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!
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!
If you are like me having a baby has completely transformed your life and you are trying to raise this little being with the best knowledge you have and manage to acquire along the way. Sometimes we read about things and they just seem to resonate with us….that is how we feel about the Montessori method at home. It seemed right to treat our little baby as a knowledgable little man that if we let him could probably figure it out, all the while cautiously watching over him of course! It seemed to be that he was catching on to daily activities at home very quickly so what better way than to include toys into his life that make sense for the future, in the friendliest and playful of ways.
With Montikids they really make it easy for you…. it is a subscription where at every new level Montikids ensures that the toys they send are stimulating the child in the areas that are relevant for their age and milestones. For instance Level 1 includes all you need for your little one when first interacting with toys!
Atlantis absolutely loves working on his Montikids problems….. wether he is stringing a necklaces or sorting out colors and shapes… it makes for hours of entertainment with natural, beautiful and useful toys.
If we are headed to the beach or simply to get a bite to eat these beautiful wooden toys are such an amazing alternative to the sadly over exploited ¨screen time¨ we often see at restaurants and out in their strollers.
Montikids helps you bring the Montessori method home and you can feel safe about what your children are playing with. ¨Sustainably sourced and manufactured at an award-winning factory that uses only sustainably-forested wood, non-toxic paint, and 100% recyclable packaging. All toys and materials meet or exceed U.S. Safety Standards (ASTM & CPSC) for babies 0-3 years old.¨
We have placed select toys in arms reach of our son so he can decide to play with them at his convenience….. his clothes are at his level, he loves picking out what he wants to wear… and he sleeps in a bed that he can get in and out of as he pleases…. these things are aligned with our belief system of raising an independent child. He is not even two yet and already potty training himself and we truly believe that this has something to do with it. Feel free to contact us for any questions….
For more info on the Montessori method see the following link : Montessori theory
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
Acupressure Mat Travel Size
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.
If you are like us you are in constant search for the second sock! With babies, especially when they are learning how to crawl and walk, this can be a challenge.
We came across a brand that made that a little easier for us AIDIE LONDON, not only are they super cute they are also “Award-Winning Baby Booties. Designed by specialists in Child Psychology.” according to their website.
Lined with Organic Cotton, they are soft and cozy, keep your babies feet warm and allow for sensory stimulation to the soles of your babies feet….which when they are learning how to walk is especially important.
What we like most is the little buttons that keep the booties on your babies feet, even if they do try and pull them off, they stay on. In addition they get to grow in to them as they are adjustable, which at their growth rate is very convenient to get to use them a little while longer.
We can finally be done with lost socks! EcoCouple definitely approves of these booties!
To purchase and help us continue our mission please go to our affiliate link:
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.
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.
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!
Follow us on Instagram @ecocouple
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
Lo primero que nos llama la atención de la web de Tapp es el contador de numero de botellas de plástico que al usar filtros como éste, dejamos de consumir. Nosotros estamos usando el modelo Tapp 2 Twist, con Recambios biodegradables. Los filtros de agua TAPP 2 Eliminan más de 80 contaminantes del agua y reducen otros 50 a la vez que deja pasar los minerales que son beneficiosos para la salud.
Image from Tapp website
Es muy cómodo llenar tu botella de cristal de agua del filtro antes de salir de casa; el combo de agua filtrada en botella de cristal me parece perfecto. Si somos como el 70% agua, como no prestar atención al agua que bebemos?
Con cada cartucho puedes filtrar unos 1500 litros, esto es mas o menos 2-3 meses de consumo de agua diario; si bebes agua mineral haz el cálculo de lo que ahorras a tu bolsillo. (El filtro y los 4 recambios te cuestan unos 100€ al año). El ahorro para el planeta en términos de menor uso de plástico es incalculable.
Si tienes la opción de recoger agua de un manantial y filtrarla, tienes cubiertas tus necesidades de agua de una forma limpia, responsable y sana para ti y los tuyos. Las opciones son muchas, creemos que merece la pena darle una pensada y que cada uno elija, todas serán opciones mejores que comprar agua embotellada en plástico que entre otras desprende micro partículas al agua que ingieres.
Para adquirir éste artículo en tu país haz click en tu bandera. Gracias
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.
When I first became a mother I was blessed with an amazing neighbour…. She stopped by with all things baby and said “anything at all just call”. One of the items that she left with us was a KYTEBABY onesie that she had saved from her little baby.
It was so soft, and adorable….made from the finest bamboo. Ethical and sustainable and very convenient for in the middle of the night nappy changes… to be honest from that moment on, our little munchkin slept in nothing else. Since then I have not only bought but gifted so many sleepbags and onesies to new mothers… sometimes pictures speak more than a thousand words.
Months later I got in touch with the brand and now I am proud to say that we are brand ambassadors…. well he is …I am not as lucky but hope to be wearing kytebaby soon enough!
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.
