These detergents are eco-friendly, cruelty and waste free

SaltyLama laundry strips just launched in the U.S., creating an eco-friendly way to do your laundry. Their detergents are gentle on clothes, cruelty-free and reduce waste with fully compostable packaging.

We’re hearing more and more about how plastic waste is an epidemic on our planet. Millions of tons of plastics end up in the ocean every year, and the problem is getting worse. Every year in the U.S., up to 68% of laundry detergent jugs are not recycled after use and 700 million laundry detergent jugs are thrown away.

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

By removing the plastic detergent bottle, SaltyLama, a startup out of Luxembourg, created an eco-friendly laundry alternative that also saves space. Laundry strips are water soluble sheets that look just like dryer sheets used for clothes softening. In this case, these laundry strips are also vegan friendly. Additionally, the lighter weight and smaller size of the packaging reduces transport loads and carbon emissions during delivery.

Furthermore, SaltyLama laundry strips come in three scents: fresh scent, baby blossom and fragrance-free. One package lasts up to 34 loads of laundry. We love the fragrance-free option. Many people who are eco-conscious consumers are also careful about the chemicals they use in their home and on their skin.

Why is it possible to save this much space and waste? Laundry detergent is mostly water weight. If you take the plastic and the water waste out of the equation, all you’re left with is gentle detergent and a compostable box. You can buy a box at Amazon.

+ SaltyLama

Images via SaltyLama

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Green roofs cover this sustainable school in Prague

Architecture firm XTOPIX has won first prize in an architectural competition for the design of Komořany Elementary School in Prague. The school utilizes green roofs, rainwater capture and recycled materials to build a unique facility that follows the grade of a sloping property in a natural area.

The engineering of the new school building was handled by AED, with landscape done by Land05. Landscaping was important in this school’s layout because the building follows a northern sloping plot adjacent to a forest at the edge of Prague. “We perceive the plot as a connecting transition between the forest and the new public infrastructure,” the designers said, “a transition between the wild and the cultivated.” The structure follows the slope of the plot, connecting floors of the building to the corresponding height levels of the surrounding terrain and nearby streets.

Related: Cranbrook School teaches environmental stewardship

“Three volumes with the same footprint are set on top of each other, cascading towards the forest and therefore creating the residential roofs,” XTOPIX stated. “We place the school as close to the eastern edge of the plot as possible. Towards the northwest, we create a recessed entrance corner. By doing so we define the gathering place under the oaks for pupils – a school piazzetta made of coloured permeable concrete, which allows chalk drawing and children’s games.”

At the site’s western border, the architects created a green strip with a school garden. Inside the lobby on the main floor, there are various levels of planted spaces. The highest part of the school is closest to the forest and contains classrooms and sports facilities. This area has a separate entrance near a series of green roofs atop the school. Even the sports field and gymnasiums are located on a grade with one above the other.

The architects used recycled plastic KLP panels for the building facade, which is maintenance-free and recyclable. Another building material is of Czech invention and called Rebeton. It’s a recycled concrete that uses building rubble and nano-mixtures instead of natural aggregate. Another sustainable element, rainwater management, supports the drainage of the sloping property to a nearby stream.

“The landscape is conceptually designed to contrast between the natural area around the school and on the rooftops with the urban character of the entry area,” the designers said. “Komořany is located on the border between the open countryside and the city, where the forest is the greatest natural feature of the area…In terms of species, we work with the natural vegetation of oak groves, which represent domestic oaks, hornbeams and babyka maple.”

+ XTOPIX

Visualizations by Jan Drška

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Razer x Cariuma shoes focus on environmental education

Cariuma established itself as a conscientious company with prior sneaker releases made using natural materials. The company is dedicated to reforestation too, as seen by its commitment to plant trees with each shoe sale. The most recent collaboration is with Razer, a notable gaming brand. The partnership brings trendy, collectible shoes paired with a focus on environmental education and support. 

The Razer x Cariuma OCA Low All Black Canvas sneakers are made using the same process as others in the Cariuma product line-up. The highly-rated style is popular among a range of customers, including skaters, surfers and everyday trend keepers. But this sneaker brings in a cute and identifiable mascot, Sneki Snek, directly from Razer. 

Related: Cariuma teams up with Mike Vallely for 100% vegan shoes

Razer provides hardware, software, supplies and services to the gaming community. They are dedicated to maintaining a low carbon footprint in the process. #GoGreenWithRazer campaign builds a community of like-minded protectors for the planet. The goal is to engage youth and millennials into taking action in favor of environmental protections. 

On the other hand, Cariuma, with its established association with green initiatives, sees this partnership as a way to promote both brands. Simultaneously, the partnership launches a campaign to inspire the next generation of planetary guardians.

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with Razer for this limited-edition sneaker, such an incredible brand made by gamers for gamers,” said Cofounder of Cariuma Fernando Porto. “We thought it could be a great cause for us to support together in this collaboration. Together, we can touch more people and share our messages in a stronger and more effective way.”

The shoes are available in a OCA High ($98) and OCA Low option ($79). Each shoe is handcrafted using GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, natural rubber and recycled plastics. They are 100% vegan with memory foam insoles made from organic mamona oil and cork. The certified organic cotton used for the shoe’s uppers is grown using regenerative farming practices that are void of pesticides and fertilizers known to contribute to air and water pollution. Rubber for the shoes is ethically tapped from hevea brasiliensis trees, removing the sap from the bark without endangering the health of the tree. 

Furthermore, the special collaboration between two sustainably-minded companies calls for an additional focus on giving back to nature. Therefore, for every pair sold, the company will save 10 trees through a partnership with Conservation International.

In addition to focusing on a healthy planet, Cariuma is dedicated to creating a healthy work environment for employees. Cariuma is B-corp certified, meaning it meets high standards for accountability and transparency. This is in regards to material selection, manufacturing, employee benefits and charitable giving.

Similarly, Razer is committed to eradicating single-use plastics across all its offices. They invest in reusable and eco-friendly office products to ensure operations will be 100% carbon neutral. Also, they aims to significantly reduce business-related air travel to further lower its carbon footprint. The company is currently converting all office locations to 100% renewable energy, with two offices already meeting that goal and the rest scheduled for conversion by 2025.

Product Review

With a 17-year-old rabid gamer in the house, I readily accepted the offer to present him with a pair of the Razer x Cariuma OCA Low All Black Canvas Sneakers. First I sent him a veiled text asking if he was familiar with the Razer brand. The response was a predictable eye roll and “of course,” so I requested a sample in his name, which quickly arrived a few days later. 

The shoes were packaged in a sturdy box made from recyclable materials and zero plastic in sight. In fact, each pair of shoes comes with two pairs of shoelaces that are made from recycled plastic. Otherwise, the shoes refrain from using plastic.

My son’s face lit up when he opened the box. He commented the black color with the notable lime green accents as “cool.” Sneki Snek is undeniably adorable and makes a statement about sustainable action in the trendiest ways.

Then he put the shoes on and wore them around to try them out. He said they were comfortable, unlike many similar styles that have little to no support and rigid design. The shoes are about ½-size too big, but don’t slip when he walks. They’re the perfect match for his favorite black jeans and even his anything-other-than-trendy brother comments on how cool they are every time he sees them. 

In short, Sneki Snek, Cariuma and Razer are a hit with the gamers in my house. 

+ Cariuma x Razer

Images via Cariuma

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

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Eco-concrete blocks are used to protect sea life

Concrete is now being used to help save the planet. Introducing ECOncrete, a new product shaped into unique pods. When they are installed along marinas, they can help prevent shoreline erosion and create habitat for wildlife. These interesting building blocks can also be used to build waterfront infrastructure and offshore foundations for renewable energy projects.

How is it eco-friendly? ECOncrete sequesters carbon. It mimics stable shoreline structures, such as boulders, which create caves and surfaces for marine life to latch onto. The company that created ECOncrete completed 40 installations of these pods in six countries. The company works with a number of partners, including the U.S. Department of Energy, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Port of San Diego.

Related: These recycled plastic concrete blocks are zero-waste

Made of a special additive added to concrete, “admixture,” the blocks comply with coastal and marine construction standards. The “admixture” creates a chemically-balanced concrete that’s healthier for marine ecosystems. The blocks also have a longer than average lifespan.

Furthermore, what makes this product different than normal concrete is that it’s made up of three components. It works to reduce the ecological footprint of concrete while also creating new opportunities for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Then, texture agents such as mold-modifying agents, finishes and liners create a surface for marine life to thrive. The molds are also shaped in a way that is structurally helpful to the concrete. Also, it is the right shape to mimic natural wildlife habitat.

Altogether, this results in 700% increased carbon sequestration and 200% more species biodiversity than use of normal concrete for marine infrastructure projects.

+ ECOncrete

Images via ECOncrete

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Naytra Couture's sustainable silk clothing uplifts artisans

Naytra Couture designs sustainable silk women’s clothing. The sustainable couture pieces include shirts, tunics and scarves — all made with zero plastics. “We have adopted an absolutely no plastic policy. We use 100% pure mulberry silk – no man-made fiber at all,” the company stated. Naytra Couture also works with manufacturing partners that are Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certified, and all packaging is eco-friendly.

“Your Naytra tunic or scarf will come in a special design cotton bag, with a recycled paper box and with hand-tags made out from recycled paper,” the designers said.

Related: Luxury vegan silk startup sets high bar for sustainable fashion

How does Naytra Couture work? The company partners with female folk artists in Indian villages who create clothing designs based on traditional artwork motifs. As the Naytra Couture website explains, working with these artisans helps keep “the ancient folk art of Madhubani (meaning a “forest of honey”) alive.” The result is one-of-a-kind wearable art made of 100% silk.

This female-founded, female-run company is driven by three key principles. These principles include eliminating the middleman to work with artists directly and pay them a fair wage. Additionally, the company donates a portion of its profits to support the elimination of curable blindness. Naytra, pronounced “neh-trah,” means “eyes” in Hindi and Sanskrit. This sustainable fashion house believes “our eyes are a window to our inner world — our feelings, thoughts and views of the universe.” Finally, the company’s third guiding principle is to “help mother earth by creating keepsake garments versus fast fashion.”

Each tunic or scarf created by Naytra Couture is based on an artisan’s original painting. The designs are brightly colored, with animal and jungle motifs. If you’re looking for a statement piece or a treat to top off your wardrobe, Naytra Couture is a sustainable choice that uplifts underserved communities and helps make the world a better place.

+ Naytra Couture

Images via Naytra Couture

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Make your outdoors amazing with these sustainable furniture

Outer outdoor furniture is sustainably-made and gorgeous to look at. The materials are also tough and long-lasting. To top it all off, the design is a blueprint for a sustainable future in furniture.

Outer furniture is made with OuterShell fabric, a patented durable material made out of 100% recycled materials. It rolls out over the cushions to provide protection against daily weather, dirt and debris.

Related: This outdoor furniture line uses upcycled rice hulls that outperform wood

Furthermore, furniture here is constructed with items like all-weather wicker, teak and aluminum. The all-weather wicker is handmade and built over a steel frame while the frames are hand-welded. A master welder assembles each item using synthetic wicker. It’s a proprietary material made with polyethylene, a material that is completely recyclable.

On the other hand, the teak is part of a sustainability program. For each teak tree harvested, three new saplings are planted. Just one teak tree can absorb 10 kilograms of carbon every single year. So each new tree that is planted is one more step toward saving the Earth. It is also responsibly-sourced.

Additionally, the entire teak collection from Outer is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This is the leading international authority on sustainable forest management. The certification guarantees the teak wood is harvested from sustainably managed forests.

Outer also focuses on taking a sustainable approach through every single phase of manufacturing and shipping. First, durable materials are carefully selected. Materials are repurposed and everything is easy to recycle.

Moreover, all the fabric is a durable woven yard that is resistant to UV light and color fading. It also won’t create dye runoff that ends up in the water supply. There’s a nano-coating on the material, making it resistant to stains and water and easy to clean. Best of all, it’s completely recyclable.

Complete your outdoor furniture set with a rug made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers. PET is used to make plastic bottles and a bunch of other single-use items that are creating huge environmental problems. Instead of filling up the ocean, this plastic becomes new rugs. Thanks to the way they’re made, these rugs are resistant to stains and fading.

+ Outer

Images via Outer

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Fun and creative ideas for upcycling leftover candy wrappers

If you look at candy wrappers as nothing more than food waste, it’s time to get the creative juices flowing! While you’re busy noshing on a chewy Starburst, enjoying a bite of dark chocolate with a cup of tea, or discussing the right way to nibble through a peanut butter cup, place your wrappers aside for some crafty upcycling fun when the candy is gone. 

All shapes and sizes of wrappers can act as material for myriad sweet creations. The best part, aside from recycling materials to keep them out of the trash, is these simple reminders of tasty treats bring joy. Who can look at a York Peppermint Patty or Tootsie Roll package and not crack at least a bit of a grin?

Related: What should you do with all your holiday trash?

Cadbury coin purse

This project keeps full-sized packaging mostly intact, so it’s likely to incite a wicked craving. The pattern offered up by Punkin Patterns uses Skittles or M&M bags, so you may want to start there. With a zipper, some small pieces of fabric and a few other supplies, you’ll have this project zipped up in no time. 

Dubble Bubble decoupage

The only limitation here is your imagination. Think of candy wrappers as colorful bits of paper and go nuts designing patterns with the different words, shapes, images and colors. Fold them, tear them or keep them intact. Lay them into a unique or repetitive design to your liking. 

Decoupage lamp bases for a game room, cover light switch covers in the kitchen and make framed art for the reading nook. Make coasters, vases for a bouquet of Valentine’s Day roses, or put together a pattern for your favorite small table. You can also decoupage your recipe box, binder or album, serving bowls, and serving trays. Have fun with the yum!

Oh Henry origami

Again, when you think of candy wrappers as simple, colorful paper, the world opens into a new, sweet dimension. With origami, you can decide whether you want the result to resemble the original package or just take advantage of the design. Either way, origami techniques leave you with decorative shapes and interesting animals. It’s a great art project for kids’ hands. The practice helps develop fine motor skills. It’s also good therapy for those recovering from a stroke or other event that affects dexterity. 

Jujubes jewelry

Making jewelry out of the wrappers, box materials or other packaging from candy yields wearable art that takes viewers right back to their childhood highlight reel. Perhaps friends, family and co-workers will find as much joy wearing candy wrapper art as they did discovering the goodies the first time around. 

Choose your wrappers. Then get busy twisting, folding and bending them into shape. Connect them into a bracelet or necklace. Attach hardware for earrings. You can even make a bracelet from a single flat wrapper.

Mentos mosaic wall art

Where Picasso had paint, you have Warheads and Whoppers wrappers. The beauty of this project is the limitless possibilities. Choose everything from the size of artwork to the colors, pattern, texture and design. You can go with a theme like balloons, landscapes or puppies. Consider creating a portrait, indoor or outdoor plants, pottery, or a meandering pathway. 

Bits of wrappers can spell words, and similar or contrasting colors from various wrappers can bring in a vibrant mosaic appeal. One really creative design is to use a particular brand of wrappers, such as Butterfinger. Then use pieces of many packages to ‘rebuild’ a Butterfinger as the final piece of art — made from many. 

Heath hair bow

This cute and creative hair clip by Doodlecraft makes a fun accessory for a costume, class party, or birthday girl. Whatever the event, recycling a candy wrapper into a hair bow is quick, easy, and can be just the solution you need in a pinch.

Candy curtain

There are many ways to go about creating a candy curtain. Start by shaping your candy wrappers into bows, origami animals or another design that matches your theme. Attach the candy wrappers to strands of fishing line or dental floss, ensuring they lay the right way when the curtain is hanging. Fill different strands to the height you desire. Once you’ve completed all of them, you can attach them to a doorway or tie them to a hoop hanging from the ceiling. Who knows, your candy curtain may become a permanent part of your interior design. 

Candy crafts are both a fun way to insert a sweet smile into the world and a thoughtful nod toward the environment. Enjoy a bit of both and come away with a cute gift, a useful addition or a colorful accessory. 

Via Wonder How-to, Bob Vila, Punkin Patterns and Doodlecraft Blog

Images via Pexels and Pixabay

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