The Best Sustainable Plant-Based & Vegan Milks

Most of us now know that drinking plant-based milk is generally more sustainable than dairy milk. However, with so many different options available, it’s important to know what to look for in plant-based milk. Not all plant-based milk is good for us or the planet, thanks to additives, artificial ingredients, unsustainable sourcing, or plastic packaging. Below we’ll cover how to find healthy and sustainable plant-based milk, as well as some of the best plant-based milk brands. 

Is Plant-Based Milk Sustainable?

All plant-based milk is more sustainable than dairy. One liter of cow’s milk uses significantly more water, and land, as well as produces more greenhouse gas than one liter of plant-based milk. 

While plant-based milk is more sustainable, just how sustainable will greatly depend on the ingredients and the production methods used. Some non-dairy milk uses very little water, while others emit less greenhouse gas or are easier to ethically source. 

Is Plant-Based Milk Good for you? 

Plant-based milk is generally good for you, as long as you pay attention to the ingredients. If you’re drinking plant-based milk to replace specific nutrients in dairy milk, you won’t be very successful. 

The cleanest, organic plant-based milk only contains water and the primary ingredient, so it won’t be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals found in dairy milk. If you choose fortified plant milk, certain ingredients may block your body's ability to absorb those nutrients. 

In general, it’s healthiest to choose plant-based milk with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives, and use other food or supplements to replace any nutrients naturally found in dairy. 

What’s the Least and Most Sustainable Milk Alternative? 

When determining which nut milk (or plant-based milk) is the most and least sustainable, there are a few different factors that need to be taken into consideration. Below we’ll break down the most common types of plant-based milk and how sustainable they are. 

Oat Milk: Oat milk could be considered the most sustainable plant-based milk overall. It’s also become one of the most popular non-dairy milk options due to its creamy consistency and rich flavor. Oats are a nutritious, a low-input crop. That being said, oats are commonly mass-produced in an unsustainable way and contain a glyphosate-based herbicide that has been linked to cancer. Look for small brands that use certified glyphosate-free oats, as well as organic and non-GMO oats. 

Almond Milk: Almond milk has long been one of the most popular kinds of nut milk, but it’s gotten a bad rap lately due to its water usage. Almond milk is not worse for the environment than dairy milk, and overall, it is a sustainable milk alternative. Almond milk has some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and requires very little land to grow. However, almond trees do require a significant amount of water and are mostly grown in California, a state prone to droughts. Local almond farmers have taken action over the last few years to reduce water usage, but it’s always best to look for organic almonds that are grown on sustainable farms in small batches. 

Soy Milk: Soy milk is commonly considered one of the most sustainable, and cleanest plant-based milk options. Soy milk requires very little water to produce, though it does require a higher amount of emissions. That being said, soy milk is largely mass-produced in an unsustainable way. It’s harder to find non-GMO soy on the market, and its production has caused deforestation in the Amazon and throughout South America. If you want to drink soy milk, look for brands that don’t source their soy from South America and that use organic, non-GMO soybeans. 

Rice Milk: As far as plant-based milk goes, rice milk isn’t the most sustainable or nutritious. Rice production has some of the highest, if not the highest, greenhouse gas emissions, and requires a large amount of water to grow. Rice is grown in water and those paddies contribute to water pollution and emit methane gas. Of all the non-dairy milk options, you may want to skip this one. 

Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is another popular milk alternative, with high nutritional benefits. If you’re wondering if coconut milk is sustainable, it depends on where you get it from. Coconuts are in such high demand that coconut production now commonly involves exploitative labor including animal cruelty, where monkeys and other animals are forced to help harvest coconuts. Coconut farms contribute to deforestation in the rainforest, particularly in Indonesia. Look for small brands that are ideally Fair-trade certified or are transparent about how they source their coconuts.  

Seed Milk: Seed milk, such as hemp, flax, and chia milk, has become more commonly available and offers higher nutritional benefits, like protein and fiber. These plants require very little water to grow and aren’t commonly mass-produced. Another sustainable seed milk that has recently become more widely available is sesame milk. This milk is a wonderful sustainable option, as sesame plants require very little water, are self-pollinating, drought-resistant, and don’t need pesticides. 

Pea Milk: Pea milk is a popular choice for those looking for higher protein milk. It’s also a sustainable choice, as it has lower emissions, and uses less fertilizer and water to produce when compared to other plant-based milk. That being said, many pea milk options on the market today are filled with additional ingredients and additives that aren’t very good for us. 

Additional Nut Milk Options: There are numerous nut milk options available today, with varying degrees of sustainability and different taste profiles. 

• Cashew Milk: Widely available, it requires less water than almond milk with a similar taste. Cashew production often involves exploitative labor, so look for cashews that are fair trade or were produced transparently and ethically. 

• Hazelnut Milk: This beloved nut makes a great milk alternative. It’s a very sustainable nut milk — produced in the Pacific Northwest, in a naturally moist environment, and it doesn’t require bees for pollination. 

• Pistachio Milk: Less common, but becoming more popular, pistachio milk is a relatively nutritious nut milk that uses less water than almonds. It has relatively low greenhouse gas emissions as well. 

• Macadamia Milk: Last but not least, macadamia milk is a creamy milk alternative that also requires less water than almonds. It’s important to choose organic, non-GMO options, however, as macadamia nuts are grown in areas that commonly experience water shortages. 

What to Look for From Sustainable Non-Dairy Milk Brands: 

Some ingredients to look for when choosing a sustainable plant-based milk are: 

• Minimal Ingredients/ No Artificial Ingredients

• Organic Certified Ingredients

• Ethical/Sustainable Sourcing

• Recyclable and Plastic-free Packaging

• Fair Trade Production

When it comes to our health, much of the plant-based milk available on the market today contains processed and artificial ingredients. While many of these ingredients are used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners, some have been linked to cancer, while others may impact our digestion and skin. Ultimately, we just don’t know how these additives will affect us in the long run. 

If you’re looking for truly sustainable non-dairy milk, avoid the following ingredients: 

• Added sugar or artificial sweeteners

• Added oils 

• Natural Flavors

• Carrageenan

• Gums (Guar gum, Xanthan gum, etc.)

• Lecithin

Now, Our Top 8 Favorite Sustainable Plant-Based Milk Brands:

1) Joi 

Price: Varies

Joi is an awesome sustainable non-dairy milk brand that sells plant milk concentrates.

You simply mix with water at home to create your non-dairy milk.

They have almond, cashew, oat, and hazelnut milk concentrates available.

Joi’s products are certified non-GMO, and organic, with no added ingredients. 

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2) Three Trees

Price: $7.99 

Three Trees produces some of the healthiest, creamiest, vegan milk around. Here you’ll find almond milk (unsweetened or naturally sweetened vanilla), sesame milk, oat milk, and pistachio milk. You won’t find any added ingredients or sweeteners and each milk comes in a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. 

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3) Califia Farms

Price: $5.99-$6.49 

Califia Farms has produced sustainable vegan milk for years but they just launched a line of certified organic oat milk and almond milk with just 3 ingredients.

The organic line contains no additives and a creamy texture.

Califia Farms publishes an annual sustainability report so you can easily ensure this brand aligns with your values. 

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4) Malk

Price: $5.99

Malk makes certified organic glyphosate-free oat and almond milk available with unsweetened or sweetened vanilla and chocolate.

With only 3-5 natural ingredients, at Malk, you’ll never find added oils, fillers, or gums.

Each bottle is also recyclable. 

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5) Forager

Price: $6.49 

At Forager you’ll find a large selection of non-dairy products including cashew and oat milk.

Both kinds of vegan milk are certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with no added gums, fillers, or ingredients.

They use ethically sourced, hand-harvested cashews to produce their ultra-creamy vegan milk. 

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6) Elmhurst

Price: Varies

Elmhurst used to be a large family-owned dairy company but remade itself into a sustainable vegan milk producer. Here you’ll find almond, cashew, oat, walnut, and hazelnut milk.

All of their non-dairy products are non-GMO verified and don’t contain artificial flavors, gluten, or carrageenan. Plus, you can purchase variety packs or bundled options and each shelf-stable milk comes in recyclable packaging. 

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7) Eden Soy

Price: $3.91+ 

If you’re a soy milk lover, check out Eden Soy.

Their non-GMO, organic soy milk has been around for decades. You won’t find any artificial sugar or ingredients at Eden Soy. Their sustainably sourced soy milk comes in recyclable cartons, is shelf stable, and affordable. 

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8) New Barn Organics Almond Milk

Price: $59 per 6 pack

New Barn Organics uses organic almonds sustainably produced in small batches to make their certified organic almond milk. Non-GMO verified, their unsweetened or sweetened almond milk doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. They also produce organic coconut milk, using fair labor production, but it does contain organic sunflower lecithin. 

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About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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Image: Opposite Wall

Traditionally, wall art isn’t associated with sustainability. After all, making art requires creating something new, which often means relying on materials like paper, canvas, and paints—not to mention the shipping and global distribution methods that get art from the creator to the buyer. Many pieces of art are also mass-produced in warehouses, far from the original creator, then sold in chain stores like Target or Marshalls.

However, just like other home products, wall art is having a sustainable renaissance. From repurposed materials to ethical production, more sustainable wall art exists than ever before. But what makes a piece of art sustainable can vary greatly. Here’s what to watch for when seeking more sustainable wall art, plus a few tips and tricks for sourcing beautiful, eco-friendly decor you can feel good about.

What is Sustainable Wall Art?

There are many ways in which a piece of art can be sustainable (or not). For example, a painting could have an eco-friendly frame, but paint that’s toxic to the environment. Or, a photo could be printed on repurposed canvas, but packaged in large amounts of plastic. 

Sustainability in art is important because the industry is booming. Online art sales doubled between 2019 and 2020, and the industry only continues to grow, according to Artland Magazine. Despite the increase in sales—which correlates with a boost in consumption—digital artworks occupy an increasing portion of profits. Meanwhile, industry leaders have become more concerned with topics like sustainable travel, as well as the ecological impact of art festivals and events.

The bottom line? It’ll be hard to find a piece of art that meets every standard for sustainability. Here’s a look at what criteria to consider when buying art for your home, and how to decide which eco-friendly factors matter most to you.

Image: Opposite Wall

Art Materials

Companies committed to manufacturing sustainable wall art will pursue standards that verify their materials and mediums. For example, Opposite Wall is a wall art, wallpaper, and frame vendor committed to producing forest-friendly materials. Their posters are printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), and their wooden frames are also certified. Another certification to watch for comes from the Sustainable Forest Initiative, or SFI. Art with this label has been verified by the SFI as using sustainably-harvested materials (primarily wood fibers) that foster conservation and promote smart climate solutions. 

Art production companies can also have their own, more localized sustainability initiatives. Artifact Uprising, a photo printing company based in Colorado, uses wood reclaimed from trees that have fallen due to beetle infestation. Clearing this wood for reuse allows new trees to grow and prevents healthy trees from being cut down for materials. Artifact Uprising uses the wood for creative wall art, including wood calendars and wood blocks as photo displays. They also use 100% post-consumer recycled paper in all of their photo prints. These reused materials also have unique character, such as blue streaks in the beetle pine, ensuring a truly unique, customized, and sustainable piece of wall art for your home.

Image: Photowall

Giving Back Initiatives

Aside from using eco-friendly materials, some art vendors go the extra mile by donating back to forestry and other climate initiatives. This is the case with Photowall. In addition to making every mural to order, this photo printing and mural company donates proceeds to Vi Agroforestry after every purchase. These donations support the planting of 5,000 trees and crops in South Africa. These efforts not only improve local climates through carbon capture, but also help local residents access healthy food while improving the quality of their lives through sustainable agriculture. 

Another way to give back through your art purchase is with Andy okay. This organization lets buyers choose which organizations they’d like to support with their purchase, including earth-friendly causes like PangeaSeed Foundation and World Wildlife Foundation. Not to mention the additional sustainability efforts of Andy okay, which include climate-neutral printing facilities and local production at your nearest facility (which cuts down the carbon footprint of distribution). Andy okay also utilizes corporate social responsibility practices at each facility, which includes LED lighting, recycling programs for ink, and other aspects of daily operations.

Additionally, if you’re looking for wall art beyond a painting or print, consider the Artist Plate Project by Artaware. This organization supports the Coalition for the Homeless, the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These limited-edition dinner plates are designed by over 40 world-renowned artists and provide food, housing, and other critical services to those in need through The Coalition for The Homeless.

Image: Photo Innovation Lab

Ethical Production Practices

It can be difficult to see behind the scenes of an art company’s production facility, but one way to ensure sustainable practices is to find something that’s made-to-order. This means that the artist doesn’t produce or print the piece until it’s been purchased, which cuts down on excess inventory (which usually winds up as landfill waste). 

Photo Innovation Lab makes high-quality made-to-order prints on sustainable papers and fabrics. Some of their materials are made on tree bark substrates; others, such as their cotton, are made in facilities that run 100% on wind energy. They also leverage water-based paints and pigments in their prints and avoid plastic in their production, which ensures less toxicity and enables the product to be recycled post-use. Note: many photo papers are coated in resin polymers or use other brightening agents, which, while adding shine, make it so the prints cannot be recycled.

Image: Kincaid Galleries

Earth-Friendly Distribution

Shipping is another factor to consider when sharing wall art. The Gallery Climate Coalition is an international community of arts organizations who work together to help reduce the overall impact of the arts sector. This goal is achieved through a variety of initiatives, such as providing industry-specific guidance on sustainability, lobbying for systemic change, and fundraising for core environmental initiatives. To support the gallery climate coalition and its efforts, you can visit their members page, to see which organizations are working alongside them to make the creation, selling, and displaying of art more sustainable. 

Another sustainable art vendor is Kincaid Galleries, which takes 100% of responsibility for maintaining eco-friendly practices throughout its photography production line. Owned by photographer John Kincaid, this gallery offers a range of sustainable, fine art photo prints with tropical, vacation and travel themes. Their sustainable practices include using handmade frames with wood sourced from reforestation projects. When shipping, they also use biodegradable packing peanuts and 100% recyclable cardboard boxes, ensuring a low-waste art production cycle. 

Image: ART FOR CHANGE

Artisan Support

You can also make a difference with your art by choosing organizations that give back to local artists and communities. For example, ART FOR CHANGE provides support for contemporary artists by selling their hand-signed work at manageable prices. ART FOR CHANGE allows collectors to discover new and emerging artists and become their patrons through the platform. They also seek to make art buying more accessible, helping both the artist and the buyer.

The Little Market is another great place to find wall art that supports local artisans. From woven baskets to macrame wall hangings, each purchase offers information from the artists who made the piece. For example, The Little Market works with The Jute Works to empower women in Bangladeshi communities through handicraft production, job training, and leadership skills. The Little Market has other ethically-made home accessories to compliment your wall art collection, such as throws and candles.

Local Art

Lastly, look to your community for ways to support local artists near you. One idea is to research open studios near you, which is a time when local artists will allow an open tour of their workspaces. These artists will usually have art for sale; additionally, it’s a great chance to learn about their process and projects, and follow their newsletter to stay up-to-date on sales and events where you can buy their art. Similarly, local art fairs are a great way to support artists in your community. Many cities and towns host art fairs year-round; furthermore, online art fairs allow you to discover artists in other towns, or even around the world.

These are also great methods to use when you’re traveling, as a way to give back to the artists in the communities you visit.

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Whether you’re just looking to decorate your home sustainably, or you want a more eco-friendly way to collect and curate art, there are many ways to be more conscious when browsing and buying wall art. Just be sure to find out which issues matter most to you, whether supporting local artisans or using reclaimed wood, and look for those requirements in the art you buy. For more inspiration on sustainable home decor, checkout our roundup of brands that support ethically-styled living.

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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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Our Favorite Tips for DECORATING Your Home Sustainably

A house is more than four walls; it is a place where we take refuge and make ever-lasting memories. That's why we want this space to reflect not just our taste but also our values.   

If you're furnishing your new place, renovating an old one, or just sprucing up a room or two and are worried about the environmental costs or want to spend less money on new decor, decorating sustainably can be an excellent option.

But if you don't know how to do that, don't fret; you can do it! There are many ways to do that, and while these sustainable options might take some extra effort, they can save you money and help the environment in the short and long run.

If you want to decorate your home sustainably and need help figuring out where to begin, keep reading to find out. This handy guide will help with your green home decor journey!

Use what you already have

Are you committed to decorating sustainably? Then before you do anything else, make an audit of what you already have. Whether you are starting from scratch with a new place or redecorating doesn't matter. Knowing what you have is always key. 

By finding out exactly what you already own and what you may have to get, you can avoid spending money on things you have lying around but forgot about and also find some hidden gems.   

Even the objects in your home or storage unit that don't seem so appealing could become your new favorite features with a touch of love and creativity.  

To ensure you don't throw away, sell or donate anything you might like after some sourcing up or end up needing later on, look for ways to upcycle and repurpose what you already have. For example, you can use old teapots as vases or stationery organizers, and a spear chair can make for a terrific bedside table.

Give shopping second-hand a try

Do you want to save money, save on emissions and waste and have a house with a unique look to it? Then give thrifting a try. Purchasing vintage or preloved decor is another low-waste and budget-friendly option for decorating your place with existing pieces, as it feeds that good old circular economy.

Depending on your location, you can find second-hand decor and furniture in specialized stores online and offline, at flea markets, or on Facebook Marketplace.   

Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing yucky about shopping second-hand, whether for decor or clothes. But if you are new to thrifting, you might want to buy only things you can examine in person and try buying from reputable businesses instead of private sellers. 

Also, remember that in the second-hand furniture world, there is a big difference between preloved and antique. While you might like to decorate your place with a mix of both, it is good to keep this distinction in mind when shopping, as antique pieces tend to be pricier.  

Borrow from friends and family

Sometimes we don't shop for ourselves but for who we think we should be. So many of us have been here! Some buy sportswear even though they hardly work out, while others buy books that just get added to the TBR pile. 

The same goes when shopping for home decor: it's easy to start planning in our heads and get a bit carried away in the process. So if you are considering buying a bar cart even though you only drink beer or a 12-seat dining room table even though you live alone and never host dinner parties, consider another route: borrowing.

That's right! Instead of buying things you might use very sporadically, you can borrow them from friends, family and neighbours. If the people around are not the borrowing type or don't have what you are looking for, you can try downloading a borrowing and lending platform or app. This way, you get what you need just when you need it. 

Don't shy away from trash

We know that giving old decor a new life is a great way to decorate your home and do it cheaply and sustainably. But if your budget is super tight and you are looking for just a piece or two to add a little oomph to your place, you might want to keep a look on the curb.  

You read that right; your dream piece may be sitting next to a dumpster right at this moment. Plenty of people leave perfectly good furniture in the street for all sorts of reasons, and by simply keeping an eye out for it, you might get a lovely addition to your space for free.

 If you are still skeptical about this whole thing, check out the pieces left in the street and caught by the Stooping NYC account on IG. Get your car (or your car-owning friend) and pick up some free stuff!  

Find several Ethical & Sustainable Home Decor Brands over on Made Trade & be sure to use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+ *this is an affiliate link but we only add brands we truly love!*

Give business to home decor brands with good business ethics

There are plenty of ethically made and sustainable options for responsible home decor. You can find many brands that focus on quality, choose sustainable materials and work ethically with skilled craftsmen and artisans to make timeless and durable pieces. 

As with fashion, try to be mindful of your purchases when shopping new and favor ethical and sustainable brands that are local to you if possible. 

Find 12 Sustainable Home Decor Brands Here

Take it slow and enjoy the journey

Borrowing, thrifting, and shopping with sustainability and quality in mind are all great eco-friendly decorating options, but they can all take some time and patience if you want to do it right.

While being in an undecorated space that doesn't feel like you might be quite frustrating, you might still want to avoid decorating your place fully all at once, even if you can afford it. 

That's because decorating your space slowly will save you plenty of headaches and choices you may regret. 

By taking your time instead of giving in to the temptation of rushing things, you will give yourself a chance to see how your pace turns out bit by bit. This approach can help you make more thought-through choices as you can better see how each new piece will fit into your space.  

Not to mention that your taste can change in time and future-you might be glad to have still some room to get creative.  

Try choosing a color palette and sticking with it

When it comes to decorating your place, planning how it's going to look is half the fun. So why not go all the way and pick a color scheme for your house? 

Choosing a color palette is not only fun, but it will also save you a ton of time and decision fatigue. Plus, it will give your place a nice, cohesive look without you having to try too hard. 

Decorate using plants and other natural elements

Using natural elements like plants, flowers, and so on to decorate our space may be the oldest trick in the book, but if it has been there for that long is because it's effective.  

People have been doing it for centuries. Did you know that even back in the late Middle Ages, churches in the UK used holly and ivy as decorations in the festive season? 

Using nature as decor is a lovely and eco-friendly way to adorn our place and a cheap one too. Whether you will be foraging these green goodies or buying them at the store, make sure they are pet safe if you have any of those running around.  

DIYs are another great option for making sustainable decorating choices

If a home decor item in your house doesn't appeal to you anymore, but you don't want or can't replace it, then you can try to DIY it into something you love. The same goes if you got a good deal for a second-hand decor piece, but it doesn't catch your eye like that designer one you saw on Pinterest or IG.  

While it might not give you that shopping-induced dopamine hit, personalizing pieces instead of buying them may make them more enjoyable and even more functional in the long run. 

After all, no designer will ever know your taste and needs better than you do. DIYing is the perfect way to turn a run-of-the-mill piece into a statement one as long as you can put in the time and energy.

In this department (like many others), the internet can aid you. Look up keywords such as "furniture flip" or "DIY thrift flip decor" on Youtube or TikTok, and you'll get plenty of inspo and instructions. 

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Decorating your place sustainably is a fun, slow journey and especially a personal one. Your place is yours only, so try to remember that while inspiration is cool, the most important thing is making your space your own. So let go of what is considered perfect, and create something customized to your needs. With these tips, you are ready to find things you will want to use for the longest time.  

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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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At the end of the year, people sometimes begrudgingly put together their new year's resolutions list, then spend the next few months trying to fit them into their lives and not drop them altogether. 

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with new year's resolutions. They can be a fun way to refresh our life and routine, but on the flip side, they can make us feel the pressure to constantly improve ourselves even more, especially if we end up giving up on our new year’s goals.

Whether you fill your calendar with new goals and activities for the new year or you are playing it by ear, one thing we should all do is give ourselves some love, compassion, and self-care time. Here we have selected some sustainable, self-care ideas to help you enjoy well-deserved treats and me-time year-round. Enjoy yourself! 

Use your special occasion items whenever you want to elevate your day

Many of us own fancy household items like glasses, plates, and mugs we bring out exclusively on special occasions, holidays, and birthdays. They make those days feel extra significant, and there is something just so comforting about creating little household traditions that mark important events and celebrations. 

Despite the name, we can bring these special occasion items out whenever we need an extra touch of prettiness in our lives without depriving them of their specialness. Having them around on a dull or rough day can be an easy and budget-friendly way to pamper yourself and add some special occasion magic to your routine. 

So bring out your favorite fancy occasion glasses to make a regular day feel special and celebrate yourself, what you are grateful for, and the people you love. 

Experiment with a fun new drink

Nothing is better than curling up with a cozy drink in the colder months and sipping something chilled and refreshing when it's hot outside. If you agree, try experimenting with a new homemade drink to spice things up and give yourself some well-deserved culinary self-care.  

You can make it as low-effort or as elaborate as you want it. Just browse your kitchen & cocktail bar to see what suits your mood. Don't worry if you are not much of a barista or bartender. In this lovely pursuit, the internet can come to your aid and provide you with thousands of fun recipes to your taste that you can try recreating at home. 

Take care of your houseplants

Bringing some nature into your home in the form of houseplants is such an effortless way of decorating your house, adding a lovely and calming pop of color to your space, and of course, an act of self-care. 

But taking care of them can also be a way of taking care of yourself. It's the perfect opportunity to relax and focus on a soothing manual chore that will ensure your plants stay healthy and beautiful. Self-care win-win!   

Though houseplants may require varying levels of care, which can feel intimidating, there is nothing to be afraid of: with a bit of research, you can quickly figure out what your plants need to thrive. So take some time to slow down, unwind and enjoy this relaxing and rewarding at home-activity.  

Visit your local library

Reading is an excellent form of self-care. What's not to love about losing yourself in a good story, exploring new worlds, and following the characters in their adventures? Searching through the book-filled shelves for your next read is a lovely experience in and of itself.

To enjoy both these activities, you can plan a visit to your local library. They might seem like stuffy, boring places at first glance, but a library it's not just where a bunch of books is stored and cataloged; it's a dynamic space that connects the community it serves. You can support these remarkable places by visiting your local library and enjoying some me-time and self-care reading there. 

Give loose-leaf tea a try

Whether you take it iced or piping hot, tea is always the easiest way to treat yourself to a little break. You could try its loose-leaf version to make its preparation a more memorable experience, cut down on waste, and enjoy tastier tea. You can find it in specialized shops along with the infuser you need to prepare it. Switching to loose-leaf tea is an effortless way to elevate your day and invest a little extra time into slowing down and enjoying the little things. 

Make your own flavored water  

There are so many perks to making your flavored water yourself. Not only is this drink so easy to make at home, but the homemade version is also cheaper, can easily be made plastic-free, and tastes way nicer. 

All you need to do to make your flavored water at home is pick and combine some fresh and fragrant ingredients of your choice (think herbs, citruses, and fruit) in a pitcher or glass carafe and let that refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before staining it. 

Tailor your pieces

Feeling your best in the clothes you wear is such a lovely feeling. But sometimes, because of a poor sizing chart or perfectly normal changes in our body, our pieces don't fit as nicely as they could. 

Taking time to visit a tailor shop or fixing your clothes yourself can be a great way to invest in your present and future comfort and confidence. P.S. Remember, your clothes are supposed to fit you, not the other way around. 

Buy original art

The power of art is unmatched when it comes to making a house feel like our home. That's why getting new original artwork for your place is such a fun activity and the easiest way to spruce up your space and make it feel distinctive and fresh. 

So plan a self-care artsy day and take yourself on a visit to your local art shops and support local artists. Alternatively, you can shop digitally from your favorite artists worldwide. It's a great way to help indie makers and make your everyday life prettier. 

Learn how to grow your own herbs

Gardening is a notoriously relaxing activity, though, of course, it is not accessible to everybody. But by growing herbs, even city-dwellers can enjoy the experience of growing their food at home. 

Depending on your time, location, and taste, some herbs will be more suitable than others for your house. So pick what works better for you, enjoy the satisfaction of growing some tasty greens, and use them to add some freshness and refinement to your homemade meals. 

image: Rent the Runway

Rent fancy clothes

Wearing the right pieces with a nice texture, colors, and cut can make us feel like a million bucks. That's why experimenting with fashion can be a terrific pick-me-up. 

Treating yourself with fashion, though, doesn't necessarily mean giving in to retail therapy. You can still get that thrill of novelty by experimenting and re-falling in love with the clothes and accessories you already own. But if you feel like going for something new and fancy, renting clothes is a wonderfully sustainable and budget-friendly option.     

This way, you can get out of your fashion comfort zone and enjoy higher-hand, dressier pieces without the commitment of actually buying them new. Many online companies offer this kind of service, which helps you learn your personal style and make better purchases in the future too.     

Check out our post on all of our favorite places to Rent Clothing Online.

Go on a nature walk

Technology offers us a treasure trove of enjoyable ways to pass the time and soothe a tired heart, like re-watching your favorite movie or connecting with like-minded people. But spending time in nature can be a great act of self-care too. Whether you walk by a sandy beach or under the trees in a mountain forest, taking a break and going for a stroll in nature is a real treat for the mind, body, and soul.

Science confirms what many of us innately feel, as exposure to nature has been associated with many benefits, including improving performance on cognitively demanding tasks.

So, weather permitting, whenever you need a self-care session, try giving a nature-based pick-me-up a shot and immerse in your local outdoors.  

Find or create the perfect everyday-playlist

Music is the ultimate form of self-care. It's free, relaxing, and energizing, and you can listen to it everywhere and any time these days. You can find or create the perfect everyday playlist to make listening to music an even better self-care experience. 

Regardless of your favorite genres, you can find excellent, curated playlists on Spotify or create one that will boost your mood daily. This prep will make duller everyday tasks and activities like your commute to work much more enjoyable. 

Learn about your local flora and fauna

Sometimes all we need to relax is to do something mindless and comforting, like making and enjoying a sweet treat. Other times, we want something that engages our brain a bit more.

Learning about your local flora and fauna can scratch that itch just right, and it makes for a fun and bookish light-hearted self-care activity. Every area worldwide has unique flora and fauna that many of us might not know so well. Learning more about it by actively spending time in nature or through books and on the internet can be a relaxing way to get to know our town and region better, connect with nature and the seasons, and learn something new. 

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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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image from Barco One

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Eco-Friendly Medical Scrubs

Do you work in the health field and have to wear scrubs daily? Years ago, I wrote a blog post about an eco-friendly scrubs brand, and it is still a very popular post. So, Why not look further into more sustainable medical scrubs since it seems to be something people want? I did some research and came back with these 4, which is a great start. Not only are these fabrics more breathable, but they are also kinder to the planet.

Let me know in the comments if you have happened to find another sustainable medical scrubs brand - I’d love to be able to add them to this list!

p.s. even though these are all photos of women, they also have scrubs for men!

Lago

Price | $32-46

Lago offers functional, stylish, comfortable scrubs that are better for the planet.

Their fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and have a 4-way stretch and performance capabilities.

All scrubs are responsibly made, and the packaging is even eco-friendly!

They also believe in diversity, with their team being made up of 50% women and 60% people of color.

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Barco One

Price | $17-45

This brand seems to be a favorite amongst health professionals. Barco One uses recycled polyester in their scrubs, a great way to reduce our virgin poly threads.

Just wash with a guppy bag to prevent micro plastics from entering the waterways.

Besides their fashion-forward tops and vests, Barco One offers a large assortment of scrub pants, like 7-pocket options that allow you to easily store your instruments & track pants, blending comfort with a professional appearance.

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Mediclo

Price | $39-59

I love that this brand uses Tencel for its fabric! It is one of my favorite textiles and is so comfortable to wear. I can imagine these being one of the best medical scrubs on the market with such a great fiber.

Not only do they use eco-friendly materials, but they produce ethically with fair wages and safe working conditions.

They also offer direct-to-consumer so that you can purchase a quality product at a more affordable price.

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Sketchers

Price | $15-37

Well, I was utterly unaware that Sketchers made medical scrubs, & with a conscious fabric at that!

They use recycled polyester and provide trendy, sporty scrubs for nurses and other medical professionals who are constantly on the go.

The scrubs are made with elastic waistbands, moisture-wicking fabric, pockets, cargo pockets, side slits, snap fronts, & contrast binding to ensure a great all-day fit.

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