Journal — Conscious Consumption
What's Up With TradeUp?
Curious about our TradeUp program? Well, I went live to talk about it! Check our IGTV where I explain it all!
Read/Make/Do January
Each month we share one thing to read, make, or do. This month: how long does it take for fabric to decompose; encourage your pre-teen/tween to submit their questions to "The Radical Book of Answers", nerd out with the Huberman Lab podcast.
5 sustainable blankets to keep you cozy this winter
Ready to get cozy this winter? We've rounded up some beautiful blankets to snuggle up under. All of them are sustainably made largely by women- and POC-owned businesses.
How long will this fabric take to decompose?
Organic cotton, linen, hemp, polyester? How long will these fabrics sit in a landfill before decomposing? Make better choices for your clothes and your family by thinking about how long it takes for fabrics to break down.
5 Ways to support small businesses, even in a pandemic
In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, small businesses are struggling, and will continue to struggle. These businesses create jobs and contribute to thriving communities. So when they struggle, the economy struggles, neighborhoods are less vibrant, and individuals and families feel the impact. So what can you do to support small businesses even in a pandemic?
- Shop locally. If you need to shop and feel comfortable going out, support a small shop in your community. Not up for going out or social distancing? Check your favorite local shop's website to see if they do online orders, or call and ask if they'll deliver. I bet they'll be more than ready to help. Also, when your favorite small business announces that they are doing things that are good for their employees (eg: paid sick leave) and the community, tell them you appreciate this effort when you are buying from them. It just may motivate more businesses to make the right choices, even when they aren't legally required to.
- Shop small. If you are shopping online, skip the Big Box and support companies that need your investment more. Small and medium sized enterprises feel the brunt of economic downturns, and need your support more than ever.
- Open that email. Small businesses spend a lot of time crafting emails to you and content for you. A good business will give you more than they will ask. This means, that their content can actually be useful to you. So open and read that email they send, then click through to see what other content they've got for you. It's not just about a sale, it's about connection. And when their email click-through rate is better, it means that their emails are less likely to be sent straight to a spam folder.
- Be a social media super-fan. Like, comment, save, and share their posts on social media. This will help more people see their content, and help them get the exposure they need when things are tight.
- Write that review. You bought the thing, you love it, but you just haven't gotten around to writing that review. Now is the time to do it. The best advertising is word-of-mouth, and when you write a review on Google, Facebook, their website or all three, you help others know that they can trust the brand they are thinking of supporting.
How else can you support small businesses? Share your ideas below and we'll add to this list!
Image credit: Three Birds DC
What would your TED talk be on?
From waste in the clothing industry, to conscious consumption, and sustainable fashion, there's a lot that I'd want to geek out on in a TED Talk. I basically got to give a mini-TED Talk on the podcast Talking to Cool People with Jason Frazell.
5 ways to make your kids clothes last longer
Want to reduce the environmental impact of your kids’ clothes? While buying for quality and sustainable production are always important, making your kids’ clothes last has a big impact on the environment. Here are our tips for helping your kids’ clothes last as long as possible.
The BEST zero waste play-dough
No more crusty, dried out play-dough. We've got the best, non-toxic, zero-waste play-dough recipe that your whole family will love. 😉
Gift Guide: Super Easy Eco-friendly Handmade Gifts
Want a super sustainable gift option? These seriously easy homemade gifts are perfect for the eco-conscious people in your life.
MEND IT! - The Essential Guide To Make Loved Clothes Last
We want to make it easier for you to make loved clothes last. Download our new guide to mending woven clothes, so that you can make your own clothes, and your kids clothes look great and last longer.
Quick and Easy Ways to Be Better Environmentalist
Ever look in the fridge or recycling bin and feel like you are doing a crappy job caring for the planet? I'm pretty sure we all do! Here are our favorite ways to make small changes to reset to be a better (if imperfect) environmentalist.