10 Easy Sustainable Gardening Tips

Whether you are looking to create a dreamy cottage-inspired garden or grow your own food, home gardening provides plenty of opportunity to incorporate more sustainable practices. Home and urban gardens have shown to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are also a way to support the essential pollinators. To help you make the most of your yard, here are 10 sustainable gardening tips that encompass everything from soil health and water conservation to plant selection and wildlife support.

Our Favorite 10 Sustainable Gardening Tips:

1. Plant Native Species

Since native plants are naturally adapted to your region’s climate, they are more resilient against drought, soil types, and diseases. If you don’t know your region’s plant hardiness zone, check out the map from the USDA.

2. Seek Out Drought-Tolerant Plants 

Not only will native species more easily thrive in your garden, but utilizing drought-tolerant plants will require less daily maintenance and resources. By reducing the need for additional continual water consumption, you will be saving water and time. This is especially important if you live in a dry or desert climate.

3. Collect Rainwater

You can use barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater for gardening to reduce your dependency on local water resources. This can also help lowers your water bill. However, be sure to check your state’s policies regarding what is legal for your area. Some states have incentive programs for rainwater harvesting but may require specific regulations.

4. Check the Time Before You Water

When you water your garden early in the morning, it reduces the evaporation, and the soil is more likely to absorb the water better and reduce water waste. Using a drip irrigation system is even better since it allows for deeper watering and avoids getting plant foliage wet, which helps prevent common leaf diseases.

5. Make Your Own Compost

You can utilize most of your kitchen scraps, lawn clippings and leaves, and cardboard to create free compost for your garden. Compost is helpful to add nutrients to the soil and promote healthy, happy plants.

6. Utilize Organic Mulch

Adding in organic mulch like wood chips or straw will enrich the soil as it decomposes. Mulch will also help regulate the soil temperature, prevent evaporation and slow down weed growth. Just be sure to leave a circle a few inches away from new plants and roots until they are more established.

7. Use Renewable Materials

If you need a trellis, garden stake or garden border, using recycled or sustainably sourced materials is the way to go. Bamboo or reclaimed wood are better alternatives to traditional chemical treated lumber or plastic.  

8. Stay Away from Pesticides

Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are harmful to soil, insects and wildlife. Try utilizing more natural pest deterrent methods like companion planting or incorporating beneficial insects. Depending on the type of pest, DIY recipes with natural ingredients in your kitchen may also be effective. 

9. Prioritize Perennials

Since perennials return year after year, you won’t need to replant as often. They typically have deeper roots, which helps reduce the need for water, absorbs carbon dioxide, and preserves the soil health.

10. Support the Wildlife

Bring more species to your garden or yard by adding birdhouses, bat houses, or insect-friendly habitats as these are all important to sustain a healthy ecosystem. A strong biodiverse environment will attract more good garden insects and wildlife.

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in New York City

If you're searching for the best veggie/vegan spots in NYC, look no further! We've curated a list of our favorite vegan restaurants in the city, each one personally tried and tested. These places have made the cut for their mouthwatering, plant-based, and veggie-forward dishes. Trust us - whether you're vegan or not, you won’t miss the meat or dairy at any of these incredible spots!

Asian:

• Spicy Moon: Vegan szechuan cuisine at its finest - it absolutely deserves the top spot on our list. You can’t go wrong with any of the tofu “Big Bites” - Kung Pao, Dry Pepper, Dry Pot, Mapo Tofu, General Tso’s - all packing a punch with each bite and oh-so-flavorful. 

• Buddha Bodai: this no frills establishment in Chinatown has been serving authentic Chinese fare since 2004. Casual, cheap, and quick, they’re serious about the quality and authenticity of their food. PS - they’re BYOB! 

• Planta Queen: If you’re looking for a vibey spot with fun cocktails, this one’s for you! We love their innovative takes on vegan sushi, like the watermelon “tuna” and eggplant “eel”

• HanGawi and Franchia Vegan Cafe: Vegan Korean spots around Koreatown, HanGawi and Franchia are sister restaurants that are equally delicious. HanGawi is slightly more upscale (and pricier), and Franchia is perfect for a more casual bite. 

• Bonus: Nami Nori: Handroll spot that is not plant-based, but we had to include it as a special mention on this list because their vegan omakase option is absolutely divine! 

Modern / Fine Dining:

• abcV: Jean-Georges’ abcV has two locations - the OG in flatiron is vegetarian with vegan options, and the newer one in the Tin Building is entirely plant based. You cannot leave here without trying the green chickpea hummus and the dosa with turmeric sambal and the tangy coriander and mango chutneys. 

• Dirt Candy: This Michelin-starred gem is a must-try. Their motto is “Because vegetables are just candy from the dirt” and trust us, they absolutely nail it.  Their 5 course tasting menu is $105 per person (plus $55 for a wine pairing), so it is slightly pricier than most other places on this list, but it is so worth it. 

• Eleven Madison Park: Disclaimer - this is the only spot on this list that we haven’t been to, but with not one but three Michelin stars, we couldn’t not include it! Save this one for a truly special occasion - their bar tasting menu (4-5 courses) is their cheapest option and costs $225, so this spot is definitely not easy on your wallet. If you do make it there - let us know if the hype is worth it!

Italian:

• Double Zero: You can’t visit NYC without a slice of ‘za, and this plant-based one won’t disappoint. Come for the pizza, stay for the wine - their wine list of organic and sustainable wines from across Europe is phenomenal. 

• Soda Club: A vegan pasta and natural wine bar, Soda Club is the perfect date night spot. It absolutely deserves its spot on the Michelin Guide. Savor perfectly cooked al dente pasta, complemented by a glass of chilled orange wine from their extensive selection, all while soaking in the vibey atmosphere. 

Ethiopian:

• Ras plant based: Located in Crown Heights in Brooklyn, Ras brings you Ethiopian food to die for. We loved the injera, missir (spicy red lentil stew), and mushroom tibs, each dish bursting with flavor. We guarantee you will leave Ras with your hearts and bellies filled to the brim.

Mexican:

• Jajaja Mexicana: Jajaja’s plant-based Mexican is both familiar and innovative. With its lively atmosphere, refreshing Tequila and Mezcal-based cocktails, and vibrant dishes, this place is a must-visit! Some menu highlights - Esquites, Buffalo Flower tacos, and Pollo Coco tacos. 

Burgers:

• Superiority Burger: We’re big fans of Superiority Burger’s old school vibe, with the nostalgic red booths and plastic menus. Their signature veggie burger is hearty, satisfying, and packed with juicy flavor - don’t be afraid to get a little messy! Even better, it won’t break the bank, a refreshing change from most spots in the city. Their classic cocktails, like Old Fashioneds, Negronis, and Martinis, are spot-on. And whatever you do, don’t skip the desserts - you’ll thank us later!

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Easy (& Sustainable) DIY Skincare Recipes 

If you’re looking to upgrade your daily skincare routine without breaking the bank (seriously, when did skincare get so expensive?), look no further. Homemade skin and body care are a great way to nourish your skin while also being good for the environment. Here’s why DIY skincare is so awesome - plus some easy, all-natural recipes so you can get started right away!

Benefits of homemade skincare

• It’s kind to your wallets. DIY skincare is super affordable because you probably have most of the ingredients at home already - pantry staples that double up as treats for your skin! 

• Less waste: Some ingredients are upcycled - which means that they are by-products of something else and would otherwise have been dumped in the trash. As a bonus, you’re making just the right amount that you will use up in one or two days. Say goodbye to those forgotten, half-used, expired jars of product cluttering up your vanity shelves. 

• All natural: Since you decide what to put in, you can ensure you’re only using natural or organic ingredients. Nonasty parabens, chemical fragrances, or other toxic chemicals to be found here.

• Customizable - Dull skin? Dry patches? Maybe you’re sensitive to certain ingredients or scents? That’s the best part about DIY - you’re fully in control! You can tweak recipes to suit your skin’s needs, whether that means adding in a drop of your favorite essential oil or increasing oils for added moisturization. 

Easy DIY Masks and Scrubs

1. DIY Coffee Scrub

Ingredients: Coffee Grounds, Coconut Oil (or almond/olive), Essential Oils

Instead of tossing out your used coffee grounds, turn them into an exfoliating and rejuvenating body scrub. Add a little bit of coconut oil to the grounds (also works well with almond or olive oil) - I personally love the smell and feel of coconut. You can also add in a drop or two of your favorite essential oils - peppermint, rosemary, rose are my go-tos. The grounds are a really great exfoliant, and the oil adds moisture and balances the scrub out. I would avoid using this one on your face since the skin is more sensitive.  

2. DIY Oat Mask

Ingredients: Leftover Oat Milk Pulp, Almond Oil (or olive/coconut), Honey

If you make oat milk at home (great recipe here!), you can use the leftover pulp to make a really gentle and nourishing face mask. Add 2 tablespoons of almond oil (again, you can sub this out for whichever oil you have at home) and 2 tablespoons of honey to a half cup of the leftover oat pulp and mix well. Apply onto damp skin and rub in a circular motion - we recommend using this about twice a week (you can store this for up to a day in the fridge). If you want to turn this into an exfoliating scrub, you can add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and use as a body scrub too. 

3. DIY Rice Water

Ingredients: Rice, Rice Flour (optional), Aloe Vera Gel (optional)

Rice water is having its moment right now, and for good reason. Get on the Korean glass skin trend with this one! It’s super easy to make - rinse half a cup of rice well to get rid of any debris or impurities. Then soak the rice in one cup of water for 30 minutes or so. Strain the rice into a container - this is your magic rice water and it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Rice water is incredibly versatile - you can use it as a gentle toner after cleansing your face to balance your skin’s pH levels. You can also make it into a paste by adding rice flour - this makes a brightening and exfoliating face mask. You can also mix in aloe vera gel to create a cooling and soothing face mask. Finally, you can use it as a conditioner - after shampooing your hair, rinse your hair with the rice water, which adds shine to your hair and also promotes hair growth. 

PS - Cook and enjoy your rice as usual - no waste here! 

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Health Crisis in Ghana Due to Used Clothing’s Toxic Textiles

A new report by Greenpeace Africa and Germany showed how fast fashion inflicts ramified and devastating consequences on the people and the planet through the global second-hand clothing trade. The report titled "Fast Fashion, Slow Poison: The Toxic Textile Crisis in Ghana" focuses on this West African country and highlights the environmental and public health damage this unsustainable sector is causing in Ghana.  

As the second largest final destination of used clothing from Europe by volume, Ghana is inundated with about 15 million used clothing items every week. Much of it is from fast fashion brands and chiefly made from synthetic fibers. Half of these clothes reach Ghana with no resale value, and they are tossed out by the stallholders of Kantamanto, the capital's largest second-hand market and one of the biggest on the planet. From there, these low-quality used garments end up in several informal dumpsites in Accra or burnt as fuel in public washhouses. 

The team behind this Greenpeace investigation collected air and soot samples from three of these public baths. These samples revealed that several hazardous chemical substances, including carcinogenic ones such as benzene or PAHs, contaminate the air and surfaces of these washhouses. This contamination jeopardizes the local community's health, which is exposed to dangerous chemicals at levels far above European safety standards.

The impact of fashion overproduction and overconsumption doesn't end there. Through infrared tests, the Greenpeace team discovered that a significant amount of this textile waste is made of petroleum-based synthetic fibers.  Most of these synthetic fibers were mixed with other fibers into blended fabrics that would have prevented European recycling. 

These discarded garments end up in the waterways with countless repercussions for local ecosystems. Because these garments are often made of non-biodegradable fabrics, they are bound to release microplastics and other chemicals into the environment. The clothes amassed in dumpsites are also threatening the local fauna. Their toxic leachate reaches not only the soil, groundwater, and agricultural lands but also lagoons and the Densu wetlands, a Ramsar Site located in the Greater Accra Region. 

The influx of imported and second-hand clothing permitted by trade liberalization policies had also hindered the growth of the "Made in Africa" clothing sector, which before that, was growing in the 1960s and 70s. Despite the many challenges, this industry still has significant potential for sustainable development that benefits the local communities and economies. 

On the other hand, fast fashion, with its mass production and low-quality unsustainable clothing, has changed the face of the second-hand clothing business in Ghana. The environmental injustice taking place in the country goes to show how fast fashion and the dominant production models of the West are an expression of the neocolonialist system that allows these Global North companies to pollute and do so without paying any consequences. The United Kingdom is the largest exporter of second-hand clothes to Ghana, followed by China, with the top 10 manufacturers of unsold garments from the second-hand market being fast fashion brands such as H&M, Primark, and Zara.

Given their responsibility for the ongoing crisis, Greenpeace stressed the need for Global North and its regulators to look at the evidence of the effect of fast fashion and overconsumption in second-hand clothing importer countries and develop solutions in tandem with them. In addition, extended Producer Responsibility agreements that follow the Polluter Pays Principle can also ensure the producers are held accountable for the impact of their products at all points of their life cycle.

«The evidence we have collected shows that the fast fashion industry is not just a fashion issue—it's a public health crisis. The clothes we tested are literally poisoning the people of Accra. » said the report author, Sam Quashie-Idun.«The situation in Ghana reflects a neocolonial mindset where the Global North profits from overproduction and waste, while countries like Ghana pay the price. It's time for a global treaty that addresses this imbalance and protects communities from the harm caused by fast fashion. » added Quashie-Idun, who also highlighted the importance of local solutions. «The Ghanaian government together with the international community should support the development of a sustainable local textile industry in Ghana, which can alleviate the waste problem while providing economic opportunities. »

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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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Are Thinx Period Underwear Worth It?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled with uncomfortable tampons or pads, worrying about staining your favorite pair of white jeans, or the frantic panic when you realize you’re out and don’t have a spare tampon in your purse. We’ve definitely been there. Introducing period panties - your eco-friendly solution to all of these problems. 

We’re all well aware that traditional tampons and sanitary pads aren’t exactly planet-friendly. Made out of plastic, they stick around in landfills for thousands of years. Also, the chemicals and synthetic fragrances aren’t great for your bodies either - for example, a recent study found that tampons from several different brands may contain toxic metals like arsenic and lead. Reusable period panties can be used for years - which means less waste. If you do want to stick with disposable products (at least initially), we recommend trying out biodegradable or natural options (check out Viv, Natracare, or Cora, amongst others!). Menstrual cups are another great eco-friendly option.  

There are so many great brands making period panties these days. We’ve been long term users of the Thinx hiphuggers and wanted to share our ~ honest ~ thoughts with you guys.

A Review of their Comfort Stretch Hiphuggers Period Underwear

Pricing in at $36 for a pair of their Comfort Stretch Hiphuggers, this may seem like a pricey upfront investment, but trust us - it’s worth it in the long run. These panties are super durable and long-lasting - ours are running on 4 years and are still going strong! They’ve started to lose a little bit of their elasticity, but that is after 4 years and they still have a while to go. If you think about all the tampons or sanitary pads you would have used in that time the price evens out faster than you would think! 

Our favorite feature of these Thinx panties is how absorbent they are. Seriously, they feel super secure and you won’t need to worry about leaks. You can keep them on for up to 12 hours without any issues. If you have a very heavy flow you may want to supplement with a panty liner for extra security, but for most people the panties are enough! 

When it comes to care, it’s super easy (and really not gross at all!). After use, rinse out your panties in cold water and just throw them in the laundry with dark colors. Thinx does recommend not using the dryer, but honestly we have been and haven’t had any issues. If you want to be more careful, you can definitely hand wash and air dry too. 

We’re not saying Thinx is perfect. Their panties are made from polyamide and polyester, which are not organic or biodegradable materials. Many of you may also have heard about the class action settlement against Thinx in 2023 after tests found that their products contained PFAS. 

However, this is not a dealbreaker. Thinx denied the claims, and also agreed to take measures to ensure that PFAS aren’t intentionally added to their panties going forward. Experts acknowledge that the presence of these substances don’t necessarily mean the products are unsafe to use, and also noted that PFAS are present in virtually any water, stain or wrinkle-resistent material. All Thinx underwear is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s free of harmful chemicals (as per a Swiss research organization).  

PS - if you’re not happy with your Thinx purchase (and we will be very surprised if this is the case!), they have a 45 day return or exchange policy. 

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