Green Living

A Colorful Holiday Table with Terraklay + Giveaway

published on December 15, 2021 by Angela Hamilton

Remember those fun Furoshiki style wrapped gifts we shared last month? The fabric used was actually artisan made, hand-dyed napkins from eco club member and ethical brand TerraKlay, based out of Chicago. I love that the napkins can be both the gift itself, and the package–they’re that pretty. Of course, I wanted to show them off in their intended state, as reusable napkins, to adorn a colorful holiday table. They offers sets of Geetha Shibori Dyed Cotton Napkin in six colors, four of which we used below. Read on to see how our colorful tablescape turned out, and enter to win a set of TerraKlay napkins for your own table over on our Instagram later today.

The striking table runner we used is actually two-sided! It’s the Chechi Runner in Pink, another entertaining essential that comes in seven hues.

I’ve used these jute placemats for pretty much every dinner I’ve thrown (and photographed) in the last five years. They are from fair trade decor brand Will + Atlas, and truly fit any vibe I’m going for, such as this more formal Friendsgiving spread. TerraKlay offers a similar design made of upcycled banana fibers.

The green glasses are a vintage set from Etsy that I scooped up earlier this year, and I got the vase at Goodwill.

Back to the napkins. The Shibori dyed patterns on them are really lovely, and I noticed right away how much more beautiful they look in-person versus photos (though I tried to capture as best I could!). TerraKlay’s textiles and decor are made by people, not factories, in India, who have been working in their craft for generations. They also partner with young adults to support their vocational education. Learn more about their team and founder Manvee Vaid here.

Pro tip: Tie scrap ribbon from your holiday gift wrapping around your napkins for cute bow “rings” that make each place setting look like a present!

This eucalyptus was dried up and on its way out, but it still made for a pretty table garland in a pinch. Next time I’ll add some candles into the mix.

The shop offers other artisan homewares like mugs, tea towels, throw blankets, and cookware.

If you’re looking to set a more formal holiday table, nest your salad and dinner plates in between the placemat and napkins. I chose to keep them off as our dinner was served buffet-style, with guests claiming a plate at the beginning of the line before heading to their seat.

Here’s a close up of the four napkin colors on our pink runner. I’m all for unconventional pops of color, but I have to say the traditional Indigo is my favorite here. I love the richness of the dye.

What do your holiday tables look like? Do you go for traditional seasonal colors or something more surprising?

By the way, if you’re considering a zero waste swap for the new year, I definitely recommend ditching paper towels for a good set of cotton or linen napkins. I swapped a few years ago and never went back. Not only does it reduce waste, but meals feel just a bit fancier because of it!

Shop at terraklay.com and be sure to head over to Insta for a chance to win a set of your own!

How To Be More Eco Friendly in 2022

published on December 10, 2021 by Mindy Chung
updated on December 7, 2021

One of the many things I learned on my journey to become more eco-friendly is that there is actually this lovely term, “eco-anxiety”. Eco-anxiety is basically the overwhelming sense of existential dread one feels about issues like climate change and global warming. And not to sound defeatist but, when you know that there is a huge disparity in impact between you as an individual consumer and that of large corporations, it makes sense that some of us are overcome with anxiety about the planet’s future.

I know it seems pointless to even try as the daily news bombards us with stories about coral death and sweatshops, but it’s more damaging to do nothing than to do one thing that ultimately compounds into a more sustainable lifestyle. Being eco-friendly isn’t a competition or standard—there’s no need to approach it from a perfectionist standpoint.

It’s just about doing what you can to lessen your carbon footprint—both as an individual and as a consumer. So here are a few tips on how to be more eco-friendly in 2022.

Start small

No one wakes up one day and says, “I’m going to be zero-waste starting today,” and actually does it. Part of the journey to living a more sustainable life is making mistakes and figuring out what works for you. Small gestures turn into habit over time, and by taking off the pressure of going from 0 to 100 overnight, you’re allowing yourself to grow at a pace that you can actually maintain… and even enjoy!

Avoid single-use waste when possible

This may seem daunting—especially during a boom for food delivery services and health and safety concerns—but as the world goes back to some semblance of pre-COVID times, try to reuse containers when possible. (And no, I don’t mean use that one Indian take-out box for three weeks straight.) Consider buying from places that allow you to use your own bags or jars like bulk dry goods stores or farmers markets, and bring your own produce bags for loose items like onions when you can!

Buy secondhand when possible

Although I’m sure most people jump to fashion when I say secondhand, you can also buy goods like pots and pans, or even furniture. By buying secondhand you not only lessen your carbon footprint as a consumer, you’re also keeping something from just being thrown into a landfill. However, not all things should be bought second hand—mattresses and shoes for example collect sweat, dead skin cells, etc., not exactly sanitary.

Become a conscientious consumer

All this takes is a little mindfulness. This means buying from sustainable businesses with transparent manufacturing processes. Buying groceries from local sellers. Educating yourself about ingredients and fillers that may be particularly damaging to the environment (hi, palm oil). I know how tempting it is to buy into the fast consumer market and the shockingly low prices, but just because you’re not footing the bill when you check out, doesn’t mean your actions aren’t starting a chain reaction that can reach across the globe.

Advocate for change

Never underestimate your power as a consumer. In this age of peak social media consumption, regular people are instigating change every day. We’ve seen monopolies fall, and huge companies issue apologies because regular people demand change. Children are pressuring whole governments to go green.

Pay attention to your local ballots. Vote for green measures, and educate those around you who may not know better. Support figures who are passionate about the environment, and petition your local governing office if you have to.

None of us are perfect. None of us can be perfect. Becoming eco-friendly isn’t about transcending your current ways into this absolute zero-lifestyle; I’m pretty sure none of us were zero-waste in our formative years. Living sustainably is about mindfulness and intention. We can’t be “on” 24/7, but being “on” more and more every day is a great place to start.

How will you be more eco friendly in the new year? Share your ideas below!

How Can Travel Be More Sustainable Post-Pandemic?

published on November 26, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas

Travel is essential for inspiration, innovation and inclusion, but it’s not without its environmental impact. Coronavirus is a chance to reshape how we travel in the future.

Tourism was one of the hardest hit industries during the Covid-19 crisis. Now that countries are opening borders, many have their sights set on faraway places for the first time since 2019. Is travel set to become more sustainable in a post pandemic world?

Covid19 has changed the way people view travel

2020 was the year many of us spent indoors—or at the very least, close to home. With the world at a virtual standstill for over eighteen months, international aviation passengers dropped by 60% during 2020. Locked down and home bound, traffic congestion in the US dropped by 73%, while in the UK traffic levels fell to those not seen since 1955. With the pandemic cleaning the air, causing pollution levels to plummet, many are now turning their attention to how we can keep the these environmental benefits pushing forward through sustainable travel.

Consumer interest in sustainability is increasing, with 2020 a distinct turning point. And travel is at the forefront of how we are set to change our habits. We’ve spent over a year exploring our own hometowns and cities and we’ve gravitated to outdoor spaces as much as possible, becoming mindful of how unlimited travel doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented Transforming Tourism for a resilient and sustainable post-COVID world outlining a six point plan to ensure we take advantage of the reset to choose greener, low-carbon measures which simultaneously protect biodiversity and help to rebuild the tourism industry upon which so many local communities depend.

Travel is set to become about quality not quantity

From out-of-stock products to the things we just couldn’t do and places we couldn’t go, all of us have had to adopt a simpler, slower pace of life. This includes recognizing the privileges of travel that so many of us had begun to take for granted. However, the pandemic has altered our perspectives on what matters most.

For some of us, that will mean travelling closer to home. The magic of our own neighbourhoods is abundant, and no one has explored every part of their own home state. With the shift to a simpler mindset, how we view travel has also changed. A walk along a never-before visited beach can feel like a distant getaway

But for others, the focus will become on enjoying the bucket list locations, and finding the joy in planning trips that are truly a dream come true over many so-so weekends away throughout the year. Sustainable travel is a necessity to a world with a love of exploration.

Greener travel is better than less travel

Travel is, after all, an essential human activity. It’s about more than an occasional vacation. Without the option of, ‘let’s go somewhere,’ we felt trapped, sedentary—and alone. Humans are naturally nomadic, and travel represents knowledge, experience, and hope. Restricting global mobility would be dire. The experience of travelling broadens our horizons, and new experiences in new places is integral to our societal growth.

No one needs to commit to never getting on a plane or taking a road trip again. Instead, when planning a trip, factor sustainability into your decision making. This can mean everything from the carbon footprint of your journey, to ensuring you do not undertake tourist trips that exploit wild animals (hint: if you want to see them, see them in the wild).

Travel is responsible for around 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. But telling people to reduce their vacation time is not the answer. Like all things sustainable, it’s about education and taking the right steps so that we don’t miss out, but our actions don’t cost the earth.

How you can travel more sustainably

Stay Local

When the travel bug hits, or we’re anxious to try a new experience, it can be easy to think we need to hop on a plane. Yet how many of us truly know the region where we live? Search for similar experiences in your local area and you’ll be sure to discover something that limits the distance you need to discover a whole new world.

Respect and Embrace Culture and Customs

In pre-pandemic times, tourism accounted for 10.4% of global GDP, with many areas reliant on it. However, that doesn’t mean tourists should expect a home from home. Travel is always more enriching when we take time to research local culture and customs before we go, and immerse ourselves in the lived experience of where we find ourselves.

Check the Footprint Before You Book

Research every available option to get to your destination and go to an online Carbon Calculator, like this one from World Land Trust who will not only give you the total CO2 emitted but also tell you the amount to offset it. When you do choose to offset, it’s best to also do your research. It’s a contentious subject, but options that go towards full conservation over tree planting generally offer better long-term (and in many cases indefinite) results.

Consider the eco-impact of your activities

Swimming with turtles may seem fun and harmless, but it’s always good to know exactly what impact such activities have before you book your trip. In many cases, the potential for littering alone can have a huge impact, while animal welfare is often neglected on trips into the wilderness. Exploiting the natural world is what got us into this mess in the first place but there are plenty of considered options that will still satiate human curiosity while removing potential threats and long term damage.

It’s About Every Day too

Walk, cycle, car share; if you can choose an option that isn’t one person in one car, do it. Your everyday transportation adds up. If you’re thinking about sustainable travel, start with how you get to work, the grocery store, and appointments in your daily schedule.

photo by Sacha Verheij

Fabric Gift Wrap with Shibori Dyed Fabric

published on November 19, 2021 by Angela Hamilton

It’s so fun to be collaborating with sustainable makers again. Earlier this year, Manvee Vaid of Chicago-based artisanal lifestyle brand TerraKlay reached out about her newly launched boutique. TerraKlay works with makers in India to produce handcrafted textiles, baskets, decor, and gifts for the sustainable yet elevated home. Manvee kindly sent over a few of their Shibori dyed napkins for an upcoming collab, and they’re even prettier in person. (Love that about handmade.) At the time, I was dreaming up eco friendly gift wrap ideas to share and unsurprisingly fabric gift wrap was on my list! So, I finally tried my hand at Furoshiki-style wrapping:

There are lots of places to buy modern fabric gift wrap, but I often wonder how reusable and giftable the wrap actually is. I mean, I could go to the thrift store and buy fun vintage fabric to wrap my gifts in, but I doubt my friends would reuse it. (Traditional Japanese Furoshiki wrap is more about replacing the need for bags or packaging when storing or bringing goods on the go and therefore is used over and over again, but the modern take mostly focuses on its use for gifting.)

I personally love the idea of the wrapping being part of the gift itself. If you’re gifting fashion accessories, why not wrap them in a bandana or scarf, for example. And homewares? How about wrapping them in reusable cloth napkins a la these Shibori dyed beauties?

I love that you could gift a set of napkins or linens, while wrapping them in a piece from the set. It’s like a little preview of the beautiful gift to come!

TerraKlay’s napkins come in multiple colorways, and I love how vibrant the blues and reds are for the holidays. We’ll share more about how these babies can be used for their *actual* purpose soon, but I just couldn’t resist turning them into the world’s loveliest fabric gift wrap.

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How are you leveling up your holiday gifts this year? Find more sustainable gift ideas in our gift guide and sustainable directory.

5 Beautiful Pink Houseplants And How To Care For Them

published on November 17, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas
updated on November 5, 2021

Hey ecofam! It’s your favorite plant gal again. When we think of plants, we don’t usually think of pink, we think of green! Fortunately for lovers of candy-colored hues, there are so many beautiful varieties of plants that come in different shades of pink. Plus, they are super easy to take care of. Check out some of my favorite pink houseplants below, and let’s bring some spring color into these cool upcoming winter months…

Pink Princess Philodendron

photo by @plantsbybing

Yes, you read that right, the one true pink plant queen! Everyone is trying to get their hands on one right now. They grow super quick, are easy to propagate, and they have pink variegation! I just got my hands on a cutting from my local plant group, and I can’t wait to pot it up and let it grow up a pole. The Pink Princess Philodendron (PPP) grows best in bright, indirect, filtered light and medium to high humidity. So if you too are an Ikea greenhouse plant parent, the PPP will love you. She likes well-draining, moist soil, but be sure to only water when the top 1-2 inches is dry to avoid overwatering and root rot. Once your PPP starts growing, give her a moss pole to climb!

Tradescantia Nanouk aka Fantasy Venice

photo by @plnt.co

The Tradescantia Nanouk also known as the fantasy Venice is a great starter plant. This pink, purple, and green plant grows really well in bright light! They don’t need much humidity because of their thick leaves. BUT, she will thrive in a humid environment. Bring her into your bathroom while you shower, and she will live her best life. She likes to be in moist soil, so watering once a week is perfect. Place her into a hanging basket and watch her grow!

Calathea Roseopicta Rosy aka Rose Painted Calathea

photo by @lolaflora.roslinna

Okay greenhouse parents, here is a high humidity plant that you will love. Don’t worry if you don’t have a greenhouse, spritzing the leaves throughout the day will work. Most calatheas are very vocal when they need help. Their edges will get crispy, and they will curl up. As for light, they thrive in bright indirect light. Too bright and the leaves will burn. Too dark and they will droop. They really love moist soil, so watering often is necessary. To avoid fungus gnats from wet soil, try mosquito bits and cinnamon. Once you perfect your calathea care routine, you will want every kind you can find.

Pink Rubber Plant aka Ficus Elastica Ruby

photo by @roomwithry

Dear new plant parents, the Pink Rubber Plant is for you! Coming from experience, this plant likes to be neglected. I was over watering and it was struggling. I let the soil dry out, and put her closer to the window, and now she won’t stop growing. So learn from me, and water only when dry. During the winter, wait even longer between waterings. In the summer, add some fertilizer to their watering schedule, and watch her grow!

Polka Dot Plant aka Hypoestes Phyllostachya

photo by @plant.the.town.pink

And last but not least the most famous of all pink houseplants, the beloved Polka Dot Plant! This plant is pink with green (polka) dots, and can grow both indoors and outdoors. For indoors, put her near the window, to catch some bright filtered rays between your blinds. Once the leaves start fading, be sure to move her away from the window. Well-draining soil that is slightly moist will work best. Avoid soggy soil so that the roots don’t rot. Spritz the leaves throughout the day to simulate a humid environment.

Remember that as it gets cool outside, plant care is especially important. Water less, and put your plants closer together to keep them warm. And be sure to check out my last plant post to find some eco-friendly plant supplies!

What pink houseplants do you have your eye on?

Sustainable Gift Ideas Under $50

published on November 15, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 4, 2021

As much as I know how important it is to keep a budget in mind when shopping for holiday gifts (and anything else), I go back and forth on whether to organize gift guides by price range. I don’t like perpetuating the idea that certain goods must be under a price point (such as the $5 we’re all used to paying when it comes to simple t-shirts). That’s because I know that most mass-produced goods couldn’t possibly be priced that low if they were sustainably and ethically produced, or made in small batches.

That said, everybody’s gotta budget! And it’s frustrating to want to align your shopping habits with your values, but feel like it’s impossible to fit those gifts into that budget. So we wanted to round up some sustainable gift ideas that are affordable to a wider range of consumers, that are still thoughtful and substantial. Plus, the brands below are some of my favorites for recommending to friends just getting started on their own sustainable living journeys.

our favorite affordable sustainable gifts

From top to bottom, left to right: Capricorn Bandana from Bon Femmes, Olsen+Olsen Organic Beeswax Wraps, Hand Dipped Incense Sticks from DIGS, Baby Gingham Bubble Romper by Lola & Stella, Vintage Twisted Candles from milkteeths (love the idea of snagging a vintage version of these trendy twist candles!), Slow North Eye Mask Therapy from Eco Vibe, Mountain Pieces Print from Holistic Habitat, High Maintenance Plant Pot from Eco Vibe, Golde Pure Matcha from Minna, Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Call It Chartreuse, Au Naturel Art Print by Wilde House Paper, Sunburst Gem Headband by Llani, Groovy Comida Kitchen Towel by Wasi Clothing, Miraflores Wicker Shopper Bag From Woven Rosa, Desert Daydream Crochet Potholders from Holistic Habitat, Nana + Livy Choco Soap Bars (which are palm oil free!), & Hibiscus Mirror by Quinta Esencia Studio

more affordable sustainable gifting tips

The designers above are lovely when it comes to buying new products for family and friends, but that’s not the only way to gift sustainably. Here are a few more ideas for thoughtful gifting, that are even more affordable and eco-conscious:

Go vintage. Source a thoughtful item from Etsy or another vintage marketplace with the recipient in mind. I love to find vintage pieces for friends because you can go off of themes you know they’ll want + like, while offering something completely unexpected.
Thrift. Similarly, you can shop in-person at your local thrift or consignment shop. This is a great way to hunt for gently used (and therefore cheaper) items based off of current trend or brands you know the recipient is into. Thrift shops are also a great place for nostalgic gifts! I love finding old, meaningful books and quirky glassware.
Look for a “reuse” shop in your area. I’ve lived in a few cities over the years that have little hole-in-the-wall creative reuse storefronts that are goldmines for craft materials and gift wrap. This is a great way to make your own affordable sustainable gifts or personalize the ones you already have.
Organize a Secret Santa. Last year our group of friends opted for a Secret Santa gift exchange for the first time. It was easier on all of our wallets because we each only purchased one gift, and had an agreed upon price limit. But it was also a lot of fun! We got to see what everyone got each other and it became its own experience.

How do you make holiday gifting more sustainable and affordable? Share your tips with us!