Zero-Waste on Etsy: Part I

I've been joining a lot of Zero Waste and Buy Nothing groups online to get more ideas on how I can save money and reduce my footprint. One of the biggest areas that I feel I can cut back is on single-use plastics.

Working in a city, downtown, it's too easy to get take-out for lunch, or even if I bring my lunch, silverware from the office kitchen. Having identified an area for improvement, I just need a non-disposable replacement.

I've also been lucky enough to get some Etsy gift cards recently! Thanks, Mom, Dad, and Aunt T. :)

Shopping on Etsy, there are quite a few artisans making bamboo cutlery sets. They vary in design and pieces included. I enjoyed this pear-print set from Bagitconscious for $17. Shop owner Lizzie also makes reusable sandwich bags and more. This set included the cute printed carrying case and bamboo fork, spoon, and knife. I added the reusable straw and straw cleaner brush.

The case rolls up and is closed with a contrast tie.

I enjoy that the bamboo cutlery is super lightweight, so it won't add to my already hefty purse, and I don't need to be weighed down by or worry about losing my "real" silverware from home.

I can also feel good shopping on Etsy, knowing that I'm supporting a small business. More to come in the next several days - I already have two more purchases on their way!

Visiting Costa Rica

Hi friends! I've been busy the last couple weeks preparing for and then visiting Costa Rica for a work trip. While I was down there, I noted a couple things.

Downtown San Jose has a fair amount of trash accumulation, like any city, but there are signs (sometimes literally!) that there are people trying to make a difference.

This stamp reads "A beach without victims begins with a city without trash."

Sadly/ironically, the storm drain right next to the stamp is filled with trash. Baby steps, I guess, just getting the message out there?

The other experience I had was in the break rooms at the office. I'm not sure if this was due to environmental awareness so much as frugality, but they don't even have paper coffee cups in the break area. Each employee has their reusable mug to refill. Not having the option to use a disposable cup is definitely a way to get you in the right habits!

I'm happy to be back home, and will get back into regular posts. :)

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

Brand: Trust Fund Beauty

You don't need to be a trust fund beauty to enjoy this brand of nail polish. With flirty high-end names like a neutral metallic called "Boozy Brunch" and a hot pink "Non-Disclosure Agreement", this polish is fun for the high-powered city woman, but the price is quite average at $10-15 a bottle. I'm currently wearing the "$12 Latte" shown below. (I'd show you, but guys, my cuticles!)

Here's why I'm enjoying this polish: It's vegan and cruelty free (no animal testing), and they are "10 free", meaning they avoid harsh or questionable ingredients.

This polish is quality; you get great coverage with 1-2 coats. You don't even miss all the extra chemicals! :) 

It also has a sweet back story: founder Samara Granofsky was inspired by her mother, whose chemotherapy treatments made her nails brittle. Her polishes are an homage, both through a safe non-toxic product line with fun colors, and as a nod to their shared sassy sense of humor.