Zero Waste Archives - Page 30 of 42 - Life of an Earth Muffin

How to Have a Zero Waste Fourth of July

Posted on July 1, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! I can’t believe the 4th of July is already here. It seems like just yesterday I moved into my apartment around this time last year… And (surprise!) I am actually getting ready to move again! With my job being virtual, my boyfriend and I are moving home to save up some money to get a house. Pretty exciting stuff! 😊 While the 4th of July won’t be “typical” this year due to Mister Corona, I wanted to share my tips for how you can have a zero waste Fourth of July. Get ready to party! 🎆

A picture of a man holding a glowing sparkler

If you have a party or BBQ, make sure to use reusables!

I love to celebrate long weekends with some sort of BBQ meal; it reminds me of family celebrations growing up. Regardless of the number of people you have at your house, make sure you stay away from single-use utensils, plates, and cups. I am sure you have plenty of these items in your kitchen already; if not, have your family/friends bring their own cups for the night! Especially since it is Plastic Free July, you definitely do not want to use plastics when there is an easy alternative.

Have plant-based options as well.

There are many tasty options when it comes to plant-based BBQ. From jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches to veggie burgers and hot dogs, make sure you have these as an option! Even for people who haven’t reduced their meat consumption yet, you might be surprised that they want to try out a veggie option. 🥕 If you are feeling like a chef, you can even make your own veggie patties from things like beans, quinoa, and breadcrumbs. I’ve been able to create some pretty tasty burgers in the past, so get creative in the kitchen to have a zero waste Fourth of July!

Make sure you have a recycle station at your party or BBQ!

Many people like to relax with some sort of cold beverage over the long weekend. If you are providing said drinks, make sure to opt for glass or metal cans that can be recycled in your local area. When setting up for your celebration, have recycle bins readily accessible near every trash can. This will ensure more people will remember to toss the cans or glass bottles into the right bin!

A picture of a blonde girl wearing a red, white, and blue plaid shirt

Thrift your red, white, and blue!

I personally think it is fun to wear red, white, and/or blue to celebrate the 4th. But, this can be difficult if you don’t have any of these colors in your closet. Instead of going out and buying something to wear for just one day, borrow from a friend or family member. If none of your friends have anything, then you can check to see if there are any cute items at the thrift store. Make sure you will wear it on a “normal” day too! As I mentioned in my St. Patrick’s Day post, you don’t want to buy a super “themed” shirt that can only be worn on 1 day during the year.

If you want to celebrate with fireworks, go to a city-wide event.

Fireworks aren’t great for the environment; but, many people can’t go without them on the 4th of July. Do NOT buy your own fireworks – go to a local city’s firework show instead. The show is going to take place with or without you in attendance, so why shoot off your own and create more of a negative environmental impact? Plus, a city-wide event is often much more extravagant than something in your backyard. And of course, you won’t accidentally shoot off a finger. 😬 Also avoid things like sparklers or poppers – they create a ton of excess waste!

Final Thoughts on How to Have a Zero Waste Fourth of July

It is totally possible to have a great day of celebration without creating more issues for Mother Earth. When having parties and BBQs, take care to use reusables and have plenty of meatless options available. If you are celebrating with beverages, make sure to recycle all cans and glass containers. In terms of fireworks, just go to the city’s show. Much easier and a better alternative than putting on your own backyard event. How will you be celebrating a zero waste Fourth of July this year?

Love,
Jenna ♥

Why You Should Participate in Plastic Free July!

Posted on June 29, 2021November 14, 2021

Hey earth muffins! It’s crazy to think that I’ve been participating in the Plastic Free July Challenge for a few years now! I’ve written different posts around the month-long challenge, from easy plastic-free swaps to waste audits at the end of the month. But, I haven’t actually written anything specific about why you should want to participate in Plastic Free July. I highly encourage you all to give it a try this year – what do you have to lose! 😊 Here are the top reasons you should participate in Plastic Free July!

We need to start doing something about plastic.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that plastic is a huge issue. Anywhere you look (in a city or in the middle of nowhere) there is plastic littering the planet. And that is just horrible! Regardless on your stance on climate change or sustainability, it is obvious that plastic is a problem. There are tons of statistics to back up this fact as well. While many of them cause me eco-anxiety, I’ll share some of the most eye-opening ones:

50% of all plastics produced are single-use.
Plastic waste is growing at an annual rate of 9%. Just imagine how much trash our kids will have to deal with!
Approximately 91% of plastic is not recycled

Not good stats, right? Trust me, if you do some Googling it is truly terrifying and sad. It is clearly obvious that we need to reduce our usage of plastic… So, why not challenge yourself to avoid plastics during July! 🌎

It’s easy to make changes!

Another reason why you should participate in Plastic Free July is because it is easy to start making changes. I’ve stressed this again and again on Life of an Earth Muffin. Every small swap makes a difference! It doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or energy to start reducing the plastic in your daily routine. This blog has shared a ton of great tips over the years, so I hope you can use it as a resource! If you want some other tips for making easy changes, I suggest looking at the list of ideas on the Plastic Free July website as well.

You don’t need to give up all plastics to participate!

When you sign the pledge to join in on the challenge, there is NOT the expectation that you will forever avoid plastic. There are options for every type of person! If you don’t think you are at the point in your eco journey to avoid all plastics for a month, great. Just choose a few areas of your life to focus on. Don’t think you can avoid plastics due to your job or lifestyle? I challenge you to avoid just one plastic this month! You also don’t have to do the challenge for the full month either – tailor it to your needs and comfort level! But, there is no excuse to not try… I know all you Earth Muffins can do it!

We are stronger together.

Last July, 326 MILLION people took part in this challenge! Spread out across 177 countries, that is an awesome feat and a lot of people! While small changes can make an impact, just imagine the results of 326 million people making those small changes. The number of participants is great, but there is still room for more people to join in. Only 29% of people polled online actually knew about Plastic Free July… Just imagine how much more the impact would be if 600 million people decided to join in! 🎉

Final Thoughts – I Challenge You All to Participate!!

Plastic Free July is an awesome challenge. It really opens your eyes to how much plastic subconsciously gets incorporated into your daily routine. Once you have to actively think about every choice, you realize that you can impact the world for the better with easy swaps. 😊 The stats around plastic pollution are pretty brutal, so I urge you all to push yourself this July. We are stronger together and can make a powerful difference – take the plastic-free challenge today!

Love,
Jenna ♥

The 10 Easiest Sustainable Swaps I’ve Made So Far!

Posted on June 22, 2021July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! Now that I have a few years of low waste living under my belt, I wanted to share a post about some of the easiest swaps I’ve made on my eco journey. Some people are turned off by eco-friendly living because it requires changing their ways… And they just don’t want to do that. But, I’m here to tell you that many sustainable swaps are super simple – which means you should have no excuse to not make them in your life! 😊 Without further to do, here is my list of the 10 easiest sustainable swaps!

A picture of a cartoon earth with the words Save the Earth over it

1. Reusable bags & produce bags

This is honestly the easiest swap to make! Most people have accumulated reusable bags even if they aren’t on an eco journey. So, time to start using them to avoid plastic bags! This is a great swap to make for the upcoming Plastic Free July as well. I personally like to store mine in my car, because then I never have to worry about forgetting them when I go shopping. I highly recommend getting some reusable produce bags too! Those flimsy plastic bags for fruits and vegetables are a pain to open and a pain to Mother Earth.

2. Reusable water bottle

Another swap that is super easy – a reusable water bottle! I have been using my Hydroflask for many years now, and it is still in great shape. When swapping to a reusable, I would select metal bottles over “BPA free” plastic ones… Plastic still degrades over time, so I wouldn’t trust it for long-term use.

3. Safety razor

If you have been following Life of an Earth Muffin for some time (which if you aren’t, you definitely should!), you will know that I love my safety razor! 😍 This is one of the first swaps I ever made on my eco journey… And it is still one of my favorites. For only $15 on Amazon (affiliate link) you can buy a razor that will last you many years. Don’t be intimidated by a safety razor either – they are super easy to shave with and give me a much better shave than crappy plastic razors.

4. Reusable food storage

To make your kitchen a bit more eco-friendly, try using mason jars, metal containers, or other containers for food storage. When you are taking lunch to work or school, opt out of Ziploc bags for these reusables instead. I even have some reusable “Ziploc” bags, which are great for packing zero waste meals on the go!

5. Shampoo bars (& other bar products)

Bar products are obviously better than bottled products for many reasons. I personally also love how they look in my bathroom – much cleaner than hideous, brightly colored bottles. Making the switch to shampoo bars, conditioner bars, bar soap, etc. is super easy… And you get to try out some awesome new products! I’ve tried a bunch of different bar products before, so feel free to check out those reviews here.

6. Reusable straws

While I personally don’t use straws that often, it is one of the easiest sustainable swaps you can make! For those who get Starbucks every day, this will reduce a ton of waste. There are a bunch of reusable straw options from stainless steel to glass. I personally got a set of stainless steel straws from my company when I started working there last September. And then I invested in some metal boba straws as well (affiliate link), because I love to treat myself to bubble tea every once in awhile.

7. Zero waste period products!

For 50% of the population, periods create a lot of waste. A great swap is to use a menstrual cup, period panties, or reusable pads instead of the typical tampons or pads from the store. It also protects you from the harmful chemicals in these products too! I’ve tried a menstrual cup in the past and have plans to try out reusable pads in the future; but, there are a bunch of other ways to keep your period zero waste!

A picture of a menstrual cup with flowers spilling out of it

8. Secondhand clothes

Make an easy swap to secondhand clothes by shopping at thrift stores instead of the mall! One of my favorite parts of being on this eco journey is starting to shop secondhand – it is so much fun. 😊 The hunt for unique pieces is thrilling, and my style has evolved to be exactly what I want it to be. No more fast fashion for me!

9. Reusable cotton pads & Q-tips

There are many single-use items in the bathroom that can easily be swapped for more sustainable options. Take cotton pads for instance – why throw them away each time when you can get reusable ones that just need to be thrown in the wash? Cost effective, and it just makes sense! The same goes for Q-tips. Brands like Last Object make reusable Q-tips that reduces the waste created in the bathroom.

10. Composting!

I wasn’t able to make this swap until last year, but it is super easy to do! There are many options to compost; for me, I have a composting service that picks up my compost bucket every two weeks. Once I move out of this apartment and into a house, I hope to have a composting bin in my backyard. Amazon has some really great options for under $90 (affiliate link)! Food waste is a huge problem in our world. Once you start to compost, you will be astonished at how much food you were tossing in the trash!

10 easiest sustainable swaps pinterest pin

Final Thoughts on Easy Sustainable Swaps

It isn’t as hard as you’d think to start making sustainable changes to your life. For those who don’t know where to begin, this is a great list of places to start. From shampoo bars to cotton pads, swapping single-use products for reusables is going to 1) help the planet a ton and 2) simplify your life for the better. While there are hundreds of swaps that can be made, I hope this list of the easiest sustainable swaps is helpful! What are your favorite sustainable swaps you have made so far?

Love,
Jenna ♥

Great Eco-Friendly Wedding Gifts to Give This Summer

Posted on June 17, 2021November 14, 2021

Hey earth muffins! Wedding season is upon us. 💒 Summer is a very popular time to get hitched, which means you might find yourself spending a few weekends celebrating couples in your life. I’m a sucker for a good wedding – so much romance! Plus, it is totally possible to have a sustainable wedding if that is important to you. On the flip side, even if you are just a guest at a wedding it doesn’t mean you can’t keep your green values alive! Today, I will be sharing a list of my favorite eco-friendly wedding gifts to give this summer. 🎁 Let’s jump right into it!

A picture of a newleywed couple holding hands in their wedding outfits

~Money or a gift card

While this might not seem like a “special” gift, it is definitely a pratical one. The couple will be more than happy if you give them some cash to spend on whatever they choose! To make this gift even more green, try thrifting the wedding card or buying it from a local business as well. If you don’t think money is a good enough gift, get them a gift card (or e-card) to use on their honeymoon! This could be for Airbnb to help out with housing costs or for an experience you know they will love. If you really want to get creative, you could even give them money/gift cards for 12 experiences that they can do throughout their first year of marriage. A great way to gift them dates for a year!

~Stainless steel, glass, or wooden kitchen utensils

Many wedding registries include houseware and kitchen items for the couple’s new house or apartment. If they have any items on the list that are made of sustainable materials, purchase them! Having good kitchen products made of high quality materials (like stainless steel, glass, or wood) will allow them to have them for a long time. Makes for great eco-friendly wedding gifts for sure! It’s a nice way for them to think of you whenever they are cooking a delicious meal too. 🍳

~Artwork from Etsy for their new home/apartment

While not an entirely sustainable gift option, I suggest supporting small business Etsy artists for the happy couple. Many shops on Etsy sell art that is made to order, which reduces the possibility of creating extra waste. Plus, Etsy offsets all carbon emitted during their shipping process! There are many great pieces to choose from, but here are some of my top recommendations:

Dried flower art – you could use some flowers from the wedding bouquet or centerpieces!
Custom painting of the church the couple was married in
Spotify QR code art – when scanned, this can take you to the first dance song!
Custom painting of the couple in an art style that will match their new home

A picture of custom QR code art for the first dance of a wedding

~Soy wax candles

Soy candles make a great gift, especially if the couple already lives together before getting married. If they already live together, they often already have many of the typical house/kitchen products on registries… So get them some amazing candles to spruce up their home! Soy candles are much more sustainable than paraffin wax ones; plus, I find that they often have better scents! You can buy soy candles almost anywhere now as well; try looking at some local small businesses or ordering some off Etsy.

~A care package of your favorite eco swaps!

If you know the couple is interested in making their house more green, create a gift box of all your favorite eco swaps! This eco-friendly wedding gifts post cannot be complete without a plug for a nice care package. 😆 From bathroom products to kitchen utensils, there are so many options to customize a gift that you know they will love (and more importantly, actually use). I suggest going the extra mile and packing the gift in a compost bin – saves on single use wrapping paper AND adds another practical gift to your present. It will be the talk of the wedding for sure! 😊

~Potted plants for their home

While not a gift for everyone, houseplants make a great gift if the happy couple has a green thumb. I suggest picking a plant that is easy to grow or has a high probability of staying alive… Wouldn’t want a dead plant reminding them of their wedding!

The best eco-friendly wedding gifts to give this summer pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Final Thoughts About Eco-Friendly Wedding Gifts

This wedding season, be conscious about the gifts you are giving! Even if the wedding itself isn’t sustainable, you can ensure that your contribution to the event is. While not really that special, money and gift cards are always a great option. If the wedding registry has some sustainable housewares, definitely scoop those up! Even if they aren’t on the registry, I think soy candles and plants are excellent gifts to give as well. Or, you can go the creative route and invest in some customized artwork for the couple’s new home. What eco-friendly gifts will you be giving this upcoming wedding season?

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to be Eco-Friendly When Staying in an Airbnb

Posted on June 15, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! With the mass distribution of COVID vaccines, travel has become a possibility again. While you obviously need to still stay safe from Mister Corona, I myself have been venturing out more. Whenever I travel, I love to find cute Airbnbs to stay at. Not only does this provide you with a more unique stay compared to a hotel, it often allows for better amenities as well. 😊 However, is it possible to stay sustainable when using Airbnb? Of course it is! Here are my top tips on how to be eco-friendly in an Airbnb!

Pick an Airbnb that is the perfect size for you and your fellow travelers.

When looking at Airbnbs, there are often many options in your price range. While it might be tempting to reserve that mansion by the water, try to pick a rental that is the right size for the number of people attending the trip. If it is way bigger, the host will need to clean a lot more than necessary. This will result in excess waste from cleaning supplies, wasted water when doing laundry for bedding, and just extra time that the host could spend doing something else! Aim to be Goldilocks – pick the Airbnb that is “just right”! This will ensure that the preparations for your stay won’t create as much of an environmental impact.

Cook for yourself (if possible) and bring food & drinks!

I always try to get an Airbnb with a kitchen. This allows me to avoid takeout waste and cook for myself. Many Airbnbs with kitchens will already have the essentials – oil, salt, pepper, etc. All you need to do is bring the rest of the ingredients for tasty meals! Go the extra mile and make sure your groceries are plastic-free, from the bulk bins, and/or in glass/reusable packaging. I also like to bring my large Hydroflask so that I can stay hydrated while exploring a new place. 😃

A picture of a pan of food, getting cooked over a stove

Don’t use travel-size bath products if they leave them out for you.

This is a great tip for hotels as well! I’ve stayed at some Airbnbs where the host leaves travel-sized shampoos and soaps in the bathroom. While this is super kind, a great “how to be eco-friendly in an Airbnb” tip is to avoid those single use plastics. If you don’t use them, another guest can which reduces the amount of trash that will end up in the landfill. It is easy to make sure that you pack your own toiletries and don’t forget them at home!

Take recycling & compost with you when you check out!

At the end of your stay, make sure you sort your waste. If your Airbnb doesn’t have a recycle bin, take your recyclables home (if you have any). Even if the rental does have a recycling bin, I usually still take it home as the rules of what can recycle differs by location. I definitely don’t want to be a “wishcycler“! If you were able to cook for yourself, save any food scraps for your compost bin. This is an excellent way to reduce food waste as you travel!

Leave notes to show what is still clean.

If you didn’t use a bed or some pillows, leave a note saying that they are clean! This will (hopefully) avoid the host washing an already clean item. The same goes for towels in the bathroom. For anything that is dirty, make it obvious that they are dirty by putting them in a pile or even placing them in the washing machine so that the host can just turn the machine on after you leave. The less confusion over what is clean will allow for a lower impact on the environment!

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Final Thoughts on How to be Eco-Friendly in an Airbnb

It is definitely possible to stay low waste while traveling this summer. If you choose to stay in an Airbnb, make sure to pick one that has the amenities you want (like a kitchen!) but isn’t too large for you and your fellow travelers. By cooking for yourself, you will be able to reduce takeout waste and save yourself some money for other experiences on your trip. If the host leaves travel-sized items, gratefully pass them up and use what you bring from home instead. Lastly, clean up after yourself and take recyclables and compost home with you. What else do you do to reduce your impact while traveling? 🌎 ❤️

Love,
Jenna ♥

Tatteco Review: Amazing Sustainable Temporary Tattoos!

Posted on June 10, 2021July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! This year, my boyfriend and I got into the show Ink Master. This competition follows tattoo artists as they compete to win the title of the season’s “Ink Master”. I’ve always thought that small, minimalist tattoos are super cute; but, as someone who absolutely hates needles, I’ll definitely never get a real tattoo. 😬 There are companies out there who make long lasting temporary tattoos (like Inkbox)… However, these create a lot of waste. When I found out Tatteco makes sustainable temporary tattoos, I knew I just had to try them out. I hope you enjoy my Tatteco review!

A picture of a dinosaur temporary tattoo from Tatteco

What I Love About Tatteco Temporary Tattoos

For starters, they value sustainability! 🎉 If you remember putting on temporary tattoos as a kid, they would come with a layer of plastic over the design that you remove to apply the tattoo. To avoid this single use plastic, Tatteco uses paperboard instead. As the paperboard is 100% recyclable, it is a much more eco-friendly solution. Plus, the tattoos are made with non-toxic ink, which is another awesome bonus! In terms of sustainable shipping, the tattoos came with minimal packaging as well. Instead of a bubble mailer or box, they were shipped in an envelope in an adorable recyclable postcard. So awesome to see the sustainability value carried throughout the brand!

I also have to mention the numerous design options in this Tatteco review. There are so many to choose from! Even if you aren’t into tattoos, I bet you will be able to find something you like. From lettering to book/film inspired to your favorite celebrity’s ink, it is hard to decide on just a few to try out! After combing through the website for an hour or so, I decided on a mixed set of dinosaurs, some cute earths, two stars, and the words “Carpe Diem”. Each set comes with 3 to 4 tattoos of the same design, which allows for multiple wears!

A picture of my haul of Tatteco tattoo designs

What I Like About My Tatteco Tattoos

Like all temporary tattoos, I found that they are simple to apply. Once you decide where you want it, peel off the top paperboard piece. Place the tattoo on your body and press a damp cloth on the back of the paperboard for about 30 seconds. Make sure to evenly apply this damp cloth – wouldn’t want a part of the design to not transfer to your skin! Slowly peel away the paperboard to reveal your tattoo. Ta-da! Quick, easy, and needle free.

These tattoos also last quite a bit of time! The website says they will stay on for 3-5 days, but I have found that they last much longer if you put them in a place that isn’t rubbed by clothes or scrubbed frequently (like your hands). Plus, they don’t feel sticky to the touch after being put on. I remember temporary tattoos as a kid always being itchy and feeling gross when you touched them… These feel like they are actually part of your skin for a few days! If you are thinking about getting a real tattoo, I would suggest getting a temporary one to test out if you like the design/placement. Definitely fills my need for a “tattoo” without getting stabbed numerous times! 😅

Final Tatteco Review Thoughts!

While there aren’t any cons to these tattoos (in my opinion), I wanted to close out this Tatteco review by mentioning the price. For a set of 3 tattoos, it will cost you $4.99. For 4 tattoos, it is a dollar higher. Honestly, I think this is a great price for an eco-friendly temporary tattoo! However, I am sure you can find crappy, plastic temporary tattoos at other stores for less. So, I figured it was important to mention the price tag in this post. However, I think the price tag is totally worth it. The brand actually cares about sustainability and acts on that value in their tattoos and packaging. They are easy to apply, last a long time, and there are SO many designs to choose from. I will definitely be supporting Tatteco again! Have you ventured into the temporary tattoo space yet?

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to Live Zero Waste 101 – My Top Tips!

Posted on June 8, 2021July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins, happy World Ocean Day! 🐠 Back when I started my eco journey, I wrote a post about how to live a low waste lifestyle. Now that I’ve learned a lot from 3 years of “zero” waste living, I thought it would be fun to rewrite that post! There are so many ways to live sustainably; but, there are some things that are essential if you want to start an eco journey yourself. Today’s post will be a list of the top things you can do to live zero waste – let’s jump right into it!

1. Reduce, reuse, repair, compost, THEN recycle.

The planet can’t be saved by just recycling. The recycle system isn’t as great for the environment as people think it is… Which is why it is last in the “reduce, reuse, recycle” saying. If you are trying to live low waste, you should first reduce. Overconsumption is a huge issue, so reducing what you buy is much better. Then, you must reuse what you already have in your house. When things break down, repair them instead of purchasing again. Make your things last as long as possible! In terms of food waste and compostable materials, compost them instead of throwing in the trash. Then, as a last resort, recycle what is allowed in your community – don’t be a “wishcycler“!

2. Buy secondhand!

A great way to avoid plastic packaging and overconsumption is to buy secondhand. You will be purchasing goods that have already been created; this reduces the amount of resources used compared to buying a totally new item. There are many great secondhand options: thrift shops, antique stores, Facebook Marketplace, ebay, Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. You don’t need to buy everything secondhand to be low waste, but always look at secondhand options first!

A picture of the inside of a thrift store

3. Avoid all single use items.

This is probably the easiest tip to live zero waste. When you use up a single use item in your home (say cotton pads for example), make the swap to something more sustainable! I’ve made some bad eco swaps before, so don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to find the best eco-friendly swap that works for you! Here are some of my favorite eco swaps:

Single Use Item	Sustainable Swap!
Plastic razor	Metal safety razor
Shampoo bottle	Shampoo bar
Ziploc bag	Mason jar
Tampons/pads	Menstrual cup
Plastic bags	Reusable bags!

4. Be conscious of how you travel.

Another way to live zero waste is to be conscious of your methods of transportation each day. Instead of driving everywhere, walk or bike when possible. If you are able to work remotely sometimes, take advantage of working from home! 😊 In terms of traveling for vacations, try to choose a more sustainable option if possible. Trains and cars have a lower carbon footprint than flying, so consider those options when you are making plans.

5. Save water and energy as much as possible!

There are many opportunities to save water once you make the effort. Instead of washing your dishes by hand, use a dishwasher (which actually saves more water than you think!). Reduce the length of your shower. Turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. It all makes a difference! In terms of energy, make it a habit to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Another great way to save energy is to use natural light whenever possible. Do you really need to keep the lights on in the afternoon when the sun is shining into your room? Probably not!

6. Reduce or stop eating meat.

As many of you know, I live zero waste by being a vegetarian. It has been almost two years of a meatless diet, and I absolutely love it! If you don’t want to quit cold turkey, then start by implementing Meatless Mondays into your meal plan each week. This gives you a great opportunity to try out some vegetarian options all the while reducing your impact on Mother Earth. A win-win!

How to live zero waste pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Final Thoughts

Living low waste is awesome for both you and the planet. There are so many tips and tricks for living this lifestyle, so I hope these top tips can inspire you to make some easy changes to your daily routine. If you want to learn more about zero waste living, I’d love you to follow and stick around! The earth muffin family is a fun place to be, and I’ll be sharing a lot of great content around sustainable living. 😀 What have you been doing recently to reduce your impact?

Love,
Jenna ♥

How Do Sustainability Scores Compare Amongst 7 Trendy Fashion Brands??

Posted on June 3, 2021January 16, 2024

Hey earth muffins! For today’s post, I thought it would be interesting to discuss something I don’t particularly care about: trendy fashion brands. Many popular, fast fashion clothing companies are not eco-friendly. Personally, I shop for my clothes secondhand; you can find amazing thrifted pieces if you know what to look for! I thought it would be interesting to take 7 different “trendy” brands and compare their fashion sustainability scores. These scores are from Good on You (one of my favorite sustainability apps!) and Remake. Let’s jump right into it!

A picture of a woman in a red dress carrying an H&M fashion bag

I’ll admit it – I was a sucker for Forever 21 back in the day. I could buy a lot with little money… Which ironically I can now do at the thrift store. 😅 Their Good on You ranking is the lowest on the scale: “We Avoid”. This is due to the fact that they don’t share their environmental policies. While they minimize animal cruelty by not using furs, the labor practices are also not transparent. Remake also mentions that they often rip off designers as well. Definitely not a brand I am looking to support any time soon!

Ah, the infamous H&M greenwashing. I feel like this brand has been getting a ton of heat recently about their “conscious” line and who they have selected as brand ambassadors. I’ve called out H&M before in my “What is Greenwashing” post; but, at least they are trying to make some changes as a fast fashion company. The company uses some eco-friendly materials, discloses many of their labor policies, and has an animal welfare policy that is aligned with Five Freedoms. I’m curious to see how this brand continues to up its fashion sustainability scores in the future!

I feel like in many of the YouTube videos I watch, Urban is mentioned at some point. While I commend them for using reusable bags instead of plastic, they still have a ways to go. It ranks poorly in all the Planet, People, and Animal categories. This makes their sustainability score pretty low overall. I definitely wish a more eco-friendly company would be considered as “trendy” as Urban!

Many influencers also seem to be obsessed with Princess Polly, but their ratings are not good. Just like Forever 21, the company doesn’t do a good job sharing their environmental or labor policies. While Remake mentions that they do have some ethical manufacturing goals, they are all focused on the future with little to no steps on how to get there. Plus, they charge a higher price to hurt the planet; it’s a no from me!

While the vibe of PacSun reminds me of surfing and the great outdoors, it doesn’t seem like this company actually cares about Mother Earth. Good on You gives them a 1 out of 5 in the Planet category; there is absolutely no transparency when it comes to their environmental policies. I think I’ll take my sunshine elsewhere…

While the Madewell Eco Denim collection scores an incredible 63/100 points on the Remake sustainability scale, the overall brands gets a 29. 😖Yikes. Sounds like we definitely need those tips for identifying greenwashing! Good on You gives them a 2/5 for each of their categories, so it looks like there can (and should) be a lot of improvement!

You think I could forget about Nike? No way! While they use some recycled materials and have a Manufacturing Map to share where your products are made, it still scores a 38/100 on Remake. There are still some gaps in terms of transparency and sustainability, which makes its fashion sustainability scores low. With such an iconic brand, it is a shame they don’t use all of their money to reduce their impact on Mother Earth!

Fashion Sustainability Scores: Final Thoughts!

In our final tally, it looks like we have 2 brands in the “We Avoid” rank, 3 in “Not Good Enough”, and 2 in “It’s a Start”. While I am happy that a couple brands are starting to making changes, it is eye-opening that not one “trendy” popular brand could pass the “It’s a Start” ranking. When I was thinking about what brands to pick for this post, I tried to create a list of companies that others are talking about. I know I definitely missed a bunch of “trendy” brands (like Lululemon, etc.)… So, I might just have to do another post like this in the future! This might find some gem companies that are truly trying to lower their impact… But I personally wouldn’t put my money on it. 😕 I’ve said it before; and, I’ll say it again – SHOP SECONDHAND!

Love,
Jenna ♥