step closer to a sustainable guilt-free wardrobe. I love learning about each brand that I purchase and the social causes they support. Every time I buy something from one of these brands, I know that I am doing my part to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption while supporting social causes that I feel strongly about. And that’s something to celebrate.  

REMEMBER THE OLD 

To be a concious consumer you don't have to get rid of the things you already posses. Take a trip down memory lane and shop your closet. I guarentee there are pieces in there that you have forgotten about! Try them on again and style them with your new pieces, be creative and have fun! If there are things you will never wear again, donate them or give them to your friend that admired it when you wore it last.

As you start your journey to becoming concious consumer remember that you weren't always thinking about your purchases. Encourage others to shop mindfully but do not push them. Find ways to include your friends and family to shopping consciouslly and your efforts will be contangious. We are all in this together!

Think you are ready for the challenge of Sustainable Fashion? Read our tips on How to Start Incorporating Sustainable Fashion into Your Wardrobe. 

Don’t feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Every single one of us wanting to change the world with the small everyday wardrobe choices has been in your shoes. We question what is the right way to start our sustainable journey and how to start making changes slowly without doing it all at once. Truth is, if you did it all at once, you wouldn’t be handling it in a conscious manner because you can’t really sell and donate all your stuff and start from scratch. And the great news is, you don’t have to!

Below are 5 steps I have used to slowly incorporate sustainable fashion into our wardrobes.

STEP 1: TAKE INVENTORY

The easiest thing to start incorporating sustainable fashion into your wardrobe is taking inventory of what you currently have. Take the afternoon and go through your closet. Try on the dress that has been sitting in there for years and find a reason to wear it, or be honest with yourself and admit that you will never wear it. After you have gone through your wardrobe, make piles Keep, Donate, Incorporate.

STEP 2: RESEARCH GO-TO BRANDS

This step takes a little time, but it is so rewarding. Take your top 3 go-to brands and do some research about the company and where they are manufacturing their goods. This step is aimed to help you determine if you should still be purchasing from the brands you love, or if its time to look into new brands. You can learn a lot about your favorite brands with a little google searching. If you still want to learn how to investigate your favorite brands properly, check out this free course offered by Fashion Revolution (Did I mention it's FREE?) and “discover who made your clothes, share their stories, and influence global change.

STEP 3: MAKE LISTS

I cannot stress avoiding compulsive shopping enough. After you have taken inventory create wishlists. Highlight which items on your lists are must-haves in order to actually get dressed in the morning, and which items are truly “wish” list items. Do not go shopping until you have created these lists and have completed step 4 below.

If there is time in between steps (because this all takes time) add items you really want onto a wish list and when you are ready to start shopping, you can revisit the list and the items you added. I guarantee while you wait to make a purchase, and complete the 4th step below, you’ll want to remove some of the items you added to your “wish” list.

STEP 4: GET SOCIAL

The most fun step, for me anyways, is getting social with my family and friends! Talk about what you are looking to add to your wardrobe or what pieces you need for an upcoming event. Chances are someone you know has something you can borrow or even have. Many people have items in their closets that they no longer need, or would be willing to let someone else enjoy for a night or two. Clothing and accessories are made to be worn, not sit in a closet or drawer for years.  Let them get out and have some FUN!

STEP 5: START SHOPPING

NOW you are ready to start shopping, consciously. Once you have a separated lists start to do some more research so that you are not flustered in the shopping process. It is good to know what brands to be looking for before you attempt to hit up a mall or shopping center. There are so many great blogs out there that are highlighting sustainable fashion and eco alternatives to fast fashion. Below are three of my favorite blogs at the moment.

THE GOOD TRADE
LAURA MADDEN LIFESTYLE
STYLE ME FAIR

I also encourage  you to check out our previous blog post on 3 Simple Tips to Creating a Sustainable Wardrobe before you go shopping. With the 3 simples steps in this blog post, you are sure to successfully begin your journey to sustainable and slow fashion. 

As always, please comment below or send me an email ([email protected])! I love to hear any feedback.

XOXO,

Lyanne

Managing a family of 7 while incorporating sustainable fashion into our lives has not been an easy task, but below are some tricks I practice to help me stay sane, maintain a minimalist wardrobe and more importantly, look put together!

3 Simple Tips to Creating a Sustainable Wardrobe

Staples

I can’t stress purchasing staples enough. Most people are drawn to the statement pieces, the pieces that stand out, and add a little excitement to your look with a tiny bit of extra flare. But if you only purchase statement pieces, you will find yourself always feeling like you have nothing to wear. When shopping, imagine the lifecycle of the piece you are considering. Is it something you want to buy to have now, right now - or is it a piece that you can see wearing season after season? Visualize outfits with your desired piece with other items you already own in your wardrobe. If you have nothing to wear it with, put it down and walk away.

Click here to shop our current staples

Neutrals

When you purchase neutrals you are instantly alleviating the stress of matching loud/bold colors and/or patterns. But remember, neutral doesn’t just mean white, grey and black. You can use nudes (my favorite nudes have a hint of rose), olive greens, and even deep blues as neutrals. Neutrals are also seasonless and can be worn during any month. These colors are easy to pair together and therefore allow you to mix and match all the pieces in your wardrobe effortlessly. And when all else fails, you can easily put together a monogramatic look!

Versatility

I want to be able to achieve different looks while being comfortable for everything on my calendar.  I try to look for pieces that offer a lot of versatility and can be worn different ways. I love a nice jumpsuit or dress that can easily be dressed up or down just by changing shoes and accessories and seamlessly take you from day to night. Right now, my favorite piece is our V-neckline Jumpsuit. I wear it with minimalist jewelry and simple sandals for a daytime look and dress it up with dangle earrings and heels for a night out. 

I may not have had time to do my hair (which I definitely need some tips on how to tame hair while mombossing) and I may have forgotten my daughter’s shoes to my niece's graduation, but having a versatile jumpsuit made getting dress stress-free. And who isn't up for one less thing to stress about?

I hope these tips help you. And remember, always try to have fun! Having style doesn't mean having to buy new things, it’s more about how you put your outfits together, from your top to bottom, your accessories and your shoes to how you wear the piece. Practice different combinations, give yourself a break and most importantly, have fun!

Now that you’ve learned all about grupomancin, get to know the woman who’s years of growing awareness led to the ideation of a movement, one that will leave a legacy on the earth.

Lyanne Loriz, the founder of grupomancin, is a mother of two, Lukas and Lily, and a devoted wife to husband (and soulmate) Jake. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico but grew up in the states. She attended George Mason University, earning a BA in Advertising and later attended FIDM where she got a degree Merchandise Marketing.

Lyanne’s passion for the fashion industry began at a young age. She always saw herself working in the industry some way or another.

“When I was a young I was obsessed with Amanda Woodworth from Melrose Place,” Lyanne said. “I wanted to have my own advertising company with fashion brand clients.”

The Driving Force

That obsession was a driving force behind Lyanne’s move to Los Angeles, away from the more conservative and political area of DC.

“I was working for an Investment Real Estate Company after college, creating ads and marketing plans,” Lyanne explained. “I had to wear suits and carry a briefcase - I was just so uncomfortable in that setting.”

That’s when Lyanne and Jake made the big move across the country. Still dating, and without kids, it was the perfect time to make a move and chase a dream…

The shift from the east coast to west coast was a bit of culture shock but also had many benefits. Lyanne was now living in one of the world’s leading cities for fashion. Thousands of brands not only have their headquarters in Los Angeles but their entire operation. It was the perfect place to be.

Lyanne began working in the fashion industry right away. She spent hours and hours devoting herself to building these brands, helping to drive traffic and sales. She was committed to improving business for these powerhouse brands. This is what she had dreamed of! Or, she thought it was…

There came a moment in Lyanne’s career when things started to change. Her awareness of the negative impact this industry has on the planet became more and more evident. After working at several brands, Lyanne also realized that it was all about the money for the people running them. The more cheaply the products could be made meant more money for these executives.It wasn’t about making quality product that customers will love, it was about getting someone to shop one more time, and then another time after that. More is more in the fashion industry.

This change in thinking shook the dust off an old idea she had come up with in college.

“I was taking a news publication course and we had an assignment where we could choose from a list of projects,” Lyanne said. “RAW was an idea I come up with for a non-profit organization that would just raise awareness for women across the world. My focus was to highlight the adversities we face and create a movement that was not only supported by women but also men.”

With her new awareness of the pollution, waste, and unsustainability of the fashion industry which she worked in, the wheels began to turn. Raising awareness worldwide was something that Lyanne already thought about, and now she had the perfect thing to tie it to!

grupomancin Is Born

After years in the industry, Lyanne realized she had all the tools and connections she needed to stop helping to stuff executives pockets and instead really make an impact on this world. And thus, the journey to create RAW was born.

Now, in all that time in the fashion industry, Lyanne also created a beautiful family with her husband. When her daughter Lily was just a few months old, and Lukas only two, Lyanne and Jake decided to head back east. They landed in Miami, Florida, a young family eager to become their own bosses. Eager to change their way of living so they can pass on a better world to their kids. Eager to catch that dream they’d been chasing.

Lyanne has changed a lot about the way she lives, from overall sustainability and eco-friendly living to changing her diet to vegetarian (and now vegan). And on top of all that, the big change of becoming a mother, which came with a whole new set of impacts on the planets. Clothing. Bottles. Diapers...

“I really started to feel down about the negative impacts of quantity over quality when I started getting gifts for my children,” Lyanne said. “I am a minimalist at heart and while I have always had clothing overflowing (because of my jobs), I really started to notice how much waste goes into clothing when people were buying me gifts for the kids. I had so many outfits that neither child wore because they didn't fit, and by the time they did, it wasn’t the correct season, or just impractical for our lifestyle. I literally am still moving around with clothes I was given for Lukas YEARS ago that still do not fit him.”

You know what they say, you only get one opportunity to make a good impression. Lyanne decided it was time to make an impression on her children while they were young.

“I want my children to grow feeling confident in their clothing choices, but more importantly, I don’t want them to feel less for not having everything,” Lyanne said. “I want them to know what is enough and to be reassured that their lifestyle and choices are not negatively impacting others and our environment. We need to stop filling our lives with STUFF! And, at the end of the day, that’s what all of this material must have items are… stuff.”

Making An Impression On The Fashion Industry

grupomancin gives Lyanne the opportunity to make an impression on more than just her children, but the entire fashion industry.  

“I would love to create a movement through showing and educating people that there is another way to be a consumer,” Lyanne explained. “Also, I want to send a message to brands that they can still be profitable but also significantly decrease their negative impact on communities and the environment!”

“grupomancin is a marketplace of like minded-brands that encourages everyone to become conscious consumers without having to sacrifice style,” Lyanne said. “I think this is a mission we can all get behind. We can change the way we impact this planet!”

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Meet Tribe Alive! Incorporated in 2015, Tribe Alive describes themselves as “a platform that exists to empower women to raise themselves out of poverty all over the world.”

Empowering Women Through Fashion

It all started when the Founder & CEO began her adoption journey years ago. Here’s what she had to say: “When I began my adoption journey, I knew that becoming a mother would profoundly impact my life, but never imagined that it would alter the course of my life's work. Although adoption presents an opportunity to support an individual child, I was struck by the desire to address the core issue of child relinquishment on a global scale: namely, the economic insecurity facing women in the developing world. Tribe Alive was born from my decision to utilize years of experience in the fashion industry as a platform to alleviate poverty among people in the developing world. I believe that ethical fashion has the power to change lives, and it's my hope that Tribe Alive's artisans will be empowered with the means to care for their families so that child relinquishment need never be considered an option.”

This experience was the launching pad for Tribe Alive and shaped their entire mission. Tribe Alive partners with artisans in Guatemala, Haiti, India and Honduras to employ at risk women at living wages.

Knowing that the work facilities in these countries are unsafe and unfit, they created studios to provide safe work environments, dependable income, and empower artisans to determine their own futures.

Finding Beauty in All the Details

When it comes to the products, Tribe Alive strives for perfection, beauty and authenticity in each piece.

“We obsess over the details and are focused on providing high quality products that still honor and represent the handmade process. We believe in combining an elevated and modern design aesthetic with ethical craftmanship so that our customer does not need to compromise style for ethics.”

The Tribe Alive team in Fort Worth is a “small but fierce female run team”, which tells a lot about who they are and why they decided to name their brand Tribe Alive:

“The name Tribe Alive came from the ambition to build more than just a company but rather from a desire to build a movement. Only a community can build a movement (which we like to call our Tribe), and we believe that sustainable fashion and ethical manufacturing have the power to bring quality of life to the far off places that we choose to produce. Our work helps communities come alive.”

Determined to Make a Difference

And they have no intentions on slowing down. Their long term goal? Tribe Alive’s Founder & CEO told me,  “working hard to grow something much larger than myself and that my motivation remains rooted in improving the lives of women living in poverty.”

Talk about a mission we can all get behind! To learn more about Tribe Alive, visit there website here or follow them on Instagram.  

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Miakoda offers a range of beautifully created sustainable and ethical clothing made of the comfiest, natural materials. They are true leaders in making sustainabilty and consumer consciousness cool and sexy.

Continue below to learn more about Miakoda and the amazing things the brand is doing to make a difference and raise awareness.

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The Start of Miakoda

Co-owner and designer of Miakoda, Julia Ahrens, didn’t always dream of launching a sustainable fashion brand. Even though she studied fashion design in college, it wasn’t until 2011 when she changed to a vegan diet and started her yoga practice that she began to think about the fashion industry, and her consumption, differently.

“The concept behind Miakoda came out of a personal need for clothing that I felt aligned with morally. After going vegan and starting my yoga practice, I began to question my consumption and impact on the planet,” Julia explained. “I no longer felt connected to the traditional fashion industry that can be so detrimental to our planet, our animals, and our humans. I didn’t want to support it as a consumer or as a designer.”

An Opportunity to Make a Positive Impact

After much thought, she decided that she had an opportunity to make a positive impact.

“I decided if I wanted to work for a brand that I wanted to support and that I felt good about working for, I would have to create this brand and create a new option in the market for consumers that feel the same way I do about sustainability and ethics!” Julia said.

Julia told her sister Laura Ahrens about her idea and she was on board. Together the two sisters created Miakoda and officially launched the brand in February 2013. The company is based in Long Island, NY, close enough to do all of their production in NYC, but far enough away to avoid the chaos of the city.

Julia Ahrens, Laura Ahrens 

The name of their company, Miakoda (pronounced Me-Ah-Coe-Dah), was something the sisters stumbled upon after endless months of contemplating what the name should be.

“Miakoda means ‘Power of the Moon’,” Julia explained. “ When we stumbled upon this word, we felt immediately connected to it. The moon is so powerful and beautiful—all of us: all humans, plants, and animals live under this one powerful moon—it unites us!”

This name lends itself well to their mission: to lessen our impact on the planet. People are stronger united than we are divided and the Ahrens Sisters hope to educate and transform the way people shop.

“There are so many harmful chemicals and toxins polluting our land, our water, and our health!  Our planet, animals, and humans are suffering because of popular business practices,” Julia said. “Our mission is to reshape the fashion industry to be more compassionate, ethical, and sustainable and to create more options for people who want to support business practices that feel good to support.”

And if you’re looking for a great brand to support that will make you feel good while wearing clothes that feel good, Miakoda is the way to go. Their products are completely sustainable and ethically made clothing that they say will make you “feel good physically and mentally.”

“Physically, we strive to create super comfy clothing--- no tight waistbands, no stiff material, etc.,” Julia explained. “And mentally, you know that you aren’t contributing to any unfair or detrimental practices when you purchase a Miakoda garment.”

Sustainable Plant Fibers

Miakoda prides itself on its unique fabrics made of sustainable plant fibers. Organic cotton, bamboo and soy are a few of the materials they work with, but they are constantly looking for new sustainable materials to use and recently found a great new addition.

“We actually just sourced a really awesome modal fabric that we will be using in some future pieces. Modal is a super sustainable and awesome fiber made from wood pulp (similar to how bamboo fabric is made!). And it’s so soft!” Julia said. “I love seeing what new fabrics come out on the market and seeing what new offering the fabric supplier we work with comes up with!”

Miakoda believes you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fashion and excellence in design for sustainability. Their products are made thoughtfully. Besides being sustainable, they need to be great products that people will not only buy, but love. And with that purchase, one person made a lesser impact on the planet. Julia understands that making the shift to conscious consumerism doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t have to.

“I would love for people to know that every conscious decision makes a big difference. You don’t have to revamp your entire life, your entire closet, and the entire way you shop. Even if you don’t give up shopping at fast fashion retailers, making the mindful effort to shop consciously—even if only for one piece in your wardrobe-- you are making a difference,” Julia said.  “It’s not about what we aren’t doing, it’s about what we have done, what we can do, and how we can have any impact. No change happens overnight, but every little step adds up and together we can make a big difference for our planet, for other humans, and for the animals.” 

Determined to Make a Difference

Julia and Laura Ahrens are determined to make a difference in fashion. In the next five years, their number one goal is to educate as many people about ethical and sustainable fashion as they can.

“So many people think about how they eat and the garbage created and toxins consumed in the food industry. Going straw free, or using a reusable water bottle, or choosing organic foods has become much more mainstream than wearing organic clothing and shopping ethically,” Julia explained. “We have found that so many people don’t even know about the ‘bad’ stuff that goes on in the fashion industry. Most people don’t know about how dyes are polluting our water sources, synthetic materials are ending up in the bellies of fish, humans living by non organic cotton farms are being diagnosed with cancer, garment workers in sweatshops are exploited and treated terribly. In the next 5 years our goal is to educate people about what is going on and how they can make a difference. I have no doubt that as more people learn about the problems in the fashion industry, they will want to shop more sustainably and ethically, and Miakoda will grow and be able to offer more options that people can feel good about supporting and wearing!”

For more information on Miakoda, visit their website here or follow them @miakodanewyork on Instagram and @miakodanewyork on Facebook.

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