5 Things to stock up on in case there are shortages

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There has been a lot of talk about prices going up and shortages affecting us down the supply line. I would like to emphasise on the importance of a few items I think can be very beneficial to have in case this does become a reality. It is always better to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

1- The Berkey Water Filter

As much as it is wonderful to have filtration systems in our home, it is best not to rely on your houses water supply when it comes down to an emergency. Our number 1 recommedation is the Berkey. Not only can it clean everything from pool water to rain water in an emergency it is very simple to use and clean and has been our favorite home filter for many years. Here are more deatils of Why the Berkey Water Filter is our Favorite you can get yours NOW and use our discount code: ecocouple for 5% off. If space is an issue the Travel Berkey is a great option.

2- Acopower Solar Generator

A solar generator is an absolute must have in this day and age. This one is very practical and can be used at home if there are shortages or you can easily take it with you if you are on the go. This company also has solar panels and several options in the solar world you might want to look into.

3- LuminAID

To have a phone charger independently of your homes source of electricity is also a very smart investment. If that is combined with a light well even better. We found a brand that completely aligns with our own mission. LuminAID solar lights are made from sustainable materials. The light is super convenient too as it has several brightness settings so you can use it for reading as well as for cooking and to light up a whole room if need be. This is 100% something I always want to have in our emergency kit.

4- Garden tower

If you live in a city or space is an issue, grow 50 Plants in just 4 Square feet. I chose to include this because it can pretty much be set up anywhere. It replicates a natural ecosystem turning waste kitchen scraps to organic fertilizer to grow organic produce. For more information on composting and gardening take a look at ” Eco Friendly Sustainable Gardening tips¨ So stock up on some seeds and get your hands dirty with some gardening. Easily grow nearly any vegetables, herbs or flowers organically. eliminates weeding, electricity, nutrient loss and most water loss associated with conventional gardening.

5- Foods

seeds in sacks
Photo by Frans Van Heerden on Pexels.com

I have added bulk items in our store: canned foods, glass jars, seeds, protein shakes, rice, beans dried fruit and the likes. Stock up on supplements that you normally take and love, and also fill you pantries with superfoods. It is always imperative to have good nutrition on hand at all times. The good news is this is a really great investment and you will end up eating it regardless of what happens in the world so you really cant go wrong with stocking up on healthy foods.

I hope some of these tips prove useful to you and please feel free to share more ideas in the comments below and share this article with the ones you love. We are all in this together!

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Sustainable Headphones for Kids and Adults

We are so happy to introduce you to these two eco-conscious sustainable headphones. We think it is so important to make the more conscious purchase in all areas of our lives and these are two brands that offer us a great eco-friendly option when it comes to headphones and speakers.

Pogs Sustainable Headphones for Kids

sustainable headphones by Pogs

Pogs are really a great pair of sustainable headphones for kids! We especially love the volume control they have and the way they fit on the little ones heads. Kids can play freely with them while listening to their favourite music or stories. We absolutely love playing stories four our son. It keeps him entertained and it gives him a chance for some down time.

We have even recorded some of our most beloved books and put them on an mp3 for him. I think he likes listening to his parents read his favourite books. The head phones are made of recycled plastics and sustainably. They also have a small port so that siblings or friends can listen to something together as pictured above. We highly recommend you support this small brand that is truly making a mark in children’s headphones.

House of Marley

House of Marley makes headphones that are not only sustainable but sound incredible and their mission is to make their headphones with mother earth as their priority. We are completely aligned with this brand and its mission and highly recommend their products. As avid music lovers we look forward to trying some of their speakers and turntables in the future.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Top 5 Sustainable Eco-friendly Ethical Underwear Brands

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running. Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

Here is why sustainable eco-friendly ethical underwear brands may be more important than you thought. Something to think about, that we may not be taking into consideration. Underwear is so close to our bodies for such long periods, every single day. I have come to learn of the importance of natural breathable fabrics, touching our most intimate parts.

You cannot even imagine how many toxins are in regular underwear, half of them I cannot even pronounce, and then we wonder why we get yeast infections and the likes. It is so important for us to wear breathable, natural fabrics free of toxins. Not only is it better for our bodies but of course it is way better for our environment. So here is our top choices for eco-friendly, sustainable, fair-trade underwear. I have tried, tested them all and will be a loyal customer to these brands for many years to come!

WAMA

I have to be honest this is my first time purchasing Hemp underwear, I am super impressed. Absolutely love this brand. Hemp is far more breathable than other fabrics, which is kind of nice when it comes to your underwear. I also like the feel of the fabric, it seems quite durable but also soft.

I have only tried the bikini cut, thus far, but I already know I am going to invest in a multi pack. Also Iñaki has already asked for another pair so I guess he really likes them too! So if you want to support the ever growing hemp industry in a really cool way, join us on the Hemp Underwear wagon, we approve and then some.

PACT

I have been buying things from Pact for a while now. Actually I am not sure you can get these prints anymore as they are a little older but still holding up wonderfully! Wanted to share the reality of the test of time! Pact’s slogan is really endearing ¨Our mission is to build Earth’s Favorite Clothing Company.¨

Not only do they have really comfy organic underwear they are also produced at a fair-trade facility. They also have really cozy lounge wear. If you are a mama, well they have cute things for kids too. What is most rewarding about this brand is that they are super affordable, high quality and often have really great sale opportunities. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Organic Basics

Black organic eco friendly sustainable underwear

Organic Basics is focused on sustainability from start to finish even their web site is low impact. I really like this bra. It feels supportive yet comfortable and it is made from another great fabric called Tencel. An eco-friendly, sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. It is a biodegradable fibre that is softer and lighter than cotton and more breathable it almost feels like silk. It fairs well after washing it and has a really snug fit.

They also have wonderful organic cotton options as well as recycled merino wool accessories. I personally like to use my Tencel undies for when I exercise. As the fabric is really great at absorbing moisture. I highly recommend you try it if you like to exercise.

Knickey

For your every day super comfy underwear Knickey is the place. Certified organic, breathable, simple and you can even try all the different styles in their awesome starter set. This brand is more than affordable for anyone and they have every style you could want or need. I personally tried the high rise, ever since having a baby I like to cover my stomach. It makes me feel snug…. but I do want to try the mid rise and some of their fun colours.

I definitely recommend this very simple perfect addition to your underwear drawer. Another top benefit, is that you can recycle your old undies with them. Send in any brand and they will recycle them into rugs and insulation. Also you get a free pair of underwear in your next order as a thank you for recycling!!! I am just thrilled to support brands with such initiatives.

Use ECOCOUPLE for 10% off

Hara

lying on trunk in organic underwear

When it comes to underwear I absolutely cannot leave out one of my most beloved fabrics: Bamboo! Hara delivers just that, beautiful designs with absolute ultra comfort. This fabric is beyond soft, to tell you the truth it is another must have. I love wearing this fabric when I am lounging at home or cuddling with my hubby watching a movie. I love the way it feels against my skin and I got the cutest powder blue bralette, undies and t-shirt.

Here in Hawaii I can literally hang out in these all day, all year long. The bra I got is definitely for smaller bust sizes but they also have sturdier options for bigger busts. Yet again I chose the high rise (it’s my thing right now) makes me feel like a 50’s starlet.

I am not a big fan of a full pyjama… so this is definitely my go to sleep wear…. just feels so nice in my bamboo sheets. Also I can throw the t-shirt on over a pair of leggings and go about my day. I really love the weight of bamboo, it is slightly heavier than cotton and just always hangs nicely on the body. Trust me and try it you will definitely not be disappointed. Yet again a brand that inspires to heal the world and educate about the pesticides used in the cotton industry! ¨We strive from seed to store to empower lives and rejuvenate the earth.¨- Hara

I hope you are inspired to purchase your next pair of underwear from one of these sustainable eco-friendly ethical underwear brands we have provided you with! We look forward to hearing about your experiences. Feel free to share this article with your friends. So we can reach a larger audience and in that way impact our earth in a positive way. Thank you!

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

5 Ways to Start living more sustainably by Greening your Home and Kitchen

Thank you for your interest in living more sustainably. The very first thing I believe we should ALL do, is invest in some type of water filter, be it an under the sink filter or on the counter, whatever you are most drawn to and is in your budget. Not buying plastic bottles of water already reduces a huge amount of waste in each family. If you would like to know which filter we like to use read our blogpost ¨Our Favourite Water Filter¨

This is a quick guide for some simple changes you can make in your every day life that can be truly beneficial for our planet. It is as simple as switching out your plastic scrub brush for this beautiful brush made from bamboo, and coconut, 100% biodegradable.

The more we learn about plastic pollution the more sense it makes to replace our plastic items for sustainable versions. There are very simple steps we can take towards creating less harmful waste and you really do feel better about yourself when you notice how much less trash you are adding to the plastic pollution. Here are a few helpful tips and brands we discovered and wanted to share.

ECO LUNCH BOX

Living more sustainably with stainless steel lunch boxes made in india
Mandala Lunch Box

Lunch Boxes are imperative in our lives right now, having a toddler means you have to be ready with a meal on hand at all times. Well I did not want to use plastic and glass seemed a little dangerous while on the road. We came across the perfect solution, stainless steel. Sustainable safe lunch boxes for on the go. Look how practical and convenient these beautiful lunch boxes or should I say circles are. I absolutely love them. There are so many more amazing plates and sets I look forward to purchasing and sharing with you soon.

I have already been asked about my storages boxes twice by random strangers… they really are quite special, and this particular one has a beautiful mandala printed on the top.

El Cove

El Cove starter pack bottles and refill caps

It is so wonderful to see all the innovative ideas that are coming to fruition these days. This household cleaning brand makes trying them ultra easy. They have an awesome Starter Kit.

What is smart about this system is that you receive several bottles and then you basically just refill these with refill caps. This naturally saves a lot of plastic, as well as minimising the carbon footprint of shipping just the little caps as opposed to full bottles of liquid. You add your own water to the product with one of the caps when you are ready to use it. El Cove was co-founded by 17 year old Stacia and she is on a mission to be a part of the refill revolution and we absolutely support her cause.

Thank you for being so inspiring, Stacia, and bringing this project to life.

Eco Kitchen

Bamboo and coconut Kitchen Srub brush and biodegradable loofah sponge.

We are thrilled to come across this brand right before it launched. If you are looking for a more eco conscious way to live in your kitchen, this starter kit gives you a nice nudge in the right direction. It includes a bamboo scrub brush and a loofah sponge.

Both are biodegradable which means you can compost the brush and sponge when you are done with them. I look forward to testing that out in my bokashi, see our ¨Gardening Post¨! It also includes some BPA free lids that you can literally use over any pot or bowl or even put right over half a fruit or round vegetable. And lastly it has a beautiful mesh shopping bag to inspire to leave the paper, or even worse plastic bags, at the register.

We truly wish you the best in this beautiful community you have entered and look forward to supporting you along the way. Thank you for creating products that aid us in living more sustainably.

Clean Cult

Clean Cult dish soap in a recyclable container

This is so simple and so rewarding, we purchased a glass bottle for our dish soap a while back. I purchase these very cool and sustainable refills by Clean Cult that come in carton packaging. I really love the lemongrass smell but have yet to try the others.

I get to recycle the bottle and it makes me feel so much better about my purchase than just buying another plastic bottle (with nowhere to go) full of soap! Join the #refillrevolution and let’s put and end to plastic.

Tru Earth

Not only does Tru Earth make a great laundry detergent, but it comes in strips in a tiny cardboard envelope. It is completely zero waste and eco-friendly. Honestly it does not get more sustainable than that, even their carbon footprint with shipping is minimal. This is one of the eco swaps I am most proud about in our home.

Nowadays you can even buy biodegradable sponges to do your dishes. Another really easy switch is your plastic toothbrush. If you look around your house you will find that most of your disposable plastic items can be replaced, when they are no longer of use of course, with something eco-friendly, ethically made and sustainable. Every time you spend money towards anything you are casting a vote: Vote for a better world.

It all makes a difference it all makes an impact.

Thank you for showing interest in our eco friendly blog, we are on a mission to leave a better earth behind for our children, if you read this YOU are too….. THANK YOU! We look forward to meeting you along the way. We would also love to hear about some of the eco-friendly options you have come to discover and love.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Surf – Reduce Reuse Recycle – let’s do this!

I really think that as lovers of all things water, be it surfing, paddling, kayaking or windsurfing. In part it is our duty to raise awareness about the plastic pollution in the ocean. The time has come when it is finally much easier to do this. I would much rather invest in a surf leash that is made from recycled plastics than contribute to more waste. Wouldn’t you? Wave Tribe makes such a leash and we are lucky enough to test it in the waters and are already so impressed! Another amazing plus is Wave Tribe gives you a one year guarantee on the leash. I don’t know any leash brand that does that.

surf leash made from recycled plastics
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Honestly there is no reason any surfer should still be using wax with petroleum in it when we have an eco friendly option. This wax is made from organic beeswax and coconut oil. Simply the better choice. So let us protect our waters and support brands such as these.

Surf wax made from bees wax, non toxic
Here at Wave Tribe, we do our part by making it our mission to keep oceans safe from toxic surfing. We do this by creating stylish and eco-friendly surfing gear and products so that you don’t have to worry about harming the ocean while enjoying the benefits of surfing. – Wave Tribe

I often find myself wondering how we can do more. There are some really simple steps to being a more conscious surfer. We can always do a beach clean up after a good session. Or simply tell other surfers about brands like Wave Tribe, you can help us create that wave. Come be a part of our tribe.

We took it upon ourself to find an old second hand board… And paid very little for it. We figured that if it didn’t have the chance to go back in the water at least we would hang it on our wall as decoration. Well Iñaki worked hard on it, sanding it down several times and fixing the dings and dents (thank you Ding King for letting him use your space), we weren’t sure how it would hold up. Now just a few weeks after fixing it, not only did we find out that it was worth quite a bit of money, but I have been catching waves with it like crazy. Pretty much every time I take it out someone offers to buy it.

It is not for sale, it was a gift to me. I hope one day our son will get to use it, the hours of love and dedication that went in to it do not have a price in my eyes. It is by far one of the greatest birthday gifts I have ever been given.

The whole point of sharing this story however, even though there are some really nice Eco friendly surfboards surfacing on the market, and I am sure we will enjoy trying them at some point. There is something really magical about taking someone else’s trash and turning into your very own treasure.

To finish off this beauty of a board we were so excited to add our sustainable leash by Wave Tribe. So what can I say other than we are stoked and yes we’ve both been using the board now.

Have you refurbished something recently that you would like to inspire us with? We are always eager to hear your stories!

Thanks for reading and hopefully we will see you in the waves sooner rather than later.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

P.S Thanks to Silversurfer72 we have just found out that this is a Skippy Slater model Takayama board!

If you liked this article check out our other article on sustainable surf apparel.

Takayama Surfboard refurbished, reused, and loved

 Eco Couple uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running, helps us pay our growing core team . Allows us to keep the content free for readers and keeps us on our mission to inspire conscious consumerism.

Best sustainable brands of summer 2020

I had so much fun discovering these fun, eco-friendly, super fashionable sustainable brands of summer 2020. We are so impressed with how many brands are making eco-friendly, sustainable choices in their businesses. We thank you so much for making these amazing products and sharing them with the world. Always keeping our environment in mind.

For the Dreamers

wearing a bikini made from recycled fishing nets one of my top sustainable brands of summer 2020
¨FOR THE DREAMERS is proud to be a brand built from the ground up with sustainability at its heart. Our swimwear is made from regenerated nylon fiber from fishnets and other nylon waste found in the sea. Not only does this eco-friendly swimwear help reduce waste and landfill, but it also helps save the lives of animals we share the oceans with.¨
 

It is such a pleasure for us to share these very special brands that we have come across after many hours of research and truly finding companies that are aligned with our values as well as being, trendy fashionable and for me (one of the most important features) comfortable! This particular swimsuit brand For the Dreamers is the most luxurious bikini I have ever owned, it is so soft and silky yet sturdy enough for me to go surfing in it. I am obsessed, and it is reversible which I love even more. Honestly I have my eye on the on a few more from this brand because I am so impressed with the fabrics and not to mention the super classy packaging. I feel like I am wearing sexy lingerie but really its a bikini!

This is all the same bikini worn different ways and I still have not even gotten around to trying the different ways of wearing the straps. We truly hope you get to experience the luxury of owning one of these suits and at the same time feel good about purchasing from a brand that is fully sustainable and eco-friendly.

Maria Malo

Wearing an organic red dress by www.mariamalo.com

I have been a huge fan of this brand for years now, and I am not going to lie my wardrobe is probably about 30% Maria Malo, not only because I love the fabrics, designs and comfort of her timeless pieces, but also because I love the woman behind this brand and everything she stands for. Just like her collections, she is a woman with passions, sensibilities, embracing life fully and along with that she really can outfit you for any occasion. Weddings, beach parties, the Cannes film festival or simply an epic surf session, she has it all. Her love for nature and the ocean reflects in her brand and that is one of the many reasons why I love her. If you are ever in Bali go check out her amazing new flagship store.

I have not traveled to a beach without these shorts since I discovered them (I need more 🙂
Dress by Maria Malo and stroller made from recycled bottles Bumble Ride for more on the stroller see HERE

Swell Vision

Light weight, classy and sustainably made with bamboo, you can barely feel you are even wearing glasses. They are polarized and look just as good on him than they do on her, if I may say so myself 🙂 What we most love about this brand is their dedication to our future generations, Swell Vision is a sponsor for the Green School in Bali, supporting our future green change-makers. So we highly recommend them for their products as well as their support to our green community.

With each product sold we are working together to leave this place better than we found it, by creating and promoting a sustainable consumer culture. Thank you for standing with Swell and voting with your dollar to make a positive impact on the future of our planet. – Swell Vision

We recommend people to wear polarized sunglasses because they protect the eyes from U/V Rays. So next time you are shopping for glasses find the sustainable way and feel good about what you paid.

Mirame Swim

Mirame is a direct translation from Spanish.  It is a command statement that means “Look at Me.”  Melinda chose this name because it is confident, powerful, and sexy.  When a woman walks down the beach wearing a Mirame suit, people won’t be able to help but look.
 

We discovered Mirame Swim very recently but they have already earned a place in our hearts. The collection is super original and she also uses fabrics that she rescues from ending up in a landfill. I spend so much time in the sun that I really like a little coverage, especially if I am at the beach in the middle of the day.

I love the feel of this piece and I have to be honest, every single time I have worn it someone on the beach asks me where I got it! Which we love, because that leads us into the conversation of supporting brands such as these. What is really great about these suits, is that you can also throw on a cute skirt or shorts and you are ready for a fancy dinner! Especially with some of her very fancy swim tops, check her site to see what we are talking about.

So wether you are sipping on a glass of white wine at the cote d´azure or jumping in the ocean for a quick session, Mirame has the right suit for you!

Soloeyewear

Solo eyewear is also on our list, with amazing polarized lenses that make the world look a whole lot nicer when you look through them. They work with repurposed wood, repurposed bamboo and Cellulose Acetate (Cellulose acetate is an eco-friendly material made from cellulose obtained from wood produced in sustainably managed forests . After disposal, it returns to nature through the activity of water and microorganisms.)

At SOLO Eyewear, we create environmentally responsible sunglasses that restore vision for people in need. We strongly believe in living a life of adventure and inspiring individuals to change the world – Solo eyewear

So as you can see they are not only doing the right thing but they are giving back to the world, helping people in need. Can you imagine a world where we all did that? We can make that happen by supporting these amazing brands that are truly making a difference, and casting our vote where we spend our money.

I really want to remind people how important each and every one of our actions is, and the impact it has. We have been researching the sustainable world for almost a decade now and it is so wonderful to see all these amazing brands, and the people behind them, supporting each other and the mission to give back to our earth! Thank you!!!! For if you are reading this you are a part of my soul family… thank you for taking the time to research for the better option.

Solo has also developed a pair of glasses that protects your eyes from blue rays, with a clip on sunglasses part. They have also shared with us a secret new product and we very much look forward to sharing it with you as soon as they are ready!

Barzee Swim

These beautiful beach towels speak for themselves. The story behind why Barzee was created is also really touching, thank you for sharing your story with us Barzee.

I am a mom and going to the beach with a toddler can be a bit of a mission. I was not aware that there were towels in the world, that dried quickly, don’t collect sand and are light to carry. Sound like a dream come true? These towels really do all that, and aesthetically they are absolutely beautiful. You can use them at the beach, by the pool or even as cozy blanket when the sun starts setting.

Atlantis new favourite sentence is ¨Breast in towel Mommy¨ that means he wants to be wrapped up in the Barzee and breastfeed on the beach! So I guess my Barzee was just stolen from me. I am alright with that, we will be sure to get a few more so we don’t have to fight about them. Not only is the story of Barzee a beautiful one but 15% of ALL profits go to providing clean drinking water and restoring eyesight in developing countries.

After using these towels for the last few weeks and learning more about the mission of this brand we 100% approve and recommend you try a Barzee towel.

Here at Barzee, in Nicholas’ memory,  we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of the less fortunate. After careful consideration, we have partnered with several highly rated, accountable and transparent charities with proven records in developing countries.- Barzee

 

Wool and Prince and Wool and

These photos are not retouched! I know I know the water is a really nice color, but seriously how about the T-shirt! Iñaki absolutely loves it, he is even teaching yoga in it! This brand was a really fun find for us, as you can imagine living on an island you really don’t think about wearing merino wool.

To our surprise Merino wool is actually great, its quick drying, temperature regulating, breathable and odor resistant. So to top it off you don’t have to wash it that much, an all in all super find for our capsule wardrobes. It feels super soft to the touch and has a certain weight in it which I really like in a t-shirt. I have been looking for the right black tank top, the one you can wear to any occasion. This one is extra convenient because you can wear it back to front and change the neck line. They also carry it in off white and I think that is a good place to start using less clothing.

So I have to say the pockets are the best part of this dress but I am also excited to take it with me to colder climates. I could see myself in Berlin on a winter day in tights, a scarf and a big oversized jacket slurping on a hot chocolate too! We are really grateful about the merino wool discovery and are already looking for Atlantis to get onboard the island wool crew! Less washing, less resources, and better options.

Somebody said to me today ¨I am buying all these products and I feel really good about my purchases- Thank you!¨that made my day because that is our mission here at @ecocouple to make people feel good about when they do need to purchase something and to raise awareness about how things are made, how, and where it goes when we are done with it. We also always encourage second hand purchases, and swapping with friends.

A small way we can really help all these brands is by following them, each other, on social media channels, liking and commenting on their products, sharing it with friends. This way we will always expand our eco conscious family a little more. If you liked this post you also may really love ¨Support sustainable brands on Hawaii¨

Thank you for reading.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Support beautiful sustainable brands of Hawaii

Hello all you wonderful conscious readers, thanks for dropping by and helping me support sustainable brands of Hawaii…. Due to closing of the islands to tourism, small business are suffering all over the world, especially here on Hawaii! We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to some amazing brands that are located here on the islands, and make beautiful products.By purchasing from brands such as these, your are helping their economy but most importantly you are contributing to purchasing from a brand that is taking the best interest of our earth at heart. Supporting Eco-friendly brands on Hawaii. In these times I believe more than ever we are coming to realise that the world needs our nurturing right now. It is by our choices and how and where we spend our money that we can help, making changes for a better future and fulfilling our responsibilities for the generations to come.

Lani Shades

Simple, sleek and sustainable sunglasses are a must in this day and age. Why not support this sustainable brand from Hawai’i. Using bamboo, refurbished skateboard wood these stylish sunglasses are a wonderful addition to your sustainable collection. And because they are made by ocean lovers they even float- just incase they fall in the water.

AO Organics Hawaii

I absolutely love this local brand. They’re products smell incredible and are made for even the most sensitive skin. Ao stands for ‘āina (land) and the O stands for (wai (ocean). Ao Organics Hawaii formulates high-quality skincare and sun care products with ethically sourced ingredients. All the while staying true to their values: Eco-friendly, reef safe, locally sourced ingredients and cruelty free.

If you want to feel instantly tele transported to the beaches of Hawai’i I highly recommend this bronzing oil. I promise you will never go to another beach without it. Support this brand and the beautiful family that stands behind it!

Kaiona Swimwear

Mālama ʻāina is a traditional Hawaiian concept and way of life, it essentially means that if we take care of the earth, the earth will provide and take care of us in return. This is the concept and heart behind this brand. From eco-friendly ink to recycled materials for their swimwear. Kaiona is trying to do just that, even their beautiful recycled packaging is in alaignment with Mālama ʻāina!

I have worn this suit for a few months now and it is of excellent quality. I have used it for a normal day at the beach to deep diving with it to surfing. It is really well made and for surfing it is perfect as everything stays in its place and I can focus on ths sport as opposed to fiddling around with my bikini. I absolutely love the shape of this bikini and the back is just beautiful.

The colour is also as vivid as the ocean. We hope you like the brand as much as I do and support this wonderful small business out of Hawai’i.

Indigo Wild

We are so thrilled to introduce you to this brand…. Hawaii’s first biodegradable swimsuit brand. Yes, you heard right! A swimsuit that biodegrades in the landfill to 0 when you discard it. That is truly zero waste. Thank you for introducing the world to this amazing fabric with such style and elegance! Actually there are less than a handful of brands using this incredible fabric in the USA today. We are so thrilled to be some of the first to experiment with this fabric. It is beyond soft and fairs really well in the water. I surfed in both of the suits and it felt great! We met Shelby (founder) through social media pretty recently and are so impressed with this hard working Mama’s repetoire. Hand dyed unique pieces, made right here on Maui… we look forward to watching this brand sky rocket into the world and hope to be collaborating with her for years to come. I have little more to say other than these pictures speak for themselves. Absolutley LOVE Indigo Wild and I am sure YOU will too!

One Love Body Soul

Ecofriendly sustainable sunscreen

This local brand has reef safe sun screen, that spreads really evenly on the skin and does not leave any white residue. I also absolutely love their lip balm, and biodegradable deodorant. Erin the founder has taken her brand to the next level, even some of her packaging is biodegradable. Definitely an inspiring local brand we should be supporting.

Sail Bags Maui

Sustainable brands of hawaii Bag made from recycled sails

This young mother of three had an idea and made it a reality. Creating beautifully crafted bags. Their mission is to save as many kitesurfing fabrics as possible from ending up in landfills.  The bags are super durable and water resistant. They are fun colours and are a really innovative way of up cycling kite sails. You can also donate your old kite to them! @sailbags_maui

Ti and Coco

For me personally comfort is key, and it is really nice to have a few items that just make you feel that little extra special when you wear them. With Ti and Coco you can be elegant or casual and enjoy these pieces for special occasions or as I am finding on a daily basis. From organic cotton, to linen to tencel there is something for every occasion. We are thrilled with this find, and I am thinking I may have to add their little black dress to my island wardrobe.

Eco friendly sustainable linen by Ti and Coco
Ti & CoCo, comes from the Ti Leaf and the Coconut, two plants that are sacred in Polynesian culture. The Ti Leaf is a symbol of the companies mission to be green, while the Coconut signifies clean water, which is vital for an everlasting planet
¨We are inspired to protect and preserve this beautiful, nourishing planet that we call home. Ti & CoCo is the manifestation of our mission and wish for sustainability, ethical, eco-friendly and conscious fashion – the way of the future!¨  – Ti and Coco

Ako Wear

organic cotton t-shirt by Akowear

For simple, beautiful organic t-shirts, designed by artists and inspired by nature, this is the place for you! The fabrics are so very soft but have enough weight to really allow the t-shirt to drape off of your body. Ethically, sustainably made from every detail including eco friendly dyes.

Sourced from www.akowearhawaii.com

For a day at the beach or a classic look with a blazer, this little white T is a perfect staple for anyones sustainable wardrobe.

Manakai Swimwear

Bikini made from recycled plastic by manakai

Manakai has a beautiful little shop in Lahaina, on maui, as you step inside you instantly feel that you are taken on a journey, of passion, sustainability and beauty. Every bathing suit has the ability to make you feel just a little more special. The best of all is you can feel confident by purchasing this swimwear you are making a small difference towards a more sustainable future.

Manakai Swimwear’s Eco~Conscious Collection is made of sustainable fabric created from regenerated nylon. The designs are beautiful yet the pieces are functional, wether you want to just hang out at the beach or jump on a board and catch some waves, Manakai has the sustainable option for you. I have had my bikini for a few years, and with some love and care it still looks brand new!

Blue Bottle Love

I can only say it is exactly as the name describes it, blue bottle love. The bottle is absolutely gorgeous and imprints love onto every sip you drink from it. After extensive research my favourite water is taken from a natural spring, filtered through our Berkey system and then last but not least placed into our beautiful cobalt bottles! This makes the most delicious water you could ever drink.

Blue bottle by bluebottle love sustainable
Here at Blue Bottle love we have a Mission to spread the healing vibrations of Love, Peace, Harmony and Gratitude, and to weave a crystalline grid of Unity consciousness anchored in the wisdom, beauty and power of water! – Blue Bottle Love

Mamanu Kids

We highly recommend the many beautiful hats of Mamanu, they are mostly reversible which we also really love….. We discovered them a little over a year ago and still Atlantis loves wearing his shirts and sun hats. The prints are dreamy and the fabric is sturdy yet soft to the touch. And everytime he wears them someone comments on how lovely he looks…

Hand made on Hawaii, with sustainable organic fabrics, Anna brings these beautiful creations to life.

Thank you for stopping by our blog and supporting these amazing sustainable brands of Hawaii!

With love,

Eco Couple

Best 5 looks with a Sustainable Capsule Wardrobe

We all love a good Spring Cleaning every now and then. I really love the concept of a sustainable ¨Capsule Wardrobe.¨ The term was coined by Susie Faux in the 1970’s A Capsule wardrobe consists of a collection of essential items that do not go out of style, that you can mix and match in many different ways. Saving you time, figuring out what to wear, and most importantly money. We are focusing on how to move towards the sustainable Capsule Wardrobe, for me this is a dream come true!

sustainable capsule wardrobe jeans and black reversible tshirt

I will be featuring pictures from Pic Style out of the UK in this article and also take a look at Vetta Capsule if you are interested in some great basics. I must say we have very much have fallen in love Pic Style….. so many ways to wear these amazing pieces. 8 pieces = more than 50 outfits… how cool is that! Here are a few!

In the meantime let’s talk about how to evolve your very own wardrobe into something more manageable and hopefully more ethically conscious. I once heard a fun tip to start misting out the closet….If you turn all your hangers the other way around….and in one year check on what you have not worn….that is a really nice way of moving on from some of your clothing items.

Always sharing these items with friends or donating them to a good cause. As they say ¨one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.¨ I am very lucky in that respect as I have several friends that know me well enough and call me to come take a look when they are cleaning out their wardrobe!

The minimalist approach can seem overwhelming when it comes to clothes, but you would be surprised if you actually wrote down what you wore every day you would notice that you often repeat the clothes you really love and neglect a far larger percentage of what you own. So why not start donating the things you do’t wear and simplify your wardrobe.

Some companies have made this easier by creating a Capsule Wardrobe and helping you with ideas of how to wear them…they are especially great when you can wear them inside out or back to front to create new looks. We had the opportunity to do a lovely photoshoot with a few of PicStyle pieces…. I made a point to take these pictures with my sister who is twenty years younger than me, to show how ageless and timeless these pieces truly are. I hope you like them!

I am thrilled to say that there are so many exciting brands that are gearing towards this kind of wardrobe and that is what we thrive on over here @ecocouple For some more fun pieces take a browse through one of our recent posts ¨Favourite Sustainable Brands 2020¨

We would love to hear about your capsule wardrobe!

Love,

Sanny

Our favorite Eco friendly Stroller

Traveling with a baby is no joke! Most parents know exactly what I am talking about. However you buy your first stroller before you have had these experiences….and then learn about all the annoying non useful things about it when you already own it! Instead of focusing on the strollers we didn’t like we want to focus on our very favourite stroller on the market: The Bumbleride

Anyhow so here we are as a family traveling through airports, on trains and automobiles…. Curving through cold city streets in snowy white Hamburg, to strolling the beaches of Tarifa in the south of Spain or simply taking a walk through Los Angeles…. what do we need to look out for when purchasing a stroller before we can even think about how green it is?

Is it versatile? Does it have small or big wheels? Does it fold up easily? How heavy is it? Is it comfortable for the little one to take his naps in? Will it work when he is a little older? Can I go for a run with it? Does it have storage space? This strollers has all these features as well as being able to get a car seat adapter and drinks holder if you so please.

You never really think about that if you spend some time in a city with cobble streets, your baby might wake up ten times when you try to put him down for a nap… Or you may want to take a stroll on the beach spontaneously and not get stuck in the sand. Or you may want to go to a music festival and take your little one with you! If you are an adventurer and like to be spontaneous all of these factors are important. So we made it a mission to find the most versatile, eco-friendly stroller on the market. It has plenty of storage, a front lock wheel and big tires with great suspension (our first stroller had zero suspension) which means you can take a sleeping baby anywhere! This is a huge plus for us, especially while Iñaki is out searching for the perfect wave.

What we love most, is not only that Bumbleride has created the perfect stroller for us and our adventures, but most importantly they have done it keeping our planet in mind….and that is why we consider the Bumbleride the best stroller on the market today and are absolutely exstatic to be collaborating with them.

Quote from www.bumbleride.com website
A stroller made from recycled milk bottles

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running, helps us pay our growing core team and allows us to keep the content free for readers and keeps us on our mission to inspire conscious consumerism.

5 Awesome Eco friendly Sustainable shoe brands

I am so excited to have found these amazing sustainable shoe brands, I hope you like our selection and we always look forward to hearing from you. So please share your finds and suggestions.

SAOLA (USA)

misty blue sequoia shoes perched on a log
“Because we know that sixty to seventy percent of the environmental footprint of a pair of shoes is a result of the product’s materials, we’ve made eco construction the central pillar of our shoe development” – Soala

Saola is privy to the extent the shoe industry has been polluting our planet and are doing everything they can to #makeanimpact to change this. We got the sequoia in misty blue and are absolutely in love with them. However I must say there are so many beautiful styles and colours to choose from. It is so important to not have to compromise style when supporting and buying sustainable shoe brands and that is exactly the case with Saola, comfort, style and sustainability all in one.

Thank you and we look forward to owning more Soala shoes as the years go by. So take a step into a more ethical footprint and feel good about your next pair of shoes!

Verdura shoes (Italy)

This shoe comes in at number one for us….. not only is it stylish, vegan and just simply beautifully crafted. Not a day goes by that I do not get stopped on the street when I wear them. The shoe fits your feet like a glove, especially after wearing them in for a few days….. it is super comfortable and most importantly, eco conscious. From vegan leather to recycled fishing nets, this shoe exceeds every expectation from a vegan friendly shoe.

Beautifully handcrafted italian shoe made with recycled fishing nets one of the most beautiful sustainable shoe brands
Every detail is hand made and sourced locally in Tuscany

Hand crafted in Tuscany, Italy. With every detail sourced locally even using natural dyes, making each and every pair unique. Wether it is out and about with a pair of summer shorts or a fancy dress these shoes make their mark wherever they go…..and we are beyond ecstatic to have found them!!!!!

Love for the planet is in the heart of Verdura as well as love for beauty and for the aesthetics” -Verdura

Beyond Skin (UK)

Every girl needs a good pair of high heels in her closet, so why not make it a vegan pair. This high heel is an all time classic style and by far one of my favourites, I absolutely love the peek a boo toe. This is a classic, timeless design that can always be worn. Dress them down with a pair of jeans, wear them on a red carpet or to a wedding. The shoe fits for every special occasion.

Their sustainable and leather-free footwear is all ethically and beautifully handmade in Spain. They have a beautiful selection of vegan shoes

Quoting Beyond Skin and a very interesting fact we did not know: ¨On average, one cow hide will provide 18 pairs of leather shoes and each pair of shoes is accountable for the use of over 1.4 million litres of water! This figure includes the water used to rear and slaughter the cow, and to process the hide in to leather.
Put simply, each time you purchase a new pair of leather shoes you are responsible for using as much water as having a bath everyday for over 40 years! In terms of disposal you’d think that leather products would be biodegradable, but the tanning agent renders it non biodegradable.¨

To me this is enough reason to look for a more sustainable option!

Simple Shoes (USA)

For a classic comfortable sneaker for men and women we have landed on these super comfy shoes. ¨Simple innovation in the form of an organic cotton canvas sneaker. A timeless style that will become a wardrobe staple. The textile lined memory foam insoles support and cushion your every step for maximum comfort.

simple shoes and skateboard made from recycled fishing nets
Even the skateboard is made from recycled fishing nets (carver)

There are no harmful dyes used and the materials are held together with eco-friendly water based glues. The flat cotton laces are made from 100% recycled cotton; and yes, it is a vegan shoe.  A classic organic cotton canvas sneaker that goes well with whatever music is playing.¨ Now how would you chose any other sneaker over this one….¨memory sole insoles are absolutely something worth a try!

GUMBIES (USA,UK, AUSTRALIA)

These may be the most comfortable flip flops we have ever owned, Iñaki loves them just as much as I do! Inspired by tires and mad e from recycled rubber these flip flops have their own unique look and are truly a great price. We hope to own many more of them, and there are so many wonderful colours to choose from, we have yet to try the cork flip flops but do not doubt that they will probably be amazing too.

Gumbies Islander flip flops

The Outback Slipper is made using 8 recycled plastic bottles, how amazing is that. For more info read up on it on their website. There is nothing greater than a good surf session and then slipping into a nice warm slipper, no matter what part of the world you happen to be in.

After a good surf session at hookipa, Hawaii

So all in all we have introduced you to our favourite eco conscious shoe brands for every and any occassion and look forward to hearing from you to discover more brands you would love to share with us!

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running, helps us pay our growing core team, allows us to keep the content free for readers and keeps us on our mission to inspire conscious consumerism.