planting the seeds for change
summer gardening for good
planting the seeds for change
we’re well into 2020, and… well. probably safe to say we’re all looking for more meaningful ways to connect. to slow down. to be mindful. and — this is important — to be resourceful. which perhaps explains why we’ve been drawn to nature more and more. planting tomatoes in our garden, throwing our windows wide open, even plucking wildflowers from sidewalks. in other words: gardening like fiends.
here, a quick deep dive into our current favorite past time.
the uniform: What we're WEARING
organic cotton tops
we know a lot of love goes into a creative process, and we know it can get a little messy. when we garden, we wear our organic cotton racerback or the organic cotton mock neck, and here's why: both tops are machine washable (so you can really get in that dirt and not worry about ruining your shirt), and both tops are knit from a summerweight seamless organic cotton and recycled nylon (designed to keep you cool while digging, planting, and watering).
orion II legging
these are our go-to leggings for a lot of things — including gardening. they're cut from sustainable, durable, butter-soft fabric that moves with you, keeps your cool and comfortable. they're quick to dry, moisture-wicking and will keep you from getting too wet when you get a little expressive with the garden hose. they're machine washable, so you can kneel in the soil and get up close and personal with whatever plants you are welcoming into your home.
Gardening 101
with époque founder Nancy
if anyone knows her way around a garden, it's Nancy. (fun fact: she makes a killer salad every day from produce she picks from her own garden.) here, she shares some of her tips and tricks.
the inspiration: who we're following
jenny ong
she's a lover of the slow life, earth activist, homestead hobbyist, and as seen on her instagram, is constantly listening to the seasons and smelling all the flowers.
Dominique DRAKEFORD
she loves dogs, karaoke and learning how to grow her own food. she is our inspo when it comes to anything gardening, the best ways to giving back, and looking chic while doing it. for the past decade she has been dedicated to redefining the ideologies of sustainability and embodying the notions of transformative justice and creative innovation. she grew up in Oakland, where creative community building was the core of her personal and young professional life. now, she is the founder of MelaninASS, an influencer for sustainable style, a writer, a public speaker, a creative director,an environmental justice educator AND the proud co-founder of the non-profit Sustainable Brooklyn. (see why we're inspired?)
THE IMPORTANT STUFF: A non-profit LIKE NO OTHER
Sustainable Brooklyn
Sustainable Brooklyn works to bridge gaps between the sustainability movement and targeted communities through various modalities, including education and events. they are committed to fashionably fostering the evolution of sustainability to create an inclusive future for all. they provide access and insight to sustainability from the lens of the African diaspora to address the limitations of the current sustainability movement and to implement holistic strategies that provide regenerative solutions for Black liberation, a fertile foundation upon which to thrive, unencumbered. the current landscape of sustainability omits the voices and values of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), perpetuates appropriation, and thrives from a colonial framework. through resources, events, workshops and curriculums,they provide tools to shift sustainability literacy to encompass cultural existence and celebration, economic liberation, self healing, land sovereignty and community preservation.
THE ACTION: workout | help out
join us at 9AM PST on 8/2 for a virtual yoga class taught by founder Hannah Franco
to help us raise money to support Sustainable Brooklyn.
you can sign up and find more information on our giveback page.
THE GREEN THUMB essentials: eco brands we love
THE SHADES: eco eyewear
our friends at eco eyewear believe that making a difference starts by making better choices. that’s why they made it their mission to use recycled and biobased material in all of their eco eyewear frames. that’s also why they plant a tree for every frame that is purchased. Eco works with Trees for the Future and together they have planted over 2 million trees so far. trees not only cool the planet and clean the air, but doing so also empowers entire communities by helping them restore their environment, grow more food and build a sustainable future. Eco makes each frame from sustainable maturials, like castor seed oil and recycled steel, and designs each one to encourage you to express yourself and feel good in your own skin.
THE SUN HAT: intierarth
intiearth brings you thoughtfully handcrafted products that are made to last and tell a story behind the hands that created it. founder Jenni Li, who was born in Peru and raised in the United States, was inspired by her native country after returning for family visits with her own children. trips to the local markets became a ritual, returning to see her favorite artisans. intierth honors the beauty of Peru’s indigenous materials and traditional techniques and each collection is crafted with artisan partnerships and fair trade and sustainable workshops.
The SUNSCREEN: salt & stone
salt & stone doesn't make your typical sunscreen. they focus on natural, organic, cruelty-free ingredients and research the quality of each ingredient extensively, taking no shortcuts. their mission is to create safe formulas that are extremely effective and are far superior to what you have come to expect from natural skin care. and, because they care, the ingredients they use are grown and produced in ethical and sustainable ways, without pesticides, artificial fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates or GMO's. All of their packaging is also recyclable and made from post consumer recycled materials.