The Digital Nomad's Guide to Sustainable Travel

Remote work, reliable internet, and accessible air transport have given rise to an entirely new kind of traveler: the digital nomad. Traversing the globe while you work from a laptop can be life-changing; however, this kind of travel can also increase your environmental footprint. Fortunately, being more mindful of how you travel—and why—can make all the difference.

Cultivating a Sustainable Travel Mindset

To travel more sustainably as a digital nomad, it’s important to first consider your goals and intentions. Remember: this is not your average vacation. Digital nomads travel for longer periods of time, typically spending weeks or even months in a particular location. If you’re not clear on why you’re engaging in this type of trip, it’ll be difficult to match your expectations with reality.

That’s why it’s important to ask yourself: what are you hoping to get out of the experience? For example, you might want to learn more about different cultures, or meet like-minded people. Understanding why you want to travel in this way is essential for guiding decisions about where you go, and why. Next, consider what kind of impact you want to have on the places you travel. Do you want to volunteer? Do you wish to support local businesses or artisans? If you haven’t thought about this question, take some time to do so.

Once you’ve thought about your goals as a digital nomad, you can make travel choices that align with those goals.

Minimizing Your Travel Footprint

Traveling by air is always going to be detrimental to the environment, so the best way to make your trip more sustainable, despite this, is to give back to the economies you’ll visit. Your money can go a long way in another country, so it’s important that you’re funding the right interests. In fact, the choices you make around where you stay, eat, and work can have considerable impact on local people, even after you’ve left.

Lodging

Spending a week at a locally-owned guest house can bolster the quality of life in the town you’re visiting, whereas staying in a US-based hotel chain can make it harder for the local economy to stay afloat. This is true for any type of travel, but it’s especially important as a digital nomad, because you’ll likely be spending more time (and more money) in a particular region. You might also search for lodging using sites designed specifically to foster sustainable travel, such as EcoBnb or Kind Traveler.

Work Trades

Work trades are a great way to support local economies as you travel. Websites like Workaway are specifically designed to connect travelers and hosts interested in a cultural exchange.

Typically, a work trade will pay for your room and board in exchange for a few hours of volunteering. Many travelers choose to work at touristic centers, like a hostel or a retreat, because they’re great places to connect with other travelers and engage with multicultural communities. You can also work at a farm, or stay with a family through WOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms).

Sometimes, you can contribute skills you already have (such as writing, design, coding, teaching yoga, cooking, or photography), or you might learn new skills, like farming or hospitality. Keep in mind that these places might not have a strong internet connection, so you can ask about this before you go. Or, think about going here between work stints or projects.

In addition to making your trip more sustainable, a work-trade allows you to learn new skills, meet new people, and have unique experiences that you never would’ve had on a typical vacation.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Similar to lodging, opting for a local restaurant instead of a chain can have a positive impact on local residents.

However, in certain places, you have to look a little harder to make sure that the restaurant is owned by an actual local, rather than an English-speaking expat. This is especially true in places like Bali, for example, where an increasing number of restaurants are Australian-owned, meaning that money is actually diverted from the local economy, rather than going back into it. Browsing Google reviews beforehand, or stopping by to check out the menu and vibe, can help you make that call.

Since you’ll be working, you have to think about more than just where to stay and what to eat. You also have to think about where you’ll work—and whether there will be a strong Wi-Fi connection, should you need it. Coffee shops are a go-to for digital nomads, so follow the same method for restaurants—you might even look up keywords like “wi-fi” or “work” to see if previous nomads have left some information to guide you. If possible, try to visit a coffee shop that grows coffee in that country, as this further supports local economies and can foster a positive impact on farmers and their workers.

Packing for Conscious Digital Nomads

Preparing for life as a digital nomad shouldn’t prompt you to go on a shopping spree and consume more; however, it’s a good opportunity to invest in high-quality, sustainable essentials that you’ll need anyway.

Luggage and Accessories

Some digital nomads travel with a backpacking pack, and that’s certainly a minimalist way to travel. The problem with this is that you’ll also need to bring a day pack when you’re setting out on adventures (and work days).

So if you need a little more space, and you’re looking to bring both a roller bag and a backpack, we love backpacks that are designed specifically for work travel. The Bee & Kin Nomad Backpack has a dedicated laptop sleeve that holds a 16’’ laptop, side pockets for bottles or accessories, and a phone pocket with a built-in charger. This makes it perfect for work and travel days, whether you’re at a coffee shop or the airport. Bee & Kin is a small batch company, meaning they don’t mass-produce their products, and they recycle excess materials from their factories to minimize environmental impact.

You can organize this bag with smaller containers, like the storage capsules from Cadence. These TSA-approved magnetic capsules are leak-proof and hold both wet and dry materials, making them great for carrying medicine, powders, hand lotion and more. They’re also made with post-consumer recycled material, and are durable enough to last for quite a long time.

Another must-bring digital nomad accessory is a set of reusable utensils. These are fairly easy to find, like this reusable bamboo set from Package Free. And at the low price of $10, you can avoid using plastic utensils at airports, restaurants, and wherever else you may find yourself as you wander.

Bath and body

It might seem like an afterthought, but the products you take with you on your trip can help reduce your travel footprint, too.

For example, buying a bunch of mini travel toiletries can create more waste, especially when you have to keep buying them. In contrast, reusable travel bottles can continue to be reused. The Kitsch Ultimate Travel set has a spray bottle, pump bottle, mini jars, and flat pouches, among other items, which you can easily refill with hotel soaps—or, better yet, toiletries from zero-waste shops. Kitsch products are made as sustainably as possible, with all of their products being either recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials.

This travel pack is also dishwasher safe, BPA free, and meets TSA carry-on requirements, making it perfect for travel. Packaging-free soaps and shampoos are another great option, and we love these solid bar options from Kitsch, which smell amazing, as well as these options from New Zealand-based company, Ethique.

Apparel

Packing the right clothes can ensure that you’re always prepared for whatever digital nomad life throws your way. We recommend opting for sustainable athleisure that’s also versatile, so you can repurpose it across many situations.

For example, Girlfriend Collective makes apparel from recycled water bottles, and it’s super soft and comfortable. Whether you’re hitting up a yoga class, lounging by the pool, or pairing with jean shorts for a night out, you can wear their Tommy Cropped Bra anytime. Their luxe legging is also perfect for plane days, work days, and everything in between. Another reason to love this brand: their ReGirlfriend program lets you send back and recycle worn Girlfriend products in exchange for a $15 credit.

Another digital nomad essential is a hat with sun protection, especially if you’re considering outdoor volunteering or adventure days. Colorado-based Wallaroo Hat Company is designed with an important mission—skin cancer education and prevention—and their line of Mexico hats are made from compostable palm fiber, meaning they can eventually be diverted from the landfill.

Traveling Sustainably, Long-Term

Digital nomad travel is different from an ordinary vacation not just because you’re working–but also because you’re spending much more time in a certain area. While this does invite room for greater negative impact, including more flights or more consumption, it also provides an opportunity to have a positive impact on the places you visit.

In other words, digital nomads have the chance to leave a destination even better than they found it. With this mindset, and a clear intention about why you’re traveling and how you’d like to help, digital nomading can be extremely rewarding both personally, and for the people and places you encounter.

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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A Guide to Outside Play & Why IT’s Important

The mainstream way of life often means children are spending unprecedented amounts of time in front of screens. Recent statistics report that, on average, children spend six to nine hours daily in front of screens, with four to five of those hours spent watching TV. Extended screen time exposure is leading to higher rates of depression and obesity, back and neck problems, and disturbances with sleep and behavior.

Modern family life has also brought with it an increase in structured, scheduled activities for kids.

While sports and classes certainly have advantages, studies are revealing that time spent in unstructured play, especially outside in nature, does a better job of meeting their developmental needs and has huge benefits.

Let’s take a deeper dive into those benefits and how you can set your family up for success when it comes to meeting your “spend more time outside” goals.

First, let’s talk about why playing outside is so very important for children of any age.

What are the Benefits of Outside Play

An article in Parenting Science outlines 12 important benefits of outdoor play in case you need some extra motivation to get out there and make it happen.

From a lower risk of obesity, near-sightedness, behavior problems, and sleep issues to an increased ability to problem-solve, concentrate, and recover from stress, the reasons to spend more time outside are plentiful.

One of the most noteworthy benefits to mention here is that positive nature experiences teach kids to respect and protect the environment. The article states, “Researchers found that childhood time spent outdoors was positively linked with environmentally responsible behavior during young adulthood.”

Now that you’re inspired to get your kids and family outside more often let’s talk about what child development experts have to say about how much time spent playing outdoors is the “right” amount.

What are the Guidelines for Outside Play

The popular site 1000 Hours Outside discusses that when children are immersed in nature, they’re experiencing the optimal sensory environment for higher-level development. Research suggests that three hours per day provides the ideal amount of exposure to all the benefits outside play has to offer in order to see the most positive effects on development.

Before you balk at the unrealistic expectation of hours of time spent outside, take into consideration that studies are also showing that, on average, children are most likely outside for only approximately 30 minutes a few times a week. And that children spend an average of 1,200 hours per year on screens.

So, take heart that any goal you can set for yourself and your family to get your children more outside time will do them a lot of good.

The most important takeaway from learning the benefits and research around playtime outside is to do the best you can. If all you have is 20 minutes a day, that’s perfectly fine! Any amount from a few minutes to a few hours will have a positive impact on your child’s emotional regulation, physical well-being, and holistic development.

Getting Started with Nature-based Play

Once you’ve determined to get outside more often and for longer periods of time, there are a few things to take into consideration to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Sun protection and safety

You can find eco-friendly and sustainably made options for sunscreen, hats, and band-aids from one of our favorite sites Kindhumans. They even have a First Aid Kit if you want to really make sure you’re fully stocked.

Putting together an “outside time” kit with these things on hand means staying safe and protected even during peak daylight hours or experimenting with risky play.

Nutritious Snacks and Hydration

You’re sure to realize that when kids spend active time outside, they’ll need the right healthy snacks and plenty of water to keep them fueled for longer durations of time.

Pack slow-burning snacks like trail mix, fresh fruits, and healthy fats and proteins like avocado and cheese when you’re out for a nature walk or just exploring the backyard.

Keeping food and water easily accessible will mean you don’t have to interrupt their playtime by going back in to get fed and hydrated.

The Right Gear

A popular quote among outdoor enthusiasts is, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” And to a certain extent, with the right perspective, it’s very true.

Investing in durable clothing for your child means they can play comfortably, tree-climbing and puddle-jumping, without needing to purchase new pants because they got torn or boots because they’ve fallen apart.

When you get all set to spend more time outside, you might find yourself wondering, “What do kids actually need to be doing during outdoor play?”. Great question!

It turns out that nature provides almost everything kids actually need to get immersed in the type of imaginative play and exploration that boosts their development.

Examples of Nature-based Play

Loose parts play has long been advocated for by fellow early childhood professionals and is growing in popularity among the parenting community as well. Items found in nature, such as small twigs, maple tree seeds, and acorns, to name a few, are perfect for collecting and having on hand for engaging in loose parts exploration.

Wildschooling, according to the Wilder Child website, is “a movement designed to honor and support our innate, inexorable bond with nature and lend a voice to our inner wild.” The philosophy and practices incorporate a mix of early childhood nature-based techniques taken from methodologies such as Regio Emilia and Waldorf education.

You can use the resources from sites like these to inspire a deep love of nature and take some of the pressure off around how to “structure” outdoor play, and instead, gently guide your kids into independent, imaginative exploration.

Here is a list of 10 suggestions for outdoor play to get you started:

Set up a “mud kitchen”
Create an obstacle course
Make a nature-weaving frame
Build a fort or giant bird’s nest with branches
Walk barefoot
Explore local hiking trails
Do yoga
Make a stick maze
Hang a bird feeder
Climb trees

When you do find yourself needing more structured activities or if you don’t have access to places where you can be immersed in nature, we have some excellent recommendations for eco-friendly equipment that will keep kids busy for hours.

The Best Toys and Equipment to Enrich Outdoor Play

The guide found here at Earth Easy gives some incredible DIY suggestions for turning your backyard into a natural playground haven, complete with a backyard river system and a sensory garden!

If you’re in the market for a stroller, you’ll definitely want to check out our blog posts here to learn about seven of our favorite eco-friendly options. The right stroller can make a world of difference in getting out and about with young kids and all the stuff that comes along with them. A quality stroller will likely also motivate you to do more walking to local places instead of driving, which is always a great eco-friendly option.

If you’re a person who practically lives in swimwear during warm weather, have a look at our 18 Sustainable Swimwear Brands post to get something that’s the perfect fit for while you’re hanging out with the kids outside. Time spent at the beach is the perfect environment for unstructured play and offers kids the full sensory experience they need for the greatest developmental benefits.

When it comes to outside, and movement toys, one of our favorites is this scooter from Micro Kickboard. Riding a scooter increases coordination and balance and boosts muscle and even cognitive development. A balance bike, skateboard, or rollerblades are other great options for improving large motor skills. Hanging a tree swing is also a great choice, and especially for kids who seek sensory input, this can be really calming.

Using fingerpaint outside is a great way to give kids messy sensory experiences that are beneficial to their development without the clean-up inside. Sidewalk chalk is always fun too. You can also try making eco-friendly glitter/confetti by cutting flowers and grass into tiny pieces to be used on your next craft project. And we absolutely love this idea for making a DIY water wall using recycled plastic materials.

And last but certainly not least, for things like large push trucks, buckets, shovels, and water toys, we highly recommend the Green Toys brand. They’re made in the U.S. and are composed of 100% recycled materials. How cool is that?

(We especially love the jump rope, eco saucer, and watering can set.)

We hope this guide to outdoor family fun has inspired you to prioritize time in nature and unstructured play. Among its many benefits, time outdoors also enhances creativity and imagination and boosts critical thinking skills.

In our ever-evolving world, with the challenges our planet faces because of climate change, we’ll need a generation of kids who are ready to create innovations for a brighter future that we can’t even imagine yet. More time outside is the way to raise kids today who will be making a difference in the world tomorrow. Now, go play!

About the Author:

Amy is a freelance writer for change-making eco-friendly and women-led businesses. She's known for her empathetic ability to capture brand voice, conversational yet informative writing style, and expertly paired GIFs.
At home you'll find her sipping a mushroom latte, attempting to stay consistent with her meditation practice, and cultivating a slow, sustainable lifestyle with her two boys filled with music, nature, art, and lots of laughter. Follow along with her adventures on Instagram!

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A Guide to REsponsible Jewelry

The news from the jewelry industry can feel like a lot of doom and gloom. When the Kimberley Process isn’t working to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, when even lab-grown diamonds and sapphires can’t prove their environmental claims, finding the best and most responsible jewelry can feel impossible.

After all, when you went looking for your engagement ring, you probably knew enough to avoid blood diamonds and to look for recycled gold, but how much did you know about all of the even better and more responsible initiatives in the jewelry industry? Let’s dive in!

What are the barriers to finding responsible jewelry?

Transparency and traceability remain the biggest stumbling blocks when looking for responsible jewelry. While there have been some improvements in tracing materials like gold and sapphires, tracing the origin of diamonds - naturally mined or lab-grown - is still a murky process. Making the supply chains easier to track and trace is vital to being able to know whether or not your jewelry is responsibly made.

How can I find better sources of responsible jewelry?

Enter a bevy of projects and programs in the jewelry industry that are designed to increase equity, reduce harm and provide better traceability for your gold, sapphires, diamonds, and finished jewelry. In other words, there are so many better ways! And best of all, these options are easier to access than they used to be.

Let’s start with gold.

Is recycled gold a responsible source of gold?

Recycled gold has been the *ahem* gold standard among responsible jewelry brands for decades now, but many in the industry are questioning whether recycled gold goes far enough. In fact, recycling gold has been a standard since the discovery of gold thousands of years ago.

That said, there is one source of recycled gold that you can tap into to recycle responsibly - the gold already in your jewelry box. If you have jewelry you aren’t wearing; one good option is to have your jewelry remade into new pieces. Some jewelers and independent designers will take it on as credit towards your project, and others will actually melt it down (if appropriate) and remake it into a brand-new piece.

Every designer and maker has a different process, so if recycling your jewelry is an option, ask a jeweler if they will work with you.

If gold is recyclable, why is it still mined?

Gold is always a valuable substance, and it is infinitely recyclable, but this same inherent value also makes it still profitable to mine. Because gold is used for electronics, investments (think coins and bars) as well as jewelry, mining continues.

The result of gold mining without oversight, as in the case of some illegal artisanal mining, is that mercury is likely to be released into local water supplies. This makes fixing current gold mining practices and mining sites a priority.

Why is there mercury in the gold mining process?

Mercury is historically the most common way to separate the gold from the ore that it comes from. Mercury adheres to the gold; then artisanal miners burn it off to get to the gold itself. The leftover rock from the ore is now contaminated with mercury.

This rock is called tailings, and this is where future pollution goes from bad to worse. When the ore and tailings are mishandled or improperly stored, mercury leaches into the ground and poisons water sources. The results have been devastating to communities around the world.

What initiatives are working to remove mercury from the mining process?

Changing this system takes time, retraining, and funding. That is where Mercury Free Mining has entered the picture. The work that needs to be done takes years to both remove mercury from this process and repair the land. Their organization is working with mining communities to reduce harm to the environment and create better systems.

In addition, mines that used to use mercury need financial help to repair their land and water systems from environmental damage.

There are fundraising organizations ready to help former mercury-based mining sites in repairing their land. Better Without mercury, an initiative to repair the land around the Gualconda mine in Colombia, raises funds to assist this small-scale mine in environmental recovery.

Are there better ways to mine for gold?

Yes, definitely! In addition to reducing dependence on mercury, there are organizations now that produce better, more fair outcomes for communities that rely on mining for income. This is especially important in those communities where there are limited means to make a living and where there is an unequal path to prosperity for the people most impacted.

Organizations like The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) have developed new strategies in gold mining that use better methods and that consider people and the planet in their mining processes. In 2014 they introduced Farimined gold as a way for both independent jewelers and their suppliers to access better gold sources.

What is Fairmined gold?

The Fairmined system certifies that gold miners must adhere to strict standards that they do not use child labor, that they promote well-being in their community, and that they maintain a small-scale operation to keep their environmental impact small. This is all done cooperatively with miners.

The Fairmined process is audited at many stages of the supply chain. Even jewelers who want to be certified to use Fairmined gold need to go through a routine process of auditing and reporting their inventory.

How do I find a jeweler who uses Farimined gold?

Well, that’s the easy part! Farimined maintains a list of certified jewelers who are licensed to buy and sell Fairmined gold. You can pick from their list and find all kinds of jewelers who you can shop with for either custom or ready-to-wear pieces.

Are there traceable and responsible sources of diamonds?

Great question! This remains one of the most challenging issues in the industry. Navigating diamond shopping is a rabbit warren of information - conflict-free, Kimberley Process, Responsible Jewellery Council certified, recycled, lab-grown - which one is best? Are any of them trustworthy?

Options for traceable and responsible diamonds are still very limited, mostly owing to the fact that the Kimberley Process does not track diamonds from mine to market.

The Kimberley Process Certificate is generated at only one single point and time - when the rough diamond crosses from one non-conflict country into another non-conflict country. That is where the journey of the Kimberley Process begins and ends.

It also does not address issues of human rights or environmental protection. Relying only on this certificate to find a responsibly-sourced diamond won’t guarantee you much responsibility.

Can you find any diamonds with a country of origin?

Diamonds with a known country of origin are not yet widely available. However, there are some new and exciting possibilities on the horizon.

Traditionally, diamond mining exploits workers by underpaying miners for their findings. In most cases, the benefits go to mining corporations and corrupt government officials. There are new initiatives designed to change this system. Root Diamonds is a very new project from Sierra Leone that is working to create its own supply chain.

Their diamonds are mined on a small scale, the diamond cutters are known, and the diamonds themselves are being sold directly and not through intermediaries. This makes the process much more transparent.

Are recycled or antique diamonds responsibly sourced?

Antique diamonds are a great choice for a responsible source of diamonds. With no new mining in the process, you are using existing materials to create new jewelry. While these diamonds don’t have any information about their original mining process or country of origin, they represent a way to repurpose what is already above ground.

Plus, older cuts are unique and more sparkly than newer cuts of diamonds.

You can get an antique diamond by working with an independent jeweler who can source them for you. Be sure that they purchase antique and recycled diamonds that are certified by SCS - a global environmental auditing service - to be sure that they are truly recycled.

How can I buy sapphires responsibly?

When it comes to colored gemstones like sapphires, your number of choices for traceable stones skyrockets. Montana, Australia, and Tanzania all have independent initiatives to mine carefully for sapphires and pay workers fairly.

Fair pay is important because mining and selling raw sapphires in many parts of the world can be a bad deal for the miners. Because of poverty, lack of support, corruption, and more, miners are often offered exploitative prices for their hard work. Initiatives have been developed to offer fairer prices and more prosperity.

One such successful partnership is the organization Pact working hand in hand with Moyo Gems to source, buy, and cut gems to sell to jewelers. They work with the Tanzanian Women’s Mining Collective (TAWOMA) to create a system with more gender equity, better safety, and a fair and transparent pricing system. This process is managed and administered by the collective, leaving them with higher profits and more autonomy.

Their gems are cut by master gem cutters, who are also paid a fair wage. These finished gems are then sold by dealers like Anza, where both jewelry designers and their customers can see what’s available. Moyo Gems even has a list of companies and independent designers who work with these gorgeous stones.

Can costume jewelry be responsibly sourced?

As with so many products, the lower the price, the lesser your chances of being able to trace the origins of your jewelry.

For instance, gold-fill jewelry might be able to claim that the outer gold layer is recycled, but the underlying brass layer might not be, and you might not even be able to find out the source of the brass.

Jewelry made from unknown metals and faux gemstones might have a country of origin for the finished jewelry but not for the random metals themselves.

With fine jewelry, that is, jewelry made from precious metals and stones, the materials can be almost endlessly reused. Platinum, gold, and silver can be melted down; diamonds, sapphires and rubies can be repurposed and reset; chains can be repaired.

Unfortunately, you can’t do the same with costume jewelry. Because it is often made from unknown or unlabeled metal, or from plastic or glass “stones”, or a layer of gold or silver over a base metal, melting and repurposing isn’t always possible. Costume jewelry almost always has little to no resale value unless it has a major designer name attached.

How can you recycle costume jewelry?

Enter The Radical Jewelry Makeover project. The Radical Jewelry Makeover is a part art project, part radical activism, and a creative and meaningful endeavor. They take donations of old costume jewelry, and artists transform these donations into new and reimagined pieces. This project not only helps create a circular fashion cycle, it asks you to consider the longevity of everything you buy.

CONCLUSION

While shopping for and sourcing responsible jewelry might be complex, your options have never been more exciting. These new initiatives point a positive way forward for the jewelry industry. By supporting, shopping with, and knowing about them, you can contribute to a more fair and equitable system.

About the Author:

Sharon Zimmerman is a profit and eCommerce consultant for product-makers, a metalsmith focused on responsible sourcing, and a member of the Jewelry Glossary Project. She loves torches, hammers, and sharing.

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11 Things You Can Do With Old Clothes You Don’t Wear Anymore

No matter how gently you treat your garments, at some point, there will come a time when you won't be able to wear them anymore, whether it is because of lifestyle or size changes or because your beloved clothes are too worn out to be sported.

But just like treating clothes with care will influence and lengthen their lifespan, how you deal with them once they no longer belong to your closet will make a difference in their overall environmental impact.

According to the EPA, textile waste generation amounted to 17 million tons in 2018, making up 5.8 percent of total municipal solid waste generation. Discarded clothing is the chief component of this textile waste, whose recycling rate was 14.7 percent in the same year.

That is why choosing a different, more conscious route might be a better call than just tossing out the clothes we can no longer wear. In this article, we present you with many eco-friendlier options, some perfect for worn-out pieces and others ideal for gently-used garments: there is something for everybody!

Turn them into reusable cotton rounds

This tip is perfect for upcycling clothes made of natural fabrics that are slightly stiffer and heavier than elastic and thin, like those commonly used to manufacture polo shirts or sweatshirts. To turn an old garment into reusable cotton rounds, you only have to place the piece lying flat on a flat surface like a table or the floor and keep it still with a few heavy objects placed on the edges.

Then proceed by tracing as many circles as possible on it with a pencil or, better yet, some tailor chalk. You can cut them out, pile up three circles for each reusable pad, and secure the edges with a simple blanket stitch.

With this simple DIY, you will not only keep a worn-out garment from ending up in the landfill, but you will also save on money and waste as you won't have to purchase single-use cotton rounds anymore.

Craft reusable pads out of them

Another project that allows you to employ old clothes as its primary material is to craft homemade reusable menstrual pads. Pieces made of breathable, heavier, and soft fabrics are especially suitable for this project. There are a lot of great tutorials online to help you with this sustainable DIY, and it's a fantastic way to use other old textiles like towels and robes in addition to clothes.

Shred them into pillow stuffing

If you have to deal with a worn-out knit sweater, hat, scarf, or pair of mittens plagued by so much piling no lint shaver can do anything about it, then you could rip it apart and use it as a pillow stuffing. This easy-peasy project is a fantastic option if you have a throw pillow at your place that is a bit saggy and could use some firming up or if you have some pretty fabric lying around that you're thinking of using to craft a lovely pillow cover.

To do this, you don't need a fancy rotary cutter or proper fabric scissors, as precision is not a concern here. Just cut the garment into tiny pieces to replicate the texture of regular pillow stuffing for a fluffy, comfortable result. This process can be a touch time-consuming, but it's a mindless and relaxing one too. So you can easily carry it out while you enjoy a movie or a tv show or chat with a loved one.

Cut them into cleaning rags

This one is probably the easiest DIY ever, but also handy and perhaps a bit underrated. For this one, you can use old, faded, or irreparably stained clothes made of no-knit and no-impermeable fabric, like the cotton used for classic t-shirts.

Cut your piece into rough squares, or if it's a smaller garment like a tank top, just cut it around the seams: that's all. You can use these DIY multipurpose rugs to dust around the house, clean your car or bathroom, or as kitchen rags.

Bonus tip, if they are made of a fabric that leaves around quite a bit of lint, try not to use them to clean shiny or see-through surfaces like those of windows or mirrors, but use them instead on matt ones like wood or ceramic.

Use the fabric to make produce bags

Old, un-elasticated garments are the perfect basis for DIY produce bags, another project that can save you waste in two ways by allowing you to repurpose a piece you no longer can or feel like wearing while also helping you avoid having to use single-use produce bags for your groceries.

To make them, wash and dry your piece, then cut the fabric into rectangles as big as your garment allows and your heart desires. Then fold your rectangles in half and sew a seam on the sides and around the top edge by folding it twice, pinning it with pins, and sewing along them.

To make this a beginner-friendly and faster project, you can tie these produce bags up with a ribbon or even a hair tie when you close them up at the store.

Host a garage sale with your friends

If you have a bunch of pieces that are still in good or better condition but that you find yourself having to part with, then a terrific way to go about it could be to host a garage sale with your friends if they, too, have some clothes they have been thinking of selling.

It could be a fun idea for a weekend outdoor group activity and a lovely occasion to get to know your neighbors a little better, in addition to being an excellent way to part from your clothes reasonably.

Sell them through brands' resale programs

Selling clothes when we no longer wear them is a great way to responsibly deal with them if they are still in good or better condition. Aside from popular clothing resale apps and websites like Vinted and Depop, you could also sell your used clothes through their brand's resale program. Via these programs, customers can sell and buy their second-hand pieces from the brand on the same website where the company offers its brand-new garments. It's worth checking if the brand that manufactured the apparel you would like to sell offers this program.

Make a DIY bed for your pet

Sometimes we find ourselves with more old clothes to deal with than just one or two pieces, like when we have to dispose of the clothes we used to wear back in school because of a move or the old clothes the kids have outgrown.

A splendid way to upcycle larger quantities of old clothes is to use them to make a big, comfy DIY bed for your pet. You can use the softer, larger pieces as the pet bed lining, and the smaller garments are the stuffing.

The more garments you use in this project, the plusher the bed gets, which is always a plus for our pets.

Compost natural fabrics

If you are not feeling like engaging in creative pursuits and have to find a way to dispose of heavily worn-out clothes or even just the scraps from any of these upcycling projects, know that there may still be an alternative to simply tossing them out in the trash.

If you have a composter at home or your city offers this service, and the clothes you have to get rid of are made of 100% natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, or linen, you can compost them, as they are biodegradable. Remember that the same doesn't apply to blended fabrics where one or more of the fibers are synthetic.

Keep them and hand them down to younger loved ones

Many of us inherited beloved clothes from our parents and grandparents. Wearing these family heirlooms is a great way to feel connected to our older loved ones in our everyday life, and clothes with a story behind them are always so much more special.

Do you have clothes that are still in excellent condition and mean a lot to you that you can no longer wear because of size or lifestyle changes? Consider keeping them around for your younger loved ones to inherit when they are old enough to wear them.

There is no sweeter way to give your clothes a second life. Just store them properly, so they get to them looking as new as possible.

Make DIY fabric coasters

This project is perfect for giving your old fleece jackets and coats a new life. You can get creative with this one and create cute multi-color patchwork DIY fabric coasters or cut them in any shape you like.

To make them, you can trace your shape of choice onto the garment you are repurposing. Then cut and assemble a couple of layers per coaster. When you have finished, sew them right sides together, leaving a small gap. Turn your coater-in-process inside out via that gap and stitch around the coaster to secure the edges.

With all these ideas, you'll find a way to sustainably deal with clothes you no longer wear that work for you. Happy sorting!

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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What is Slow Living?

When we think of slow living, we probably picture a quiet existence spent in a rustic stone, moss-covered cottage in a bucolic wonderland of endless grassy fields and sleepy forests. Not the kind of context most people live in in the twenty-first century.
That might be why slow living can seem unpractical and unattainable to so many people. But slow living is not as much about where you live or how your life appears, but rather about how you live it.

You can practice slow living even when your schedule is packed by tweaking your routine and mind-set so that going at a slower pace and making your days gentler for yourself becomes more attainable.

Practicing slow living can also go hand in hand with incorporating a sustainable mind-set and habits into your daily life by cherishing the things you already own, appreciating the natural world, and steering clear of overconsumption. In this article, we share some ways to integrate slow living practices into your life, even if it's as hectic as ever.

Practice the art of savoring the little things

Even in our most mundane days, we can find small, unassuming glimpses of beauty. Practicing the art of savoring the little things is about cultivating awareness of our world and surroundings. It can be as simple as observing the buildings on our way to work in the morning or looking at the stars on our way back home instead of zoning out on our phones.

On some level, we might think that our daily life is not aesthetically pleasing or exciting enough to deserve our full attention. But training our eyes and ears to look for the beauty around us will make us enjoy it more, regardless of how we might see it now. The sounds of birds singing away in the park, the way everything glimmers at golden hour, the creamy white clouds on sunny days, these little things can bring our awareness back to the here and now and remind us that life can be delightful.

Automate whatever you can

Technology and slow living seem antithetical to some people, but the former can help with the latter if we want it to. Automation is the perfect example: it can help us save time, mental space, and decision fatigue. Automating mundane tasks might mean subscribing to the products you regularly buy instead of buying them yourself or giving automatic bill payments a try. This system can give you more time and energy to focus on what matters most in your free time and avoid the hassle of forgetting to buy or pay for something.

Schedule some brain-dump time

You can think of this as the opposite of mediation, a time to let thoughts pop up as they wish and allow your mind to naturally focus on whatever it wants. You can do this whenever you have time to kill, like on your way to school or work or while you shower.

It is an excellent way to express your thoughts all at once without having a bunch of them on the back of your mind all day, avoid spending time overthinking in bed, and even help you remember important deadlines, tasks, or events you forgot.

Create daily rituals and habits that center you

Creating manageable, gentle daily habits can be a fantastic way to treat yourself, slow down, and bring more balance into your life. Daily practices can also help you become more mindful of your thoughts and feelings, allowing them to surface naturally as your mind slows down.

In addition, integrating simple rituals that are easy to stick to and don't take too much time allows you to focus on yourself even when your days are full. You could journal or keep a diary and write just a few sentences daily on your phone or in a notebook you can carry around with you, have a little dance party by yourself to your favorite songs, or practice a few minutes of gentle stretching before bed.

With some constancy, these habits and rituals will become second nature, allowing you to integrate self-care and slowness into your daily life seamlessly.

Take more nature walks

Spending time in nature is the easiest way to slow down and focus on our surroundings. Only some people can easily access green spaces, but if it's doable for you, try integrating more nature walks into your life. It could reward you with some well-deserved quietness and beautiful sights.

Don't overbook your days

Many of us can't resist the temptation of cramming our to-do list with every single item imaginable and saying yes to every social engagement that gets thrown our way, even if we are running low on energy and have way too much on our plate already.

As dull as it might seem, sometimes balance can be our best friend, a meter of judgment that will hardly leave us feeling exhausted after a day of doing too many things and not taking enough time off.

We often don't get the chance to decide what fills our calendar, and the many mundane requirements of adult life can take up the lion's share of our days. That's precisely why we should be mindful of what we say yes to and how we spend the time we have control over.

Enjoy distraction-free meals

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a show or conversing with someone we love while we eat our meal. But having a distraction-free breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be the perfect way to savor and appreciate the food we or someone else made and slow down naturally, even when busy. So as often as you feel like it, try to avoid mindlessly scrolling during your next meal, and focus more on your food.

Work on one thing at a time and focus it fully

Sometimes, we have no choice but to multitask. But doing too many things simultaneously can make us feel like we are constantly running out of time. Slow living is not about having an empty calendar and endless free time but doing our best not to make our life feel like a race against time.

Whether the task at hand is fun or boring, challenging or effortless, giving it our undivided attention is an easy way to not only carry it out to the best of our ability but also to allow us to slow down on packed days while still completing the tasks we cannot postpone.

Take up a repetitive hobby or craft (like knitting) to help you be still and calm your mind

There is something incredibly soothing about repetitive hobbies and crafts that allow us to seamlessly slow down and focus on one thing and one thing only. Taking up one of these can be especially beneficial if you are someone that doesn't enjoy meditation but is trying to find something that brings similar benefits.

Spend time alone

This tip can be especially beneficial for those of us who live with multiple people, have jobs that involve interacting with many people, or have caring responsibilities. Spending time with other people can be enriching and an essential aspect of the human experience.

But after a day of talking with, working with, and carrying out tasks for other people, it's integral to slow down and spend some time staying on your own, even if you think of yourself as an extrovert.

That's because when we spend time with other people, we set our focus outward, but for at least a little while every day, it is vital to set it inward to notice what we need and feel.

Practice slow living by avoiding overconsumption

Day in and day out, virtually and digitally, we are bombarded with content telling us to buy this or that brand-new item, service, or subscription. Whether it's an influencer on Instagram or a billboard on your way to the grocery store, the world seems to be telling us that there is always something new that we can't possibly live without.

While overconsumption is not something many people can even afford to engage in, there is no denying that the consumption patterns among large swaths of people are unsustainable. If you tend to buy things you don't need much as a form of retail therapy, curbing that habit can not only help lower your individual footprint but also allow you to focus on the present moment and find more joy in other aspects of your life.

Cherish the things you already own

Much in the same vein, cherishing the things you already own can help you focus on the beauty of your everyday life, avoid impulse purchases and cultivate daily moments of stillness and awareness.

It can be as simple as paying attention to the pattern on your favorite mug as you drink your morning coffee, enjoying the texture and feel of your clothes as you get ready before work, or enjoying the prints on your wall as you wait for your dinner to cook.

We tend to think of objects as things to acquire and possess, but if we were to see them as things to spend time with instead, we might cherish them more and get more joy and peace out of them in our everyday lives.

Live in tune with the seasons

For people who live in locations that experience different seasons, living more in tune with them can be a fantastic way to practice slow living. Living in tune with the seasons can mean spending more time inside during the colder months, scheduling more time for socializing in the warmer months, and paying attention to the myriad ways nature changes as the seasons pass.

Eating seasonally can be a splendid way to integrate seasonal living and sustainable practices into your everyday life. Figuring out what is in season locally to you and trying out new fun recipes is a superb opportunity to slow down and enjoy some quiet time while appreciating nature's innate rhythm.