Ettitude offers a new attitude about sustainable fabric

Ettitude is a bed, bath, clothing and accessories company setting out to expose the damaging aspects of the textile industry. It’s equal parts environmental education and transparency about a cleaner way to produce the products we love to use every day. 

The product lineup includes loungewear like robes and silky shirts, shorts, pants, dresses and jumpsuits. To further the bedroom comfort, it offers its flagship sheets and duvet covers alongside sleep and travel accessories like eye masks and pillow cases. 

Related: Stay comfortable in these socks made from recycled textiles

The newest addition to the collection, released in February, is a vegan version of a cashmere throw blanket that comes without cost to animals and minimizes its environmental footprint. The proprietary CleanBamboo fiber not only cleans up an often dirty transition from raw bamboo to fabric, but offers transparency to the process.

“Bamboo is an incredible plant. However, transforming it into fabric is where things can become complicated,” said Ettitude. “Bamboo viscose, rayon and modal go through a chemically intensive process that harms the environment, workers and local communities. Our CleanBamboo is the only bamboo fabric that uses a non-toxic solvent and recycles 98% of the solution up to 200 times to turn raw bamboo into the silky-soft sheets you know and love.”

CleanBamboo fiber’s innovative design is hypoallergenic and materials are sourced from FSC-Certified forests. Bamboo comes with a variety of benefits when compared to cotton, primarily that it doesn’t require supplemental watering or chemicals to grow. Plus, it regrows without replanting and is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, making it endlessly renewable. 

Following material selection, the company further commits to minimizing water usage through a closed-loop process. 

“Our CleanBamboo vegan cashmere is produced with 82% less CO2 and 72% less water than traditional cashmere. That’s the equivalent of 1,315 water bottles and the amount of CO2 absorbed by a tree annually,” said Ettitude.

Through its efforts, Ettitude has earned several certifications including B Corp, 1% for the Planet, PETA vegan-approved and Climate Neutral. Many products have also earned Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. Each of these pedestals have been reached through the company’s mission to embrace the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

For example, all of the company’s partners that provide cut and sew operations are audited by SMETA and BSCI for ethical standards. The company has a Code of Conduct agreement with all new factories and suppliers to ensure ethical treatment of employees. It also practices diversity within the workplace. 

To tackle the world’s plastic problem, Ettitude has swapped out all plastic components in its goods and cleaned up its packaging through the use of biodegradable glassine, photo-degradable stone paper and FSC-recycled inserts.

Starting in 2021, Ettitude took the added step of measuring and calculating the carbon produced during operations and subsequently invested in offsets by planting 5.5 hectares of bamboo in Nicaragua through CarbonFund. It initially reduced emissions in a variety of ways, including reducing air shipping by 89%. The same year, it partnered with another organization to bring clean drinking water to the people of Nepal. On another front, Ettitude is shepherding a campaign to minimize textile waste.

“In the US, 21 billion pounds of textiles get thrown away annually,” said the company. “More than half a billion kilograms of unwanted textiles end up in Australian landfills every single year — 95% of this could be recycled. We’re committed to sending zero waste to landfill through our take-back and recommerce programs.”

The process led to the introduction of the Loop recycling program in Australia, which diverts waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gasses. The company also regularly donates returned and less-than-perfect items to homeless and animal shelters. 

Ettitude woven throw blanket review

Upon release of the new line, the company provided a woven throw blanket for review. As promised, it was responsibly packaged. 

The blanket is available in oat and graphite colors, which are essentially tan and gray. It’s promoted as a vegan cashmere because of the finished texture. Not owning any cashmere myself, I can’t really speak to that, but I will say it is incredibly soft and cozy. It’s sized at 50 inches by 70 inches for a perfect lap blanket. 

This is a thin and lightweight blanket. It’s not one you would rely on as a bed blanket or a heavy winter solution to the cold. However, for mornings sipping coffee with a bit of a chill in the air, it’s the perfect match. Because it’s not bulky, it’s easily packable and takes up little storage space in the closet. It can be rolled and put into a basket in the tiniest room. 

Each end of the blanket features soft tassels with a unique design. Rather than tying a knot along the edge of the blanket, Ettitude connects the strands, twisting them into an addictively soft fringe. I find myself feeling soothed by the texture as I roll them between my fingers.  

The Ettitude throw would make a generous gift any recipient would appreciate. 

+ Ettitude 

Images via Ettitude

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Ettitude. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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Bamboo toilet paper from Reel wipes away deforestation

Reel bamboo paper products set out to wipe away deforestation driven by the consumer paper goods market. It’s on a mission to bring the same comfort, strength and quality in a tree-free package. 

Reel toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are all made from fast-growing and sustainable bamboo. Bamboo is an ideal replacement for slow-growing wood by not releasing carbon dioxide when it’s cut down, and harvest is significantly less environmentally impactful. Bamboo also requires less water to grow and doesn’t need to be replanted after collection. That means it provides soil stability rather than the problematic erosion left behind when trees are cut down.

Related: California is the first state to ban plastic produce bags

“Traditional toilet paper production alone destroys as many as 27,000 trees per day, which equals nearly 10,000,000 trees per year,” reported the company. “A healthy forest has around 50 trees per acre, which translates to roughly 200,000 acres of trees per year lost. That’s an area the size of New York City (Manhattan and all other boroughs combined) lost. Every. Single. Year.”

Sourcing bamboo for its paper products is just the beginning in Reel’s mission to provide eco-friendly products. It also sources post-consumer paper products from schools and offices within the U.S. to avoid using virgin materials and long transports. From there, it keeps products as natural as possible by skipping all dyes, inks and BPAs. 

It also aims to reduce plastic packaging in the industry by eliminating the standard plastic-wrapped toilet paper and paper towel packaging in favor of paper wrap instead. All packaging can be recycled and the products themselves are biodegradable. Reel even transitioned to paper tape.

Reel’s mission is to encourage people to shop sustainably and greatly reduce the number of trees that get cut down every day. It recognizes the tragedy of single-use products.

“For various reasons, toilet paper and paper towels can’t be recycled,” Reel said. “They’re used once and then flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash, never getting the chance to serve any other purpose. And that’s the real tragedy here; for all its hygiene and convenience benefits, traditional toilet paper is an incredibly inefficient — almost wasteful — use of a precious natural resource.”

Inasmuch, Reel makes conscientious decisions at each step of the production process to reduce that impact as much as possible. At the end of the production cycle, Reel acknowledges there is a remaining carbon footprint. For its part the company  offsets 100% of the carbon emissions produced in overseas transportation through its partners Flexport and the Carbonfund Foundation.

The product line includes bamboo toilet paper in packages of 24 or 48 rolls. It also offers a box for kids that includes a storybook that outlines the journey of a lemur in search of toilet paper. Each roll offers 300 sheets of three-ply toilet tissue. Products can be mail ordered through Reel and delivery is free. There is also a subscription option for easy refills. Reel toilet paper is also found in Target stores. 

The paper towels come with 12 rolls per box. Each roll features 135 sheets, each with a half-sheet option to reduce waste. Tissues are the company’s newest product, made from FSC-Certified recycled materials. Packaging includes 24 boxes per case with 80, two-ply tissues per box.

Review of Reel toilet paper

How much can one say about toilet paper? You might be surprised. 

The company offered to send a sample product and a few days later I received a box of toilet paper. As promised, the packaging was entirely recyclable with a simple cardboard box and 24 individually-wrapped toilet paper rolls. With five people in the house, it’s been quite the topic of conversation as I assigned everyone the mission of providing a review. Five behinds are better than one, am I right?

I’ll start by saying I love the paper wrapping as a replacement for the ubiquitous plastic on most products. Few people even know that plastic film, such as that found around toilet paper at the store can be recycled when returned with the plastic grocery bags, so it is a rarely recycled item. The Reel solution makes it easier to change that purchasing habit. Plus, avoiding plastic is always better than recycling it, even when it is successful. 

Anywho, shall we talk about poo? Well, maybe not but we “doo” need to talk about performance. I’ve experienced bamboo toilet paper in the past, with varying results. It’s easy to say Reel toilet paper is the best I’ve tried. 

Straight off the roll, it has the texture of a paper towel. Slightly rough to the hand, my expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t feel abrasive while “dooing” its job. 

There were varying opinions throughout the house. My two young adult males and husband are all big fans. Each of them described it with words like “effective, tough, strong” and my favorite: “grippy.” With more sensitive regions to concern ourselves with, my daughter and I found it to be absorbent and efficient, however for some tasks, we prefer a softer touch. 

Overall, everyone agrees it’s a quality product. The three-ply thickness is noticeable, making for a durable paper product that’s good for nature and natural human bathroom activities. 

+ Reel

Images via Reel

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PlasticFree locates sustainable materials for designers

PlasticFree is a new database for architects and designers, that aims to help them find plastic-free building materials for projects from architecture to furniture design. From hemp to corn fiber, Plastic Free lists numerous options for sustainable design and architecture.

The database was started by environmental organization A Plastic Planet. The new service is subscription based and offers in-depth reports on over 100 plastic alternatives to offer information about their properties, production and sourcing. Algae t-shirts, aluminum deoderant packaging, as well as raw materials like elephant grass are not only listed, but explained on Plastic Free.

Related: A foundation upcycles ocean plastic waste into new products

PlasticFree materials sourcing for designers

What we love most about this database is the blog that goes with it, which highlights various materials and their properties. Inspiration for collections, new materials and case studies of how products are being used in product design are all featured on the PlasticFree blog. It’s a resource that can help designers connect with events and the latest news on sustainable materials as well.

“No designer on the planet wants to make branded trash,” said A Plastic Planet’s cofounder Sian Sutherland. “They did not go to design school and care about everything that they produce every single day for it to end up in a bin. But I don’t think designers have been trained for what is expected of them today. So we wanted to create an absolutely authoritative, unbiased, material-agnostic platform that designers can use to learn about materials and their systems.”

Plastic Free was based on over two years of research and development in collaboration with 40 scientists and industry leaders. Contributors to the database include curator Aric Chen, Stirling Prize-winner David Chipperfield and designer Tom Dixon.

New sustainable materials for architecture

Every day there are new materials on the market for sustainable construction. Mushrooms, cross-laminated timber and sustainable cement alternatives are just a few options for the sustainably-minded architect. Plastic Free can help inform architects about the latest building materials and the pros and cons of each new material, which is yet unproven in the real world.

Each material profile even includes a list of questions designers need to consider if they want to work with the material. Will this material be on the market in time for your project? Does this material need to be integrated into a reusable product to offer emissions reduction? Sutherland says they wanted to empower designers to tell them what questions they should ask of materials manufacturers.

Can you challenge a lifecycle analysis or make a different choice than recycled plastics? There is a lot of greenwashing in the sustainable materials space, and this database aims to help cut through the fog to give clear information about the real benefits and down sides of each plastic alternative.

The hottest plastic alternatives on the planet

PlasticFree was designed by London studio Made Thought, who decided to focus the database on materials that offer the biggest gains as alternatives in areas where plastics are heavily used. Packaging and textiles are the top categories at the moment, with building and construction materials added later this year.

There are sections for raw materials like sustainable cork and bamboo that grow much faster to replenish resources than their hardwood alternatives. Specific inventions like potato-based cling wrap and algae ink are featured as niche solutions.

Bioplastics and recycled plastics are also listed as transitional solutions that are less than optimal, but might work well for some applications. PlasticFree is not just aiming to inform designers: it’s aiming to change how we live and interact with materials themselves on a long-term basis.

+ PlasticFree

Images via PlasticFree

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Museum in Belgium recycles construction waste into bricks

Ryhove Museum Ghent is a lovely 18th century town mansion in Belgium that connects with a newer wing built in 1992 and a third wing named Leten House that dates all the way back to the 16th century. To expand on this and make the addition sustainable, designers from Carmody Groarke, RE-ST and TRANS Architectuur Stedenbouw have collaborated to create a way to blend styles while making construction of the new wing sustainable. Bricks will be built from recycled construction waste, and the new building will have much more transparent façade to welcome visitors in and engage the public in a modern, welcoming style of museum.

“Museums are facing increasing challengers to connect visitors to their collections,” said Andy Groarke, director of Carmody Groarke. “We were therefore very inspired by Design Museum Gent’s ambition to create a new building that makes a visit to their museum relevant, inviting and accessible to all.”

Related: Museum roof in the Netherlands resembles a parachute

The new wing will be accessed between the Leten House and and old townhouse that currently serves as a restaurant.

“We wanted to create a building that is civic in character at both street level and on the Gent skyline and designed a new ‘house’ for the museum as part of the set piece of the historic streetscape,” explained Groarke.

This entrance will lead to a ground floor community space, which the designers hope will become a local meeting place. The three stories above the entryway will be created with modular interiors for flexible use over time. The fourth floor will contain a gallery with skyline views of Ghent.

The design of the new museum extension was created to follow the principles of circularity, sustainability and innovation. Sustainable materials were used wherever possible, and using a grant from Circular Flanders, the museum has created its own initiative to process construction waste and turn it into bricks for the building. These are laid around a CO2-neutral timber frame. Meanwhile, a unique grid of sensors will stretch through the building to help with multifunctional ceilings, floors and walls. Smart building technology will control lighting, sun blinds and other energy-saving technologies.

The bricks will be researched for durability before being used. One material is being researched by StoneCycling from Amsterdam and another by Local Works Studio from the U.K. and BC Materials. They have different approaches to developing circular bricks, the StoneCycling process focusing on baked facing bricks from 40% clay and 60% waste material. The other team is making facing bricks from lime and earth and they are pressed instead of baked. This reduces CO2 during production. The former process produces a darker brick, which might be a challenge given the museum’s goal of creating a pale stone color with a particular texture. Both brick styles will be lab tested for frost resistance and strength before certification.

+ TRANS architectuur I stedenbouw

Photography by Stijn Bollaert and Annelies Vanstockstraeten

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Good Green Cleaners wipe away all unnecessary germs

Good Green Cleaner takes the task of cleaning and strips it down to the basics with natural ingredients, responsible material sourcing and attention to waste reduction.

In the cleaning business for decades, owner Maureen Bergmann realized the devastating implications of cleaners laden with chemicals. The company said, “As Maureen worked to bring these good green cleaners to market, she uncovered overwhelming evidence that ingredients found in common household cleaners are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and respiratory issues. She didn’t want people exposed to these toxins in their home and she didn’t want them and the plastic bottles that housed them deposited in our environment.”

Related: Laundry detergent sheets from Frey are 100% plastic free

As a result, Maureen worked with partners in Europe to bring their innovative concentrate cap to the United States. This puts the power of the cleaners in a condensed form that’s easily used and recycled. Consumers purchase the initial kit, which includes one reusable 32-ounce bottle (946 ml), one reusable spray cap and one recyclable refill pod. After filling the bottle with water, the refill pod twists onto the top in a process that releases the highly-condensed cleaner into the bottle.

The safety features on the pods reduce risk of accidental ingestion, while also eliminating spills. Each pod provides a pre-measured quantity so there’s no measuring or excess waste involved. When the cleaner runs out, the same bottle is refilled using a refill pod. With regular use, each spray bottle is expected to last 10 to 12 months, at which point it can be recycled. 

Since 2017 all operations, from production to the office, have been 100% carbon neutral. To offset the company’s carbon footprint from manufacturing, Good Green Cleaner contributes to a program battling deforestation in Uganda, where wood and charcoal are essential for daily cooking. The program reduces carbon emissions and usage through the introduction and increased availability of high-efficiency stoves. 

At the end of the Good Green Cleaner production line, all wastewater undergoes treatment to ensure it doesn’t contribute to pollution, and waste is sorted to maximize reuse and recycling. 

The product design of Good Green Cleaners results in significantly less shipping emissions and packaging waste. With replacement pods taking up about 1/18th the space of premixed cleaners, that means less trucks on the road and reduced transport emissions and storage requirements.

The company makes four primary cleaning solutions. The Odor Eliminator and All-Purpose Cleaner is safe for a wide variety of surfaces including stone, tile, wood, fabric, stainless steel and clothing. It’s formulated to address strong odors from food, pet stains, vomit, grease and more. It’s also safe in dishwashers and washing machines as well as drains and septic systems. 

Secondly, the Glass and Multi Surface cleaner is a bio-based, cruelty-free formula for glass and mirrors, tile, stone, wood and stainless steel inside or outside the home. Next is the Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser, which is eco-friendly and biodegradable, formulated for use on grease and grime in and around cooking and other surfaces. Finally, the Bathroom Tub and Tile cleaner is specially made to cut through soap scum, grime and residue on all bathroom surfaces. 

Good Green Cleaner product review

The company provided a sample kit that included a reusable bottle and three pods of each type of cleaner. I’ve spent the past few days cleaning a variety of surfaces in my home, so I guess I’m grateful for the motivation. 

Glass and Multi Surface cleaner

I love the glass cleaner. I’ve been attacking one window at a time with outstanding results. With seven animals and three kids, I have plenty of surfaces to test. It works much better than the typical store-bought blue stuff. Not only does it remove the standard build up, but it quickly cuts through grime.

Bathroom Tub and Tile cleaner

This is a basic bathroom cleaner that handles the job across the board. From my dated cabinets and countertops to the toilet and shower surround, it did what it’s supposed to do. 

Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser 

This ties with the glass cleaner as my favorite product. It cuts through everything I’ve thrown at it, from tomato sauce to who knows what on the refrigerator handle. I’d be happy to provide the “after” pictures of my fridge, but the before picture would be too embarrassing. Take my word on it, this product does the job and does it well. 

Odor Eliminator and All-purpose cleaner

It’s another great product. My favorite use so far is on the carpet. I used it to clean up dog vomit multiple times, and it performed well without bleaching out the color. It also exceeded my expectations on my rough-textured walls. 

In conclusion, I feel good about grabbing any bottle of Good Green Cleaner.

+ Good Green Cleaner

Images via Good Green Cleaner

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Good Green Cleaner. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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All-natural Remedium candles might be the remedy you need

The art of candle making goes back thousands of years with the first recorded references dating to 1000 B.C.E. What began as a necessity for illumination has turned into a small luxury we incorporate into our lives and our interior design. Remedium understands this, and in response, uses candle making methods that revolve around natural and simple techniques and clean ingredients you can smell. 

Remedium candles offer straightforward scent solutions. Candles come in a glass jar that can be recycled or reused, with a cork lid that fits snugly for storage. There are also large and small candle bowls, a ceramic reed diffuser and stacking candles poured into hand-crafted porcelain glazed ceramic mugs. 

Related: 18-year-old inventor tackles the home aerosol problem

Each candle is made using coconut wax. Remedium chose this material since it comes from a natural and sustainable crop: coconut. Crops are harvested in an eco-friendly way and since it doesn’t contribute to deforestation, the trees and the animals stay intact. 

The wax is cold-pressed from the coconut meat and results in a non-toxic product. Coconut wax burns at a lower temperature so it fuels the candles longer than other wax types. The larger size candles have an estimated 80 hours of burn time and the smaller jars are rated for 35 or more hours. The wax burns clean, without a chemical smell, since they are made from all natural ingredients. 

Remedium candles rely on plant-based essential oils and phthalate-free fragrance oils sourced from around the world. Scent recipes are developed to nurture a calm and stress-free environment, without impacting the planet. 

The dedication to natural materials extends to the wood wicks, which also add a rustic appeal to the look of the candle. 

Remedium explained, “Our wooden wicks are manufactured in the USA, naturally processed and sourced from sustainable forests. Besides looking unique, wooden wicks provide a soft crackling sound when burning to create an alluring and warm ambience. Unlike cotton wicks, wooden wicks emit no harmful toxins, have far less carbon build-up, debris and sooting.”

The topper on the sustainable material selection process is the renewable cork used for the stoppers. Cork comes from cork oak trees. However, it doesn’t require cutting down the tree in order to harvest. Instead, cork is shaved off the outside of the tree every nine to 12 years, which makes it a renewable and environmentally-friendly material choice. As evidence the process doesn’t harm the trees, they regenerate their bark and commonly live 100 to 300 years.

The attention to detail is seen in each aspect of the candles, with each batch being handmade and poured without mass production. Yet, Remedium takes pride in fulfilling custom orders for weddings, corporate promotions, thank you’s and other events. 

The company is based out of California where each candle is poured. Remedium products can be found in dozens of retail locations across the United States and online. It offers a Subscribe and Save discount for recurring orders. 

Remedium review

The company provided a sample candle for review. It arrived quickly and was packaged in a recyclable box with minimal packaging. In fact, the candle was inside a very nice drawstring, cloth bag that will be useful around the house or for gift giving. 

Right out of the gates I’ll tell you I’ve become incredibly sensitive to scents. There are very few I can tolerate so, although pleasant, I had to send this candle to the lower half of my house after trying it out. It’s not that I disliked the scent, but simply that my body responds with an allergic reaction. 

Having said that, this is clearly a quality candle brand. The jar is thick and the cork is also hearty. In addition, I really do love the look of the wood wick. It provides a distinctive appeal. 

The candle lit immediately and provided a welcoming crackle while it burned. I found the scent to be noticeable, but in no way overwhelming. Even the floral overtones of the sea salt and orchid were pleasantly present. 

I appreciate the effort to detail each candle scent on the website. For example, this candle was described with top notes of sea salt, middle notes of jasmine, muguet and leaves, and base notes of wood and vanilla. The description also includes the intended aromatherapy benefits “Uplift & Soothe” and listed the essential oils used in the candle. This one has lily of the valley and jasmine.

Of course smell is subjective, but the descriptions are thought out and informative. My husband adopted the candle and reports he’s still burning it after a few weeks, so it appears to be true to its 80+ hours burn time.

+ Remedium 

Images via Remedium

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Redmedium. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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Brightly makes it easy to find earth-friendly products

“Sometimes living sustainably feels like the ultimate challenge. Whether you’re looking for planet-friendly product swaps or trying to give yourself a lesson in Composting 101, there’s never been an all-encompassing destination that takes the eco-anxiety out of the equation – until now,” according to Brightly’s website.

Brightly is an online marketplace dedicated to ditching single-use products, toxic chemicals and wasteful packaging from our lives. It’s more than a platform for green products, it’s also an informational center for everything related to sustainability. It features blog articles, short-form videos on social media and an award-winning podcast called “Good Together.”

Related: Reusable Notabag Tote is made from recycled bottles

The mission of the company is to encourage small swaps. It believes the power of change comes from many people making small adjustments rather than focusing on individuals aiming for perfection. Inasmuch, it provides information about everyday living and products that make conscientious shopping easier. 

“Brightly’s goal is to empower conscious consumers around the world. We recognize that small, daily actions add up to a huge impact on the world around us,” said the company. “Brightly combines content, community and sustainable product recommendations to provide a positive, judgment-free space for change. Our goal is simple: to help you #LiveBrightly through small daily actions that add up to a huge impact on the world around us.”

The products cover a wide range of household categories like food, kitchen, personal care, kids and baby, apparel and more. There’s something for every room in the house.

It carries products like the Nutr machine for making your own plant-based milk, reusable bowl covers, tea and latte sets and mixing and storage bowls. There are drink cups, a washable paper lunch bag, cheese huggers, market bags and aprons. For cooking there are silicone baking sheets and muffin pans.

To minimize waste around the home, Brightly offers a rechargeable lighter, a certified carbon-neutral battery pack and garden kits. There’s even a super cool greeting card that doubles as a dishcloth. Each item is carefully designed to maximize sustainability without unnecessary pollution, plastic and packaging. 

Brightly is a member of 1% for the Planet, contributing 1% of annual revenue to organizations that protect the environment and conserve resources. The company explained, “We are also an Approved Partner to other 1% For the Planet members, enabling them to utilize Brightly’s planet-positive platform to shine a spotlight on their businesses.”

As an organization, Brightly is determined to set an example for sustainably-minded customers and citizens, which is evident in its climate neutral certification. Earning the certification means the business monitors its carbon emissions and makes reductions wherever possible. The company measures its carbon footprint throughout the supply chain, production and delivery, reducing carbon along the way. Then Brightly offsets remaining emissions to erase any remaining footprint. 

“All recommendations align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Brightly. “The Brightly team works with brands to ensure their operating practices are ethical and sustainable, empowering you to make a difference in the world daily by connecting you with sustainable lifestyle tips, products and its community.”

Brightly review

The company sent a Washable Bins and Paper-Less Towel Bundle Set, which includes 24-kitchen cloths and two collapsible storage bins. 

The Kraft paper bins are a very unique item. They come in a collapsed form. Since I didn’t know what they were sending, I investigated a bit, then quickly unfolded one and popped it into tote form. The set includes a darker brownish-gray bin and a natural-looking camel leather color. They unfold and refold easily with identifiable creases to guide the process. Both bins are hand washable and recyclable at the end of life. The paper material is thick and feels durable.

Each bin has an area meant for a hand-written label and the company reports customers can use a chalk or grease pencil for this task. These are a suitable size for socks, pantry snacks, hats, paperwork, washcloths, candles, soaps, toys and more. 

The design is creative and I love the use of basic Kraft paper. It’s so simple and functional at the same time. The stitching adds to the finished look while the leather feel is achieved without plastic or animal skin.  

Also in the set is a bundle of non-paper towels, meant to do the many jobs of paper towels without the waste. Each towel measures 10.5” x 10.5” and is made from 100% organic cotton flannel in a hummingbird print. 

The towels can be used for all the basic kitchen tasks such as wiping down counters and appliances, cleaning out the microwave and wiping up spills. They are washable with the rest of the household laundry and are compact in the kitchen drawer. Plus, they’re a lot more fun than plain paper towels. 

+ Brightly 

Images via Brightly

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Let's debunk five greenwashed products you should know about

Greenwashing can pull the shade over even the most trained eye. With a larger marketing budget and greater fan base, many big brands have begun producing products that appear to be sustainable. However, these brands continue to package their “green” products in plastic. Some continue to produce products with toxic chemicals such as sulfates and phthalates. One sustainable product does not create a sustainable brand or even an environmentally-friendly solution. Educating ourselves is the first step to stopping companies from getting away with half-hearted attempts at change.

S.C. Johnson owns Stasher

Owned by S.C. Johnson, Ziploc is one of the world’s largest producers of plastic baggies. In 2019, S.C. Johnson also acquired Stasher Brand, one of the first reusable silicone bag producers to become well-known. With the marketing of S.C. Johnson behind them, Stasher can now succeed without hurting Ziploc. The reusable bags can be found in Target and grocery stores, as well as many zero-waste stores, but the money spent is not going to the great cause many customers hope.

Related: Tree planting programs are actually greenwashing in disguise

The Alternative: In 2017, Zip Top launched as an alternative to Stasher with standing silicone bags in sizes ranging from four to 32 ounces in bag, dish and cup shapes. They are made with 100% platinum silicone and are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. Net Zero Company also launched its own version of zipping bags in 2022 after years of producing bags with slide-in-place seals. Additionally, Net Zero Co. offers a Silicone Takeback Program made possible by teaming up with TerraCycle to collect any silicone products from any company.

Garnier’s Whole Blends Shampoo is greenwashing at its finest

Garnier’s Whole Blends Shampoo advertises itself as shampoo with the finest ingredients from coconut to honey. Most of these products are packaged in recycled plastic, but any pumps and caps are new plastic. This entire line is paraben free, but only one shampoo is silicone free. What about sulfates, phthalates and other harmful chemicals? Although their shampoo bars are 94% plant-based, the remaining 6% is in question, as is the vague ingredient of “fragrance” that fails to identify the actual ingredients you are washing your hair with. Even with this line, Garnier is hardly a green company.

The Alternative: With compostable packaging and plastic-free shipping, Ethique has raised the bar for shampoo. Since their first shampoo bar launched in 2012, they have worked to pay employees a living wage, give 2% of proceeds to charity and source their ingredients in fair and transparent ways. Ethique has bars for everyone from fine to curly hair, and has even expanded beyond shampoo to other cosmetics.

Burt’s Bees is owned by The Clorox Company

Burt’s Bees has been leaps and bounds above its competitors for years. They have been carbon neutral since 2013, landfill-free since 2010, and 95% of their ingredients have a natural origin. Their packaging is recyclable, though only through TerraCycle, which you can request a label for on their website. However, their ownership weighs down on their values. Of all the products on this list, choosing Burt’s Bees is far from the end of the world, but Clorox’s use of bleach can lead to long-term health problems if inhaled and Glad, another Clorox Company brand, is only contributing to the landfill with plastic trash bags.

The Alternative: You can make your own lip balms and lotions at home with locally-sourced beeswax from your farmer’s markets or bulk goods stores. However, if that is difficult to locate, Sister Bees sells Michigan beeswax and Mickelberry Gardens sells Pacific Northwest beeswax. Shea butter and coconut oil are also moisturizing alternatives that can be found in many lotions and lip balms, and are often accessible at grocery stores.

Sun Bum is also owned by S.C. Johnson and may contain benzene

When looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that will not destroy your wallet, Sun Bum has recently been high on market lists because it is accessible in stores, works well and smells good. A class action lawsuit was dismissed after making claims that Sun Bum sunscreens contained benzene, a known carcinogen, and many sunscreen brands have faced the same claims in recent years. While it is not definitive, it is known that not all Sun Bum sunscreens are in fact reef safe, so it is important to check ingredient lists yourself. Only Sun Bum’s Mineral sunscreens are approved for use in Hawaii where there are clear restrictions on beach goer’s sunscreen use.

The Alternative: First, read the list of ingredients. Beaches are beginning to ban any sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Raw Elements uses non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Zinc forms a physical barrier against the sun’s rays on your skin rather than absorbing the rays. Every other ingredient is certified organic, and sunscreen can even be bought in aluminum tins for easy recycling. All Good is another sunscreen brand that utilizes non-nano zinc oxide, but they add in non-nano titanium dioxide, which is also reef friendly. However, their website does fail to talk about their packaging.

Keurig pods’ recyclability is hotly debated

Whether you use Keurig for speed, convenience or space, the recyclability of K-cups has been debated for the last several years. The problem with recyclable parts of a product is that in order to be successfully recycled, each material has to be separate. K-cups contain an aluminum lid that must be removed and the coffee grounds inside need to be thrown away, reused or composted and the cup itself washed out.

That is a lot of steps for the average person looking for a quick cup of coffee. The truth is most people just throw the whole cup away. Though Keurig does have a takeback program called K Cycle, it is only available to offices, leaving out the average at-home Keurig user.

The Alternative: Buy a reusable K-cup and fill it with finely ground coffee. The cups are easy to wash out, allow you to choose your coffee and can last for a very long time if taken care of properly. If you have yet to buy a coffee machine, check out Nespresso instead of Keurig. Nespresso began by producing entirely aluminum pods, so while consumers still need to rinse the pods, the pieces do not need to be separated. In 2022, Nespresso launched entirely compostable pods that can be composted industrially as well as at home. Therefore, you can simply toss the pod, coffee and all, into your compost.

No environmentalist is perfect, but with some research, we can each do a little better for ourselves and the planet. Learning to read through greenwashed marketing and understand ingredient lists are just the beginning of personal education toward a more sustainable future.

Lead image via Pexels

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Carve Designs apparel is made from 95% sustainable materials

Carve Designs is the result of a passion for outdoor activities coupled with a love of the environment. An apparel company and outdoor brand, it’s dedicated to designing clothing for active women, with an emphasis on finding and using sustainable materials. 

The newest release from the company is a swimsuit line that celebrates 20 years of Carve Designs’ most loved styles and prints. Updated with the newest recycled plastic fabric technology, the collection highlights interchangeable  hibiscus and retro dots patterns.

Related: Levi’s announces product line made with Cottonized Hemp

The release celebrates another landmark event for the company: fulfilling a long-standing promise to bring manufacturing back to the United States, where all the swimsuits are now made. 

Carve Designs features several clothing options, from sweaters to pants and swimwear to swim covers. There are bikinis, tankinis and one-piece swimsuits, as well as rash guards and board shorts. For on or off the beach there are rompers, dresses, tank tops, long sleeve and short sleeve tops, jackets and vests. Many items can be mixed and matched as a capsule wardrobe. 

Across the lines of clothing, the company focuses on sustainable fabrics, expanding from its original commitment to produce all clothing from organic cotton. While many of the articles are still produced from soft cotton, there are now several other innovative materials being used as well. 

For example, the swimsuits are made from recycled plastic bottles. The company reports that each swimsuit uses the equivalent of five plastic bottles, diverting them from landfills and reducing pollution. 

In fact, 95% of all the clothing produced by Carve Designs is made from sustainable materials. Another example is the Coconut Balsa, which is a byproduct of coconut production. The discarded husks are converted into a lightweight and fast-drying material that is effective in outdoor or indoor spaces. 

FlyWeight is another cool, comfy fabric that’s made from recycled plastic bottles. Used in the production of sun shirts, each shirt diverts 10 plastic bottles from the dump.  

Since inception, Carve Designs has relied on non-GMO, pesticide-free, 100% organic cotton. The corduroy and denim pants, shorts, skirts and other items are also made from organic cotton, bringing the same benefits for the environment. 

In addition to conscientious material selections, Carve Design commits to sustainable packaging with little to no waste and environmentally-friendly materials. All packaging is biodegradable, compostable and plant-based. Shipments are stuffed with recyclable paper and the company uses soy-based inks. 

Carve Designs review

I learned about Carve Designs through a promotional mailing from a PR company. Curious, I scoured the Carve Design website for an hour, loving the overall vibe of the clothing. The PR company offered to set me up with a sample. Although they were out of my first request, I provided a list of alternatives and they sent a Carson Hi Rise Jean: Blue Tide, Size 4 and the Zella Pullover: Grapefruit Stripe, Size M. 

The jeans are So. Dang. Cute. Although they hit me at an awkward ankle length as sent, they are versatile since they cuff well. I roll them twice for a standard capri look or once for a wider cuff. I love the lighter denim color to wear with my darker navy and black shirts. It also pairs well with lighter tones. Denim is always forgiving like that. I’m currently on a work vacation in Southern California, which is much warmer than my home in Oregon, so I’ve worn them nearly every day. They pair well with skater shoes, ankle boots, sandals, heels or flip flops. The waist hits comfortably high for good coverage without feeling like I’m wearing maternity pants. All the quality features are there with the stitching and hardware. They are made from 99% organic cotton, which provides a bit of stretch and a relatively relaxed fit. 

Additionally, the sweater is a gorgeous shade of pink. It immediately became my favorite sweater in my wardrobe and creates an instant outfit when paired with the Carson Hi Rise Jean. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s soft and flexible. I love the long sleeves and drop shoulder design. It’s cozy enough for lounging with joggers, yet easily dressed up for an evening on the town. 

The website is easy to maneuver around and each product page lists the materials like an ingredients list. It also includes some pointers on sizing and fit. Be sure to check out the care section if you’re opposed to hand washing or line drying. You can search by material, clothing categories and new and sale items, among other options. I’ve already created my wish list of other Carve Design clothing options and look forward to trying them out. 

+ Carve Designs 

Lead image via Carve Designs

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Carve Designs. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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This whirlpool-inspired home tucks into the landscape

Chuzhi is a residential project located in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, India. The house was designed by Wallmakers, an architecture firm that focuses on utilizing mud and waste products as the key building materials for their projects. This way, they produce architecture that is both functional and alluring. The project is a two-bedroom, open-plan residence. Its minimalist design complements the lush site and celebrates its beauty.

The house is located in a gated community called Sanctity Ferme, in an obscure plot at the edge of the site. The grounds are characterized by dense vegetation, large trees and a steep, rocky topography, which made it a challenge for the designers to intervene. Nevertheless, the architects created a form that integrates beautifully with the landscape without sacrificing inhabitant comfort or aesthetics.

Related: Thailand home connects to its beautiful surroundings

“Chuzhi” is the Malayalam word for “whirlpool.” This sheds light on the project’s form. The spirals encompass the three large tamarind trees on the plot. These swirls of precast poured debris earth are supported by bottle beams. These structural components are made from over 4,000 discarded plastic bottles. To further maximize sustainable materials, the wood floor is made from pieces of reclaimed wood that have been pieced together.

One of the primary design intentions of the project is an immersion into the lush and rocky landscape. As such, the spirals begin as walls at the subterranean level and swirl upwards to form the roof. These walls emerge from the subterranean rock bed, which tucks the project into a pocket of the earth, giving residents a sense of being grounded and safe. Meanwhile, the roof is made of glass to further enhance the feeling of living under the tree canopies.

Besides a connection to nature within the living spaces, the swirling roof structure also serves as an opportunity to interact with the site. The roof forms a seating area that wraps around one of the tamarind trees for shade and views.

Through this project, the architects create a successful home that creates harmony between inhabitants and the site. They do this through the use of locally-sourced and recycled building materials, a visual and tactile connection to nature and by ensuring that the surrounding landscape thrives despite human intervention.

+ Wallmakers

Photography by Syam Sreesylam

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Get your chores done without wasting water and plastic

Every day we perform chores that impact the environment. From cleaning with chemicals to buying products enrobed in plastic, cleaning needs to become… cleaner. Tru Earth is on a mission to achieve exactly that, with a full array of safe and sustainable options for your home. 

Tru Earth cleaning products for the bathroom, laundry and kitchen are all made without animal products or testing. They are all in condensed form to avoid plastic jugs. This not only means less plastic production and waste, but also less required space for shipping, saving on transport emissions and the associated pollution. 

Related: Shinery’s plant-based jewelry cleaner also cleans your hands

In the case of the multi-purpose cleaner, the condensed products allow you to use regular tap water. For the toilet cleaner and laundry detergent, you simply drop the strip in and let it work. 

The laundry strips are available in several package sizes and scents. A standard 32-count package replaces an equivalent 32-load jug of laundry detergent without any post consumer waste. The strips dissolve in the laundry without additional steps and the sleeve they come in is made from recyclable paper. The same is true for the multi-purpose and toilet bowl cleaners. 

Recently, the company released their newest product: dishwasher tablets. Unlike many wash pods, these tablets do not contain plastic. Packaging is minimalist and recyclable when your tablets are gone. 

“With our newest innovation in the household cleaning products space, Tru Earth is introducing a dishwashing solution that gives families another opportunity to further eliminate plastic containers in their homes without forgoing the effectiveness they expect and deserve from their cleaning products,” said Brad Liski, CEO and cofounder. “Our Tru Earth Dishwasher Detergent Tablets deliver a cleaner way to clean and demonstrate how our collective impact can make true lasting change.”

The company has expanded beyond cleaners, offering sustainable swaps for many single-use items. It offers dryer balls, a laundry basket made from natural materials, cotton swabs, compostable sponges, dishcloths, mesh produce bags, stainless steel straws and reusable grocery bags. It also produces beeswax snack bags and food wraps, a bamboo cutlery set and reusable bamboo makeup remover pads. 

Tru Earth has offices in Canada and the United States. In addition to its dedication to fully biodegradable, natural products that are good for consumers and the planet, Tru Earth donates 32 loads of laundry detergent for each eco-strip subscription. 

Tru Earth product review

The company reached out with an offer for samples. Having used the laundry detergent before, I was happy to see what else they had in the pipeline. When I discovered Tru Earth laundry strips several years ago, it was an innovative idea in the world of washing. Since then, the company has expanded its cleaning product line to include multi-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and dishwasher detergent. They sent me some of each. 

I haven’t had a chance to try all of the laundry detergent scents, but scent is a personal preference anyway. I’ve relied on the Tru Earth laundry detergent for everyday washing in the past and can happily vouch for its efficiency. The strips dissolve completely, unlike some pods I’ve used. They don’t leave any slimy residue either (another issue I’ve found with some pods). Simply put, they just work like they’re supposed to. 

Plus, the Tru Earth toilet bowl cleaner couldn’t be easier to use. Simply rip off a strip and drop it into your toilet water. Give it a few minutes to dissolve and get to work. Then clean as normal. Again, it’s easy and effective. What more could you ask for?

The multi-purpose cleaner is fun to make. I might be easily entertained, but it’s a bit of magic really. Each strip is mixed with just over a cup of water (250 milliliter). I rolled up the strip and placed it into a recycled squirt bottle. Then I added the warm water and gave it a shake. The strip dissolved quickly and completely. Then I got to cleaning. I wiped down appliances, cabinets, countertops and floors, all with great results. At one point I was making sauce for lasagna and my husband was brewing beer. Between us, we made quite a mess of splattered red sauce and boiled-over wort. The Tru Earth multi-purpose cleaner tackled it all with ease. 

Finally, there is the brand new dishwasher detergent tablets. I was only able to run one load so far, but the tablet performed well. I have an old dishwasher and well water, so achieving cleanliness is expected, but dishes that come out looking shiny are often unachievable. Tru Earth dishwasher tablets have a built-in rinse agent that did a nice job on everything from the stoneware to the glassware. The tablet dissolved completely and didn’t leave any residue in the detergent compartment or on the dishes. 

In conclusion, I encourage you to try Tru Earth for yourself. With the money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. 

+ Tru Earth

Images via Dawn Hammon 

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Tru Earth. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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These pellets are made from waste into thermoplastic

Take a good look at UBQ materials. Sure, it might not look all that thrilling at first glance. Honestly, they look like simple, grayish little pellets. But there is a whole lot more to these little pellets than what meets the eye.

UBQ materials are made from unrecyclable and organic waste material. Rimax, a company that makes a ton of plastic products, launched a line of pet accessories made with UBQ materials. Rimax unveiled cat litter boxes and doghouses created with UBQ materials, and this is just a first step. By choosing to use UBQ materials rather than oil-based plastic, Rimax prevented up to 11.7 kg of CO2-equivalent emissions. That’s what has been achieved by replacing the plastic in a single line of products from one company.

Related: A foundation upcycles ocean plastic waste into new products

Furthermore, swapping out the plastic for UBQ materials is quite easy. The material can integrate into existing manufacturing processes. All it takes is a simple replacement and all kinds of items can be manufactured with this material. Additionally, all types of household waste are used to create this unique material. Through a conversion process, waste is converted into a thermoplastic. No oil is needed. It’s just that simple to make a massive change.

Moreover, the benefits of this are far-reaching. By using waste, UBQ keeps that waste out of landfills and incinerators. By replacing plastic, UBQ helps to manage the massive plastic waste problem the world finds itself in. All of this reduces the carbon footprint in manufacturing items and helps makes the Earth a much healthier place.

And remember that if oil-based plastics are removed from manufacturing, there is another reason why the world no longer needs oil. Look again, now, at UBQ materials. It looks pretty simple and pretty unremarkable… at first. But this stuff could end the world’s dependency on oil-based plastic. That makes UBQ materials some of the most beautiful stuff you’ll ever see.

+ UBQ Materials

Images via Rimax 

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You'll feel good using Lift, a plant-based cleaner

Cleaning the house isn’t at the top of most people’s “brings me joy” list. It’s a chore we all manage, sometimes better than others, so anything that makes the job easier is a welcome addition. And major bonus points for products that don’t leave a mark on the environment while aiding in the cleaning process. Lift, a truly all-purpose cleaner, achieves this goal. 

Lift is a newly released product by V-Wholesalers. It’s a delightfully simple idea: make a condensed cleaner that serves multiple purposes or, in this case, surfaces. It works by giving the user the power to mix different strengths depending on the task at hand. Since it’s just a combination of the Lift concentrate and water, that means less waste when performing basic household tasks and more efficient use of the product when tackling grimier jobs. 

Related: DIY natural cleaners for every household chore

Additionally, the condensed cleaner means less plastic (smaller jugs) and less water in the bottle. What does come in the bottle is a plant-based cleaner with a clean ingredient list. I don’t want to give anything away here, but what the heck — the list is water, salts and plant-derived surfactants. Some products also contain naturally-derived fragrances. The blend is non-toxic for all applications. 

Lift is formulated to remove dirt, grime, grease and stains without harsh chemicals that can damage eyes, skin and the respiratory system. The company provides a mixing chart to refer to when addressing different cleaning needs. For example, standard maintenance cleaning of counters requires a mixture of one part Lift and 20 parts water. For tougher stains on some surfaces, a mixture of two parts water is used. The product can also be used straight for maximum stain removal on surfaces like grout or carpet. 

When it says multipurpose, Lift means it. This product can replace many cleaners in your arsenal, with directions for wiping down or scrubbing painted walls, leather, countertops, glass and even fabric. It can also be used for vehicle cleaning on wheels, the interior, exterior and even for greasy engine parts. 

As an all-natural product, it’s completely biodegradable yet effective enough to manage a variety of surfaces ranging from fabric to stainless steel. Lift is available in 32 ounces spray bottles, one-gallon jugs and five-gallon buckets, and is available on Amazon or V Wholesalers.

Lift review

The company offered to send a sample for review and the package arrived a few days later. I received a sample bottle as well as a full-size 32-ounces spray bottle. Each bottle came with a separate nozzle sprayer for storage options. In addition, Lift included a cloth and a small scrub brush. 

In reviewing the directions, the company recommends most surfaces are wiped with a cloth. Some tougher jobs necessitate a soft or medium brush. I’ve used both the cloth on countertops and the brush on carpets and found both to be solid recommendations. 

Fortunately, with seven pets and three kids, I have ample surfaces that need cleaning, so it was easy to explore different options. While I haven’t worked through all the mixing ratios, a combination of one-part Lift and two parts water has come in handy for everything I’ve cleaned so far. It’s easy to see that I could get by with significantly more water for general after-dinner countertop cleanup, for example.

In fact, the minimum recommended mixture is one part Lift and five parts water. My 1:2 ratio, while overkill, has been delightful for counters, cabinets, appliances and vinyl flooring. I mixed it in order to deal with some carpet spots (worked great with the little brush), and just hadn’t gotten around to mixing a lighter formula. 

The spray bottles are basic plastic, refillable options made from #2 HDPE. I’d love to see a more environmental alternative here, but that goes for nearly every multipurpose cleaner. Meanwhile, the delivery was sent in a recyclable cardboard box without any excess packaging waste. 

I didn’t have an extra squirt bottle around, and since the Lift bottle doubles as storage for the concentrate, I poured the green cleaner (seriously, it looks like an earthy spinach and kale drink) into a recycled glass bottle, clearly labeled it, and put it with my cleaners. That freed up the squirt bottle for use. 

I’m excited to try Lift out on some other household cleaning chores, like the exterior windows, just as soon as the motivation kicks in to tackle that project. 

+ Lift

Images via Lift

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Lift. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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Compostable packaging from TIPA takes plastic out of the equation

TIPA, a compostable packaging company, makes fully compostable bags for shipping products in multiple stages of the supply chain. Swapping out traditional plastic bags in the food and fashion industries means introducing a fully circular system that gives back to the planet instead of straining it. 

We wanted to better understand the role TIPA’s compostable packaging plays in this process, so we asked Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO and cofounder of TIPA to provide her thoughts on the matter. Her answers provide a robust plan of action for the reduction of waste and pollution.

Related: Meet Great Wrap, the completely compostable cling wrap

What are TIPA’s goals and missions?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s mission is to reduce plastic waste in the food and fashion industries, without adding emissions and high costs to the manufacturing process, but still upholding the high consumer expectations. At TIPA, we believe packaging should be part of a circular economy, where materials that are produced can be reused for another valuable purpose: our compostable packaging biodegrades into nourishing compost, leaving behind the same nutrients left by organic waste.

TIPA’s vision for flexible packaging is to have the same end-of-life as organic matter while maintaining the qualities of conventional plastics that consumers and brands have come to rely on, like durability, transparency, barrier, sealability, printability and shelf-life. TIPA’s sustainable packaging solutions use a fabless model — the manufacturing process seamlessly fits with existing industrial machinery and manufacturing practices, eliminating the need to build new manufacturing plants or buy and ship expensive machinery. 

How are TIPA products compostable?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s innovative polymer-based material allows for all of the packaging to compost within six to 12 months when placed in the right environment. All of the packaging is compostable at industrial facilities, and most are also home-compostable. TIPA’s packaging is certified as compostable in the U.S., Europe and Australia. 

What does it mean for the consumer and planet?

Nissenbaum: When a consumer uses compostable packaging, and composts it properly, the consumer is not only reducing plastic waste, but is actually creating something new — compost — that nourishes the Earth instead of harming it. Using this compost on agricultural fields can increase crop yields, reduce planet-warming carbon in the atmosphere and help fields retain water, cutting back on irrigation needs. With plastic packaging making up 40% of all plastic waste in the world, a shift to compostable packaging in the food and fashion industries will make a huge difference. 

How are the bags being used?

Nissenbaum: TIPA focuses on two industries for compostable packaging: food and fashion. 

Over 60% of flexible plastic packaging is consumed by the food industry. TIPA works with local farmers and larger importers to provide compostable packaging for their fresh and frozen produce and dry foods, including Sunrays to package their grapes, Fresh Harvest for their produce delivery service and InstaBrew to package their coffee cubes. Fresh Harvest even uses a collection service to ensure that the packaging is being composted.

The fashion industry uses copious amounts of plastic — an estimated 180 billion polybags per year — throughout the supply chain, and brands are slowly beginning to adopt more sustainable options. TIPA works with these brands to provide compostable poly bags to store and protect the merchandise from the elements throughout the supply chain: from large packaging for shipping in bulk, to small packaging for shipping individual items to the consumer. Some examples include Pangaia, Le Col Far Afield, Isadore and Scotch & Soda. And, most recently announced, Apiece Apart has replaced all of their packaging with TIPA’s compostable alternative — for all levels of the supply chain. 

Does TIPA donate to nonprofit causes? 

Nissenbaum: We donate our time volunteering in several nonprofits, especially those that promote sustainability. Moreover, we send our packaging to schools and other institutions, for sustainability education.

Does TIPA use recycled or recyclable packaging in the office?

Nissenbaum: TIPA’s headquarters strives to be as sustainable as possible, sorting waste, never using disposable tableware, etc. We are also aware that recycling often doesn’t provide a good solution. In fact, only 9% of plastic produced in the world is actually recycled. That is why we often choose glass and other reusable tableware.

Do you offer Fair Trade work?

Nissenbaum: The TIPA model is fabless, which means we have no factories or plants. We use the facilities that are already available. Moreover, we only ship within continents, never between them. This is how we ensure sustainability throughout the whole process. TIPA does its best effort to only work with suppliers, manufacturers and converters who uphold the Fair Trade working conditions. 

What are TIPA’s goals for sustainable manufacturing, and what progress have you made so far? 

Nissenbaum: TIPA aims to have production and the conversion of plastic rolls into bags performed as local to its customers as possible to remove the environmental damage done by shipping across the world. TIPA has converters in Europe, and the U.S. (Midwest), and plans to expand to Canada and other parts of the U.S. 

What else is to be done for a sustainable future?

Nissenbaum: We as humans are poisoning the earth as we try to meet our daily basic needs of food and clothing. In addition to striving for sustainable products, like ethically-sourced textiles and locally-grown produce, we need better ways to package these goods in order to really make a difference. Almost everything we eat or wear comes wrapped in plastic. We need to change that, or our planet will continue to suffer: we’re already drowning in microplastics and struggling with rising temperatures that threaten our future.

When it comes to sustainability in the food and fashion industries, we must think holistically. We must consider both the sources of products and materials, as well as their end-of-life. And we need to make sure that consumers have access to the waste services they need in order to easily and correctly dispose of sustainable alternatives like compostable packaging.

+ TIPA

Images via TIPA 

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Shoes made out of unused dildos feel like dancing on clouds

You might be thinking, “Wait — Shoes made from what now?!”

This is even printed on a greeting card when you buy a pair with the title all in caps, “Sustainability because f*ck you.” It sums up the entire vibe for Rose in Good Faith, a Los Angeles-based company that combines modern and luxury apparel, accessories and footwear. They’re in Nordstroms and have partnered with celebrities, including Machine Gun Kelly and Lil Wayne. But, more importantly, they are all about quality over quantity and the materials they use in their products. 

Related: Buy a pair of these luxury shoes made out of dildos

Mentioned on their website are their three stages of responsibility: transparency, up-cycling and innovation. These three values are especially apparent in their Plastic Soul shoes, which not only look unique, but is upcycled with unused sex toys from Doc Johnson. Basically, they managed to turn dildos into shoes and make them fashionable and comfortable.

The Plastic Soul shoes come in three colors, the latest called Crème Brulee ($135), followed by Endless Black ($145) and, the one that started it all, Cloud Dancer ($130). I was curious how well dildos actually feel on your feet — to my delight, I was sent a pair of Cloud Dancer to find out.

A big box of surprises

The shoes came in an elegant or ominous (you decide) cardboard black box. After opening, a red box was nestled inside wrapped in a simple black ribbon bow. Within that red box was a durable black cloth bag and, finally, within the bag was the shoes wrapped in paper. I have to applaud Rose in Good Faith for the grandeur, the suspense they built in their packaging. 

I will definitely be reusing the cloth bag as a book bag or for travel. And the red box, indeed, can be reused for storage. At the same time, however, it does seem excessive, but what do you expect from a $130 shoe? Good news is that there were no plastic use, aside from the shoes, that is.

Art on your feet

The Plastic Soul shoes are elegant and effortless in fabrication. The specific materials that they are made out of are unused thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. These are the same materials used in sex toys, medical tubing, cables and many other items because it’s moldable, has electrical resistance and is hypoallergenic. Inside, the insole is made from natural, recycled cork lined with organic cotton and designed with an arch support to provide all-day comfort.

In person, the shoes look a lot chunkier than the photos, but still retains its funky and futuristic design. Another thing to note is that it’s designed to be worn slightly loose. Depending on the shoe company, I wear either a six or a six and a half in U.S. women, so I was expecting a tight fit. However, if I scooched my feet all the way to the top, I could still stick my index finger to measure the amount of space left. When I walked in them, my feet don’t slide a lot and they are wonderful for any casual wear.   

Wearing it out

According to the sticker on the insole, it’s going to be stiff, but you have to wear the shoe for six to nine hours for it to mold to your feet. However, it’s already so comfortable from the get-go and the more you wear it, the squishier it gets. I’ve worn it a couple of times running errands and grabbing lunch and, honestly, it lives up to being an everyday shoe. 

I’m one of those people that put up with laces for the snug feel and because Velcro straps for adult shoes are minimal. Therefore, this is a slippery slope for me to just wear the Plastic Soul every time I need to go somewhere. I am a sloth, and when a fashion item combines comfort with style, it’s endgame for me. 

Furthermore, it is apparently waterproof, but with the cutout design, I suggest it best not to get it too soaked unless you want your feet wet. And as for how it cleans, the material looks like it’s easy enough to wipe down, but that is yet to be seen as time wears on. 

The everyday shoe for everyone

Perhaps a little poetic, the company said it best, “The Plastic Soul by Rose In Good Faith evokes the energy of sustainability, sexual freedom and purpose.”

If you are someone who has been on the lookout for a slip-on, everyday footwear with a special, chunky design to it, the Plastic Soul may be a match made in heaven. And, with the cream and black colors, those are great options if white doesn’t seem like for you. The price tag is rather hefty, but if it lives up the name, these shoes will last for a good long time. All euphemisms aside, the shoe is inventive and wearable by anyone. 

And, if someone compliments you on your shoes, you can say to them, “Thanks, they’re made from dildos.”

+ Rose in Good Faith

Images via Rose in Good Faith

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Rose in Good Faith. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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