Green Living

Editor’s note: With the rise in companies advertising eco friendly sunglasses and hair accessories made of acetate, all of us here have been wondering: is acetate actually a sustainable material? Accessories made of acetate come in beautiful, complex colorways and patterns, often with a chic marbled look. But as we know with virgin plastic, just because it’s recyclable doesn’t mean it’s eco friendly! In this article, our contributor Katie Ford-Thomas digs deeper into this interesting material! xx Angela

Acetate is one of the earliest human-made synthetic fibers that uses the reaction between plant material and specific acids. Originally used as a textile before versions akin to plastic were developed, it has proved to be very versatile and is now found in many everyday objects, including felt tip pens, cigarette filters, and diapers. Its properties have allowed it to become a popular alternative to virgin plastic for eco brands. With claims of biodegradability and recyclability, it seems a logical evolution in the manufacturing of traditionally plastic wares, from sunglasses to glitter.

But are the sustainability claims too good to be true?

photo by Joanna Nix-Walkup

what is acetate, and how is it made?

Acetate is a general term that defines several different polymer substances derived from a material known as cellulose acetate. In almost all cases, it is produced from natural plant sources—usually tree pulp or wood chips, scientifically called cellulose. To make acetate, cellulose undergoes a process known as ‘acetylating’ where acids are used to create a powder before it is melted and stretched into threads or non-polymer plastics to create the final product.

It has risen in popularity with eco brands looking for alternatives to plastic, especially in the accessory and cosmetic industries. Italian firm, Mazzuchelli, is one of the leading cellulose acetate manufacturers popular with eco sunglass brands the world over. In 2011, they developed a new material known as M49 Bioplastic. With certification, they claim that their current cellulose acetate formula is 100% eco-friendly. Yet, digging deeper, their process uses fibers from cotton seeds, conifers, and broadleaves. While sustainable cotton production and tree harvesting are possible (for instance, if it is produced low-scale at a renewable site), not all manufacturers will have the same eco interests beyond greenwashing.

is acetate biodegradable, and can it be recycled?

To ensure your eco-conscience remains intact, look for brands using European or Japanese acetate manufacturers as these are leading the way in bio acetate. It’s important to remember that just because something can be sent to landfill, it doesn’t give us a fast fashion pass.

Brands creating entirely acetate sunglasses, including lenses, claim that they can be sent to landfill at the end of their life and will biodegrade in such environments. (That doesn’t take into account that you could replace the lenses if needed and skip trashing them altogether.) While acetate will biodegrade, little research has been done to allow every— or indeed any—acetate to be certified biodegradable. Research in 2010 indicated that “due to the additional acetyl groups cellulose acetate requires the presence of esterases for the first step in biodegradation.” This means that the process needs to be kickstarted if you’re hoping the glasses completely decompose. Basically, chucking them might not be as green as we’re led to believe.

Fortunately, acetate recycling IS possible, and some of the greenest companies recycle their acetate waste into other products. Unfortunately for those of us at home, there are relatively few places where that is possible. This isn’t unusual. Many types of plastic are technically recyclable but rely on the consumer sending directly to a company like TerraCycle to ensure it reaches the right recycling plant.

And currently, there are no acetate recycling facilities in the US. This is problematic and greenwashing at its most subtle; while the claim that it can be recycled is valid, it’s irrelevant if there’s nowhere to recycle them. 

The best way to make sure that your acetate can be recycled is to choose a brand that allows you to return the product directly to them for recycling and remanufacture.

does that mean all acetate is a greenwashing campaign?

It’s easy to confuse natural with environmentally friendly. After all, fossil fuels are naturally occurring substances. It’s what we do with, and how we gather, these materials that causes problems. Overall, acetate is a better choice than virgin plastic. As long as companies manufacture it responsibly and disposal can be done efficiently, bio acetates ultimately carry less of a footprint, and unlike their plastic-based counterparts, will decompose. Choose products manufactured from bio acetate produced in factories under strict regulations, such as the EU’s REACH laws for bonus sustainability points.

Natural resources used, processed, and manufactured sustainably are key to the future. This, unfortunately, leaves any material open to greenwashing. For example, while we know many of the benefits of bamboo, it still needs to be farmed sustainably. One thing to look out for is language when making your choices; consider the subtle difference between ‘ocean-bound plastic’ and ‘recycled ocean plastic’—which do you think is greener when you unpack the meaning?

final thoughts

Acetate is not a catch-all solution to the problem of plastics, but its benefits are enough to generally make it a better choice. But it pays to be diligent when it comes to communications and product descriptions. If a brand can’t back up claims with clear facts and references to suppliers, you’re right to be suspicious.

Remember to check out the supply chain, including where the virgin plant cellulose comes from, that the product is definitely a bio acetate, and ensure you have a way to recycle or return the end product!

What other materials are you curious about? Let us know what we should look into next!

June is here! With summer on the horizon, all we can think about is spending more time outside. And as homebodies who also work from home, some days “outside” simply means the patio or backyard. Might as well make it pretty—especially since many of us can open up these small spaces to visitors once again. As a conscious maximalist, adding pops of color is important to me for my own outdoor setup. I’m just so much happier surrounded by color. I also love outdoor accessories that I can bring inside during the colder months rather than pack away, like planters, coasters, and side tables. The season is just beginning, but luckily I’ve already found plenty of sustainable outdoor decor to add to my wishlist!

Left to right, top to bottom: Korissa Shuly Plant Hanger, Kazi Sunset Camel Hump Birdhouse, The Inside Cheetah Outdoor Throw Pillow, Holistic Habitat Earth Day Bundle, Les Pieds de Biche Terazzo Planter, Nipomo Luna Upcycled Blanket, House Raccoon Mila Planter, Kazi Rainbow Hooped Planter, St Frank Ombre Pink Coasters, Innit Designs Concha Chair, English Lavender Waxed Planter, Pollinator House by Raleigh Seed Co, Ten Thousand Villages Summer Day Hammock, Stained Glass Panel by Debbie Bean, Modern Sprout Seed Popper, Nardi Net Relax Armchair, Dash & Albert Zanzibar Ticking Rug, Bend Goods Conical Side Table in Pink

Are you giving your backyard a makeover this year? Where do you go for sustainable outdoor decor?

It’s time to spill the tea sis—literally. If you’re anything like me, Tiktok has opened a whole new realm of self-care and holistic practices you would never have thought of in a million years… including making your own tea from scratch with a DIY tea blend. I know Teavana stores (RIP) originally cornered that market so, for someone who’s used to buying the idiot-proof boxes of Sleepy Time tea from my local grocery store, the idea of mixing my own blends never really crossed my mind.

But no more! Here’s a list of some basic herbs to help you get your own par-tea started today. (I’ll see myself out.) Here you’ll find herbs to create a DIY tea blend for everything from increasing focus to catching more Zzzs and more. Happy mixing!

best teas for a mood boost

If you’ve been struggling to maintain your mood at work, herbs like saffron have been shown to raise dopamine levels and combat depression, as well as lessening PMS symptoms.

Rhodiola, also known as golden root, is believed to alleviate some symptoms of depression by balancing the brain’s neurotransmitters.

St John’s wort has been tested numerous times and shown promising results in lessening the symptoms of depression and mood disorders. HOWEVER, it has several documented interactions to certain medications, so definitely be mindful before incorporating it into your diet!

Gotu Kola has been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicine to relieve multiple conditions. In this instance, you can use the herb to help alleviate anxiety and improve mental clarity.

best teas for focus

It’s a tale as old as time—you make yourself a coffee, pop open your laptop, and settle down to work… only to realize you’d like to be doing anything but.

Although I’ll never admit to just how heavily my college-aged-self depended on it, guarana is a key ingredient in most energy drinks for a reason. The caffeine not only makes your brain go choo-choo like Tomas the Tank Engine, it also helps you maintain focus. Double whammy all around.

Maca is a popular enough supplement that even Trader Joe’s stocked it for a hot minute. Research shows that the maca root may improve learning, memory performance, and endurance (mental AND physical).

Ginko Bilboa is a stalwart proponent of Eastern medicine. Its touted benefits include increased brain functions resulting in better memory, focus, and attention span.

Probably the most unassuming herb on this list, rosemary has surprising benefits beyond making a pizza slap. Studies have shown that with regular ingestion, it can improve memory and sleep quality, and possibly combat burnout.

best teas for stress relief

I think we can all agree—whether you have your own business, or just clock in to your 9-5, everyone deals with stress in their day-to-day life.

There’s a reason lavender is such a dominating proponent of stress-relieving products. Although no concrete reason is given for its effect, it seems that the act of smelling the herb helps to bypass other signals (i.e. anxiety, stress) in the brain.

Ashwagandha is a part of a sub classification of herbs known as adaptogens; basically, they help your body adapt more efficiently to dealing with stress. It’s said to help normalize cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and in turn help ease related symptoms.

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is another adaptogenic herb. Chock full of antioxidants, Tulsi can be utilized to address a number of health concerns like boosting immunity, which tends to suffer when under prolonged bouts of stress.

Passionflower is a common additive in stress-targeted teas. Passionflower is believed to relieve anxiety and stress, as well as improve sleep by boosting your level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which calms brain activity.

best teas for sleep

NOTHING makes me saltier than settling in for the night… only to realize my brain is running faster than I did in high school P.E. Cue chamomile—the reigning go-to for those of us afflicted with insomnia and racing thoughts. Its properties are widely believed to help reduce anxiety and induce sleep so fluff your pillow, and say hello to the Sandman.

Next up is California poppy—just knowing poppies were used to make opiates should be enough of a testament to their abilities to put you out like a light. Although the California poppy is a different variety from the potent Opium poppy, it has a shared effect of improving anxiety and inducing sleep.

Valerian root has a long history as a sedative in herbal medicine. Like Passionflower it has been proven to increase GABA levels in the brain. Time to PTFO!

A cousin to mint, Lemon balm has known properties for reducing stress and anxiety, and as a result, is also known for helping ease the symptoms of sleeping disorders.

Have you ever made your own DIY tea blend? Let us know what herbs you’re most excited to start mixing in your own kitchen!

photo by Charity Hestead Kubena

Behind all the glitz and glam of Hollywood on-screen, is a more eco-conscious reality—the one where avocado toast and locally sourced bee pollen are totally a thing (I don’t get it either). I know Portland has technically cornered the market on “weird,” but I thoroughly believe you’d be hard-pressed to find a cultural scene more eclectic than LA.

As fast-paced and transient as life in the big city may be, many Angelenos have made a collective effort to cultivate a lasting green movement. Their dedication has spawned multiple small batch and sustainable shops specializing in home goods, sustainable fashion labels, and even bulk dry goods. In true LA fashion, the stores are hip (do kids say hip anymore?), modern, and full of potential.

So here’s a small rundown of a few sustainable shops in LA that you can shop in-person and online, if you’ve been tinkering with the idea of making a few lifestyle adjustments.

Bulk refill stores in LA

I’m going to be 100% with you—the first time I heard about bulk goods stores, I was confuzzled. Americans have been raised to value packaging—so much so that there is a whole industry around the profitability of package marketing. And while certain movements, like the transition to banana leaf packaging in Thailand seem like a novel alternative, for a city like LA, it’s just unrealistic to think that the supply could match the demand.

Now, while some grocery chains like Sprouts do offer bulk goods like nuts and flour, if you’re still using their plastic bags, the point seems kind of moot. That’s why stores like re_ (formerly known as tare) circumvent this issue with their package-free policy- they allow customers to bring their own clean containers from home, and also offer post-consumer paper bags and reusable glass containers for purchase. Wild Terra follows a similar model by letting customers bring containers from home, but offers a more eclectic variety of herbs like burdock root and damiana.

Then there’s the original mobile refill shop, Refillery LA, who refills household and personal care products in West LA to reduce plastic pollution. They even make house calls!

Sustainable Décor Shops in LA

I don’t know if it’s a sign of my aging, but home goods excite me in a way they didn’t five years ago. Factor in an effort to exercise sustainable market practices, and businesses like the General Store might as well just take my money now. The General Store offers a well-rounded experience of home goods curated from local artists, as well as vintage finds, to create an overall intimate feeling to their offerings.

While the General Store is clean and minimalist, Otherwild is anything but. Founded by a community of artists and designers, Otherwild offers an array of goods, all sold with the focus on quality and ethical business practices. They also offer their own take on a general store with zero-waste bath and kitchen goods, as well as a refill station.

Lastly, Studio City’s Greenwood is a plant paradise featuring artisan pottery, small batch home décor, and apothecary goods. Plant mamas, get ready to swoon over their oh-so-green insta.

Ethical Fashion in LA

I’m just as guilty as the next person who’s become too comfortable with instant gratification when it comes to the clothes we buy; often overlooking the hidden cost of quality and work environment for manufacturers. But in an admirable effort to fight against the toxic culture of fast fashion, companies like Whimsy and Row pride themselves on operating as an eco-conscious brand that produces quality goods made with sustainable practices in mind.

Belljar in Los Feliz offers designer fashion from indie brands, homewares, gifts, and a beautifully curated collection of vintage. Not local? Don’t worry, they list their beautiful pieces online too!

If you’re cool with online-only, LA’s MATE is all about organic, sustainably made clothing in LA for women and littles. Their loungewear is about as comfy-trendy as it gets. Check out their annual impact report for a deeper look into their commitments.

When people say LA has it all, they’re not exaggerating; yes, it’s a hub for mindless consumerism, but locals are constantly combating wasteful practices with new businesses founded on eco-consciousness. The city has built a community of sustainable resources that continues to grow every day. Although we may never be completely waste-free and independently sustainable, at least I can buy my lentils in bulk and not feel bad about the packaging.

What does the sustainable shopping movement look like in your area?

Once upon a time, asking ‘how green is your bathroom?’ would have led to some beautiful descriptions of avocado suites. But as the room we go to for cleanliness, you would think we humans would have started getting rid of the toxic chemicals and wasteful products that fill our bathroom cupboards up a long time ago. The truth is, we take our bathrooms for granted, and it’s not that we don’t know many products we use in our bathroom routines are unsustainable, it’s that some of them are so convenient we’re avoiding the conversation (looking at you, period products).

While some eco bathroom options—such as solid deodorant, shampoo bars, and menstrual cups—are slowly becoming mainstream staples, there are other surprising and simple ways that you can create a sustainable bathroom.

check your timings

It seems obvious that showers are greener than baths, but that comes with some caveats. While a short shower is the best option, the average shower still pumps out nearly 20 litres of water every minute. With the average household bathtub holding just under 140 litres, it only takes 7 minutes in the shower before the bath becomes the less wasteful option.

If you’re getting ready for work—or back home for the day—a short five-minute shower is your best choice. Just don’t put the shower on before you get in! But when you’re looking to pamper yourself, don’t feel guilty about using the tub.

swap your toilet paper

The average American goes through 141 rolls of toilet paper a year. Not only does toilet paper production lead to mass deforestation —with most toilet paper still made from virgin wood pulp rather than recycled materials—it also goes through an intensive chemical process that requires 37 litres of water to manufacture just ONE roll.

Switch to recycled toilet paper, or go one better and find a sustainably produced bamboo alternative like eco club member Reel. They not only create their toilet paper from verified sustainable bamboo crop but also help to provide access to clean toilets for those without. Most toilet paper subscription services have also eradicated plastic packaging, meaning that the parts you can’t use, can be recycled.

switch your sunscreen

No one would deny that SPF is one of the most crucial skincare steps. However, every year an average of 14,000 tonnes is believed to end up in the ocean, adding chemicals to already troubled waters. Coral reefs are particularly at harm from these toxins, but luckily there are easy ways to be reef-safe with your sunblock. The HEL List lists all the known pollutants used in sunscreen so that you can check your own before purchase.

As a general rule, opt for organic or vegan sunscreens that don’t contain parabens, petrochemicals or oxybenzone. Bonus points if you opt for blocks or creams over aerosols and choose products that come in non-plastic or recyclable packaging. 

simplify your makeup routine

An already thriving industry, the makeup and beauty world has exploded with the support of influencers using YouTube and Instagram to tell us about the latest wonder product. ‘Hauls’ of products gifted to the influencers convinced many of us to start stocking up on every must-have mascara, nail polish or hot cloth cleanser.

But you can only wear one mascara at a time, and all cosmetics have a shelf life, leading to many half-full bottles and tubes of product ending up in the trash. Instead, we should be prioritising quality over quantity. Save your money for your favourite items, choosing the best foundation, mascara, shadows and lipsticks for you. There is nothing more classic than having a signature look.

Unfortunately, ‘organic’ makeup is still unregulated, but checking the ingredients lists (Palm Oil is still found in over 70% of cosmetics and toiletries) and choosing vegan products is a good starting point.

change your towels

Traditionally towels, face cloths and bathrobes are made from cotton, one of the most chemically-intensive, water-fuelled, unsustainable materials we use. Don’t throw away any perfectly good towels; instead, look after them by avoiding fabric conditioner, adding vinegar to the wash occasionally, and using a dryer ball while laundering. But when it does come time to get some new ones in, choose towels made from that eco bathroom favourite— bamboo!

 How have you created a more sustainable bathroom? Share your tips in the comments!