I was reading along and came to a sentence that read something like...Let off all of the striving for a minute + notice the work that is being done inside of you. 

It isn't hard for me to readily name the things I am striving for...the issues that occupy my mind. I write about lots of them here...zero-waste + food + simplicity + buying fair. I've been thinking about systems lately...a system for food (nutrient rich, zero-waste, whole foods, organic, local, seasonal)...a system for clothing (a suggestive list with a little built in flexibility)...a system for stuff (responsible replacements only). I think about this a lot...and the enormity of it all (compassion, responsibility, budget, choices, unexpected...) often feels like urgently navigating a giant, never-ending maze while wearing an unwieldy backpack. 

So that urging to notice the work that is being done on the inside...that felt important + valuable. Because after all...isn't that really what all of my striving is for?! It is the internal flame that directs + urges me on. That can be surprisingly easy to forget.

I stopped reading right there + started writing in my journal:
I feel like I'm working + striving to be better in the areas of zero-waste + food + simplicity + buying fair- but I sometimes lose sight of the goal + choose the right now/comfortable/easy instead. I want systems (which is not all bad) to help me do better. But...I also need to embrace what is happening in me!

- I want less!
- I recognize enough.
- Compassion is consistently on my mind + part of my actions.
- I want to keep up with the latest fashions less.
- I want new stuff less. 
- Patience is easier.
- We love whole foods (which are often the zero-waste ones) best!
- We feel best when we eat them.
- We are stronger.
- We recognize + enjoy simple pleasures so much.

Yay! So exciting! That really was the whole point- right? Yes! (Oh, I hope this doesn't come across as prideful. I'm hoping to inspire a little introspection out there...and a recognition of the exciting transformations that others can celebrate as well!)

"The law [like my systems] always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for...but we couldn't deliver...is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us." Romans 8

Please...let's be gentle with ourselves on this journey. Our outward efforts are meaningful + encouraging + necessary, but it's the slow internal changes that will lend strength + resiliency + longevity to the journey. 

Thank you for joining me on the journey! My hope is that you have experienced some inward change as well + that you take the time to truly savor it!  :)

Much love,
​Jane

Botanica Workshop :: recycled nylon, made in Los Angeles

Lacausa :: made in Los Angeles

Reifhaus :: made in Portland, Oregon

Hackwith Design House :: made in St. Paul, Minnesota

Pansy :: organic USA cotton, made in California

The Ones Who :: made in the USA

Girlfriend Collective :: recycled plastic, SA8000 certified labor

Haight :: made in Brazil

Esby :: made from recycled plastic bottles in the USA

Outerknown :: recycled plastic, Fair Labor Association certified

Patagonia :: recycled polyester + nylon, fair-trade certified

Patagonia :: recycled polyester, fair-trade certified

Patagonia (kids) :: recycled polyester + nylon, fair-trade certified

Nu Swim :: recycled polymide, made in the USA

Shaina Mote :: made in the USA

Thief + Bandit :: innovative fabric, made in Halifax, Nova Scotia (little ones too)

Matteau Swim :: made in Australia

Baserange :: made in Portugal

Also ::
-Azura Bay :: made in California + fair-trade in India, recycled fibers
-Balance Swim :: made in New York City with recycled fibers
​-Beklina :: made in California
​-Beth Richards :: made in Canada
-Bikini Empire :: made in Canada
-Free Label :: made in Canada, deadstock fabrics
-Galamar :: made in Los Angeles, recycled fibers
​-Jessica Rey :: made in Los Angeles, recycled fibers
-Koru :: fair labor, recycled fibers
-Lily Smith :: handmade to order by Lily in the Pacific Northwest of the USA
-Manakai :: made in the USA, recycled fibers
-Mara Hoffman :: recycled fibers, "responsible manufacturing"
-Minnow :: made to order in Toronto, recycled fibers
-Rachel Comey :: made in the USA
-Reformation :: recycled fibers, made in Los Angeles
-Reswim Club :: made with remnant fabric in Adelaide, South Australia
-Riz :: board shorts made in England + Portugal, recycled fibers + recyclable (!)
-Stay Wild :: recycled fibers, made in London, London based
-Swoon :: reversible bikinis, made in the USA
-Vitamin A :: made in Los Angeles, sustainable fibers
​-Lots of Australian options

November 2019 :: A little plastic microfiber update here.  :)  

I came across a wonderfully fair swimsuit the other day + it sparked the idea for this post! Personally, I don't wear a swimsuit too often...so the one I've had for a few years still works (I think...maybe I should try it on).  :) That swimsuit in the closet is the most ethical one...but if a new one is on your list...here are a few fair brands to check out. 

Stretchy synthetic fabrics might be just the thing for swimwear...but I am intrigued by the idea of a little organic cotton Pansy or Arq working in this category. It might be best for beachwear...and not in-the-water wear... but ah, minimalism!  :) I'm also intrigued by the idea of using a Girlfriend Collective sports bra as swimwear with either a pair of their short gym shorts or a bottom from a different brand. This multi-use concept is making me all kinds of excited!  :)

This post will be linked on the ethical brands page for easy access. All beautiful photos via links. 

Hope sunny days are in your present + are plentiful in your future!

Love,
Jane

The sign of a beautiful person is that they always see beauty in others. ~uknown

There are lots of ways to acquire low waste food...buying bulk, growing our own, shopping the farmer's market, dumpster diving, foraging, trading, making it from scratch + more. One of my favorite ways to buy low-waste food is to get it straight from the farmer who grew it.

I had loved our CSA in London (shout out to Abel + Cole)! It was delivered in a cardboard box that we left out to be collected + reused, when the next box arrived. I learned about + cooked things like celeriac + parsnips for the first time (I know...I'm American).  :)  We didn't meet a single vegetable that we didn't like...partly because the website connected with the CSA offered recipes + cooking suggestions. When we moved here, I couldn't find a single CSA that was accepting new members.  :(

I met Steve for the first time at a Food Circle event where he was promoting the benefits of preying mantises...wearing a worn pair of overalls + a very worn straw hat. Once I realized that there were sellers at our farmers market stocked with vegetables that they bought wholesale...and had not grown themselves...I became very picky about who we bought from. I noticed one booth advertising organic vegetables + there was Steve...same worn overalls + same very worn straw hat. As we became regulars, he started to ask me if I'd heard of some of the less common things he offered...like spaghetti squash + gooseberries...I'd ask how to cook them + take some home to try. 

Steve lives near Amish farmers + offered to sell some of their homemade jams, pickles + pasta (!). He, like the Amish, uses no gas-powered machinery on his farm...opting for heavy horses instead.

This year we are participating in Steve's new CSA program. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture + it allows us to have a mutual beneficial relationship! Steve and his family can depend on regular income + my family and I can depend on regular, local, seasonal food May through October. This family is thrilled!

These first couple weeks have involved a lot more plastic (+ styrofoam- yikes!- but I know that it's a reused one) than I would prefer, but the cold spring has slowed vegetable production + they are making up for that leanness with some other goodies. They told us to return all of cartons, jars, + plastic for reuse.

We have a garden, so I'm interested to see how all of this works out. I'm feeling like I want to still be part of a community that supports one another. That was initially something that I resisted about the self-sustainable movement. I don't want to be isolated or non-contributing. Just as I want to support some of the good work that is being done in the garment industry (by buying some clothing even though I can sew), I want to support the quality work that Steve is doing (even though I can grow my own vegetables).

I'm thinking that if I have too much of something...I can always preserve some for the colder months to come. Nothing will go to waste...but we might just eat a few more salads + green smoothies...nothing to complain about there!

So...yes...we are fans of Community Supported Agriculture...and we are very excited to see what's in our box each week! Thank you for growing our food, Steve...and I like your new straw hat!  :)

Love,
Jane

Spring has arrived in our neighborhood disguised as summer. We've had our first tornado warning. We've turned on the ceiling fans. The duvets are washed + put away. I'm experiencing my warmer weather wardrobe + noticing a few holes. In my web window shopping, I've found a few warm weather beauties.

If this was a small wardrobe, it would look like this:
tops ::
-white gauze top
-white muscle tee
-white tank

bottoms ::
-vintage jeans
-vintage army pants
-orange linen pants

dresses ::
-block print caftan
​-navy dress

jumpsuits ::
-plaid jumpsuit
-navy linen jumpsuit

layer ::
​-navy duster

accessories ::
-hat
-straw bag
-sandals

14 pieces :: I could definitely make a simple wardrobe like this work for all the warm months!  :)

All photos via links.

Love, 
Jane

Let's just dive right into this one, K? Pantyliners. Very helpful, but in some ways problematic. Some options for pantyliners: 
1. disposable liners
2. cloth, reusable liners 
3. period panties

Disposable liners create landfill waste + need to be purchased over + over. Reusable, cloth liners can have a hard time staying put. A lot of people use them, but many reviewers do mention their shifty nature. (These would be my choice, because they are made from organic cotton + have a waterproof cotton layer.)

I've been experimenting with period panties for a few years. My top choices after considering my findings included:
-Hesta ::
pro: organic cotton
con: reviews mentioned noise with walking + leakage
-Dear Kate ::
pro: made in the USA
cons: thick, synthetic fabric + reviews repeatedly mentioned tightness around thighs
-Thinx ::
pro: style 
cons: synethic, not clear where they are made, poor press involving the founder
-Lunapads ::
pros: organic cotton options, made in Canada, boy short option
con: reviews mentioned shiftiness of pad inserts 
​
I tried ::
-Thinx High waist. I bought my first pair of period panties a few years ago, when I finally decided to spend more than I've ever spent on that item of clothing. I wasn't thrilled about the synthetic materials, but the reviews made Thinx sound like the best bet in the anti-leak department. Here are my impressions:
-the "cheeky" fit had me in a perpetual state of wedge...which isn't great for stopping leaks 
-the material is like bathing suit material...slippery, hot, + not breathable
-they compressed like spanx, which may have been appreciated at any other time of the month, but was not comfortable in combination with cramps
Conclusion: I just didn't wear them.
​
-Lunapads MAIA brief. I chose Lunapads because of the organic cotton option + the fact that they are made in Canada. My plan was to use them without the extra liners anyway, so the shifty insert review was not a huge deterrent. These fit like my favorite Pansy. They are comfortable + have a larger absorbent area than the Thinx, which is nice at a night. They are breathable, + there is no noise with movement. 
Conclusion: If I must, these are the ones for me.

Photos via Lunapads.

I can't leave this topic without mentioning a menstrual cup as a fantastic waste reducer for so many.

I would love to hear what you have to say on this topic!

Love,
Jane

This week brought our first CSA box of the year...and our first taste of nettle tea. (Julia called it refreshing + I agree!)  Our farmer friend is a big fan of nettles + has told me about cooking with them for years. I've been a bit turned off, since my girls chased a ball into a bush of stinging nettles in London + received terrible itchy welts. Luckily our neighbor, a biology teacher, went with them to look for a plant that often grows near nettles + sure enough found some dock leaves that when rubbed on the rash soothed it right away. Oh nature, you are so amazing!

Nettles are a real powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, D, iron, potassium, manganese + calcium...and are also packed with protein. Once nettles are boiled they are no longer stinging...so I boiled them...kept the water as tea...and used the nettles in an omelet along with some other greens. Yum!

​Zero-waste + the beauty industry.
Another step in the right direction for plastic packaging.
​"Prisoners of their own clutter".
​Looking forward to this new book!
"Once you get over the initial fear of looking like a weirdo, it's simple."

Hope you are enjoying some sunshine + a warm breeze this weekend!

Love,
​Jane

You cannot exploit women in one country to empower them in another.
~​via fashion revolution

Saturday afternoons used to be a time that we ended up at the mall or high street...mostly just to pass the time + wander + look. It was never intentional. It was just the easy decision. We've moved from Denver to Los Angeles to Wisconsin to New Mexico to London to where we live now. The destinations changed, but the appeal remained. The shops accommodated a stroller...they accommodated rainy or cold days...they offered a little something for everyone (a bookstore, a toy store, a clothing store or ten...and maybe a cookie or ice cream treat). I will not say that breaking the habit was easy...especially once our daughters were teenagers. 

Here are a few of the things that changed our shopping habits + how:

compassion ::
--learning about the conditions that garment workers + farmers are forced to endure in the name of fast fashion led me to quit the mall
--educating my daughters + giving them the tools to be able to choose to be responsible consumers is vital
--(compassion is my most powerful motivator)

recognizing enough ::
--what a process + something that needs constant tending, for me

not watching TV + seeing less ads ::
--we don't own a television
--Jo + I have installed adblockers on our computers
--but as helpful as this is...instagram can just as easily become an ad for wanderlust, effortless style, interior bliss, or that beautiful tea towel
--(must remain aware)

my Saturday reads ::
--I save up all of my simplicity, minimalism, zero-waste reads for Saturdays (when I am most tempted to shop)
--they give me a powerful boost of camaraderie + motivation and reset my mindset back to "enough"

decluttering ::
--allows me to consider all of the things that I spent money on, now hold no value to me + are weighing me down
--allows me to see empty space as beauty 
--I recognize that "less" means less to care for, dust, move, find space for, store
--stuff can create mental clutter...so much of beauty is the space around things...that space allows room for us to breathe
--creates space that I like to keep empty...my bookshelves...my closet...the downstairs room...these spaces look more intentional + less like storage only

budget ::
--no credit card debt allowed- we don't purchase things with credit cards anymore
--if we can't afford to pay cash (or debit) for it, we can't afford it right now

limits ::
--our budget is a limit
--my wardrobe list in another limit
--our home is a limit- no storage units for us + our cars need to fit in the garage

zero-waste ::
--learning about clothing waste, landfills filled with clothing, plastic fibers that leach into drinking water + the our waterways, the excess created by fast fashion + even the second hand clothing market...these are powerful motivators
--we try to find things that we need second hand first

the internet ::
--I can be very intentional with my purchases
--access to fair brands, Craigslist, eBay, etsy...
--I can wait to buy + don't feel pressure to grab it when I'm in the store
--waiting to buy often means that I don't feel the need later

What about you? I'd love to hear what you find motivating in regards to conscious shopping!

Love,
Jane