I realize that criticizing consumption and including 'gift ideas' in the same newsletter is wild behavior.
I didn’t do it intentionally, and I was a second away from changing it. But a second later, I realized that it is a perfect representation of sustainability.
Or conscious consumption, mindful consumption, slow living — whatever term you identify with most.
Because I could sit here as a sustainability-forward brand and preach at you about your purchasing habits.
- I could (try to) make you feel guilty.
- Position myself as a righteous brand deserving of your money (unlike the ‘others’).
- But that would be silly because we *points to you and me* are not the problem.
Our actions are a blip on the global scale. But our values and where we spend our money? That matters.
In our sustainable superstar section, this is exactly what Mutu and Santigold are confronting in their film: what happens when we've consumed everything?
What makes sustainability so hard to wrap our heads around is that multiple things can be true at once.
- You can care deeply about the planet AND buy holiday gifts.
- You can minimize waste AND use single-use products.
- You can fly to see family (or go on vacation) AND still be doing your part.
- The goal isn't perfection, it's intentionality.
Like gift giving.
It's crazy to talk about it in OCTOBER, but I'm a planner 🤷🏽♀️.
Mindful gifting isn't about spending more, it's about spending smarter. Culturally, gifting isn't going away anytime soon either.
So when we give, will we gift things people actually want and use, or will they end up in a landfill by February?
And honestly, with inflation hitting everyone’s wallets, thoughtful gifting is a win-win-win.
One quality item beats a pile of stuff nobody needs.
Your bank account will thank you, the planet will thank you, and your recipients will actually remember what you gave them.
That’s why we create hangers that will most likely outlast many of the clothes hanging on them. We're created a product you buy once and never need to think about replacing.
Because the way I answer Mutu and Santigold's question? Stop consuming everything, start choosing things that last.
october's sustainable superstar: artist Wangechi Mutu
Art has always been a mirror for society’s biggest challenges.
Some sustainability advocates carry protest signs. Others create worlds that make you question everything.
My partner’s job takes him out of the country and occasionally I go with him. While visiting the Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome, I stood captivated by an 8-minute animation by artist Wangechi Mutu featuring (one of my favorite artists) Santigold.
I was captivated not only because I love Santigold’s music but the powerful message these women put together.
- Consumption.
- Greed.
- Lack of empathy for others
Watch a 4 minute excerpt here.
The woman represents Earth.
The Earth that gives us everything.
Yet we’re always assuming WE are in control.
We cannot hold ourselves back from taking, from claiming.
We have not addressed or held ourselves responsible for our actions.
(a political theme still playing out 12 years after this video was made).
When talking about the piece, Santigold said something that stuck with me.
Art is a way to keep us grounded and renew us as a culture.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an ‘art person’ you are.
Music, books, magazines, fashion, postcards, linens, advertisements, aesthetics, a garden, a painted building, the clouds in the sky, a taste, a feeling — it’s all art.
Art can seem frivolous — even elite at times.
But artists turn moments into a tangible reality.
To create.
To make us think.
To share feelings.
To express frustration.
And sometimes, simply to be pretty.
Engage
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Visit your local art museum! (it’s very likely free)
october's blog: calling all organizing-loving Virgos (an oxymoron?)
For those of you who celebrate I hope you had a peaceful and resetting Rosh Hoshana!
And speaking of holidays… I know you don’t want to think about gifts yet (me either). But let me save both of us some time and say it’s worth a little thought now vs. the panic when December suddenly pops up!
So, Calling all Virgos and organization enthusiasts! We rounded up 12 sustainable gifts that'll satisfy even the most detail-obsessed among us. Think recycled glass pantry jars, plantable stationery, and yes, our beloved hangers. Whether you're shopping for a Virgo or just want your life together, this gift guide is chef's kiss levels of organized.
Read it now, bookmark it for later →
october's earthly eco news
The message is clear: sustained activism works:
For the second time in public history, a controversial mining project threatening Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp (North America’s largest blackwater swamp) has been stopped. Twin Pines Minerals sold 8,000 acres to The Conservation Fund for ~$60 million.
When windows become solar panels:
For anyone who’s ever lived in a home with floor-to-ceiling windows, I’m sure you’ve thought to yourself, there must be some way to harness the sun’s power. Now, there is! Researchers in China have developed a clear coating that can be applied to any window without altering the transparency.
Italy passes AI regulating laws:
As our own president posted a fake video on his official account, Italy is passing bills to protect its people. The new bill introduces prison sentences for AI-generated/manipulated content that causes harm, stricter transparency, human oversight for AI in the workplace (across a variety of industries), and requires parental supervision for kids under 14.
Melanesian Ocean Reserve: Indigenous-Led Ocean Protection:
The Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia are creating the world's first Indigenous-led marine protected area spanning over six million square kilometers (as big as the Amazon rainforest)! "The ocean has always been our garden, our market, and our home," said Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele. Indigenous communities will finally lead the protection of their own waters.
that's all folks,
stay sane & stay sustainable 💚