Hi friends, Caroline here. As a reader of many blogs I’ve always appreciated transparency between blogger and reader. This relationship is actually really important to me. I write from my heart and I share what I am interested in with the hope that you might glean some inspiration of information from what I have to say, and that is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I want to always be transparent about how things work around here, so I’m disclosing that throughout this site and several posts I’ve included certain links to products that I will earn an affiliate commission for any purchases you make.
My goal with this blog is always to share, educate, connect, and inspire. So when I share things it’s not because a brand paid me to do it, or because I am driven by a monetary gain. My rule of thumb is “would I share these products and links if I would never make a penny off of them?” and the answer for me always has to be yes.
I am not a full time blogger, so if I even make $5 a month off of this site it would help go toward the hosting fees that are associated with having a website. Would it be amazing to make a passive income through a blog that would be enough to live on? Of course! But that’s not the case here.
I only promote and share products on here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means that if links on my site take you to a product on Amazon I might make a (very) small commission if you choose to buy that product or any other product when you enter Amazon through my link.
I am also a member of the Reward Style Program and Like to know It (which is a HUGE honor for a small non fashion blogger like me). When you click through my links I create through Reward Style I am credited with helping bring you to that brand and will then earn a small percentage commission (usually around 10% but it varies).
Please note that I am not given any free products, services, or anything else by these companies in exchange. Occasionally people will send me a product to try out but I only share about it if I actually like it, and I will always let you know when something is gifted.
If you have any questions about all of this please don’t hesitate to contact my through my contact page.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which allow me to make a small commission from products you purchase through my links. To learn how this works see my affiliate disclaimer.
Looking to have a more sustainable kitchen but don’t want to be one of those people that can fit an entire years worth of garbage in a mason jar? I hear you. It can be daunting to make changes toward sustainability, but as I’ve slowly incorporated more sustainable habits into my lifestyle I realized that it doesn’t have to be an overhaul. You can create simple habits for a sustainable kitchen that don’t feel like you have to change your entire life.
We think of recycling as one of the best things we can do for the environment. BUT….. it’s actually the very last thing you want to do before trashing an item completely. SAY WHAT?
You know that saying: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Well the saying goes like that because it’s in order of importance.
*brain explodes*
Yeah, really! It starts with “reduce” because the best thing you can do is reduce use of unnecessary things. Ask yourself where in my life can I reduce waste? Where is there unnecessary packaging around my produce? Do I need disposable paper towels to dry my hands?
And PS, this concept doesn’t have to begin and end in the kitchen. Sustainable clothing brands are also majorly on the rise to help you create a most sustainable closet.
How to Create a Sustainable Kitchen:
Reduce
#1. Reduce paper towel use by keeping clean hand towels near the sink and hiding the paper towels in a cabinet
When we moved to the new house I started keeping clean hand towels near the sink and put the the paper towels in the cabinet below the sink so I would only use them when necessary like when my puppy has an accident in the house or when I get raw chicken juice on the counter. But a paper towel isn’t necessary for drying your hands and dishes, or giving the counter a quick wipe down. I go through about one paper towel roll every 2-3 months now. Save money, save the planet!
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#2. Reduce food waste by composting
When I started composting I thought it was going to be so much more of a chore than it actually is. It’s pretty simple and doesn’t take much more effort than throwing food in the trash. I keep a bowl on the counter when I am cooking dinner, all the scraps from chopping veggies go into it, and at the end of the day I toss it in the compost bin outside. The bonus on top of reducing food waste is that you’ll have nice soil in a couple of months for all the plants you will eventually aquire. And another bonus is that your trash won’t smell because there’s less rotting food in it. The trash bags we send to the curb each week are about half the size of our trash last year.
#3. Reduce single use plastic by opting for reusable grocery and produce bags
Back when we lived in NY there was a law where single use plastic bags were banned due to their negative impact on the environment. Paper bags were an option but people were charged a nickel for using them so it was great incentive to remember your reusable bags.
Sadly here in Virginia I see so many people using plastic bags and it drives me bonkers because there is such a simple solution.
Reuse
After you reduce unnecessary things, then you can try to reuse things!
#4. Reuse glass containers as pantry storage for bulk items or containers for your lunch
Recently I’ve been saving my glass jars from peanut butter, salsa, and tomato sauce, then I peel off the labels, wash them out and reuse them for pantry storage of bulk items or to-go containers if I want to take a snack on the road. I haven’t had to buy tupperware in years because they perform the same task.
You can also save wine bottles and use them as candlesticks or chic water bottles to have at dinner parties. And if you’re crafty, the possibilities are endless.
Good to know…
Glass takes more energy to recycle than plastic so it’s best if you can give your glass products as long of a lifespan possible before chucking it in the recycling bin. According to The Glass Packaging Institute, recycling glass uses 66 percent of the energy it would take to manufacture new glass, on average. So while it’s good to recycle glass, try to reuse it first.
#5. Reusable coffee mugs and water bottles
I assume this is a “duh” kind of suggestion, but there’s really no reason anymore (for the most part) to buy that giant case of water bottles from Costco. When it’s absolutely necessary it’s better than being dehydrated, but I guarantee you have about 5 reusable water bottles hiding in your cabinets somewhere. I don’t even want to think about how many starbucks cups end up polluting our planet each year. If you know you’re making a trip to a coffee shop, take your to-go mug with you. Simple common sense for the win!
Recycle
Once you’ve reduced your consumption of unnecessary things, and reused what you can, only then is recycling the next best option. I always thought recycling was the best thing I could do. Nope. Exoscraps and Waste Management each have a simple list of what can and can’t be recycled.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which allow me to make a small commission from products you purchase through my links. To learn how this works see my affiliate disclaimer.
Since it may be some time before we’re allowed to go back to a salon let’s talk safer nail polish. It’s alarming to learn about all the toxic chemicals in our nailpolish (well all of our products actually). I take a very reasonable approach to cleaning up my skin, hair, and body products becuase it’s hard to completely avoid all bad ingredients. Even if we make some swaps here and there it’s better than nothing.
Not only are you saving your skin from irritants and chemicals, but by purchasing from brands committed to saftey you signal to that brand and others that there is a market for safer products. The more we do that, the more safer our daily products will be come. It’s voting with your dollars. Being mindful of where my money goes has taken on more importance from me lately because it holds with it so much power.
So I’ve rounded up 5 affordable and accessable nailpolish brands that you can get right from Amazon.
The line of polish, as well as the Karma Organic Spa focus on clean and safe components. All the non-toxic polishes are free from the big three, toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP, as well as a completely organic nail polish remover, derived from soy.
Ella + Mila nail colors contain no Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), Xylene or Camphor, making it a 7 chemical free product.
Their products are formulated without formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, Xylene and TPHP. And bonus for the vegans here, it’s cruelty free!
Zoya does not use any Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) which is an ingredient that could potentially have dangerous effects on developmental growth and reproduction, Formaldehyde, which according to the National Cancer Institute is a possible carcinogen, Toluene which is a hazardous chemical found in petroleum that could also be toxic with prolonged exposure, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which allow me to make a small commission from products you purchase through my links. To learn how this works see my affiliate disclaimer.
In the process of moving this year I realized just how many bathroom products I have. And most of them: plastic. Do I ever recycle any of them? Usually not. I throw away loofas, razors, toothbrushes, you name it. Now that I am aware of how much plastic waste a bathroom produces, I am cleaning up my act so to speak, when it comes to bathroom plastics.
I’m making a grid out of this post because there was just too much info to share! So here’s how this works. I’ve listed a common bathroom item and two things you can do with it. You can either 1) try to reduce your use of plastic all together, in which case I have also provided alternatives. Or 2) you can choose to keep using the item (sometimes we don’t have much of a choice) and I provide ways you can recycle it.
How to Reduce and Recycle Plastic In Your Bathroom:
Item
How to Reduce Plastic
How to Recycle Plastic
Loofas
Quit using a loofa and use a sea sponge instead or even better, opt to use bar soap to clean yo’ self
There’s no way to recycle a loofa. Sorry!
Body Wash
Ditch the bottles of body wash and use bar soap instead. Extra points if you can find a bar with no packaging at all.
As long as it says #1 or #2 on the bottom you are good to recycle it but be sure to clean it out first!
Pumps (from hand wash, facial cleanser, and body lotion)
When buying hand soap, facial cleanser, and body lotion avoid bottles with pumps.
Pumps can’t be recycled so just avoid them as best you can.
Contact lenses
Opt for contact lenses that last for 2 weeks rather than dailys.
Recycle your plastic lenses and containers through terracycle.
Deoderant
Razors
Switch to metal
Recycle gillette products with Terracycle
Cosmetics
When buying makeup look for brands that use glass and metal packaging.
Terracycle will recycle: Burts Bees, L’Occitane, Welleda. MAC also has a recycling program if you take back your empty MAC containers.
My intention is never to shame people who don’t recycle perfectly (lord knows I am far from perfect) but give information on how to reduce or recycle the plastic you are using. Once I learned a bit about this and knew what to do, I realized it doesn’t take that much more effort than chucking it in the garbage.
TIP: Having simple systems in place like a small recycling bin in your bathroom either next to your trash or underneath your sink can make recycling your bathroom products so much easier. Because let’s face it, having the recycling bins out of sight are not going to encourage the habit.
Shop the post
Here are some products to get you started with reducing plastic waste in your bathroom. Some of these products may use affiliate links which are at no extra cost to you. I just get a a small percentage of whatever you purchase when you go through my links. It is greatly appreciated, and helps me run this blog.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which allow me to make a small commission from products you purchase through my links. To learn how this works see my affiliate disclaimer.
If you’re like me, and so many others these days, you’ve probably been wanting to shop more sustainably. You might have read my post on fast fashion where I shared some pretty surprising facts that might make you think twice before going to a Forever 21 or H&M again.
The rise and demise of fast fashion is a complicated story, but needless to say we are slowly turnig toward the “Sustainable Fashion Movement” focusing on brands with ethical production processes, using sustainable materials, and making a more positive impact on the planet.
It can be overwhelming to know where to shop when you want to stick to your sustainable values. So I’ve compiled a list of some brands you’ll definitely want to check out as you transition from your fast fashion choices from your college days, into the more stylishly sustainable woman you are.
Based in: California, USA
Philosophy: Transparent supply chain, ethical production of garment
What you can expect: I love that unlike most clothing brands out there, Everlane is all about transparency. They focus on using factories (usually the ones that produce your most coveted luxury labels) that ensure and maintain ethical production practices every step of the way. They share with full transparency what their products cost to make, where the garment was made, and information about the standards and working environment of the people who made that garment. It’s eyeopening to know the true cost of an item and the production stories behind each piece of clothing. Their minimal, modern aesthetic makes them timeless, which is also incredibly sustainable, because you won’t be throwing it out next in a few years.
Philosophy: Ethical production process, recycled materials
What you can expect:Outdoor Voices make a variety of clothing for all of life’s active moments, across seasons and activities. From nature hikes, to spin class, on yoga mat, and long dog walks. Outdoor Voices sources their materials with sustainability in mind, such as recycled polyester made from water bottle and their sustainably-sourced merino wool. They prioritize ethical practices and working conditions when selecting their U.S. used and overseas factories.
What you can expect:From their button-downs to their linen tees, Tradlands shirts are a staple in any capsule wardrobe. Tradlands creates menswear-inspired staples for women with a relentless emphasis on fit, details, and quality. Their rigorous standards ensure that each shirt you purchase is top-notch quality, and has been ethically and sustainably made. They strive to use 98% of their materials and recycle any remnants in order to keep their waste to a minimum.
Philosophy:Ethical production, Fair Labor Association, 70% sustainable materials, Green Certified
What you can expect:It’s rare to find fashion brands that are both ethical and sustainable, but Alternative Apparel ranks well for both these categories. Alternative respects and values the rights of workers in all countries and believe in the right to fair and safe workplace conditions. Their factories operate in accordance with the Fair Labor Association Workplace Code of Conduct and they make over 70% of their garments with sustainable materials and processes. Alternative is a certified Green Business in LA. We love their modern and casual basics for men and women.
Philosophy:Ethical & small batch production, sustainable fabrics
What you can expect:At Petite Studio, it takes an average of 20 hours to produce a single garment. That’s because the NYC-based brand is passionate about creating capsule wardrobe items and small-batch staples. This petite-focused clothing collection is carefully crafted in an ethical factory, located in Jiangshan, China (the founder’s hometown). Employees work 40-hour per week (with hour-long lunch breaks), receive health care and vacation time, and are even obligated to take a 30-minute nap break every shift.
What you can expect: Krochet Kids Intl. is great for affordable, on-trend clothing. Most of all they are appreciated for the incredible impact they have on the communities where their artisans live and work. This nonprofit social impact brand empowers their artisans in Uganda and Peru not only through fair wages, but also through education and mentoring programs.
Philosophy:Slow fashion brand, supports craftspeople, give-back program
What you can expect:Cuyana is an essential brand for the modern woman seeking to build her wardrobe on the “fewer, better” principle—so if you’re looking for elegant and long-lasting capsule pieces, Cuyana has what you’re looking for. This global fashion brand creates each piece with integrity and kindness from the highest-quality materials in Europe, South America and the United States.
Hi, I’m Caroline! Welcome to Bloom & Spark, an intuition led, wellness based lifestyle blog. With a focus on mindfulness and sustainability this space is for creating authentic engagement in what it means to live well. Here you will find insights and lifestyle tips for yoga & meditation, simple recipes, purposeful living, and realistic sustainability. Manifesting Generator, Gemini,
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