Green Living

Love Anthropologie Home Décor? Try These Ethical & Sustainable Alternatives

published on March 22, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 11, 2023

If you’ve come across this post while searching for sustainable alternatives to Anthropologie, you probably already know why they are a problematic company (as well as Urban Outfitters, which owns Anthro, Free People, BHLDN, and Terrain. Ugh.). From their abysmal rating on Goodonyou to claims of racial profiling in stores (and racism in the workplace) to lack of transparency in production and their CEO’s disconcerting political donations, to finally straight up ripping off independent artists for years (this latest instance involves indigenous owned Orenda Tribe), there are many reasons one might feel just a little icky about supporting Anthro.

It’s ironic of course that Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban all cater to more progressive minded shoppers, who love their globally “influenced” style and easygoing vibe. In the midst of various greenwashing techniques, they do partner with independent artists–just, I suppose, the ones they’re not stealing from. (And no, I’m not asserting that the exposure this provides for an artist is something one could even consider turning down.)

Many of my peers know at least some of this to be true, but if it’s not Anthro’s captivating branding drawing them in, it’s this thought that there is definitively no other option for those who desire this so extremely coveted look. But given the fact that these brands succeed by ripping off other artists’ designs, I do know there indeed are options.

So, if you love Anthropologie home decor, but not their ethics, this post is for you. The caveat is that there currently isn’t one single marketplace to get all of the dreamy home decor AND fashion Anthro fans love. But there are some that offer one or the other (decor or fashion, and we’ll get to fashion in another post soon!), and other indie designers to fill in the gaps. So yeah, it’s definitely harder to curate, but it IS a worthy option, to choose three or four of these shops rather than the URBN empire.

Let’s begin with 10 home decor alternatives for Anthropologie… Edited October 2022 with new shops… Enjoy!

Archive New York, who we’ve mentioned before as a great spot for conscious maximalist decor and ethically made rugs, is a beautiful stop for handwoven artisan home goods as well as vintage & market finds.

Antigua Pillow

White and Orange Kitchen Towel

wallflower is a brand created by eco club founders Jennifer and Angela (me!). It’s a small online boutique dedicated to objects, makers, and spaces that inspire. Perhaps not everything (we’re a bit quirky and we love it!), but many of our home decor selections follow a similar aesthetic. (If you choose to visit our shop, thank you in advance!!!)

We have a collection of design-inspired coffee table books

As well as a selection of handmade and ethically sourced decor and tabletop goods such as these porcelain plates, woven table runner, and candle holders. Shop all here!

Our next sustainable alternative to Anthropologie, Canada-based Baba Souk is a beautifully curated online store for Moroccan made decor and rugs, kids decor, art, and lots of lifestyle goodies that make great gifts. They’re totally the refined boho look that Anthro offers, except you know, authentic.

Terracotta Sabra Silk Cactus Pillow

Turquoise Sabra Silk Pillows – Handmade from Morocco

Goodee is an inclusive global marketplace where good design and good purpose intersect. They have such a large selection that not all of it vibes with Anthro… but the fact that they do carry pretty much every category Anthro has when it comes to lifestyle & décor, makes it a great alternative.

Eperara Siapidara Set of Twelve PET Lamps

Pakurigo Basket – Natural

New York based Pillowpia is a mecca of gorgeous, sustainable pillows and soft goods. With cozy neutrals accented by pinks, blues, and orange hues, you can achieve the Anthro look with a conscience.

Look at these gorgeous pastel pillows!

Besides the pillows, I’m also obsessed with these gorgeous placemats.

Australia based Koskela is a quality homeware and furniture shop. Everything in their design-forward catalog is made in Australia. (Note, only the decor is available for international shipping, the larger items are available Australia-wide.)

Minna Cartographer Pillow from Koskela

Better World Arts Cushion – Mitjili Napurrula from Koskela

Social enterprise Minzuu offers a gorgeous, extensive variety of globally inspired homewares from baskets and vases to bedding, bath, and entertaining. Their overall brand has a sophisticated, somewhat minimal look to it, so it doesn’t scream Anthropologie at first glance. But as you look through their selection, you find so many colors and textures to curate that sustainable, yet maximalist home. Learn all about their process on the Minzuu blog.

Minzuu Sunny Day Coasters

Side note: I wanted to mention that Minzuu and a handful of the other sustainable decor shops featured here carry baskets, pendants, and accessories like the coasters above from social enterprise Kazi Goods. They offer many accents that fit the Anthropologie look, and I love how the different shops curate from their selection.

Plant Dyed Linen Table Runner

Australian home decor brand Pampa is known for their textiles, rugs, and other sustainable goods. Their pieces are made by artisans in Argentina, and they ship worldwide. While they do carry some luxury pieces, a lot of their prices are comparable to Anthro, and even better if you consider how long each item will last.

Pampa Monte Pom Pom Cushion

Monte Bolster Pom Pom Pillow

We came across Tribe by Sonal on Instagram right before writing our conscious maximalism home decor piece, and I think we just have to include them in every guide we write from here on out! Tribe by Sonal is a curated collection of both US and internationally crafted goods made from sustainable and recycled materials in mesmerizing patterns, cozy textures, and playful colorways. New collections launch monthly so be sure to sign up for Sonal’s email list for updates!

Coral Pink Moroccan Floor Poufs

Faded Pink Moroccan Cactus Silk Pillow

Macrame Planter Set Black + Blush + Green

St Frank is a design-driven luxury home goods brand featuring only artisan and ethically made goods. They’re on the pricier end of the companies featured here, but offer custom made decor and textiles, a vintage collection, one-of-a-kind objects, and a virtual styling service. Did I mention they offer wallpaper?!

St Frank Wallpaper

Blush Daisy Suzani Throw Pillow

Pink Diamond Huipil Lumbar Pillow

Where do you shop for ethically made home decor? I know there are plenty of bloggers with their own lists of sustainable alternatives to Anthropologie, but I felt many of them struggled a bit to match up the actual style of their products. Super important to the Anthro shopper, I know! I hope these provided a few new-to-you options.

Top Rated Clean Beauty Products for 2021

published on March 12, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

Few things are more satisfying than finding your new go-to beauty or skincare product. It can take a lot of trial and error (AKA wasted dollars) to find the right fit for your needs and coveted look. Choosing clean beauty adds a layer of complexity because 1) products are usually made with less conventional ingredients, so you aren’t quite sure about effectiveness, impact, etc., and 2) if you are searching for clean beauty, chances are you simply want to ensure your products aren’t made from potential toxins. But what are those toxins, anyway? And do we trust the people saying they are toxic? What do we know?! Acccck. Lastly, there’s the added concern that the term green beauty attempts to address, which is whether the making of your beauty products are harmful to animals or the environment.

And unfortunately, yes, the criticisms that green beauty faces are correct–it’s still part of a largely unregulated industry that allows any company to label their product in any way they’d like, which means of course that they can claim something is or isn’t toxic or environmentally friendly or whatever, as long as it’s in accordance with their own self-made standards. I’ve taken this into account when choosing products to link to on our site, but I certainly don’t know all the answers! I just know the companies I’m personally comfortable buying from.

All that to say, take the term ‘clean beauty’ with a gain of salt. There isn’t currently a perfect umbrella term for beauty that respects nature, animals, people, and stays clear of harmful chemicals, and has a proper certification system. The list below is a compilation of the top rated clean beauty products in 2021 across many sources, but uh huh, being green as well is a big deal to us too, so that’s definitely a factor in what we’ve chosen here too.

Tower 28 Shine On Lip Jelly is high shine and super moisturizing. It’s non-comedogenic, non-irritating, gluten and fragrance-free, since it’s designed for sensitive skin. See their no-no list right here. It’s also vegan and made in USA.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is top rated because it’s super effective on many skin types and smells great. Another Credo Beauty (who has the most extensive clean beauty standards) approved product, Indie Lee is pretty focused on empowering the consumer… Check out their blog and podcast for more education on specific ingredients and industry knowledge. They’re always made with ethically sourced ingredients and eco friendly packaging. They also have a recycling program.

Glow Elixir CBD Beauty Oil from Undefined Beauty is hydrating, lightweight, and CBD infused. Their “free-from” list is pretty extensive and includes artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. It’s vegan and made in USA.

Eu’Genia Shea Butter only contains one ingredient, 100% pure shea butter harvested with a cooperative in Northern Ghana. Loved because it’s super moisturizing, dermatological strength, and good for sensitive skin and skin issues.

Saie Dew Balm is touted as a effective, dewy buildable highlighter that includes a unique ingredient: marshmallow root extract. They are committed to nontoxic, ethically sourced ingredients.

Clean beauty coveted ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara has some of the best ratings of any mascara for its non-clumping, non-smudge formula. It was named best in green beauty by Allure, Glamour, and The Detox Market. It is made from 99% naturally derived ingredients. Ilia is also part of Terracycle.

Exa High Fidelity Foundation comes in 45 shades, no wonder it’s top rated! It’s also plant based, cruelty free, vegan, dermatologist tested, and safe for sensitive skin. When it comes to packaging, they have yet to ditch plastic completely (because of the pump and cap, like most beauty brands), but they say they’re looking for solutions.

Kari Gran Lip Whip is loved by those who prefer a natural looking lip color that doesn’t dry you out. Kari Gran uses organic ingredients and sustainable practices such as their ‘plastic neutral’ promise, which is kind of an interesting way to approach the plastic in beauty issue.

Kosas The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer is a top rated fragrance-free, talc-free bronzer made with shea butter. They’re also leaping bunny certified. See more here.

More of a skincare product, Kinships’s Self Reflect Sunscreen is making waves as an effective mineral sunscreen with plant-based probiotics. It’s super lightweight and easy to use as a base below your makeup.

Mischo Beauty Worthy Nail Polish is known for their luxe vegan nail polishes and this is rated best of the best. Everyone loves that they’re glossy, durable, and chip-resistant.

Axiology Vegan Lipstick is top rated as a non-drying formula with many gorgeous hues! They’re PETA certified, and between their natural ingredients and amazing packaging (including their zero waste balmies that you know we are obsessed with), I think they’re one of the greenest beauty brands out there.

Another Ilia product made the list of top rated clean beauty. ILIA Multi Stick is an award-winning multi-use product. Personally I love multi-sticks like this. It’s definitely sustainable not to have to buy multiple products!

54 Thrones Beauty Butter is having a moment due to its nourishing shea butter formula (not to mention, beautiful branding and feature in Oprah’s favorite things!) that’s also Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, GMO-free, and Sulfate-Free.

When it comes to eye makeup, Aether Beauty Amethyst Crystal Gemstone Palette mixes pretty hues with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil to keep things smooth and glowy. The only fragrance included comes from essential oils. Also Credo Beauty approved.

Have you tried any of these top rated clean beauty products? Any of your favorite brands on the list? Stay tuned because we’ll be sharing reviews for a few of these trendy options!

12 Sustainable Period Products You Can Switch to Today

published on March 10, 2021 by Mindy Chung
updated on November 2, 2021

RIP to the countless panties I’ve lost in my lifetime to my period. Some were old, some were new, and some were so comfy that it physically pained me to part with them. And while they all had their differences, they all fell victim to the same culprit—my menstrual cycle.

Now, while Aunt Flo has become a more predictable visitor over the years, the products I use have not. You hear horror stories about chemical-laden tampons, and environmentally unfriendly pads but in a market saturated with “pick me!” products, sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s-what when it comes to taking care of the lady garden.

So here’s a list of eco-friendly, organic, and sustainable period products broken into sub-categories of panties, pads, tampons, and cups to maximize inclusivity!

Bleed away ladies, because I gotchu.

PANTY PARTY

I refuse to believe there is anything more annoying than waking up to that time of the month, only to realize you never stocked up from the last. Cue period panties, which effectively cut out the middle-(wo)man and let you go about your day.

While Thinx may have pioneered the period-panty movement and expanded into a whole slew of options, companies like Knix has built on that foundation to further emphasize sustainable products. Same with New Zealand-based AWWA, who’s company focuses on size-inclusivity, as well as creating a negative carbon footprint with their business.

PADDED FOR SECURITY

I KNOW for a fact we hate the weird diaper vibes of pads, but sometimes you’re just too lazy to pop a tampon in there (no judgement). With Viv’s biodegradable bamboo liners, you can go about your day knowing your pads are not only earth friendly, but also more absorbent than a traditional cotton pad! LOLA pads differ from Viv in that they follow the traditional cotton-based formula, whilst incorporating wings to their products for added security. And for those of your *really* dedicated to making a sustainable switch, Aisle makes reusable cotton pads that snap on to your underwear.

TICKLED BY TAMPONS

Okay, hear me out—reusable tampon applicators are a thing. I know, I was a little mind-blown too, but after a wildly successful Kickstarter, Dame has become the first of its kind to boast that feat. You have to purchase the applicator separately from the tampons, but with one reusable applicator you inevitably avoid all the plastic waste of regular tampons.

Rael tampons follow a similar eco-friendly route, but do so by offering tampons that come with either a BPA-free applicator, a plant-based applicator, or a cardboard applicator. And Cora’s organic cotton tampons come with, or without, a BPA-free applicator, with a percentage of each purchase going towards providing products to end period poverty in India, Kenya, and the US.

HOLD MY CUP

At this point I think it’s safe to say that we all know what the DivaCup is. They may have been met with some skepticism when they first launched in 2003, but 10+ years later menstrual cups are as common as pads and tampons. DivaCup is by far the most accessible brand, available at pretty much any Target, or pharmacy store, and consequently the easiest choice for someone looking to transition to a more earth friendly period.

Saalt offers regular and soft cups with no BPAs, latex, or chemicals, and a portion of each purchase goes to donate period goods and fund menstrual health initiatives. OrganiCups come in three size options to accommodate a range of women from teens, to women who have given birth vaginally. Their cups are made of AllergyCertified silicone, and come in eco-friendly packaging.

Tell us which alternative seems like the best fit for your lifestyle!

5 Ways To Make Your Houseplant Collection As Green As Their Leaves

published on March 2, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas
updated on November 2, 2021

Bringing the outside in is big business. With 80% of people in their 20’s now owning at least one houseplant, perhaps there’s no greater signal that you’ve just entered a millennial home. On Instagram, #plantsofinstagram boasts over nine million beautiful images of how this booming industry has entered our lives in all its green splendor. In the US alone, sales of indoor plants have surged by 50% since 2016. But it’s so much more than a social media fad. Having something to care for is a great stress reliever, and houseplants reduce tension and promote wellbeing.

But are there pitfalls to this plant revolution? With many species imported from other countries and an increasing desire to be sustainable at home, more and more of us are asking how to ensure our blossoming collections can be as good for the environment as they are for us.

Here are five of the best ways to nurture sustainable houseplants:

Less is more

With so many shops and online subscriptions for houseplants cropping up, and apartment living on the rise (no green space included) it’s no wonder that people want to fill their homes with a little bit of the great outdoors. Just like with any hobby, it’s easy to get carried away as you become more knowledgeable and start to covet more exotic species to plant parent.

Like all consumerism, the best approach is to not buy on impulse and look into the implications of rarer species before making a purchase. We don’t all need a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Variegated Monstera, however beautiful they are. After all, using plants minimally doesn’t alter their impact or mood-lifting qualities. And having less means more time to take care of the ones you do have, instead of becoming overwhelmed when a passionate hobby becomes an obsession.

Plant swap

With so many people now enjoying living plants, why not learn to propagate and start, or join, a plant swapping community? Nothing is quite as sustainable as growing your own, and in doing so you aren’t contributing to the same level of import carbon emissions or uprooting plants from their native home.

Become a plant nurse

With so many stores now boasting houseplants for sale, it’s unsurprising that many end up neglected and on sale. While these plants might not be in great shape, they can almost always be nursed back to health and flourish. The right light and watering schedule can make all the difference alongside careful pruning of any shoots, stems and leaves that are too far gone. A leafless seedling Yucca I purchased for $1.00 now sits in pride of place in my home and is getting ready to move on to the next pot size.

Reuse plastic pots

If you’re lucky, you can find houseplants in biodegradable pots but the majority still come in the mass-produced terracotta or black plastic pots that aren’t suitable for recycling. If you’re into propagation, they’re perfect for growing and nurturing your cuttings once they reach the soil stage. Otherwise, to ensure they avoid landfill, you can ask your local garden centre if they’d like them, or offer them up on freecycle to another avid grower!

Get native

Native plants are vital to gardens as they promote healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, there aren’t many native North American plants suitable for indoors, except for two and luckily they’re great plant genus: cacti and succulents. Some ferns can also be kept indoors, such as American Maidenhair Fern, but they often require a little more work.

Overall, successfully caring for any plant, whether in the ground or hanging from a macrame shelf, is infinitely easier if it is native. Much of the hard work has been done for you when caring for plants already evolved to the climate you’re in. They may not have quite the same eco-prowess that a garden native would have, but with a combination of lower carbon footprints and a warm feeling of familiarity, they’re a pretty special thing to have in your home.

Which houseplants do you have? Do you have a favorite local spot for buying sustainable houseplants?

What I Learned About Living Sustainably On the Road

published on February 23, 2021 by Madi Beumee
updated on November 2, 2021

Seeing my first National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains, several years ago made me fall in love with nature in ways I had never experienced before. The massive scale of the trees kissing the sky was unlike anything I’d ever seen. In that moment, I realized how much I wanted to savor these incredible places on Earth. How much I wanted my children and grandchildren to one day get to experience that exact moment of being blown away. From that point on sustainability played an active role in my day to day activities and lifestyle. I discovered simple swaps that I could make or actions I could take that could make a positive impact on the world around me (no matter how tiny those impacts felt).

Fast forward to September 2020, when a pandemic and no attachment to a set location made me realize it was the perfect time to live on the road and visit those parks that had started this whole journey for me. The choice to do so was not made overnight. It took careful planning and consideration. In the midst of packing, I started to think about the items I wanted to take or plan for to continue some of my sustainable habits on the road.

The pandemic had already made certain elements of sustainable living more of a challenge. It felt like single-use items that I usually avoided were somehow unavoidable. The compost drop off I regularly utilized was no longer accepting drop offs. Being that I was facing these sustainability bumps in NYC, I figured it would not be any easier on the road—if anything it probably would be harder. That being said, I learned through my trials and tribulations of living sustainably on the road.

How To Live Sustainably On the Road

1. Pick your single-use alternatives. Having lived in the city prior to my adventures on the road, packing my sustainable go-to’s was something that was a part of my daily routine. Packing things like metal straws, reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and zero waste utensils is a super simple way to minimize your trash. The same goes for living on the road—and it’s nice not to scramble for single-use alternatives!

2. Opt for things that can be recharged. When searching for a flashlight and headlamp, I was really set on purchasing ones that could be recharged (as opposed to battery operated). Both because I knew I would save money not having to buy batteries, but also because I knew I wouldn’t have to keep going through batteries (and try to find a proper place to dispose of them). Though it took a little searching and was more of an investment, it was absolutely worth it.

3. Recycling programs vary. A few of the Airbnbs we’d stayed in didn’t have a recycling bin. So in those moments, we had to take the time to find a recycling center that we could drop off our recycling. We quickly realized that recycling programs and accessibility to recycling efforts definitely varies state to state! How2.recycle.org is a great resource for those of us in the US or Canada.

4. You’re not as dirty as you think you are. When you’re constantly surrounded by the luxury of a warm running shower, you’re less inclined to actually consider if it’s something you really need. On the road I would go a few days without a shower and it made me realize how I am definitely an “over” shower-er. It was such a great reminder to take a break from just going through the motions and try to save water. It’s definitely something I’m implementing into my life now too!

I always like to be transparent when I talk about my sustainability journey and emphasize that you don’t have to be perfect. Small steps and actions DO MATTER. If living sustainably on the road taught me anything, it’s that it is all a journey.

Have you ever tried living sustainably on the road? Tell us where you went!

15 Unique Zero Waste Goods For Design Lovers

published on February 22, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

I don’t know about you, but in my circles, the zero waste movement isn’t exactly known for beautiful design. Whether it’s the packaging (or cleverly, lack thereof) or products themselves, zero waste goods often look like undone versions of their more popular, plastic-using, corner-cutting counterparts. But while most zero waste gifts are less than glamorous (and yeah, that’s kind of the point), there are plenty of intelligently designed, and beautifully done, sustainable products to own and to give. Not quite sold? Find our favorite unique zero waste gift ideas below, that make your conscious living journey (and that of your design friends) a whole lot more interesting!

Top to bottom, left to right:

You’ve probably seen Pela’s zero waste iPhone cases, but they now have compostable Apple watch bands in a few cute colors!

Taste Plant’s breath mints harness the power of plant extracts not only for not only fresh breath, but good oral health too. Fun fact, they’re made locally in Tacoma, WA!

Still so intrigued by the idea of a stone deodorant, which is made with mineral salt and will actually last years. WHAT?! (I don’t need deodorant at the moment, or I would have tried it already!)

Swedish dishcloths are 100% biodegradable and compostable, and these flower printed versions from Sister Collective are the cutest.

The beauty world is full of single use products, but you can cut down on your impact with these reusable beauty swabs, which are tucked away in a biodegradable case.

Love these bottle cleaning brushes from Public–they’re made of natural fiber bristles and have wool tips!

Everist is a brand new waterless haircare company who produces shampoo concentrates in zero waste packaging. So cool!

Furoshiki wrap is one of the prettiest ways to ensure your gift packaging is not only sustainable but beautiful. These linen kitchen towel wraps from Ardent Goods are designed to act as gift wrap that can be reused by the recipient in the kitchen afterward!

These Sprout plantable pencils would make a fun gift for eco-friendly mamas or teachers! They’re customizable and when they’re all outta juice, you can plant them!

Truthbrush beautiful bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tablets are gorgeously designed and ship carbon neutral.

Goldrick Natural Living has many beautiful products to support your conscious living journey but their pocket soaps are especially clever.

Another amazing find from Eco Collective is their stain removal laundry stick! It’s plastic, fragrance, and palm oil free too.

Blue Heron Botanicals lip balm comes in the prettiest eco friendly, plastic-free packaging.

Axiology’s zero waste balmies come in such innovative packaging for a beauty product in an industry known for waste (and toxins). I also love that these products are multi-functional, they literally do the work of your blush, highlighter, eye shadow, and lip color!

We found Bio Scents on Instagram and have been eyeing their essential oils that come in thoughtful eco friendly packaging ever since. They’ve replaced the traditionally chunky plastic caps most essential oils come in with a super pretty wood design and colorful labels, and the only bit of plastic on them is recycled. They’re also starting a refill process!

Which zero waste goods are you most inspired by? I love when good design is applied to an essential, like low-waste household and personal care!