bethechange – Page 2

5 Awesome Eco friendly Sustainable shoe brands

Published on June 19, 2019December 11, 2020 by EcoCoupleLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

Eco-Friendly Bedding

Published on May 22, 2019August 16, 2020 by sanny van heterenLeave a comment

If you stop and think about the fact that you spend almost a whole third of your life in Bed ….Do you not deserve to be lying in what is the best bed and bedding ever?

We believe it is essential to sleep with comfortable and healthy, organic bedding and our always on the lookout for brands that are aligned with nature! Lana Care has introduced us to a fibre we knew nothing about. Kapok (Ceiba) fabric, it is super cozy and it’s function is very innovative. Kapok fiber is harvested from the fluffy fiber surrounding the seeds of the tropical kapok tree. One of the things I personally like is that the Ceiba plant is like horses hair, hollow on the inside, which makes it breathable. It wicks moisture away throughout the night. Which is incredibly important as we all sweat at night. It is also referred to as the lightest fibre in the world. It is extra fluffy and comfy.

We are thrilled with Kapok (Ceiba) through and want to thank our friends over at Lana Care for sending us the lovely duvet…. It feels like silk!

“Sleep is the best meditation” – Dalai Lama

We encourage you, if you cannot currently buy a new organic mattress atleast invest in an organic topper and enjoy some extra special cozy bedding for an extra special nights rest, every night! Good night!

Awesome Eco-Friendly Acupressure Mat by Spoonk

Published on April 1, 2019April 20, 2021 by EcoCouple2 Comments

Years ago…I met someone that changed my life… he worked with Marma Therapy and an accupressure mat, I had just had a horrible accident and was having difficulty healing my torn hamstring. I was explained that I needed to get the blood flowing in that area….and voila.. I was introduced to my first acupressure mat. I used it to put pressure on the area and get the circulation moving. I then discovered how wonderful I felt by simply walking on it every morning for a few minutes. I remember distinctly breaking out in a a sweat the first time I walked for about three minutes…I felt activated and alive my injury healed very soon after.

Years later on my trip to Maui, we had rented a house from a friend of ours, she had the Spoonk mat, I remembered my old mat that I eventually lost on my travels. When looking into the company I found that this was the new and improved version….made from hemp and ABS plastic….

this was right up my alley. I had to contact with the company right away. Well what can I say…we hit it off!!! Not only do they have mat in all sizes….they also carry A magnetic roller that just feels amazing when you roll it down your back! Use it before yoga or before throwing on a pair of heels!

Acupressure mat — Picture from SpoonkSpace

I have recently started using it also for better sleep by lying on it before going to bed...which is imperative at this point of my life...being a new mother and all. What I most love is what I mentioned earlier...to lightly tread on the Mat first thing in the morning. I can feel it activating every part of me.  When you first start out you may want to wear light socks.

Update: I have been using the mat for over a year now, and honestly I love it so much, even if I feel a headache coming on, I roll it up and place it under my neck, and the headache just goes away! I truly recommend this product!

Use acupressure mat with socks when starting out

Get yours here SPOONKSPACE and use code ECOCOUPLE for a discount …….. and they ship WORLDWIDE!

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.

Conscious Traveler: Maui, Hawaii 🇺🇸

Published on March 6, 2019November 5, 2020 by EcoCouple1 Comment

We have been blessed with the opportunity to have traveled to Maui, Hawaii for almost two months. Iñaki was competing in a windsurfing contest, The Aloha Classic (IWT), a life long dream, and I was blessed to enjoy motherhood and continue researching eco conscious brands. Upon arrival we came across a wonderful photographer…that took some of the pictures in this article….who not only did the shoot with us but also recommended some of the amazing brands we ended up collaborating with. Thank you Chelsea! If you are headed for Maui it is definitely worth it to capture this stunning place with some beautiful photographic memories.

Maui was especially fun as we not only came across really inspiring brands but also made friends for life. Our first stop was Mana foods, of course we had to stock up for our adventures. Surprisingly the prices are quite similar to Los Angeles. Mana foods is also the place you can be quite entertained simply standing in front of the store, you may be serenaded by a harp or find yourself philosophising about God and the world, you know what I mean if you have been there. This is where we found our water source now we just needed to find the right container.

We were so very blessed to meet Kayden, of Blue Bottle Love, we were taken into her humble abode. Surrounded by beams of sunlight filtered by the cobalt blue bottles ….making her home and workspace even more magical. Our meeting turned into a 5 hour extravaganza, including everything from Meditation to the whole story of how Blue Bottle Love came about.

From that day on… at least one blue bottle (1 gallon:-) made it with us wherever we would go. The water tasted clean, conscious and simply delicious.

Blue Bottle Love photo by Chelsea Heller Photography

Iñaki was windsurfing every day and getting ready for the competition, now the sun is strong in Maui so it was imperative we found the right sunscreen, that was reef safe to keep us all protected while making sure we were not harming our environment. That is when we came across Raw Love Sunscreen Jenna also received us in her home and explained to us about all the harmful ingredients sunscreens use and how they damage the reefs and coral. We were so excited about this knowledge that we decided to speak to the people of IWT (International Windsurfing Tour) and got Raw Love Sunscreen to become a sponsor for the event, thereby educating and keeping us and the nature around us safe.

We also came across a very innovative brand located right in Paia. Ellemer we wrote a separate article on them check it out for a discount code.

One of the brands we were very happy to find was was Green Toy. You can purchase them at the organic food market ¨Down to Earth” – really close to the airport and Kanaha beach. Being on Maui and having fun toys for the beach is imperative and these ones are made from recycled milk bottles, how cool is that, so we had to get in touch with the brand and test them out. Atlantis, our son, loves them, they are perfect for the beach and the bath tub. The boat even turns into a watering can.

Chelsea suggested so many other local brands that are fully green-eco; on an Island you especially realise how important it is to consume less and make wiser choices. All and all we are so happy to have had the chance to experience Maui and visit its gems like Lumeria (best home made veggie burger I have ever tried), or the lavender fields, the local farmers market, also if you invest in a fruit picker and have a good eye you can eat fruit right from the trees, a must try the local banana bread on the road to Hana (We recommend you download a guide before heading out in the very early hours of the morning, as you will lose reception and there are many magical stops to make), taste the orange passion fruits and the delicious papayas, there is also a local Kombucha brewery in Haiku…but be warned too much kombucha and you might get a booch high as they like to call it (don’t drink and drive)……. Last but not least our favorite restaurants by far…. Nuka sushi in Haiku…. Go for the elaborate rolls…. And for a delicious organic pizza…. Flatbread company in Paia is the place to go!

Lastly we came across a really special store and brand, in Lahaina, they have the most beautiful swimsuits made of recycled ghost nets….. They are very original in their designs and I absolutely love mine!!!!! Kelley Chapman the owner of Manakai is a true eco goddess and lives and breathes a sustainable lifestyle…. Please check out her blog and amazing projects! 💕

One really great insider tip: at the Kuau store, if you wait to the end of the day, you can get their Ahi Poke for half price, and it is DELICIOUS!! If you have been to Maui you know it isn’t cheap to eat…. So that is a good one…. Speaking of savings… It is absolutely worth it to get a costco card…. The gasoline is waaay cheaper and they have lots of delicious organic food in bulk!

One more thing, don’t miss the sunsets on the south side of the island, or the sunrises for that matter, thousand peaks for example. So many things pop into my mind… Try the Açai at Choice, and the Fish tacos at the Fish Market….. It is a place to revisit for sure!

Thousand peaks is also a great spot to go surfing for anyone…. From beginner to advanced, there is a peak for everyone…. Hence the name.

As for the windsurfing spots…. This island is a playground for all levels… . For the more advanced windsurfer you can pretty much find conditions at ho’okipa every other day… And for the not so skilled, kanaha works pretty much every day! Both places are about thirty minutes apart.

If you are visiting maui with children we highly recommend the Maui Ocean Centre…. The tunnel is an experience to remember, especially for the little ones, and they have a lot of amazing info on helping and preserving marine life.

To finish this article we wanted to share an experience we had: During the IWT Windsurfing Competition, we participated in an ocean clean up: in Ho’okipa this can be tricky: We were only a few people and it was about to be cancelled due to the big swell that was hitting the spot. Both Boujma and me (Sanny) decided to do it anyway, and in the end most of the people decided to get wet and join us. We ended up collecting about 60 masts, and some booms, fins….. the point is if you are enjoying the island, leave it cleaner than you found it so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we did.

For extra exclusive Maui tips….. feel free to write to us anytime at sustainablecouplegoals@gmail.com we may hand out a phone number or two!

Thank you for stopping by our blog…..and feel free to leave comments and help us grow!

Surfer Responsibilities

Published on June 21, 2017February 16, 2019 by EcoCouple2 Comments

You CAN make a difference…. 💕

We all love the ocean whether we surf, windsurf, kite, SUP or do any other water sports.

It would seem that all of us surfers would be aware of how our wetsuits and our boards are made. Unfortunately this is not the case. It sure isn’t sustainable nor good for our planet 🙁

It is true that there are still very few options for wetsuits and surfboards that are made organically but we have the power to change that!

The way we do that is by supporting the companies that are trying to do things sustainably.

The good news is there are many great emerging companies that are ran in an ethical fashion.

I came across a wonderful store in Madrid that is doing just that.

http://www.surfnatur.com/en/

(we had a little fun with their stamp) 💕

Providing us with ecological options for the water, from Patagonia wetsuits to recycled leashes, fins and sunglasses.

I’m not going to lie…. I left with a new birthday suit…. I’ve always wanted a Patagonia wetsuit… you see some dreams do come 🙂

It has a great warranty and is made of yulex (natural rubber) but best of all this is Patagonia’s mission statement:

“Make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”💕

How can we not stand behind that!

Surf Natur also carries several brands of ecological surfboards. The company that caught my eye is Notox, delivering sustainable boards since 2006, handmade with greenOne technology. We are excited to try it and will keep you posted as to how it fairs in the water 💦

A few other items that we really liked were the wooden watches and sunglasses made by Wewood.

This company has already planted 400,000 trees and plans on planting 600,000 more in the next 3 years. We love this.

And last but not least we love Surf Natur’s own 100% recycled cotton t-shirt line and their very original poncho that converts into a towel.

So what we propose next time you buy a new leash, some booties, a wetsuit, or anything you are investing in, to go play in the water….. just see if maybe there is a more sustainable option out there and that way maybe you too can help make a difference.

I’ve got to run….. there are waves out there….. hope to see you in the water.

Thank YOU 💕

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