Posts in Lifestyle Two

How to Enjoy Your Winter in 2023-2024

Winter can be a somewhat divisive season. While some might be looking forward to winter wonderlands, the Holidays, and nights in, others might dread winter coming for the same reasons, especially those who live in colder climates and experience harsher weather this season. But even the people who spend the warm months dreaming of chillier days can find their mood worsening as the days get shorter and the nights longer.

That's why, as the season changes and winter marches towards us, it is essential that regardless of our stance on the season, we find ways to enjoy winter and prioritize our well-being to spend the next few months feeling as happy as we can. To help you enjoy this winter and those to come, in this article, we will share some sustainable tips and tricks to enjoy the winter months by getting in touch with nature and following the season's natural rhythms.

Let's create a cozy home environment

For better or for worse, winter is the season of slowness and stillness. After all, many animals, like chipmunks and bears, hibernate to save energy and survive these darker months. While we might not be able (or willing to) to bypass this period in full by dozing it off, we might want to take a page out of our fellow animals' book and embrace rest and coziness in the coming season by creating a cozy home environment.

This endeavor can look like many different things depending on your budget, the amount of time you have on your hands, or even the degree to which you are free to modify your home, but the goal is adding warmth and comfort to your living space regardless. Regarding décor, you can get some soft blankets, rugs, and pillows from your favorite thrift store or by lighting your space with soft lights placed below eye level, like table lamps instead of ceiling lights.

Bringing some natural elements inside the house, like seasonal flowers or herb cuttings, can also make your place homelier and more comfortable by giving it a lovely organic touch.

Another easy way to create an inviting home atmosphere is by ensuring that it smells nice. To accomplish this, ventilate your home regularly to eliminate stale air and foul smells, and fill your place with fragrance with a petroleum-free candle or a wintery simmer pot. By implementing these simple changes, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that will make nights-in much more enjoyable.

Enjoy winter fashion more by creating new sustainable winter outfits

Fashion can be a powerful tool and a lot of fun. The right outfit can improve your mood and make you excited about the day ahead. The same goes for seasons, as creating new outfits you look forward to wearing in the coming months can also make you look forward to the upcoming season.

Finding the perfect balance between style and warmth is vital to genuinely enjoying winter fashion, so embrace layering and the rich, thick textures that characterize the more winter fabrics, and don't forget to have fun with wintery accessories like hats, gloves, and earmuffs not only for warmth but also to give your outfits some extra pizzazz.

To make this process sustainable as well as fun, build your winter outfits with the clothes you already have at home, and if you find yourself in need of some new winter-appropriate clothing, try to get them secondhand, borrow them, or if you have a bigger budget, get them from ethical and sustainable fashion companies.

With the right toasty outfits that suit your taste and make you feel good about yourself, you are ready to enjoy the season ahead.

Give restful activities and hobbies a try for a cozy, rejuvenating winter

Making time for restful activities can maximize your enjoyment of this time of year, as winter, with the weather turning colder and the days getting shorter, is the perfect season to settle into relaxation and embrace the comfort of cozy indoor activities.

Even if you tend to opt for more active, outdoorsy downtime activities, you can still find a more relaxing indoor pastime to enjoy during the colder days of the year. After all, there are plenty of choices: reading, knitting, drawing, or watching movies can all enhance your enjoyment of this cozy season.

Curling up with a good book or watching movies this season can allow you to escape to new, fantastic worlds. That effect is maximized if you pick a film or a novel filled with wintery vibes. On the other hand, activities like crocheting or painting can help de-stress by engaging your head and hands with a soothing, repetitive task, at the end of which you will end up with a lovely, handmade addition to your home.

By taking some time to engage in any of these restful activities, you can better embrace the beauty and tranquility of the winter season, finding joy in everyday moments of relaxation.

Connect with nature's rhythm by spending time outside

Winter has understated, quiet beauty. Connecting with nature's slower winter rhythm by spending time in nature can be a lovely way to appreciate the season's gentle beauty and create a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

If the weather allows, going on walks at the nearest parks, exploring local trails, going on a staycation to the mountains, or just enjoying the snow in your area can help you soothe your soul by giving you a chance to reconnect with nature and observe the seasons change the landscape, the plants and the animals that live in your region.

On these little adventures, you surely won't be bored, as, with its milky skies, fragrant and crispy air, and delicate snowflakes, winter does offer you plenty of natural wonders to enjoy even without going far from home.

In addition to its benefits for the soul, spending time outside will bring your mind and body many health benefits year-round while acting as a natural mood-booster, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. So get your comfortable winter shoes, don your favorite scarf, go outside, and let nature help you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Embrace the beauty of home-cooked, seasonal meals

The chiller, darker winter days are the perfect time to indulge in homemade, comforting, warming meals and embrace the joys of making and eating meals you love. Spending time at home, in your kitchen, and experimenting with cozy meals made with local, seasonal foods is a fantastic way to get into the spirit of winter sustainably and appreciate the hearty, tantalizing flavors of the coldest season.

Turn on the stove, preheat your oven, and take out your favorite dinnerware to prepare and savor cold season classics like strews, soups, and savory pies with wintery ingredients like root vegetables, squash, and leafy greens. Prioritizing local and seasonal produce as much as you can will not only allow you to support local farmers and businesses but also ensure that the ingredients you are employing are at their peak flavor and freshness, making our meals more sustainable and tastier.

This is the perfect recipe to bring into your life a more profound sense of connection to your local community and nature this winter and beyond.

Take some time to socialize and build connections

During the colder season, the word "self-care" might evoke images of warm baths or piping-hot drinks enjoyed under a thick, cozy blanket. While a healthy dose of alone downtime is vital to recharge our batteries after demanding days and to pursue our hobbies and interests, socializing and building connections are just as crucial to our physical and mental well-being, even in winter.

Spending time with our loved ones and meeting new people might feel more accessible during the warm season while the sun shines bright, the days never seem to end, and spending time outside feels like a no-brainer. But even though going out might feel counterintuitive as the days get shorter, trying to set aside some time to socialize is still beneficial. Humans, after all, are social animals, and our need for community and friendships doesn't drop when temperatures do.

Take this upcoming season as an occasion to host brunches and dinner parties for your friends and family or to find out what kind of "third places" your area has to offer and explore them with your loved ones. Regarding new connections, taking some classes can be an excellent way to make new friends in winter, especially for those who work for themselves or from home.

Winter is the season of slowness and rest. Embracing winter and following its natural rhythm can help us appreciate the beauty and wisdom of the Earth and recharge along with the rest of the natural world, making this a season we can welcome with open arms rather than a time to dread. We hope that with these simple, planet-friendly tips and tricks, we can help you create a more enjoyable winter experience this year.

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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A Guide to Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Christmas Trees

Having a Christmas tree for the festive season is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. It all started in present-day Germany, but as centuries passed, it became widespread all across Europe. The tradition was later exported to the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Still to this day, most families who celebrate Christmas love having a decorated tree in their homes during the holidays. But now that we can choose between real and artificial trees, many people wonder which option is better for the planet.

For the longest time, I thought that fake Christmas trees were more eco-friendly as I believed it was bad to chop down trees to enjoy them for just a few weeks. Was I right? Read on to find out!

In this article, you will learn about how sustainable both real and artificial trees are, and how you can minimize the environmental footprint of your tree whichever you choose to have.

How sustainable are real, natural Christmas trees?

The environmental benefits of real Christmas trees

Trees are some of the most important resources we have on our planet: they help combat climate change and come with many benefits for ecosystems and wildlife. But does that mean that cutting down a tree to enjoy it for a few weeks at most is bad? Not really.

According to Anne Mari Cobb from the Soil Association Forestry, the majority of Christmas trees are grown as horticultural crops and are not sourced from pre-existing forests. It means that by picking a real tree for the holiday season, you are not contributing to deforestation and habitat loss.

Buying a Christmas tree from a properly managed farm can even help support forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. In fact, out of the 350 to 500 million Christmas trees growing on farms in the United States, only 30 million of them are harvested each year. So for each tree that is cut for the holidays, there are more than 10 times as many trees left standing on the farms.

What’s even better is that every time someone purchases a real Christmas tree, farms plant one to three seedlings in its place. As a result, when you buy a real tree, you are financially supporting those farms and helping them maintain forests.

These forests are vital for countless species that depend on them to survive, like mammals, birds, and insects. They also provide many benefits to the local environment as they help purify the air and groundwater and they stabilize the soil.

Trees also absorb CO2 and remove it from the atmosphere: it is estimated that Christmas tree farms in the US sequester around 35 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This number is equivalent to the amount of CO2 generated to provide electricity to three million people for a year!

Another great thing about real Christmas trees is that they are entirely biodegradable and can be recycled when we no longer want them. For instance, trees can be chipped and used as mulch in parks and gardens. They can even be used as bird nesting grounds or fish habitats, and they are great for preserving freshwater marshes and preventing beach erosion.

But there are issues we cannot ignore

As with most mass-produced crops, the majority of Christmas trees are heavily treated and sprayed with pesticides and fertilizers during their growing phase.

63% of Christmas trees produced in the United States are grown in six states (Oregon, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas). In these six states alone, trees are sprayed with around 270,000 pounds of pesticides every single year.

Not only is the quantity of pesticides used astronomical, but most of those pesticides are also highly toxic to human health, wildlife and ecosystems. Farmers are exposed to high levels of chemicals, which may lead to serious health issues in the long run.

Pesticides and fertilizers also end up in the soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways. Over time, this can cause eutrophication, a process by which a body of water contains too many inorganic nutrients. As the quality of water deteriorates, eutrophication can create dead zones where aquatic fauna and flora cannot survive.

Another issue is that Christmas tree farms rely on huge petroleum-driven equipment to harvest their trees. Since the farms are incredibly massive and contain very few roads, the harvested trees are often helicoptered out of the fields.

Then, machines are used to wrap them in twine, and the Christmas trees are loaded onto trucks and trains to be shipped to distribution centers around the country. Some farms use refrigerated trucks or containers, which have an even bigger environmental footprint.

Finally, according to the Carbon Trust, the carbon footprint of a natural, 2-meter-tall Christmas tree that is sent to a landfill is 16kg of CO2. This is 80% more than if the tree is replanted or chipped to be reused in the garden (around 3.5kg of CO2).

And the issue is that, after the holiday season, a large portion of (natural) Christmas trees are discarded in landfills. Plus, when a tree decomposes in a landfill, it releases greenhouse gas emissions, including methane which is more than 25 times as potent as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere, thus contributing to global warming.

Are artificial trees better for the environment?

In the United States, around 10 million fake Christmas trees are bought every year for the holidays. But are they more eco-friendly than real trees?

The main benefit of artificial trees is that they can be reused for many years, if not decades if stored and taken care of properly. And the longer we keep and use them, the more their environmental impact is reduced.

However, we need to take into account the fact that their total environmental footprint is substantial and we cannot ignore it.

Most fake Christmas trees are made from metal and polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC), a type of plastic that can contain harmful substances like lead and other toxins. During its whole life cycle, PVC causes serious problems for human health as well as the environment.

To produce PVC, manufacturers use a lot of chlorine, which contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer and is the building block of many environmental issues.

Producing PVC also creates dioxin, a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates and stays in the environment for long periods of time. It is believed to be one of the most toxic chemicals we can find.

But that is not all: PVC is also made from petroleum. The oil industry is one of the least sustainable in the world, massively contributing to water, air, and soil pollution as well as global warming.

We should also take into consideration where artificial Christmas trees are manufactured: around 80% of them are produced in China, where electricity is usually generated by burning one of the most polluting fuel sources, coal. Once they are made, they are then shipped across the world in diesel-fuel-powered ships to reach their final markets.

So both the production and transportation processes generate huge quantities of CO2 emissions. In total, it is estimated that a two-meter fake Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, an issue we should not ignore when it comes to artificial trees is that even though they can be reused many times, the average family keeps them for about five to six years. Plus, according to a 2017 survey, 14% of people said that they prefer discarding their fake tree after only one use.

Because of the materials artificial trees are made from, they cannot be recycled or composted. As a result, those that are thrown away end up in a landfill where they will stay for hundreds of years. In the meantime, they will shed tiny particles of plastic that will pollute the nearby environment and be ingested by local wildlife.

So, should you buy a real or a fake Christmas tree?

This question is not simple. There are positives and negatives on both sides, whether you choose a natural or a fake Christmas tree. Choosing the more sustainable option will depend on your lifestyle, your circumstances, and what is available to you.

If we take a closer look at the numbers, we can see that artificial Christmas trees have a carbon footprint that is 2.5 times larger than that of a real tree discarded in a landfill. But if the natural tree is recycled into mulch or burned (not sent to landfills), the carbon footprint of a fake tree is 10 times bigger.

In other words, an artificial Christmas tree is a more eco-friendly option if it will be reused for at least 10 holiday seasons compared to if you were to buy a commercially grown tree every year.

To sum up, a real tree has a lower environmental footprint per holiday season, but the longer a fake tree is reused, the more its impact is reduced.

However, we also need to take into account our individual situations. If you already have an artificial Christmas tree, it makes more sense to keep reusing it year after year instead of buying a natural one.

But if you do not already have a fake tree, it might be more sustainable to buy a real one if you have access to locally grown trees nearby and you can recycle it after Christmas. On the other hand, if you live in a tropical climate, choosing a real tree might not be the best option as it would need to be shipped halfway across the world to arrive in your home.

Also, ask yourself if you have the space to store an artificial tree in your home. If you live in a tiny apartment with no storage space, a fake tree might not be practical and you may prefer a small natural one.

Finally, would you be able to recycle or dispose of a natural tree responsibly? If you cannot burn or compost it, and your city does not offer to take them back to recycle them, you should probably go for an artificial tree. But only if you commit to reusing it season after season.

Helpful tips for a more sustainable Christmas tree

In the end, whether you choose to buy a fake or a real tree for the holidays, there are different things you can do to help reduce the environmental footprint of your Christmas tree.

How to make your artificial tree more eco-friendly?

Since fake trees have a significant environmental footprint if only used once, the best thing you can do if you choose to buy an artificial tree or if you already have one is to reuse it for as many years as possible.

So try to take good care of it and make sure to store it properly when not in use. Commit to using it for many years, ideally decades. Even better, pass it down to the next generation. This will drastically reduce its environmental impact!

To be able to reuse it for many years, invest in a high-quality tree that will stand the test of time, and that you will be able to repair if it breaks.

If you can find an artificial tree second-hand, it is even better as no new tree has to be produced and you are giving a new life to a pre-loved one. From thrift stores to online marketplaces, there are many places where you can buy a used Christmas tree.

If you cannot find a second-hand tree, you could choose a new tree that is made with recycled materials or wood. These are less common than plastic trees, but they are a lot more unique (and sustainable)!

You could even build one yourself using natural materials or upcycled elements you can find in nature, like branches and pine cones. This would be a super fun project if you love being creative, so check Pinterest for DIY Christmas tree ideas.

How to choose a more sustainable, natural tree?

If you and your family prefer a real tree to a fake one, there are also many things you can do to make it more eco-friendly.

For instance, you could buy a still-living tree that still has the root ball attached and replant it once the holidays are over. Of course, this only applies if you live in an appropriate climate and have a garden. But it is a great option because the tree will be able to continue to provide fresh air and a home for wildlife for many more years.

Similarly, if you live in an apartment with a balcony, you can buy a potted tree that you will be able to bring inside for the holidays and leave outside for the rest of the year.

Another sustainable option is to choose a Christmas tree grown on an organic farm. Organic farms do not spray pesticides and other harmful chemicals on their trees, so it is a lot better for the environment.

Unfortunately, only one-tenth of the 30 million real trees sold every year in the United States are organic or certified natural. So it is more complicated to find organic trees, but it is definitely possible.

So check if there is an organic tree farm in your local area, you never know! But if organic trees are not available to you, try to find ones that are FSC-certified, or at least, grown locally.

Some companies also allow us to rent a tree for the festive season. After Christmas, they take it back and replant it until the following year. The tree can be re-rented for seven years on average, and after that, it will be planted for good so that it can continue to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Finally, make sure to always dispose of your tree in a responsible way, and do not send it to a landfill. There are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs in the United States, so check if your city offers to take your tree back.

You can also compost it, or chip it and use it as mulch in your garden. And, you can even chop it into firewood so that it can heat your home during the winter.

Conclusion

Both real and artificial Christmas trees have a negative impact on the planet, though natural ones also seem to benefit the local environment.

Real trees have a much smaller carbon footprint per season, but if an artificial tree is used year after year, for more than a decade, it becomes more sustainable than its natural counterpart.

No matter which tree you decide to choose for Christmas, there are different things you can do to make your tree more sustainable. That way, you can feel about your choice and enjoy the holiday season even more!

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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SUSTAINABLE SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Skiing and snowboarding make it easier to get through a long, cold winter, and they provide an epic adventure for anyone visiting the mountains from out of town. But like any other activity, skiing and snowboarding can have a cost on the environment. From the fibers that your boots are made from, to the fill keeping your jacket warm, all the materials used in ski and snowboard gear can have a positive or negative impact.

Additionally, being mindful about how you source your gear — whether you buy it new or secondhand — can determine the overall impact of your winter activities. And since you’re likely someone who enjoys the beauty of nature (including those fresh pow days), these tips can help you choose sustainable ski and snowboard gear that performs for both you and the planet.

Sustainable Ski and Snowboard Gear

Like other sustainable clothing and accessories, you’ll want to look for ski and snowboard gear that uses recycled or post-consumer materials, low-impact production and distribution methods, and ethical labor. Unlike ordinary clothing, however, you’ll also want to find brands and products that keep you warm and suit your needs.

For example, waterproof jackets can keep you dry on days when it’s actively snowing, and extra insulation in gloves can keep your hands toasty. Think about which features are most important to you when you hit the slopes — then keep an eye out for products that meet these goals as well as core sustainability pillars.

Sustainable Base Layers

The proper base layers can keep you warm both on the slopes and afterwards. Sweat-wicking materials are best, as they won't hold moisture and make you cold. Instead of cotton, which is known to get heavy when wet, opt for recycled manmade materials like polyester and spandex, which will keep you dry.

Smartwool Women's Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock 1/4 Zip

Balance temperature and moisture during long days on the mountain with the Smartwool Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer. These slim fit base layers are designed for cool to cold days and high intense activity. You can pair with this the Smartwool Intraknit™ Base Layer Bottom, which is designed to be layered beneath pants and works perfectly under snowpants. The Intraknit™ material uses a novel 3D knitting technique that reduces the amount of waste leftover compared to traditional methods. As a whole. Smartwool employs numerous sustainable manufacturing processes, such as using recycled wool fiber, reusing scraps from their Merino wool products, and partnering with sustainable manufacturers.

Women's Merino 260 Vertex Long Sleeve Thermal Top Glacial Flow

Another sustainable option for a merino wool layer is the Vertex Long Sleeve by Icebreaker, a sustainability-led company. This lightweight, yet warm layer is super soft and designed for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Icebreaker publishes a transparency report where they detail their earth-friendly initiatives, which include a commitment to regenerative agriculture and a dedication to using natural alternatives to plastic fibers, with 95% of their global fabric consumption stemming from a natural or plant-based fiber.

Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Baselayer Crew

This base layer from Black Diamond is made from non-mulesed Merino certified wool, meaning it’s collected from sheep in an ethical way that doesn’t cause pain to the animals. This base layer is also designed to dry quickly, helping regulate moisture and temperature. As a brand, Black Diamond’s sustainability practices run deep, spanning corporate responsibility, product materials and social environmental advocacy. It’s a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, an organization that advocates for ethical business innovation, sustainable trade policies, ethical business growth, and more.

Sustainable Mid Layers

Every proper ski ‘fit needs a comfortable fleece mid layer. But there’s no denying that a long-sleeve fleece can get bunchy in the sleeves and make it hard to bend your elbows, especially when you’re layering it over a base layer. Plus, traditional fleece is a notorious source of plastic microfibers, which shed from the fabric as soon as it’s created. These can wind up in the ocean, where they’re one of the largest sources of pollution threatening marine life.

Girlfriend Collective Women’s Recycled Fleece Vest

A fleece vest is a smart (and cozy!) way to add warmth without bulk. Girlfriend, who’s known for manufacturing super-sustainable products from recycled plastic water bottles, hits the mark with their recycled fleece vest. The body is made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles, and the binding and pocketing is made with 90% RPET and 10% spandex. In addition to keeping you extra warm, this recycled fleece vest can be recycled with ReGirlfriend, a program that takes your used Girlfriend clothing, recycles it into new gear, and offers $15 in store credit in exchange. Lastly, we love that this vest is more chic than the average fleece, making it the perfect transition piece from the slopes to the afterparty.

Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody

This light, stretchy hoodie makes the perfect base layer because it’s both warm and breathable with lightweight insulation. Black Diamond is a Blue Sky Program participant at the “Champion Level” meaning that they purchase wind power offsets each year. Additionally, Black Diamond has a vendor code of conduct, meaning they only work with vendors who can commit to their standards of using ethical labor, workplace safety, ethical responsibility, and more.

Sustainable Outer Layers

Even the perfect base layers aren’t going to keep you warm unless you have the right outer layer jacket to trap in heat and repel cold and rain. A waterproof jacket is ideal if you plan on skiing in snowy weather, and breathable armpits and other features can also make sure your temperature stays regulated throughout the day. Extra pockets, a cell phone leash, and a hood are all additional features to consider when choosing a sustainable ski or snowboard jacket.

Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Ski Shell

This Black Diamond shell jacket is an ultra durable, waterproof outer layer that offers breathability on warm ski days and protection from the elements on stormy days, thanks to its signature BD.dry™ feature. The hood is designed to be roomy enough to fit over a helmet, there’s plenty of pockets in the jacket for storing your phone, ski pass, and other essentials. Overall, the durability of this jacket helps ensure that it’ll last for years to come, making it a solid investment from a sustainability-led company.

Fjallraven Women's Expedition Mid Winter Jacket

This lightweight jacket is made to keep you extra warm during the coldest weather as you engage in all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. The material and lining are made from 100% recycled polyamide and the filling is made from 100% recycled polyester. In addition to leveraging sustainable materials and production, Fjallraven also invests in sustainable product design. This means that they create their products to last a lifetime, which includes creating timeliness, functional designs that are mostly recycled, recyclable, and easy to repair.

Craft Adv Training Pants

The Craft advanced training pants are designed to be both warm and wind-protective, making them perfect for snowy days while skiing. Available in men’s and women's ski pants, they have a windproof front panel and a drawstring waist, plus reflective pipings for safer visibility. Craft highlights a transparent, circular supply chain across all of their products, showcasing the entire cycle from design conception to shipping logistics. Since this is a Swedish company, their sustainability practices adhere to UN standards and they’re actively working to improve their commitments to environmentally-friendly practices.

Eco-Friendly Ski and Snowboard Accessories

Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Sock

The right socks can keep your feet warm and dry all day on the slopes. Darn Tough is a Vermont-based sock brand known for slim-fitting socks that are perfect for slipping into tall ski and snowboard boots. Their Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks check all the boxes, and they’re made ethically right here in the USA. Another dependable pair of Darn Tough socks for skiing and snowboarding are the Due North Over-the-Calf sock made from Thermolite®, a 100% recycled vegan material that keeps your feet extra warm.

Turtlefur Taylor Knit Beanie

This sustainably-made beanie is perfect for aprés ski festivities and comes in three universally flattering colors. Turtlefur’s beanie is made from 50% recycled polyester, and they work toward a 100% transparent supply chain. They also aim for climate neutrality, publish an annual impact report, and measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

Used and Vintage Ski Apparel

While it’s always fun to get new ski clothes, the truth is, there’s a lot of cute and functional clothing that already exists in the world. That’s why buying used and vintage clothing is one of the best ways to keep your ski habit sustainable. And fortunately, there are many marketplaces making it easy to do exactly that.

JoJo Ski

If you’re in the market for a vintage ski suit, look no further than JoJo Ski. These ski suits are straight from the 80’s and 90’s, preserved in great condition over the past decades so you can rock them in modern day. This site has hundreds of ski suits for both men and women, and these one-of-a-kind pieces span all sizes, including petite. As the largest vintage ski suit retailer online today, JoJo Ski truly has something for everyone.

Out and Back Outdoor

This online marketplace provides a platform for buying and selling used ski gear. They have everything from skis and snowboards to jackets and boots, all at a huge discount (up to 60% off retail). Out and Back Outdoor is on a mission to make outdoor gear both more sustainable and more attainable for everyone, acknowledging that ski gear often comes at a high price point. Plus, it’s a great way to trade in old gear that’s still in great condition but no longer fits, especially if you’re ready for an upgrade.

REI Re/Supply

Find your favorite sustainable brands like Patagonia and Prana for a much lower price at REI’s Re/Supply, a site specifically for used gear and clothing. Here, you can see a snapshot of a product’s original and current price, plus any damage or defects to be aware of. REI’s secondhand site also has kids clothing and gear, so it’s great for outfitting the whole family for a truly sustainable ski trip.

Whether you’re shreddin the ‘gnar or scouting the best aprés ski look, these brands will ensure that you do so sustainably and in style.

About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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the best meditation apps

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and encourage a healthier sense of self overall. Despite these benefits, however, meditation remains challenging for most people. Our busy lives lead to busy minds, and it can be hard to quiet our thoughts and sit still to reap the benefits that mindfulness and meditation have to offer.

Fortunately, there are many apps designed to help guide you through a meditative moment. Whether you’re brand new to meditation or you’re looking for something different, the wide range of options available means there’s something for everyone. In this list, you’ll learn about 15 popular meditation apps for sleep and anxiety — including what types of meditations they have, how much they cost, and how their offerings stack up against the rest. Simply choose the app for you, press play, and prepare for all your stressors to fall away.

our top picks for Meditation Apps:

1. Insight Timer

Best for: All-in-one app for sleep, meditation, and education

Price: Free for basic access, $9.99/month for Member Plus

Insight Timer is one of the most popular meditation apps, meaning it also has one of the largest content libraries.

In addition to daily meditations and relaxation, this app offers a wealth of sleep-specific meditations, bedtime stories, and soundscapes that can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more relaxed. If you’re looking for more insight around the art of mindfulness, this app has an insightful talks and courses section with topics ranging from beginner spirituality building sustainable happiness habits, some of which require a Member Plus membership.

Download Insight Timer Meditation App

2. Balance

Best for: A tailored meditation experience

Price: First year free, second year starting at $11.99/month

Balance is a meditation app with a unique premise: it adapts to your preferences and growth over time. Every time you log in, you’ll be prompted to answer questions about how you feel, what your goals are, and more.

That information is used to tailor your experience over time, so that you’re given specific meditations selected from their vast library of content. Balance also offers fresh experiences, such as vibration-based immersive meditations, and detailed tracking that shows how far you’ve come and which skills you’re strengthening.

Download Balance Meditation App

3. Waking Up

Best for: Grounding meditations, but also philosophical insights on the practice of meditation

Price: $19.99/month

Touted as “A new operating system for your mind,” Waking Up goes beyond the practice of meditation by offering tangible knowledge and thought-provoking conversations about what meditation is — and why it matters.

Created by neuroscientist and author Sam Harris, this app also has a daily mindfulness reminder that grounds and inspires you for the day ahead. By understanding the purpose of meditation, Waking Up helps you cut through the fluff to see real progress in the areas of mental health, sleep, gratitude, relationships and so much more.

Download Waking Up Meditation App

4. Calm

Best for: Sleep stories

Price: $14.99/month ($399.99 for life)

Calm is another popular meditation app with a huge library, and in recent years, they’ve expanded their offerings to include more sleep-specific content.

Aside from basic breath-focused meditations, their greatest differentiator is their sleep stories, in which beloved actors like Kate Winslet and Idris Elbra narrate stories that take you to fantastical, relaxing worlds as you drift asleep. They also have many soundscapes, such as rainforest noises or beach noises, that can calm your busy mind.

Download Calm Meditation App

5. Slumber

Best for: Sleep meditations

Price: Free

Slumber is a sleep-focused app that offers a few different content types for falling asleep. For one, their dream stories immerse you in specific experiences, such as going for a dive in the ocean, that help you stop worrying before falling asleep.

Their sleep meditations also have the same effect, yet with greater focus on breathing techniques and relaxation as you’re encouraged to let go of your previous day and focus on peacefully drifting off.

Download Slumber Sleep App

6. Headspace

Best for: Beginners

Price: $69.99/year or $12.99/month

Headspace is known for having a wide range of accessible, beginner-friendly meditations. Choose from goals like more focus, better sleep, and more gratitude, then decide on your length of commitment and narrator of choice.

Headspace makes it easy to start small, with short meditations that aren’t overwhelming and helpful reminders for when to meditate, what to try next, and how far you’ve come on your mindfulness journey.

Download Headspace Meditation App

7. Healthy Minds Program

Best for: Science-backed meditations and philosophy

Price: Free

Similar to Waking Up, the Healthy Minds program app emphasizes its scientific foundations and is based on four decades of neuroscience research.

It offers podcast-style lessons on what it means to be well in our modern world. Additionally, you can find seated and active meditations ranging from five to thirty minutes in length, making it great for busy people. Lastly their Healthy Minds Report gives you a quick overview of how far you’ve come and what skills you’re gaining.

Download Healthy Minds Program Meditation App

8. Smiling Mind

Best for: Programs to do with kids, short meditations

Price: Free

Smiling Mind is an Australian-created meditation app designed to offer easy, family-friendly meditations. This evidence-based app has programs for goals like stress, relationships, wellbeing, mindful eating, and much more, so there’s something for everyone.

They also have a section just for teens, which is an added bonus given the current youth mental health crisis. They suggest using their app for just ten minutes a day to see lasting change.

Download Smiling Mind Meditation App

9. iBreathe

Best for: Programs to do with kids, short meditations

Price: Free

iBreathe is a minimalist app focused specifically on helping you and your family reap the benefits of focused breathwork. This simple app has classic breathing exercises (like the 4-7-8- breath), but also allows flexibility to create your own breathing methods based on the foundational skills you learn.

It also has an option for adding alerts that remind you to take deep breaths throughout the day, which shows you just how much a small change can have a major impact.

Download iBreathe Meditation App

10. Sleepiest

Best for: A mix of sleep stories, sounds, and meditations

Price: $9.99/month

Sleep sounds, sleep stories, and relaxing meditations make up the bulk of content available on the Sleepiest app, which has a library of over 1130 programs.

This award-winning app is known for its creative, soothing bedtime stories for people of all ages. Their sleep sounds include everything from ocean waves to white noise, so you can use this app to try out different sleep experiences and find the best for you.

Download Sleepiest Sleep App

11. Ten Percent Happier

Best for: Bite-sized wisdom about mindfulness and life along with meditations

Price: $8.33/month, billed annually at $99.99

With Ten Percent Happier, you’ll find a wide library of meditations — and so much more. Started by Dan Harris, who decided to transform his relationship to stress after he had a panic attack on live TV, the content here is made to help you overcome life’s daily challenges.

This means you’ll find insightful courses and challenges designed to help the everyday person excel at meditation, no matter how new you are to the practice.

Download Ten Percent Happier Meditation App

12. BetterSleep

Best for: Sound-mixing and personalization

Price: $9.99/ month, $59.99/year, or $249.99/life

BetterSleep is one app that delivers on its name. Like other sleep-focused apps, you’ll find meditations and sounds designed to foster better rest. BetterSleep differs from other apps, however, with its personalization experiences.

For example, you can mix sounds to create the perfect soundscape — whether you’re adding binaural beats with river noises or cranking up the white noise crackle in the background. This sound-mixing element is a great way to find the perfect sounds to help you drift off in peace.

Download BetterSleep App

13. Simple Habit

Best for: Busy people who need a quick, effective reset

Price: $11.99/month, $89.99/year, $299.99/life

While most meditation apps have short meditations, Simple Habit is created with busy people in mind. They specialize in five-minute meditations that can be done in the morning or at night.

They also have daily motivations and inspirations that can encourage you to start your day with the right mindset. There are also quick, sweet meditations for kids. Featured on Shark Tank, Simple Habit has tens of thousands of ratings that show just how beneficial it can be.

Download Simple Habit Meditation App

14. FitMind

Best for: Science-backed mindfulness skill-building

Price: $19.99/month $99.99/year

Backed by neuroscientists, FitMind offers a 30-day meditation program that helps you strengthen your mindfulness abilities in just one month. Users can access mental fitness charts that score their progress, as well as scientific techniques that boost their understanding of mindfulness along the way.

FitMind takes mindfulness to the next level by seeing it as a skill that anyone can learn and strengthen with the right tools.

Download FitMind Mindfulness App

15. Breethe

Best for: Dealing with daily frustrations, hypnosis

Price: $12.99/ month

Breethe is a meditation app that targets the daily frustrations of normal people. For example, you can find meditations that muse on ideas about the difficulties of doing taxes or the frustrations of dealing with a rude boss.

Additionally, Breethe offers multiple mindfulness courses, including 7-day, 30-day and 90-day courses that hone your focus skills. At the same time, you can find a range of one-time meditations, sounds, bedtime stories, and even hypnotherapy courses.

Download Breethe Meditation App

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A Guide to Apartment Gardening

There are many reasons to love gardening. Whether you like seeing a tiny seed turn into a lush plant, enjoy spending time away from technology or want to harvest your food instead of purchasing expensive alternatives, there are many options.

You might think you need a house with plenty of land to enjoy a garden, but that’s far from the truth. You can grow and harvest many plant varieties in a small section of your apartment.

Here’s how to get started with apartment gardening.

Benefits of Apartment Gardening

There are many advantages to having a garden in your apartment, whether large or small.

Grow Your Own Food

Growing produce in your apartment reduces waste caused by mass food production. Big farming and associated transportation make up 26% of global carbon emissions. Grocery store visits are unlikely to stop with an apartment garden, but you can reduce your carbon footprint by locally growing and sourcing your food. You’ll likely save money since you won’t be as impacted by inflated prices.

Buying and using fewer things helps the environment. It’s hard to control the amount of snacks in a package, but you can grow more or less food each year, so you get a lot of delicious food without wasting much.

Evidence shows that locally grown food is more nutritious and tastes better than mass-produced options. It makes sense since produce might travel the world before getting to you. The freshness and nutritional value decrease by the time it reaches your plate. Grocery store items can still be good for you, but picking crops yourself might make you more willing to eat them, improving your overall health.

Purify the Air

One of the disadvantages of living in an urban area is the higher concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere. Having plants in your apartment can reduce the amount of irritants in the air and help you breathe easier.

Plants take in carbon dioxide and expel more oxygen for people to breathe. It’s an incomparable relationship. Gardens and houseplants remove the CO2 you inhale as well as the carbon emissions in and around your apartment. Growing plants is a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to an air purifier.

High pollution levels can contribute to respiratory conditions like allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Having an apartment garden can reduce your risk.

Improve Your Mental Health

Having an apartment garden might make you feel calmer or happier. Research shows that being around plants can help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Having plants around can also improve your focus and inspire your creative side.

There is a connection between physical and mental health. Eating more fresh foods from your garden could lift your spirits.

People who live with chronic stress can find benefits in mindfulness. Gardening is an excellent way to practice it because you focus on your actions. Ensuring each plant has enough soil, fertilizer, water and sunshine are things you can concentrate on but are simple enough tasks that they don’t stress you out.

Gardening is also a surprisingly physical activity and contributes to the suggested 150 minutes of aerobic activity adults should partake in each week. Regular exercise is a great mood booster that can strengthen your mental health.

Creating an Apartment Garden

Starting an apartment garden is easier than you might think. All plants need the same type of care, whether in a field or a windowsill. Choosing your crops carefully and tending to them well will yield a harvest in no time.

Choose Your Location

You’ll need to plant your garden in a location with the following conditions:

Sun: Sunlight helps your budding beauties turn water and CO2 into energy. Some plants need more than others, so look at the directions on your seed packets to ensure you give them enough but not too much natural light.

Water access: Plants need water to hydrate and continue growing.

Drainage: Your crops need water, but too much could drown their roots. Having a pot or container with drainage can prevent this issue.

Fertilizer: Giving your plants a boost with fertilizer can help them grow stronger inside or outside your apartment.

Balcony or Patio

Take advantage of any outdoor space to give your plants a good chance of growing like they would in the ground. You can use containers or grow bags to produce taller crops since you don’t have to worry about them invading your living space. Just watch for potential frosts so you know when to cover them or bring them in for the night.

Near a Window

Another good option is growing plants in a window. Depending on the sunlight it lets in your apartment, you could get a good number of crops. If you don’t have many windows, consider setting up a small herb and vegetable garden to grow delicious produce while minimizing used space.

Windows can be an excellent solution for plants and produce that only need partial sunlight to thrive. Being indoors protects them from pests that may try to eat their leaves and damage your hard work. You can also better regulate the temperature of your garden inside, helping it last longer.

Gardening Systems

Many companies recognize the desire for apartment gardens and offer systems that give your plants what they need without worrying about their care. They are excellent solutions if you are tech-savvy, can afford one and don’t have much time to spend on your plants.

One example is a hydroponic version, which has the right temperature and frequency of light to practically eliminate the need for any sun. It and similar models have lights to alert you when to add more water or fertilizer to your plants.

Many brands and options are available, and with some research, you can find which system works best for your budget, skills and desired plants.

Decide What to Plant

Determine what to grow as you figure out where you can plant things. Many plant options can thrive in an apartment.

Fruits and Vegetables

You can grow many different fruits and vegetables in your home, and dwarf varieties are available. Lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and peppers are some of the many great options for container gardening. You can also pot dwarf lemon, banana, clementine and even apple trees in an apartment.

What you choose to plant should depend on the space available, the climate you live in, the care the plant would need, and your aesthetic or taste preferences.

Flowers

You can grow flowers and other decorative plants indoors. Use small or large beds for your windows or balcony. You can also pair various houseplants to provide a sense of nature in the city.

Small flowers work well in border gardens surrounding your walkway, patio or balcony. You could also choose to plant a cut flower garden, which you can use for homegrown bouquets. Consider planting sunflowers and taller plants that can block your neighbors’ views if you want more privacy.

Choose Your Container

Once you know what and where to choose which containers you will use for your apartment garden, you’ll need items that accommodate the needs of your plants’ future size and root growth. You can replant some seedlings as needed, but others work best if you plant them in the gardening container they’ll remain in.

You can purchase a container garden frame or build one that fits best for your space. Large pots can work well for some plants and are easy to rearrange to get the best setup for you. If you want to conserve space when you’re not growing plants, consider using fabric grow bags that you can clean and fold away at the end of the season.

Another thing to consider is how easy it will be to clean your containers. You don’t have as much space to grow, so choose a solution that minimizes the mess. Pots are easy to sweep around, and a tarp can help prevent balcony plants from dripping on your downstairs neighbors.

Using Your Garden

Once your plants bloom or are ready to harvest, you can start enjoying them.

Experiment with different recipes or make preserves to access healthy, fresh food all year. There are also many other ways to use your harvest.

Give Back

If you have more than you want, consider donating some of your food or plants to community members who could use them. Share your bounty with neighbors and friends who can appreciate the hard work that went into their growth.

You could also use your plants as a source of extra income. Offer locally grown fruits and vegetables or make flower arrangements to sell to individuals or other local businesses.

Compost

Get a head start on next year’s garden by composting the organic waste your current plants create. Apartment composting doesn’t have to be a smelly affair. Many companies now produce countertop options that conceal odors and create nutritious soil to help your next crops thrive.

Beginning Your Apartment Garden

You can enjoy fresh plants all year from your apartment garden. Whether you grow food, flowers or other greenery, having live plants around can significantly impact your life, the environment and the lives of others.

About the Author:

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn!