While it’s totally possible for fashion girlies to make a living off of reselling apps like Depop and Mercari, I’m not a huge fan of the “gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss”-ing that’s caused some people to become secretive and purposefully obstructive when it comes to sharing their favorite shops. Thrifting should be a fun, accessible, and affordable experience for anyone who wants to try it out.

Los Angeles Thrift Stores and Consignment Fashion by Budget

So whether you’re looking to dip your toe or plunge head-first into the thrifting scene, here’s a few of the best LA thrift shops to get you started based on your budget.

$$$

2^nd Street

If you’re looking for high fashion or rare vintage finds, check out any of the four locations 2^nd Street has in the LA area. While not my first choice for affordable thrifting, I’m trying not to yuck anyone else’s yum. Shopping secondhand isn’t always about finding the cheapest piece, but something you’ll love and treasure for years to come. I’d say this is a guaranteed spot for well-worn leather jackets and a unique luxury statement piece for your wardrobe. 2nd Street also has locations in several other major US cities.

Wasteland

With there LA shops (and one in San Francisco), there’s no shortage of designer fashion offered at Wasteland. They specialize in designer, vintage, and independent labels and are more carefully edited than the more budget-friendly options below. If you love to stay on top of the latest trends, Wasteland is the place to shop.

$$

Buffalo Exchange

With multiple locations in LA, Buffalo Exchange feels like the elevated version of a Goodwill. They tend to have hip cashiers and mid-range priced clothing, but sometimes you can find something unique if you’re willing to dig (case in point, I’m pretty sure I found the original scarf from the 2006 classic, Penelope, like 10 years ago). I’d say the style skews slightly kitschy compared to the more generically appealing vibe or Crossroads.

Crossroads Trading Co

For those that like the prices of Goodwill and Salvation Army, but dislike the idea of spending hours thrifting at either, Crossroads is probably your best bet. Crossroads is a similar price point (gone are the days where Goodwill priced everything under one umbrella—they know a good brand when they get it), without as much rummaging to get there. With 9 locations in the LA area, chances are you’re right near one, but don’t be afraid to venture to the others when your neighborhood shop falls short.

Silverlake Flea

If you want to look cool and get a good pic for your IG, Silverlake Flea is the spot. While there are some good finds (like my favorite pair of vintage Levi’s I snagged for $30), it’s a mixed bag of small business owners and bulk resellers. Silverlake Flea very much gives me the “hip” vibe, and is probably what most people would imagine when thinking of what a flea market in LA is like—trendy, curated, but still full of surprises.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

People travel from miles away to experience LA’s Rose Bowl Flea Market. The whole market is MASSIVE, and you can find almost anything you could possibly imagine: funky windbreakers, brass chandeliers, and even 5ft tall Monstera plants. You’ll spend at least two hours there (or half the day if you’re really hunting), scooping up everything from reworked vintage clothing to home goods to artwork from local vendors. Bring cash for admission and vendors, although most also accept Venmo.

And a word of warning: if you don’t get there early you’re basically as likely to get a parking spot as you are to win the lottery. But despite that *very* LA-esque problem, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is definitely an experience I’d recommend.

Melrose Trading Post

The other most popular LA flea market is the Melrose flea at Fairfax High School every Sunday. This is an impressive market to have access to every single week! You’ll see some of the same vendors from the Rose Bowl here, though this market is a much more manageable size. Spend the morning combing through Levi’s cutoffs, vintage décor, and local art before heading over to brunch on Melrose. Admission is $6 and if you live in LA it’s worth stopping by every few months to see new offerings. 

$

Out of the Closet

Out of the Closet is like the gay-friendly version of Salvation Army. Their mission to support the LGBTQIA+ community means that all 4 LA locations offer free HIV testing, and that the business donates 96 cents of every dollar to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services. Like most of the LA thrift shops on this list, they have several locations throughout the city and beyond, and are one of the few chains that still feels like a true thrift store.

In my experience, the prices were pretty reasonable, and I scored a decent amount of clothing the last time I went.

Valley Value Center (& Thrifting in the Valley)

You know that a thrift store is a hidden gem when they have no website to speak of. While I’ve never been to Valley Value Center in Van Nuys, the number of TikTokers I’ve seen try and gatekeep this store leads me to believe it’s a thrifting heaven for anyone willing to wade through the racks. The Van Nuys and Reseda areas both boast a handful of thrift stores if you’re willing to spend a day driving around the Valley. The perk? Most, if not all, of them will be cheaper than anything you find in town. Map out your route beforehand and make a big loop before heading back into the city.

St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles

Another store I’ve head of secondhand, that IS right in the city is St Vincent’s. St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles is apparently a treasure trove of clothes, furniture, and accessories located in the heart of LA. And while I can’t 100% vouch for the prices, St. Vincent de Paul’s are usually known as some of the more affordable thrift stores you’ll find.

Which Los Angeles thrift shops should we add to this list? No gatekeeping here!

The post An LA Girl’s Guide to Thrifting appeared first on Eco Club.

And while thrifting and upcycling is a viable option for some, not every person’s every wardrobe problem can be solved with secondhand fashion. And that’s okay! In those cases, creating a sustainable wardrobe just means doing your research and figuring out which brands best fit your style and ethics. We did a previous blog on ethical alternatives for the UO girlies, but that only addresses a very specific style that doesn’t really jive with Zara. Our goal isn’t just to provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion brands, but ones you might actually want to shop at given their aesthetic, price points, and variety.

We’ve made it easy for you by compiling this list of 6 ethical fashion brands that hit all the same sweet spots as Zara—without the consumer guilt.

brands like zara that are ethical and sustainable

Marcella NYC

Marcella has four main sustainability pillars they’ve founded their company on. They use biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly fabrics, shorter production times for less overstock, and offer their workers fair wages and free healthcare! They offer chic and comfy basics that are equally perfect for lounging at home, or a night out in the town. While their price point is more higher-end than Zara (not surprising considering their ethos), the majority of their offerings are under $150 a piece which balances out in that they offer superior quality.

Note, some of their materials used are more less eco friendly than others, so be sure to click the “learn more” tabs on each product for a refreshingly transparent description of details.

Marcella New York

Marcella New York

Marcella New York

The Kit

THE KIT

THE KIT offers unique and vibrant patterns that are made-to-order and digitally printed onto one fabric; cutting down on wasted water, energy and labor. They house their end-to-end production cycle in one facility in the Dominican Republic so that the only carbon footprint is from shipping to customers. The Issa Jumpsuit is a cult favorite that’s giving Zara with its relaxed fits and graphic elements. If you normally head to Zara for statement pieces or fun office fits, The Kit is your new go-to. Currently, nothing they offer exceeds $168!

Issa Jumsuit

Tamga Designs

Based in Indonesia, eco club member TAMGA Designs uses renewable and biodegradable materials to create carbon-neutral clothing. They’re incredibly transparent about their environmental impact, and you can find Annual Impact reports and the details of their supply chain on their website. While their aesthetic is on the more playful, flirty end, their colors and florals are reminiscent of Zara’s spring prints, and they offer plenty of bold solids and basics like the photos above + below. Tamga’s fun, feminine designs are great for the summer, or Sundays at brunch and the farmer’s market.

Tamga Designs

Aday

Aday

Minimalist clothing brand Aday recently became a certified B Corp., and built their business model around creating timeless capsule wardrobe pieces that are machine washable (yay!) and meant to last. They handpick and visit each factory and mill in their supply chain, and almost half of these locations use renewable resources to generate some of the energy used in manufacturing their goods. A luxury brand, their pieces are perfect for a capsule wardrobe, or workers that want a comfy, classic look for the office—not for clothing hauls.

Aday

Baukjen

This certified B Corp. fashion brand won the 2021 UN Global Climate Action Award. Baukjen uses plastic-free, biodegradable packaging, offers rental and pre-loved clothing to reduce consumerism, and responsibly sources over 90% of their fabrics. Out of all the brands here, they probably have the most variety—and obviously those looking for brands like Zara like having options. They offer a mix of minimalist pieces and creative prints. Baukjen is perfect for those who like to look casually expensive without spending thousands on their wardrobe.

Baukjen has a bit of a J Crew look to it too!

Baukjen

Nobody’s Child

If you’re looking for brands like Zara that are sustainable yet on the more affordable end (as far as ethical fashion goes), London-based Nobody’s Child offers affordable eco fashion with everything priced under $200, and many items under $100 each. They used recycled polyester, eco vero, and organic cotton in their minimal-chic line. You can also shop their outlet for even more affordable finds. Lastly, they offer maternity, petite, and extended size lines that will hopefully expand in the future.

Nobody’s Child

Who else would you add to this list of sustainable brands like Zara? Let’s make this resource as helpful as possible!

The post 6 Beautiful Sustainable Alternatives to Zara appeared first on Eco Club.

Now chances are, unless you have something against Halloween, you like to dress up, decorate and/or entertain for October 31^st. And whether you’re planning on trick-or-treating, decorating for trick-or-treaters, or hosting a costume party, you know how overwhelming it can be to prepare. It’s a lot of moving parts for one night of the year. Which is why it’s understandable that most people buy expendable goodies for the holiday and then toss them November 1^st.

But we’re in our sustainable girl eras, and we know we can do better. So I’ve compiled a list of different Halloween elements you can replace this year with eco-friendly alternatives!

Eco Friendly Candy Swaps

Unreal

You can find Unreal snacks at most major grocery stores nowadays. They sell candy with simple ingredients, significantly less sugar, and sustainably sourced palm oil. And while they do still package in plastic, you can take the extra step to recycle through TerraCycle or a disposal service like Ridwell!

Alter Eco

Alter Eco is a certified B-Corp that has worked to create a carbon-neutral product and close the loop on their manufacturing process. They sell fair-trade, organic chocolates packaged in recyclable or compostable wrappers. If you love Lindt, you can grab a box of 60 truffles in 9 flavors for passing out (or stashing away).

Seattle Chocolate

Seattle Chocolate’s truffles come in nearly endless flavors, from classic milk chocolate to espresso and even a pop-in-your-mouth pink bubbly. These individually packed chocolates come in a rainbow of colors, making them fun to hand out to trick-or-treaters or just display in your Halloween party candy bowl. Their chocolate is ethically and sustainably sourced (Rainforest Alliance certified), their wrapping is home compostable, and the whole company is carbon neutral! They ship nationwide and can be found in stores across the US.

Glee Gum 

I would never want to deprive any child of the rite of passage that is Dubble Bubble gum. But if you want to switch it up for an alternative that’s all-natural and sustainably packaged, Glee gum sells 12-packs of regular and sugar free gums in 10 flavors!

Palm Free Chocolate

If you’re looking to go the extra mile this Halloween, opt for palm-free chocolate in your candy bowl. See why you may want to skip the traditional palm-oil laden candy brands here, and find a whole list of our favorite palm-free chocolate companies in this guide too!

Halloween Décor Swaps

Pumpkins

What’s really spooky is how much plastic goes into achieving those fall vibes this time of year. Where are my Trader Joe’s girlies at?? This is your Bat Signal—TJ’s mini gourds are the perfect, eco-friendly and affordable way to decorate your home and porch this season. They, along with the traditional pumpkin, can be disposed of sustainably in a number of ways.

Bonus points if you make it to a local pumpkin patch or farmers market for your “living” decor. Just remember… if it was outside on Halloween, it’s NOT good to eat.

Lights

I know that we love creating an immaculate ambiénce, and lights are an integral part of setting the mood! LED and solar-powered lights are an easy swap for the traditional plug-in this Halloween. You can get smart solar string-lights and change the color to match different holidays (i.e. Halloween and Christmas), or opt for rechargeable or recyclable batteries for LED lights.

Candy Pails

Ditch the plastic candy pail this year! Besides the obvious at-home alternatives like a pillowcase or reusable tote, there are adorable felt buckets you can use instead (or make if you’re feeling crafty).

Eco Friendly Halloween Costumes

Face Paint

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! If you’d rather spend time perfecting your face than wearing a costume this Halloween, Natural Earth Paint sells jars of face paint that are free of heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and petroleum-based dyes. All paints come in recycled packaging, home compostable paint pouches, or glass you can reuse after emptying the jar.

Face Glitter

With Barbie likely being a Halloween favorite this year, it’s a good time to remind everyone that regular craft glitter is NOT meant to be used on your face. It can contain toxic chemicals and be made from harmful plastic or metal particles. Always look for glitter that is marked as “cosmetic-grade” and ideally biodegradable like BioGlitter®. While you can find BioGlitter® at a number of retailers, Moon Shatter makes a point of packaging their products in reusable glass jars. 

Costume Tips

There’s a reason Spirit Halloween makes over a billion dollars annually. People love dressing up, and popular costumes change year to year. But you can opt for a low-waste holiday this season by thrifting, reusing an old costume, or swapping with friends and family. Most of us have at least one old costume collecting dust in our closets anyway… why not organize a swap among friends? Get creative! There’s no reason anyone should have to justify spending $50+ on an outfit they wear for less than 12 hours.

Which eco friendly Halloween tips would you add to this list? Let us know below!

The post From Candy to Costumes, These Are The Easiest Eco Friendly Halloween Swaps appeared first on Eco Club.

With rent, groceries, gas, and living getting more and more expensive, it’s a great dopamine hit to score a whole new wardrobe for under $100. (Look cute, feel cute, right?) But it demonstrates an incredible amount of privilege that we can enjoy these prices while ignoring the nasty (a.k.a. sweatshop) elephant in the room.

Most people don’t actively research why these brands are bad—what they’re doing and how that’s actually affecting consumers as a whole. And I feel you, it’s a lot to wade through. So I’ve made it easy-peasy for y’all by summarizing some of the more questionable practices of, and which top fast-fashion brands to avoid, along with a few resources on finding sustainable swaps.

The top fast fashion brands to avoid during your sustainability journey

Shein

I know people love this brand. But y’all… It’s. So. BAD. Shein is notorious for stealing the work of small creators, and is currently involved in a RICO investigation because of these infringements. They’ve also been accused of unethical labor practices which makes sense, as that’s often what allows fast fashion brands to offer consumers dirt-cheap prices.

For some, brands like Shein may seem like the only affordable way to get new clothes. But there are clothing-swap and free exchange FB groups full of other women who are in the same predicament that probably have the same style as you. And if that doesn’t pan out, thrifting is always an option for those with the patience.

Urban Outfitters

Besides having a string of ill-advised fashion choices (i.e. the infamous “Kent State” sweater), URBN (who owns Anthropologie and Free People) has had a long and reoccurring history of labor exploitation. They’ve been caught using subcontractors who employed children, sweatshops that severely underpaid workers in Bangladesh, and even been accused of violating labor laws in Pennsylvania. Plus, over the years, they have also come under fire for stealing indie designers’ work. But if you love the UO vibe, and Anthro to,fear not—we have guides to ethical alternatives for them both here and here.

Boohoo

This is for my Gen Z girlies. I know that Boohoo has all the cute, trendy, and affordable pieces for a hot girl closet, but their sustainability pledge (if you can call it that) is basically nonexistent. While they do have a tab on their website addressing sustainability, it has very vague promises, no solid numbers or statistics, and honestly kind of feels like it was written by a high schooler.

It also feels a little gas-lighty that they talk more about how you, the consumer, can be more sustainable, while barely addressing how they themselves are working towards the same goal. Lastly, like everyone else mentioned here, they’ve come under fire for unfair labor practices.

Zara 

Out of all these brands, Zara is arguably one of the more sustainable companies. They use recycled packaging and have made lofty goals like phasing out single use plastics in 2023, but there’s still a lack of transparency when it comes to their supply chain and working conditions for their manufacturers. Any and all documentation their parent company, Inditex, has on sustainability focuses more or their projected goals without offering any real numbers to show they’re actually reaching them. Can you say greenwashing?

I’d say anyone who enjoys Zara would also love Wolf & Badger. This global community of independent brands is B-Corp certified, and offers sustainably and ethically sourced clothing that leans more towards a refined, luxurious palate. While each brand has its own values when it comes to sustainability—see what we mean here—you won’t find any major fast fashion brands to avoid on their vendor list.

H&M

I feel like we’ve all been led to believe H&M is an okay-ish company because they have a clothing recycling program and talk about sustainability. But it’s giving major green-washing energy; they came under fire in 2018 for allegedly burning unsold clothing instead of recycling them.

All in all, at the end of the day, it may feel inconsequential for one person choose a few fast fashion brands to avoid. But in reality, it’s the collective efforts of each individual that’s slowly shifting the market away from textile waste. We are the ones that have the influence to force companies to become more sustainable. And it’s through small changes like shopping local or recycling our wardrobes that we really start to make a difference in what’s “desirable” tomorrow.

Looking for ethical alternatives to the brands featured above? Comb through a few of these sustainable fashion guides for ideas:

• 25 Incredible Slow Fashion Brands You’ve Never Heard Of
• 17 Bold Sustainable Jumpsuits for Fall
• Your Guide to Vegan Leather… That’s Actually Sustainable
• 12 Sustainable Activewear Companies for a Guilt Free Fit
• 11 Most Affordable Ethical Clothing Brands

The post 5 Fast Fashion Brands To Avoid — And Why To Make The Switch appeared first on Eco Club.

(And I know the “zero-waste jar” was a cutesy way to visualize your trash as you reduce single-use consumption, but the trend is kind of dead—and decorating with literal wrappers is giving major seagull vibes.)

It can be hard to feel like you’re making a difference when basically all consumer goods generate some level of waste. But that’s why it’s important to find the companies working to make sustainability more accessible and start transitioning how you shop, one staple at a time. So whether you’re looking to make a few changes in your kitchen, bathroom, or even your living room, we’ve got you covered.

10 companies making it easier to reduce waste

HoldOn

If you’re a hobby chef, or just seem to create a lot of trash, HoldOn makes heavy-duty, plant-based compostable bags that are a great alternative to the usual plastic ones. They’re also  TUV Home Compostable Certified, which means you can compost them commercially, or in your home compost, making it accessible to both those with local compost options and those who take it into their own hands at home.

Speaking from personal experience, I prefer HoldOn to BioBag because they have a drawstring closure. I have noticed, however, that any liquids tend to make the bags leak (which probably proves how compostable they are). I also love HoldOn’s compostable freezer bags. Makes saving food so much easier for those of us opting out of Zip-loc.

Matter

Another great plastic bag alternative, Matter is a bit more durable than HoldOn and so takes months, instead of weeks, to compost. I’ve only used the baggies from Matter because the trash bags are almost double the price of HoldOn’s, and have no complaints so far!

Both brands can be found at Target, making them incredibly accessible, and kind of eliminate any qualms about switching.

Ridwell

We all love the idea of recycling, but don’t always love the actual effort it takes to find a center or sort your recyclables. That’s why Ridwell offers a subscription service that picks up hard-to-recycle goods like plastic film, batteries and corks from your front porch, and does all the work for you.

Their tiered pricing plans are shockingly affordable, with the lowest one being $14/month and pick up every 2 weeks!

Sun & Swell

As much as I love the Welch’s fruit snacks, the individual packaging kills me inside… as do the artificial ingredients. So if you’re looking for a healthier, planet-friendly snack alternative, Sun & Swell has a range of clean, organic, plant-based snacks that come in compostable packaging!

While you can compost the packaging yourself, if you’re feeling lazy you can also get a prepaid mailer from Sun & Swell to have them compost it for you with their send-back program.

Everist

If you’re a fan of bar shampoos or package-less bath products, you’re going to love everist. They make waterless shampoo, conditioner, and body wash concentrates that eliminate the need to ship water, like conventional personal care brands do (since most of what’s in the bottle is simply h2o!). Plus, products are packaged in 100% recycled paper and aluminum containers, and they offer a program for you to ship your plastic caps back to them for upcycling.

Their whole business and website are dedicated to the message of reducing and recycling waste as a way to disrupt the beauty industry. They’re carbon-neutral, give back to the community, and promote transparency with a clear ingredient guide for all consumers. Oh, and it actually works (but more on that next week).

Farmacy

Who says you can’t look like a million bucks while reducing your carbon footprint? Farmacy has continually worked to go green since switching to 100% recyclable caps and jars 2019.

They pledged to go carbon-neutral with their shipping and transition to waste-free packaging in 2022, and continue to improve their supply chain and operation to be a truly sustainable beauty company. They’re also Leaping Bunny Certified, and partner with ClearForMe to implement ingredient transparency. (Be still, my heart!)

Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe reached carbon-neutral status in April 2022, and all their packaging is 100% recyclable. They also launched their first refillable product in 2021; you pop out the pod and replace it with a refill in their glass jar!

They’ve also made their sustainability efforts more accessible with diagrams of how to insert refills on their website, as well as offering to recycle their containers for consumers in partnership with TerraCycle.

Ruggable

Anyone with a pet knows the pain of having them mess up a rug at some point. Whether it’s fur, pee, or throw-up, our love for our furry friends comes at a cost. That’s why Ruggable is such a game changer, they’re the first company of their kind to offer rugs that are washable. Their rugs come in 2 parts, with the top Rug Covers being interchangeably attached to the bottom Rug Pad. They also use recycled materials when possible, and donate usable returns to individuals who are aging out of the foster care system.

Another, smaller company that champions washable rugs, ethical practices, and sustainable materials is Australian brand Ohh Happy Home (seen here).

Fernish

We all talk about fast fashion, but not about fast furniture. And we all know that, as affordable as it is, IKEA is not made for longevity. Enter, Fernish—a furniture rental company that lets you decorate your home with high-quality items for as long (or as little) as you like! While they refurbish all their furniture before each rental, when their items inevitably get worn down, they donate them to a list of charitable organizations or recycle when possible.

What brands would you add to this list? Give them a shout out below! And if you’re looking for even more support in cutting down on waste, check out our big roundup of where to shop zero waste online.

The post 10 Everyday Companies Making it Easier to Reduce Waste  appeared first on Eco Club.

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a charity dedicated to reducing single-use plastic (SUP) waste; they offer resources, ideas, and a fun sign-up challenge to get consumers motivated and mobilized. Although the foundation is based in Australia, their campaign is open to all, and they share a variety of ways for individuals and organizations to get involved. For those that need a little dopamine kick to stay on-task, Plastic Free July is the perfect way to create attainable goals and set yourself up for some instant gratification.

And for the commitment-phobes (I know you’re out there) here’s a few steps you can take on your own without the hullabaloo:

Shop loose or bulk groceries

While the convenience of pre-packaged salads and bagged grapes is undeniable, choosing to bring your own bags and/or buying loose produce and bulk grains can help you reduce the amount of SUPs you consume.

If you want to take it a step further, you can research local small-batch and sustainable shops in your area, supporting your community while saving money and trying out a new way of shopping!

Opt to combine packages

I know we all love Amazon.

I also know we feel terrible about loving Amazon.

But unless you’re willing to avoid online shopping like the plague in July, one way to cut your SUPs is by choosing to have your deliveries bundles into fewer boxes. It might take an extra day or two to arrive, but it’s an easy, zero-effort way to be a little more sustainable.

Of course, you can always take it a step further and opt-out of Amazon shopping for the month—it’s all about what feels doable to you.

Join a community clean-up

This is for the extroverts, or people of action. If you want to make a tangible difference that you can see, try joining a local beach or park clean-up! You get to meet new, like-minded people, and flex on your Insta while beautifying your community.

If you want to be involved without being *involved,* you can also organize, donate to, or share the event to spread awareness. There are a variety of reasons someone may not be able to physically contribute to a clean-up, but there’s many equally impactful alternatives to support the cause!

Contact your local government

For those who are passionate about making a difference and unafraid to speak up, calling your local representative can be a great way to initiate change in your community. Share how you feel about new laws or mandates that are up for voting on, or demand change for specific situations in your area.

You can also spread awareness by involving your friends and family, and even write a script for them to follow if lack of knowledge is keeping them from getting involved.

It’s important to remember that reducing SUP consumption doesn’t just have to be buying less plastics. Building awareness is an equally important way to increase your impact, and grow the movement.

It’s also important to remember you’re just one person. Sometimes avoiding single use plastics isn’t an option, and it’s okay if you don’t adhere to a plastic-free life 100% of the time. Becoming more sustainable is a lifelong journey that modern consumerism doesn’t always cater to. And getting caught up in an all-in mindset can lead to discouragement, and then defeat.

Take going green day-by-day and understand that your best effort is important and valid. Celebrate your wins, and remember to give yourself grace—changing the world takes more than one Plastic Free July.

The post 4 Simple Ways To Celebrate Plastic Free July appeared first on Eco Club.

Japan

A family-friendly celebration takes place over the span of 2 days in Yoyogi Park every year. More than 100,000 people attend annually and enjoy a variety of activities and opportunities to learn about sustainability and sustainable companies. 

Taking inspiration from Japan may mean hosting or attending a small get-together with friends to learn and share ways to be more eco-friendly in 2023 (who doesn’t love a reason for a hot girl picnic??). 

Denmark

If you happen to find yourself in Copenhagen when they’re celebrating Earth Day, you get to experience a unique performance with drummers facing each corner of the earth. Afterwards, participants continue on to the March for Science which aims to hold elected officials accountable for greener initiatives. 

Inspiration from Denmark may mean finding a local march to join or supporting a local charity event that is raising funds for eco-friendly movements in your community!

India

Earth Day in India encompasses a larger movement to raise awareness about ways environmental damage is affecting the country. And while conservation is a spectrum, they put on a host of events specifically centered around the protection of the endangered Asian elephant which is native to the country. 

Some people wear green to celebrate Earth Day in India which is an easy way for you to show solidarity. But if you want to do more without having to leave the comfort of your home, consider donating to animal conservation groups or local shelters!

South Africa

The South African government considers climate change to be one of the greatest threats to the future of humanity. They host an Earth Expo each year that presents an educational forum for discussions centered around technology, entrepreneurship, sustainable nutrition, and more.

Want to celebrate Earth Day like South Africa? Consider watching a TED Talk on our current and changing ecosystems, or on new discoveries in the green tech space! 

Spain

The Global Unity and Regeneration Gathering is a 24-hour event held in Lanjarón, Granada, Spain each year. Participants can attend workshops and presentations on environmentalism, and the spirituality of their connection to the earth. 

Past workshops have included ways to cultivate spirulina pools, or how to build a self-regeneration water system which you can emulate by putting out a rain catcher barrel to water your plants, or finding easy ways to repurpose kitchen scraps.

It’s easy to get caught up in this idea of “doing enough” as an eco-conscious person, and that can lead to executive dysfunction when it’s time to actually try and do something good for the environment. These ideas inspired by other countries aren’t meant to intimidate you; they’re meant to show that meaningful action can happen at any scale. Don’t let the fear of judgment from others keep you from celebrating this Earth Day! Enjoy yourself, and do something good for you and the planet at whatever magnitude you’re comfortable and capable of.

photo by Karolina Grabowska

The post How To Celebrate Earth Day Like Communities Around The World appeared first on Eco Club.

Still skeptical about any real changes being made? Here’s a round up of positive environmental news to prove that not everything that’s happening in the world has to be doom and gloom… as of this writing, anyway!

Positive environmental news stories 2023

We May have a Microplastics Solution

After writing a few blogs on why microplastics are so bad for us and the environment, it looks like scientists are making way on finding a solution to combat this type of pollution. Craig Arnold, vice dean of innovation at Princeton, has found a way to utilize egg whites(!) to create an aerogel that is roughly 99% effective in capturing and removing microplastics from seawater. (via Science Daily)

EPA rallies to protect Alaska aquatic ecosystem

In an unusually bold move the EPA blocked the creations of a proposed copper and gold mine in Alaska. Their reasoning was the necessary preservation of the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery. The final verdict for this situation is still up in the air, but the EPA has made it clear they will continue to advocate for the protection of Bristol Bay’s ecosystem; where about half of the world’s sockeye salmon originate from. Positive environmental news from the EPA in this day and age? We’ll take it! (via PBS News Hour)

Finland makes Breakthrough in Vegan Solution to Meat

The Finnish government’s state-owned research institute center, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has found a way to turn overlooked crops like fava beans and sorghum into a sustainable and scalable alternative to meat! Focused on addressing the issue of creating an appealing meat alternative, they’ve invented a technique that uses a combination of cellular agriculture and food design to take plant-based ingredients and create alternatives that mimic the texture and juiciness of real meat. (via VegNews)

St. Louis Stadium Pledges to Host a Zero-Waste Season

The CITYPARK stadium in St. Louis, MO will be eliminating single-use plastic products and replacing them with compostable utensils and reusable aluminum cups this sports season! Dedicated to creating a zero-waste stadium, they’ve partnered with multiple diverse organizations and initiatives. CITYPARK aims to donate and reduce food waste, implement renewable energy sources for power, and encourage fans to choose environmentally friendly transportation options like bikes and e-cars. (via SLC SC)

Boldy to Launch Vegan Seafood

In the wake of the success of companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burgers, Boldy is the new kid on the block with a lofty mission: to launch a 100% vegan seafood line. Slated to start distribution this summer, their products will include plant-based salmon and tuna sashimi, calamari, shrimp, crab sticks, and white fish filets featuring konjac root. (via Vegconomist)

(And if you’re in Los Angeles and too impatient to wait for Boldy’s launch, check out Fysh Foods in WeHo!)

Looking for more positive environmental news? Check out our guide to where to find good news!

The post 5 Recent Stories with Good News For The Environment appeared first on Eco Club.

Brown Girl Jane

Black female owned and operated, BGJ focuses on resolving inequity in the wellness space for WOC. The company sells an array of fragrances, CBD supplements, skincare, and candles—all ethically sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free. Their pledge for transparency means you can see what ingredients they don’t include, and their 3^rd party lab test result here.

Oui the People

While this company may sound more like a fragrance brand than the last, Oui the People actually sells personal grooming supplies—most notably their razors. Their mission statement outlines how they’re creating sustainability from “product to packaging” with their reusable glass bottles and stainless-steel recyclable blade heads, as well as reiterating their commitment to continue creating more opportunities for sustainability in their process.

Olamina Botanicals

Centered in healing with herbalism and holistic solutions, Olamina is an incredibly curated and seasonal apothecary. The company sources their ingredients directly from a community of medicinal herb farmers, as well as from plants they grow and harvest themselves. This Black-female founded brand offers salves, tinctures, tonics, and more. All with the intention of empowering you to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Reel Paper

Eco club member Reel has created a tree-free, sustainable toilet paper alternative out of bamboo (that’s surprisingly soft!). The B-Corp Certified company not only packages in plastic-free recyclable paper and biodegradable packing materials, they also work to offset any carbon emissions created by their supply chain through partnerships with Flexport and the Carbonfund.org Foundation. Set up a recurring subscription and never worry about running out again, and find more ways to make your bathroom more sustainable here.

Honeypot

A Black female-founded and owned period product company Honeypot gives back in multiple ways. The products themselves are hypoallergenic, plant-based, cruelty free, and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified. Honeypot also dedicates a percentage of its sales to donate to organizations that support sexual wellness services, clean water and menstrual product accessibility, and health education.

BLK+GRN

BLK+GRN is a collection of Black female artisans whose products have been vetted to create a sustainability-centric marketplace. Their mission is to create a space that funds Black women and their businesses while offering non-toxic health and wellness products to Black consumers. Their rigorous 4 step approval process ensures that every product offered on their platform is sustainably sourced and packaged, made of clean ingredients and tested for efficacy by in-house professionals.

While this is only a minute sampling of the vastly untapped market of Black-owned businesses—concentrated here in the wellness space—hopefully one or two of the names on this list caught your attention. These companies all work towards the betterment of the Black community; giving back monetarily or by creating a product that fills a need for a green alternative to everyday goods. Allyship doesn’t always have to be something you share on your social media. Sometimes all you have to do to support POC businesses is wipe with bamboo.

The post 6 Black-Owned Wellness Businesses to Support this February and Beyond appeared first on Eco Club.

Now, I’m not trying to be an alarmist—this isn’t about scaring you with the pollution BoogeyMan. Rather, talking about microplastics is about arming you with the right kind of knowledge so that you can grow as a consumer and make smarter choices for yourself. Because oftentimes many of us can only afford the cheap option; buying sustainable and green can feel like a luxury reserved for the rich.

But while not every green or eco-friendly good may be universally accessible, being able to work within the confines of your socio-economic bubble is still a step in the right direction. So let’s start by approaching the most unavoidable and crucial element of your daily life… food.

How do microplastics get in our food?

I previously touched on microplastics in this post, but while that was a macro approach to the issue, this is more of a micro approach. The journey our food takes from the farm, or the ocean, to our tables is long and full of human manufacturing. Taking away the plastic waste created to package our food, the truth is that microplastics are so miniscule that they can penetrate the cells of fruits and vegetables. (So if you run into any smug vegetarians or vegans, remind them that we’re all in the same boat here.) When it comes to our meat—fish, beef, poultry—these animals often consume microplastics mistaking them for food. And you know what they say—you are what you eat.

Obviously, this wasn’t always an issue. Plastic was invented in the late 19^th century, and only really began to be mass produced in the 1960’s. Yet, because it can take centuries for even one water bottle to fully biodegrade, we’re consuming plastics from decades ago in today’s food chain. That’s why using BPA-free bottles is kind of moot. The microplastics you’re consuming probably came from an age before that kind of production regulation. And while trying to live a microplastic-free existence is basically impossible, there are definitive sources of the pollutant that outweigh others.

Can we avoid it? Some tips…

This first tip may seem like a no-brainer, but even I’m a slave of convenience sometimes; avoid drinking bottled water. Turns out that it’s the largest source of dietary microplastic! This is a fantastic time to invest in a glass or metal bottle, and maybe gift one to a loved one for the holidays.

Speaking of water, don’t drink tap. While I can’t vouch for other countries, if you live in the US you should definitely be filtering your water. While pollutants range from state to state, I think it’s safe to say that taking the extra step to purify your water can’t hurt.

Also try to avoid single use plastics in general, but especially in food packaging like the wrappers on meat and pasta. Don’t microwave in plastic when possible and try to transition to glass or metal containers when possible. While grocery items like cheese and milk do often have non-plastic options, it’s important to note these are usually more expensive alternatives to their plastic-packaged counterparts.

Avoid highly processed foods when possible as well. Besides the fact that all those artificial fillers are bad for you in general, the theory is that low-nutrition food can pair with the effects of microplastics to increase the likelihood of developing chronic health problems.

Overall, there’s simultaneously a million things and not a one that you can do to tackle your microplastic consumption. Real change comes from legislation, and with so much of the planet peppered with microplastics it’s doubtful a meaningful solution is just beyond the horizon. But you can advocate for that legislation, and when it does come up, make sure to vote.

Despite this grim assessment, you can still make changes to your own life and how you live it so that you’re doing your best to create a wholesome and healthy experience for yourself. Like everything in life, some things we can control, and others… Not so much.

The post Okay So There Are Microplastics in Our Food… What Should We Do? appeared first on Eco Club.