Full transparency, because this is a (spoiler alert) positive review, and we did indeed add them to our list of top sustainable brands we love, we use affiliate links throughout this post. If you buy through one of those links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks for understanding and keeping this blog alive!

What is everist?

Everist is a line of waterless haircare and bodycare products that reduce environmental impact of shipping water by offering concentrates of their formulas. They also exclude conventional chemicals and single use plastic. If you’re not familiar with the brand, check out their insta for info and tutorials.

Their schtick: “Most shampoos, conditioners and body washes are more than 70% water, made from petrochemicals and packed in single-use plastic. We took out the water, packed in the skincare ingredients and concentrated them down into luxe creams to make products that are better for the planet and amazing for your hair, skin and scalp.”

Each tube contains only the formula itself — you mix it with water while you’re in the shower. The idea is, you’re already using these in the shower, why wouldn’t you just use the water you have in there with you?

These products are the latest in the movement toward quality personal care products that are as harmless to the planet as they are to the person using them. I love this concept personally because one of my biggest pet peeves is when brands tout their nontoxic ingredients and health benefits, while showing little to no concern for the planet — which is, as you may know, our home. Mother Earth’s health is our health, you know!

Anyway, Jenn and I each used the everist waterless haircare products and body wash for the last several months. We have different hair types and skin needs, so we figured we’d each share our take.

Angela left, Jenn right

Angela’s everist review

• Hair Type: fine but not thin, long, straight
• Concerns: gets greasy quickly, lacks volume
• Wash: 3x per week
• Dose: about .5″ shampoo, a little more to condition
• Using everist for: 5 months

shampoo + conditioner concentrate

I wash my hair every 2-3 days. Prior to everist, I didn’t have a go-to shampoo and conditioner, I’d pretty much try a new one each time I had to stock up. Everist typically recommends using an inch-long dose of the product, but they told me people use anywhere from .5″ to 1.5″ per wash and that while most customers replenish every three months, some replenish every month, so it really varies as far as how fast they go through the tube.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was for me to work the shampoo and body wash into a lather. For the shampoo, I’d make sure my hair was completely wet, as well as my hands. I’d rub together in my hands a little (but it’s a bit squirmy and I didn’t want to drop the stuff) and then just kinda slide it over the top of my head and massage it into my scalp from there. The more I massaged, the sudsier it got, which made it easier to move across the rest of my scalp. I feel like this is an advantage over shampoo bars.

The conditioner required a bit more each wash, but I have pretty long hair (below my chest) so I go higher than just roots. After using for a couple weeks, I loved how my hair looked after the wash, condition, and drying. That said, I had to get used to the fact that my hair wasn’t as soft and tangle-free as it would be after I’d use a conventional conditioner. Conventional conditioners usually make it easier to comb through hair (which is prone to those very tiny but painful knots) but I found with this conditioner I maintained my post-shampoo tangles. That didn’t bother me though because I use de-tangler religiously, so as long as I kept up that routine I was good. And once brushed through and dried, it looked great!

the body wash concentrate

While I liked the waterless shampoo and conditioner concentrates, I loved the body wash! I’ve always been sensitive to fragrance, but still wanted the clean feeling that you sometimes lack with unscented products. This is like the best of bold worlds. Super subtle, no strong scent, and yet I actually felt like I was getting a good clean. I would absolutely spring for the bundle with the biodegradable konjac sponge (and I have), because it helps it reach full lather status. Just remember to wring your sponge out and hang to dry — if it stays wet, it will disintegrate (trust me). Can your loofah do that?!

the packaging

The packaging, tubes, and keys are recycled and recyclable (anyone else hate when brands brag about being recyclable? Oh, so you’re made of literally anything? Cool.) As far as the caps, which are too small for curbside recycling, you can find instructions on their website. This eco-friendly packaging is actually a huge reason why everist products are priced the way they are (their superior ingredients are another reason). Ever since we started our own online boutique, both Jenn and I have even more respect for those who invest in sustainable packaging. It’s truly so expensive and hard to find.

The bottom line: is everist worth the money?

I highly recommend everist, but with some caveats: My bundle actually lasted me around four months, making my cost per month for hair + body care products lower than someone who has to re-up more often. I just started using my second round, and hope to sustain it going forward. And I absolutely recommend to someone who is used to using luxury haircare products, as the price is really quite reasonable ($28 a pop) when compared to designer shampoos and conditioners. However, if I had to use more often, I’d probably have to (begrudgingly) supplement with a cheaper product to stay within my budget.

You do have to be willing to get used to the idea of a concentrate. I’ve actually enjoyed the journey so far. I’m normally always in a rush, and this kind of forces me to be a bit more mindful about my routine.

jenn’s everist review

• Hair Type: naturally wavy/curly 2C hair
• Concerns: is often dry and tangles quickly
• Wash: 3x per week
• Dose: 1-1.5 inch of shampoo, same for conditioner
• Using everist for: 3 months

my experience

After using it for about three months, I love that it makes my hair feel super clean and also shiny. At first, I felt like I was using a lot of the product and that I’d run out early because I have so much hair, but there’s actually a lot in those tubes! I apply the shampoo to the top of my scalp and work into a lather, but I apply extra under my hair too (that’s where it can get really oily).  Sometimes takes a while to get it into a lather, although I love how my hair looks and feels after. When it comes to the body wash, the konjac sponge really helps with this, though a loofah works too.

The conditioner is amazing! I mainly apply this to my ends but since I have long hair (and a lot of it), I end up using more than an inch. I leave it on for 5-10 minutes while washing my face, shaving, etc.

Something to note: I’m pregnant and have been the entire time I’ve used everist. I know everyone talks about dramatic hair changes during those pregnancy months! For me, I feel like it’s just been a bit more unruly and drier than usual. I’ll update this posts when I’ve used it a few months postpartum!

would I recommend everist?

Yes! I’d definitely recommend everist if you have the budget for it. Personally, I would have to restock more often than Angela, but if budget weren’t an option I’d consider buying regularly.

Shop helloeverist.com and follow them on IG here!

The post Our Everist Review is Here! 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.

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?

The post How Mushrooms are Dominating the Sustainability Movement appeared first on Eco Club.

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.

The post How To Quit Palm Oil appeared first on Eco Club.

While the pursuit of sustainability may never end, the beauty of the increase in eco-conscientious consumerism in the last decade is that companies are starting to realize the marketability of sustainable packaging. We want post-consumer and recycled bottles and boxes; we care if the plastic seal on our eye cream is going to end up in a landfill.

So if you’ve been meaning to transition your skincare and beauty routine to support more eco-friendly companies, here are 10 innovative zero waste beauty brands you can check out today.

10 zero & low-waste makeup & skincare companies

Axiology

As much as we joke about men’s infamous 3-1 soap, Axiology has made multipurpose sexy with their Zero Waste Balmies. Perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks, Axiology uses recycled paper that can be recycled or composted in their packaging. (Their lipstick tubes do use recycled plastic that keeps plastic out of landfills, but require finding a company like Credo that is willing to recycle your empties once you’re done.)

DEW MIGHTY

One of the coolest concepts I’ve seen brought to life, DEW MIGHTY has created a serum that’s in bar form. They also emphasis a zero-waste approach to sustainability and offer packaging that is metal (i.e. reusable) or recyclable/ compostable via their “exclusive natural based veggie coated paper […] printed with plant based inks that was created specifically for DEW MIGHTY.”

River Organics

Founded with a purely paper-based packaging strategy, River Organics uses recycled envelopes that are plastic free and compostable. While they do carry some items in glass bottles and metal tins, this vegan and palm-oil free company emphasizes building a zero-waste and ingredient transparent brand.

Blue Heron Botanicals

Dedicated to a holistic approach to healing and beauty, Blue Heron Botanicals uses eco-tubes for their lip therapy sticks, balms, and salves. Their packaging is 100% compostable, recyclable or reusable, and on the rare occasion they launch a limited-edition product in tins or glass jars, they encourage reusing the containers over recycling as a more sustainable practice.

Josie Maran

One of the more recognizable brands on this list, Josie Maran fully converted to 100% post-consumer recycled materials last year. They also partner with TerraCycle to offer a free and easy way to recycle their packaging, and the bulk of their items come in reusable glass containers.

Activist

Like the name suggests, Activist focuses on building opportunities for social activism by “prioritize women and people of color when selecting our partners and vendors” while building an environmentally friendly skincare brand. They use a refill pouch system to cut down on unnecessary waste. While pouches are not compostable, they are recyclable through TerraCycle, and they cut down on carbon emissions versus shipping heavy containers.

Fat and the Moon

Ferociously eco-conscious, Fat and the Moon has built a business around closing the loop. They source all their ingredients from local and transparently identified farmers, and “see packaging as an ingredient.” They have an adorable Regeneration Guide on their site to direct consumers on how to reuse, recycle or compost their various packaging materials, and ship all orders plastic-free in recyclable or biodegradable boxes paper and tape.

Ethique

Proudly 100% plastic-free, Ethique sells all their products as either bars or sticks in compostable tubes. They ship all orders in “a cardboard box, with paper ‘bubble wrap’, all sealed with paper tape.” They also plant a tree in partnership with Ecologi for every order made!

Osea

Based in California, Osea packages most of their goods in glass (though their body scrubs are packaged in PP plastic for safety reasons.) In an effort to promote recycling, they also offer the chance for locals to bring empty OSEA products to their Venice Studio, with a $40 credit incentive for every every 6 full size or 1oz travel size products returned. For non-locals, they recommend TerraCycle. Lastly, they are Climate Neutral Certified.

Meow Meow Tweet

With one of the best company names I’ve ever come across, Meow Meow Tweet packages all their products in glass, metal, or compostable paper. They boast a bulk program that’s a closed loop refill system and 100% zero waste, and offer vegan and palm-oil free beauty products aimed at inclusivity.

To see more beauty brands making waves in the low-waste community, check out our sustainable directory.

The post 10 Innovative Zero Waste Beauty Brands appeared first on Eco Club.

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!

The post How To Be More Eco Friendly in 2022 appeared first on Eco Club.

We’ve also heard about how individual efforts pale in the comparison to the potential impact of big corporations, but does that mean we should just give up on recycling? Is recycling just wishful thinking at this point? And while some communities have gotten creative about how they approach sustainability and recycling, like Thailand’s efforts to replace plastic packaging with banana leaves, it’s hard not to feel like we’re swatting at rhinos with paper towels as the global climate crisis grows.

does recycling matter?

Let’s look at the facts. According to the EPA, the average American created about 4.9 pounds of waste per day in 2018. This waste includes bottles, boxes, food, furniture, and more. Of the total 292.4 million tons (!) of waste produced, only 69 million tons were recycled. That’s less than 25% of all waste.

Branching into different categories of recyclables, only about 9% of all plastic gets recycled. That means the other 91% is slowly breaking into microplastics in landfills, which can, and have, leaked into our ecosystems, and even infiltrated our food chain. And while 9% may still seem better than nothing, the unfortunate reality with plastic is that its recycling process often involves downcycling—which just lessens its usefulness each cycle until it’s too thin to be used.

more recycling stats

Now, paper paints a brighter picture. (I mean, as bright as it can get). As terrible as cutting trees is, paper recycling is far more prevalent—about 68% of all paper and cardboard is recycled! 

Glass and metal are also recycled at much higher rates than plastic—over 30% for both—but overall the recycling game leaves a lot to be desired. 

And while all these numbers are bleak, I think one message stands out—we have to work together to make real change. Not just with recycling but advocating for businesses to implement more eco-friendly packaging. Petitioning governments to fight harder for green initiatives. Actively fight to inch ourselves away from ecological destruction.

I’m sorry to say that despite seeing the problem, addressing the problem, and knowing how we could theoretically fix the problem, I don’t have a clear-cut answer for whether recycling is worth it. Yes, individual recycling seems futile, and doesn’t even create a blip on the grander scheme of things. But to give up just because you don’t see you own actions making change seems like it would do more harm than good. And I’m not saying recycle just to make yourself feel good about yourself—I’m saying explore what you can do more of.

Shop sustainably. Buy goods meant to last or sourced ethically. Use your power as a consumer to force corporations to shift their business models. Money talks louder than words when it comes to big companies and their waste production. We’ve seen a surge in smaller sustainable businesses in the last decade because that’s what newer generations want. 

That’s how we’ll make lasting changes.

At the end of the day, it boils down to if you’d rather be a glass half-empty, or a glass half-full kind of person. I think that as a society we are painfully aware of how ineffectual our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint feels sometimes. But that doesn’t mean we should stop. The debate about the impact of recycling is just that—a debate. Until we can come up with a solid plan to replace consumer recycling, innovate a new way to reduce waste, there’s nothing wrong with just trying to do your part.

The post Is Recycling Actually Making A Difference? appeared first on Eco Club.

Top to bottom, left to right:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post 15 Unique Zero Waste Goods For Design Lovers appeared first on Eco Club.

But before you read, make sure you’ve scrolled through our tips for shopping more sustainably online, as this absolutely applies to everything you buy… even at a zero waste shop. Btw, we’re super proud to say, three of these shops are actually based here in Seattle! (Though they all offer shipping.) Hopefully it’ll inspire you to look up some local businesses that can meet your needs as well.

where to buy zero waste online

Plastic Free Pursuit | plasticfreepursuit.com
Everyday essentials to promote a waste free lifestyle.

Eco Roots | ecoroots.us
Zero waste products, plastic free shipping, and 1% for the planet.

Eco Collective | ecocollective.com
Skincare, hair care, journaling and wellness for the zero waster.

Package Free Shop | packagefreeshop.com
Zero Waste Products that reduce waste in your daily routine! Carbon Neutral & Plastic Free shipping!

Mindful Goods | mindfulgoods.com
Intentionally designed products for a sustainable lifestyle and a healthy home.

The Waste Less Shop | thewastelessshop.com
High quality, sustainable home and body products in environmentally conscious packaging!

A Public Shop | apublicshop.com
Thoughtfully considered reusable and refillable options that result in less waste.

Goldrick Natural Living | goldricknaturalliving.com
Goldrick inspires people to see the beauty and purpose in nature.

No Tox Life | notoxlife.com
Mother & daughter team making vegan body + home products since 2014.

Protea | proteazerowaste.com
Hawaii’s first zero waste refill store! Inviting people to take care of our Earth through a zero-waste lifestyle.

Zerovana | zerovana.com
Get inspired to reduce your waste with sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastics and simple everyday swaps that add up to a huge impact.

Tare Market | thetaremarket.com
Eco-friendly products and educational resources that will help you live a more sustainable, zero waste lifestyle!

Way of Being | wayofbeing.co 
Low waste swaps that actually work.

ZeroWasteStore | zerowastestore.com
Shop 1,000+ plastic-free essentials to create a sustainable routine.

Etsy | etsy.com

I love searching Etsy stores for zero waste goodies from independent makers. Be sure to read each shop’s descriptions and policies, and DM them for any questions you have. I know there are plenty of misleading businesses operating on Etsy (it’s such a large marketplace), but if you are a discerning buyer, you can find incredible small brands to support in your sustainable living journey. If you shop there, make sure the brand describes the item thoroughly, discusses how it will be shipped (no one wants a zero waste kit shipped in plastic, ahem, Amazon), and that the price point makes sense for what you’re purchasing!

Now Closed: Scoop Marketplace | scoopmarketplace.com
Zero Waste Grocery Store with Bulk Goods & Reusable Products.
*If you’re looking for a local zero waste shop in Seattle, try The Naked Grocer.

Now Closed: Wild Minimalist | wildminimalist.com
Sustainable, zero waste alternatives for home and on-the-go.

Of course, if you have a zero waste or bulk/refill store in your city, it’s most sustainable to buy local! However, if restrictions due to the pandemic or lack of options in your area have brought you to shopping online, it’s nice to know that these shops are also committed to low waste and plastic-free packaging!

Where do you buy zero waste goods and supplies online?

The post Zero Waste Shopping: Where To Buy Zero Waste Online appeared first on Eco Club.

As a brand dedicated to revitalize the craft of weaving and naturally dyeing, we are invested in learning and teaching the beautiful and ancient art of natural dyeing. Natural dyeing is the practice of using natural ingredients such as plants and food waste to obtain colors to dye fabric with. However, with the invention of synthetic dyes, the entire textile industry has relied heavily on petroleum-base substances to dye our fibers, contaminating our water sources, soils and affecting the health of the people who directly interact with these dyes. Natural dyes on the other hand, are biodegradable and cause minimal environmental impact when used with safe mordants. For our business, using natural dyes instead of chemical ones is a way we can directly minimize our environmental impact, creating products that can be 100% biodegradable at the end of their life cycle.

We also love how fun this craft can be! It makes for a great science and art project for families and kids learning at home during this season of quarantine. You only need to save some of your natural waste material and/or find local plants to dye some old cotton t-shirts or new wool yarn to knit with. We decided to start with a very simple recipe many people can do at home because all you need is your avocado pits and skins! We will be sharing more recipes over the next months, but we though this one was an easy one for those who have never dyed with food waste material before! Let’s get started.

DIY Natural Avocado Dye: What You’ll Need

• Avocado skins and pits. I normally collect them over 2 weeks and place them in a bag and put them in the freezer to avoid them collecting mold. Collect enough to make up around the same weight as your fiber goods. For this project I recommend between (100-200g). Also, make sure to wash off the green remnants of avocado well. I recommend using the hass avocados instead of the bigger ones.
• 100-200g of any natural fiber fabric or yarn. Natural dyeing only works with natural fibers. Make sure that the yarn skein or cloth that you pick is made out of cotton, wool, linen, alpaca, any animal or vegetable fiber. That means no polyester or nylon fabrics.
• Alum powder or an aluminium stone. There are some great websites that sell natural dyeing materials. Dharma Trading sells alum powder, you can order online here. If you are using powder, you will need only 1 tablespoon of powder per 100g of fiber. If you are in Colombia or in other countries outside the US and Europe, I recommend buying aluminium stone, which can easily be found in pharmacies or online. They sell small packs of 1 stone in pharmacies and you just need 1 or 2 for this project. (I am using alum stone for this tutorial).
• A large staining steel pot.
• A pair of heat resisting gloves.
• A wooden spoon.
• Optional: If you wish to do some shibori (tie-dye) design to your piece then you’ll need rubber bands, cotton rope and/or wood blocks.

DIY Natural Yarn Dyeing: How To

MORDANTING YOUR FIBERS

Firstly we are going to prepare your fibers to soak up and adhere to the color as much as possible. Avocados have a great advantage over other dyestuffs and is that they contain tannins. Tannins are found in wood, bark, leaves and fruit of plants as various as oak, rhubarb, tea, walnut, cranberry, cacao, grapes and wine. The purpose of tannins is to protect the fruit or plant from animals eating them before they are ripe. But most importantly, tannins are natural mordants for dyeing fabric. In other words, avocado dyeing has an advantage and is that it already contains natural mordants to make sure the color won’t wash off. However, I personally prefer to always mordant all my fibers with aluminium prior to dyeing because it makes the colors stronger and even more long lasting. Is a simple easy step that helps you rest asure your color won’t wash off after dyeing.

1. Boil enough water in a medium size pot. Just enough to cover your fibers.

2. Introduce 1 aluminium stone or 1-2 teaspoons of aluminium powder (based on the weight of your fibers)

3. Mix thoroughly until dissolved.

4. Wet your fibers. Make sure your fibers (t-shirt or yarn skein) are fully wet before introducing.

5. Introduce your fibers to the hot pot and simmer for 1 hour.

6. Move your fibers around every once in a while. Do not let the fibers sit. This will avoid having uneven color and help you get nice even results

7. Remove and wash with cold water.

EXTRACTING DYE FROM AVOCADO PITS AND SKINS

After mordanting your fibers, you can leave them inside a bowl or hang them to dry while you work on extracting the dye from the avocado pits and skins. For these next steps you are going to need the avocado skins and pits you stored. Some dyers will use the skins and pits separately and you can also do that. In this case I am using both together to see what shades and depths of colors we get. As a rule, I normally use a 1:1 Ratio. With cotton, colors tend to be less strong, so I would recommend using the same weight of your fibers and dyestuff to get as much depth of color as possible. You will get deeper shades with animals fibers like wool. So, In this case for 150g of fibers I will use 150-200 grams of avocado stones and pits to make sure we get as much color as possible.

1. In a medium size pot, heat enough water to cover fibers until it’s simmering. It’s very important to NOT boil the water. If you do, you can burn and “brown” the dye and only get brown shades.
2. Add your avocado skins and pits.
3. If you decide to add baking soda, add 1/4 to your pot and dissolve.
4. Stir occasionally and leave simmering for an hour and a half. You will start noticing the water changing color from a light peach to a dark orange and finally to a dark red/purple within the 1st hour.

DYEING THE FIBER

1. Add the wet mordanted fiber and stir to make sure you get all the fibers evenly dyed.
2. Leave simmering for another 2 hours and stir occasionally.
3. Leave your fibers in the pot for 24 to 48 hours. (Colors will get darker the longer you leave your fibers in the pot) Natural dyeing is a SLOW PROCESS! You will notice the dye getting darker the longer tome you leave it to sit.
4. When you are ready to take your fibers out, wash off until you see clear water running. This will ensure your cloth won’t run anymore dye when you wash it next time.
5. With a strainer, separate the remaining bits of the avocado stones and skins. You can dry them and try extracting more dye out of them a second time. You can also store your liquid dye and try to use it for another dye bath. It will probably be good to use one more time but you might get lighter shades.

DIY NATURAL AVOCADO DYE: THE RESULTS

Thank you, Tatiana!!! Be sure to stop by Zuahaza’s blog for the full DIY avocado dye tutorial, including even more tips + tricks for a successful batch of avocado dyed yarn! And if you can’t get enough, she also has a DIY natural dye with red cabbage tutorial here!

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