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How to be Eco-Friendly During Quarantine

published on April 15, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

As upsetting as it is to quarantine during such a beautiful season, I hope it’s allowing people to enjoy and appreciate Mother Earth a bit more. Busy lifestyles make it difficult to practice green habits, so this forced slow-down is a great time to try them out and see what sticks for you and your lifestyle. I know everyone’s quarantine rules are a little different, but as of right now in Seattle, going outside and taking walks and enjoying the sunshine (while remaining a respectful distance from others) is probably the #1 thing keeping our spirits up. So, I’ve been feeling extra grateful for fresh air and spring blooms, and think it’s a great time for us all to show our gratitude with more eco-friendly habits. In a time when so much has changed in an instant, it’s comforting to go outside and see flowers blooming and birds chirping.

This isn’t the case for everyone, but if you do find yourself with a little more time on your hands, consider using some of it to make a few simple lifestyle changes in an effort to become more eco-friendly in the long run. I intentionally kept these tips as more of an intro because I want you to know that there is always something you can do, even if you don’t live in an area with as many resources (or encouragement!) as Seattle to ‘be green’.

How to be eco-friendly during quarantine

Mindful habits. With quarantine forcing a lot of us to slow down, we have the opportunity to reflect more on our lifestyles and try improving personal habits. Before you could practice touching your face less, you had to notice how much you were doing it before, right?

Now is a great time to think about which lifestyle habits could be made more eco-friendly too—whether it’s washing bottles and cans right away so you can recycle them properly or using meal planning to make the most of limited grocery trips and ultimately waste less money and food. It’s such a great time to get the whole household on the same page, too.

Single use swaps. Decreasing your reliance on single use items in favor of reusable ones is a great way to lower your environmental impact, but it can be tricky to get in the habit of. If you’ve been thinking of how to go “green”, now is the time to get a feel for it. An easy start? Try swapping out paper towels for cloth napkins. Right now it actually makes you more resourceful… it lessens your reliance on popular “stock up” items which will make you feel a little more empowered getting through this crisis—and beyond.

Another quick, practical swap is changing from dryer sheets to (sustainably made) wool dryer balls. They eliminate the need for throwaway dryer sheets and work just as well. (I hate static so I was a bit apprehensive at first, but they do the trick!) If you like them scented, you can make them smell exactly how you want with essential oils, or keep them fragrance-free. It’s freeing not to rely on a grocery trips for some of these everyday items.

Lastly, another way to be more eco-friendly during quarantine is to master recycling. In the United States, trash removal and recycling programs vary widely and are extremely confusing to keep up with. This is because it’s not streamlined at a national or even state levels. It’s usually counties or individual cities that dictate their own waste programs based on local resources (and/or demand). Even then, there are tons of items that need to be disposed of different ways in order to be recycled, such as textiles and trickier plastics. For example, this year Seattle announced that it would no longer be picking up plastic films along with the rest of weekly recycling. Instead, we need to take them to a different recycling center (where they won’t interfere with the other machines). There’s truly so much to learn about recycling in each area, and I can see why people stick to the basics. It seems like a daunting task, but it feels so good to know that everything is going in the right place.

Would you like to see more in-depth advice on any of the tips above? If you’ve already started on this, share your favorite single use swaps or recycling tips below to teach others how to be eco-friendly during quarantine.

10 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Thrifted + Sustainable Fashion Inspiration

published on March 8, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

Shopping secondhand is really what kicked off my love of sustainable style, years back. Of course, back then it was more about being wallet-friendly. But hey, whatever gets the ball rolling. We’ve been a lot more active on Instagram lately than here on the blog (but still, blogs forever.), and it’s seriously inspiring to see how stylish a proud outfit repeater can be with a collection of old used clothes. Basically, if you’re creative, you do not need fast fashion (or designer fashion) to elevate your look. you do that by being you.

All this street style takes me back to college days, when we’d thrift every weekend, take photos of each other on the porch, and blog about our finds. Nowadays, I’m A-OK with sitting back and simply being inspired, and I love that this whole vintage + thrift revival & slow fashion movement is shedding a light on the necessity for sustainable fashion… not to mention THRIFTING IS COOL AGAIN. Totally makes me wanna re-open the ol’ Etsy shop, one day.

Sustainable fashion imposes a restriction on how you create outfits, it shapes your wardrobe differently. So while minimalism and neutrals are totally in and beautiful in their own way, many of our favorite ethical fashion enthusiasts are just so daring with personal style, mixing prints and textures and colors and fits. It sure is fun to see them taking risks, going all out, and just being totally expressive with sustainable style. They pull from many sources, both secondhand and new, supporting the movement in different ways. Here’s just a tiny sample of those favorites, below!

@theflippside

@laviediviore

@thriftsandtangles

@whenthriftersthrift {featured above: @thatgirlkandice}

Who are your favorite accounts & bloggers to follow for sustainable fashion inspiration? What do you love about them?

Eco Club Approved: 19 Conscious Seattle Boutiques to Shop Small

published on November 21, 2019 by Angela Hamilton

Updated 11/10/22 As promised, here are a few of our favorite Seattle boutiques featuring conscious goods from independent designers. When I set out to write, I knew that there were going to be so, so many shops to pull from. And then it took me weeks to put it up because I didn’t know where to stop. We’re so lucky that we have an abundance of options when it comes to shopping small in Seattle. (But if you’re not in Seattle, don’t click out! I’ve linked to each boutique’s website, which are all full of goods you can purchase online.) I tried to lean towards shops I’d personally visited so I could give a proper description, but I know there are so many more for me to explore this holiday season. Please feel free to leave links to your favorite boutiques in the comments so whoever finds it next sees an even bigger resource!

fruitsuper is a design-centric Seattle boutique featuring American made goods from over 80 independent designers. And isn’t it gorgeous? Plus, Pioneer Square is one of my favorite areas + while there you can visit several of the shops below, and be sure to grab a bite at one of the cute restaurants. And a fun note: I got to interview fruitsuper’s co-founder Sally-Ann Corn for a writing project, and she is all about embracing how brick & mortar can positively influence the local community. Photo by Krista Welch. fruitsuper.com

I strolled past Sfingiday in Fremont (and I don’t know how it took me so long!), and had to back up and take a peek. Yes. I walked backwards and then into the shop. I ended up with a handmade scrunchie + Palate polish (impulse buys from a girl on a budget) and a new favorite shop! Sfingiday stocks products from over 100 artists, from original art and design to dreamy ceramics (like sooo dreamy), fashion accessories and so very much more. They even have some basics for those of you going zero waste! All in a small, cozy space. Photo by Sfingiday. sfingiday.com

Update 2022: This shop has moved to online-only as well as offering photography + other creative services.

You don’t have to consider whether the products in Anders Shop are something you’d feel good about supporting, as owner Sally Honeycutt is committed to sustainable & ethically made artisan home goods. In her Seattle boutique, you’ll find home decor, gifts, accessories, beauty and more all in the most beautiful little space. Photo by Sally Honeycutt. andersshop.com

Update 2022: This shop has since moved to Georgetown and is available for private shopping appointments.

Clementines is a fashion boutique with women’s shoes, clothing, accessories, gifts, and more. While some of the designers featured here are a little more high end, they have lots of giftable goodies. Another reason they’re worth a visit? Vintage shop Swan Dive is just down the stairs inside the shop, and it’s a well curated little space full of affordable clothing. Stop by and shop the gifts that envelope brunch spot The London Plane next door too. Photo by Clementines. clementines.com

Formerly Tides & Pines, September is a Ballard boutique and a great place to go for a lot of designers you don’t often see on Seattle shelves, like Callahan, Cleobella, and Flynn Skye. They feature a selection of local goodies too. Photo by September. septembertheshop.com

If you know indie brick & mortar, you know Moorea Seal. Anyone else followed her journey since back in the early blog days? Moorea’s downtown shop is one of the prettiest you’ll find, and even stocks eco club members like Back Beat Co. Plus, Moorea Seal gives back—7% of all proceeds go to nonprofits. Photo by Moorea Seal. mooreaseal.com

Editor’s note: Moorea Seal has since closed.

I finally made it to Pipe & Row last week after curiously walking by on my way to get tacos in Fremont too many times to count. This shop is expertly curated. They’re another great shop if you’re looking for a mix of local and your favorite brands to follow on Instagram. And they do have fun little accessories and gifts to check out. Visit them in the same trip as Sfingiday, as they are right by each other. Photo by Sorelle Hardin. pipeandrow.com

Updated 2022: This shop is online-only with an extensive zero waste selection that ships plastic free!

Eco Collective is a one-stop shop for for sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials like toothbrushes, food wraps, package-free soaps, and basically any zero-waste staple you can think of. They also host events and workshops, so it’s a great spot if you’re just beginning your journey to zero waste. Photo by Eco Collective. ecocollectiveseattle.com

Looking for more zero-waste shops in Seattle? The Naked Grocer and A Public Shop are wonderful too.

Cura is an artful and ethical boutique in Seattle’s Central District. They highlight impact driven artists and designers and offer inspiration for more intentional living. Photo by The Cura Co. thecuraco.com

If you love plant shops, you’ve probably seen some version of this photo on Instagram in recent years. Glasswing is a rare haven for both plants and fashion, located on the Pike and Pine corridor next to some great shops and restaurants. They also have mens fashion and unique gifts. After the success of their boutique, they opened Glassing Greenhouse in Capitol Hill, so if you’re in the market for greenery, you’ll want to hit up both. Photo by Glasswing. glasswingshop.com

A popular spot in Ballard, Prism is an inspiring, colorful boutique full of beloved indie brands like Lisa Says Gah and Ali Golden. They also stock a selection of beautiful jewelry and lots of quirky, cool gifts. Some items are a little pricier, but you can guarantee it isn’t something everyone else has. Photo by Prism. prismseattle.com

I love to stop in Flora Henri while in Pioneer Square (and grab a coffee or doughnut at General Porpoise). It’s a luxury lifestyle boutique that also has a lovely heirloom baby/kids section. I spotted Veja sneakers there last time which are definitely on my wishlist. Photo by Flora Henri. florahenri.com

Eco club member Nightshade is Seattle’s first and only hybrid plant shop and tattoo parlor! It’s located in lively lower Queen Anne (my old neighborhood!) near the Seattle Center and some amazing restaurants. They specialize in custom black and grey fine-line tattoos, a curated selection of common and collector house plants, and magical curiosities.

When it comes to sustainability, Owner Aleisha Tilson explains, A great portion of my plants are sourced locally from farmers and greenhouses in the state of Washington. We don’t source outside of the west coast. It is very important to us to utilize the resources closest to us to lessen our carbon footprint. Along with creating these close relationships from our purveyors, I also have started propagating and cultivating some of our plants. It is my goal for the future to have a plot of land where I can build my own greenhouse. tattoosandplants.com

Be sure to check out blumenkinder, Drygoods Design, Liten, and Velouria, all local boutiques that you can shop online too. I know there are quite a few more Seattle boutiques that deserve a spot on this list, so be sure to add your favorites in the comments. Happy shopping (small)!

Eco friendly Friendsgiving ideas with DIY fall flowers

published on November 1, 2019 by Angela Hamilton

Do you celebrate Friendsgiving? Charity (who took these pretty photos!) and I like to team up on Friendsgiving and invite our circle of friends (mostly best friends from our college days) to gather round. And by team up I mean she gets all the credit. I bring whatever DIY fall flowers I’m experimenting with at the time, and try not to light them on fire between the candles. She’s an amazing hostess and cook and baker and stylist and can make any space the most welcoming. ANYWAY.

We shared these eco friendly Friendsgiving ideas (a mouthful, I know) last year right before our rebrand to eco club, so they didn’t get circulated very well, which is a shame because, well, they’re just so pretty and EASY to pull off.

Charity and I, along with many of our friends and just lots of people in their 20s in general, have moved about a zillion times since college. This year’s Friendsgiving was at a completely different house! So this is a great way to remember a cute little corner with all the light.

About flowers. Wide, low floral arrangements require assistance to stay in place, unlike a lot of taller vases. The foam-free floral movement has really taken off even since this last post (which was my first and only time using foam). This is great news since floral foam, while easy and convenient, is not biodegradable or reusable, which is a real bummer considering the beautiful natural stems we stick in ’em. Check out this, then this, post from a florist in Chicago for a little more info and how to get this look in a more environmentally conscious way.

Most of what we added to this scene was secondhand, but two brand new elements were a jute table runner and accompanying placemats from eco club member Will + Atlas. Jute is one of the most sustainable materials for homewares, and it’s incredible durable. The intricate patterns in these gave the tough material a more delicate feel and I use them for pretty much all my entertaining, not to mention as photo backdrops, whenever possible!

The dahlias came from Pike Place Market, leaves from the backyard, and dried plants and strawflowers were also purchased at the market in one big dried flower bouquet that I’ve reused like 1000 times. I am not kidding. They come in giant sets for $20-$30 and yes my friend, dried flowers are SO VERY reusable. I have used some of these very same pieces in every single season since getting them. All from one single purchase. I used them for this year’s Friendsgiving, too. And then? I took ’em out of the vases and put ’em back in my stash for safekeeping. (Are you starting to sense how my apartment looks yet?)

I shared this + more sustainable flower tips here with a springtime bouquet.

Another member, Ten Thousand Villages, provided the marble serving board and knife. They have a few different options now too. Another piece that we’ve used again & again. And of course, would be perfect for a veggie spread too, or fruit + chocolate, like we did last summer.

We first used all this thrifted glassware for Charity’s wedding and have since used them in oh, about 100 shoots. I swear, they will live on forever, whether in our homes or someone else’s. We also thrifted the candlestick holders and vases. Our friend and talented calligrapher Rachel Johnson designed + made these paper goods with little eucalyptus sprigs.

Another favorite Friendsgiving idea: If you serve chocolate, try Seattle-based jcoco, which has unconventional, culinary inspired flavors. They’re a woman-owned company that gives back with every purchase, and is committed to ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. You can learn more here.

One last note. If your area provides a compost service. DO IT. The City of Seattle collects compost and I could go on for hours about how grateful I am for this service. But some cities have this available and are just awful at promoting it. We have neighboring areas with such services that many people don’t even realize is an option. Be sure to check what’s available in your area!

So! This is our blueprint for a successful Friendsgiving. Eco friendly and secondhand wares and decor, supporting companies we love, making things by hand… Oh, and going around the candle-lit table to gush over how thankful we all are for each other. No matter what your Thanksgiving looks like, you’ve gotta do that last one. It’s good stuff.

15 Sustainable Winter Coats for your Cold Weather Wardrobe

published on October 17, 2019 by Angela Hamilton

Growing up, I hated coats. Living in Seattle, they have to be waterproof and hooded, so I basically always felt like I was wearing a plastic bag (which actually, many people do here instead). It never occurred to me that that might be exemplified by the fact that I never had a good quality coat. At the age of 27 I borrowed a friend’s and a light bulb went off… coats could be comfortable?! Finding one that’s good quality and ethically made may seem impossible, but in general if a company took the time to craft something with its workers and the environment in mind, it probably IS better quality than most, so that helps. Yet while I’ve finally let go of my disdain for coats (and am now obsessed with learning how to style them), my budget remains modest, so most of the time I head to the nearest Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads Trading Co to begin my search. In the event that I come into expendable income this season, however, a new (or preferably recycled) sustainable winter coat is one of my next buys:

coats under $200

Womens Renew Snap Front in Light Sage

Lemonade Coat via Etsy – because the most sustainable winter coats are vintage!

Fuzzy Teddy Hooded Jacket via Etsy (only 1!)

Womens Renew Puffer in Lavender

Ivy High Collared Utility Jacket

Cocoon Coat Lavender

coats under $300

Andie Peacoat

The Skye Recycled Wool Coat in Cardamom

coats under $400

Gertrude Chore Jacket in Mustard

sustainable winter coats $400 and up

https://rstyle.me/+ETrRdX-pPqf3cE_OESIA1w

Dolores Two Button Dusty Rose Coat

Where do you find recycled or sustainable winter coats?

How to be an Ally of Mother Earth with Casha Doemland

published on September 11, 2019 by Angela Hamilton

One thing I love about the community surrounding sustainable living, is that every new discovery comes with the feeling of community rather than competition. It’s this shared idea that we’re all in this together, that we all need each other to make a difference, that more can only mean more support, that inspires rather than intimidates when I find a community that operates a little like mine. Coming across the Instagram account Allies of Mother Earth, I instantly felt a sense of camaraderie with its founder, Casha Doemland. (Perhaps this isn’t so surprising, but when you’ve worked in the digital space for years, you start to feel like every community is oversaturated, and it’s so refreshing to realize that there is no such thing as an oversaturated community of people who care. Sigh!)

Long after first connecting online, Casha interviewed me for Allies of Mother Earth. I was honored to share the story of eco club, and discovered just how many times our personal stories overlap… especially since I began writing about sustainable lifestyle while also living in Los Angeles. Naturally I wanted to dive deeper into AOME, its beginnings, and Casha’s plans for the future. Not surprisingly, she’s kicking ass with this new community of Allies in Los Angeles. They’ve recently connected to clean up Griffith Park (my old neighbor!) and have big dreams for supporting Mother Earth as their community grows.

Above photo by Jack Strutz for Allies of Mother Earth.

Tell us about yourself, outside of Allies of Mother Earth.
Los Angeles-born, but Georgia-bred, I returned to my roots approximately three years ago on an impulse and have never looked back. Throughout this time, I have not only achieved my dream of being a freelance writer, but I have learned a variety of skills/trades, lived in Indonesia for few months, and conquered a couple of fears like rock climbing outdoors and learning to ride a motorcycle.

You’re based in LA. How would you sum up the struggles (and successes) of your local community in dealing with the environmental problems we face?
I definitely think there are a significant amount of people in my local community who care about the environment, and who want to not only clean up the planet but live a lower impact, eco-conscious lifestyle. It’s obvious by the sheer number of people who are making shifts in their diets (climate change) or shopping smart to rid themselves of not only plastics but items that are not ethically made.

Additionally, there are a significant amount of people who are speaking out against environmental issues and offering solutions.

On the flip side, I think it’s easy to fail or slip with living consciously because of time constraints or not having the finances to invest in certain things. Sustainable living is a luxury. I, myself, have failed pretty miserably in the last two months due to a grave personal matter where my priorities in life shifted into survival mode. It’s only in the last week that I’ve slowly started to return to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

So, if anything, the struggles surrounding environmental problems are due to a lack of solutions for all. It’s not that people don’t care or aren’t making moves in the right direction, it’s because change takes time.

Thinking back in your life, how did you come to care strongly about Earth and its future?
I’ve always been enamored with Mother Earth’s beauty and found solace in long hikes, scenic drives and days spent by the ocean. When I went into middle school, I discovered the environmental club and helped run the recycling program as well as build trails out in parks.

From there, I always knew I wanted to give back somehow but was unsure of how until I moved into Los Angeles, and found an inspiring community that I realized I could ignite change on my own.

Through my sustainability freelance writing, I expanded my knowledge and launched Allies of Mother Earth.

How would you describe your local community of Allies? Has it been easy or difficult to find fellow Allies? How have you gone about establishing a community?
My community of Allies of Mother Earth is still fairly small as I have just officially launched the website and began planning my official events, but there are definitely plenty of humans who are interested. It’s been fairly easy to foster a community, as lots of people care about the planet, and most of the rad individuals within mine are friends, friends of friends, or individuals who have caught wind of my project through social media/word of mouth.

What are your goals and plans for AOME?
My goals for Allies of Mother Earth are fairly straightforward. I’d love to first, and foremost, raise awareness of the current state of the planet and promote ways in which we can keep her clean and show some much-needed love. In the process of doing so, foster a community with individuals who feel the same by highlighting radical eco-conscious, low waste brands, stores, and humans.

Additionally, I’ve got a handful of local clean-ups and one surprise event in the pipeline for the fall/winter.

In a dream world, which can very much be my world, I’d like to shift Allies of Mother Earth over to a non-profit and continue to spark change on a more national (potentially international) level. I am currently planning to go back to school for a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, so I can further understand policies and back that up.

Above photos of Los Angeles shop Sustain LA. More information on Casha’s visit available on Instagram.

Tell us about your other projects.
Outside of Allies, I have worked on We Are Phenomenal, a platform dedicated to telling the stories of women and gender non-binary individuals around the globe as authentically as possible, for the last three years. Throughout that time, I’ve been able to connect with so many phenomenal and inspiring individuals, and for that, I am forever grateful. It’s a project that I think will always be around and that I will work on in my free time.

Where else can we find you?
You can find all the goodies on my main website/portfolio, cashadoemland.com, as well as on Instagram at @cashad and @alliesofmotherearth.

LA friends, be sure to sign up for one of Allies’ cleanups to meet Casha and fellow AOME in person! Details on the next event can be found on Instagram.