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Three Fabric Innovations Making Fashion More Sustainable

published on October 27, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas

Fashion has always been about innovation. The most exciting shift in years is towards sustainability. While there are plenty of fast fashion houses teetering on the edge of greenwashing, consumers themselves are demanding truly sustainable fabrics. Natural fibres, such as recycled cotton, organic hemp and organic linen will always be eco-options for a sustainable wardrobe. But there has also been a rise in synthetic fabrics that will be key to the future friendly wardrobes of the future.

three sustainable fabric innovations

MYLO: A Sustainable Leather Alternative

Made by Bolt Threads, Mylo is a lab-grown leather that uses mycelium to recreate the soft, supple fabric so popular in fashion, with far less harm to the environment. If you watched the Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungi, you may have seen that coming!

While other so-called vegan leather alternatives do exist, many rely on plastic—which obviously poses a whole different problem for eco-enthusiasts. In contrast, Mylo is ‘certified bio-based, which means it’s made predominantly from renewable ingredients found in nature.’

Qmonos: Synthetic Spider Silk

Spiders provided the inspiration for Qmonos, a synthetic spider silk based on synthetic proteins that fuse spider silk genes and certain microbes. Like many fabric innovations, the science comes first, and Qmonos took a while to develop.

No animals are involved in the production of Qmonos fibres, which are entirely biodegradable, lightweight – and stronger than steel!

Tencel

Tencel has been around since the 1980s and it remains one of the most versatile sustainable fabrics available nowadays. From slow fashion brands to fast fashion power houses, Tencel, which is made from bamboo pulp, and Lyocell, created from wood pulp, feature regularly in eco-conscious fashion collections.

It’s a beautifully light alternative to cotton and viscose, offering softness, breathability, and durability. Other benefits that make it a mainstay of the future of fabric include the fact that it is fully biodegradable and compostable, and a manufacturing process that is ecologically sound, recovering up to 99.8% of the solvent and remaining emissions generated in its production.

How sustainable clothes are often comes down to what they are made from; traditional fabrics are part of one of our oldest industries and we cannot survive without textile manufacturing. But that also means there is a wealth of knowledge and experience available to ensure that the future of fashion has sustainability at its heart.

Which fabric innovations are you following in the sustainable fashion industry?

Photo by Hong Nguyen

Where To Shop Sustainably in Portland, Oregon

published on October 25, 2021 by Angela Hamilton

Last year when we posted about our favorite places to shop small in Seattle, I meant to publish a Portland, OR version as well, but never got around to it! I actually might be just as familiar with places to shop sustainably in Portland as here in WA, because as a three hour drive it’s always been one of my favorite weekend trips for shopping vintage. You know how it’s more fun to shop when traveling? Anyway, the list has been growing and I need to finally post before it gets lost in next month’s gift guides (which will undoubtedly include favorites from the boutiques below). Here are just a handful of conscious, handmade, and vintage boutiques to shop small and sustainably in Portland. View the descriptions below each photo for their own bios and website/Instagram links:

Shop DANO

“Founded by Portland based artist and designer Melissa Grandkoski, DANO brings together plant-powered apothecary, thoughtfully produced wares from independent makers, and hand-selected vintage clothing curated to inspire and support a conscious and radiant lifestyle for self and space.” @shopdano

Seven Sisters

“Seven Sisters is both a Portland based shop and creative studio and produces our own line of products locally, by hand. Visit at 811 E. Burnside Street.” @sevensisterspdx

Yo Store

“The Yo! Store is a Womens, Kids and Lifestyle shop based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2016, we strive to offer modern, colorful and quality goods sourced from small independent makers worldwide. Everything we sell on the shop floor has been tried and tested by us or our kids.” @theyostore

I’ve visited and purchased from Eco Vibe many times over the years, and we link to them a lot as a great resource for eco friendly goods.

“Established in 2010, ECOVIBE is the collaboration of the combined visions of Leonard and Andrea Allen, aka “Len and Dre” and is family-owned and operated. ECOVIBE began as an apparel boutique but has evolved over the years to become a complete lifestyle brand with a focus on home décor, houseplants, plant pottery, kitchenware, apparel accessories, candles, and gifts. Our merchandise mix includes both decorative and functional décor for the home and personal lifestyle, and all of our products are hand-selected based on their sustainable and aesthetic values.” @ecovibestyle

Artifact: Creative Recycle (photo by @reluvclub)

“Artifact: Creative Recycle is a secondhand store that sells design driven men’s and women’s vintage and modern clothing, accessories, and shoes, as well as used furniture, art, and decor.” @artifactpdx

Kindred Homestead Supply

“Kindred Homestead Supply is a low-waste, bulk refillery for home + personal care located in Vancouver, WA. You bring the containers, we’ll provide the goods. It’s that simple!” @kindred.homestead.supply

Gone West

“Gone West PDX is a tiny gift shop supporting women makers, locally made products and goodies made with passion.” @gonewestpdx

Altar (& other great Portland boutiques available at storefront Cargo Emporium)

“Altar carries an array of special, handmade objects—all made by artists in America.” @shop_altar @cargoinc

Beam & Anchor

“Our homes are our sanctuaries. We believe our souls resonate with the objects we surround ourselves with. We humbly offer a curated selection of beautiful, well made, thoughtfully designed products to add depth, texture and meaning to your lives and your home.” @beamandanchor

Tender Loving Empire

“Tender Loving Empire is a handmade gift shop + record label curating goods + music from hundreds of independent artists.” Multiple locations. @tenderlovingempire

Where do you shop sustainably in Portland? Go ahead and list your favorites, and we’ll edit this guide!

Bright, Bold Fall Home Decor by Fair Trade Brand Anchal Project

published on October 20, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on October 22, 2021

Who here loves to decorate for fall but wants to keep things bright and warm for dark days ahead? (Meeeeee.) Our new directory member, Fair Trade brand Anchal Project’s Fall ’21 collection marries cozy and colorful just in time for curling up inside. If you haven’t heard of them, Anchal collaborates with female artisans in Ajmer, India to design and handcraft sustainable home decor and lifestyle products. They’re also a nonprofit organization offering social impact programs such as education and health services on top of sustainable employment for their makers and their local communities.

Patchwork Plaid, Anchal Project’s latest collection, introduces a classic motif deeply inspired by the rich history of Indian madras. It’s meant to provide comfort and familiarity, while fitting in with the modern home. It’s all made of organic cotton and the line ranges from quilts and pillows to accessories and linens.

The multi-check pattern and colorway is definitely up our alley, and I love it matched with mustard and rust tones.

Here it’s paired with cozy pillows from other collections.

Besides the decor, Anchal Project offers the multi-check (and other patchwork motifs for fall) design in this cozy patchwork quilt jacket. If you’ve heard of Anchal you’ve probably seen some of their embroidered apparel, which is always making waves (and often selling out) online and in social media.

Take a look at the collage below for more cozy brights in this collection!

Stripe Canvas Tote Bag / Multi Check Quilt Throw / Cross Stitch Pouch Clutch / Graph Table Runner / Multi Check Throw Pillow / Graph Napkin Set / Small Patchwork Plaid Quilt Throw / Graph Placemat Set

Which piece would you decorate with this fall? Shop on anchalproject.org and be sure to use code ecoclub20 for 20% off!

Thanks to Anchal Project for joining our sustainable shop directory and sponsoring this spotlight post!

5 Ways To Cope With Eco Anxiety

published on October 11, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas
updated on October 13, 2021

Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed about the climate crisis? You’re not alone. There have been increasing reports of people who identify as experiencing eco-anxiety.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new phrase that captures the experience of those who are alarmed by the climate crisis, and is often twinned with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. It’s important to know, however, that it isn’t a recognised mental health disorder. In fact, eco-anxiety is a natural, rational response for those with an awareness and understanding of the environmental issues our beautiful planet is facing. The good news is that there are many ways to counter the effects and fear associated with eco-anxiety and, instead of focusing on the way we feel, can turn your concern into positive action for Earth, and yourself.

5 ways to manage eco-anxiety

applaud yourself for your climate positive actions

When we experience eco-anxiety, it can be easy to put pressure on ourselves as individuals to do more. Instead, why not take a step back and list all the ways that you are contributing to reversing climate change? Individual actions will not solve climate change, and the best hope we have is to find a true balance between Earth’s needs and our modern lives.

change where you get your news

Climate change is a difficult subject for many newsrooms—it’s so easy (and buzz-worthy) to fall into the doom and gloom narrative. However, every day new stories emerge that highlight how hopeful we should be. Positive News and Goodgoodgoodco both focus on good news and Mongabay offers inspirational stories from the frontline of conservation, with a detailed look at the events and innovations that are making a difference.

Some recent happy headlines include:

Daintree Forest, an Australian rainforest that covers almost 400,000 acres and borders the Great Barrier Reef was returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, the original Aboriginal custodians of this land. Alongside the obvious positive of Aboriginal land being returned to rightful ownership, indigenous rights are vital to land conservation and allows for sustainable management of sites. via Nation of Change

More cities are beginning to build their own version of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor’s Mr Trash Wheel. Entirely solar and hydro-powered, this trash interceptor collects waste that flows to him, funnelling the trash into the large ‘mouth’ where it can be sorted for recycling or incinerated to generate electricity. via Good News Network

There was a huge win for the many opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline as President Biden revoked the US permit that its developers needed this summer, marking one of the first major victories for climate activists against the fossil fuel industry. via The Guardian

enjoy green spaces

Green spaces create positive mental health effects, naturally influencing anxiety levels, including those caused by eco-anxiety. Spending time outdoors gives us time to connect with ourselves and the wider world, and areas given over to a nature are a great way of reminding ourselves that all is not lost.

rethink the way you travel

From holidays to commutes, the way we travel is one of the most tangible changes we can make to improve our carbon footprint. It’s a simple, affordable, and achievable way to make a difference—and feeling a sense of accomplishment can help combat anxiety. For shorter, daily trips, choose walking or cycling. And when you need to go further afield, consider whether the distance would be better travelled by car sharing or train than by flying. When flying is the only option, opt for direct flights as these require less fuel than multi-leg journeys.

find a community that shares your values

With the right support, conversation and shared experiences, your feelings surrounding climate change will be validated and alleviated. From your own loved ones to climate action groups, who better to talk about all the good things you’re doing to lead a more sustainable life? Sharing is caring, and you’ll learn lots more tips on how to ensure your lifestyle is green, manageable, and eco-anxiety-free.

Obviously, community is huge for us content creators, and we hope eco club is a place to become more inspired and hopeful about living sustainably. Sign up for the eco club newsletter to get involved!

9 Handmade Female Art & Decor Finds That Beautifully & Hilariously Celebrate Womanhood

published on October 5, 2021 by Mindy Chung
updated on October 7, 2021

I know that art has always had a subjective element to it—that’s why some contemporary pieces will have one person on their knees and another just scratching their head. And as long as art has been made, there’s always been some tortured artist-type painting naked ladies while patting themselves on the back for getting the left titty *just* right.

To a degree, women have always tried to reclaim the narrative in artistic circles; drawing focus to nature landscapes or depicting scenes where the woman is shown in a position of power, and less as an object. That’s why I love the female-focused art that’s surged in the last decade or so—art that’s about representations of real female figures with curves, and bellies, and stretch marks.

That’s why I’ve rounded up these unique female art and home décor items for you to consider including in your next round of redecorating or upcoming holiday gifting. From vases to candles, these pieces, all offered by small businesses, will fit perfectly as a centerpiece in any home that wants to scream, “women.”

I absolutely adore this Pottery Lodge boob planter. The listing has a variety of color options and boobs that aren’t perky enough to poke an eye out.

This ring holder by Redwood Stoneworks definitely caters to aesthetic more than practicality (how many rings can you really fit with only one finger?) But with the option of adding a ring dish with the hand, this plaster beauty would be perfect “F the Patriarchy” statement at anyone’s front entrance or mantle.

I don’t know who first thought to make candle molds of the female form, but I love the fact that Pretty Honest Candles offers a range of shapes and sizes named after Greek goddesses. Ancient art of the female form has always been addressed as “Venus” and every one of the melting muses in this shop definitely live up to that name.

I know this one may be a bit tongue-in-cheek (pun ABSOLUTELY intended) but when I saw the words “jiggly” and “butt” associated with this candle from Nervous Art Store, I knew someone out there would appreciate this amazing piece of art.

Okay, I know there seems to be a booty-ful reoccurring theme of butts here, but this incense burner is just too good. Jenny Dawn of Stony Point Pottery also does a range of other pieces, i.e. mugs with boobs, but the concept of an incense burner shaped like a butt was just too hilarious for me not to spread the love (and quirky gift idea).

This wire-art hanging by Switzerland-based mirusartworks can be both a wall-piece and a jewelry holder, and really radiates bad b*tch energy.

These female-centered art prints by Constanza Illustrates are refreshingly unique and bold—making them ideal as a stand out piece for that space right above your couch, or in your bedroom.

Gravel and Gold has this excellent lavender shower curtain of minimalistically rendered tatas. They also offer the same print on a range of goods like pillowcases, laundry baskets, and even face masks to make sure you can maximize the cohesivity of your female-inspired living space.

Okay, who here suddenly can’t get enough of metal and wire art? This portrait of a woman with plants from Black Ivy Craft is the perfect modern wall art. And you can choose from gold or black!

Which female-inspired products would you put on display?

How I Green My Natural Hair Routine + DIY Natural Shea Butter Hair Cream

published on September 16, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas

The natural hair journey is a long (very long), beautiful process. In the beginning, it takes a lot of patience, adaptability, and trial and error. Sounds similar to the sustainable living journey, doesn’t it? Keep reading to learn more about my own sustainable natural hair care journey, including my tips for keeping the process as eco-friendly as possible.

Cleansing

As naturals, we have to be very mindful of the products that we put into our hair and the ingredients they contain. Sulphates and other drying ingredients can lead to breakage and damage in the long run. Not to mention, most hair care products come in plastic packaging, and a laundry list of not-so-sustainable ingredients.

A great alternative to conventional natural hair care products is African Black Soap. It’s all natural, chemical-free, and detoxifying. You can find it at your local beauty supply store in the soap aisle. You can also find similar products on Etsy or from seller Ethical Chick (pictured below), who uses ethically sourced products and recycled packaging.

Moisturizing with DIY Shea Butter Hair Cream

The next big staple in sustainable natural hair care is a nourishing moisturizer. Whether you use the LOC method or you do a wash and go, moisture is important. I enjoy making my own DIY shea butter cream, full of enriching oils. All you need is refined shea butter (not the yellow one!), jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and any other oils that you hair loves. Mix thoroughly, until all oils are blended. Be sure to keep it in an air tight container. The cream lasts for months, and can be used on your hair and body.

Styling and Protecting with Thrifted Scarves

Now that you’ve cleansed and moisturized, it’s time to style your thick curls. To avoid tangling and breakage, I usually put my hair into a protective style, like 2 strand twists. This helps to lock the moisture into hair and protect your ends. My favorite way to dress up my twists are with head wraps and scarves, which you can easily find at your local thrift store! I have gotten most of the scarves in my collection for $3 each. Plus, thrift shops are always the best for finding fun colors, textures, and fabrics that no one else will have. I love this video by Jae from faceovermatter over on Youtube and was inspired to create my own version to share on Insta:

When you start on a more eco friendly lifestyle, you realize just how many areas of your life are connected to this journey. Once you find what works for you in both your sustainable and natural hair journeys, you’ll feel empowered to bring sustainability to other parts of your routine. It can be challenging but you’re guaranteed to learn a bunch of unique and inventive things along the way.

What are your favorite sustainable natural hair care products and tips? Would you like to see more posts on this topic? Let us know!