(If you’re not familiar with the devastating effects the palm oil industry is having on our environment and the people and organisms within it, we’ve posted the basics here, how to quit it here, an AP investigation here.This very dated article is also a good start if you’re new to the issue and its effects on threatened and endangered animals.)

I know that a lot of other common body care ingredients can have detrimental effects on our planet, but I think avoiding palm oil is really the best place you could start, especially if you’re new to natural beauty. And it just so happened that the biodegradable soap brands I’ve listed below are all women-owned, making soaps in small batches that are free of lots of other questionable ingredients you’ll find in more conventional products. And the packaging on these beauties? Yup, 10000% eco club approved:

TERRA-TORY is an NY based all-natural soap company touting 100% Natural 0% Bullsh*t Skincare. This is a very rare company that is both palm and coconut oil free… Learn more on their website.

Vegan + eco friendly soap from Smithmade Essentials are fun & fragrant artisan soaps handmade in small batches in New Haven, CT. On their site you can find the full details about each ingredient used.

No Tox Life has their own line of body cleansing bars wrapped in recycled paper for shipping. Be sure to grab their famous dish wash block and deodorant while you’re there!

BHAVANANYC makes all-natural, vegan sea salt soap bars using luxe natural ingredients like activated charcoal and Rose Kaolin Clay.

Bell Mountain Naturals are makers of natural small batch soaps that are super cute, and always palm free. You might be familiar with their gem design!

UK vegan soap-on-a-rope brand KLEEN cures their all-natural soaps for a minimum of 6 weeks and uses only skin-friendly, eco-friendly ingredients that are free of palm oil, parabens, and toxins. Not to mention, their packaging and branding is totally gift-worthy.

Another handmade soap brand, Unearth Malee specializes in palm oil free Thai-inspired soaps, lotions, lip balms, and even solid dish soap! To further raise awareness of the devastating effects of palm oil, the brand donates a portion of sales to help save the endangered orangutan. Learn more in founder Marie’s Etsy shop!

Naked & Thriving is a sister and brother founded skincare brand that offers products free of over 2500 potentially harmful ingredients, environmentally-friendly (free of palm oil of course), and with many organic ingredients for a truly natural clean. They have a full line of skincare, from cleansing bars to oils to

Founded in 2019, Rustic Glory Soap Co offers both scented and unscented palm oil free soap bars infused with nourishing essential oils and botanicals. And they are just the prettiest bars to place on your bathroom counters!

Latina woman owned soap brand Nopalera harnesses the power of Native Mexican Prickly pear cactus along with healing plant oils for nourishing soaps, moisturizers and creams.

The brands above also feature sustainable packaging, making truly biodegradable soap for us all to enjoy… sans palm oil.

On the hunt for more zero waste body and skincare products? Check out these brands!

We are always looking for beautiful, natural, quality skincare and body brands to add to our lists. If you know of another palm oil free bar soap brand, let us know below!

The post Back to Basics: 10 Natural, Women Owned, Palm-Oil Free Bar Soap Brands appeared first on Eco Club.

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.

We, as humans, have skin that is similar to the epidermal cells and cuticles of a plant leaf. Not to mention, we share common DNA with many living organisms. It’s one subtle indication of how we should look to Mother Earth-approved companies and business owners, such as Indigenous peoples, who have committed to offering safe and ethically sourced products for inner and outer beauty. They are often considered the custodians and stewards of the earth, yet we see a lack of representation at beauty bars and cosmetic retailers across the globe.

The education in herbalism and sustainable practices that have been passed down from generation to generation is truly hard to ever surpass. In order for the plant of enlightenment to bloom for future generations, we must acknowledge as settlers and earth citizens that the act of watering the source is an important step in preservation instead of standing by and hoping the weeds don’t wilt.

Here are 5 Indigenous-owned brands your skin will love

Flyy Bod

From vibrant skin to vibrant packaging, Flyy Bod is proudly owned by Elissa, a Minjungbal woman of Bundjalung Nation located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

Flybodd offers yummy body lotions, washes, butters, and scrubs that will leave your skin begging for more. For instance, the BOD butter comes in three mouthwatering flavors that include tropical coconut, peachy papi, and a fragrance-free option. It features tropical ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, which was also eaten raw by the First Nations people, and Finger Lime, an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sḵwálwen

Bonding with the Earth has never been easier through the care of Skwalen, founded by Leigh (ancestral name Styawat), from the Skwxwú7mesh First Nations.

Sḵwálwen’s ingredients have a truly interesting journey. They first spend time on the land in between forests, estuaries, and or subalpine meadows. Later, the elements are processed through the mediums of scraping bark, cleaning, hanging to dry, infusing in oil, and more. It will then be developed into each recipe that turns into clays, plant butters, and quality oils.

The products range from Téýwilh Sweetgrass, Sage, and Rose Geranium Toner, Tewín’xw Cranberry Rose Facial Serum, and Kw’as Cocomint Lip Balm.

All of Sḵwálwen’s products are free from harsh chemicals, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances and colors.

Satya Organics

Inclusive is the best word to describe Satya Organics, founded by an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation, Patrice Mousseau.

The company produces a wide range of eczema-friendly products, from soothing gliding sticks to flower oat baths for both children and adults. Each of the goods are free from fragrance, steroids, gluten, or parabens and are hypoallergenic and non-stinging. You can expect comforting ingredients such as calendula petals, organic cold-pressed sweet almond oil, beeswax, jojoba, and colloidal oatmeal.

While pursuing Satya Organics, Patrice provides a beautiful playlist of Indigenous music to unwind that can be found here.

Wildcraft

Who needs to treat themselves on occasion when the pursuit of self-love can be found everyday at Wildcraft? Owned by Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee woman from the Six Nation of Grand River, Wildcraft allows you to shop by concern in detail, making it easy to tackle any skin-related concerns. This includes a clarifying face cream featuring calendula-infused grapeseed oil, a nourishing mask formulated with mineral-rich pink clay, and a regenerate serum infused with seabuckthorn.

On top of that, Wildcraft produces a silk sea sponge that has been used in cleansing ceremonies since prehistoric times. The sponge has an incredibly soft texture and high mineral content that allows you to gently exfoliate the skin. It is sustainability harvested and even biodegradable.

Mother Earth Essentials

Inspired by the teachings rooted in the plants of the Medicine Wheel, Mother Earth Essentials, built by Carrie Armstrong, who comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women, provides a unique wellness experience through the many layers of wisdom and knowledge in her goods.

The elements used by Mother Earth Essentials represent each direction of the Medicine Wheel. This includes sweetgrass, often called the hair of Mother Earth; tobacco, a pathway to the spirit world; sage, to cleanse negative energy; and cedar, representing grounding and balance.

With that in mind, you can acquire soaps, mineral baths, mists, and body lotions containing these powerful ingredients.

Don’t forget to also check out Mother Earth Essentials’ ongoing workshops to deepen your skincare practice.

What indigenous-owned brands are you supporting lately? Let us know in the comments.

The post 5 Indigenous-Owned Skincare Brands Your Skin Will Love appeared first on Eco Club.

It was large, bulky, and heavy, but most importantly, it required *gulp* effort. 

But after some, okay a lot, of research into safety razors vs. cartridge razors, I quickly found the benefits of a safety razor largely outweighed the convenience of a (plastic) cartridge razor. And after making the switch, my days of plastic ‘refills’ and plastic disposable razors are behind me. My skin and my conscience are happy and I’m convinced everyone should make the switch. 

photo by Oui The People

Safety razors vs cartridge razors: what’s the difference?

Safety razors may look new and shiny, but they’re kind of the OG way to shave. Waaaay back in the early 1900s, King Camp Gillette—yep, that Gillette—patented the first safety razor. With some help, he invented a blade so thin you could throw it away instead of sharpening it. How convenient! 

By the early 1970s, everyone was using a partially disposable razor, and by the end of the decade, the fully disposable razor was living its best life. 

Benefits of safety razors over cartridge (disposable) razors

After 100+ years, safety razors are recapturing our attention as they embody a perfect blend of convenience and sustainability with the added bonus of being great for your skin.  

Safety Razor Benefits For Your Skin

• A silky smooth close shave – It’s the angle of the razor against your skin that gives you a close shave, not necessarily the number of blades. 
• Reduced razor burn and irritation – Having the touchpoint of only one blade is a huge benefit for anyone with sensitive skin or prone to shaving irritation. 
• Reduced acne, bumps, and ingrown hairs – Multiple blades pull, tug, and repeat, whereas the single blade reduces that pull leading to less razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs.
• Safety razors also easily come apart for cleaning. You can’t really clean a cartridge razor so soap, skin, and other stuff remain in between the blades and on the strip and contributes to acne and irritation.

The razor industry generated a staggering amount of revenue and pollution in 2021 ($17,405,000 to be exact). With recyclable metal handles and infinitely recyclable stainless steel blades, safety razors significantly reduce plastic waste. 

safety razor benefits for the environment

• No plastic is manufactured or sent to the landfill
• Refills are affordable, universal (and plastic-free) – The universal design of the blades allows for affordable replacements from various retailers or local eco-shops—meaning long-term convenience and cost savings for you.
• Blades and handles are recyclable – Many take-back programs are available which ensure blade recycling.
• Extremely long lifespans – A safety razor will last you for years but it’s great to know that if/when you need to dispose of your razor, the entire razor can be recycled.
  • Return your blades to the original manufacturer.
  • Contact your recycling center for local recycling instructions.
  • Check out local eco-stores for blade return programs.

How long does a safety razor last?

With good care and maintenance, a safety razor handle will last for years, potentially even a lifetime. The duration of each blade will vary depending on how often you use it, and your preference, but the general consensus is that each blade will last around 6 shaves. 

Keeping your razor clean and ‘dry’ will help the razor and the blades last longer and keep it from rusting.

To clean your safety razor

• Rinse off the hair and soap
• Open the razor
• Shake off the water/pat dry
• Close it back up tightly
• Keep it stored out of the water. 

How to use a safety razor

Safety razors are known for higher quality shaves mostly because of their purposeful design and the materials used to make them.

Tips for using a safety razor

• Select an assistant (soap, oil, shaving cream)
• Place the razor against your skin at a 30-45 degree angle
• Lightly pull, working with the shape and weight of the razor. 

Because the head doesn’t pivot (on most), you’ll want to pay closer attention to the shape of your skin and adjust as you go. If you have thick or coarse hair, try shaving with the direction of hair growth first and then repeat against the direction of hair growth. 

How to choose & change a safety razor

There are a few varieties of safety razors to fit different preferences and needs. Look for a style that makes the most sense to you!

*When changing and handling your blade, grab the blade by the short outer ends.

the two-piece

On a two-piece safety razor, the top piece screws on and off from the bottom piece which is attached to the handle.

To insert the blade, unscrew the top piece, place the blade on the mounting posts, put the top piece back on, and tightly secure it. 

the butterfly

The butterfly razor feels both modern and ancient at the same time. Twist the lower part of the handle which will open the top piece in two flaps from the center outward. Put the blade in the middle and twist the handle again to close it tightly. 

the three piece

In the three-piece safety razor, the handle detaches from the two top components. 

To change the blade, unscrew the handle from the top two pieces, separate them, insert the blade, reform the sandwich, and screw the handle back on.

6 plastic-free safety razors outperforming their cartridge counterparts

Oui The People. Oui The People, previously recommended by Eco Club, makes the list again. With a focus on creating a beautiful and functional product for sensitive skin, their carefully crafted two-piece razors ensure a smooth shave anytime, anywhere. *No blade return program offered.

Albatross. Inspired by majestic ocean-flying birds, the Albatross razor company was born from a sailor’s firsthand experience of ocean pollution, trash, and wildlife destruction. Albatross offers three razor options and a unique return program that upcycles old blades into reusable silverware!

UpCircle Beauty. UpCircle Beauty, a certified B-Corp, started when two siblings noticed the wasted potential of coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit stones. They began repurposing coffee grounds into skincare products and have quickly expanded into a full line of skincare including a plastic-free two-piece safety razor! A blade return program is available for UK-based residents.

Leaf Shave. Leaf Shave is revolutionizing shaving with razors that offer a superior shave, reduce single-use plastic waste, save CO2 emissions, and eliminate tons of packaging. Create a personalized shaving experience with three customizable safety razors and a blade return program for proper recycling. 

Eco Roots. Eco Roots is a female-owned brand empowering everyone to shop zero waste. Their stainless steel three-piece safety razor is crafted with precision and elegance and fits every shaving need, preference, and aesthetic while remaining 100% recyclable. *No blade return program offered.

Gillette. Gillette safety razor and blade refills, inspired by the original centuries-old design, are available at Target for a low-waste shave. Gillette currently partners with TerraCycle to provide a blade recycling program near you. 

It’s pretty obvious I’m a safety razor fan, and I hope you are too now! In the great razor debate, these 6 brands are not only a ~cut~ above the rest, but they’re also delivering superior environmental and skin benefits that only a safety razor can provide.

The post 6 Safety Razors Doing Better For The Planet & Your Skin  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.

Curiosity and experimentation have driven a new interest in the health benefits of non-psychoactive mushrooms; they’ve been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and even sleep. And while I can’t choose the best mushroom supplement for your personal needs, this guide will help you decipher which mushroom has the kind of benefits you’re looking for. Here are the 6 most common mushrooms you’ll find today, and what they’re supposed to help with.

best mushroom supplement for health + what they do

Cordyceps for energy

These mushrooms are known for helping your body oxygenate more efficiently. That means better blood flow, and in turn, more energy. Cordyceps are a great choice for athletes or anyone prioritizing their physical health. They’ve been shown to improve performance, speed up recovery time, and may also help with libido. So, whether you’re trying to work up a sweat in the gym, or in the bedroom, this mushroom has got your back.

Lion’s Mane for the brain

One of the most potent medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane is a fantastic aid for mental clarity and cognition. Full of antioxidants, this hairy mushroom boosts immunity while lowering anxiety. It helps to create calm focus, promotes memory retention, and is great for anyone who needs help studying. It’s amazing for brain health because it fosters and promotes nerve growth and preservation, which can help prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s later on in life.

Reishi for your mood

I feel like out of all the mushroom supplements, reishi has been dominating center stage the last few years. It’s no surprise when you consider its calming effects; in a world that’s full of stressful situations, I’m sure everyone could use some help relaxing now and then. The effects of reishi can also help with depression and sleep as it boosts and stabilizes your mood via the powerful antioxidant, triterpene, it contains. So if you’re looking for something to help you wake up a little happier every day, or maintain your mood throughout the day, reishi may be just what you need.

Turkey Tail for immunity

I always think this is such a funny name, but if you’ve ever seen a fresh turkey tail, you’d know the moniker is pretty accurate. This striped and fan-shaped mushroom has been studied for its cancer-fighting properties, and contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) which is known to stimulate the immune system. Turkey tail is so effective it’s used in Asia as a supplement to cancer treatments, and is being studies for its potential to slow tumor growth. This mushroom is a great choice for anyone who is particularly conscientious about their physical health and wellness.

Chaga for aging

While every one of these mushrooms is a great source of antioxidants, chaga is a particularly great choice for combating oxidative stress, which is known to cause skin aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help with feeling old, and not just with physical signs of aging. This is a great choice for someone who may be a little older, who wants to look as youthful as they feel.

Shiitake for cholesterol

A common edible mushroom used in a variety of cuisines, shiitakes make seem more like an average joe in comparison to the other fungi on this list. But while the delicious umami-flavor may be what initially attracts you to this mushroom, shiitakes are actually also known to promote heart health and lower cholesterol. They contain eritadenine, a compound that inhibits an enzyme that can contribute to the production of cholesterol, as well as sterols, which block cholesterol absorption in your body. So, if you’re looking to switch out the Cheerios or Special K for something less sugary, shiitakes may be something you’d like to add to your diet.

 Have you ever tried a mushroom supplement? 

The post 6 Powerhouse Mushrooms to Add to Your Diet appeared first on Eco Club.

It makes sense, right? It’s the season of gratitude and giving, and self care hardly seems caring. But (are you ahead of me here?) we can really only give our bests to others when we feel energized and inspired to, and that doesn’t happen without self care. It’s easy to think it’s fair or fine to deplete ourselves throughout the season, with the intention of turning it all around in the new year. I hear you, I am there right now.

Let me first say that self care isn’t a reward; you don’t need to have committed a number of selfless acts to deem yourself worthy of your own attention. Self care isn’t the solution to burnout, it’s the prevention.

All year I’ve been experimenting with self care activities in hopes they’ll become habits engrained deeper than other less successful coping mechanisms I’ve tried. While each still (and may always) require an effort, there are a few that I can’t imagine walking into 2022 without. Of course, for every one that has worked, there’s something that hasn’t. Self care is all about finding ways to care for your own wellbeing that are right for you. Your work isn’t done unless you are finding healthy ways to cope with and ease stress, restore energy, tune into yourself, and feel good.

self care habits to build now for the new year

daily self check-ins

The most important habit I’ve built this year is to check in on myself throughout the day—whether it’s a work day or weekend. It started as scheduled moments: checking in with myself while practicing better breathing (see below) or while on a meditative walk. I’d try to tune into how I felt at the moment, what I was anxious about, how I could feel better, not just what was next on my to do list.

After a few months I realized those check-ins had made it easier to recognize (and most importantly, pause to correct) when I was feeling super nervous, tense, down, etc. Instead of letting an entire day go by in a funk, I’d acknowledge it, then use one of my other self care habits to cope.

That might be my most important lesson learned this year. You can’t take care of yourself if you don’t recognize when you need care. We recognize it in our pets, our partners, our kids, but it’s harder to see it in the mirror.

self care every day, but not all day

There’s one other hurdle to actually making your own wellness a habit, and that’s the idea that it needs to be an entire act or routine. I mean, how often are we talking about routines? As part of these habits, I also spent the year trying (and falling off of and trying again) to build a morning ritual. Starting the morning off right is the ultimate self care, I’ve heard. But we don’t always have a ton of time in the morning. So you have to fit it in where you can. Maybe it’s only ten or twenty minutes in the morning, then another 15 at lunch, then a one minute breathing exercise before that afternoon Zoom call.

You want to know how to use self care throughout your day, and not think of it has a few hours or a day here and there to make up for lost time.

To truly care for yourself, you need to weave these acts of self-compassion and mindfulness throughout your day, each day. But it doesn’t have to mean long hours in a yoga class, meditating, or at the spa (unless you can!).

pinpoint your favorite mini acts of self care

You might be wondering what acts of self care I’ve been talking about. What’s inside those ten or twenty minute pockets? I’ve tried many, but these made a difference for me. They are acts that make me feel more calm and centered after, and that I know I can return to whenever, even discreetly if I need to, throughout my day.

Breathing better. The book Breath by James Nestor taught me the importance of and science behind breathing correctly. Slow, deep inhales through the nose and full exhales. I finally understand why people started advising others to take “deep breaths” in chaotic situations. I practice as often as I remember throughout the day, but I make a more dedicated effort when I have a few minutes to focus.

EFT Tapping. I learned about tapping on Instagram, actually, as a lot of mental health accounts I follow recommend it for anxiety and stress. It involves gently tapping acupressure points on your own body while bringing a specific stressor to the mind.

Journaling. Journaling is the one habit I’ve kept most of my life, and I fall off enough to know just how much better I feel when I’m “on”. I prefer to journal in the morning, when I have time alone. But sometimes if I can’t sleep at night or feel beyond overwhelmed, a quick journal session can help greatly. It essentially forces you to focus only on one thought (or worry) at a time, and once you start writing it down you naturally begin to release the stress, or think of solutions.

Walking meditation. I’ve always gone on walks almost daily. Eventually I learned that my walks (I don’t listen to music or podcasts) are the best time to be both inside my head and out. I spend sometime simply thinking, letting my mind wander. And I spend other moments observing my surroundings, appreciating details. I’m as intentional as possible, yet I feel free. If you find it hard to settle into a sitting meditation, give it a try.

The best part of these acts? Each can be done for as little or as long a time as you’d like. Often my tapping sessions are less than ten minutes. It’s one of my favorite ways to calm down when I’m faced with a stressful situation head on. I’ll do a few rounds and with each tap the tension eases just a bit. More importantly, it gives me a second to realize I can handle what’s coming my way. Hard to realize that when you’re too busy preparing!

Reflecting on my wellness journey in 2021, I can see that these self care habits have truly made a difference. I’ve built them slowly and imperfectly. But the holiday season, wonderful as it is, IS stressful. Instead of letting the overwhelm build into the new year, I’m staying on it. Practicing, practicing. There will always be overwhelming situations, but I’m feeling a bit better about my response to them now.

What self care habits have you built this year? What do you want to change or add in the new year? Thanks to Zuahaza for sharing the photos to go along with this essay. Shop the Hichu collection here.

The post The Self Care Habits to Build Now For The New Year appeared first on Eco Club.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new phrase that captures the experience of those who are alarmed by the climate crisis, and is often twinned with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. It’s important to know, however, that it isn’t a recognised mental health disorder. In fact, eco-anxiety is a natural, rational response for those with an awareness and understanding of the environmental issues our beautiful planet is facing. The good news is that there are many ways to counter the effects and fear associated with eco-anxiety and, instead of focusing on the way we feel, can turn your concern into positive action for Earth, and yourself.

5 ways to manage eco-anxiety

applaud yourself for your climate positive actions

When we experience eco-anxiety, it can be easy to put pressure on ourselves as individuals to do more. Instead, why not take a step back and list all the ways that you are contributing to reversing climate change? Individual actions will not solve climate change, and the best hope we have is to find a true balance between Earth’s needs and our modern lives.

change where you get your news

Climate change is a difficult subject for many newsrooms—it’s so easy (and buzz-worthy) to fall into the doom and gloom narrative. However, every day new stories emerge that highlight how hopeful we should be. Positive News and Goodgoodgoodco both focus on good news and Mongabay offers inspirational stories from the frontline of conservation, with a detailed look at the events and innovations that are making a difference.

Some recent happy headlines include:

Daintree Forest, an Australian rainforest that covers almost 400,000 acres and borders the Great Barrier Reef was returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, the original Aboriginal custodians of this land. Alongside the obvious positive of Aboriginal land being returned to rightful ownership, indigenous rights are vital to land conservation and allows for sustainable management of sites. via Nation of Change

More cities are beginning to build their own version of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor’s Mr Trash Wheel. Entirely solar and hydro-powered, this trash interceptor collects waste that flows to him, funnelling the trash into the large ‘mouth’ where it can be sorted for recycling or incinerated to generate electricity. via Good News Network

There was a huge win for the many opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline as President Biden revoked the US permit that its developers needed this summer, marking one of the first major victories for climate activists against the fossil fuel industry. via The Guardian

enjoy green spaces

Green spaces create positive mental health effects, naturally influencing anxiety levels, including those caused by eco-anxiety. Spending time outdoors gives us time to connect with ourselves and the wider world, and areas given over to a nature are a great way of reminding ourselves that all is not lost.

rethink the way you travel

From holidays to commutes, the way we travel is one of the most tangible changes we can make to improve our carbon footprint. It’s a simple, affordable, and achievable way to make a difference—and feeling a sense of accomplishment can help combat anxiety. For shorter, daily trips, choose walking or cycling. And when you need to go further afield, consider whether the distance would be better travelled by car sharing or train than by flying. When flying is the only option, opt for direct flights as these require less fuel than multi-leg journeys.

find a community that shares your values

With the right support, conversation and shared experiences, your feelings surrounding climate change will be validated and alleviated. From your own loved ones to climate action groups, who better to talk about all the good things you’re doing to lead a more sustainable life? Sharing is caring, and you’ll learn lots more tips on how to ensure your lifestyle is green, manageable, and eco-anxiety-free.

Obviously, community is huge for us content creators, and we hope eco club is a place to become more inspired and hopeful about living sustainably. Sign up for the eco club newsletter to get involved!

The post 5 Ways To Cope With Eco Anxiety appeared first on Eco Club.

Cleansing

As naturals, we have to be very mindful of the products that we put into our hair and the ingredients they contain. Sulphates and other drying ingredients can lead to breakage and damage in the long run. Not to mention, most hair care products come in plastic packaging, and a laundry list of not-so-sustainable ingredients.

A great alternative to conventional natural hair care products is African Black Soap. It’s all natural, chemical-free, and detoxifying. You can find it at your local beauty supply store in the soap aisle. You can also find similar products on Etsy or from seller Ethical Chick (pictured below), who uses ethically sourced products and recycled packaging.

Moisturizing with DIY Shea Butter Hair Cream

The next big staple in sustainable natural hair care is a nourishing moisturizer. Whether you use the LOC method or you do a wash and go, moisture is important. I enjoy making my own DIY shea butter cream, full of enriching oils. All you need is refined shea butter (not the yellow one!), jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and any other oils that you hair loves. Mix thoroughly, until all oils are blended. Be sure to keep it in an air tight container. The cream lasts for months, and can be used on your hair and body.

Styling and Protecting with Thrifted Scarves

Now that you’ve cleansed and moisturized, it’s time to style your thick curls. To avoid tangling and breakage, I usually put my hair into a protective style, like 2 strand twists. This helps to lock the moisture into hair and protect your ends. My favorite way to dress up my twists are with head wraps and scarves, which you can easily find at your local thrift store! I have gotten most of the scarves in my collection for $3 each. Plus, thrift shops are always the best for finding fun colors, textures, and fabrics that no one else will have. I love this video by Jae from faceovermatter over on Youtube and was inspired to create my own version to share on Insta:

When you start on a more eco friendly lifestyle, you realize just how many areas of your life are connected to this journey. Once you find what works for you in both your sustainable and natural hair journeys, you’ll feel empowered to bring sustainability to other parts of your routine. It can be challenging but you’re guaranteed to learn a bunch of unique and inventive things along the way. 

What are your favorite sustainable natural hair care products and tips? Would you like to see more posts on this topic? Let us know!

The post How I Green My Natural Hair Routine + DIY Natural Shea Butter Hair Cream appeared first on Eco Club.

cbd brands with sustainable packaging

I’m going to be 100% with y’all—finding companies that were dedicated to and implementing sustainable packaging was unexpectedly difficult. Which is why I applaud these brands all the more for taking that extra step to reduce their impact on Mother Nature.

Floramye
First up is eco club directory member, Floramye. They were instrumental in the creation of my original blog on CBD, and base their brand mission on practicing sustainability with all their products. Floramye stresses the importance of ethical and sustainable packaging; utilizing recyclable Italian glass with wood lids, and excluding any paper products while minimizing the use of plastic.

Daughter of the Land
Founded in 2017, every aspect of member Daughter of the Land focuses on sustainability, from their organic and fair-trade food grade ingredients, to their biodegradable and fully recyclable packaging. All of Daughter of the Land’s CBD products are packaged in compostable, recyclable, or reusable containers.

Plant People
While Plant People does source its ingredients globally, they are exceptionally transparent about where each component comes from. They also avoid plastic and dyes in their packaging, using 100% recycled and 100% biodegradable cellulose tissue in their shipping cushioning.

Black female-owned cbd brands

There is something especially beautiful about the Black community reclaiming an industry they have been disproportionately victimized in. These bad-ass boss babes have all shown up in different ways, but are still creating equally important impacts for their community and the environment.

Frigg
Created by the former CMO of Papa & Barkley (another CBD company), Frigg is a female-founded company. The company stresses transparency in all aspects of its business; their site provides easy access to their product philosophy, sustainable practices, and ingredients used, with blurbs about each of their benefits.

Buena Botanicals
Family-owned and founded by twin sisters, Buena Botanicals products are organic, hand-harvested, eco-responsible, and ethically grown in full sun and organic soil at a cooperative out of Colorado.

Undefined Beauty
Sh(EO) Dorian Morris founded Undefined Beauty with the intention of democratizing wellness. Undefined Beauty is sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, and accessibly priced; an element that’s hard to come by with niche commodities like CBD.

locally sourced cbd

9 times out of 10, it’s easier for US businesses to cut costs by outsourcing production to overseas factories where workers are under paid and subject to unsafe conditions. That’s why these companies—with their dedication to eco-friendly and U.S. sourced hemp—are truly changing what it means to be a sustainability-minded business.

Charlotte’s Web
Anyone who knows anything about the medicinal properties of cannabis and cannabis by-products has probably heard of Charlotte’s Web. What originally started out as a family venture to help one special needs child, has developed into a full-blown business that now grows its hemp on certified organic U.S. family farms.

Hollingsworth Hemp
This Washington-based CBD company truly emphasizes its family-owned and operated beginnings. All Hollingsworth Hemp CBD hemp is grown on their family farm in small batches and “Grandma Dorothy Approved”.

Verma Farms
Inspired by the Hawaiian islands, Verma Farms products are organic and made with pesticide free, unadulterated American-grown hemp. (P.S. they have a pet CBD line for any of you with fur children!)

Dazey CBD
Dazey CBD may be the paradigm of what locally sourced CBD should look like. As they put it on their website, “happy cows may come from California, but happy hemp comes from Oregon.” Dazey grows their CBD hemp open-air, and has the drone footage to prove it.

Hopefully, this list has given you all a few ideas if you’ve been curious about CBD brands. There’s many reasons to try and seek out sustainable brands, but first and foremost is the unavoidable reality that CBD is a consumable good. If you’re opting for a holistic health product, you probably don’t want to skimp on quality.

Let us know down below what you look for when choosing a CBD brand!

The post 10 CBD Brands To Know About appeared first on Eco Club.