Bayon Temple

Siem Reap, Cambodia travel guide

Day 1

When you’re in Siem Reap, temple tours are an absolute must. Find a guide (Louet is one of the best in town) and head to the ancient city of Angkor by tuktuk (motorized rickshaws) to discover the impressive ancient ruins. Make sure you get there for the 5:00 am sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat reflecting ponds. It’s an early one but worth every penny.

Angkor Thom

Once you’ve crossed that off your list there are tons of other temples to view but here are our recommendations for the must-sees in the Angkor area:

• Angkor Thom: Enter the ancient city of Angkor through this impressive Southern Gate
• Angkor Wat: One of the wonders of the world, this iconic temple is a must see. If you can manage to get up, make sure to be there during sunset
• Bayon Temple: The temple of over 200 stone smiling faces built in the 12th century
• Elephant Terrace: A striking 350m long wall decorated with carved elephants
• Ta Phrom: Known for the giant roots and trees, this was the temple where Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider, was shot.

Ta Phrom

This will definitely be a whole day affair so make sure you eat a big breakfast and ask your guide to find a restaurant to break for lunch. Post-tour, your body will be feeling it so make sure you book an appointment at the spa, Bodia, for a rejuvenating massage. 

Day 2

Plan a later start to your day and make sure you get to sleep in, have a later breakfast and enjoy your hotel pool. Once you’re ready, head downtown for some shopping. Old Market, Made In Cambodia Market, Kandal Village & the Night Market are great options for finding artisan created products and souvenirs to bring back home. Make sure you put your bargaining skills to the test!

(Night Market, photo via Wikipedia)

In the evening, experience Khmer ancient culture with an Apsara Dance Show with dinner provided. If you’re still up for more, you can head to the pub street to experience the vibrant nightlife that the city is known for. 

Apsara Theatre, photos via apsaratheatre.asia

Day 3

Lotus fields are found in abundance across Cambodia. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, the lotus flower holds a lot of significance for Cambodia as it represents spiritual awakening, purity and faithfulness. To dive deeper into this culture, have a unique experience by touring a local lotus farm which creates one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics in the world, lotus silk.

Lotus farm photos via lotusfarm.org

Terrai’s scrunchies are made from the city’s excess lotus stems which are then hand-extracted and processed from fibers into fabric. The scrunchies are no-dye making it a muted and versatile option. Learn more here and if you visit, see it all up close at Lotus Farm Siem Reap by Samatoa Lotus Textiles.

Post-tour, continue the vibes with one of the many amazing yoga classes offered in the city at Yoga Space Studios.

Below, find our recommendations for food and drinks around Siem Reap!

Food & Drinks Bible

• Malis Restaurant for elevated local cuisine
  Zannier Phum Baitang Hotel for an elevated dinner 
• Fellini for amazing Italian
• Khmer Taste for cheap, no frills, local Khmer cuisine
  Lum Orng restaurant for a farm to table dining experience
• Gelato Lab for the best gelato in town
• Sister Srey for brunch, coffee, fresh pressed juices and smoothies
• The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe for great coffee
• Miss Wong for a speakeasy style vibe and cocktails

A big thanks for Terrai and Angelica for sharing this wonderful tour of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Learn more about the process behind their own lotus silk textiles in this post and be sure to stop by byterrai.com to shop.

The post 72 Hours in Siem Reap, Cambodia appeared first on Eco Club.

Cartagena is a Caribbean city along the northern coast of Colombia known for its preservation of cultural heritage. A place where people enjoy walking the colorful streets, drinking juices made from fresh fruits, and dancing to the cumbia rhythms of this Afro-Colombian gem.

This collection was inspired by and is dedicated to Cartagena’s culture and people. To the Afro-Colombians who are authors of Cartagena’s contagious rhythms and flavors. To the ancestors and descendents of the land who to this day tend to its natural beauty. To the modern citizen who values Colombian history, handmade craft, and heirlooms.

With each collection, Zuahaza highlights a different part of Colombian culture. This time, they’ve introduced a crocodile green to their palette, and a beautiful navy blue as a nod to the Port of Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

Zero waste has been a major priority for Zuahaza, and they’ve developed their pillow sizes according to which would create the least waste on their looms. This time extra “scraps” were used to create their smallest sized lumbar pillow!

Cartagena has a population of nearly a million people. It’s a city known for its color, history, colonial architecture, flora, and markets.

Baru Small Throw

Manglar Euro Pillow, Zenu Pillow, and Bolivar Lumbar Pillow.

See all of their woven pillows in the Cartagena collection here!

Palenque Fruit Bowl, Morenas Oval Baskets, Gabo Basket Tray

See more posts by eco club x Zuahaza here, and shop the full collection at zuahaza.com!

Where to shop, eat, stay, and explore in Caragena, Colombia

Shops

1. Centro Comercial La Serrezuela Not just any mall! This mall has so many more Colombian shops than regular malls in Colombia. They have a lovely food court showcasing local chefs and typical Caribbean food and the vibe is great.
2. St Dom. Higher end store with incredible Colombian designers. Clothes, accessories and some home goods.
3. Bahué A concept store with Colombian designer products.

Restaurants

1. Cafe San Antonio at Casa Jaguar (also has an incredible small cafe offering great breakfast and lunch) Here is where we took our lifestyle photos!
2. Restaurante Gobernador at Bastion Hotel. Great all you can eat breakfast buffet
3. Carmen. Elevated seafood

Hotels

1. Bantú
2. Casa Jaguar
3. Bastion Hotel (incredible rooftop pool!)

Neighborhoods & Locations

Cartagena’s old city is a charm. In this neighborhood you can find different streets, plazas and parks and they all have their own vibe.

1. Santo Domingo Square There is always music and something happening here.
2. Plaza de los Coches Super cute plaza with colorful houses.
3. Monumento Torre del Reloj. One of my favorite spots for pics. There are always fruit carts parked around here too if people want to drink coconut water or mango biche.
4. La Muralla (literally the fortress wall) The historic city is surrounded by an old rock wall fortress from the colonial times. There is a walkway on top and you can see some of the most beautiful views!
5. Calle Don Sancho Love this street to take photos of some of the most lovely houses and flowers.
6. Las Bóvedas Here there is a craft and market with fruits and veggies.

The post A Tour of Colorful Cartagena, Colombia with Zuahaza appeared first on Eco Club.

Matiz (mah.teez), meaning hue in the Spanish language, designs artisanal work that respects and preserves the indigenous traditions of handmade textiles. I began Matiz in the midst of the global pandemic in 2021, but most importantly in the spirit of my love and admiration for my roots. My designs are a reflection of the beautiful southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, where my family’s story was founded. In an effort to support artisan makers, I have blended my past expertise in the commercial interior design industry and appreciation for sustainability, by developing artisanal rugs to bring more awareness to cultural heritage craft processes and sustainable practices.

Working directly with our artisans, we bring high-quality, small-batch rugs, committed to using locally sourced materials from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca. We encourage our team to set their own wages and support them by allowing them to create and continue their craft for generations. 

oaxaca travel guide

Located in southern Mexico, the state of Oaxaca is known for its rich culture, diverse landscape, colorful architecture, and delicious food. If you’re looking for an all-in-one experience, begin your adventure in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca’s capital and largest city in the state. Its central location allows this city to be full of diverse experiences and learning opportunities from dialects, food, and artisanal goods.

Here are some prime locations to visit during your stay in Oaxaca City.

Templo de Santo Domingo: One of the largest cathedrals in the city that continues to hold history, exemplify baroque style architecture, and a strong religious significance. This is the perfect spot in the city to grab lunch or dinner at a nearby rooftop restaurant for extraordinary views of the church and the surrounding landscape. A few of our favorite spots are Gozobi, Tierra del Sol, and Casa Oaxaca.

• Jardin Etnobotanico: Located on the same block as Templo de Santo Domingo, Jardin Etnobotanico is a botanical garden that showcases a wide range of Oaxaca’s native plant species. One-hour guided tours are available in spanish, english, and french, however due to its popularity and limited capacity, it’s recommended you arrive 30 minutes prior on weekdays and an hour before on weekends.
• El Zocalo: El Zocalo is Oaxaca’s busiest public square with a kiosk right in the center. During the day, you can find vendors on the sidelines selling anything from painted alebrijes, embroidered clothing, elaborate beaded jewelry, to many other crafts.
• Mercado Benito Juárez: Walk a block south from El Zocalo to Mercado Benito Juárez, a covered market that showcases everything from artisanal goods to fresh produce. If you are on the hunt for more handmade goods, walk down two more blocks to El Mercado de Artesanias.
• Mercado 20 de Noviembre: The best time to hit Mercado 20 de Noviembre is either in the morning for breakfast or throughout the afternoon for lunch. There is an abundant amount of food stalls, all offering similar menus, so don’t be afraid to sit at any of them, you won’t be disappointed. We recommend you order a tlayuda, which is a large tortilla that is typically topped with, lard, beans, veggies, oaxacan cheese, salsa, and your choice of meat. To top it off, order an agua fresca (fresh juice), to complete your oaxacan meal.
• Hierve el Agua: If your time in Oaxaca allows for day trips to neighboring towns, we highly recommend you visit Hierve el Agua in the town of Roaguía. Due to its location and road conditions, it is best to travel with a local or an agency. Our time with Coyote Aventuras via Airbnb allowed us to visit multiple locations – Roaguía, Tlacolula, and a mezcaleria near Teotitlan del Valle.

wool rug making process

Matiz is a strong believer of sustainability and all it entails. Therefore, we believe in preserving our artisans craftsmanship which includes the practice of gathering local wool and producing natural dyes with ingredients from Teotitlan del Valle. Below is a brief summary of the wool rug making process our artisans have implemented for the past four generations.

1. Washing: After gathering the necessary quantity of wool for a rug, our artisans harvest a local ingredient called raiz de amole, found in Oaxaca’s luscious forests. Due to its cleaning properties, raiz de amole is used to wash the wool because it naturally produces foam.
2. Brushing: Once the wool has been washed and laid out to dry, the wool is continuously brushed until the brushing strokes are smooth and all the knots have been removed. The brushed wool is then spun on a spinning wheel to prepare a full skein.
3. Ingredients Selections and Dyeing: A few ingredients have to be selected in order to proceed to the dyeing process. This is one of the most exciting moments of the process as the color options are unlimited. Noted are some of the ingredients we use to create our standard yarn colors: cochinilla (cacti parasite), añil (indigo), musgo (moss), cáscara de nuez (walnut shells), cáscara de granada (pomegranate skin), flor de cempazuchitl (marigold flowers), and huizache (sweet acacia). Once the ingredients have been selected, they are placed in a large pot to boil until its color has been released, this is then a sign to submerge the skein until it has soaked it’s necessary color.
4. Loom Prep: Before stepping foot on the loom pedals to weave, the loom is prepped to the width the rug will be. This is an intensive process that requires a lot of concentration and uninterrupted time. If a strand of yarn is accidentally missed, our artisans need to traceback their work and begin once again.
5. Weaving: However, once the loom has been completely prepared, our artisans gather all the required colored spindles and weave away. This portion of the process is a lot of back and forth to step on one pedal to the next, physical strength to tighten each weave, and hours of standing. Our artisans’ hard work is never unseen and always appreciated.

 

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Thanks again to Jezarely and Matiz for sharing this Oaxaca travel guide and insight into their artisan process! Check them out, as well as other ethical home décor brands, in our sustainable directory, and follow them on Instagram @matizco_.

The post Oaxaca Travel Guide & Rug Making Process with Matiz appeared first on Eco Club.

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

Covid19 has changed the way people view travel

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

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

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

Travel is set to become about quality not quantity

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

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

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

Greener travel is better than less travel

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

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

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

How you can travel more sustainably

Stay Local

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

Respect and Embrace Culture and Customs

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

Check the Footprint Before You Book

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

Consider the eco-impact of your activities

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

It’s About Every Day too

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

photo by Sacha Verheij

The post How Can Travel Be More Sustainable Post-Pandemic? appeared first on Eco Club.

Shop DANO

“Founded by Portland based artist and designer Melissa Grandkoski, DANO brings together plant-powered apothecary, thoughtfully produced wares from independent makers, and hand-selected vintage clothing curated to inspire and support a conscious and radiant lifestyle for self and space.” @shopdano

Seven Sisters

“Seven Sisters is both a Portland based shop and creative studio and produces our own line of products locally, by hand. Visit at 811 E. Burnside Street.” @sevensisterspdx

Yo Store

“The Yo! Store is a Womens, Kids and Lifestyle shop based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2016, we strive to offer modern, colorful and quality goods sourced from small independent makers worldwide. Everything we sell on the shop floor has been tried and tested by us or our kids.” @theyostore

I’ve visited and purchased from Eco Vibe many times over the years, and we link to them a lot as a great resource for eco friendly goods.

“Established in 2010, ECOVIBE is the collaboration of the combined visions of Leonard and Andrea Allen, aka “Len and Dre” and is family-owned and operated. ECOVIBE began as an apparel boutique but has evolved over the years to become a complete lifestyle brand with a focus on home décor, houseplants, plant pottery, kitchenware, apparel accessories, candles, and gifts. Our merchandise mix includes both decorative and functional décor for the home and personal lifestyle, and all of our products are hand-selected based on their sustainable and aesthetic values.” @ecovibestyle

Artifact: Creative Recycle (photo by @reluvclub)

“Artifact: Creative Recycle is a secondhand store that sells design driven men’s and women’s vintage and modern clothing, accessories, and shoes, as well as used furniture, art, and decor.” @artifactpdx

Kindred Homestead Supply

“Kindred Homestead Supply is a low-waste, bulk refillery for home + personal care located in Vancouver, WA. You bring the containers, we’ll provide the goods. It’s that simple!” @kindred.homestead.supply

Gone West

“Gone West PDX is a tiny gift shop supporting women makers, locally made products and goodies made with passion.” @gonewestpdx

Altar (& other great Portland boutiques available at storefront Cargo Emporium)

“Altar carries an array of special, handmade objects—all made by artists in America.” @shop_altar @cargoinc

Beam & Anchor

“Our homes are our sanctuaries. We believe our souls resonate with the objects we surround ourselves with. We humbly offer a curated selection of beautiful, well made, thoughtfully designed products to add depth, texture and meaning to your lives and your home.” @beamandanchor

Tender Loving Empire

“Tender Loving Empire is a handmade gift shop + record label curating goods + music from hundreds of independent artists.” Multiple locations. @tenderlovingempire

Where do you shop sustainably in Portland? Go ahead and list your favorites, and we’ll edit this guide!

The post Where To Shop Sustainably in Portland, Oregon appeared first on Eco Club.

As fast-paced and transient as life in the big city may be, many Angelenos have made a collective effort to cultivate a lasting green movement. Their dedication has spawned multiple small batch and sustainable shops specializing in home goods, sustainable fashion labels, and even bulk dry goods. In true LA fashion, the stores are hip (do kids say hip anymore?), modern, and full of potential.

So here’s a small rundown of a few sustainable shops in LA that you can shop in-person and online, if you’ve been tinkering with the idea of making a few lifestyle adjustments.

Bulk refill stores in LA

I’m going to be 100% with you—the first time I heard about bulk goods stores, I was confuzzled. Americans have been raised to value packaging—so much so that there is a whole industry around the profitability of package marketing. And while certain movements, like the transition to banana leaf packaging in Thailand seem like a novel alternative, for a city like LA, it’s just unrealistic to think that the supply could match the demand.

Now, while some grocery chains like Sprouts do offer bulk goods like nuts and flour, if you’re still using their plastic bags, the point seems kind of moot. That’s why stores like re_ (formerly known as tare) circumvent this issue with their package-free policy- they allow customers to bring their own clean containers from home, and also offer post-consumer paper bags and reusable glass containers for purchase. Wild Terra follows a similar model by letting customers bring containers from home, but offers a more eclectic variety of herbs like burdock root and damiana.

Then there’s the original mobile refill shop, Refillery LA, who refills household and personal care products in West LA to reduce plastic pollution. They even make house calls!

Sustainable Décor Shops in LA

I don’t know if it’s a sign of my aging, but home goods excite me in a way they didn’t five years ago. Factor in an effort to exercise sustainable market practices, and businesses like the General Store might as well just take my money now. The General Store offers a well-rounded experience of home goods curated from local artists, as well as vintage finds, to create an overall intimate feeling to their offerings.

While the General Store is clean and minimalist, Otherwild is anything but. Founded by a community of artists and designers, Otherwild offers an array of goods, all sold with the focus on quality and ethical business practices. They also offer their own take on a general store with zero-waste bath and kitchen goods, as well as a refill station.

Lastly, Studio City’s Greenwood is a plant paradise featuring artisan pottery, small batch home décor, and apothecary goods. Plant mamas, get ready to swoon over their oh-so-green insta.

Ethical Fashion in LA

I’m just as guilty as the next person who’s become too comfortable with instant gratification when it comes to the clothes we buy; often overlooking the hidden cost of quality and work environment for manufacturers. But in an admirable effort to fight against the toxic culture of fast fashion, companies like Whimsy and Row pride themselves on operating as an eco-conscious brand that produces quality goods made with sustainable practices in mind.

Belljar in Los Feliz offers designer fashion from indie brands, homewares, gifts, and a beautifully curated collection of vintage. Not local? Don’t worry, they list their beautiful pieces online too!

If you’re cool with online-only, LA’s MATE is all about organic, sustainably made clothing in LA for women and littles. Their loungewear is about as comfy-trendy as it gets. Check out their annual impact report for a deeper look into their commitments.

When people say LA has it all, they’re not exaggerating; yes, it’s a hub for mindless consumerism, but locals are constantly combating wasteful practices with new businesses founded on eco-consciousness. The city has built a community of sustainable resources that continues to grow every day. Although we may never be completely waste-free and independently sustainable, at least I can buy my lentils in bulk and not feel bad about the packaging.

What does the sustainable shopping movement look like in your area?

The post Your Guide to Small Batch and Sustainable Shopping in LA appeared first on Eco Club.

Fast forward to September 2020, when a pandemic and no attachment to a set location made me realize it was the perfect time to live on the road and visit those parks that had started this whole journey for me. The choice to do so was not made overnight. It took careful planning and consideration. In the midst of packing, I started to think about the items I wanted to take or plan for to continue some of my sustainable habits on the road.

The pandemic had already made certain elements of sustainable living more of a challenge. It felt like single-use items that I usually avoided were somehow unavoidable. The compost drop off I regularly utilized was no longer accepting drop offs. Being that I was facing these sustainability bumps in NYC, I figured it would not be any easier on the road—if anything it probably would be harder. That being said, I learned through my trials and tribulations of living sustainably on the road. 

How To Live Sustainably On the Road

1. Pick your single-use alternatives. Having lived in the city prior to my adventures on the road, packing my sustainable go-to’s was something that was a part of my daily routine. Packing things like metal straws, reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and zero waste utensils is a super simple way to minimize your trash. The same goes for living on the road—and it’s nice not to scramble for single-use alternatives!

2. Opt for things that can be recharged. When searching for a flashlight and headlamp, I was really set on purchasing ones that could be recharged (as opposed to battery operated). Both because I knew I would save money not having to buy batteries, but also because I knew I wouldn’t have to keep going through batteries (and try to find a proper place to dispose of them). Though it took a little searching and was more of an investment, it was absolutely worth it.

3. Recycling programs vary. A few of the Airbnbs we’d stayed in didn’t have a recycling bin. So in those moments, we had to take the time to find a recycling center that we could drop off our recycling. We quickly realized that recycling programs and accessibility to recycling efforts definitely varies state to state! How2.recycle.org is a great resource for those of us in the US or Canada.

4. You’re not as dirty as you think you are. When you’re constantly surrounded by the luxury of a warm running shower, you’re less inclined to actually consider if it’s something you really need. On the road I would go a few days without a shower and it made me realize how I am definitely an “over” shower-er. It was such a great reminder to take a break from just going through the motions and try to save water. It’s definitely something I’m implementing into my life now too!

I always like to be transparent when I talk about my sustainability journey and emphasize that you don’t have to be perfect. Small steps and actions DO MATTER. If living sustainably on the road taught me anything, it’s that it is all a journey.

Have you ever tried living sustainably on the road? Tell us where you went!

The post What I Learned About Living Sustainably On the Road appeared first on Eco Club.

The perk of these vacation rental sites is that you can often connect with your host before you book. I think this is a great time to ask questions and ensure you’re totally comfortable staying in the host’s space, particularly during Coronavirus. Here are 3 questions you can ask that say a lot about your host and their property.

What do we do with trash? Do you recycle?

Don’t assume your Airbnb has recycling, compost, or other trash services, even if you know that the town you’re staying in generally does. I’ve stayed in too many Airbnbs only to realize there was no recycling available. My friends and I joke about the times we’ve “packed out” bags full of recycling after group getaways… But it’s not always possible, and it’s obviously never ideal to road-trip home with a trunk full of trash!

This is a simple question you can ask, and then decide how to proceed. Is staying at a particular property worth it if you can’t properly dispose of your post-vacay waste? Further, if they don’t have eco-friendly practices in place, it’s not too presumptuous to conclude that they probably don’t consider “green” hospitality practices in other areas (like when cleaning, restocking, etc.)

What is your cleaning process for each new guest?

I admit that before COVID-19 I didn’t put too much thought into how an Airbnb was cleaned. I did in the sense that I wanted to make sure any cleaning fees actually went to maintaining a safe and hygienic space, but it didn’t really matter to me how it was done (did the owner do it themselves? did a team of professional cleaners come after each guest?).

Now that ANY travel is risky, it’s so important to make sure your Airbnb is getting a thorough clean. In my experience, cleaning fees have been higher during COVID, which is another reason to actually confirm that you are getting what you paid for. I’ve personally only booked a couple of properties in 2020–small staycations within a couple hours drive from Seattle to get a change of scenery and relieve some cabin fever!–but my last stay made me want to dig a little deeper.

In Airbnb’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, they encourage all hosts to use their enhanced cleaning protocol, which includes sanitization techniques, recommended supplies, and a five-step process outlined in their cleaning handbook. Hosts who commit to doing so receive a listing highlight that lets guests know they’ve incorporated the advanced cleaning standards. It’s definitely a big plus to see what they’ve done to support hosts and encourage better cleaning standards, but in the end, it is the guest who will get to see and decide whether it’s been implemented properly.

(Side note, if you’re staying in any ‘bnb during this time, take responsibility for the risk! Everyone needs to do their part, especially if we want to continue supporting each other when traveling. This post isn’t to rag on hosts at all, but to help guests interpret a listing and understand what to expect before they arrive.)

What cleaning supplies and toiletries do you use?

If there are certain chemicals you avoid when cleaning your own home, for health or sustainability reasons, you may feel uncomfortable staying somewhere that has just sprayed those chemicals throughout your home-away-from-home! You also might be concerned with which products actually do the job of disinfecting a space, and how safe they really are. There will certainly be some compromising.

As far as toiletries… I was super impressed to find that one of the last places I stayed had Who Gives A Crap TP rather than conventional! I’m sure there are so many hosts who have to weigh the benefits of offering sustainable amenities against the added cost. Sure, TP probably isn’t a make-or-break-it consideration for you, but it could influence your booking decisions if you’ve got options to pick from.

Of course, read all listings thoroughly to see which questions have already been answered for you! What questions do you ask before booking an Airbnb? Do you take sustainability into account?

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From the very beginning of Zuahaza, one of the main values was to create not just beautiful items for the home, but truly create products that would not have a negative impact on the environment and the lives of the people who make them. With that in mind, we decided that we needed to work with a material that was earth friendly but also was culturally appropriate for the region. In the region of Santander, organic cotton farming goes back to the Guane indigenous people that lived in this land. The Guane people were experts in harvesting their local cotton, and in making woven goods which they commercialized with other ethnic groups. With the Spanish conquest and later the industrial revolution, the importation of foreign cotton fabrics at a low cost caused the production of organic cotton in Santander to almost disappear.

Today, the artisans in the region are advocating to return to growing organic cotton in the way their ancestors had done it. Sadly, this is still a long-term dream. Organic cotton still exists here, but the lack of government and industry investment in tools to spin that cotton in organic methods has made it difficult. That is why we had to look for another organic cotton supplier meanwhile we continue to get the resources needed for an organic certified spinning mill to make our own organic cotton yarn a reality.

We currently work with another artisan factory from Peru to supply us with the organic cotton yarn we need. We thought it would be very important to still create products with the integrity of the history of the region by only using cotton that was organic. The artisans also use plant and vegetable dyes. We respect and value this choice because we also know that natural dyeing is a very good sustainable option instead of conventional chemical dyes which are widely used in the textile industry and are water pollutants.

Lastly, there is a big problem of waste. I agree when people say that waste is a design flaw. By using the design thinking method, I think it is possible to start redesigning our linear method of production for a more circular one. In our case, we firstly design with only biodegradable materials. This means that even though we are creating new products, at the end of their life cycle they can go back to the earth with no problem. Still, we believe that even when making new products we have a responsibility to design them to last and with minimum waste in mind. We design all our pillows, rugs and blankets to mostly fit the width of our looms entirely, and for the small fabric waste that is created we make smaller items such as pouches and clutches, having a minimum waste design model.

Tatiana also told us about her design process and how she works with her team to bring it all to life.

Inspiration. I collect imagery, memories and photographs of color combinations, textures and scenes that will be guides I we make desicions, making sure what the design is always in tune with the brand’s aesthetic and collection’s theme.

Material Research. Although we only work with organic cotton, we think that thickness of yarn and color do play a big role in textile design, so we try to understand the behavior of our materials very well when designing a new fabric.

Experimentation. This is the step when I try out new weave structures at the handloom. Using a weaving draft as a beginning point, then we explore the endless possibilities the loom can give us to create new innovative patterns and color combinations.

Textile Samples to Final Product. I take these small textile samples to the artisans’ workshop. This is when we start collaborating in choosing the best weaves, finalizing color combinations, trying them out in a product for the first time and making final and important decisions collectively. During this time is when weaving new fabric, cutting it and sewing it into new products takes place.

Final details. Quality control is very important. You can’t make a product that looks gorgeous in a photograph but is not well made. This step is tedious but is crucial. Making sure the fabric is resistant (although our fabrics are delicate, they don’t fall apart), sewing is perfect and some products require final touches such as macrame knots and tassels which will elevate the design.

Given that our products are handmade and there are so many steps to finish one single item, we want to be respectful of the load of work our artisans have and allow them to work at a good pace, not a factory environment. We generally make between 30-50 units per style of each product to keep in stock for our online sales platform and we are currently making one collection a year as we are just staring off. We hope designing 2-3 collections per year to allow for custom projects as well as more homes and businesses want to have Zuahaza products designed for them too. As we grow, we will continue to evaluate and learn better ways to make our production easier and more efficient without compromising our values and the wellbeing of our artisans.

Thanks to Tatiana for diving deeper into her business and gorgeous, ethical home decor at Zuahaza. See part one of this eco studio tour, if you missed it!

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Tatiana’s story is fascinating for those of you who love a deeper look into an artisan brand’s creative process and production, which is why we decided to treat this like a guest post and give you the full scoop in her words. Her brand Zuahaza is an all organic + naturally-dyed textile brand based in Colombia. Tatiana collaborates with women artists in rural communities outside the city to bring their woven home goods to life. This is a two part post, with the next being a tour of Zuahaza’s artisan workshop outside the city.

I can think of nothing more inspiring than pairing Tatiana’s story with the magical images Ali Campbell captured of her creative Colombian studio. Keep reading!

From Tatiana: I am from Colombia and lived abroad for many years before coming back to my home city of Bogotá. Zuahaza launched in November 2019, but it was truly the work and relationship building of over 2 years prior that brought Zuahaza into existence. Zuahaza’s main operation happens in Bogotá. Our artisan partners live 7-8 hours away by car in a lovely town from the region of Santander called Charalá.

In 2018 I made a trip to Charalá to learn about the rich history of organic cotton growing, spinning and weaving in this region. During my trip, I met with an artisan cooperative called Corpolienzo. I loved talking to them and learning from their journey making 100% organic textiles for over 30 years. We shared our stories and found a great opportunity to collaborate in a new project. The artisans had expressed the necessity of connecting to larger markets. Although they could sell at art fairs in larger cities, they found it really difficult to sell handmade, organic products at a fair price in the national market. With my background in textile design and having lived in the US, together with my experience working directly with other artisan groups from Latin America, we saw the opportunity to try out a new model of designing and selling handmade textiles to a different market looking for fair trade and sustainable products.

We developed a new line of textiles born of the artisan’s extensive knowledge of craft, and my desire to share creative, innovative textiles with the global market. We wanted to truly understand what a “collaborative” model would look like, honoring ancestral techniques and innovating in design for the contemporary home. That’s when the name “Zuahaza” came to mind. It means “my sister” in the Muisca language of the people who lived in the Cundiboyancense mountain region of the Colombian Andes.

As a social enterprise our main goal is to embody collective sisterhood between women in Colombia. Following an era of intense conflict, which continues to shape and affect Colombia today, we seek to participate in peacemaking efforts to reunite and heal our country. We believe that by collaboratively creating unique products that reflect our diversity, history and dreams, we can start creating a new future for all Colombian women.

Our main studio/office is in Bogotá for the easy access to ship products, network with clients, and the great connection this city has to other countries. I try to work directly with the artisans every 3—4 months and it’s such a joy to spend a couple weeks working together with my team. Although I love having a creative space to try new textiles, material research and make samples, it gets lonely in the studio! Working as a team is definitely the ideal situation and I hope that as we grow, I get to spend months at a time with our team in Charalá.

We only use natural dyes so we end up with a limited color palette to work with. It is a design challenge, to design with only a natural color scheme. Right now, between working with the artisans from Peru (our yarn suppliers) and the artisans in Charalá, we have a whole team of experts in natural dyeing, which is a privilege. They have recipes that have passed from generation to generation, so I think color is a representation of indigenous knowledge that we get to preserve through only designing with natural dyes. Natural dyeing is not easy, it takes so much research to get colors in cotton to look the way they do in our products. I am very proud of the knowledge of our team in achieving gorgeous hues that are long lasting and color fast.

In terms of design, it comes easily living in such a beautiful country like Colombia. The launch collection was inspired by all the colors, textures, patterns and flora found in colonial towns across the country. Colombia is such a diverse and culturally rich country. Every region is so different in its own way because of the historical events that have taken place. Every town embodies the music, gastronomy and art from the people who live there; that inspires me. We wanted to create textile collections that represented our country’s diverse culture in an abstract, eclectic and sophisticated way. To represent our values even in the way we designed our products aesthetically.

Isn’t Tatiana’s studio so dreamy? In our next post we’ll share how she goes from inspiration and design to handcrafting them with the team in Charalá. In the meantime, head to zuahaza.com/shop to see the products!

{to shop on madetrade: mongui rug / charalá blanket / salento pillow / barichara pillow}

photos: Ali Campbell Photography / studio: Zuahaza

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