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3 Simple Tips to Be More Sustainable in Online School

Written By Sophia Basco, OSF Group Member

1. Cut Down On Your Paper Use

Switch to digital instead of paper. You can use digital planners and notebooks for tracking to-do's and for making study notes. However, when print documents are needed, you can use both sides of the paper to avoid waste. You can also opt to read books, magazines, and newspapers online.

Don't know what to do with the paper materials such as envelopes, wrappers, the front of gift cards or postcards that you receive? Try reusing these for your next project or converting them for note-taking. 

Recommendations for notes, to-do list, and planners:

Evernote

GoodNotes

Google Keep

Microsoft OneNote

Google Calendar

Recommendations for books, magazines, and newspapers:

Kindle

Vogue

The New York Times

2. Shut Down Your Computer At The End of The Day

After many hours of screen time, it is important to keep our electronic devices off when not used to reduce energy usage. Moreover, it is a health benefit to power off our gadgets before bedtime so that our body can easily adapt to our natural sleep schedule.

3. Become a Minimalist!

As a student, I know that anyone can relate to having unused or never- filled-up notebooks at the end of the school year and pens missing in the first week of school. As an avid pen and stationery "collector" in the past, I don't use everything I have. This is where minimalism comes in because we need to be more conscious that every school supply we buy will be used to its maximum purpose. Furthermore, we need to avoid the use of waste materials as well. Pens and notebooks are not sustainable at all because of the plastic and paper components of it. 

The provided recommendations are easy and doable for any student, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to take more conscious steps, especially when the climate crisis is at its peak. Our small actions can make a difference to end climate change before it becomes irreversible.  

For more, follow OSF on Instagram! 

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What A Year As A Small Business Owner Taught Me About Sustainability, Upcycling, Thrifting, and Running a Brand

Written By Campbell Fauber for Our Sustainable Future 

In Summer 2019, I launched the first collection of my sustainable clothing brand, Dauntless Denim,  curious to see how people would respond. While I did not focus on creating an array of clothes, I decided to focus on thrifting and upcycling denim jackets, which was something I had never tried before. In short, thrifting and upcycling are two specific ways we, as consumers, can keep our planet cleaner. This process was exciting but challenging, and I definitely learned a lot. Here are some important things I learned along the way. 

1. If You Can Upcycle, Do It! 

Upcycling is a way consumers can reuse something they own by transforming it into something new and unique. In my own life, I began thinking of ways I could practice sustainability, which involved trying on a more personal level to keep myself from getting rid of clothes I didn’t wear anymore. I decided to upcycle thrifted denim jackets that I found at a local secondhand shop. I gave the jackets a new life by sewing on colorful fabrics that were bold and eye-catching. Upcycling is a great way to make something new out of what you already own and encourages creativity and self-expression. Upcycling is also environmentally-friendly because it helps reduce what goes into a landfill, such as clothes. With all of this in mind, I encourage you to find a piece of old clothing in your closet (or even something laying around your house) and consider upcycling it or, rather, transforming it into something completely new and reimagined. 

2. When In Doubt, Thrift. 

Before I started Dauntless Denim, I had gone to Goodwill a few times to look for some old clothes I could wear again. However, it wasn’t until I officially started my business that I had truly learned how great thrifting was for the environment. I found a local secondhand shop near my house and decided to stop in and see what it was like inside. There were organized racks of clothes of all kinds (e.g. sizes, colors, brands). It was incredible to see so many items ranging from men’s to women’s to kids that were for sale. Immediately, I headed to the denim section and soon discovered a rack of old denim jackets that I could use for my first denim jacket launch. I picked out a few pieces, which were way cheaper than the original price (a perk of thrifting!), and left the store feeling happy and accomplished. All in all, I encourage you to thrift whenever possible. Not only does thrifting help reduce clothing waste, it also helps support your community and establishes your new sense of style. You can also (often) find high-quality clothes for extremely low prices, which is a win-win! Lastly, thrifting is a better option than shopping at fast fashion brands. Consider thrifting at your local secondhand shop for some fresh clothing finds. 

3. You Can’t Be 100% Sustainable, But You Can Try And Do Your Part

Another thing I learned about owning a sustainable small business is that not everything you do is going to be 100% sustainable. Like many other companies and brands, there is never going to be a way to be fully eco-friendly, whether it be in supply chain or production practices. In other words, there is still going to be waste of some kind and the environment will still be impacted in some way, shape, or form. However, what helped me in the early stages of planning my business was that if I can try and do my part for the environment (in my case, it was upcycling denim jackets in order to keep them out of landfills), I could feel lile I am doing what I can to help keep the environment a little bit cleaner. I also realized that even if I do my part in trying to help the planet, I am not capable of impacting the environment in such a large way that the climate change crisis is magically solved. Knowing this, though, I still feel like I need to do my part, even in a small way, to keep my community cleaner and more educated about sustainable practices, including upcycling and thrifting.

4. Cultivating Your Own Ideas & A Brand Takes A Lot of Brainstorming

Something else that I had to take into consideration when I pondered whether or not I wanted to start my own business was what my brand was going to be centered around and what types of ideas I had that would help distinguish me from other brands. I began brainstorming what I envisioned my brand to look like. What was I passionate about? What was feasible and within my skill set? What did I want to potentially sell? All of these questions were top of mind when I first started to wonder what I was going to do with my business. Then, I began trying to think of ways I could create a unique brand that was unlike others I had seen before. That’s when I decided to take the route of sustainability and upcpcycling, which was honestly something that I had been thinking on and off about earlier. Upcycling was also something that had crossed my mind a few times, but I had never really sat down and thought about how I would implement it into my business model. The moral of the story is to not be afraid of starting your own business! The entire process is exciting and motivating. However, it is important to keep in mind that it does take a lot of time and effort to create a brand that is equally unique and feasible. Make sure you are passionate about what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get outside your comfort zone a little bit. 

5. Social Media Marketing Taught Me More Than Just Marketing!

For me, creating a sustainable brand, and a business in general, meant that I had to spend a lot of time brainstorming and researching the different ways I could effectively create products and also engage with consumers and my community. For example, I had to practically teach myself how to do social media marketing and use Etsy as a platform to sell my products. While this was indeed time consuming, I learned a lot about myself throughout the process. First, I learned that I have to always stay on top of trends in order to sell products (mainly denim jackets and later on, masks) that would catch the eye of the consumer and be relevant enough to do well among similar products. Secondly, I learned that when using platforms such as Instagram to show off my designs, I have to be deliberate in terms of what I post, when I do it, and what I choose to write about in my captions. The more time I spent on social media, the more I learned the ins and outs of digital marketing and the ways I could target consumers. Thirdly, I learned that I have to be patient during this process. Many times since I started my brand, I got too frustrated with myself when something didn’t go right. I immediately wanted to give up and I began questioning what I was doing and if being a business owner was even the right path for me. However, once I took a step back and learned to not put so much pressure on myself for things that didn’t necessarily go right the first time, I could approach each and every situation with more understanding and more clarity. As a result, this helped me market my products better on social media and reach a larger audience that really felt connected to my brand and what I was selling. Looking back on my experiences, I wouldn’t trade being a small business owner for the world.

Interested in learning more about Campbell’s brand? Follow her Instagram @dauntlessdenim to stay updated on her newest releases & her Etsy @shopdauntlessdenim. Also, check out her most recent mask releases as well as the one-of-a-kind upcycled jackets and skirts that are still available for purchase on her Etsy Shop. 

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Three Black-Owned Sustainable Fashion Companies & My Favorite Pieces From Each One

Written By Pearl Marden For Our Sustainable Future 

Like many of us who have been confined to our homes these past few months, I have been doing most of my shopping online. While it is sometimes tempting to find the cheapest options, it is important to keep in mind both sustainability and supporting a diverse range of online businesses, many of whom may be underrepresented. Below, I highlight three incredible Black-owned businesses that have been brought into my shopping sphere and also include my favorite pieces from each one. 

House of Aama

House of Aama features unique clothing that incorporates African culture and identity into each piece. The brand was started in 2017 by the mother-daughter team, Rebecca Henry (mother) and Akua Shabaka. Each item in their collection is ethically made to order in Los Angeles, from cotton and recycled materials. The name of their most popular collection is “BLOODROOT” named after a root traditionally used to ‘guard the home’ in Creole history.  SOUTHERN GIRL VICTORIAN DRESS

This beautiful, eye-catching dress will most definitely get you compliments at your next outing. This dress is made of cotton, organza, and chiffon. There are so many layers to this dress and the yellow color will surely add a pop to your wardrobe. Click here to shop.

GREEN SILK WRAP SKIRT

You can’t go wrong with this lovey lime green. Silk is breathable and feels nice against the skin, perfect for hot summer days. Lime green is a very popular color right now and can be paired with so many other items to create a fresh, summery look. Click here to shop

BACK BEAT co 

Back Beat co is focused on creating sustainable clothing with a cool California girl look. Their clothing is ethically made in LA and India. They also use sustainable, “low impact” fabric, like hemp fabric. Their clothing is made to be easily styled and worn in various ways.  Even their shipping is sustainable, using environmentally friendly materials instead of plastic.  

Sport Waffle Knit Sweatshirt

This lovely zip-up sweater in the color, “pistachio” is perfect for cool summer nights and can be easily paired with a skirt, jean cutoffs, or layered over a dress. Click here to shop.

Hemp Crop Sweatshirt

You can never go wrong with a little bit of tie-die and this sweatshirt is a perfect example. Made from a combination of hemp and cotton it’s  breathable for the summer. This sweatshirt is a statement piece and would be great with so many other items. Click here to shop. 

Cali Organic Cotton Crop 

This tank made from 100% cotton knit-corduroy fabric specially developed by backbeat co. is made to be cute but also super comfy. You could dress this top up and pair it with a skirt or you could even wear it to bed. Click here to shop.

Selva Negra

Selva Negra creates ethically made clothing while following sustainable practices. They focus on making their work studio and shipping sustainable and supporting fabric designers that sell deadstock materials to help reduce the amount of unused fabric that is produced. Selva Negra reuses their scraps to make things like tote bags and scrunches.. It is important to the company to know where everything came from and that it was made ethically. They also donate to non-profit organizations such as Planned Parenthood and National Immigration Justice.  

zazie top 

This one-shoulder top is a summer staple and can be styled in endless ways. This top has a tie at the waist that offers a detail to the top that is both flattering and unique. There is an elastic band in the waist to optimize comfort. The color of this top is so versatile and can add a classy look to a casual outfit or add creativity to a pair of bold pants. Click here to shop.

ezra tank top

This 100% cotton, ribbed tank is breathable, fashionable and can elevate your summer wardrobe. The colors of this tank offer a classy and elegant look that is both comfortable and easy to style. This can be paired with a simple pair of blue mom jeans, a  colorful skirt, or a pair of statement pants. Click here to shop. 

cleo top

This tank top with adjustable tie straps is a flowy and cool summer purchase. Not only are the straps on this tank adjustable but the tie on the end of the shirt can be adjusted to change the length of the shirt depending on how cropped you want it that day. This shirt can easily be paired with almost any item! Click here to shop.

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For the love of theatre - a conversation with the founder of non-profit organisation Acrylic Theatre Support

Written by Eleni Beaumont for Our Sustainable Future

Photo via the Acrylic Theatre Support Instagram @Acrylic_theatre_support

It’s Friday at noon and a call to a new friend halfway around the world in Hangzhou, China, is a welcome change from my usual quarantine existence. Like many of us, Yifei Ma has used her time in lockdown playing video games, reading, and even picking up a new language. However, we find ourselves discussing something more dynamic and unique - Yifei’s time spent setting up a not-for-profit organisation, Acrylic Theatre Support, to help struggling actors and theatre companies impacted by Covid-19.

‘We started planning the initiative around two months ago,’ she begins. ‘I was talking to my friend from school in England (Yifei’s spent the last two years studying in Cheltenham, a spa town about 100 miles west of London) and was distressed by how many people in theatre and the arts are losing their jobs. Whenever I searched for theatre companies, I heard about their threat of closing due to lack of funding during this time. I wanted to do something to help, though I knew as a student this was going to be a challenge.’

But Yifei clearly believes in the power of youth and the ability of generation Z to make change. ‘I’m aware that unless you're directly involved with theatre and the arts you might think there is not an obvious need to donate to their cause - especially with everything that is happening in the world at the moment.’ However, Yifei knows the importance and value theatre can bring to people’s lives, including but beyond the joy of live storytelling.  Across the UK we’ve watched, in recent years, theatre engaging, involving and supporting communities in new ways: tackling racism, promoting diversity, supporting learning in schools and colleges, and bringing together people facing loneliness or living with dementia. Consequently, there are serious concerns about what the fallout will be for those communities if theatres disappear.

Yifei felt the power of theatre first-hand. ‘I used to study in an international school - however it was difficult to make friends because of all the different language barriers,’ she explains. She decided to join the backstage crew at the school’s theatre programme, working on productions such as My Fair Lady and Arabian Nights. ‘I found the environment so welcoming,’ She hasn’t looked back since and is now set to embark on a degree in design for theatre at one of the UK’s leading drama schools, London University’s Royal Central School for Speech and Drama.

With Acrylic Theatre Support, Yifei is aiming to help the industry she plans to go into. ‘I wanted to create a space where people could donate easily but also feel like they are getting something in return. One of the main goals is to reach a wider audience, instead of just relying on people already working in the arts.’ This is where the Acrylic Theatre Supports workshops come in. ‘If you donate to, say, National Theatre, screenshot the receipt and send it to us, our organisation offers entry into one of our small, informal workshops which teach skills - from language learning to music to acting -  led by colleagues in the industry.’ Two of their first workshops in acting are already underway, led by creatives Saul Thelwell and Adwitha Arumugam.

From where I am sitting in the UK and with the headlines we’re reading surrounding theatres in crisis, the idea seems rather genius, and has potential to see engagement with the arts increase during Covid-19, and to do it’s bit for the fight to prevent theatre closures. Click here to visit their Instagram and find out more about how you can get involved.

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5 Black-Owned Milwaukee Restaurants to Support Right Now

Written by Campbell Fauber for Our Sustainable Future

It’s July. The pandemic has shown no signs of slowing and the fight for racial justice is as strong as ever in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the place where I used to spend my summers sitting by the lakefront and listening to music at Summerfest. With the impact of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests continuing in the city, I have found myself wondering how I can support the black community during this time of uncertainty and frustration. Besides, I’m a foodie, and I think that shouting out a few black-owned Milwaukee-based restaurants is a perfect idea. 

Here are five black-owned Milwaukee-based restaurants that you can support right now:

1. Yummy Bones BBQ

In 2014, Yummy Bones BBQ was introduced to the great city of Milwaukee by Mississippi-native Robert Meredith. He opened his restaurant to the public and envisioned people gathering together picnic-style for lunch or dinner, enjoying tasty and authentic southern staples such as BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and cornbread. Yummy Bones BBQ offers online ordering/carry out and curbside pickup. Learn more and browse their menu here.

Photo via yummybones.com (Yummy Bones BBQ’s official website) 

2. Mia Charming Sweets

Have a sweet tooth? I know I do! If you’re in the Milwaukee area, you need to check out Mia Charming Sweets, a black-owned dessert and bakery. They specialize in creating custom desserts for special events such as children’s birthdays, as well as baking up delicious cookies, cakes, and more. Mia Charming Sweets also prides themselves on their famous banana pudding jars, which are a must-try. If you want to learn more about their freshly made treats, check out their Facebook Page here.

3. Baylor’s Watermelon Market 

In need of some fruit to cool you down from the summer heat? Check out Baylor’s Watermelon Market, located on Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. This black-owned business offers the best watermelons, both red and yellow! Their bright-red truck is stock full of juicy watermelons that are fresh and ready for eating. To learn more about Baylor’s Watermelon Market, click here. 

Photo via Baylor’s Watermelon Market’s Facebook Page

4. Coffee Makes You Black

The Coffee Makes You Black motto is “In the Community, for the Community.” This black-owned café focuses on cherishing African culture, encouraging “people of all ethnic backgrounds” to dine in their “warm and welcoming atmosphere,” and providing the community with delicious southern-style breakfast foods such as chicken and waffles and grits. Visit the Coffee Makes You Black Facebook page here to learn more about their menu offering and community events. 

5. On The Bayou

On The Bayou gives you the great tasting food of New Orleans right here in Milwaukee! This Cajun and Creole restaurant offers authentic southern-style meals such as chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp and grits, and seafood platters and boils. If you’re craving the unique flavors of New Orleans-style foods, visit On The Bayou for your next take out meal. Learn more about this black-owned restaurant by clicking here. 

Photo via On The Bayou’s Facebook Page

Want to explore more of Milwaukee’s black-owned businesses? Check out MKE Black for an endless list of black-owned restaurants, in-store & online retailers, hair/beauty services, and more. As always, please remember that it is ever-so-important to take a look around you and seek out ways that you can help support your community, especially in times of turmoil. 

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Castelluccio, Italy by Elena Sala

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5 black-owned bookstores based in the UK

Written by Eleni Beaumont for Our Sustainable Future

In a recent article by The New York Times, it was announced that Black Lives Matter may be the biggest civil rights movement in US history. It has sparked protests across the world as a result, including here in the UK. These are seen as both as an act of solidarity and bid to shine a light on racial discrimination within Britain - to bring attention to Britain’s colonial hangover (pictures of the statue of slave-trader Edward Colston being toppled in Bristol went viral) as well as racial discrimination used within the British police force. In the words of Reni Eddo-Lodge, author of Why I’m No Longer Speaking To White People About Race.,“The mess we are living in is a deliberate one. If it was created by people, it can be dismantled by people, and it can be rebuilt in a way that serves all, rather than a selfish, hoarding few.”

Alongside protests, one of the most encouraging things we’re seeing in the UK is people moving to act rather than waiting for politicians to drive change. That can be to support black artists or campaign for changes to the school curriculum, to educate themselves about racial discrimination or empower black businesses and, in turn, support the wider community of Black British people. With this in mind, bookshops seem like a good place to start. Here are five black-owned UK bookstores to support right now.

Black Cultural Archives

Based in Windrush Square, Brixton, London, Black Cultural Archives features a library, exhibition space, cafe and shop - collecting, preserving and celebrating the history of African and Caribbean people in the UK. The fiction and nonfiction books focus on Black British history and the experiences of Black British people living in the UK. Check out their website here or visit in person at 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, London, SW2 1EF.

Photograph via https://blackculturalarchives.org/

African Books Collective

Operating only online, African Books Collective focuses predominantly on African based publishers. It stocks a wide range of genres with a distributor based in Oxford making it easy to order products from anywhere in the UK. Check out their website here to find out more.

The Sevenoaks Bookshop

Located south of London, Sevenoaks Bookshop was first established in 1948 and is currently run by Fleur Sinclair. The store runs both physical and online events as well as having a growing social media presence. Stocking a wide range of genres the shop delivers “anywhere and everywhere” so make sure to check them out by clicking the website link here or visit them in person at their address: 147 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XJ.

Photograph via https://twitter.com/7oaksbookshop?lang=en

New Beacon Books

Founded by John La Rose and Sarah White in London in 1966, New Beacon Books is the UK’s first black publisher as well as a specialist bookshop and international book distributor. It covers a wide range of genres with authors from Africa, the Caribbean islands, South America, Asia, Europe and Britain.  Check out their website here or visit them at their store 76 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EN.

Photograph via https://www.newbeaconbooks.com/

Pempamsie

With multiple branches across London and over 20 years of trading, Pempamsie stocks not only books but beauty and healthcare products, supporting the African community within London. Click here to check out their website or visit one of their branches across London.

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The Switch Up to Sustainable Makeup

Written by Sophia Basco for Our Sustainable Future

Makeup has never been so popular until the current generation. The exponentially growing beauty industry has, without a doubt, contributed to the worsening risk of climate change and damage to the environment--a problem too few beauty companies have addressed. Consequently, this leaves consumers with a growing concern for the future sustainability and values of the industry. It is important for cosmetics to be sustainable, especially with the increasing demand for products around the world. If a person buys 3-5 new cosmetic products every three months--let's say that everyone behaves similarly--when you take a look at the bigger picture, the amount of plastic accumulating from all that waste is tremendous.

Packaging is one of the main problems, and plastic is a prominent player. So, is recycling an option? Take a look at the company's plastic footprint and packaging, consider the nature of the products, and the supply chain itself. It is a complicated and multifaceted challenge, but being a conscious consumer is an important step that we can take immediately. For example, we suggest purchasing products that come in a glass bottle or recyclable packaging.

But the problem doesn't end there. It is important to also look at a product's ingredients. Found in most popular brands are toxic elements that negatively impact our health and our planet's well-being. Chemicals such as BHA and BHT, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, aluminum, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) should not be present on a "green" labeled product. With that, consumers should seek out beauty products that are made from natural sources.

Here are some beauty brands that promote sustainability:

● ILIA Beauty

● Ecotools

● Lush Cosmetics

● RMS Beauty

● Drunk Elephant

● Burt's Bees

*The brands mentioned above are just some of the many ever-growing sustainable beauty brands.

Admittedly, it is quite challenging to be conscious of the details, such as the specific ingredients used in beauty products. However, it will make a huge difference in the well-being of our planet if cosmetics are sustainable and packaged with less plastic. This is just the beginning of the beauty industry's future, and it will be exciting to see what beauty brands come up with next.

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Vote With Your Dollars: Budget-Friendly, Sustainable POC-Owned Fashion and Beauty Businesses

Written by Lillabeth Brodersen for Our Sustainable Future

It seems like more and more crises are cropping up and worsening every day, across the country and around the world. Systemic racism is prevalent in our culture after centuries of protesting, lobbying, and lawmaking. Fast fashion and inhumane labor practices have been normalized and are still in use at popular and highly esteemed brands. Our own planet is threatened by the policies of powerful industrial corporations.

While these issues may seem overwhelming and beyond our control, especially for those of us who are not of voting age, we have the power to vote with our dollars. If companies lose or earn money because of their policies, more businesses will get the message and adapt in order to survive. While some consumers have more resources and therefore more power than others, any small action is better than inaction.

To spend money at a company is to give that business a platform, to give it power and importance. Purchasing at businesses owned by people of color gives racial minorities the influence they have long deserved and far too often been denied.

To that end, it is important that we support sustainable businesses owned by people of color. Below are some such businesses, all of which offer budget-friendly products. During this time in which small businesses are struggling to make ends meet, these purchases could be crucial to the companies’ survival.

Fashion

Galerie

Dechel McKillian is a celebrity stylist with a commitment to sustainable fashion and the founder of this fashion and lifestyle company. The site curates global brands and features simple but bold clothing, purses, jewelry, and shoes as well as candles, beauty products, and more. Find them at https://galerie.la/.

Most Prominent Co.

With naturally-sourced fabrics and in-house production, Most Prominent Co.’s effortlessly cool unisex clothing line brings awareness to the consequences of fast fashion. Proceeds benefit charities including Reclaim the Block. Find more information at https://mostprominent.co/.

Subrina Heyink Vintage

This vintage store sells beautiful classic pieces which are featured on the Instagram @subrinaheyinkvintage. In light of current events, the company has branched out into handmade floral-printed face masks. Check them out at https://www.subrinaheyinkvintage.com/.

Wasi Clothing

This collection of colorful, adorable pieces includes silhouettes for every body shape and items with subtle political messages, such as a tee printed with the words “Ally For All” or a matching top-and-bottom set in a vibrant Frida Kahlo print. The brand also offers tote bags, art prints, and stickers. Find them at https://wasiclothing.com/.

Wasi Clothing founder Vanessa Acosta shows off her products in a photo from the Wasi Clothing blog

Adele by Adele Jackson

Founded by Los Angeles designer Adele Jackson in 2017, Adele by Adele Jackson is a lifestyle brand inspired by the dynamic metropolitan culture of California. In addition to offering a wide variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, enamel pins, prints, and scarves, the website also features a “Charities we Love” page. Shop Adele by Adele Jackson at https://adelebyadele.com/.

Cee Cee’s Closet 

This NYC-based brand, founded by Black sisters Chioma and Uchenna and crafted by Nigerian artisans, sells bold, colorful jewelry, headwraps, clothing, bags, and more. Their website also includes a blog featuring everything from headwrap tutorials to recipes for African meals. Shop at https://www.ceeceesclosetnyc.com/.

Splendid Rain Co

This boldly political line was founded by Olatiwa Karade when she was only nineteen years old. The brand’s t-shirts and hoodies are emblazoned in block letters with pro-Black phrases such as “Africa Is Not a Country”, “Columbus Was a Murderer”, and “Roses are Red/Doritos are Savory/The U.S. Prison System/Is Legalized Slavery”. Check them out at https://www.splendidrain.co/.

Two Days Off

The brand was founded by Gina Stovall, an earth scientist and geologist. Her simple but beautiful minimalist pieces--including clothing, scarves, and jewelry--are all made in limited amounts. This practice is more sustainable, and it also makes the products more unique. Learn more at https://www.twodaysoff.com/.

Beauty

Beauty Bakerie

Founded and curated by CEO Cashmere Nicole, the site offers a wide range of beauty brands and products. The company is committed to giving back through its Sugar Homes program, which benefits orphanages, and through a page on the site featuring the Black Lives Matter movement and related organizations. See more at https://www.beautybakerie.com/.

BLK + GRN

This all-natural beauty and wellness site highlights Black artisans chosen through a selective process. The company also produces a blog about all things wellness and a podcast dedicated to supporting Black businesswomen. Find more information at https://blkgrn.com/.

Breedlove Beauty Co

This skin, hair, and beauty line is handmade with all-natural, high-quality, plant-based ingredients. The founder and owner, Kelli Palmer, created the formulas for each product with a philosophy of minimalism, believing modern skincare and beauty are too complicated and stressful. Learn more at https://breedlovebeautyco.com/.

Carol’s Daughter

This popular brand, sold by L’Oreal and Target, sells clean products for the hair, body, and skin. The founder, Lisa Price, advocates for self-love and self-confidence through her #BornAndMade campaign. Find out more at https://www.carolsdaughter.com/home.

Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of her brand in this photo from the company’s website

Kyra’s Shea Medleys

Kyra Nicole founded this company with the mission to empower women to love their curls. The hair and skincare products are made with all-natural, fair-trade, non-GMO ingredients. Find them at https://kyrashea.com/.

Obia Naturals

Founder Obia Ewah is a trained chemist who created science-based, vegan, pH-balanced, and herbal-based formulas for her hair and body products. She was motivated to go all-natural after being diagnosed with cancer and runs the company with her brother. Search their products at https://www.obianaturals.com/.

Shea Moisture

This well-known and well-loved brand can be traced back to the owners’ grandmother, who sold similar products in Sierre Leone in 1912. The hair, skincare, and body products are fair-trade, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. They are available at Target or on their website at https://www.sheamoisture.com/.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter

These sustainable and chemical-free hair products are designed to satisfy every kind of curl. The company also sells apparel including tank tops, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Find them all at https://unclefunkysdaughter.com/.

Instagram: @oursustainablefuture​ (link)

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5 Essential Sustainable Kitchen Items You Need ASAP

Written by Campbell Fauber for Our Sustainable Future

Interested in how you can make your kitchen an eco-friendlier hub? Consider replacing single-use kitchen items with more durable options. Here are 5 easy and sustainable kitchen swaps that I absolutely love.

1. Food Huggers

Have an extra half of an onion? Need to cover up a sliced apple or opened metal can? Fear not! Food Huggers are here to help. Food Huggers are made out of 100% silicone, are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, and keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Instead of using single-use plastic wrap, opt for Food Huggers, a more sustainable (and cuter) option! Learn more about Food Huggers here. Photo via foodhuggers.com

2. Beeswax Wraps

Beeswax wraps are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also easy to use and wash! Use them to wrap your leftover bread or pastry items to avoid using plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are also free from harmful chemicals and plastics, are great to bring with you to farmers’ markets, and will keep your bread fresh! If cared for properly, they should last for about a year. Check out these beeswax wraps here. Photo via simplyinspiredgoods.com

3. Stasher Bags

Stasher Bags are one of my favorite sustainable kitchen items. I use them to store snacks, fruit, and even soup, which makes it easy to keep food fresh at home and on the go. These platinum silicone bags are freezer, oven, and microwave safe, and are made without harmful chemicals including as BPA or latex. They also come in a variety of fun colors and sizes! Once you buy one (or a few), you’ll never want to buy single-use plastic bags ever again. Click here to learn more. Photo via stasherbag.com

4. Reusable & Washable Coffee Filters

Do you know how many coffee cups and disposable coffee filters are thrown away each year? The numbers are staggering -- over 2 billion cups and 140 million disposable filters end up in landfills every year, according to ThriveMarket.com. If you’re an avid coffee drinker who’s curious about how to help, consider purchasing reusable coffee filters! Not only do they eliminate single-use filters at home, but they are made out of organic cotton and are recyclable. Learn more about reusable coffee filters here. Photo via ThriveMarket.com

5. Compostable & Biodegradable Sponge Cloths

Say goodbye to paper towels -- sponge cloths are in and here to stay! Sponge cloths are a fun, sustainable alternative to using generic paper towels. They dry quickly and never smell. When you switch to sponge cloths, you are helping reduce the amount of plastic packaging that ends up in landfills. Additionally, these cloths are antibacterial, compostable and 100% biodegradable, so disposal is quicker, cleaner, and easier than ever. Learn more about sponge cloths here. Photo via PackageFreeShop.com

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5 Simple Food Swaps to Make Your Kitchen Cupboards More Eco-Friendly

Written by Eleni Beaumont, for Our Sustainable Future

At a time when many of us are stuck at home, cooking seems to have topped the list of new favourite hobbies and Instagram feeds have been filled with all kinds of delicious creations. It seems that Tweets about endless boredom have been superseded by trips to our kitchen cupboards and a global sharing of good food photographs. While you’re scrolling, and before you cook, our team at OSF wanted to highlight a few simple swaps you can make to eat more eco-friendly.

1. Lose the Almond, Bring in the Oats

While almond milk is popular among influencers, oat or soy milk are much creamier alternatives. They use less water during production and produce only slightly higher CO2 emissions than almond milk.

Photograph by Eleni Beaumont

2. Swap Beef for Chicken

According to The Guardian newspaper, beef is ten times more damaging to the environment then chicken. Beef cattle need 28 times more land and 11 times more irrigation then pigs or chickens. Also, red meat has been linked (by organisations like the World Health Organisation) to an increased risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer so it makes good health sense to cut down.

3. Go Vegetarian (even one day a week)

According to Medium,  if everyone in the United States went vegetarian for just one day, the country would save 100 billion gallons of water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide. The Guardian suggests livestock (meat and dairy) provide just 18% of calories but take up 83% of farmland and make up 60% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting down on meat is also healthy for you - a win-win!

Photograph by Eleni Beaumont

4. Choose loose vegetables

Buying fruits and vegetables that aren’t wrapped in plastic bags is a no-brainer (and often a cheaper option) but think, too, about buying so-called “wonky” produce. This type of veg is perfectly edible, despite its imperfections, but is often rejected by big brand supermarkets creating unnecessary food waste.

5. Tea to calm the planet and the mind

Scientists have found that some plastic tea bags shed high levels of microplastics into water and are now widely found in the environment, unable to break down like natural waste. We can start to change this by making a simple switch. Search for tea bag brands that don’t contain plastic (e.g. Abel & Cole, Pukka Herbs, and Twinings Pyramid).

Share your sustainable swaps by using the hashtag #OurSustainableFuture on Instagram!

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5 Sustainable Fashion Brands and How They’re Responding to Covid-19

Article by Eleni Beaumont, writer for Our Sustainable Future

Covid-19’s spread across the globe has dominated our minds and media outlets. OSF wanted to shine a light on just a few of the amazing stories and acts of kindness that have come out of this difficult time. Here are five sustainable fashion brands we love who’ve turned their attention to the Covid-19 crisis.

Photograph by Eleni Beaumont

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has built her entire business model around minimising impact on the natural world. While her famous luxury fashion brand continues to come up with eco-friendly clothing options, now that COVID-19 has spread across the globe, pioneer McCartney has created ‘Stella Vision’, a network to help people stay connected, or as she explains on her website: Stay safe. Stay Positive. Stay tuned. So far ‘Stella Vision’ has spread its message via Instagram with fun home challenges shared by the hashtag #StellaCommUnity, as well as blogs about ways to “discover novel ideas for not only filling the time, but making the most of it”. Check out ‘Stella Vision’ and join the community by clicking the link here.

Reformation

Another big name in sustainable fashion, Reformation has joined forces with The City of Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti on LA Protects, “an initiative to organize local manufacturers to make five million non-medical masks for brave people doing essential work, ensuring medical grade masks can be available to healthcare workers”.

By April 20th, the brand had already shipped over 100,000 masks and can make up to 25,000 a week. Reformation also offers the option to donate money towards making masks via their website. Click here to read more.

Bhoomki

The ethical fashion brand based in Brooklyn, founded by designer (and School of The New York Times educator), Swati Argade, has joined the campaign #WeBuiltThisNYC demanding small businesses get rent relief, lease renegotiation and official representation. Argade points out that while landlords cannot evict tenants for three months for non-payment, they can still demand back rent and, if this isn’t received, they can later evict residents, taking these small businesses to court and then claiming tax breaks for empty storefronts. Small businesses like Bhoomki are one of the many great things about New York City. As well as collectively generating billions of dollars in revenue, this body of entrepreneurs has created 50% of the jobs in the borough of Brooklyn. To support Bhoomki check out their website here and the #WeBuiltThisNYC tag on their Instagram page here.

Threads 4 Thought

The sustainable fashion brand, founded in 2007, has partnered with its suppliers from around the globe to produce ten medical-grade face masks for every $50 spent on T4T apparel. What’s more, the casual and sportswear brand has launched a $1 = 1 mask initiative allowing customers the choice to donate what they can -  $25, $50, $100 - which will then be equivalent to the number of masks they produce. To find out more about Threads 4 Thought check out their website by clicking here.

Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co, one of the largest denim companies in the world, has been quick to act in the face of Covid-19. The California-based company’s President and CEO, Chip Bergh, has donated $3 million to relief efforts, with a focus on employees, community partners and supply chain workers. But it doesn’t stop there. The Levi Strauss Foundation is playing a role in supporting organisations that are on the side of marginalized people most likely to be affected by the crisis, like Chinese for Affirmative Action who are fighting against COVID-related racism directed toward Asian Americans, or Vision Spring which helps factories produce protective clothing for community health workers. To find out more about Levi and Strauss’ initiatives check out their website by clicking here.

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Five Celebrities Paving the Way Towards a More Sustainable Future

Written by Campbell Fauber for Our Sustainable Future

Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, and Jane Fonda. What do all of these A-list celebrities have in common? They are all paving the way towards a more sustainable future by re-wearing clothes to red carpet events, partnering with brands including True Botanicals and ThredUp, and vowing to no longer buy any new pieces of clothing -- ever!

Timothée Chalamet, the Hollywood actor who has starred in hit films such as Little Women, Call Me by Your Name, and Lady Bird, has been seen on the red carpet wearing garments such as an exclusive Prada Re-Nylon suit made out of Econyl, a fabric that “uses synthetic waste such as industrial plastic, waste fabric and fishing nets from oceans,” according to the website Good on You.  Chalamet has also consistently worn pieces from previous Stella McCartney collections since December 2019, showing that he values re-wearing garments instead of wearing new pieces for each red carpet event. As one of the most popular celebrities right now, it is evident that Chalamet is well aware of the impacts of fast fashion by making it known that re-wearing garments is the best way to reduce textile waste. Photo source: Barcroft Media via Vogue.com

Emma Watson, the Harry Potter actress and Little Women star has consistently shown that she is on the side of sustainable fashion. For starters, Watson has a separate Instagram account that guides followers on her sustainable fashion journey. The account features headline photos talking about her vow to sustainability practices as well as photos of her at various awards shows wearing sustainable pieces by designers such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Earlier this year, Watson partnered with online thrift store ThredUp and has been vocal about her decision on Instagram, stating that "Our closets impact the planet and climate more than you might realize, which is why I am proud to partner with @thredUP to launch their new Fashion Footprint Calculator. They created an easy to use tool, and I’m so excited to help people discover the carbon impact of their wardrobes, and steps you can take to lighten your fashion footprint." Photo source: @the_press_tour on Instagram

Saoirse Ronan, who claimed her spot in Hollywood by starring in the Academy Award-winning film Brooklyn is also a celebrity paving the way towards a more sustainable future. At the 2020 BAFTAs, Ronan was seen wearing a sustainably made Gucci gown on the red carpet, which had been made out of discarded satin fabric scraps. Ronan also wore a stunning gown to the 2020 Oscar’s which was cut from the same black fabric as her BAFTAs dress. As one of the most popular young actresses in Hollywood today, Ronan is truly making an impact by showing that sustainable fashion is beautiful and can look timeless.   Photo source: Getty/Mike Marsland via PopSugar.com

Laura Dern, the actress in Marriage Story and Little Women, has made it clear that she is a sustainability advocate. Besides re-wearing designer dresses on the red carpet, Dern has also been vocal about her use of the sustainable skincare brand True Botanicals and stands behind each of its products. According to the True Botanicals website, their “products are developed, produced, packaged, and shipped to you in ways that minimize their impact on the environment.” The brand uses natural and organic ingredients, and its products even come in glass bottles, waving goodbye to plastic packaging. Photo source: Fashionista.com

Finally, actress and climate activist Jane Fonda, announced this year at the Oscars that she was going to stop buying new clothes -- not just for a few months, but forever. She made this known at the 2020 Oscar’s, arriving in a six-year-old beaded gown that she had pulled from her closet. Fonda said in an interview with The Independent, “When I talk to people and say, ‘We don’t really need to keep shopping. We shouldn’t look to shopping for our identity. We don’t need more stuff,’ I have to walk the talk. So I’m not buying any more clothes.” Fonda has also been a vocal activist at climate change protests outside the United States Capitol and was arrested multiple times for her activities, feeling pretty darn proud of her efforts. Photo source: Kevin Winter/Getty via People.com

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How to Stay Busy and Still Be Sustainable in a Time of Social Distancing

Written by Campbell Fauber for Our Sustainable Future

Stuck inside wondering what to do? Bored out of your mind? Fear not! Even if you’re feeling stir-crazy, you can find ways to keep yourself busy while still living a sustainable lifestyle. The ideas I’ve described below are ones that I live by. I hope they might inspire you to try something new.

Here are 10 easy and sustainable ways to get your mind off of being inside:

1.  Start an outdoor compost bin 

All you need is a metal/plastic bin, food scraps, and a placed in your backyard to store the bin. Throw scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggs shells into the bin. Avoid throwing in dairy and meat products. Stir the compost occasionally and let nature do its job. Soon, you’ll have compost ready for the garden or for your house plants. 

2.  Buy some herbs and create your own indoor herb garden 

Some examples of herbs you can grow indoors are basil, mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley. Store these herbs in sunlight and water them once a week. Soon you’ll be able to use these fresh herbs in your cooking! 

Photo source: Emily Murphy via Pass the Pistil

3.  Save your vegetable scraps and turn them into vegetable broth 

This is a great alternative to people who can’t compost at home. First, collect a bag full of vegetable scraps and store it in your freezer until you have about 4 cups worth. Next, add your scraps to a pot with 4-6 cups of water and let everything boil for about 20 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste. After, strain the liquid and use the broth in recipes that call for vegetable broth, or store the broth in glass jars for future use; you can freeze the broth or refrigerate it if you plan on using it relatively soon. This is a great way to minimize food waste, save money, and cut down on packaging.

4. If you have an outdoor garden, consider growing your own fruits and/or vegetables

Easy vegetables for beginners include peppers and eggplants; easy fruits for beginners include strawberries and tomatoes.

Photo source: Pixabay via The Farmer’s Old Almanac

5. Watch a sustainability-related documentary and educate yourself on important climate change and sustainability issues

My recommendations: The True Cost, Our Planet, Cowspiracy, and A Plastic Ocean. These movies are available on Netflix and/or other streaming apps.

6. Make your own DIY cleaning products out of simple, household ingredients

Dish Soap: castile soap + lavender essential oil

Glass Cleaner: white vinegar + water + citrus essential oil

Pot/Pan Cleaner: baking soda + water + orange essential oil

All-Purpose Cleaner: white vinegar + water + lemon essential oil

Photo source: Heidi Geldhauser via Root + Revel

7.  Eat seasonally 

Food that’s grown in-season travels shorter distances to get to the grocery store, which means fewer carbon emissions and less plastic packaging. It’s a win-win!

8. Learn how to make your own bread -- no bread machine needed!

Bread often comes packaged in plastic so consider making your own at home. There are tons of easy-to-follow recipes online that use simple, grocery store ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, and water.  Check out YouTube videos for inspiration, too!

Photo source: Taste of Home

9.  Plant bee-friendly flowers in your garden 

Some easy flowers to start growing are cosmos, dahlias, lavender, mint, and coneflowers.  

10.  Wash your clothes in cold water to save energy 

I also recommend using wool dryer balls & eco-friendly laundry pods from companies such as Dropps, my go-to laundry brand. 

Photo source: Dropps via Business Insider

Starting a compost or indoor herb garden? Making your own DIY dish soap? Here at Our Sustainable Future, we’d love to see what you’re doing to be more sustainable so tag us in your Instagram photos and we’ll feature you on our page! Make sure to also check out our Instagram here! 

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Why We Should All Go Back to Our Basics

Written by OSF Writer Eleni Beaumont

It is a sunny Saturday afternoon and I am sorting through old family albums when I stumble across a photograph and do a double take. Fifteen years ago, my three-year-old self sat on a wall next to my mother, fully engrossed in a single scoop of vanilla ice cream, half smooshed on my face. But it was the fact that my mother was wearing a particular denim jacket that caught my attention. The same denim jacket I had on today.

Photographs courtesy of Eleni Beaumont

Purchased when I was born (what she considered an indulgence at £65 in 2002), the waist length deep blue denim has now faded to a paler, sun-kissed version of itself; white lines on the sleeves have formed as a result of years of washing and a fraying hem on the left arm from relentless wear. It is still, though, an effortless classic.

I wondered to myself what makes certain clothes last. Opinions vary but the general consensus is the simple classics, often descendants of utilitarian workwear, are the ones we should all have in our wardrobe. Alongside my decade’s old denim, Glamour magazine notes women should also carry a good white t-shirt, a pair of ballet flats, an elegant blazer and a good pair of black trousers. Yet these often seem the clothes that we overlook in favour of an investment in that one great occasion dress or, worse, ten cheap pieces too often worn only once. In a 2019 Q&A, Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic at The New York Times, told the audience to compare the cost-per-wear of a piece compared to the cost of a piece overall. And surely these suddenly economically viable staples - transferable from evening to daytime, work to casual, classic to kitchy - are the things we pull out most and yet often are the least prioritised when we shop. Certainly, Friedman believes this, saying if there is one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe it is “a good black jacket.”

There has never been a better time to embrace advice (and clothes) like this. There is a recognition, finally, that we can build our own style in a way that suits our lives and our looks. As Coco Chanel said, ahead of her time, “the best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” While many still strive for the unobtainable perfect Instagram   picture, the posts that are really prominent come from those who have a few simple clothes cut and coloured right for them, creating effortless individuality. Once again Freidman confessed that, despite her many glamorous excursions during fashion week, she generally always wears the same thing. How cool is that?

Even if you are an outgoing dresser who loves their prints, clashing colours and textures, these pieces should still be for you. Pairing your good black trousers with a funky shirt maintains an elegant look because the quality of the staple clothing raises the bar on the outfit. If you go more understated, keep your white shirt in place but pair it with a funky necklace you’ve picked up at a thrift store. Combine the classic ballet pumps with an out-there neon bag. The classic pieces endure because they go beyond the trends. In the age of sustainability where fast fashion is the poison (a staggering $129 billion of textiles is wasted each year in the fashion industry), you can still have fun with the latest looks without having to completely redo your wardrobe. Whether it’s blue eyeshadow, tie-dye or tube tops you add to the mix, your classic pieces like my lifetime-length denim jacket will stand the test of time.

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Why I Haven’t Looked Back Since I Launched My Sustainable Fashion Brand

Written by Campbell Fauber, Founder of Our Sustainable Future 

In August 2019, I launched Dauntless Denim, a sustainable clothing brand for women.

I’ve always wanted to be in charge of running my own business and being as young as I am, I believed that taking on this challenge and being able to do something sustainability-focused would be a great learning experience for me and would help fuel my passion for sustainable fashion.

During my freshman year of college, I tried to sell some of my old clothes on Poshmark, a United States-based reselling app. In the past, I’d been successful with selling some old t-shirts and pants, but I wanted to try and resell an old Gap denim jacket of mine that had shrunken in the wash. After taking photos of the jacket and writing a short description, I listed it and waited, somewhat patiently, to see if there were any takers. Long story short, no one bought it!

That’s when I went back to the drawing table. How could I resell my denim jacket in eco-friendly way? Could I make this into an actual business and start my own brand? How much work and dedication would this take? After doing some thinking and eager planning, I decided that upcycling was what I was set on basing my brand around. I believed that learning how to sew fabrics onto old denim jackets would be a fun and challenging experience, so I went for it.

Photographs by Campbell Fauber

I created Dauntless Denim after my freshman year of college was over, choosing the word “dauntless” because it describes someone who is fearless, empowered, and bold, which was a perfect word that would soon encompass my brand and the wearers of my jackets.

In mid-June, I began to explore prints and patterns I wanted to use for my first design and look at what stores I could purchase materials from. I decided to purchase my fabrics from a local fabric store, Patched Works, just three minutes from my house, and the other necessary sewing materials from a sewing shop called Bigsby’s Sewing Center. I knew that if I were to design and sell more jackets in the future, I would have to consult my local thrift store. Plato’s Closet, a thrift store only ten minutes from my house, is the one place I still go to today to shop for denim jackets. Thankfully, I almost always have luck finding jackets in different washes, from different brands, and in a variety of sizes.

A month later, in July, I finally gave in and bought a Singer sewing machine. If I was going to commit to starting my own upcycling brand, I was going to have to learn how to sew! Thankfully, my Mom is an excellent sewer and still serves as my mentor throughout the Dauntless Denim design and creation process. Finally, in early August, I began planning out what design I wanted to be on the Gap denim jacket.

This was the fun part. I began to learn how to sew and design my denim jacket in a bold and stylish way, drawing on patchwork inspiration to guide me through the process. I even experimented with using iron-on adhesive to secure my fabrics and after a lot of frustration and obstacles, I finally had designed my first jacket! The entire process took me a couple of long, somewhat stressful days, but the result was absolutely amazing. My jacket went from an old piece of clothing that I thought I would never like again to a totally new and transformed piece that was unlike anything I’d ever seen.

After that, I had a bit more time until my first collection launch. I decided to head to Plato’s Closet to see if I could find a few more jackets to upcycle. I was in luck! I found five more jackets that I thought were all in great condition and were unique in their own way. Soon, I got back to work and started designing and sewing. After a couple more weeks of designing and creating, I finally had produced a total of six jackets to include in my first launch.

With all of my jackets done, I began to teach myself how to take eye-catching photos of each one and how to list them on Etsy. I also made sure to write detailed descriptions about my jackets, including the fact that I wash each one with an eco-friendly Dropp’s laundry pod even before designing them. Moreover, a couple of weeks before my launch, I created an Instagram account for Dauntless Denim and began learning how to market my brand and my designs, skills still extremely valuable to this day.

Since my first launch, nearly a year later, I have upcycled over twenty jackets, including custom orders for college students from across the country, never once regretting starting my own sustainable brand. Dauntless Denim has shaped me into a more experienced sewer, designer, and self-marketer. This is a brand I am proud to call my own. I also believe it is ever-so rewarding to do my part, even if it’s on a small scale, to help keep old clothes out of landfills and to keep the planet greener through promoting the benefits of upcycling. These are just a few of the many reasons why I haven’t looked back since I launched my one-of-a-kind brand.

Interested in learning more about Dauntless Denim? Visit my Instagram here & my Etsy here.

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The Power of Using Your Talents as a Force of Good: How I Turned the Attention of my Small Business onto the Coronavirus Pandemic

Written by Campbell Fauber, Founder of Our Sustainable Future

For the past few months, the Coronavirus pandemic has been on everyone’s minds. Right now, the entire world is going through the same thing. We are all scared, confused, anxious, and ready to go back outside. But the question is when? When will this end? How much longer do we have to stay inside? When will there be enough testing? What about the hospital supplies? Will they run out?

These questions only make it harder to face the fact that we may be in the early stages of figuring this virus out and will likely have to get used to staying inside well into the summer months.

As millions of people across the United States and the world are being told to stay at home, essential healthcare workers are hard at work treating patients, doing testing, and making sure everyone is in good hands. They work around-the-clock, standing for long hours, and sometimes getting sick themselves.

Prior to the pandemic, many of us, although we may not want to admit it, took the dedication and efforts of essential workers such as mailmen, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and healthcare workers for granted. We had forgotten how much hard work they actually do for us, which often goes unnoticed.

Now that hospitals are facing mask and ventilator shortages, there seems to be more widespread panic that is making both healthcare workers and the public more and more afraid. Thankfully, in many areas of the United States and the world, there are people who have recovered and become healthy again. Other people aren’t so lucky.

The statistics we read on our television screens are indeed frightening. However, they force us to think about the Coronavirus pandemic on a larger scale. When I began reading more on the pandemic and how hospitals are being affected, I thought to myself: What can I do to help?

I am the creator of Dauntless Denim, a small sustainable business that upcycles old denim jackets. Since I had a lot of extra fabric lying around my house from past jacket orders and also had a sewing machine on hand and a lot of colorful thread, I started to look into what I could do to help my own community.

That’s when my Mom came to me with a proposition. She read that a local hospital, only ten minutes from my house, was taking mask donations and would provide anyone who could sew a mask a pattern to follow. I immediately jumped to the task and started learning how to properly sew together masks for the hospital. After getting all of the steps down, I began the sewing process, making sure to use fabrics that would bring a smile to the wearer’s face. I used colorful springtime and floral fabric that would hopefully make someone’s day just a little bit brighter.

And right now, that’s what these hospital workers need.

In a time when we’re all stuck at home, taking on a new project can turn out to be something very fulfilling. I know this firsthand. I turned my sewing hobby into something meaningful by hand-making masks and dedicating my time to an important cause. To all the people out there wondering if they should start a project, my answer to you is an enthusiastic “YES!”

In this challenging time, I find it important to ask yourself how you can help, whether it be a big or small contribution. Using your talents as a force of good is so very rewarding, to say the least. You have to start somewhere, so why not start now?

You won’t regret it. Trust me.

Interested in learning more about Dauntless Denim’s mask project? Visit my Instagram here.

**Since I began starting this project in late March, I have made over 70 masks for hospital workers and my community. I am currently in the process of making more masks!**