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Our Favorite Quotes from David Attenborough

published on July 21, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

Naturalist, broadcaster, and conservationist David Attenborough is definitely one of my heroes. The 96 year old has dedicated an entire lifetime to studying the planet, its history, diversity, and threats. There is a reason he is so well-known and celebrated by now. Of course, I’m inspired by anyone who has followed their passions and curiosity in such a way that it positively impacts lives beyond theirs–it’s just really special to see in a world so heavy. We’ve posted many David Attenborough quotes on @ecoclubofficial in the past, and looking through them inspired me to give a more proper tribute. Read on for our favorite environment quotes from the great Sir David Attenborough!

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”

“Every breath of air we take, every mouthful of food that we take, comes from the natural world. And if we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves.”

“We moved from being a part of nature to being apart from nature.”

“An understanding of the natural world, and what’s in it as a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfillment.”

“The fact is that no species has ever had such wholesale control over everything on earth, living or dead, as we now have. That lays upon us, whether we like it or not, an awesome responsibility. In our hands now lies not only our own future, but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the earth.”

“We need to work with nature, not against it.”

“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.”

“We live our comfortable lives in the shadow of a disaster of our own making. That disaster is being brought about by the very things that allow us to live our comfortable lives.”

“We must rewild the world.”

“Give and take, that is the essence of what balance is all about.”

“The best motto to think about is not to waste things. Don’t waste electricity; don’t waste paper; don’t waste food. Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste. Look after the natural world and the animals in it and the plants in it too. This is their planet as well as ours. Don’t waste them.”

“Nature is our biggest ally and greatest inspiration.”

“The future of life on earth depends on our ability to take action.”

Which is your favorite David Attenborough quote?

Bringing Nature Indoors: The Best Books for Plant Lovers

published on July 14, 2022 by Angela Hamilton
updated on July 6, 2022

Anyone who tells you houseplants are easy has a natural knack for it, I swear. I do not, but after about five years of trial and error, I’ve managed to get a few varieties to survive (and sometimes thrive!) in my home. I love nature, so bringing greenery indoors is a big mood booster for me, though I try to be mindful about how many I buy because most houseplants you see aren’t exactly sustainable. That means being more intentional about tending to my plant babies, to ensure they live long, healthy lives. Luckily, there are so many Insta accounts, YT channels, and beautiful books dedicated to helping plant lovers become successful plant parents, it’s easy to hone your skills if you really want to.

best books for plant lovers

The Inspired Houseplant by Jen Stearns is all about jazzing up your home’s design with plants.

Wild Creations: Inspiring Projects to Create by Hilton Carter includes 25 DIY projects and plant hacks.

The Modern Gardener by Sonya Patel Ellis by is a guide not only to houseplants, but container gardens and growing herbs.

Wild At Home: How to Style and Care for Beautiful Plants by Hilton Carter is a guide to creating an inspiring space chock full of plants, from the perspective of someone who owns over 200!

Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to Houseplants by Lauren Camilleri contains “Instructions for potting, maintaining, and loving more than 130 different kinds of house plants.”

Plant Therapy by Dr. Katie Cooper explores our relationship with nature and how we can help to restore balance and improve our overall wellness with plants.

Indoor Jungle by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan comes from the owners of nursery and interior design shop Leaf Supply, and here they share tips and tricks for designing with plants.

You Grow, Gurl!: Plant Kween’s Lush Guide to Growing Your Garden by Christopher Griffin of @plantkween is an illustrated guide to becoming the ultimate plant parent.

Crazy Plant Lady by Isabel Serna is a cute gift for all the quirky plant lovers out there, filled with fun quotes and illustrations.

Plants Are My Favorite People by Alessia Resta will help you start your plant collection, maintain, troubleshoot, and make it thrive.

House Planted by Lisa Muñoz is another modern guide to cultivating and styling your indoor plant collection.

Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide To Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla with illustrations by Samantha Leung offers inspiration for relaxing off-screen through a plant-themed wellness practice.

Now all you need are the right supplies and a few cute planters, and you’re ready to grow your indoor jungle!

Another Sustainable Swim Post: 12 Eco Friendly Swimsuits for Summer 2022

published on July 12, 2022 by Angela Hamilton
updated on July 5, 2022

Yes, we’ve written about sustainable swim before. No, you shouldn’t buy a new swimsuit just because summer is here. But if you happen to be on the hunt for a new suit, and if not, then you’ve just discovered some fun accounts to follow on Instagram. And thankfully, sustainable swim is no longer hard to come by. With the amount of ocean waste – such as fishing nets – and plastics – like water bottles – that can be recycled into swimwear, there’s no need for virgin nylon or polyester-elastane blends to be used.

Below, find 12 sustainable swimwear brands that should be on your radar in 2022.

Australian Sustainable Swimwear Brand Cleonie features bright, bold hues like the red one piece above as well as the prettiest pastels in spicy 80s inspired cuts.

Shake Your Wave makes sustainable swim and surf wear from recycled materials, inspired by their tropical surroundings on the island of Bonaire.

Ethical and sustainable undergarment brand Proclaim introduces sustainable swimsuits in inclusive nudes and sizes XS-3X.

Novado Swim is a collection of sustainable and ethically sourced swimwear handmade in USA.

Puerto Rican swimwear brand Tropical Soul Swim uses recycled fabric in their designs.

If you can swing it ($$$), Mara Hoffman always comes out with the coolest swim designs in recycled materials.

Koraru swimsuits are designed in Tokyo, made in Colombia and give back to the Coral Reef Alliance.

Night Dive Swim is an inclusive and sustainable swim line made from discarded fishing nets and nylon waste in sizes ranging from XS to 6X.

Another Australian swimwear brand, VAAJ Swim features eco friendly swimsuits that are also maternity friendly and SPF 50!

If you love ethical fashion, you probably know about Girlfriend, who makes cozy, quality, and size inclusive leggings and other activewear out of recycled plastic bottles. They also have a swim line, featuring mix and match pieces in the trendiest hues.

We could never talk sustainable swim without mentioning BAIIA. Their reversible wrap swimsuits (that act as many designs in one) are everything.

Austère Swimwear is a Costa Rica based brand with a range of luxe and sustainable resort wear. Love their abstract designs and colorways.

6 Powerhouse Mushrooms to Add to Your Diet

published on July 5, 2022 by Mindy Chung

I don’t know why, but talking about mushrooms always makes me giggle. Maybe it’s because when you mention mushrooms people seem to imagine hippies, and tie-dye, and lots of fringe. They think that you’re going to tell them a story about transcending the universe or limping through a bad trip. But with the rise in holistic health and natural supplements, mushrooms have taken on a whole new purpose and image in the public eye.

Curiosity and experimentation have driven a new interest in the health benefits of non-psychoactive mushrooms; they’ve been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and even sleep. And while I can’t choose the best mushroom supplement for your personal needs, this guide will help you decipher which mushroom has the kind of benefits you’re looking for. Here are the 6 most common mushrooms you’ll find today, and what they’re supposed to help with.

best mushroom supplement for health + what they do

Cordyceps for energy

These mushrooms are known for helping your body oxygenate more efficiently. That means better blood flow, and in turn, more energy. Cordyceps are a great choice for athletes or anyone prioritizing their physical health. They’ve been shown to improve performance, speed up recovery time, and may also help with libido. So, whether you’re trying to work up a sweat in the gym, or in the bedroom, this mushroom has got your back.

Lion’s Mane for the brain

One of the most potent medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane is a fantastic aid for mental clarity and cognition. Full of antioxidants, this hairy mushroom boosts immunity while lowering anxiety. It helps to create calm focus, promotes memory retention, and is great for anyone who needs help studying. It’s amazing for brain health because it fosters and promotes nerve growth and preservation, which can help prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s later on in life.

Reishi for your mood

I feel like out of all the mushroom supplements, reishi has been dominating center stage the last few years. It’s no surprise when you consider its calming effects; in a world that’s full of stressful situations, I’m sure everyone could use some help relaxing now and then. The effects of reishi can also help with depression and sleep as it boosts and stabilizes your mood via the powerful antioxidant, triterpene, it contains. So if you’re looking for something to help you wake up a little happier every day, or maintain your mood throughout the day, reishi may be just what you need.

Turkey Tail for immunity

I always think this is such a funny name, but if you’ve ever seen a fresh turkey tail, you’d know the moniker is pretty accurate. This striped and fan-shaped mushroom has been studied for its cancer-fighting properties, and contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) which is known to stimulate the immune system. Turkey tail is so effective it’s used in Asia as a supplement to cancer treatments, and is being studies for its potential to slow tumor growth. This mushroom is a great choice for anyone who is particularly conscientious about their physical health and wellness.

Chaga for aging

While every one of these mushrooms is a great source of antioxidants, chaga is a particularly great choice for combating oxidative stress, which is known to cause skin aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help with feeling old, and not just with physical signs of aging. This is a great choice for someone who may be a little older, who wants to look as youthful as they feel.

Shiitake for cholesterol

A common edible mushroom used in a variety of cuisines, shiitakes make seem more like an average joe in comparison to the other fungi on this list. But while the delicious umami-flavor may be what initially attracts you to this mushroom, shiitakes are actually also known to promote heart health and lower cholesterol. They contain eritadenine, a compound that inhibits an enzyme that can contribute to the production of cholesterol, as well as sterols, which block cholesterol absorption in your body. So, if you’re looking to switch out the Cheerios or Special K for something less sugary, shiitakes may be something you’d like to add to your diet.

Have you ever tried a mushroom supplement?

These Colorful Etsy Rugs Will Transform Your Home into an Abstract Dreamscape

published on June 17, 2022 by Angela Hamilton

It’s definitely no secret that one of my favorite ways to decorate is with creative handmade rugs. I’ve shared my favorite ethically made rugs, wrote a guide on where to find fair trade rugs, interviewed sustainable brands about their rug making process, and umm, lots more. I’ve gone through phases with the types of rugs I adore at the moment, from Mexican rugs to Indian rugs to the Moroccan styles I’m currently loving (love me a nice fluffy rug). And because I think they are the ultimate way to bring color into your home, each and every one of them is a feast for the eyes.

Ready for yet another rug tour? Here we go.

the best colorful handmade etsy rugs

Pink and green Beni Ourain Moroccan rug from Beldihand

Moroccan green checkered rug from Beldihand also available in a gorgeous pink!

Pink cotton woven rug from IndianHomeTextiles

Contemporary large pink, green, and blue Boujaad rug by Babakechrugs.

Wool shaggy dhurrie rug from rugsxboutique

Checkered rugs are so trendy right now. I admit I was over it until I saw my favorite rug makers channel the vibe…

Moroccan berber style yellow checkered rug from IBABArugs

Handwoven boho area rug from Mumotoronto

Striped pink rug from Berberology

Striped pink boho shag rug from Loom + Field

Modern tiled gold/orange rug by MuskanArtHouse

Colorful handmade Azilal runner in pink, red, green, and peach by Floorandfabrics.

Custom, artistic neon beniourain etsy rug by MWovenShop

Have you ever stepped foot inside a home featuring rugs as bold and beautiful as these? I honestly haven’t. When you’re used to scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest half the day, you start to think everyone has the most creative decor. The truth is, most people don’t even know it’s out there! So if you invest in something as special as these artistic rugs, you know you’ll delight anyone who enters your sweet home. 💓

Edited February 2023: I know many of the rugs above have sold out, so I’ve included more favorites via these Etsy shops and more below:

Your Guide To Vegan Leather… That’s Actually Sustainable

published on May 23, 2022 by Mindy Chung

Why is it that when a tall, dark, and handsome stranger is introduced in a romance novel they’re always described as smelling like leather? Sure, society’s taught us to associate the animal-byproduct with luxury and masculinity, but even if you know it’s not all that, you might wonder if its alternatives are actually sustainable.

Truth is that innovators in the industry have been working hard to come up with a handful of alternative sources for leather, and they’re a lot better than they used to be! While PVC and PU leather used to be popular choices, sustainability demands have driven interest and research into vegan leather made from plants and vegetative life forms, not plastic. So here’s a fascinating list of all the crazy, delightful, and beautiful ways industry disruptors have been changing the leather game:

Sustainable vegan leather that’s not made from plastic

Piñatex Pineapple Leather

Created and distributed by Ananas Anam, Piñatex is the brainchild of Dr. Carmen Hijosa.

This vegan leather solves a huge problem with agricultural waste in the Philippines; it takes the leaves left over from pineapple harvesting and repurposes them into a leather-like material that can be used in fashion, accessories, and upholstery. According to their website, Ananas Anam use GOTS certified pigments to color their materials (yay!) but also uses a PU transfer coating to create one of their offshoot materials, Piñatex Performance (boo).

This sustainable leather alternative has been used by big names like Hugo Boss, H&M and Hilton, and the company that produces Piñatex, Ananas Anam, is actually a Certified B Corporation now!

Banbū Bamboo Leather

Produced by Von Holzhausen for their own bags and shoes, Banbū can also be bought by other companies looking to branch into a sustainable leather goods centered business.

Bamboo is one of the most regenerative plants on Earth; that’s why we keep seeing more and more goods made from it. According to Von Holzhausen, Banbū is biodegradable, recyclable, and uses 33% less carbon than normal leather.

Mylo Fungi Leather

Made from mycelium (a.k.a. mushrooms) Mylo was engineered by Bolt Threads, and is described as “Magical thinking meets radical intention.”

Mylo is described as bio-based, and verified vegan during its growth process. The mycelium used to make Mylo grows in just two weeks in a base of sawdust and organic materials. All by-products of the process are composted, and Mylo is made into leather with what Bolt Threads refers to as “Green Chemistry principles.”

Because Mylo is so new, the company expects to have real values and numbers on its environmental impact in 2022, but lacks proof of its sustainability just yet. Regardless, the fungi-based leather alterative has already been used by companies like Adidas, Lululemon, and Stella McCartney in a range of consumer goods. It’s definitely one to watch!

SCOBY Kombucha Leather

Okay, I’m going to be honest. I discovered Scoby leather on Tiktok. It was being made and used by a small creator who had a whole process for making accessories for personal use.

As far as I can tell this is more of a small-time, underground, leather alternative; while you can buy Scoby goods online, they’re all from small business owners. That’s probably because there’s some kinks in its viability—Scoby leather is not waterproof so it needs a sealing process which can bring down its sustainability and durability.

Research is on track to explore if this vegan leather can be mass-produced, but for now if you want a choker made from Scoby you’ll have to buy from a small business (oh no 😉).

Desserto® Cactus Leather

One of the materials I’ve seen blow up the most in recent times, Desserto®’s cactus leather has been making waves in the leather goods industry.

Created by Mexican entrepreneurs, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, Desserto® is made from nopal (a cactus) and first showcased in 2019 in Milan. The pair chose cactus because of its role as a natural carbon sink and soil regenerator. Desserto® is USDA Organic certified and 50% of their processed harvest is repurposed into feed stock to repurpose and reduce their by-products.

Desserto® is currently only used by larger companies like Fossil and Mercedez-Benz because of its minimum order requirements, but hopefully that changes as cactus leather becomes more accessible for everyday consumers.

Have you heard of these vegan leather alternatives? Let us know any other innovations you’d add to this list.