the conscious decision blog
Shop sustainably this holiday season
This holiday gifting season, we invite you to forgo fast consumerism and join us in pledging to shop consciously for sustainable Christmas gifts. Take part in the #GreenFridayChallenge, a movement to inspire thoughtful consumption and advocate for sustainable living in everyday life. What is sustainable shopping? It’s recognizing that every purchase has a social, environmental and ethical impact. What and from whom you purchase presents an opportunity to make your voice heard and support brands that align with your beliefs. Here are some of our favorite makers, who align with our own B-corp values of reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose. Christy Dawn This fellow LA brand, founded by Christy Dawn Baskauskas and her husband Aras Baskauskas , retails vintage-inspired dresses made by local artisans (paid a fair wage) in downtown LA with sustainable deadstock fabrics. In 2020 Christy Dawn will be launching their farm to closet dream. Coyuchi Coyuchi retails sustainably sourced, ethically-made goods, including luxury linens made with organically grown fiber and using GOTS-certified manufacturing, the latest water-recycling methods and circular business practices. East Fork Pottery Ashville, North Carolina’s East Fork hand makes a full range of timeless, handmade ceramic dinnerware with regionally sourced stoneware clay and food-safe glazes made in-house. Girlfriend Collective This of-the-moment activewear brand’s signature leggings and bras are cut from fabric made out of post-consumer water bottles sourced in Taiwan, by factory workers treated with respect and paid a fair living wage. Mabo Mabo’s timeless children's garments are designed in Utah for little ones’ comfort and simple style and manufactured in the USA with natural fabrics. Nui Organics Nui designs fashion-forward clothing for parents and children, for extended wear and from quality materials that respect both people and planet. As much as possible, the brand uses certified organic materials and production methods. Oeuf Eco-friendly Oeuf, founded by a husband and wife team, retails high-quality and beautifully designed children’s furniture, decor and apparel that is sustainably sourced and responsibly created. Pons avarcas The traditionally-inspired, 100% handmade Spanish sandals from men, women and children are handcrafted in Menorca, Spain from ethically-sourced leather and regional materials. Willaby Athens, Georgia based-Willaby makes timeless, sustainable children's and home goods form 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton gauze. The gauze is woven abroad by Fair Trade textile companies, paying a fair wage, providing safe working conditions, and treating our environment with care, and ethically sewn in the U.S. and India.
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What to expect when making the switch to a natural deodorant
You've learned the reasons to switch to natural deodorant, bid farewell to your antiperspirant and committed to going au naturel. So, what’s next? Here is a breakdown of what to expect when switching to natural deodorant and how to make the transition successful. The Detox After using an antiperspirant for a *long* time, there is a period of adjustment— the body needs to rebalance itself as it adapts to a natural formula. After all, it’s learning how to sweat again. You may find that you sweat more initially. You may even notice some armpit stains (that’s not typically with use of a non-antiperspirant) as your body eliminates aluminum build-up and other toxins from the pores in your underarms. During this purge the growth of odor-causing bacteria can increase, resulting in unpleasant body odor. You might even think your deodorant ‘isn’t working,’ but stick with it — it’s temporary. This ‘detox’ typically lasts about two to four weeks, based on your own body chemistry. How to get through it: No bacteria. No body odor. Keep your armpits clean and your BO in check with (more) frequent showers or body cleansing wipes for when you’re on-the-go. Hot baths or a sweat sesh opens-up underarm pores and help speed-up the ‘detox’ process. Wear loose clothing made with natural fibers, like cotton, silk or linen, to more comfortably allow your body to perspire. Drink more water to flush toxins out — a good move, detox or not! You may need to experiment with a different scents to land on the one that best complements and neutralizes your body’s natural scent. Keep a travel-size version of your deodorant in your bag, like the 2 oz travel-size version of our award winning spray deodorants, to freshen-up throughout the day.
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