Seasonal Sustainable Swaps
The coziest atmosphere is around the holidays, if you ask me. The warmth of fuzzy blankets, candles, a hot cocoa in a warm mug, a good book…what more could I ask for?! I’ve been working towards more sustainability in my life for a while, so I thought I’d share some finds. I DO NOT get paid for any of these links. I actually recommend you connect the Honey browser extension to your shopping so you can find extra coupon codes and save a little extra coin from the larger retailers. Also, some of these are incredibly local to the Atlanta area. So, if you’re reading this and it gives you ideas — don’t forget to search for the local artisans in your area!
I’m making the switch to rechargeable lighters — there are a few I’ve found I like. The Arc Lighter from Stealth Angel Survival, the MJR Lighter from USB Lighter Co., Uncommon Goods (a FAVE shopping spot for me) has a super cute two-tone one, and if you want to be even more sustainable and not need it to be shipped to you and support a local entrepreneur — go to your local Ace Hardware.
Another switch I’m in the process of making is eco-friendly gift wrapping options. This, to me, means reusable, cute boxes and bags, fabrics, or extremely recyclable papers. I have a list, so bear with me. Wrappily has some amazing options AND can be used for composting and seed-starting in Jan/Feb after the holidays. Wrappr is killing it in the gift bag and Furoshiki-inspired wrap game. They also support independent artists in the making of these materials. WaterLeaf Paper Co. has gift wrapping made from cellulose, so it literally will dissolve should you choose to compost it or recycle it. The Fab Wrap ladies in Michigan making super cute prints and pompoms for gift-wrapping. Craft Boat is using leftover textiles to create fabric wrapping paper, which you should definitely dig into their site — it’s pretty cool. I also know that Scraplanta has a ton of paper, especially scrapbooking paper, and fabrics that you could easily pick up for a discount and finish out the rawness yourself. If you feel like DIY-ing it, of course.
You GOTTA have some hot chocolate in this season…I drink it September through February, or anytime it just feels right. What you need is Xocolatl’s drinking chocolate. And I do mean “need”. They have a hot chocolate kit, but you can also get the drinking chocolate on its own. They also ship in a carbon-neutral method if you are not local to Atlanta where you can go pick it up. Also, if chocolate treats are your fave, check out Cacao Atlanta for some amazing gift options. Or, if you want to learn how to make some chocolates or just pick up some Georgia Grown treats, check out Bitzel’s!
If you’re not a cocoa person, but still love a warm drink — check out Just Add Honey Tea Company. They have fantastic tea selections, and you can even go for an afternoon tea at their shop. We also have many local coffee roasteries in our area. Skip the Folgers (sorry). Go get freshly-roasted beans from Opo, Valor, Dancing Goat, Alma, Radio Coffee Roasters, Break Coffee, etc…there are SO MANY in our area.
You’re going to need a mug for your warm drink, right? Check out B Hart Art and Huskmilk Pottery for their fantastic mugs!
Looking for a pair of cozy socks? — Conscious Step has socks supporting many different causes and any of them make a great impact. Hank and John Green are doing good things with socks (and teas, coffees and soaps, also) — worth checking out The Awesome Socks Club. You also can’t really go wrong with some wool socks that have a lifetime warranty from Darn Tough.
I’m a blanket collector. I have quilts made by family and one (terribly done) I made myself. I have fuzzy blankets and soft knit blankets and basic wool blankets. I use blankets all year. You can learn to knit a chunky one yourself online or go to a local workshop to learn from a pro. There are also really cool quilting classes you can take to learn to make a better one than I have — String & Story and Cool People Sew have great vibes.
Have you considered your holiday meals? You can get your collards, turnips, carrots and cabbages from Patrick Farms in Winder (also at closer farmer’s markets) and Tyco B Farms has all the yukon gold, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, broccoli (and A LOT more). Check for local CSA’s for a year-round option that could involve free delivery.
Can’t forget candles! Though I do understand that burning something may not be the most sustainable thing, the essential oil diffusers and wax warmers just aren’t quite the same vibe for me. So, I try to at least be more sustainable and supportive of my community by shopping for local candles. You can check out Big Dipper Wax Works for some very specialty shapes and sizes, and The Jackabee Candle Company for luxurious scents and a monthly subscription, if you want.
I know there have to be many amazing businesses and people doing great things that aren’t on this list. These are ones I’ve found on my feeds and in my research, so far. Always room to shout-out more people doing good things. Stay cozy!
