We are so proud to share with you that we won the 2020 Canadian A Year of Boxes Awards for the Best Eco-Friendly Box!
We could not have done this without you and your full support! For everyone who voted for us, we will send you something special in your next subscription box, as a token of our deepest gratitude and appreciation.
Also, we'd like to announce that Lisa S. is the lucky Giveaway Winner from the last newsletter contest! And we thank everyone who participated in this Giveaway. More to come soon!
As a Canadian Small Business, this award means so much to us and we hope to continue providing you excellent customer experience and the best quality products.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing spoiler alerts of what's to come in the Fall Box... here are some hints: some things to keep you warm, some things to keep you clean and some novel things that'll help you save the environment, one product at a time. 💚
It's not too late to grab the Summer Box, there are literally only 5 left... get yours before we run out forever!
Here's how to enter:
STEP 1: Go to A Year of Boxes 2020 Awards and click Vote.
STEP 2: Scroll to Section 11 and Select I Live Eco
Bonus entries when you enter a special message in the Comments section
email us this screenshot too!
STEP 3: Scroll to the bottom and make a selection to subscribe to AYB
STEP 5: Take a screenshot of the Confirmation page and email your entry to us at hello@iliveeco.co
Voting is open until July 31.
I LIVE ECO is a Canada Proud small business!
Shop Local. Shop Canadian.
Hey, Canada! Did you know that I LIVE ECO is 100% Canadian owned?
Supporting and promoting other small Canadian businesses matters to us, especially those whose work is in service for a better planet. That’s why at least 95% of the curated items in our subscription boxes are from Canadian businesses.
I LIVE ECO aren’t the only Canadians making a positive impact on our planet. Canada is full of concerned citizens from all walks of life who are taking a stand for our environment. We’d like to take the opportunity to highlight three of them here:
15-year-old Autumn has already spent several years of her young life on a quest to solve the crisis of the lack of safe drinking water in Indigenous communities across the country. Autumn has spoken in front of the United Nations, led protests and was nominated for the Children’s International Peace Prize. Her ability to speak with poise and vulnerability have made her an inspiring leader, galvanizing support from people across the country.
One of the founders of the Campobello Whale Rescue Team in New Brunswick, Mackie and his team risk their lives each year to rescue whales that get caught in fishing gear in and around the Bay of Fundy. The Atlantic Canada waters are home to many species of whale each summer, including the North Atlantic right whale, of which there are a mere 500 left in existence.
Asha is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Boost Environmental Systems, a company that designs and builds a system called IMPACT to eliminate farm waste. The system uses microwave heating technology to shrink the volume and composition of farm waste by 40-60%, so it can then be broken down by our existing sewage system. The result is less contamination entering the ground and drinking water sources and puts Asha at the forefront of cleaner agriculture across Canada.
Maybe you’re not developing animal waste-management systems or marching in environmental protests, but each consumer choice you make can be a step towards a greener Canada. That’s why I LIVE ECO is offering Canadians 10% off any product storewide using the code CANADA10. This offer is available until July 15th, so get it while it lasts! Free shipping on orders over $25! And I LIVE ECO will plant a tree for every new subscription.
Wishing all our fellow Canadians a Happy - and Green! - Canada Day!
Photo: Ali Tawfiq
Each year during the month of June, LGBTQ people around the world honour the 1969 Stonewall riots that began the pushback against oppressive LGBTQ laws, and this month has become a time for LGBTQ people to celebrate the energy and diversity they contribute to their communities. I LIVE ECO has always been a proud supporter of Pride, participating as a vendor at Pride Toronto since 2018.
Though the usual large-scale Pride parades and events won’t be happening in 2020, we’re still celebrating Pride month in our own way. We are excited to announce that for June 2020, I LIVE ECO will be one of the LGBTQ-owned businesses featured at Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens located at 60 Carlton Street in Toronto. During this partnership, Loblaws will be carrying I LIVE ECO shampoo bars, honouring their commitment to promoting sustainable products and the eco-lifestyle.
I LIVE ECO will also commemorate Pride month by donating a percentage of the revenues from the sale of its shampoo bars to The 519, a registered Toronto charity and community centre that offers LGBTQ people the support and resources they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
I LIVE ECO is not blind to the realities of the world we live in. We understand that the fight for equal rights for all members of the LGBTQ community is still an uphill climb, and we stand with our brothers and sisters in all marginalized communities, committed to justice and equity for all. At I LIVE ECO, we work to combat climate change. We support green living and sustainable lifestyles. We believe in the goodness of humanity, and that working together, we can create a healthier, happier world. And the foundation for all of our endeavours is LOVE. From all of us at I LIVE ECO, our stance is unequivocal. LOVE IS LOVE. We believe that LOVE WINS, and though formal Pride is only one month long, I LIVE ECO will continue our work for a healthier planet and equity for all people each day, every day.
Photo by Steve Johnson
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On June 5, 1974, the United Nations celebrated the first World Environment Day, a day for reflection and action to protect our planet from the environmental hazards caused by economic expansion. The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is “Biodiversity — A call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world.”
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Systems (IPBES) notes that one million plant and animal species are currently facing extinction - some within just decades. The good news is that there’s still time to fix it. By changing our own habits and increasing accountability for the protection of the earth, we can remodel our economies with the protection of the planet as a priority.
What Can You Do?
The United Nations offers a few practical tips for how you can affect change in your own community to support our environment:
1. Learn. Take time to reflect on how we humans rely on nature for our own sustainability and learn about how the choices you make can affect positive change.
A) Learn about what your city and country is doing to protect the environment
2. Share. Share what you’ve learned about our environment and its degradation, and share what you will do to make a difference in the community around you.
A) Join the Cities4Forests photo contest - they will plant a tree for each post. https://cities4forests.com/forest-challenge/
B) Share companies on your social media platform that are working locally to support environmental causes in your community and beyond
3. Act. Turn what you’ve learned about climate change and biodiversity into action that supports efforts to save our environment from permanent degradation.
A) Change your diet to more locally produced, environmentally-friendly food sources, paying particular attention to protein sources
B) Buy from eco-friendly companies that are invested in working towards a healthier planet
In celebration of World Environment Day, I LIVE ECO will plant one tree for each new subscription beginning on June 5. We are proud to partner with https://onetreeplanted.org/ to support reforestation efforts around the world.
Share what you’re doing to support biodiversity for World Environment Day on Instagram and Facebook with the #ILIVEECO. Working together, we can be the change we want to see.
]]>Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate the women in our lives who love, nurture and care for us as only someone with a mothering spirit can do. It’s also a perfect time to honour our Mother Earth, who continues to provide for each of us unconditionally. This year, honour all the mothers in your life with conscious gifts that are earth-friendly and mom-approved.
1. Some Quality Time With You
The truth is, what moms love more than anything is quality time with their kids. Physically being with mom might not be possible this year due to current social distancing guidelines, and if that's the case, schedule a nice long video call with her instead. Grab a cup of tea and give her some time to hear about your life, while you hear about hers. These moments aren’t just precious and cherished, but they’re free, sustainable and safe for the planet. And if you can’t connect with your mom for any reason this Mother’s Day, honour her with a few kind words about her, even if you only speak them to yourself, and even if only for the life she gave you.
2. Reusable Food Wrap
There’s no comfort food in the world like mom’s home-cooked leftovers, and the fresher the better! Reusable food wraps are great gifts that are mom-friendly and earth-friendly. The breathable wraps aren't just ideal for keeping food fresher for longer, you can find wraps that are all-natural, zero-waste, and they last for dozens of uses before needing to be replaced.
3. Organic Produce Delivery
Since Mom’s probably cooking anyway, why not give her a head start with a month of organic produce home delivery. Many local farms offer delivery boxes with an assortment of fresh, organic produce that will arrive at mom’s door weekly or bi-monthly. Buying local supports your community, buying organic supports the planet, and buying your mom groceries demonstrates how much you love and appreciate how she feeds you.
4. An Eco-Friendly Subscription Box
A subscription box is a gift that keeps giving month after month — a delight and surprise for Mom each time one appears on her doorstep. The I Live Eco Subscription Box is a great way to say I love you to your own mother while showing a little love to Mother Earth. Each item in the box is carefully curated to support a greener lifestyle with eco-friendly products like a bamboo toothbrush and shampoo bars and that will quickly become staples in mom’s home.
5. Gift Mom An Experience
Offering your mom an experience she’ll love this Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to show her how much you adore her, and giving her an experience instead of a physical thing will ultimately help create less waste for our planet. If Mom likes to be pampered, give her a spa gift certificate. If she enjoys the theatre, give her tickets to a show she’d like to see. No one knows your mom like you do - show her some love by sending her to do something she’ll love.
This year, on April 22nd, marks the 50th anniversary of the original Earth Day celebrations, which was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson in the United States in 1970. Traditionally, Earth Day has been honoured with public gatherings and community events, where people come together to celebrate the Earth and commit to treating the planet with care and respect.
Current social distancing practices means that we’ll all be honouring Earth Day privately from our homes this year. But because our celebrations aren’t public, doesn’t diminish our commitment to a healthy planet. Here are a few ways you can honour the Earth from home.
1. Turn the lights off
Electricity generation emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Turning off the lights - even just for one hour - stops these emissions, and at the same time can lower your electric bill. Switching to candlelight for a few hours on Earth Day is a gentle reminder that electricity is a resource to be grateful for, and using it mindfully is better for our planet and your wallet.
2. Plant food
Growing your own food gets you back to nature, gives you an appreciation for where your food comes from and can increase your feelings of independence and food security. While you’re home, try planting a small vegetable patch or even herbs in pots. Having a few of your own simple food sources will heighten your awareness of what you eat, and how food gets to your table.
3. Start to compost
Food scraps and yard waste currently makes up 28 percent of what we throw away. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane gas. And the fertile soil you’ll develop from composting will be a great addition to your new vegetable patch! If you don’t have outdoor space, a small compost bin can be kept in a cupboard in your kitchen.
4. Buy Eco
When buying things for yourself or your home, be mindful of what you’re buying and where it’s coming from. Choose items that don’t contain excess packaging like shampoo bars, reusable items like bamboo water bottles, and common household items made from sustainable materials. Look up the companies you’re buying from, and when you can, choose local companies that are trying to keep it green.
Beauty brands are always looking for ways to stay fresh and current, and in these changing times, that means making their products greener and producing them more sustainably. The past couple of years have seen an explosion in green beauty, and we’re super excited about a few trends that are making a big splash.
Less packaging
Refillable, reusable and biodegradable packaging are on everyone’s mind for 2020, and many beauty brands are leading the way. TerraCycle’s loop program allows customers in a few major cities to order products from participating brands including Josie Maran and Paula’s Choice, which arrive in eco-friendly packaging like glass bottles. When the product is finished, customers simply send the empty bottles back, where they are cleaned, re-filled and re-used.
Other brands like Pure Anada are offering refills for their products, reducing their packaging waste. And many companies like Dove are committing to fully recycled plastic for their packaging.
Clean beauty transparency
Not long ago, so many items in the beauty aisle became “clean”, “green” or “natural”, with consumers having very little idea what these words actually meant. Recent years have brought a new fight against misleading information, and a push for transparency from brands, with clear definitions of “green”, “clean” and “natural”. This transparency can include Environmental Working Group’s ratings directly on the packaging, with symbols that customers can easily decipher, or simply listing ingredients in plain language, large and up front, so consumers understand exactly what is in the products they’re using.
No more water
Water (or aqua, as you may find it on cosmetics containers) is the most commonly used ingredient in the beauty industry. But fresh water is a limited resource, and companies with a commitment to sustainability are looking for new ways to use less of this precious commodity. Korean cosmetics companies started the water-free trend a few years ago, and it didn’t take long for other companies to jump on board. Now, water-free products like powdered cleansers and dry sheet masks are readily available, and even L’oreal has committed to a 60% reduction in water used in each product over the next 15 years.
Limiting water in cosmetics isn’t just better for the environment. Water-free cosmetics are easier to travel with and tend to have a longer shelf life. And when water is removed as a base and replaced with oils and botanicals, formulations are more potent, giving you more bang for your buck.
Reusable and biodegradable products
Shampoo and conditioner bars such as this one from I LIVE ECO are an exciting beauty innovation - minimal packaging and nothing to throw out when they’re done. Reusable cotton rounds are another - removing the need for disposable cotton pads or pre-soaked face wipes for removing your makeup or nail polish. When the rounds are dirty, just throw them in the laundry and they come out fresh and ready to use again. The konjac sponge in our spring eco box is one of our favourites. Made from vitamin-infused konjac root, these sponges provide a gentle exfoliation and are compostable when you’re done with them.
In the tropical climates where bamboo naturally grows, this super-plant has been used for centuries for everything from food to construction and more. I LIVE ECO has been a fan of bamboo since its inception (bamboo straws are where we began!) and we are thrilled that bamboo is quickly becoming a green alternative to not-so-easily-renewable resources. Here are a few of the amazing benefits bamboo offers:
1. Bamboo is sustainable
Growing bamboo takes very little water and no pesticides. In contrast, it can take up to 22,000 litres of water to make just one kilo of cotton. While trees take decades to grow until they can be used, bamboo regenerates itself quickly, growing eight times faster than trees. In fact, some types of bamboo can grow up to three feet in one day!
2. Bamboo is strong
You may think bamboo is flimsy because of how it bends with the wind, but the key is that bamboo bends in the wind, and because of this it doesn’t break. Compared to traditional building materials, bamboo withstands compression better than concrete, is three times stronger than wood and can withstand greater pressure and tension than steel. And bamboo maintains all this strength while being more flexible and malleable than wood, steel or concrete.
3. Bamboo is versatile
Bamboo isn’t just for drinking straws. We’ve seen how its strength makes it ideal for construction projects, but bamboo can also be used to make bicycles, instruments, clothing, paper, charcoal, and household items such as furniture, flooring and even toothbrushes and tumblers. And what’s more, bamboo can be eaten! Bamboo shoots are a good source of dietary fibre and potassium, and they contain phytochemicals, which can have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
4. Bamboo is green
Between 1990-2016, the world lost 1.3 million square kilometers of forest. As a viable and sustainable alternative to wood, switching to bamboo could be a solution to the clear-cutting of our forests. And compared to similar trees, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen and absorbs 5x more carbon dioxide, making it a valuable resource in fighting climate change. Being able to replace wood, steel, plastic, cotton with sustainably grown and quickly renewable bamboo makes more than good sense - it makes green sense.
A tumultuous childhood led Brandi Leifso to drop out of school when she was just 14. At 21, Brandi found herself living in a women’s shelter, unsure of where she’d go next. But none of the obstacles in her way stopped Brandi from pursuing her dream of starting a beauty and makeup line.
Today, Evio has grown to become a leading line of conscious skincare, and in 2018, it became the first Canadian company to be accepted into Sephora’s 2018 Accelerate Program, which supports women founders of cosmetic companies. In an interview with Hempster, Brandi said, “I wanted to build an army of empowered women who were creating change through small, intentional, conscious actions every single day.” There’s still time to sign up for our Spring Box, which includes an Evio face mask.
When Candice Grenier noticed she had become sensitive to some of the products and chemicals she used in her hairstyling work, she really began looking at the health costs of her beauty habits. On the Pure Anada website, Candice says, “I was surprised to learn that the cosmetic industry is not well regulated and that many ingredients are not tested for their long-term safety.”
This wake-up call led Candice to start “greening” her own cosmetics stash by eliminating chemical-filled products and making her own natural makeup. In 2005 she turned her passion into her business when she founded Pure Anada, a Manitoba-based cosmetics company with a full range of cruelty-free, allergen-free, all Canadian-made beauty company.
And it’s not just the final products that are good for the world. All along the supply chain, the ingredients are ethically sourced. Pure Anada works with a women’s co-op in West Africa for shea butter, and her supplier of Mica from India funds housing, schools and daycares, ensuring that the ethically mined ingredient isn’t being produced with child labour.
Wyld Skincare is more than a passion project for Joy Yap, it’s personal. Joy, who started Wyld only four short years ago, suffered from a skin condition called Ichthyosis as a child, and she spent years trying to manage her own excessively dry skin. Because of her condition, Joy grew up with an interest in natural, healthy skincare. Now Joy’s business sells all-natural cleansers, bath soaks, and their signature item, an exfoliating sponge made 100% from the Konjac plant.
Wyld (which stands for “What You Love Doing”) has one simple philosophy: Kindness first, always. And they don’t just say it, they live it. Wyld donates a percentage of each sale from their products to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. And Wyld never uses single-use plastic or styrofoam. There’s still time to sign up for our Spring Box, which includes a Konjac sponge from Wyld!
Entrepreneurship has been Toni Desrosiers’ path since childhood, and her entrepreneurial spirit only continued to grow. In 2008, the Victoria-based nutritional consultant was considering her next business venture when she learned that 40% of food consumers bring home is wasted, often because it has been stored improperly. Toni looked at foods in their natural state, such as onions, avocados and oranges, and realized that their natural storage system — their skins — were breathable, while traditional plastic food storage systems were not. This research led Toni to develop Abeego — a natural beeswax food wrap that protects food from air and moisture while allowing the food to breathe naturally.
Toni won the 2018 RBC Women Entrepreneur Trailblazer award and noted at the time that for an entrepreneur to succeed, “you need to know why you’re doing business. Not just what or how you’re doing what you’re doing.”
Ethical fashion is en vogue these days, but for Kirsten Dickerson, fair-trade fashion has been a years-long passion that she translated into a successful business over 10 years ago.
In 2008, after 15 years of working in social justice and as an art director for the film and fashion industries, Kirsten founded Raven + Lily, an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand, with a goal of creating and sustaining employment opportunities for women around the world. And it's not just the artisans around the world that benefit from her business, but also people close to home. Raven + Lily works to sustain local employees and office infrastructure in Austin, when so many fast fashion brands have outsourced these functions to low-cost areas overseas.
If you want to keep your eco-footprint small and your fashion evergreen, Kristen offers some sage advice: “Slow down, buy less, and be willing to ask yourself questions like: Do I love this? Will I wear it for at least two years? Will it last for 30 wears? Do I know the story about who and how it was made?” Because being intentional about our fashion can help us be greener in our world.
A traveler, businesswoman and philanthropist, Gen came by her inspiration for I LIVE ECO honestly. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, it was a trip to her homeland that made Philippines-born Gen take a step back. During her trip, Gen was given a bamboo straw for her drink, and the idea for I LIVE ECO was born.
She wanted to bring this green idea back to Toronto, while fulfilling a deep desire to help the children of her homeland. That’s why 1% of I LIVE ECO’s monthly revenue goes back to children’s charities in the Philippines. The green subscription box allows Gen to give her subscribers the tools they need to start living more eco every season. Each subscriber is a partner to Gen, working towards loving, honoring, and healing our planet together.
As travel becomes more popular and more accessible, it becomes even more important for travellers to remain eco-conscious. Tourism accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but being mindful of the planet doesn’t mean you can’t explore it. Use these 5 tips to ensure that the only footprints you leave behind are in the sand.
1. Choose sustainable transportation
Many places you’ll want to visit will only be accessible by airplane. Once at your destination, consider other ways of exploring. Walking is a great way to see a new town, allowing you to find places you might miss when sitting in a car. Public transportation is another way to get you where you need to go, while giving you a truly local experience. Larger cities like Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona have bike-sharing programs that will reduce your carbon footprint and give you a fun and zippy way to see the city.
2. Take your own green gear
Instead of buying plastic water bottles to stay hydrated, take your own refillable water bottle to use while you’re abroad. You can also carry your own reusable drinking straw to reduce your use of disposable plastics. A reusable tote and even shampoo and conditioner bars will mean less disposable plastic, a smaller eco-footprint and more sustainable adventure. All of these products are easily available in the I LIVE ECO box.
3. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations
Businesses around the world have been looking to minimize their own environmental footprints, which makes finding eco-conscious hotels easier than ever. When you’re booking a place to stay, look for hotels that:
4. Choose sustainable tours and activities
Whether it’s diving in Belize, skiing in Switzerland or dolphin swimming in Hawaii, each place we visit offers its own unique activities for travellers to enjoy but it’s worth researching the environmental impact your activity has. Riding elephants in Thailand, swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines or hanging with gorillas in Rwanda all sound like amazing adventures, but they all come with an environmental impact that shouldn’t be ignored. Do a little research into your activities and the local tour operators, and choose adventures that support the local community and encourage ethical operators.
5. Eat local
When you want to truly experience a new culture and community, there’s no substitute for diving into the local cuisine. But not all eating is green. Choose locally-owned street vendors and restaurants, staying away from big food chains. This will help keep your food dollars within the local community. And don’t forget that eating eco isn’t just about where you eat, but also what you eat. Animal agriculture can be detrimental to the environment, so choose vegetarian or vegan dishes over meat to keep your eating green. A little research into what you’re eating can go a long way into making sure your food choices support the local community and the planet.
Sign up for the I LIVE ECO box now to start getting the tools you need to live more eco at home and abroad.
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Chocolates, roses and candle lit dinners are often what come to mind when celebrating on February 14th but traditional Valentine’s Day activities aren’t always eco-friendly. This V-Day, show the planet some love by injecting a little green into your red and pink holiday. Here are five simple ways to celebrate while keeping it green:
1. Keep it green & local
If food is your love language, consider speaking in ways that show your appreciation for your valentine and for the planet. Cooking dinner at home? Keep at least part of the meal vegetarian or vegan for a smaller eco-footprint. If you’re eating dinner out, consider restaurants that source their ingredients locally, or completely zero-waste restaurants. This is a great way to keep it green while supporting local eco-businesses.
2. Fair-trade chocolate is always sweeter
Over 35 million boxes of chocolate are sold each year for Valentine’s Day. Despite this boost in sales, the profits don’t trickle down to most cacao farmers, who continue to live in poverty. Gifting fair-trade chocolate this Valentine’s Day is an eco-friendly way to support farmers who supply our favourite treats, and helps ensure that our chocolate is cultivated sustainably, while those who work on the cacao farms get paid a living wage.
3. Spread the love to your community
This year, go beyond showing your love for just one person, and spread it to those in need in your own community. Take your Valentine’s chocolates, food, treats and love to a local shelter and share your love with others to capture the true spirit of the holiday.
4. Ditch red for green
Roses on Valentine’s Day are always more expensive than other times of the year. But the true cost of the bouquet is higher than you think. Roses are often cultivated in greenhouses that use artificial light and heat before being transported in trucks. Imported roses travel thousands of miles to sit on your beloved’s table for a week. This year, give your love an eco-friendly potted plant instead of roses. Plants are simple to source locally, last longer, are easy to care for, and can even provide health benefits like maintaining indoor air quality.
5. Date sustainably
Theatre tickets or weekend getaways can be super romantic for Valentine’s day, but they can also be pricey and aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. If you want to go out and keep it green, consider an outdoor activity for you and your love to do together. Cycle to the nearest beautiful outdoor spot for a picnic, hike through the nearest greenspace, or even go for a city stroll and enjoy the architecture on foot. Whatever you choose, eco-friendly can still be ultra-romantic.
]]>(7 kid friendly eco-tips for the Winter)
By Meera Jain
In our fast-paced world, we sometimes make quick and easy choices without considering how those choices might affect us. Shifting our mindset to act with intention rather than simply reacting can lead to healthier choices for ourselves and our planet. When we act with intention, we don’t simply accept what is in front of us. Rather, we consider and we choose. Making intentional, eco-friendly choices can lead to a newfound fulfillment in your life as you choose your actions based on an outcome you want. We’ve outlined a few simple ways you can begin the year living more eco, while also being intentional about your everyday choices.
A common resolution people make as they start a new year is to live healthier - exercise more, eat well and be aware of what they put in their body. A simple way to combine green living with this intention towards mindful eating is to pack snacks from home to take to work or school rather than buying snacks on-the-go, which are usually processed and packaged in non-recyclable plastics. Packing snacks can lead to healthier food choices and less waste, while also creating the time to think about what you’re putting into your body in advance.
Ditching plastic water bottles is another way to fulfill on an eco-friendly, intentional lifestyle. If you’re committed to drinking more water this year, using a refillable bottle will both ensure you’re not buying one-use plastics to fulfill this resolution, and also makes sure you’re intentional about it. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help you maintain a healthy body weight, regulate body temperature, keep your skin supple, promote good cardiovascular health, and more. Each time you refill or drink from your bottle, you can remember all these great things you’re doing for your body, and a fashionable tumbler doesn’t hurt either!
If greenhouse gas emissions and animal welfare are issues that concern you, consider cutting down on eating meat this year. Even going meatless for just one day a week saves hundreds of gallons of water, reduces fossil fuel emissions and is good for your heart health. Also, just one meatless day per week can save hundreds of land and aquatic animals every year. To be intentional about your food is to be intentional about your health and the health of our planet. Eating just a little less meat is a simple way to fulfill all three.
Don’t spend another year being reactive. Consider the planet you want, and the life you want. Make choices that fulfill on your intentions, and live a greener, healthier, more meaningful life now.
]]>At I LIVE ECO, we don’t think it’s a coincidence that green is one of the colours of the holiday season. This year, make your holidays especially green with these tips for a happy holiday for you and yours, and a sustainable holiday for the planet.
Beautifully wrapped gifts are a special part of the holiday season, but foil, glitter and plastic are not so great for our planet. When sharing gifts with loved ones this year, opt for reusable gift bags that can be shared over and over, or recyclable craft paper spruced up with some twine and a sprig of pine. Stamps or hand-drawn pictures can make even the simplest brown-paper package feel extra special.
Swap your plastic holiday decorations with longer-lasting items made from wood, fabric, or glass. You can also opt for classic decor that you’ll enjoy year after year, rather than diving into annual trends that quickly go out of style. Incorporate natural materials that you can use fresh like pine-cone wreaths or cinnamon stick candle holders. Incorporating natural elements in your decor makes for a greener - not to mention great-smelling - holiday!
LED Christmas lights are more efficient and eco-friendly than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They don’t burn out and they’re not hot to the touch, making them safer to use around the house. LED lights are slightly more expensive up-front, but the long-term savings to the planet (and your electricity bill!) makes them well worth it.
Christmas dinner often includes two things: lots of meat and lots of leftovers. This year, make your dinner a little greener by cutting out one meat-based dish for a plant-based alternative. Source local ingredients, and get creative in the kitchen with foods that you can buy at your neighbourhood farmer’s market. Another way to “green” your dinner is to manage food waste. We all love leftovers the day after Christmas but plan your menu accordingly so excess food doesn’t end up in the trash a few days later.
Large holiday meals require lots of dishes to feed our loved ones but many of the single-use items we use at large gatherings are made of non-recyclable materials and end up in landfills. A simple alternative is to ask a friend or family member to bring along some dishware that can be washed and returned after the meal. If your party is large, consider renting plates, cutlery, glassware, and more. Bamboo straws are also a simple way to “green” your table and give your guests a small token of thanks to take home.
]]>But luckily for you, it doesn't have to be like that. You can absolutely eat out while still living more sustainably. You just need to be smart about it, and incorporate your sustainable practices into your dinner outside.
That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips to keep in mind the next time you decide to skip the groceries and get some food at that Italian place down the street.
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For many living the eco life, the general consensus is that eating out isn’t the best practice. It’s usually more expensive than cooking at home, and can be detrimental for both the environment and yourself.
But luckily for you, it doesn't have to be like that. You can absolutely eat out while still living more sustainably. You just need to be smart about it, and incorporate your sustainable practices into your dinner outside.
That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips to keep in mind the next time you decide to skip the groceries and get some food at that Italian place down the street. Shall we begin?
Eating out doesn’t always have to mean eating unhealthy, or eating non-conscientiously. You can reduce your environmental footprint by making smarter choices when it comes to what you eat.
So what does it mean to eat sustainable food items?
It means consuming less meat. You don’t have to go full on vegan, but less meat does help reduce your overall carbon footprint. It also means going organic, and choosing foods that are fresh and in-season. This is particularly important when it comes to fruits and vegetables. It also means getting food that’s locally sourced.
Look up that restaurant’s menu and where they get their food before booking that reservation. A lot of diners are becoming increasingly transparent with their dishes, so take advantage!
Following from the previous tip, also be aware of where you’re going to be eating.
A lot of restaurants are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental impact, and are doing what they can to provide you with ethical and sustainable services (yes, services, because being eco-friendly goes beyond just your food!). These are the places that you want to eat at.
Plus, you’re supporting them so they can continue to create a positive impact on the planet. It’s a win-win.
So how do you find out all that information on organic food and environmentally-friendly restaurant brands?
A very good question, and we’ll answer that with technology.
That’s right. There are a lot of apps out there that can provide you with the right information on what to eat and where to eat. Happy Cow for example, is an app that helps you locate vegan and/or vegetarian restaurants across the globe. Good Guide tells you everything you need to know about the food you eat and how it’s sourced. Nifty, huh?
For a more comprehensive list of modern apps for sustainable eating, check out this article from Forbes.
Agreed to meet people away from home? No big deal.
Just don’t drive if you can help it.
Motor vehicles are some of the most notorious contributors to air pollution. That’s why it’s so important that you drive your car sparingly. If you can help it, ride a bicycle over. Or if you live in the big city, go by subway, or by bus. Shared transportation is actually a very effective way to reduce your individual carbon emissions.
Sharing is caring. And let’s be honest, eating alone outside can get a little awkward.
That’s why it’s a good idea to eat out with other people. It’s not just good for your spirits, but it’s also a good way to reduce the amount of food you waste. If you don’t like the idea of bringing food back home, you can always use your friend(s) as a food dumpster!
In fact, sharing your sustainable practices with the people in your life is another great way for all of you to create a more positive impact collectively.
Your parents have told you time and time again to always finish what’s on your plate. But do you?
No, not always.
That’s not in itself a terrible thing, but that does mean that a lot of food gets wasted. In Canada alone 63% of the food we eat is thrown away. And that means all the resources like water and energy used to get that food to your plate goes to waste. You can help stop this by simply bringing your leftovers back home in a box.
You can even take this one step further by excluding all the plastic disposables that come with taking food back home, which brings us our next tip…
A lot of restaurants give you a lot of freebies when you order food to go.
Say no.
The world doesn’t need any more plastic waste, especially when it’s unnecessary. You have tissue at home. You have your own forks, spoons, knives and plates. You even have your own bags that you can bring wherever you go.
Think about it. If you’re only bringing a small box of food in a bag (or not; you could skip that part and just carry the box) home, that’s a lot less stuff to carry. Yay!
There’s a lot of stuff you can bring yourself. You don’t even need to bring all of the things listed above. But you can reduce a lot of waste by not using straws in your drinks (or simply by using your own), bringing back your food in a reusable container instead of a Styrofoam box, or even storing your leftover water or beverages in a bottle (or just drink it all right then and there).
If there’s anything to take away from this article, it’s that there are so many ways to live the life you want more sustainably. You just need to get creative.
Okay. Maybe your leftovers aren't quite enough to sustain you for one more meal. Nor are they small enough to finish off in one final gulp. Or maybe your fridge is too full and you don't want to bring them back.
Regardless of what your reasons may be, another option to put your waste to use is by using your food as compost. You do have to bring it back home, but composting is easy. Here's a quick guide to get you started.
Paper receipts are slowly becoming the new plastic straw. Millions are wasted per year and none of them are recycled due to the chemicals used to produce them.
That’s why it’s important for you to be a step ahead in the game by refusing paper receipts. There are a lot of ways you can do this. Many apps, banks and shops are allowing for the use of digital e-receipts, so definitely make use of the option whenever you can. If that’s not an option, try asking to not have the receipt printed out.
It might seem like there isn't much that can be done as a consumer, but there's still a lot that you can do. You have a lot more control than you think.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
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It’s difficult to think of anything but being cold during the winter season, and thoughts of living sustainably may fall to the wayside. Since using up resources to stay warm during the winter can affect the environment around us, we’d like to share some easy ways for you to reduce that carbon footprint!
Did you know that home heating and cooling accounts for approximately 65% of all energy consumption in Canada? Household electricity and heat generation also accounts for 6% of total greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why it’s important that you keep an eye on your thermostat, for both the environment and your electric bill’s sake.
Making small changes in how you handle the winter chills can make a huge difference for you and for the earth.
1. Moderate Energy Use
This is the easiest tip to start implementing.
When you leave your home, lowering your thermostat a degree or two will lower your energy usage more than you would imagine! You may even notice it on your next bill...
An even easier way to handle this would be to get an automatic thermostat. It may cost a little more up front but can save you 10-30% on your total energy costs while making your home more eco-friendly.
Go on, this article isn’t going anywhere. You can come back after you’ve reset the thermostat.
Bonus Tip: Try cooking more often at home. You’ll be able to cut down on waste, and more importantly, spread heat from the kitchen to the rest of the house. Try it sometime!
2. Weatherproofing
There are plenty of ways to keep your house naturally cold-proof without having to call in external help. Some simple ways to do this include:
It goes without saying that in the face of negative degree weather, you need to have at least one good winter coat.
One thing you can do is make sure your coat has been sourced ethically. Fast fashion is detrimental to the environment and wastes a huge amount of resources.
Try to keep reusing your coat for as long as you can. If you can no longer hold on to it, don’t throw it away. Instead, donate it, or give it to someone who’d love it. After all, the holiday season is all about giving!
2. Public Transportation
Try getting on the public transport bandwagon. A study conducted by ICF International showed that taking public transit can reduce the total amount of individual fuel use by up to 947 million gallons.
You can contribute to that too. By sharing warmth and resource consumption with other people, you’ll be cutting down on overall carbon emissions and energy usage. Plus, if you’re going by subway, you won’t have to deal with traffic!
3. Travel Mugs
A cup of joe keeps the morning chills away!
And what better way than by keeping it in a reusable travel mug? There are several types of bottles available for you, many of which can keep your drinks warm for hours. This way, you get to reduce plastic waste and use. We have a great bamboo tumbler made from bamboo that can keep your drinks warm or cold for us to 10 hours, plus it’s leak proof so you can throw it into your bag without a worry.
]]>In fact, most teabags, even ones made of paper, contain a plastic polymer, polypropylene, so that they can be fully sealed and retain their shape when soaked in liquid. Because of this, plastic teabags don’t actually decompose, instead only adding to our current plastic waste crisis.
What does this mean for you?
]]>Image by cocoparisienne from Pixabay
A recent study found that plastic tea bags release billions of microplastic particles into your drink; a thousand times more than in any other food or beverage.
In fact, most teabags, even ones made of paper, contain a plastic polymer, polypropylene, so that they can be fully sealed and retain their shape when soaked in liquid. Because of this, plastic teabags don’t actually decompose, instead only adding to our current plastic waste crisis.
As we’ve said, the plastic doesn’t just go in the environment. It also leaches into your drink, and consequently, your body. At the moment, there is still too little research done on the subject, which is why nobody can say for sure if microplastics can harm you. The studies that have been done, however, do suggest that exposure to microplastics may lead to various health problems in humans.
Polypropylene itself can cause disruptions in the endocrine system. Common chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and pthalates that are added during the manufacturing process have been cited to cause hormonal disruption, birth defects and sometimes cancer in humans. According to this article, microplastics have also been shown to damage and/or kill cells in large enough amounts. When small enough, it is even possible for particles to enter the bloodstream.
Right now, nobody knows for sure the extent to which microplastics can affect our body. But do you really want to wait to find out the hard way?
Fortunately, there are a lot of easy changes you can make to avoid consuming microplastics from teabags while still enjoying your regular drink.
Image by jan mesaros from Pixabay
The first and easiest tip is to switch from plastic teabags to ones that are made from organic and biodegradable materials. Several eco-friendly tea brands such as Numi and Clipper Tea provide teabags made of natural materials that are just as functional as their plastic counterparts. This is great if you prefer brewing your tea with the typical string-and-tag.
Image by Iva Balk from Pixabay
The other option is to brew loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf tea is simply tea that is brewed by steeping whole tea leaves. Loose-leaf tea is arguably more flavorful and richer in nutrients than tea brewed with teabags because they haven’t been ground and processed.
Loose-leaf tea may seem like a lot of trouble, and it can be, but with the proper know-how, it doesn’t have to be. The most common method of brewing this type of tea is by pouring boiled water into a mug of whole tea leaves and letting them infuse. If you don’t want to deal with tea leaves floating in your drink you can also opt to use a reusable stainless-steel strainer to strain the leaves.
And if you like your tea on the go? Another convenient way to brew loose-leaf tea is with a tea infuser. You only need to steep your tea in the infuser for 3-5 minutes to get a healthy, plastic-free dose of hot tea. Our stainless steel black fruit tumbler has a built-in infuser for you to brew hot, loose-leaf tea (and keep it hot!) wherever you go.
Protecting the environment and having what you want don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, you can do both in a variety of ways that don’t involve you bending over backwards!
Hopefully after reading this article you can now enjoy the many benefits of drinking tea without the dangers of plastic ruining it for you.
]]>And we’re running out of clean water. People in Canada alone on average use 329 litres of water every day.
That’s why it’s more important than ever that we take steps to reduce the amount of water we waste on a regular basis.
You’ve likely heard of all the many ways to reduce your water usage by now. Showering instead of taking a bath, using the washing machine only when you need to, using the dishwasher instead of handwashing dirty dishes. The list goes on.
But there are a lot of other things that waste water. Things in your life using up ridiculous amounts of water unbeknownst to you.
]]>Image by urformat from Pixabay
Without water we’d be nothing. Life on Earth would cease to exist and the planet itself would become a wasteland. This isn’t an exaggeration.
And we’re running out of clean water. People in Canada alone on average use 329 litres of water every day.
That’s why it’s more important than ever that we take steps to reduce the amount of water we waste on a regular basis.
You’ve likely heard of all the many ways to reduce your water usage by now. Showering instead of taking a bath, using the washing machine only when you need to, using the dishwasher instead of handwashing dirty dishes. The list goes on.
But there are a lot of other things that waste water. Things in your life using up ridiculous amounts of water without you knowing.
Down below we've listed down some of the biggest and most unexpected water wasters in your life and what you can do about them.
The first culprit on our list are the clothes you’re wearing right now.
According to The Fashion Law, the fashion industry wastes 25 billion gallons of water on textile production and 1.3 trillion gallons on fabric dyeing annually. That’s an awful lot of water to throw away for the sake of a new outfit.
Instead of buying from fast fashion outlets, try sourcing from more eco-friendly fashion brands that use environmentally-friendly fabrics other than cotton. Another option is to reduce the amount of clothes you buy. Do you really need TWO t-shirts of the exact same color?
The very food on your plate wastes 45 trillion gallons of water when it’s thrown away. Meat production alone uses up 5,000 to 20,000 litres of water per kg of meat.
The solution? Be more conscious of your eating habits. Store uneaten food portions in the refrigerator. Make sure to eat all your fruits before they rot. And if you’re up for it, reduce the overall amount of meat you eat (even better, go full vegan!).
You should also shop more wisely. Buy your groceries from eco-friendly supermarkets or farmer’s markets to support environmentally-conscious food production practices, which will in turn reduce water wastage and consumption.
You probably already know to stay away from bottled water at the convenience store. Bottled water not only adds plastic to our landfills but also wastes valuable drinking water. Since most taps are regulated and provide clean water to drink, you shouldn’t have to get water from the store.
Instead, opt to bring a reusable water bottle like this tumbler wherever you go. That way you can stay hydrated and the Earth won’t suffer for it.
1 sheet of A4 paper requires the equivalent of 5 litres of water. Now multiply that by the amount of paper you print and use every day and let that sink in.
Unfortunately, sometimes using paper is unavoidable. Maybe your boss really likes having paper copies. Or perhaps you need to print out and fill in hardcopy forms to submit because that’s required. Regardless, there are still some things you can do to reduce your paper usage.
As always, the first thing you can do is to recycle any paper you dispose of. The second thing you can do is reduce the paper you use by using digital alternatives. Like reading? Use an ebook. Need to communicate? Use email or text. Have notes you need to organize? Evernote’s got your back.
And finally, if you absolutely need paper in your life (perhaps you enjoy journaling), get your paper from eco-friendly sources. There are many companies that produce compostable or sustainable paper materials. Support them, and the environment, by buying from them.
Another huge waster of water is your morning cup of joe. A single cup of coffee takes 37 gallons of water to produce from harvesting to brewing. It'll be hard, but letting go of caffeine will save a lot of water for the planet. It also reduces your carbon footprint. That same cup of coffee also releases 150g of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Instead of drinking coffee, you can try drinking black tea instead. It provides that same caffeine fix but without the intense water requirements.
You might also consider buying your coffee from brands that incorporate eco-friendly cultivation practices into their production. Look for organizations that carry certification labels on their products like Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
]]>Entrepreneurship was a large part of my life before I knew the word for it. As a child, I watched my self-made father grow in his work. He had made his own clogs from the trees in the forest of his childhood village when he was 11 years old. He sent all seven of his children to American and Canadian universities. He started as a janitor in the middle school that he had gone to, cleaning up before going to school with the rest of his classmates before rising up to be a well-respected business person in Corporate Asia. It would take the start of my own company to truly realize what an inspiration he’d been.
When striking out on my own, I thought the only path I could take was working my way up the corporate ladder, so I started on my journey. I still remember the first computer program I made in high school - it was a point of sale system for a pizza place. My program would show an animation of a pizza being made while the customer chosen toppings. Being able to watch my program work began a lifelong fascination with programming. I continued in my profession and ran large campaigns as a project manager for many years. In 2018, I left Toronto to visit the Philippines not knowing that my life would never be the same again.
There I was, having the time of my life with eight of my friends on an island-hopping trip, and we ended up at a sandbar. There was a floating cocktail bar right next to it and I got my drink in a glass with a bamboo straw. I asked the bartender why they used bamboo and he told me that its difficult to get shipments in the remote area they’re in so they use the resources that they have right there. Of course, back home in Toronto I knew of the movement to ban plastic straws and had become interested in living a more sustainable life like so many others as more information began to surface about how our waste affects the earth.
I still had that inkling inside of me given to me by my father of starting my own business but it hadn’t been fully realized. It took taking me out of my day-to-day corporate life for all the pieces to come together.
I had been in my own bubble having fun throughout the trip but one night we were walking down the street late at night and saw children scattered along the street in groups with older men and it was heartbreaking to realize the abuse that was happening in the beautiful country I once called home. I knew I had to do something, I had to do my own small part towards change. That was the final piece: I knew that bamboo straw had come into my life for a reason - I would sell them and give proceeds towards these children.
The day after I got home from vacation, I quit my corporate job and started Karunaki, and now I LIVE ECO.
Through all the products we have made, I don’t just see the product - a bamboo tumbler for instance - I see a child’s life. I see people making small changes that will impact the planet in a greater way. We give a portion of each purchase to the Sun Crew: a grassroots children’s charity in the Philippines that offers an education program to children that wouldn’t otherwise be able to access it. Part of their program is teaching social responsibility, as well as giving them tools towards changing their futures.
I see each of our subscribers as my partners in making steps towards loving, honouring, and healing our planet.
]]>Image by Herbal Hemp from Pixabay
Ever thought that marijuana of all things could help the environment?
We certainly didn’t.
While it’s not exactly the same plant, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) comes from the same family as cannabis. However, unlike its cousin, hemp doesn’t make you go high. The herb only contains tiny amounts of THC, the chemical substance that gives marijuana its psychedelic kick.
This begs the question: what IS it good for?
The short answer is a lot of things. Hemp is a super crop with several uses and beneficial properties that make it valuable for a variety of things from being used for industrial building to organic beauty products. Down below we’ve compiled all of this herb’s uses as well as the ways it benefits the environment.
Hemp won’t be going into your lungs, but it’ll definitely be going into other things you’ll find useful.
The fiber in the plant, extracted through retting, or in more recent times, using steam and machinery, is well-known for being a versatile and environmentally-friendly building material. It can be used to make rope, textiles and clothing, bioplastics, paper and even concrete. It’s strong and durable; the strongest, in fact, and is 100% biodegradable, meaning products made from it won’t pollute the environment.
The hemp seeds, which don’t contain any potentially intoxicating substances like cannabinoids, can be used to produce hemp oil. And while this oil plays an important role in your kitchen, it is also very popular as a component of organic skincare products.
Hemp oil has been touted as an effective moisturizer that helps reduce acne and wrinkles. Research claims that it provides a huge array of health benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation. And the best part? It's all natural.
Hemp seeds are also full of healthy nutrients, namely proteins (they contain all 10 essential amino acids, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Most people consume hemp by eating the seeds whole or by adding the oil (culinary, not cosmetic) as a meal dressing. Hemp seeds can also be used to make plant-based milk and protein powder, making them an excellent choice for vegan diets in need of a reliable protein source.
However, this piece from Medical News Today also cautions against overconsumption of hemp, as it has been known to induce mild diarrhea in large and sudden doses, as well as disrupt blood-clotting. As always, consult with your doctor to make sure you’re not hurting yourself.
According to this article, industrial hemp seed oil can also help manufacture environmentally-friendly biodiesel. The stalks of the plant can also be used to create biofuel in the form of methanol and ethanol.
Unfortunately, while the plant does produce a very convenient and effective source of fuel and energy, fuel created with hemp still releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, as it’s still made with ethanol.
It may be one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels, but it won’t be the savior of the planet on its own.
Hemp can be grown anywhere, in cold temperatures and with minimal amounts of water. Add to that natural antibacterial properties that remove the need for pesticides and you have an incredibly easy to grow crop.
The plant also grows very quickly. Hemp reaches maturity after just 120 days, compared to trees which take decades or more or cotton which takes around 140. And this is excluding the heavy amount of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and soil nutrients used during their growth cycles. Hemp is mostly self-reliant, and most of the nutrients it absorbs is returned back to the soil, enriching it and creating a more ideal environment for other crops to grow.
Most plants absorb carbon dioxide to grow. However, hemp takes in more CO2 per hectare than any other crop on Earth, making it one of the best solutions to global warming, especially when grown in large quantities, more effective than even trees.
Plants, and by extension hemp, do this through a process called sequestration. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is absorbed and is then stored for the rest of the plant’s life, only released into the air once it becomes compost or if it’s burned. After that, it is re-absorbed by other plants in its place. Isn’t that neat?
Hemp is by no means a recent discovery. It has a long history that's spanned a whopping 10,000 years, with records of its cultivation and application dating back to ancient China. However, due to its association with the controversial marijuana, the growing of hemp was banned.
But now times are changing. With the industrial hemp now legal in the United States, we are beginning to see new innovations with this super plant that could create a massive positive impact on the environment.
Hemp has huge potential, and we can’t wait to see what else it has in store. In the meantime, you can feel free to look into hemp products as sustainable alternatives to incorporate into your life. And as always, spread the word to others in your community who may be interested. You never know what interesting discussions may come of it.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
]]>We at Karunaki believe in both sustainability and wellness for our community. Follow these simple tips so you can keep your reusable container clean and germ-free, whether it’s a tumbler, a bottle or a travel mug.
]]>Photo by Houston Max on Unsplash
Canada's goal of becoming plastic-free by the year 2025 can seem like an impossible task, especially when only less than 11% of our plastics get recycled each year. But it doesn’t have to be.
More and more people have turned to using reusable water bottles to aid in the fight against plastic pollution in our oceans and landfills. If you still haven’t, there’s no better time than now. Using a tumbler like this one not only saves 1,460 plastic water bottles per year, but also at least $200 per year. And you can save even more by taking proper care of your bottle and making sure it lasts as long as it should.
We at Karunaki believe in both sustainability and wellness for our community. Follow these simple tips so you can keep your reusable container clean and germ-free, whether it’s a tumbler, a bottle or a travel mug.
Experts recommend washing out your water bottle regularly, preferably once a day. If that’s not possible, once every other day works just as well.
This is because water bottles create an ideal environment for bacteria to fester and grow thanks to all the trapped moisture inside them. The bacteria probably won’t kill you, but it will definitely get you sick if you leave your water bottle uncleaned for long periods of time.
Cleaning your water bottle doesn’t have to be hard.
All you have to do is fill it up with hot water (not cold, not lukewarm) and soap, shake it well, then rinse it out. White vinegar and baking soda together also work well in the place of soap here.
Some tumblers and bottles have little spaces and gaps where mold can grow. You can prevent this by giving your tumbler a thorough scrub as well. You don’t need to scrub these parts every day, but it pays to do it every so often when you can. Better safe than sorry!
Then, once you’ve washed and rinsed that bottle, it’s time to let it dry. Remember, bacteria enjoy moist environments. Simply keep your bottle in a dry area like a tabletop and let it dry overnight.
We also advise that you keep your bottle as dry as possible when not in use. Even tiny droplets left inside can create enough moisture for bacteria to grow. And even without bacterial growth, if moisture is trapped inside the bottle it can lead to awful odors. When that happens, drinking from your bottle can turn into a very unpleasant experience, which leads us to our next tip…
The easiest way to remove odors, according to this article, is to fill up the bottle with water and add a teaspoon of bleach and baking soda each. Then, leave it for a night and rinse it out. Make sure the mixture is completely rinsed out as well. Then let it dry as usual.
Alternatively, the same article also suggests cleansing your bottle with antibacterial mouthwash, which can achieve roughly the same results.
The best way to help a bottle last as long as possible is, well, not throwing it away before its time.
So how can you tell?
When it comes to metal bottles, you only need to throw them out when you see signs of deterioration. A surefire way of knowing if the bottle is no longer usable is when it starts to rust. While it’s not necessarily toxic, rust isn’t exactly the best thing to ingest either. Other signs of breakage include cracks (for glass and plastic bottles) and/or loosened lids that can lead to leakage.
]]>Image by chezbeate from Pixabay
Worrying about the bills, going to work every day, maintaining some semblance of a social life, and on top of that having to watch all the crazy things you see on the news? Sounds stressful.
But growing research says that doesn’t need to be the case. By leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you can leave a lasting impact on both the environment and your mental health. That’s right. Going green can definitely make you feel happier and fulfilled, and here are the reasons why.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
By buying eco-friendly products and practicing sustainable habits, you’re doing good work for the environment, and that says something about who you are as a person. At least, this study published by Frontiers in Psychology seems to agree. The study found that people who exhibited more environmentally-friendly behavior generally had a more positive self-image.
Simply practicing sustainable behaviors does wonders for your self-esteem by altering the way you see yourself. Think about it. Would you prefer the careless person who litters everywhere they go or the person who makes an effort to recycle?
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Living eco means you’re not just trudging through the mundane. Each day is an opportunity for you to do your part in helping the environment, whether it’s through volunteering, going to seminars or even just talking about the issue with friends and family. It also means you have a goal in mind, a purpose. And for many, that’s enough to live a fulfilling life.
Does more work sound tiring? Well, it isn’t. In fact, having a purpose makes you feel more ready to take on the day’s challenges and gives you the energy and motivation to walk out of the house with a smile on your face.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
There are so many ways to recycle, so many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and so many ways to create compost. And even though there are resources out there like our blog that continuously offer new, inspired ways to repurpose an old piece of cardboard, you can also think of your own.
Image by Henning Westerkamp from Pixabay
People of all ages and sexes experience loneliness throughout their life, and it’s a growing epidemic. Feeling like we belong is a huge deal, because of course, everyone wants to feel valued and loved. But the eco life isn’t just a one-person mission; it’s a movement.
The sustainable lifestyle has led to communities sprouting in every corner of the globe, both online and offline. Facebook groups, Instagram accounts and even Reddit are not only useful places to start learning from other environmentally-conscious individuals, but also great places to get in on the conversation. And make sure to check out any local initiatives. Volunteering for eco-friendly events is also a guaranteed way to meet other people with a common goal.
When you live eco, you’re never alone.
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
Eco-anxiety is a very real phenomenon. All the negative emotions regarding the world’s environmental crises can add up, depending on how concerned you are about them, and they can start to take a toll on your mental health. It can range from brief cases of shock or fear to even sleep disorders.
The easy way of resolving this is by taking action. By cleaning up after yourself and reducing your carbon footprint you can alleviate a lot of the feelings of guilt and worry that have built up, and hopefully, it can allow you to breathe easy and live with a free conscience.
The key here is to adjust your mindset. While living sustainably is a major step, it is only one piece of the puzzle. It ultimately falls on you to reach from within. Go at your own pace, and eventually you’ll be living the life that you want by giving the Earth the care and respect it deserves.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
]]>Image by Mabel Amber from Pixabay
Human beings are social creatures. Yes, there are those of us who prefer to keep to themselves, but for most of us, we thrive on being a part of the crowd. As much as we hate to admit it, we get little butterflies in our stomachs when we find people we can connect with. And not just surface level Hi’s and Bye’s, either. We’re talking about the deeply-rooted stuff, the commonalities that make for long-lasting friendships, magical experiences, and maybe, dare we say it, love.
So what does this have to do with living an eco-friendly lifestyle?
Well, there’s strength in numbers. The Amazon Rainforest isn’t called the Earth’s lungs because it has just two healthy trees. Think about the positive impact you can make on the environment by spreading awareness and building a strong community of fellow eco-livers. No, we don’t mean starting up a whole organization (unless of course, you want to, in which case by all means, go ahead!). You can start right in your own neighborhood.
Haven’t you once wished that some of your friends would start practicing more sustainable habits just like you? There’s no better time than the present to start inspiring the people in your social circles to create and nurture eco-friendly lifestyles together!
We’ve put together a basic beginner-friendly guide to help you do just that! These are simple and actionable tips to help you create a happy eco-community all on your own.
Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay
This is pretty obvious, but the first step is to start getting involved with the people around you. Talk to your neighbors, your flatmates, everyone. Are they practicing eco-friendly habits already? Is there already a small initiative going on? Get in on the action by becoming more in touch with the community you already have. That’s when you can start to help it grow.
Image by Thomas Ulrich from Pixabay
Isn’t it great to be living in the 21st century? You can make your efforts even more efficient by using the internet in a multitude of ways.
You can start an online group for the members of your eco-community, so everyone can discuss and share sustainable living tips and resources instantly, and better coordinate with each other for group gatherings or events. You can even take it a step further and start a community blog, so you can educate and raise awareness of the latest environmental trends and issues happening in the world. You can even share some of Karunaki’s helpful tips to get the ball rolling!
The purpose of social media is to connect. So use it to connect.
Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
Remember what we said about there being strength in numbers?
Community clean-ups, or any other type of recycling or sustainability-related events are very effective ways of helping the environment. 1.9 billion tonnes of litter goes into our oceans each year, and organizing a huge clean up is the most efficient way to reduce that number. Talk to local organizations, charities and public figures about ways in which you can pitch in as a community. We can guarantee they’ll welcome your support with open arms!
It’s also a great way to get everyone involved with the community and for everyone to get to know each other. We can think of no better way to break the ice than by saving the planet.
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Old magazines, worn clothes and other such things you no longer need don’t have to go in the trash. And that goes the same for everyone else. While you could donate to charities or sell them on Craigslist, why not do something a little more helpful by creating a system for the people in your community to trade or give away used items? One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, after all.
It doesn’t even need to be complicated. Simply write down clear guidelines and let people in your community Facebook group know what they can do with their old belongings. It’s also a good way to reduce your waste as a community and maintain a zero waste lifestyle.
Sustainable living doesn’t have to be a chore. Help your fellow community members feel happier doing their part by making the process a fun one. Organize vegan nights out, recycling art competitions or recycling challenges. The possibilities are endless.
Friendly competition and group interaction are excellent ways to get people to enjoy being a part of the community. They also help to set your community apart from others and create unique experiences and an identity that make being a part of it all that much more fulfilling.
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay
Never forget, you’re also starting this community to help the environment.
As the person establishing it, it’s your job to be a role model and inspire the rest of your friends and family to practice sustainable living. Reuse, reduce and recycle; source from eco-friendly groceries; regulate water and energy usage. If you have your own personal sustainable habits or lifehacks, share them! If you have a favorite eco-friendly brand or product, let your community know where to get them. Or better yet, you can even share them as gifts to get people interested.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to get introduced to daily-use eco-friendly products, you can check out the Box Club, a subscription box that delivers an assortment of said products straight to you!
Image by TeroVesalainen from Pixabay
Finally, it’s also good to have a goal in mind with where you want to go with your community. Do you simply want people to bond over mutual interests? Do you want to reduce the amount of plastic in the area by a certain amount? How much energy per month are you aiming to save as a collective? These are all important questions to ask yourself when you’re planning and/or managing your community. It doesn’t need to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to be grandiose. It just needs to be clear and actionable, so you know what to strive for together.
These tips should be plenty sufficient for you to get started. We must warn you: it’s not easy, and you might struggle in the beginning, but with the right motivation and planning, you can definitely succeed. And the rewards are tremendous. If nothing else, it’ll feel incredibly satisfying to see all those people being brought together by none other than yourself. So best of luck to you, eco-warrior!
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
]]>You’re not alone in this.
The environment doesn’t appreciate it either. Each year 230 million tonnes of waste is produced by people in the United States alone, and disposable party plates and soda bottles only adds to the problem.
So let’s make preparing your parties a more pleasant experience for everyone. Below is a simple but effective checklist that you can follow so you can be a party animal without hurting animals. Or plants. The Earth in general.
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We all love a good party.
A whole night of laughter, games and overall good times with your friends and family sounds wonderful! But you know what doesn’t?
Cleaning up.
We can hear the groans already. Nobody likes saying goodbye to the last few party guests only to turn around and sigh at the sight of food crumbs and paper cups scattered across the floor, the pieces of glitter lining the couch, or the leftover bits of plastic on the table from opening gifts.
You’re not alone in this.
The environment doesn’t appreciate it either. Each year 230 million tonnes of waste is produced by people in the United States alone, and disposable party plates and soda bottles only adds to the problem.
So let’s make preparing your parties a more pleasant experience for everyone. Below is a simple but effective checklist that you can follow so you can be a party animal without hurting animals. Or plants. The Earth in general.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
Before anything else, for most parties, you’re going to have a lot of guests. And that means they’ll need a lot of fuel.
They also probably don’t want to be crowding around the salad bowl or the pitcher.
There are lots of things you can do here to minimalize your house party waste.
Instead of getting disposable plates or cutlery at the supermarket down the street, consider eliminating the need for them altogether by offering quick and easy finger foods. And for the food hoarders, you can always offer the regular plates from home. Or better, yet, make them bring their own reusable containers or plates!
As for cups, this is pretty simple. Just as with food, have some reusable glasses or cups clean and ready for the occasion! If you’re worried about having too few, ask people to bring their own reusable bottles or mugs.
By not using disposable dishes or cutlery, you can cut down on costs, trash to clean up and waste all at the same time! And if you really need to get some, buy the ones that are biodegradable and won’t pollute our oceans.
Image by andreaegger from Pixabay
Now for the good stuff. As mentioned before, prepare some simple dishes people can eat by hand, like chips, cookies or fruit. With the internet, learning a new recipe has never been easier.
Want to wow the guests even more? Go all the way and make some vegan dishes or even zero waste recipes. Turn old leftovers into tasty treats. Swap the milk and eggs for plant-based alternatives when baking. Try out some new, natural flavors. This is a chance for you to get creative and impress people.
Imagine the satisfaction you’ll feel when you say, “try these vegan muffins. I baked them myself!”
Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay
Some people enjoy a more down-to-earth house party while sitting down in front of the TV. Others might prefer something a little more lavish.
Regardless, you might decide you want to spruce the place up a bit.
Go for it! There are several ways to create party decorations that won’t end up polluting the environment.
The first thing you can do is shop for decorations made out of organic material that will decompose naturally. This is the most convenient way to go about it.
Another thing you can do that might potentially be more fun, as well as save on costs, is to make your own decorations yourself!
You can cut out and paint recycled cardboard nametags or banners. You can tie up old clothes or towels into colorful streams and curtains. You can even punch holes in leaves to create all-natural confetti! And don’t worry, removing just one leaf won’t hurt the plant at all. There’s a ton of things you can do!
Image by bridgesward from Pixabay
The last thing to check off the list are the house rules. They’re a chore, but they’re necessary so things don’t end up turning into a mess – both figuratively and literally.
In addition to previously mentioned things like getting the guests to bring their own water bottles or cutlery, as the host you should also encourage them to be eco-friendly as well.
Ask them to pitch in by bringing their own leftovers, or if they’re bringing some gifts (a lucky someone’s birthday, perhaps?), ask them to use sustainable packaging, or wrap them in cloth instead.
And it goes without saying that you should prepare distinguishable bins for both recycling and disposable waste for the event. That way you can simply drop the appropriate waste off at your local recycling facility.
Image by Tania Van den Berghen from Pixabay
Despite being armed with this checklist of sustainable party tips, you should still prepare for some waste left behind at the end of the day.
Sometimes, regardless of your efforts, compromises just have to be made for the sake of convenience. And you shouldn’t feel guilty about it, nor should you shame someone else for it. Just do what you can to reuse and recycle, then dispose the rest and move on.
You should still pat yourself on the back for doing your best to live a more sustainable life. No matter how small the effort, it still goes a long way.
]]>And not just any reusable water bottle, but the RIGHT one. That’s fair. You deserve only the best. That way you don’t end up regretting your decision as soon as that bottle lands in your hands.
And while our own Karunaki tumblers offer an elegant and efficient way to hold your favorite drink (at the same temperature for hours, no less); we believe it’s important for you to decide what you want. More importantly, you should be equipped with the know-how to make that decision, by answering the question, “which material should I choose?”
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So you want to buy a reusable water bottle.
And not just any reusable water bottle, but the RIGHT one. That’s fair. You deserve only the best. That way you don’t end up regretting your decision as soon as that bottle lands in your hands.
And while our own Karunaki tumblers offer an elegant and efficient way to hold your favorite drink (at the same temperature for hours, no less); we believe it’s important for you to decide what you want. More importantly, you should be equipped with the know-how to make that decision, by answering the question, “which material should I choose?”
Because at the end of the day, with all the different types of reusable containers on the market, it all really comes down to three elements: design, functionality, and material. While the other two you can pretty easily decide on your own based on your own unique needs, the third is a little trickier, as not all materials were created equal, nor were they created perfect.
So without further ado, we’re going to help you make that decision by sharing with you a comprehensive guide to all the main materials available to you, so you can (hopefully) find The One.
Image by tookapic from Pixabay
Water bottles made of silicone are new on the market and are especially coveted for one key feature: they’re flexible. They can be folded up or rolled when they’re empty so they can take up less space when stored away. They’re also pretty light and resistant to high temperatures, as the material is a slow conductor of heat, making these a favorite among hikers and backpackers.
And as with most other materials, they contain no harmful chemicals, making them perfectly safe to drink from.
Unfortunately, the one thing holding these types of bottles back is, ironically, inconvenience. Collapsible silicone water bottles can be tough to clean and dry due to their structure, making maintenance a rather time-consuming task. For the same reason, they’re also a little bit harder to drink from, though many brands combat this flaw by providing their bottles with a tube or straw attached to the lid.
Image by zfredrik from Pixabay
Ah, aluminum. The lighter and more fabulous cousins of stainless steel. While they do dent more easily than their steel counterparts, these water bottles are definitely a solid choice for their design and pricing. In terms of value, they sit in a comfortable middle position above plastic and below stainless steel, making them suitable for most people’s budget.
However, since aluminum can contaminate certain acidic liquids, it needs to be lined with material, usually an enamel, resin, polymer or epoxy. There is an ongoing debate over whether or not these linings contain toxic chemicals like BPA, so proceed with caution when deciding to purchase an aluminum water bottle.
Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash
If taste is a major factor in your decision, definitely go for glass.
Glass has long been known to contain the purest-tasting water. If you don’t mind reusing bought bottles, they’re also the cheapest to get your hands on. Just wash that empty bottle of juice or liquor and you’re good to go. You can pop it into your dishwasher for safe and easy routine cleaning, as long as you place it properly. Many companies also sell customizable silicone sleeves to add a protective layer should you be concerned about accidental breakage. And last but not least, they also don’t contain BPA.
Now for the cons. While glass can be cheap if you’re reusing store-bought containers, if you want to buy proper glass water bottles, they can be some of the most expensive. On top of that, they’re also dangerous for children, and you. Unsurprisingly, it’s the most fragile material here and you don’t need us to tell you how painful broken shards can be. It’s for this reason that many public recreational areas like parks, beaches and camp sites prohibit people from bringing glass bottles. If you frequent such places, it’s best to keep away from the material.
Plastic has become such a negative word in the sustainable living community, and for good reason. Despite being pretty lightweight, inexpensive and accessible thanks in large part to their widespread use, the material is notorious for containing BPA. Fortunately for you, many manufacturers nowadays use BPA-free plastic, and as long as you’re reusing it, it’s not harming the environment.
But still, even BPA-free plastic can be dangerous for you. Nevermind that safety tests for BPA-free plastic bottles are largely inconsistent, common substitutes for BPA like Bisphenol-S (BPS) have been known to have negative side-effects on human metabolism, even in tiny amounts.
And when you have to say goodbye to that plastic bottle, remember that it may not be possible to recycle it, meaning it’ll only add to the growing pile of plastic waste sitting in our landfills.
The next item on this list is stainless steel. Made of food-grade stainless steel these bottles are largely preferred for their robustness. They’re sturdy, long-lasting and high quality ones are good for maintaining internal temperatures, even when heated up. Stainless steel bottles are completely safe, as the metal doesn’t leach and don’t contain any harmful chemicals whatsoever.
When buying a stainless steel bottle, make sure that they’re not lined with plastic on the inside. Even though they’re cheaper, they defeat the purpose of getting stainless steel bottles in the first place since they pose the same risks as regular plastic bottles. Another thing to consider is allergies. If you’re allergic to nickel, be aware that stainless steel does contain traces of it.
Considering getting a stainless steel bottle? Sneak a peek at Karunaki's own ILIVEECO tumblers! They’re practical, easy on the eyes, and made with bamboo wood, which brings us to the final material on this list…
Bamboo wood is another new kid on the scene, with its innovative origins traced back from Assam, India. According to the article, bottles made from this material are completely leak-free and are completely organic, thanks to being made completely out of bamboo. This means that even if you lose your bottle, or you need to dispose of it, it will biodegrade and you won’t have to worry about contamination, recycling or any of that business. It’s completely natural.
In fact, bamboo only takes about one year to decompose, as opposed to typical plastic, which can take up to 50 years minimum.
So far we’ve found no real cons to bamboo bottles. While they can retain an odor and can be difficult to wash (depending on how the bottle’s designed) these are relatively minor when compared to the dangers of BPA and glass shards, wouldn’t you agree?
Has this article helped you on your quest to finding the perfect bottle? We hope it did!
If you enjoyed it, subscribe to our community, and get alerts on new content to help you live your best sustainable life! You’ll also get a 10% discount code for signing up. Why not use it on that new bottle you’re thinking of buying?
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
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We've heard that lowering our carbon footprint can support an eco-friendly lifestyle. But what exactly does it mean to reduce your carbon footprint? Well, your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly or indirectly support human activities. The lower the amount of carbon in our air, the healthier we and our planet will be. It sounds big, but we can start small. Here are 5 simple things you can start doing today to reduce your carbon footprint:
Drive Less
Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash
Consider how much we default to driving when we don’t have to. Carpools and rideshares, public transportation, biking and walking are all great ways to connect with other people, use your tax dollars or get some exercise while minimizing your environmental impact. If you must drive, make sure you use clean gasoline and keep your tires properly inflated. Both these measures will limit your carbon footprint from driving, and increase your gas mileage, saving you money at the same time.
Green Your Home
Image by Iván Tamás from Pixabay
Start with simple steps like changing incandescent light bulbs to LED and turning the lights off in a room when you leave it. A low-flow showerhead can save reduce hot water consumption and save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. If you want to go a little further, invest in a home energy audit. An energy auditor will assess your home from top to bottom, looking at windows, walls, insulation, water heaters and more, and will give you recommendations on things small and large you can do to make your home more energy-efficient.
Eat Local and Low
Image by skeeze from Pixabay
Transporting foods - either by truck, rail, air or ship - uses fossil fuels to not just move the food, but in the refrigeration of that food in transportation vehicles. Eating local minimizes transport costs, and ensures your food is fresh every time. Additionally, eating foods low on the food chain - fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, etc. - will help reduce your carbon footprint, since animal agriculture accounts for 14.5 percent of manmade global greenhouse gas emissions.
Hang Dry Your Clothes
Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay
Your clothes dryer uses five times more electricity than your washer, making it one of the largest environmental culprits in your home. If you have space, line-drying your clothes can reduce your carbon footprint by a third. Even if you don’t have room for a long line, you can use a shorter line, a drying rack or even your furniture. Wash the clothes in cold water before line-drying for an extra boost of eco-friendliness.
Unplug Your Devices
Image by kropekk_pl from Pixabay
Unplugging is a small, simple step you can do every day all over your home. All electronics suck electricity just by being plugged in, even if they’re powered down. This “vampire power” costs the United States alone $19 billion in energy each year. So when your devices aren’t charging (or you’re not using your toaster or coffee maker), unplug the chargers and small appliances until you’re ready to use them again.
Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle does not have to mean a whole-life overhaul. Small changes can make a big difference. Tell us in the comments below or on social media what are small changes you'll adopt to make a difference.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
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In Part 1 of our capsule wardrobe series, we laid out how a capsule wardrobe will help support your eco-conscious lifestyle, and the questions you should ask yourself when paring down your overflowing closet to a functional wardrobe you’ll actually wear.
This week, we’re helping you get a jump start on your new style with five essential pieces to create a versatile capsule wardrobe that works for your life.
1. Tank Top
Photo by Claire Rush on Unsplash
Tank tops in basic neutrals like black, white or grey should be a staple in your capsule collection. They are great for layering, they go with everything, and they never go out of style.
2. Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
Photo by Md Salman on Unsplash
Like the tank, a t-shirt can be worn multiple ways. Think a white t-shirt with jeans for daytime, or a white t-shirt with a slim black skirt and gold chain for night. Invest in quality Ts that will stand the test of time. Keep the fabrics soft, the embellishments minimal and launder them carefully so they last.
3. Button-Down Shirt/Blouse
Photo by Anton Mislawsky on Unsplash
Button downs are great for layering. They can be worn over long- or short-sleeved tops, they can be tucked or untucked (or if you’re fashion-forward, french-tucked). And who can forget when Sharon Stone wore her Gap button-down with a luxe skirt to the Oscars? This was the pinnacle of capsule wardrobing - take an everyday piece and turn it into something fabulous!
4. Little Black Dress
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
A great LBD will go wherever you go, in style. Pair it with simple sneakers and layered under a button-down shirt for daytime. At night, remove the shirt and add a simple scarf, and swap the sneakers for heels or pretty flats. Jewellery will also dress your dress up or down. When looking for your perfect LBD, focus on two words: simple & flattering. You’re guaranteed to go back to it over and over again.
5. Blazer
Photo by Fernando Lavin on Unsplash
A blazer is a great way to bring colour to your capsule wardrobe. A red blazer with a white t-shirt and jeans is a classic running-errands-on-a-Saturday look. The same red blazer over your LBD and heels is a simple way to transition your dress from daytime to evening, while adding a great pop of colour to your look. If pops of colour aren’t your thing (or at least, not in a blazer - jewellery is a great way to make a colour statement in a smaller piece), go for a blazer in black, white or even cream, and wear it with everything.
This is just the start of your capsule wardrobe. Throw in a tweed skirt, a great pair of jeans, some slacks and some versatile shoes, and you’ve got a simple mix-and-match wardrobe that will save you money, save you time getting dressed, and support your eco-friendly commitment to avoid fast fashion trends. If you’re looking for inspiration for your capsule wardrobe, check out Daria Andronescu’s Wonder Wardrobe, Courtney Carver’s Project 333 or Verena Erin’s Green Closet.
Tell us in the comments or on our social media what you consider essentials for your own capsule wardrobe.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
Photo by Fernando Lavin on Unsplash
Look, we’ve all been there: Standing in front of a closet bulging with too many clothes, bemoaning to whomever will listen, “I have nothing to wear!” In our disposable consumer culture, fashion trends come and go with the blink of an eye, and more often than not, we blindly follow. Susceptible humans are easily lured by cheap prices and celebrity endorsements, but all this fast fashion is ruining our planet, with millions of items of clothing ending up in landfills each year. Given that most people only wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time, a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to pare down what you wear and save the planet at the same time.
When building a capsule wardrobe, there are a few questions to keep in mind when you begin to ensure you get started on the right foot. They include:
Have I Worn It In The Last Year?
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
To get a handle on what you’re wearing and what you’re not wearing, turn all your hangers backwards. When you wear something, turn that hanger to face forward. After a month, a season or a year, you’ll know exactly what you’ve worn and what you haven’t.
Does It Fit My Lifestyle?
Photo by Kaylee Garrett on Unsplash
Remember those volleyball court shoes you bought three years ago when you were convinced you were going to start playing volleyball, but then you didn’t? These are the items we’re talking about. You don’t use it. Ever. It has to go, and so do other things of that ilk. If you’re not wearing it to most of your daily or weekly outings, you don’t need it.
Does It Go With My Other Clothing?
Photo by Tobias van Schneider on Unsplash
You may love the orange camo pants you bought last year, but when you got them home, you realized you don’t really have a top or shoes (or life!) to match, so they’ve sat there unworn all this time. If you can’t find at least 3 pieces to wear with a particular item of clothing, it shouldn’t be in your capsule wardrobe.
Do I Love It?
Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay
In the Konmari method, organization guru Marie Kondo encourages people to only keep things around them that “spark joy”. Are you holding on to that sweater that you don’t really like just because you already paid for it? Are you keeping those shoes only because they were a gift, even though you never wear them? Do you love those jeans and wear them all the time? Ask yourself if you truly enjoy each piece, and organize accordingly.
These questions are just the beginning of building your eco-friendly capsule wardrobe. Stay tuned, because in next week’s Karunaki Blog, we’ll outline exactly how to build your capsule wardrobe so you don’t have to overthink your clothes ever again.
Till then, talk to us below or hit us up on our social media, and tell us what items of clothes you can’t live without. What unused items are you finally going to get rid of? And most importantly, what will you do with the freedom that a capsule wardrobe provides?
With Love and Compassion,
Team Karunaki
As a consumer, it is important that you buy your goods from companies that do good by our planet and incorporate sustainable packaging in their production practices. Bioplastics, paper and/or reduced packaging in general are all environmentally-friendly materials to look out for when doing your shopping research.
But what if you purchased a product that didn’t come in sustainable packaging? What then?
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These days more and more buyers are becoming eco-conscious, and so have many companies and brands, but not all of them are reevaluating the packaging of their products.
Unsustainable packaging materials are some of the most polluting and dangerous when it comes to the safety of the environment. Packaging alone contributes 23% of the waste in our landfills every year, and even more are contaminating roads, rivers, oceans and forests. And it’s not just the earth that’s at risk. Chemicals in packaging materials such as BPA, phthalates and PVC are toxic for the human body as well, and have led to no shortage of health issues from allergic reactions to even cancer.
As a consumer, it is important that you buy your goods from companies that do good by our planet and incorporate sustainable packaging in their production practices. Bioplastics, paper and/or reduced packaging in general are all environmentally-friendly materials to look out for when doing your shopping research.
But what if you purchased a product that didn’t come in sustainable packaging? What then?
No worries! There’s still plenty that can be done about the packaging waste that’s made its way into your life.
We've compiled a simple but actionable guide to taking care of any leftover unsustainable packaging you may have and take the burden off the planet.
Image by Shirley Hirst from Pixabay
The number one thing to do here, and likely the easiest solution is to simply recycle your packaging. Reuse plastic bags for your grocery shopping, dog walks or even for your bins at home!
Boxes can be repurposed to hold gifts, supplies and other items that need to be stored away. You can even use larger cardboard boxes as a substitute bedside table, or even a stack of them to act as a makeshift shelf! The possibilities are only limited by your creativity and imagination.
And if there’s absolutely no way you can reuse that little piece of plastic wrap? Give it to your local recycling facility. Even stores like Target and Walmart have drop-offs where you can leave any plastic waste you have so it can be recycled by the pros.
Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay
We know what you’re thinking. Why on earth would someone want to buy literal garbage?
Believe it or not, there are people out there who will gladly take your waste off your hands, and pay you for it too!
Craigslist and BoxCycle are both reliable places for you to sell your cardboard boxes for quick cash. BoxCycle in particular accepts a variety of types, including wine boxes, pallets, moving boxes and packing supplies, to name a few.
Image by Florence D. from Pixabay
This is for all you creative types out there!
Technically you can also get artistic with the things you recycle by painting them over or decorating them with glitter, but you can also go the extra mile by going full artist mode. There are a lot of artistic projects that you can spend your free time on using the waste from your leftover packaging materials.
There are a lot of beautiful pieces you can make from your wasted boxes and wraps, and you can either create stunning works of art or simply regular crafts, depending on your skill level. We personally like to get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest.
So what are you waiting for? Let that inner creative beast loose and get started on that Styrofoam miniature castle!
Now, before we send you off to fight in the war against unsustainable packaging, do remember: you will create waste. Or, you might decide that taking the time and effort to recycle is too much. Regardless, it’s always good to not beat yourself up over giving in to a non-eco-friendly habit.
Consistency is key, but we all have our off days, and that’s totally fine! Just remember to stay green for the next time!
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki
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