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15 Best Etsy Shops for Sustainable Art, Jewelry, Gifts, and More
 

Etsy Shops Selling Sustainable Goods

Etsy has become one of the best places on the web to source handmade, local, and now sustainable goods. From shampoo bars and waste-free kits to upcycled art and apparel, Etsy provides an eco-friendly alternative to Amazon and other ecommerce giants that create more waste and cause more harm.

These days, Etsy also makes it easy for shoppers to identify and understand the different sustainability aspects of the stores they’re shopping from. Sustainability attributes are a newer, optional listing component that sellers can add to their listings. Shoppers can then search for these traits, such as “recycled” and “reusable” for example, and find products that match what they’re looking for.

Additionally, Etsy has committed to their own sustainability practices, becoming the first large ecommerce site to offset the entirety of their carbon emissions. They’ve also become partners with EcoEnclose, a company that makes it easier for sellers in the USA to use affordable, eco-friendly shipping options. That way, becoming a more sustainable seller on Etsy doesn’t cut into small business profits, and buyers can be part of the shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.

If you’re ready to support smaller businesses and make your lifestyle more sustainable in the process, get started with these 15 Etsy shops.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Etsy Shops:

1. Me Mother Earth

Me Mother Earth is a Las Vegas-based sustainable living company that donates a portion of its proceeds back to ocean conservation.

They sell a variety of cleaning items, such as wooden and coconut scrub brushes, quick-dry diatomite soap dishes, foaming soap dispensers, dishwashing soap bars, and more.

They also have personal hygiene products like eco dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes for a more sustainable oral care routine.

Plus, you can find a homemade, nontoxic laundry stain remover stick along with other unique home essentials.


2. Hive and Honey Farm

Hive and Honey Farm is based in Minnesota, and they make full use of their honey farm’s byproducts by making beeswax candles, lip balms, and natural wood butter, which is designed to help you clean and polish wood surfaces. This Etsy seller’s main product is a range of beeswax food wraps for keeping food fresh without the plastic.

Their bees wrap comes in a range of sizes, with starter variety packs, food storage bags, and wraps for topping glass jars and bowls. 


3. Bunzow Glass

This Idaho-based Etsy shop was started by two former bartenders who wanted to repurpose some of the glass waste generated by the service industry. Now, they make upcycled drinkware, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and eco decor made from liquor and beer bottles.

All of the glassware they source is cut, shaped, and polished by hand. Since their company was started in 2016, they’ve diverted 10,000 bottles from their local landfill and helped buyers make more sustainable jewelry and lifestyle choices.


4. Happy Earth Boutique

This sustainable, natural, and non-toxic boutique sells pillow sprays, potpourri, yoga mat spray, shower mats, and bath salts.

All of these scented items are made using only essential oils, with no harsh chemicals.

One of their most innovative products are their toilet fizzies, which use baking soda, citric acid, and essential oil to create a fizz when they come into contact with water, gently cleaning the toilet without using harsh ingredients.


5. Manic Earth

Find reusable paper towels made from 100% cotton flannel in this Etsy shop based in Charleston, South Carolina.

You can buy a six-pack or a twelve-pack in a wide variety of playful designs and colors, from rainbow smiley faces and pickles to monstera leaves and sushi. These towels are absorbent and easy to wash and reuse, making them the perfect alternative to single-use paper towels that add waste to the environment—not to mention the cost savings in a product that can be used 10,000 times.


6. Purple Turtle Co

If you’re looking for a place to buy eco-friendly gifts, Purple Turtle Co has you covered. Their Etsy store sells a range of gift sets that can help someone kickstart a more sustainable lifestyle. Their health and beauty gift set contains a bamboo toothbrush and comb, a wooden soap dish, a makeup remover pad, and other essentials. They also have plant propagation kits and grow-your-own herb boxes, in addition to candle making kits. These DIY boxes stand out because they offer instruction guides on how to get started with a new hobby and incorporate it into your daily life for lasting, mindful habit


7. Linen by MN

Linen by MN is a handmade linen apparel company that can help you on your journey toward ditching fast fashion. This shop is committed to sustainability by using ethical production, fair trade practices, and eco-conscious sourcing. This shop also relies on locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly packaging for all their shipments. Find linen dresses, pants, tops, aprons, and more apparel, with most of their items being tailored and handmade according to your specific measurements. Choose your color, send your sizes, and wait for the perfect-fitting linen piece to arrive at your door.


8. Naturel USA

Shop owner Melissa started Naturel USA to combat the plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles filling up landfills worldwide. This Illinois-based shop has a wide range of zero-waste shampoo bars for all kinds of needs and concerns, including dry scalp shampoo, curly or dry hair shampoo, and purple toning shampoo for highlighted hair. She also has dry shampoo, starter kits, saver trays and bags that protect the bars, along with scrub-infused soaps that are vegan, handmade and cruelty-free.


9. Fripp Designs

This Etsy shop sells unique, hand-crafted art in the form of t-shirts, mugs, prints, and more.

Since each of their items are small batch and handmade at home, they make a great alternative to art and clothing you can buy at a major retailer.

This Georgia-based shop makes art in a blend of music, sports, aviation, and automotive themes, making it the perfect place to find gifts for car hobbyists, pilots, musicians, and so much more. 


10. Wild Harvest Studio

This shop makes organic cotton and hemp loungewear items like tank tops, yoga pants, jumpers, and beyond.

All of Wild Harvest Studio’s clothing is handmade, small batch, and one of a kind.

These pieces are also hand dyed with nontoxic plant dyes and printed with botanical and nature-inspired patterns. Since these pieces are custom made to order, the shop owner helps reduce textile waste. Plus, the natural fibers used in all her clothes are designed to last, helping extend their life cycle and fight back against fast fashion.


11. SimpleEcology

SimpleEcology is a sustainable lifestyle brand that helps people make easy, eco-friendly swaps.

They have a wide array of organic cotton totes, lunch bags, gift bags, aprons, and grocery bags.

Additionally, this family-run business sells reusable nut milk bags for creating your own almond milk, straining your own cheese and yogurt, or making loose leaf tea. Creating these products on your own helps reduce your consumption of single-use plastic and also saves money and resources.


12. ArtistRitasStudio

ArtistRitasStudio is a one woman artist shop that creates hand painted, customized pet portraits on salvaged wood boards.

Simply select your desired dimensions, make your purchase, and send in a photo of your pet with any additional specifications.

Florida-based Artist Rita also creates one-of-a-kind paintings of tropical wildlife, sunsets, and other nature scenes on palette wood, providing a sustainable alternative to the plastic-filled, easy discardable art that’s often found in big box stores.


13. Honeywild Apothecary

This natural skincare brand creates conscious, sustainable products that support people and the earth. Owners Laura and Kate have a five-acre property where they grow their own flowers and herbs and forage wild resources for their products. They also use honey and beeswax harvested on their own land in partnership with a local beekeeper. Their products include mineral sunscreen, everything balm, organic lip balm, botanical bath salts, and cold process soap—all of which are made in small batches to maintain a high level of quality. Everything they make is also free from sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, aluminum, and synthetic preservatives.


14. Ocean Plastics

This brand takes one of our environment’s greatest threats—microplastics in the ocean—and turns it into beautiful jewelry and accessories. In addition to cleaning up their local Florida beaches, these Etsy shop owners are also bringing awareness to the issue of microplastics by showing just how prevalent they are. The plastic debris are set in eco resin and shipped with plastic-free packaging and seed paper that you can plant to watch wild flowers grow. Lastly, a dollar of every sale is given to the Surfrider Foundation, which helps clean up and protect oceans and beaches.


15. Cork Culture USA

Cork Culture USA is an Etsy shop that makes wallets, purses, jewelry, bags, and accessories out of cork. As a biodegradable and recyclable material, cork comes from cork trees, whose forests sequester carbon and bolster biodiversity.

These cork goods are also a great alternative to leather, which is often tied to the environmentally degrading cattle industry, or faux leathers made from plastics. Cork Culture’s bags have a variety of colorful and interesting designs, from flowers and geometric shapes to plants and art.


About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
11 Sustainable, Organic & Vegan Vitamins To Try in 2024
 

Image: Wild Nutrition

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are working to make the world a better place!

The Best Sustainable & Organic Vitamins and Supplements

When it comes to your health, of course, you want the very best. Not just for you, but also for the planet. Looking for vitamins and health supplements can be daunting and difficult as most companies lack ingredient traceability and full transparency on their sustainability efforts. Don’t worry though, this list of 11 sustainable vitamin and supplement companies will make your shopping that much easier! Of course, always consult with your doctor before starting or making any adjustments to your health regimen.

What to look for when shopping for vitamins and supplements

Sustainable Packaging- Many companies package vitamins in plastic bottles which are usually recyclable but not always. You must remove all labels and since some are unable to be removed, they’re often not recyclable. Additionally, small plastic bottles cannot always be recycled due to falling between sorting facility equipment. Always check your community recycling guidelines to ensure any recycling materials are the correct size and material so it doesn’t contaminate the load. If you can opt for companies that use glass, post-consumer recyclable plastic, or compostable pouches.

Ingredient Traceability- Where your vitamin ingredients come from matters just as much as your food. Look for USDA organic or non-GMO certifications along with vitamins that don’t use fillers, synthetic ingredients, additives, colorants, and additional sweeteners.

Comprehensive Testing- You don’t want to waste money on products that haven’t been tested for purity or potency. Reputable vitamin companies stand behind their products with third-party testing that ensures their efficacy and quality.

Our Favorite Sustainable & Organic Vitamin Brands:

1. Wild Nutrition

Wild Nutrition is a B Corp Certified vitamin company that strives to create products with purpose. The vitamins available range from everyday essentials to kids and men, and you can even shop by your specific health goals.
Also, as part of their nutrition-forward approach, you can book a consultation call with one of their verified nutritionists to talk about your specific health concerns. Wild Nutrition's packaging is made with the Earth in mind as they use plastic-free refill pouches, recyclable glass jars, and biodegradable materials.

The company also tried to source its materials and ingredients locally whenever possible. Wild Nutrition works with non-profits like One Tree Planted and Oceans Generation to further the community impact.


2. Form Nutrition

Form Nutrition is built on the principle that you can be your best self while being mindful of others. The products range from supplements and nootropics to protein powders. All of their products are vegan and free from gluten, GMOs, and soy. Take the Form quiz to determine the best vitamins and supplements for your goals that work together to help you feel your best.

If it all sounds too good to be true, you can also research the claims for each product with the provided published medical journals with scientific data on each product page.

Form Nutrition provides lots of information and frequently asked questions so you can feel confident in your purchase. Additionally, every purchase helps support the Form Feeding Fund which provides food, pharmaceuticals, and transportation for patients at Bansang Hospital in The Gambia. Not only is Form Nutrition B Corp Certified, but all packaging used is compostable and recyclable. The vitamins are packaged in glass bottles, and the protein powders use compostable pouches and no wasteful plastic scoop required, just a tablespoon you already use.


3. New Chapter

New Chapter has been committed to social and environmental responsibility for decades.

As a certified zero waste to landfill company, more than 80% of the waste produced is composted, recycled, or reused.

You can shop the diverse selection of vitamins and supplements by key ingredient or health need.

Since New Chapter believes in the science of quality ingredients working together, all products are free from binders, fillers, artificial colors, and flavors with zero added sugars or sweeteners.

New Chapter is a Certified B Corporation and takes the time to select product suppliers carefully to ensure the most socially responsible and environmentally conscious supply chain possible. They have also started to embrace regenerative agriculture to help restore the land needed for growing crops. As a company that is devoted to wellness, New Chapter recognized the need for active diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their team features an employee-led DEI committee that helps ensure the company accurately represents the world they serve with their products.  


4. Mind Body Green

Mind Body Green believes in science-based holistic well-being and recognizes that we need help to optimize our health in a modern world. The product line goes beyond your average supplements, and all their products are organic where possible.

If you want to get more greens into your system or support your body with more everyday nutrients, Mind Body Green has everything from immunity boosters to focus supplements. All the products undergo four rounds of comprehensive testing to ensure quality and potency.

Mind Body Green is also dedicated to sustainability in its packaging with recycled packing materials and the use of recyclable glass jars and bottles. 


5. Plant People

Plant People creates doctor-formulated, regenerative-organic, plant and mushroom supplements that unlock the potential in people. Their products are non-GMO, cGMP, vegan, and junk-free (parabens, sulfates, fragrances, etc.).

They are also B Corp Certified and Climate Neutral Certified, and they plant a tree for every product sold! Their WonderCalm is a daily super mushroom and herbal gummy to ease stress and anxiety, promote a good mood, and provide a sense of relaxation when you need it most.

It includes ingredients like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Reishi, and Rhodiola in a gummy with the delicious flavor of ripe peach. 


6. HUM Nutrition

HUM Nutrition is on a mission to be the leader in beauty nutrition. HUM Nutrition products are vitamins created to help you glow from the inside out for skin, nails, gut health, prenatal, or immunity. The products are triple tested for purity, made in the USA and Canada, and verified by independent labs for potency with clinical testing and studies. All packing materials are sustainable by using ocean-bound plastic bottles that are fully recyclable and shipped in boxes made from SFI and FSC certified materials using wind energy. HUM is also safe for many dietary needs as they contain no artificial sweeteners, gluten, or GMOs.


7. The Nue Co.

The Nue Co brings together science-backed health and natural innovation for their vitamins and supplement products. You start with a consultation to determine a personalized plan created by Nue Co’s health experts to target your specific health concerns. There are monthly subscription options to keep the vitamins flowing, or you can make a one-time purchase. All vitamins are organic, vegan, and gluten-free where possible and always cruelty-free. The Nue Co only uses clinically-proven ingredients and blends practices from Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

The formulas used are sustainably sourced, organic when possible, and don’t use additives, artificial flavorings, or sweeteners but instead focus on results. All packaging is recyclable, the primary American lab uses solar energy, and 1% of online revenue is donated to Charity: Water. The Nue Co wants human health and the Earth’s health to thrive and prosper because they believe it is all intrinsically connected.


8. Garden of Life

Garden of Life is a Certified B Corp, LEED-certified, Carbon Neutral, and all product ingredients are traceable via a third-party for USDA organic certification and Non-GMO project verified.

Garden of Life also prioritizes packaging sustainability with 100% recyclable packaging with vegetable ink and uses post-consumer recycled plastic. In addition, their supplements and vitamins focus on whole foods and use only the ingredients your body really needs without additional fillers.


9. Herbaland

Herbaland specializes in gummies that are sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-gmo.

In addition, there are multiple vitamin lines to cover your essential vitamins, specialized supplements, active health, and even a collection specially made for kids!

Herbaland Gummies are made in Canada and committed to creating products that are good for the Earth’s health and yours. With 100% compostable pouches, Herbaland is on track to have fully sustainable packaging by 2023.

Ingredients are sustainable and locally sourced raw materials tested by independent third-party companies.

Herbaland is also 100% carbon neutral and is partnered with Veritree to plant one tree for every vitamin pouch purchased


10. Further Food

Further Food is a women-owned company that is taking steps to be a leader in the health industry by combining ancient medicine with modern nutrition.

On staff are naturopathic doctors, herbalists, holistic nutritionists, and health coaches to create well-rounded nourishing products.

Specializing in collagen powders with superfood blends and health supplements, all Further Food products are made with whole food ingredients.

Target your health concerns and shop by health goals from stress support to sugar detox or immunity-boosting supporting elderberry syrup; you will find a blend of Eastern medicine and Ayurveda, as well as modern science. In addition, Further Food is the first company to offer collagen packaged in post-consumer recycled jars and shipped in recyclable envelopes.


11. Vital Plan

Vital Plan aims to recreate the supplement industry and do so responsibly and consciously.

From preventative health to restorative health, Vital Plan offers a lot of choices for health supplements.

Using comprehensive testing and inspections by reputable third-party companies, creating quality products while upholding the highest social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency is a family business for Vital Plans.

A father-daughter duo created Vital Plans and recognized that good health is only as good as the planet we have to enjoy it on.

As a result, vital Plans is B Corp Certified, supports 1% For the Planet, and EWG certified.


About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


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17 Non-Toxic & Sustainable Cleaning Brands That Will Become Your New Partners In Grime (2024)
 

Image: Full Circle Home

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Earth Breeze. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the cleaning industry a better place!

THE BEST Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE CLEANING PRODUCTS

Now that spring is finally here, you probably want to spring clean your home to start the season fresh. However, do not immediately go to the store to stock up on all kinds of conventional cleaning products.

Almost all of them are full of hazardous chemicals that can cause serious and even life-threatening health issues in the long run! They are also incredibly toxic to aquatic ecosystems and the local environment if they end up in waterways and nature.

Conventional cleaning products are also almost always packaged in plastic or are disposable, which contributes to the global waste problem we are facing all around the world. 

Thankfully, you can easily stay away from conventional cleaners by choosing healthy, eco-friendly products. 

In this article, we have rounded up 17 sustainable cleaning brands selling non-toxic products that will help you have a sparkling clean home. They will become your new partners in grime! 

WHAT MAKES CLEANING PRODUCTS SUSTAINABLE & Non-Toxic?

Sustainable & non-toxic cleaning products are above anything else formulated with safe, non-toxic ingredients, all of which have to be disclosed on the brand’s website. 

They also come in eco-friendly packaging that can be reused, recycled, or composted. Aluminum, cardboard, or glass are great packaging options, but see if you can also buy product refills to minimize waste. Plus, try not to buy disposable wipes or other single-use products. 

If you are looking for sustainable cleaning tools, like brooms or sponges, make sure they are made with eco-friendly materials as well.  

Also, consider supporting brands that received third-party certifications, like B Corp, Climate-Neutral, or MADE SAFE. 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable cleaning products are usually formulated with natural and biodegradable ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, or other mineral and plant-based components. Make sure the ingredients are listed on the EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List. 

The products should be free of toxic substances like phthalates, phosphates, petroleum-based ingredients, and many others. In general, stay away from cleaners on which you can read “corrosive”, “caution” or any other warning labels. 

Sustainable cleaning tools are made with eco-friendly materials, like recycled plastic, sustainably-harvested wood or bamboo, natural rubber, cellulose, or any other types of natural materials. 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE CLEANING PRODUCTS

1. Public Goods

Categories: Laundry Detergents, Fabric Softeners, Dish Soaps, Dishwasher Detergents, Surface Cleaners, Bathroom Cleaners, Glass Cleaners, Cleaning Tools

Price: $3-47

Public Goods has a large selection of cleaning products and cleaning tools, all of which are very affordable.

You can find laundry and dishwasher detergent pods, different kinds of cleaners, fabric softener sheets, liquid dish soap, as well as compostable trash bags, and walnut-based scrubber sponges.

Public Goods even sells organic castile soap, which can be used to clean everything around the home, from clothes to surfaces to dishes!

All the products are formulated with safe, non-toxic ingredients and are free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. The bottles are also made from 100% recycled plastic, every shipment is carbon-neutral, and the brand plants a tree for every order placed.


2. Earth Breeze

Categories: Laundry Detergent

Price: $12-20

Earth Breeze's laundry detergent eco sheets are a fantastic alternative to conventional heavy plastic jug laundry detergents! Those plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, but Earth Breeze packages its detergent in cardboard (which saves you a load of space, too).

We love that they come in a sheet form because no liquid mess or extra waste is created.

And don't let this small sheet fool you - over 2 million people have switched to this brand because of their performance. Eco Sheets can be used in any machine and are concentrated, premeasured, and low-sudsing. They are also Paraben Free, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Bleach & Dye Free, Phthalate Free, and Phosphate Free. Plus, each purchase donates 10 loads to those in need - over 100 million loads have been donated so far!

Choose from either a Fresh Scent or Unscented, along with how many packages you need a month, and rest easy knowing you won't need to make an unnecessary run to the store for detergent! 


3. Meliora

Categories: Cleaning Scrubs, Laundry Powders, Hand Soaps, Bleach Alternatives, All-Purpose Cleaning Sprays, Dish Soaps, Stain Removers, Rags

Price: $5-400

Meliora sells sustainable home cleaning and laundry products, all of which are Leaping-Bunny certified.  The company formulates its products using only a short list of natural ingredients, such as baking soda, soap made from organic coconut and sunflower oil, sodium percarbonate, washing soda, organic essential oils, and glycerin produced as a byproduct of soapmaking. 

Meliora offers all-purpose cleaners, dish soaps, laundry powders, bleach alternatives, and even rags made from repurposed organic cotton diapers. 

The brand is a B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet, and all its products are MADE SAFE certified and rated A by the Environmental Working Group. 

Meliora also uses compostable or recyclable packaging, and you can even buy some products in bulk in a bucket that you can ship back (for free) for it to be reused. 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off your purchase


4. Blueland

Categories: Multi-Surface Cleaners, Hand Soaps, Dishwasher Tablets, Laundry Detergent Tablets, Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Sponges, Cloths

Price: $7-89

Blueland is on a mission to reinvent household products to end single-use plastic waste. Its products are all refillable, which means that you buy the bottle once and you then only need to purchase the refills. It offers different types of cleaners, powder dish soap, laundry detergent tablets, dishwasher tablets, and foaming hand soap.

All of them are formulated without water, so each product is lighter and smaller, which significantly reduces the environmental impact of shipping! 

Blueland only uses ingredients that are on the EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List, and all of them are vegan and cruelty-free. 

The brand is also Climate-Neutral and B Corp certified, and all its products and packaging received the Cradle To Cradle certification. 


5. Green Eco Dream

Categories: Dishwashing Products, Laundry Detergents, All-Purpose Cleaners, Bleach Alternatives, Cleaning Tools

Price: $5-95

Green Eco Dream is a sustainable marketplace with all kinds of zero-waste essentials. It carries many eco-friendly brands and their cleaning products. You can buy anything from all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergent sheets, solid dish blocks, sustainable bleach alternatives, and many more. 

You can also stock up on some practical cleaning tools, like reusable paper towels, bamboo brushes, latex gloves, compostable trash bags, and sponges. Green Eco Dream even sells a microfiber-catching laundry ball made from recycled plastic! 

The shop is a member of the Sierra Club and 1% For The Planet, and it is carbon-neutral and a Green America-certified business. It also ships its products without plastic and regularly supports the non-profit Clean Miami Beach!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off your purchase


6. Dropps

Categories: Laundry Detergents, Fabric Softeners, Dishwasher Detergents, Dish Sprays, Air & Fabric Fresheners, Hand Soaps, Cleaning Tools

Price: $8-84

Dropps is one of the best zero-waste cleaning brands you can find! It has everything you may need, from different laundry detergents to dish sprays to all kinds of cleaning tools.

Its detergents are encased in a water-soluble pod that dissolves upon contact with water.

Their ultra-concentrated formulas are completely free of harmful ingredients and are formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients. 

Dropps discloses all its ingredients, so you know exactly what you are buying! 

The brand even sells all-natural cellulose sponges, Swedish dishcloths made from FSC-certified cellulose and repurposed cotton, wool dryer balls, and different kitchen brushes made of bamboo, sisal, and coconut fibers.  

Dropps is also a certified B Corp, and it offers carbon-neutral shipping using plastic-free packaging. 


7. Plastno

Categories: Trash Bags

Price: $18 for 30 Tall Bags

If we already say no to plastic straws and cups, why not trash bags, too? Plastno makes it simple to 'just say no' with super strong, fully biodegradable garbage bags for our home. Put simply, their compostable trash bags are made from plant-based materials that break down naturally in weeks. The best part is they're just as tough as regular old trash bags, just without the plastic.


8. Tru Earth

Categories: Laundry Detergents, Fabric Softeners, Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, Multi-Surface Cleaners, Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Cleaning Tools

Price: $10-164

Tru Earth is an eco-friendly laundry detergent brand selling ultra-concentrated laundry detergent sheets. These are free of parabens, phosphates, added dyes, bleach, and other toxic chemicals. You can choose between different scents, and it even has laundry sheets specially formulated for baby clothes!

The strips are biodegradable and dissolve quickly in both cold and hot water.

Tru Earth also offers dishwasher detergent tablets, toilet bowl cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, as well as compostable sponges and dishcloths.

The formulas are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and you can find a list of all the ingredients used on the company’s website.

The strips are shipped in a recyclable cardboard sleeve, and so far, Tru Earth has donated over 21 million laundry strips to food banks and people in need!


9. Grove Collaborative

Categories: Dish Soaps, Multi-Purpose Cleaners, Toilet Cleaners, Hand Soaps, Laundry Detergents, Floor Cleaners, Bathroom Cleaners, Stain Remover Sprays, Cleaning Tools

Price: $2-90

Grove Collaborative has a huge selection of non-toxic household products, including approximately 300 cleaning products and tools from various sustainable brands. All the products are ethically produced, cruelty-free, and healthy to use! 

The company makes sure to only sell products made with plant-based formulas. They only contain essential oils and other botanical-based ingredients, all of which are disclosed on the website.  

From floor cleaners to dish soaps, you can find everything you may need for a sparkling clean home. Grove Collaborative even has eco-friendly toilet brushes, sponges, dishcloths, as well as trash bags made from 100% recycled plastic. 

The company is also B Corp certified, and every shipment is carbon-neutral! 


10. Zero Waste Store

Categories: Dishwashing Soaps, Laundry Products, Cleaning Sprays and Powders, Hand Soaps, Stone Cleaners, Cleaning Tools

Price: $4-73

Zero Waste Store is a one-stop shop for every zero-waste swap you may need! It carries many sustainable brands, including some selling all-natural cleaning products.

You can choose between many laundry products including laundry detergent sheets, liquid laundry soap or detergent, laundry paste, and stain remover sticks. 

The company also sells many cleaning sprays and powders, hand soaps, and dishwashing liquid and solid soaps. It even has a granite disinfectant and many cleaning tools, such as brushes, sponges, Swedish dishcloths, scourers made from coconut waste, and washable mop covers.

Zero Waste Store is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it ships everything in plastic-free packaging. It also regularly supports and makes donations to wildlife and conservation groups. 


11. Kind Laundry

Categories: Laundry Detergents, Stain Removers, Dryer Balls

Price: $6-20

Kind Laundry sells eco-friendly, plant-derived laundry detergent strips as an alternative to traditional powder and liquid detergents. 

Both the fragrance-free and scented versions are only formulated with a few simple ingredients, all of which are non-toxic and disclosed on the website!

The strips are pre-cut and pre-measured so you know exactly how much to use per load of laundry, and they work in all water temperatures.

Kind Laundry also has a vegan stain remover bar that is ideal to remove all types of stains, from coffee to tomato sauce. If you have a tumble dryer, get your hands on the brand’s 100% pure wool dryer balls: they will reduce the drying time by up to 25%, which will save energy! 


12. Full Circle Home

Categories: Cleaning Tools & Accessories

Price: $4-130

Among all the cleaning brands on this list, this one has the largest and most complete selection of cleaning tools and accessories! 

Full Circle Home is a certified B Corporation making practical and aesthetically pleasing home care products using long-lasting, sustainable materials. 

You get to choose from many products made of bamboo and recycled plastic, including dusters and mops with a washable head, dustpans and brushes, brooms, and even a pivoting squeegee. 

Full Circle Home also sells absorbent cleaning cloths made from bamboo or post-production recycled fibers, dish brushes, compostable trash bags, sponges and scrubbers made from recycled plastic or coconut husks, a recycled pan scraper, and latex cleaning gloves. 

For every ounce of plastic the brand uses, it collects the same amount from waterways and recycles it in partnership with Plastic Bank. 


13. Cleancult

Categories: Dish Soaps, All-Purpose Cleaners, Hand Soaps, Laundry Detergents, Dishwasher Tablets 

Price: $6-65

Cleancult is a sustainable cleaning brand that has created a smart refill system for cleaning products. 

From all-purpose cleaners to laundry detergents, all of its refills are sold in FSC-certified paper-based cartons that are 100% recyclable.

The formulas are free of toxic substances like phthalates, petroleum-based ingredients, phosphates, dyes, SLES, and SLS. 

All the products are also cruelty-free and Leaping-Bunny certified, and you can choose between different all-natural scents that will remind you of nature. 

If you do not already have a spray bottle at home, Cleancult sells several kinds of reusable, shatter-resistant glass bottles with a protective silicone base to prevent them from breaking. 


14. No Tox Life

Categories: Dish Soaps, Kitchen Brushes, Sponges

Price: $6-46

No Tox Life is a small family-run business selling vegan body care and home cleaning products. 

The brand has a concentrated solid dishwashing soap that efficiently cleans grime and grease on your dishes and kitchen surfaces. You can also use it to clean other areas of your home or to take stains out of laundry. 

The dish soap is formulated with biodegradable ingredients (without artificial fragrance), all of which are disclosed on the product’s page.  

No Tox Life also sells different cleaning tools like bamboo dish brushes with replacement heads and machine-washable Nordic dish sponges that are 100% home-compostable. It even has a vegetable cleaning brush made from bamboo and agave fibers. 

The brand produces everything in small batches and ships its products in plastic-free packaging. 


15. If You Care

Categories: Dishwasher Tablets, Cleaning Tools & Accessories

Price: $5-20

If You Care creates sustainable kitchen and cleaning essentials for the eco-friendly home.

It has non-toxic dishwasher tablets formulated with a blend of mineral and plant-derived ingredients.

These are biodegradable and completely free of phosphates and chlorine. 

You can also buy cleaning gloves made of FSC-certified latex, compostable sponge cloths, reusable paper towels, and different sizes of compostable trash bags produced from non-GMO potato starch.

If You Care even has beautiful dish towels crafted in small batches from reclaimed surplus fabrics! 

The brand uses unbleached recycled cardboard or paper packaging for all its products. It also received the Green Seal certification for its commitment to creating sustainable and healthy products. 


16. Lovett Sundries

Categories: Cleaning Sprays, Laundry Soaps, Dishwasher Powders, Dish Soaps, Air & Fabric Fresheners, Cast Iron Cleaners

Price: $9-20

Lovett Sundries is a family-owned brand making affordable personal care and home cleaning products, all of which are handcrafted in small batches.  The company sells several cleaning products, including a countertop spray, an unscented laundry soap, dishwasher powder, a solid dish soap, and an air and fabric freshener made with lavender essential oil. 

It even has a cast iron conditioner and a wooden cast iron scraper that you can use to clean and scrub your cast iron pans! 

Lovett Sundries formulates all of these products with no more than four simple, all-natural ingredients. They are packaged in recycled kraft paper boxes, aluminum, and glass; the only plastic bits are the small spray pumps! 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off your order


17. Bestowed Essentials

Categories: Laundry Detergent Powder, Dish Soap, Stain Remover Stick

Price: $5-16

Bestowed Essentials sells vegan home and body products that are all ethically handmade in the United States. It offers three cleaning products, all of which contain no more than six simple, natural ingredients. For instance, the brand’s non-toxic laundry powder is only made with baking soda, washing soda, and sodium percarbonate. Yet, it cleans your clothes very efficiently!

You can also buy Bestowed Essentials’ solid dish soap for your dishwashing routine, or its stain remover stick to eliminate all types of stains from your clothes!

The brand never tests on animals, and its products are either sold in plastic-free packaging or unpackaged. Bestowed Essentials also offers carbon-neutral shipping, and it regularly supports local non-profit organizations.


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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9 Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes For Every Occasion
 

Our Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes

There are plenty of reasons why you or your guests may choose not to drink alcohol. However, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourselves with a fun drink in hand, minus the alcohol. Fortunately, you can make alcohol-free versions of many of the classics without sacrificing taste or appeal. 

The Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

In a society so focused on well-being, the popularity of non-alcoholic drinks has surged. These drinks offer several advantages, catering to those who choose to abstain, seek healthier alternatives or simply wish to enjoy flavorful concoctions. 

They’re (Usually) Cheaper

Non-alcoholic drinks are often more affordable than alcoholic alternatives. Choosing non-alcoholic options can contribute to cost savings, especially in social situations where alcohol prices are high.

You Won’t Be Hungover

Non-alcoholic drinks eliminate the risk of hangovers, which occur after drinking too much. Choosing virgin options will leave you feeling better the next day. Additionally, binge drinking can weaken your immune system, which may be why you get a nasty cold after a weekend of partying.

You'll Reduce Your Risk of Health Problems

Reducing your alcohol consumption can contribute to a lower risk of short-term and long-term health risks. Short-term health risks can include alcohol poisoning and drunken-related injuries. Heavy and prolonged consumption has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, learning and memory problems, and different types of cancer. This includes breast, colorectal, liver, esophageal cancers, and more. Although rarer, alcohol consumption can also cause gallbladder cancer, which affects approximately 12,000 Americans annually.

They’re Inclusive

Offering alcohol-free beverages at social gatherings means that everyone is included. Anyone can consume these drinks, whether they’re pregnant or avoiding alcohol for religious or personal reasons.

9 Must-Try Non-Alcoholic Drinks

There’s no need to miss out on delicious flavors simply because you don’t drink. Many of these delectable beverages use fresh ingredients like lime juice, lime wedges and orange peels, allowing you to enjoy the drinks while reducing waste. You can repurpose any excess waste for juices, garnishing your drink or creative meals.

Embrace the low-waste, high-flavor approach to non-alcoholic drinks with these nine must-try recipes.

1. Virgin Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis are one of the most popular drinks at the moment. They offer the perfect blend of rich coffee flavors and a hint of sweetness. This sophisticated and energizing beverage provides a delightful alternative for those looking to enjoy a traditional cocktail without the alcohol. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso from sustainable brands (cooled)

  • 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons non-alcoholic coffee liqueur

  • Ice cubes

  • Coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature.

  • Fill a shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.

  • Pour the cooled espresso, non-alcoholic liqueur and syrup into the shaker.

  • Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to create a frothy texture.

  • Strain the contents into a chilled martini glass.

  • Optional: garnish with a few coffee beans on top to make it look the part.

  • Serve immediately and enjoy the rich and invigorating flavors.

2. Virgin Mojito

Havana, Cuba, is the birthplace of the Mojito. A classic and timeless choice, the Virgin Mojito combines the zing of lime, the sweetness of sugar, the freshness of mint and the fizz of soda water. 

Ingredients:

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Lime wedges

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • Ice cubes

  • 1/2 cup soda water

Instructions:

  • In a glass, mix together mint leaves and lime wedges.

  • Add the sugar, lime juice and ice cubes to the glass.

  • Top with soda water and stir gently.

  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

3. Blueberry Basil Mocktail

The Blueberry Basil mocktail is a delightful and visually stunning beverage that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the herbaceous notes of fresh basil. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion where a refreshing and flavorful drink is needed.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

  • 8-10 fresh basil leaves

  • 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • 1 cup sparkling water or soda water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • In a glass, mash the fresh berries, basil leaves and honey to extract their flavors.

  • Add fresh lime juice to the mixture and stir gently.

  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour sparkling or soda water over the ice and stir to combine the ingredients.

  • Garnish the mocktail with a few whole blueberries and a sprig of fresh basil.

  • Optionally, rim the glass with sugar for extra sweetness.

  • Serve immediately. 

4. Cucumber Mint Cooler

For a crisp and rejuvenating experience, try the cucumber mint cooler. 

Ingredients:

  • Cucumber slices

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Lime juice

  • Honey

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • In a blender, combine cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime juice and honey.

  • Blend until smooth and then strain the mixture.

  • Serve over ice and garnish with cucumber slices and mint leaves.

5. Mango Pineapple Slushie

This drink is a tropical escape that transports you to sun-soaked beaches, minus the alcohol. It’s a great beverage to cool down on warmer days and indulge in tropical flavors. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

  • 1 cup ice cubes

  • 1/2 cup coconut water or pineapple juice

  • Pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  • In a blender, combine the mango, pineapple, honey and ice cubes.

  • Add in coconut water or pineapple juice to help with blending.

  • Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and slushie-like in consistency. 

  • Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or agave.

  • Pour the slushie into a glass and garnish with mint leaves for a burst of color.

  • Optional: run a wedge of lime around the rim and dip it in sugar for added sweetness.

6. Jasmine Tea Mocktail

Jasmine tea originated in China over 1,000 years ago, where the locals used it for its various health benefits. Jasmine is believed to lower the risk of cancer and boost mood. The Jasmine Teamocktail is a sophisticated and fragrant mocktail that captures the delicate essence of jasmine tea with citrusy notes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brewed jasmine tea, chilled

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda

  • Ice cubes

  • Lemon slices and jasmine flowers for garnish

Instructions:

  • Brew a cup of jasmine according to the packaged instructions and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until chilled. 

  • In a glass, combine the chilled jasmine tea, honey and fresh lemon juice. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved. 

  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour sparkling water or club soda over the ice and tea mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Garnish the mocktail with lemon slices and a few delicate jasmine flowers for a touch of decoration. 

  • Add a sprig of mint (optional).

7. Apple Cider Sangria

The Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is a festive and flavorful mocktail ideal for fall days. This alcohol-free alternative brings together the sweet and tangy notes of apples, citrus and berries for a delightful seasonal drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups apple cider

  • 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale

  • 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)

  • 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced

  • 1 orange, thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Ice cubes

  • Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  • In a large pitcher combine apple cider, sparkling water (or ginger ale) and honey.

  • Add mixed berries, apple and orange slices.

  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon into the mixture and stir gently.

  • Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld.

  • Before serving, fill a glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour the chilled Sangria over the ice, distributing the fruits evenly.

  • Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

  • Optional: rim the glass with cinnamon sugar.

8. Homemade Ginger Beer

Homemade ginger beer is a classic and nostalgic beverage combining the heat of fresh ginger with the crispness or citrus fruit and a hint of sweetness. This alcohol-free version allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of ginger in a refreshing homemade concoction.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh ginger, peeled and grated

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 4 cups cold water

  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

  • 1/4 lukewarm water

  • Ice cubes

  • Fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  • In a saucepan, combine grated ginger, sugar and 2 cups of cold water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat., stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes.

  • Remove the ginger syrup from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. 

  • In a small bowl, dissolve active dry yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours to allow natural fermentation. Keep an eye on the mixture, and when it becomes slightly effervescent, it’s ready.

  • Strain the ginger beer to remove the grated ginger and transfer the liquid to a clean bottle for storage. 

  • Refrigerate the homemade ginger beer until well-chilled. 

  • Serve it over ice in glasses.

  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges. 

9. Negroni (aka No-groni)

A Negroni is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Italian Count Camillo Negroni invented the cocktail in the 1900s when he insisted a bartender replace the soda water in his Americano with gin. The non-alcoholic version — often called a No-groni — is just as sophisticated.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup non-alcoholic gin alternative

  • 1/4 non-alcoholic Campari alternative

  • 1/4 cup non-alcoholic red vermouth substitute

  • Orange peel twist

  • Ice cubes

  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.

  • Pour the non-alcoholic alternatives into the glass.

  • Stir them well for about 15-20 seconds to properly chill and mix the flavors.

  • Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with ice.

  • Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist, then dropping the peel into the glass.

  • Garnish with an orange slice for an extra burst of citrus. 


About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn


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How to Actually Enjoy the Winter Months
 

How to Enjoy Your Winter in 2023-2024

Winter can be a somewhat divisive season. While some might be looking forward to winter wonderlands, the Holidays, and nights in, others might dread winter coming for the same reasons, especially those who live in colder climates and experience harsher weather this season. But even the people who spend the warm months dreaming of chillier days can find their mood worsening as the days get shorter and the nights longer.  

That's why, as the season changes and winter marches towards us, it is essential that regardless of our stance on the season, we find ways to enjoy winter and prioritize our well-being to spend the next few months feeling as happy as we can. To help you enjoy this winter and those to come, in this article, we will share some sustainable tips and tricks to enjoy the winter months by getting in touch with nature and following the season's natural rhythms.  

Let's create a cozy home environment 

For better or for worse, winter is the season of slowness and stillness. After all, many animals, like chipmunks and bears, hibernate to save energy and survive these darker months. While we might not be able (or willing to) to bypass this period in full by dozing it off, we might want to take a page out of our fellow animals' book and embrace rest and coziness in the coming season by creating a cozy home environment.

This endeavor can look like many different things depending on your budget, the amount of time you have on your hands, or even the degree to which you are free to modify your home, but the goal is adding warmth and comfort to your living space regardless. Regarding décor, you can get some soft blankets, rugs, and pillows from your favorite thrift store or by lighting your space with soft lights placed below eye level, like table lamps instead of ceiling lights.

Bringing some natural elements inside the house, like seasonal flowers or herb cuttings, can also make your place homelier and more comfortable by giving it a lovely organic touch.

Another easy way to create an inviting home atmosphere is by ensuring that it smells nice. To accomplish this, ventilate your home regularly to eliminate stale air and foul smells, and fill your place with fragrance with a petroleum-free candle or a wintery simmer pot. By implementing these simple changes, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that will make nights-in much more enjoyable.

Enjoy winter fashion more by creating new sustainable winter outfits 

Fashion can be a powerful tool and a lot of fun. The right outfit can improve your mood and make you excited about the day ahead. The same goes for seasons, as creating new outfits you look forward to wearing in the coming months can also make you look forward to the upcoming season. 

Finding the perfect balance between style and warmth is vital to genuinely enjoying winter fashion, so embrace layering and the rich, thick textures that characterize the more winter fabrics, and don't forget to have fun with wintery accessories like hats, gloves, and earmuffs not only for warmth but also to give your outfits some extra pizzazz. 

To make this process sustainable as well as fun, build your winter outfits with the clothes you already have at home, and if you find yourself in need of some new winter-appropriate clothing, try to get them secondhand, borrow them, or if you have a bigger budget, get them from ethical and sustainable fashion companies. 

With the right toasty outfits that suit your taste and make you feel good about yourself, you are ready to enjoy the season ahead. 

Give restful activities and hobbies a try for a cozy, rejuvenating winter

Making time for restful activities can maximize your enjoyment of this time of year, as winter, with the weather turning colder and the days getting shorter, is the perfect season to settle into relaxation and embrace the comfort of cozy indoor activities.

Even if you tend to opt for more active, outdoorsy downtime activities, you can still find a more relaxing indoor pastime to enjoy during the colder days of the year. After all, there are plenty of choices: reading, knitting, drawing, or watching movies can all enhance your enjoyment of this cozy season. 

Curling up with a good book or watching movies this season can allow you to escape to new, fantastic worlds. That effect is maximized if you pick a film or a novel filled with wintery vibes. On the other hand, activities like crocheting or painting can help de-stress by engaging your head and hands with a soothing, repetitive task, at the end of which you will end up with a lovely, handmade addition to your home.     

By taking some time to engage in any of these restful activities, you can better embrace the beauty and tranquility of the winter season, finding joy in everyday moments of relaxation. 

Connect with nature's rhythm by spending time outside 

Winter has understated, quiet beauty. Connecting with nature's slower winter rhythm by spending time in nature can be a lovely way to appreciate the season's gentle beauty and create a deeper appreciation for the natural world. 

If the weather allows, going on walks at the nearest parks, exploring local trails, going on a staycation to the mountains, or just enjoying the snow in your area can help you soothe your soul by giving you a chance to reconnect with nature and observe the seasons change the landscape, the plants and the animals that live in your region.  

On these little adventures, you surely won't be bored, as, with its milky skies, fragrant and crispy air, and delicate snowflakes, winter does offer you plenty of natural wonders to enjoy even without going far from home. 

In addition to its benefits for the soul, spending time outside will bring your mind and body many health benefits year-round while acting as a natural mood-booster, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. So get your comfortable winter shoes, don your favorite scarf, go outside, and let nature help you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.    

Embrace the beauty of home-cooked, seasonal meals 

The chiller, darker winter days are the perfect time to indulge in homemade, comforting, warming meals and embrace the joys of making and eating meals you love. Spending time at home, in your kitchen, and experimenting with cozy meals made with local, seasonal foods is a fantastic way to get into the spirit of winter sustainably and appreciate the hearty, tantalizing flavors of the coldest season. 

Turn on the stove, preheat your oven, and take out your favorite dinnerware to prepare and savor cold season classics like strews, soups, and savory pies with wintery ingredients like root vegetables, squash, and leafy greens. Prioritizing local and seasonal produce as much as you can will not only allow you to support local farmers and businesses but also ensure that the ingredients you are employing are at their peak flavor and freshness, making our meals more sustainable and tastier. 

This is the perfect recipe to bring into your life a more profound sense of connection to your local community and nature this winter and beyond.  

Take some time to socialize and build connections

During the colder season, the word "self-care" might evoke images of warm baths or piping-hot drinks enjoyed under a thick, cozy blanket. While a healthy dose of alone downtime is vital to recharge our batteries after demanding days and to pursue our hobbies and interests, socializing and building connections are just as crucial to our physical and mental well-being, even in winter.

Spending time with our loved ones and meeting new people might feel more accessible during the warm season while the sun shines bright, the days never seem to end, and spending time outside feels like a no-brainer. But even though going out might feel counterintuitive as the days get shorter, trying to set aside some time to socialize is still beneficial. Humans, after all, are social animals, and our need for community and friendships doesn't drop when temperatures do.

Take this upcoming season as an occasion to host brunches and dinner parties for your friends and family or to find out what kind of "third places" your area has to offer and explore them with your loved ones. Regarding new connections, taking some classes can be an excellent way to make new friends in winter, especially for those who work for themselves or from home. 

Winter is the season of slowness and rest. Embracing winter and following its natural rhythm can help us appreciate the beauty and wisdom of the Earth and recharge along with the rest of the natural world, making this a season we can welcome with open arms rather than a time to dread. We hope that with these simple, planet-friendly tips and tricks, we can help you create a more enjoyable winter experience this year. 


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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