Choosing Sustainability With Our Co-Founder, Ali Mejia
From composting to repurposing, our co-founder shares her tips to living a sustainable life.
Every day, I try to do my part to live more sustainably. Whether it be through teaching my family about the benefits of composting, mentoring my daughter in her sustainable small business, switching to non-toxic products, or wearing sleepwear made of sustainable material, making small changes can create life-long difference. When you slow down to be more environmentally conscious, you’re not only helping the planet, but you’re also leaning into your soft side, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Here are just a few tips to start living a more sustainable, intentional life. And the best part? It’s much easier than you may think.
Tip No. 1: Use The Scraps
A few years ago, my daughter Luna looked at the excess fabrics in our sample room and asked, “What happens to the fabrics that don’t get used up in the production process? Can I do something with them? Can I turn them into something?”
From that conversation, she created Lunastella, a brand of upcycled hair scrunchies that donates 100% of its net proceeds to an orphanage in Guatemala. So far, Lunastella scrunchies have raised $7,500 for the orphanage. Mentoring her throughout the process has been my ultimate joy — seeing the evolution of her commitment to environmental and social change. Not only has she learned how to start a small business, but she has gained an understanding about the environmental impact of the fashion process, and is now challenging me in conversations about the role that businesses should play in helping the earth and its people.
Help support Lunastella’s cause here.
Tip No. 2: Compost
Composting is a great way to turn daily food waste into natural fertilizer. As a member of the Key Biscayne Community Compost, our family receives a composting bucket, which we fill throughout the week with all our excess fruit and vegetable scraps. On Saturdays, we take our bucket of food scraps to the KB Farmer’s market and in exchange receive a small container of nutrient rich soil which we helped create. I’m lucky to live in a small community that promotes composting.
I’ve learned so much through this experience. Every time we throw away food, it ends up in landfills and emits toxic greenhouse gasses. Through composting, we are repurposing food waste into nutrient-rich soil and helping create a greener community.
Want to learn more about how to compost? Check out this article to get going.
Tip No. 3: DIY Dog Food
Instead of letting food spoil or go to waste, especially right before I travel, I make delicious and nutritious food for my dogs. I use the recipe here, courtesy of The Farmer’s Dog, which was shared when one of their deliveries didn’t arrive in time.
Tip No. 4: Switch to Non-Toxic Products
FOR YOUR SKIN
Finding cleaner beauty and skincare alternatives make a huge difference on my skin, and they’re gentler on the environment, too. If you’re not sure where to begin, the Think Dirty® app is a great place to start. You can also browse Credo Beauty and The Detox Market for clean skincare and makeup brands.
I have a lot of skin allergies so I’m extra careful about the products I use. Some of my favorite clean beauty products are: One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, and Prima Unwind Bath Gems and Beyond Body Oil. Simplifying your routine overall and looking for brands who use sustainable or recyclable packaging are also ways you can do your part to reduce waste.
FOR YOUR HOME
Something that’s also often overlooked is how the cleaning products you use every day in your house affect you, your skin, your allergies, and the environment. I’m a huge fan of aromatherapy-based cleaning brand, Supernatural. Skip the toxins and opt for transforming your everyday products to cleaner, healthier alternatives.
Tip No. 5: Repurpose and Shop Mindfully
I’ve always loved altering and tweaking clothes in my closet to extend their lifetime. Don’t be afraid to cut sleeves, cut hems, add elastics or bands. I recently added a wide elastic to a top I wasn’t wearing enough. It now fits like a sweatshirt and I wear it all the time!
To me, the key to shopping mindfully is all about quality over quantity. Having a “less is more” mindset helps me consciously choose clothing and sleepwear that are plant-based, breathable, and not to mention, super soft. Not only do these pieces feel gentle on me, but they’re gentle on the planet, too.
