Monday Musings- Sustainability
Happy Monday ladies. Today’s musings are sort of all over the map. We went to our friend’s 75th birthday party this weekend and I was amazed that I couldn’t find a B-day card that said 75! That’s not even close to being old these days!
I promised I would share when my favorite handbag is on sale 40% off and that’s now!
Dear Hallmark, we’re living longer, active, and more vibrant lives than you seem to think and we need cards to reflect that:)
Anywho… recycled cashmere, biodegradable everything, and sustainable denim are on my mind this week.
Our carbon footprint on this planet is pretty obscene so I’ve been calling out brands that use recycled fibers and sustainable manufacturing practices because I want to do what I can to promote products that are better for our planet. Even my favorite department store Nordstrom has an entire section for their sustainable style
This pillbox manufacturer donates 62 cents of every product purchase to fund the collection of 6800 lbs of plastic waste from oceans and landfills every year in partnership with Taka Taka Solutions and rePurpose Global. It might be too compact to hold all my vitamins but it will certainly hold my RX meds.
RECYCLED CASHMERE
Recycled cashmere anything is always a novel idea and is available in more places of late.
MORE RECYCLED CASHMERE
BIODEGRADABLE SPONGES
I don’t know about you, but kitchen sponges gross me out. No matter how scrupulous I am about rinsing and squeezing them out, they still look gross in a day or so. And even though I run mine through the dishwasher, I know they’re still loaded with germs.
I found the coolest little sponges that are meant for one-day use only that are 100% compostable, and affordable! Each box contains 30 compressed loofah sponges in a 3-inch square box. They look like a cracker until you run them under the water, then poof, instant sponge. You can subscribe to receive a box every month and save 20% (they’re already super affordable) or you can buy 3, get one free with the code HOLIDAY2021. Shipping is free in the US.
SUSTAINABLE DENIM
Denim is considered one of the most damaging fabrics for our environment and one of my favorite garments. A single pair of jeans can take up to 1,500 liters to make and water is a very precious resource.
- Boden makes several styles of recycled cotton jeans.
- Universal Threads denim from Target is committed to using more sustainably sourced cotton & recycled polyester in Universal Thread jeans.
- Free Assembly from Walmart is as good-looking as it is affordable, and is committed to sustainability
- Levis Wellthread is “constantly researching radical new ways to make the clothes you love while leaving less harm in their wake” including denim.
- Able uses fabrics from mills that are developing different sustainable types of denim and recycles the water used in processing.
RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLE JEWELRY
We all know what a nightmare plastic bottles are to our environment. They’re filling our oceans and landfills at an alarming rate. Clever folks are now making jewelry from upcycled plastic bottles and some of it is amazing!
My mind has been also deep diving into personal color analysis, our style essence, dressing for our body proportions, and how to dress with authenticity. I shared in my Newsletter (are you subscribed?) about the most flattering way to use contrast when putting your outfits together, and will share more later.
What’s on your mind this week?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love the HB Hair Biology products for fine hair. Thank you!
They are fabulous!! I’m so glad they’re working out for you.
It’s interesting to me that Americans use sponges for doing dishes and here in Canada, I’ve never seen anyone use anything other than a dishcloth. I like to use navy or black dishcloths because they don’t stain when I wipe up dark things like coffee. I change it for a fresh one every day and then wash all my kitchen linens (dishcloths, dish towels & hand towels, because we dry our hands on a separate towel from the dish towel) together once a week. It’s easy and I never have gross dish cloths.
I do the same thing….maybe because we had no sponges when I was a child and the dish clothes are much less costly .
I had no idea about how damaging denim is to our water supply!!! Thank you for this information.
It takes some effort to recycle and/or use less. But, if everyone did just a little it would make a HUGE difference.
This is a fantastic Monday Musings that I will be taking some serious looks at because the sites are geared for reducing carbon footprints via recycling into new items!
I love it!!!!!!
I am embarking on a self imposed no-buy November. I am doing this to force myself to consider if I want or NEED an item. If I don’t absolutely need it, I am not getting it. My goal is partly to use what I have before purchasing new, and to be more conscious of my consumption.
That’s a great idea
I stopped using bottled water when I became aware of how many I was throwing in the trash. Those rings around six packs cause so much damage to birds and little animals that get caught in them. I think most of us are just not aware. I’ve cut way down on disposables.
Did you see the beautiful blue recycled cashmere gloves? I’m tempted!
Those plastic holders are a death trap for birds and wildlife! I’ve used a refillable bottle for many years too.
Always cut those plastic rings before discarding, so they can’t harm an animal.
Thanks for the suggestions! I am always looking for ways to minimize my impact on the environment. If we all purchase more recycled or sustainably made clothing, we can make a difference, I have stopped shopping “fast fashion” and am trying to buy items that will last a few seasons.
Great post. I am all for sustainability. Have you tried Rothy’s shoes? They are made of all recycled material. Maybe they will gift you a pair for your blog post.
I have 3 pair of Rothys and love them:)
Thanks for posting the websites of brands that work toward sustainability! And I agree with the reader who pointed out how young people are leading with thrifting, recycling textiles and sharing clothes. So much to learn, happy to join the sustainability journey!
They really are. It wasn’t something anyone worried about when I was growing up.
One way to have less of a footprint is to not shop so often. We all have more clothes than we need. I review my wardrobe seasonally and only fill in the gaps. I also try to find pieces at the thrift store (recycle). This wasn’t always the case. I do like to shop with friends but I have curtailed what I buy and just go along for the company and laughs.
Thank you for the information on which jeans are having less of an impact. Like you, I’m not willing to give my jeans up. 😉
Found beautiful pill containers on Etsy in wood. Those may be some gifts this year. And sponges are disgusting. I may try those you located, but I prefer a dish brush, though not sustainable. Thanks for the thoughts and wonderful blog!!
If people only knew the germs in their sponges! Yuck
I use dishcloths and change every day
Great post, I’m always finding ways to recycle and reuse. Young people seem to be better at this than us older folks, they shop thrift stores, compost, just more aware. Levi’s has a good commercial about buying better, lasting longer.
I have been buying detergent strips from Amazon, they seem to work just fine. I alway feel guilty when I throw a big Tide plastic container out. The strips eliminate the plastic!
I’ve never heard of the strips. Thanks for mentioning it.
Thank you for this interesting info. It really refreshed my memory – and somethings like how much water it took to produce denim (also a fav) is mind boggling. I do try to not throw out clothing just because I am bored with it. Much goes to thrift stores or friends. Then older stuff is used for rags.
Happy Monday
All of the things mentioned are thoughts to consider along with up-cycling clothing and textiles, purchasing at resale and vintage shops; but one has to make a commitment to these things. Thoughts about the supply change so often mentioned in the business and other sections of the paper come into play.
Those sponges look awesome!
I have a few pairs of jeans that are made from recycled bottles.
I bought them at JCPenney and Walmart.
I was happy when I read the card that explained how the company made the material to make these jeans. So cool, feel I am doing a small part to recycle ♻️
I have a pair IG jeans from Loft that are that way too. Anything helps in my opinion.
I really appreciate your looking into sustainability in clothing. This is critical to our environment. I have also been following the website “Good On You” that looks at brands and their efforts towards sustainability – it is informative and eye opening with many new brands really working hard for responsibility. So good to know.
Thanks for sharing that website
Sorry, but the last thing I wanted on my 70th birthday cards was a number reminding me of what age I’d reached. All other cards and greetings were warmly welcomed.
Lol!
I like that you are promoting recycled items. There is a certain amount of green washing going on, but something is better than nothing. I will keep a look out for selecting these items when I buy new items.
Yes, recycled fabrics are good. However, the majority of new clothing is made with polyester, nylon and acrylic. These all come from fossil fuels. That’s what we need to avoid.
Thank you
Maybe I overlooked this, but I was wondering where I can find the striped sweater worn with the bootcut jeans? Love it!
I’m sorry it’s sold out. It’s from Walmart