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How to Transform Your Bedroom with Ethically Made Home Decor

published on August 26, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

Kay, I know we’re full of home decor talk this summer (admittedly that says a lot about how I’m coping with the world at the moment but hey it makes me feel better and I get to gush about sustainable brands, SO!), with our backyard picnic and guide to sustainable home decor boutiques. But I promise these gorgeous photos Charity styled and shot during our collaboration with Zuahaza will have you inspired to take on a creative home project or two, ethically made home decor included, of course.

We actually have two bedroom styles for you today, beginning with this sunlit linen bed scene.

Recreate this look with a set of pillows, sheets, and a linen duvet in two tones of blush.

Top with soft woven throw pillows in cheerful colors. Zuahaza’s Salento Pillow and Jardin Pillow were used here!

The pillows look TOO good with that linen. So cozy and yet summery.

In related news, Charity decided to paint a wall in her guest room the most amazing dark jungle green. It turned out pretty damn good for an impulsive DIY, don’t you think? The prints are by Carla Llanos and Madeline Kate Martinez.

OF COURSE our sweet lil’ pillow snuggled right on in. This look is all about unexpected color combos. There is a lot of ethically made home decor designed in rich colors and textures (especially if woven) in online boutiques like Zuahaza’s. Because of the often higher price point of ethically made goods, it can be a little risky to take the plunge and go for it. But that’s why I like investing in statement pieces like these when I’m able to. There’s been so many times I’ve opted for something less beautiful and just poorly made because of budget, and had I just saved that to put toward one or two really, truly great pieces, I’d have spent the same amount (or less). And I can honestly say that whenever I’ve spent the money on a handmade piece from an independent shop or Etsy maker, I’ve never been disappointed!

Something so simple as a beautifully made pillow or a little shelf featuring a couple of unique art prints can truly transform a space. Just make sure to keep your kitty away from those tassels!

How has ethically made home decor transformed your living space? Do you find that pieces like this are worth investing in? Let us know!

12 Expertly Curated Online Boutiques for Sustainable Home Decor

published on August 24, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

When I started blogging about green living and sustainable home decor back in 2015, it felt like I was always linking to the same five shops. There were plenty of options, but you really had to dig to find them. Reflecting on that time reminds me that while things seem to be moving at an imperceptible pace (and sometimes completely backwards, thanks, prez) in terms of society’s dedication to sustainability, they truly are moving. Still, anyone new to sustainable living will soon find how much research goes into ensuring your products really are ethically crafted, so I wanted to update you all with what I’ve found are some incredible sustainable home decor shops online! There are many out there but I chose these specifically because they always have a lot to choose from, a variety of price-points, and feature so many fantastic independent designers/artisans.

12 Expertly Curated Online Boutiques for Sustainable Home Decor

Made Trade – This eco club member is an enormous marketplace full of ethically made goods and sustainable home decor. They definitely have the largest roster of sustainable brands that I’ve seen in any single marketplace! (Product shown)

Loom & Field is a textile and homeware brand featuring rugs and other ethically made goods crafted in partnerships with artisans in Morocco. (Product shown)

Design Milk has their own design shop where you can purchase modern design and wares from independent brands all in one place. (Product shown)

Goodee, a Certified B-corp, is a global marketplace where good design and good impact intersect. (Product shown)

Bon Femmes sells beautiful art prints and other wares and accessories by independent makers. (Product shown)

Baba Souk is a Canadian based “happy home decor” shop full of ethically sourced, colorful Moroccan rugs, poufs, baskets, and handmade accents. (Product shown)

Mercado Collective, who also sells ethical jewelry and accessories, offers boho, desert, and travel-inspired artisan home goods. (Product shown)

Meso Goods is (in their words) a Guatemalan-based company dedicated to the design and production of exclusive handmade home decor and personal accessories. (Product shown)

Favor is a sister-brand to the furniture company Industry West, that emphasizes modern global home decor and independently designed wares. (Product shown)

Eco Vibe, an eco-friendly apparel and accessories brand from Portland has launched a line of sustainable home decor and plants at an affordable price point. (Product shown)

SustainAble Home Goods features a wide array of sustainable home decor, kitchenwares, gifts, and accessories. They also stock lots of vintage goodies and feature exclusive collaborations with independent artists. (Product shown)

Woven Rosa is a dream for the curator of a colorful home, with handwoven textiles, cushions, tote bags, and other unique finds like this wicker lampshade that was handmade in Peru. (Product shown)

Edit 2022: I wanted to update this post to share a new shop coming from the founders of eco club (AKA Jennifer and I). It’s called wallflower and we stock lots of handmade and sustainable home decor goodies as well as accessories and stationery. Take a peek!

Do you have a sustainable home decor shop to add to this list? Do tell, it seriously lights us up.

Where To Find The Best Sustainable Cleaning Supplies

published on August 19, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 1, 2023

Adopting a low waste or zero waste lifestyle might have you thinking you need to toss out all your old products in favor of DIY detergents and wooden brushes. Of course, it’s a lot more practical, and sustainable, to use what you have and restock (replacing empty items with eco-friendly alternatives) only when necessary. Well, it took us about two and a half years since we moved into our apartment to run low on all of the conventional cleaning supplies we started with.

We’re a household of two (plus two surprisingly messy kitties), so we don’t go through cleaning supplies very quickly. Of course, I started to realize how much we’d run out of conveniently as everyone was stocking up on TP and cleaning supplies during the first wave of Coronavirus. Luckily many of the zero waste shops and brands selling sustainable cleaning supplies that I’ve had my eye on were ready to help consumers make the switch!

So to restock, with a more sustainable and natural kitchen in mind, I looked back on all the sources I’d collected via blogs and Instagram, knowing I’d try them eventually. The first thing I ordered was Blueland’s Clean Essentials Kit. I’d been intrigued by their concept of purchasing the packaging for your supplies once and reusing it for life by ordering refill tabs that you mix with your own water. I didn’t love the idea of purchasing acrylic bottles (only the hand soap is glass) but it definitely beats single-use containers. So far everything works just fine and I love that all I need to do next time is order the tablets!

Edit November 2021: I’ve used Blueland’s clean essentials for about a year and a half now, and I’m sad to report that two of my three acrylic bottles have already broke. There’s only two of us in our household, so it’s certainly not overuse. One just shattered while in my hand (no, I didn’t drop it). I hope they’ve since improved this design. Obviously, as a low-waste enthusiast I don’t want to have to replace acrylic!

Like I mentioned on Instagram, I’ve always wanted to try No Tox Life’s beloved Zero Waste Dish Block. I’d already been using a few wooden/natural cleaning brushes from them and Package Free Shop, so I just needed the block to get scrubbing. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now and don’t have any plans to go back to conventional dish soaps. It’s truly one of the most natural cleaning supplies you can opt for! It’s easy to work into a lather and if you get the proper dish brushes, you’ll have no problem cleaning dishes. Side note: We do have a dishwasher so most things that need a heavy-duty scrub can be done there. Though, I hand wash my cutting boards and serving platters and this does the trick.

For all natural cleaning brushes and soap blocks, you’ll want to make sure you let everything dry completely. Otherwise you’ll waste the soap, and the brushes can mold or rust (depending on materials). I’m currently storing the block in this ceramic sponge holder but would benefit from something bigger.

Another great place to find sustainable cleaning supplies is your local zero waste shop. One of our local favorites, Public, is in West Seattle. Not only do they sell the Dish Block but many other natural household supplies. Eco Collective is another well-stocked spot. Both have products available online as well.

Where do you find your sustainable cleaning supplies? Give your favorite shops a shoutout!

PS: Learn why now is the actually the perfect time to give zero waste a try, here.

What You Should Know Before Going Zero Waste

published on August 12, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

Questioning why someone would write a post encouraging a lifestyle switch like going zero waste during a pandemic? Be sure to start with this post, then come on back.

Confession: I live a “low waste” lifestyle, not a zero waste one. Oh and about that label… I made it up. There is no actual standard for low waste. I’m conscious of how much waste I create, tend to go pretty far out of my way to avoid creating it, and when I do I am very thoughtful about how I dispose of it. I think of zero waste as more of an ideal than a short-term goal, green living is not all-or-nothing, waste not or waste all, but that’s just me. That said, I love to share zero waste tips because I’ve learned a lot and I get a lot of questions from people about it. There are many inspiring guides on going zero waste for you to Google too. But I think it’s important to first consider what zero waste actually means for you. Here’s a few thoughts to help you figure it out.

You decide how zero waste works for you

There are some pretty big resources out there when it comes to the whole concept of zero waste living. It’s smart to do your research, but remember that like any ‘lifestyle’, the important thing is what it does for YOU. It’s like eating healthy. It can be a pain in the ass, but you know it’s good for you. And when you get really into it, it’s fulfilling and even kind of fun. There you are, perfecting recipes, getting excited about cauliflower rice… You know how it goes. But still, it’s not about instant gratification. It’s about doing something because it’s important to you. And when that’s the motivation you have to tailor the lifestyle to your own unique situation because otherwise it just won’t stick. So don’t worry about all of the ‘rules’. Take what works for you and build off of that.

Going zero waste is a privilege

It’s not very surprising that the zero waste movement has gotten criticism for being somewhat of an elitist lifestyle as far as sustainable living goes. (Wanna know what else can lead to a minimalist lifestyle? Being broke.) It’s important to recognize this, especially when you’re sharing your zero waste lifestyle with others. Not everyone can afford to shop in expensive natural stores where they have bulk bins (ahem, when we weren’t afraid of catching Coronavirus during our refill trips). Not everyone has access to compost or even recycle. In fact, most people actually don’t. Each of the cities I’ve lived in have had vastly different resources when it comes to living sustainably. You cannot and should not push some one-size-fits-all approach to living with less, or criticize others for not following suit. What you can do is share what you’ve learned and hope it’ll inspire those who value your opinion/experience to tune into the opportunities they have in their own lives for change.

It’s not about you

With that said, remember that this isn’t about you. It’s natural for us to center ourselves when we’re part of a movement like zero waste. We are only capable of living our own experience so it’s easy to get caught up in that perspective. At the end of the day, I do it because I want to do it, you know? At the same time, the entire concept of living with less is rooted in the desire to contribute to the greater good. It’s good to remind yourself of that!

Be prepared to do the work

Once you set out on the journey to a zero waste or sustainable lifestyle, you’ll soon realize just how many conveniences you’ve literally never even noticed you had. It’s very eye opening and kind of embarrassing. Little by little you’ll uncover habits that can be changed for the better, and habits are much easier to break than make. It totally takes work and failing and being willing to fail to get in your new rhythm but it’s also rewarding and inspiring. But it all adds up and one day you just might find yourself wondering why you ever felt you NEEDED paper towels to accompany every meal in the first place. (Btw, need’s quite the strong word, isn’t it?)

What are your thoughts on going zero waste?

Creating a Summer Oasis On My Apartment Balcony

published on August 10, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 11, 2023

Do you have outdoor space you can retreat to during the summer of COVID? I’ve always been one to make use of any outdoor space I have, no matter how small–in California I was one of the only people in our entire complex to make use of the gorgeous courtyard (we didn’t have our own deck) almost everyday. Now that we’re in Seattle there are only so many months we can use our balcony but I’ve never been more grateful to have one!

For some reason no one else in our complex, again, seems to do so much as stand outside on theirs, but, their loss. I’m fully committed to making this space my oasis right up until Seattle starts doing that heavy wind/side rain situation that renders even covered spaces useless. That’s at least two months away!

Natural Fringe Coasters / Vases by Gabrielle Silverlight / Organic Cotton Yoga Mat / Woven Rosa Runner / Bamboo Hand Fans / Pink Bamboo Bowls / Mint Striped Vase / Kilim Pillow (sold out, find more from this shop here) / Fringed Palm Basket

Like most people I know, months of sheltering in place, not to mention search for an outlet to direct some of that pent-up despair-over-the-fate-of-the-world energy, has led me to pour all my creativity and all my pennies into outfitting this small apartment balcony. Normally I’d purchase as much as I could for our balcony at a thrift store, but I’m trying to think of this as an opportunity to purchase from a few of my favorite Etsy shops and ethical brands.

So far I’ve outfitted my outdoor loveseat with vintage pillows from Etsy (guide to my favorite shops coming soon) and I’m waiting on a rug too. Next I hope to find some more unique artisan decor pieces like the vases above and I’d love to someday replace my battered yoga mat with an organic cotton mat by OKO–isn’t it gorgeous and about one million times better than any other yoga mat you’ve seen?

I’ll share a progress update once it looks more put together. But honestly, no matter what it looks like, it’s still my oasis every step of the way.

Do you have an outdoor space to retreat to during summer?

Making The Most Of Summer During Covid-19

published on August 5, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 1, 2023

If there are two things that can (at least temporarily) pull me out of the funk that 2020 has trapped me in, it’s gotta be A) getting creative with someone (yes someone, social distance style) and B) spending time outside. Our talented photographer Charity and I had canceled our spring shoot due to the pandemic. Halfway through summer and sufficiently bummed, we knew that even if just the two of us got together outside we’d feel a whole lot better!

Today I’ll walk you through what we did so that hopefully you can make the most of this strange summer safely, with just a good friend (or family that you live with!) and a little patch of grass.

We’d connected with Tatiana of Zuahaza earlier this year with a tour of her creative studio in Bogota here on eco club. Zuahaza’s ethically made home décor are designed and produced in collaboration with their local community of female artisans. Tatiana is a fiber artist herself so it’s very inspiring to see how she combined so many of her own passions into this sustainable business.

She mailed us Zuahaza’s Salento Pillow and Jardin Pillow. When possible, I love to personally experience the brands we add to our sustainable shopping directory. I know there’s a bit of risk in not being personally involved with each & every one, but we’re also mindful of each member’s budgets and the fact that quite honestly we don’t need that much product. The pillows were beautifully made using 100% organic cotton and vibrant natural dyes. And as mentioned, they’re SO soft. So I brought those, along with several pillows I’d collected from Etsy for my balcony, over to summer happy hour with Charity.

Next we made this tasty cantaloupe margarita recipe by Charity’s sister, Katie Hestead, who is a cocktail expert!

Click here to view her cantaloupe aperol mint frozen margarita recipe. It was the perfect summer cocktail for real. We garnished with mint and edible flowers from Charity’s garden and took 9 million photos because that’s what we do with pretty drinks ‘round here.

A few suggested accessories for such an afternoon: snacks like fresh fruits & veggies, sun wear and care, a fun little raffia fan (I use them as wall décor so I have a few around), journals or books or magazines, and a camera if you’re in the mood to get creative and share your pretty scene with your Insta community.

And more cantaloupe margaritas.

How are you making the most of your summer during COVID? Let’s all be sure to check in on our friends and try to lift people up when we can. Even the tiniest activity like those above can be difficult to be motivated to do when you’re feeling down.

Shop Zuahaza on their website or via eco club member Made Trade.