woman looking at sunrise

Climate Action in 2024

Change is in the air as we start 2024 with resolutions, good intentions, and goals. For some who are concerned about the state of the environment, sustainability is playing a role in New Year resolutions.  […]

UVIDA storefront

Refilling Hope in Boston

UVIDA began as a passion for using less plastic. Founder Maria Vasco was a junior at the University of Massachusetts when she was awarded a university scholarship that would propel her toward her goal of […]

Green circular arrows

Circular Living

Circularity as an approach to consumption is rooted in observation of the functionality of the Earth’s ecosystem. The underling principal of a circular approach is zero waste. In nature, the by-product of a process is […]

The Beauty of Cork

Natural cork is a renewable resource harvested from a specific species of Oak tree called the Quercus Suber, also known as the cork tree. These trees are mainly found in the Mediterranean, with Portugal being […]

Nicole_Stomping Ground Herbals Founder

Meet the Maker: Stomping Ground Herbals

When I think of Stomping Ground Herbals, the image I conjure in my head involves a lush garden, shelves of organized jars containing dried herbs, and someone entirely in their element. Nicole Mattingly, the Founder […]

TerraKlay Founder

Meet the Maker: Manvee Vaid of TerraKlay

In our fast-paced world that’s so focused on instant gratification, Manvee Vaid started a business that embraces slow, meaningful and deliberate.  During her Fine Arts studies she discovered a vast abundance of art being crafted […]

Wildflowers

Women Shaping Our World

March is Women’s History month. What better way to honor the women who came before us, and those who walk among us, who’ve dedicated their lives and voices to keeping the world a safe and […]

Gifts wrapped in brown paper

Give Greener

The holiday season is here and it’s one of my favorite times of the year.  I love the festiveness, time with friends and family, and the warmth of the season.  We put so much effort […]

Liz Verdant Wild Founder

Meet the Maker: Verdant Wild Apothecary

I recently had the opportunity to connect with Liz Hodges, the creator of Verdant Wild Apothecary, a small batch, botanical skincare line. Down to earth and happiest in nature, Liz creates holistic products by marrying […]

Duck sitting on lakeside

Changing Climate Change

Carbon.  You can’t have a conversation about planet health without talking about carbon.  Our world is powered by greenhouse gas emitting processes; raising animals for meat, driving cars, heating homes, and traveling are some ways […]

Cutting boards with cook books and a roll of reusable cloth towels

A Better Picker-Upper

I start every morning with a scroll through my Apple News feed.  Of course I have favorited topics pertaining to the environment and sustainability to keep up-to-date so I can share insights and positive news […]

Fruit in a Reusable Bag

Living With Less Plastic

Plastic Free July is a campaign that encourages us to look at our relationship with plastic. How much plastic do we use on a daily basis?  Where can we make adjustments to switch to reusable […]

Just pulled onions

Natural & Organic, What’s the Difference?

A common misconception exists amongst shoppers when it comes to the labels ‘natural’ and ‘organic’. Most people think that the two are equally safe, healthy and environmentally sound; in reality, they’re vastly different. This common […]

The Love Local Shop

Love Local expands it’s small business directory to include an online shop.  Caring for the environment is an integral part of the Love Local mission, as is supporting small businesses. Love Local married the two […]

Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags

Bye-Bye Ziploc®: Plastic-Free Lunch

Did you know the average American uses around 500 single use plastic baggies a year?  Only a small portion of those baggies will ever be recycled, the majority instead ending up in landfills and waterways […]

Jeans

Sustainable Fashion: Viscose

When it comes to purchasing clothing, there are endless options at our fingertips. What makes one fabric better or more sustainable than another? What are the environmental impacts of creating clothing and how will it […]

Rapt_Reusable_Fabric_Gift

Meet the Maker: Rapt Gift Wrap

Who doesn’t love giving and receiving gifts? Part of the joy of gift giving is choosing the wrapping paper that best suits the recipient and the occasion. A beautifully wrapped gift, adorned with ribbons and […]

Lip Balms

You’re the Balm

Cold weather always means keeping lip balm within arms reach.  Choosing a lip balm with non-toxic ingredients is at the top of our list of course, but even the best ingredients have traditionally been housed […]

Beeswax Wrap

The Future of Convenience

To understand how small businesses came to be, we have to step back in time. Around 800BC  the citizens of ancient Greece organized the first iteration of shopping small with an open air market where […]

Vintage Jacket

MadAndie Brand Spotlight

Elizabeth Graf has always had a love for vintage.  “The imperfections and stories behind every piece of old jewelry and furniture fascinate me. There has yet to be a vintage typewriter, metal box or wood […]

Greenwashing

Greenwashing

I was 27 when I started paying attention to labels and marketing. Perhaps because during my time working at a prominent New York City ad agency, I gained a deeper understanding of the process behind […]

Sage Refill Market Founders

Refill It Nashville

There’s a movement taking hold around trash. As consumers become more aware of the issues surrounding trash, specifically plastic waste, they are not sitting idly by. People are seeking out alternatives to plastic, asking questions […]