Green Living

How Mushrooms are Dominating the Sustainability Movement

published on August 1, 2022 by Mindy Chung
updated on July 31, 2022

If you read my last blog, you know that mushrooms are currently the “it girl” when it comes to popular supplements for holistic health. Sold in a range of products—teas, coffees, and pills—they can help boost your immunity, boost mental clarity, and even help lower your cholesterol. Mushrooms are a wellspring of benefits, and it’s about time they get their time in the spotlight.

And while these perks alone make them a fantastic addition to anyone’s diet, mushrooms have a surprising versatility that allows them to go far beyond just supplements.

Mushrooms and sustainability

The benefits of mushrooms aren’t limited to just vitamins and minerals. In fact, as more innovators have looked at alternative materials for a sustainable world, mushrooms have become an adaptable source for production in packaging, fashion, and even construction.

So, as a fangirl of our fungi friends, I thought it only right to elaborate on some of the amazingly unique ways we’ve utilized mushrooms in the modern era.

Vegan Leather

While there are some mind-boggling alternatives to leather on the market now, (hello, cactus?!) mushrooms have proven to be a worthy competitor because of their short turnaround rates and minimal space needs. Although they’re currently only being produced on a smaller scale, mushroom leather has already been used in retail by big names like Stella McCartney and Adidas for womenswear and footwear respectively.

(For our eco-conscious fashionistas, our blog on innovative fabrics is a great place to get some ideas for materials to look out for when shopping for a more sustainable wardrobe.)

Fun(gi) Packaging

There’s been a big uptick in consumer demand for biodegradable and recycled packaging in the last decade or so. Smaller companies, who have more control over what materials they use and are impacted more heavily by their buyers’ preferences, have been able to match this demand and incorporate sustainable sourcing into their business model. But it’s been hard for larger corporations to phase out single-use plastic because of the sheer volume of demand.

While one might shrug and just assume the mega-brands of the world will never change, Ikea has shown that using mycelium packaging is possible. They’ve started to replace Styrofoam with fungi, and have even pledged to phase out plastic packaging by 2028. They’ve proven that size doesn’t matter when it comes to switching to sustainable practices. However, I’m sure for most companies, profit is what rules those decisions.

Greener Building Blocks

“Mycotecture” is a way of turning mushrooms into renewable, natural building bricks that are twice as strong as concrete. They’re fire-resistant and lightweight, and can reduce the waste created from growing edible mushrooms by using the leftovers after harvest to build these bricks. While there’s been promising results in early research, fungi bricks still have a lot of testing to pass before they can be used in residential and commercial building.

Meat Alternatives

I think we’ve all seen those scallops made from oyster mushrooms. Or the shiitakes used as burger patties. Mushrooms have always been a solid choice for vegetarian alternatives because of their meatier texture and umami flavor, but what I don’t think some people realize is that there are brands now that make “official” mushroom meat products.

Eat Meati was founded in Colorado in 2016 and sells vegan steaks and cutlets made from mycelium. It’s kind of unbelievable how realistic their products look but unfortunately, for most vegans and vegetarians, buying their products is a bit difficult at this stage in the company’s growth. While they distribute to store in Colorado and Arizona, the only way to buy online is to sign up for notifications and cross your fingers that you’re one of the few folks they send a small batch to each month.

Have you heard all the buzz about mushrooms and sustainability? Which gives you the most hope for a more environmentally friendly future?

How To Quit Palm Oil

published on July 26, 2022 by Angela Hamilton
updated on July 27, 2022

As the most commonly produced vegetable oil, it is incredibly difficult to avoid palm oil. We’ve shared a bit about whether we think palm oil can be sustainable or not (and thankfully more resources have emerged since then, which we’ll include in a post soon), but our verdict still stands: in most cases, no. Like basically everything when it comes to trying to be more eco friendly, this is a complex issue steeped in corporate greed, power struggles, social and environmental injustices, politics and more. So it’s incredibly difficult to determine where your palm oil comes from and what it took to get to you. Bottom line is, over the past five years or so of making a real effort to avoid the use palm oil, I’ve learned one thing: avoiding it is much easier than finding it sustainably.

image from one of our most popular blog posts on palm-free soap brands

how to avoid the use of palm oil

learn the names of palm oil

Palm oil is an incredibly versatile ingredient which is one reasons it’s so widely produced. It can show up in foods to household to personal care products. The oil is formulated in the way that serves the product best, so it comes with different chemical names. I’ve added a list of names in the graphic below, and I recommend visiting wwf.org to learn more.

check the ingredients in your pantry + freezer

If you’ve ever tried to avoid consuming a common allergen like soy or gluten, you know what it’s like to read every ingredient listed on every product you come across. It’s tedious in the beginning, but you quickly get used to it and it’s honestly a good practice for improving your overall wellness. The most surprising aspect is noticing that like gluten and soy, palm oil seems to be in everything. A quick audit of your current pantry will familiarize you with some of the most common offenders: peanut butter, processed baked goods, candy, frozen meals and desserts, chocolate items, and more. Knowledge is power!

check the ingredients in your vanity

Palm oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics and bodycare products, but it is trickier to spot than when in food. This is because it’s usually listed as whatever form its in–see graphic below. To make matters worse, sometimes these names can be used to refer to vegetable oils or oil blends other than palm oil, so you can’t always tell without contacting the company. I know this is frustrating, so when you’re just getting started, I’d suggest focusing on learning the names, checking the products you use regularly, and just becoming aware of this industry’s connection to the use of palm oil. Baby steps!

shop the perimeters

You may have heard the advice to “shop the perimeters” from health food blogs. It basically means to choose fresh food whenever possible, avoiding the middle aisles that are comprised primarily of processed snacks and fake foods. If this is new for you (as it was to me having grown up on a 100% processed American diet), I want to emphasize awareness again. Reflect on which snacks you gravitate toward the most, and check whether they have palm oil. Committing to reducing my use of palm oil immediately meant ditching two of my processed faves: Oreo’s and Reese’s. Five years ago, these were my favorites! But these products are linked to deforestation and other negative effects of palm oil production in big ways (see here and here) so I felt icky supporting them. And I truly don’t miss them… I got better at baking and make tastier treats anyways.

chat with friends!

No, I don’t mean preach to friends (unless you hand me a drink). The #1 thing that helped me quit palm oil and really strengthened my interest in sustainability in general was meeting a friend who had also done her research and realized that it was something she wanted to actively avoid. (I’ve since met, like, one more person.) Like any other common interest, it’s nice to have those aha moments with a friend. So find people you can go on the journey with, whether it’s a friend you suspect would love to hear about what you’ve learned, or seeking out a group with the same passions you have.

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!

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.