I wasn’t allowed to have friends over when I was a child. My mother might have allowed it if I’d asked. My father probably would have, not aware of how the way we lived was seen by the outside world. But I didn’t allow it. 

I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I realized our house didn’t look like other people’s.

I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I realized our house didn’t look like other people’s. When we visited our maternal grandparents, everything was clean and tidy; everything had a place. It was calming to be there, no paths between the furniture with stuff piled up several feet high. When we ate, the table was easily set; you didn’t have to spend an hour moving things onto other piles before you could put down a plate. 

My father’s hoarding, I now understand, came from anxiety. He was a quiet man who used acts of service and gifts to show his love, not one for affection or giving attention. If he was able to give someone something they needed from his stash of assorted household appliances, car parts, or Goodwill treasures, it made his day. That was the fear, the fear that all hoarders have, that he would need something and not have it, or someone else would need something and he wouldn’t be able to help. He lived by the “just in case” philosophy, combing through thrift stores on an almost daily basis looking for stuff someone he knew might someday need. 

That was the fear, the fear that all hoarders have, that he would need something and not have it.

My mother’s hoarding came from a desire to feel happiness. As children, we didn’t understand why shopping trips with her took all day, leaving in the morning and not getting home until well past dark. There was always something she had to find, trying to feel some moment of bliss, only to toss the shopping bags into a room, forgotten and abandoned. Then she would move on to finding the next thing. She asked my husband once if he thought his own mother was happy. He told her he knew his mom was content. My mother was baffled by that answer. She couldn’t understand how a woman with so little could not want more.

As I was tapering off a medication that caused emotional blunting, I realized I’d been doing the same things as my parents, buying objects trying to feel happy and keeping things, hoping I’d get a huge grateful response when I gifted them to someone. I opened the hall linen closet and saw the evidence. The entire 60 square feet of storage was full: dozens of bottles of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes crammed in with scented candles, room sprays, and bath salts. My closet was the same; clothes with tags still on them and boxes full of shoes I’d never worn. An entire drawer of my dresser was full of costume jewelry, all untouched in their boxes. 

That moment shocked me. This wasn’t how I wanted to live or how I wanted to feel in my home. I started taking an inventory of sorts and teaching myself how to slowly declutter. The physical work caused mental evaluations of my reasons for having all of this stuff which led to more physical work of sorting and removing. The mental work was more difficult.

If you don’t deal with the mental reasons behind the hoarding then the clutter will find its way back. 

I’ve seen episodes of the hoarding shows where they pull dumpsters up to the door, don gas masks, gloves, and hazmat-type suits, then start pitching stuff out by the armload as the devastated person they’re “helping” stands in shock or sobs uncontrollably. To a hoarder, those things aren’t garbage. Those things mean something to them, just like our things mean something to us. That’s why the massive clean-outs don’t work in the long term. If you don’t deal with the mental reasons behind the hoarding then the clutter will find its way back. 

I wanted my decluttering to last, so I started small.

I wanted my decluttering to last, so I started small. The idea of a whole house clean-out was overwhelming. Some weeks I only worked on one drawer, others a closet or two. I asked myself if every item was something I wanted, needed, or even liked. I started keeping a box in the bottom of a closet. I still do this. Whenever I walk through my house and see something I no longer need or like (books, clothes, kitchen appliances, home décor, etc.), I put it in the box. When the box gets full, it gets donated—the whole thing. 

I live in a two-story house and this idea came to me one day as I was going downstairs to get something and was running bath water in the tub upstairs. If the tub flooded and water started dripping on me downstairs in the kitchen, what would I do first? Would I grab towels and try to sop up the water? Would I get buckets to catch the drips downstairs? Of course not. The FIRST thing I would do would run back upstairs and turn off the faucet. What good would it do me to try cleaning up if the water was still running?

I switched from a want mentality to a need mentality.

I took that approach with the clutter. I had to turn off the faucet of stuff coming into my house and keep it turned off until I felt content in my home again. I switched from a want mentality to a need mentality, teaching myself that feeling uncomfortable in the moment when I wanted to buy something was minor in comparison to how uncomfortable my cluttered home was making me.

I remembered my mother buying food, clothes, and craft projects even though we had plenty at home. She thought something on sale was a bargain, even if it spoiled in the pantry before we had time to use it. I looked around my home and promised myself I wouldn’t buy anything until I shopped my stockpile first, to use what I already had. It took years to finally use all the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in that cabinet. I also had over a hundred bottles of nail polish I slowly used up, feeling so proud of myself when I could finally throw away an empty bottle. 

Meals became based on what we already had in the cabinet, allowing myself to buy a few items to connect the other things into a meal. Cleaning supplies were all pulled out of the cabinets so I could see what I had, and nothing new was bought until the bottles were almost empty. I also stopped buying new clothes, combining pieces in new ways to create new outfits and donating things that didn’t fit or I knew I would never wear again. 

I studied the sentimental things I was keeping and realized I wasn’t honoring the memory of my relatives by shoving things in drawers.

I studied the sentimental things I was keeping and realized I wasn’t honoring the memory of my relatives by shoving things in drawers. If it was important enough to keep, it was important enough to be displayed. I gave most of my great-grandmother’s hats away to other family members and found a place to display the ones I kept. 

 I started looking at the true price of buying cheap things compared to making investments in things that will last longer. It taught me to take better care of my stuff and that having more wasn’t better. Having something that lasted was an investment. I slowly changed my clutter habits; not buying just to buy, not keeping things just because they were a gift, valuing experiences over stuff, and switching to buying quality over disposable. 

I want my home to be my sanctuary, a place to rest and recover from the day and recharge for the next one. Slowly decluttering my spaces, removing the things that no longer served me, revealed a calm in me, both physically and mentally. 

Now I honor my parents with the kind of home they wanted, one with room to breathe and to appreciate what really matters.

Regina McKay is the wife of a firefighter, mother of five adult children, and passionate advocate of all things vintage, especially her pink bathtub. She works as an accountant but plans on using her experiences with mental health treatment to transition into a career in Criminal Justice/Mental Health reform. After hitting her rock bottom, she learned for her happiness didn’t come in a pill bottle. She now strives for contentment and appreciates moments of joy when they come.

The post How I’ve Learned To Deal With Clutter, From A Hoarder’s Daughter appeared first on The Good Trade.

When I logged into my first online therapy session, I only had the intention of “feeling better.” I didn’t have the vocabulary for what I was experiencing—all I knew was that I was crying in my bathroom after a long weekend for no clear reason. I knew I needed a change.

When my therapist sent along a goals worksheet before our first therapy session, I was surprised. I had always imagined therapy to be a “show up, cry to a professional, become happy” kind of deal. Instead, I was getting homework. Wasn’t I paying someone else to do that for me? I didn’t understand what therapy goals were, or how important they’d become to me.

What are therapy goals?

News flash: Your therapist can’t do the work for you, they can only support you along the way. Therapy goals are the intentions we share with our therapist, who helps us create frameworks for measuring our progress and achieving them. (Plus, hello, accountability!)

Some types of goals for therapy might include: 

• Developing coping skills for anxiety or overwhelming emotions
• Reducing the intensity of symptoms related to anxiety and depression
• Increasing self-esteem and reducing negative self-talk
• Improving sleep quality and prioritizing restfulness
• Learning new communication strategies for complex friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics
• Processing thoughts and feelings about past trauma
• Exploring parenting questions and challenges
• Navigating a new or existing disability
• Inviting more mindfulness and presence into everyday life
• Changing harmful or unhelpful behaviors
• Sharpening your decision-making and boundary-setting skills
• Discovering more about who you are, what you want, and where your values lie

Embracing therapy as a safe place is precisely why goals, or intentions, are so important. This is your space, it’s your investment—it’s not a time to meet anyone else’s expectations but your own. I like to think of it this way: Our therapists are the personal trainers who offer meaningful feedback and support while we exercise our goal-setting muscles. If we can practice our goal setting in therapy, we may even be better equipped to set goals outside of it, too.

How do you set goals in therapy?

So say you’ve got a few ideas from the list above, or have some ideas of your own on what you want to focus on in therapy. How do you actually set them?

Not every therapist will use the word “goals,” but it’s common in your first session to let the therapist know what brings you to therapy and which outcomes are important to you. Erin Miller, a psychotherapist, asks first time clients: “If therapy ‘worked’ for you, what would that look like?” This helps focus on the optimal outcome of therapy—which is to journey a little closer to our best selves. 

If you don’t feel like you are setting goals, intentions, or feel like your outcomes are mutually understood, it’s worth exploring how to change the therapist you’re working with. (I’ve found it’s way easier to change therapists online than in person, which is a balm to my anxious mind).

The second, and equally important, half to goal setting is knowing how to measure them as you progress. “When I work with clients, I like to have them articulate their goals, and we put them in writing together,” says  Dr. Ruth L. Varkovitzky, a board-certified clinical psychologist. “We also try to identify how we would know if things were getting better, and how we want to measure progress.” That means you’re not just in charge of setting the goals but also having conversations about what progress and “success” looks like for you. 

This progress can be as straightforward as symptom improvement (which can be easier to measure in physical scenarios like fatigue, panic attacks, or sleep patterns). But not all emotional and mental progress is easy to measure, which is why you should create a framework together with your provider. Daino and the professionals at Talkspace encourage us to discuss with our therapists what it means for us to feel more fulfilled, cope with stress effectively, or find a better balance at work or with our partners.

For me, it’s usually—am I showering, eating, and staying hydrated? Am I proactively calling friends and family, and am I easefully doing the things I love to do? I can also always tell I’m on the mend from a difficult time by the state of my apartment; the cleaner it is, the clearer my mind and vice versa.

“Not all emotional and mental progress is easy to measure, which is why you should create a framework together with your provider.”

Can your therapy goals change?

I’m several years into therapy, and I speak from experience: let your goals change when they need to. Clients will frequently come in with one area of focus in mind, says Miller, and “through their work, they understand new goals and challenges that would be meaningful to conquer in therapy. Therapy is a journey, and throughout your work, your goals should be ever-evolving as you grow.”

This can be the same for your approach, too—maybe you thought you needed help solving an immediate problem but instead discover that it’s more worthwhile to explore the roots of why you’re experiencing it in the first place. Varkovitzky puts it succinctly and without a twinge of judgment: “Sometimes life presents us with situations that change our priorities.”

I’ve learned that mental well-being is a process, not a product, but the effort and investment is worth it. I admit, being honest and sharing your goals with someone else feels vulnerable. But the real vulnerability, the real work I think, lies in acknowledging our own need for healing. We deserve to feel fulfilled, and to have a network of friends, families, and professionals, who will uplift us and hold us accountable.

Because sometimes we just need a little help reaching our goals.

Looking to start therapy? Here are a few tips for finding a therapist and our favorite online therapy options. Additionally, here are our favorite online couples therapy options.

This post is in partnership with our friends at Talkspace. Use code GOODTRADE at checkout for $100 off your first month of therapy.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post How To Set (Actually Helpful) Goals For Therapy appeared first on The Good Trade.

Fast fashion is a design, manufacturing, and marketing method focused on rapidly producing high volumes of clothing. Fast fashion garment production leverages trend replication and low-quality materials (like synthetic fabrics) in order to bring inexpensive styles to the end consumer.

“Fast fashion is harmful to the environment, garment workers, animals, and, ultimately, consumers’ wallets.”

These cheaply made, trendy pieces have resulted in an industry-wide movement towards overwhelming amounts of consumption. This results in harmful impacts on the environment, garment workers, animals, and, ultimately, consumers’ wallets.

Read below to better understand the fast fashion movement’s history, context, and impact—and check out our list of 35 Sustainable Clothing Brands Betting Against Fast Fashion for ethical alternatives.

A Brief History of The Fashion Industry

Up until the mid-twentieth century, the fashion industry ran on four seasons a year: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Designers would work many months ahead to plan for each season and predict the styles they believed customers would want. This method, although more methodical than fashion today, took away agency from the wearers. Before fashion became accessible to the masses, it was prescribed to high society, and there were rules to be followed.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that a well-timed marketing campaign for paper clothes proved consumers were ready for the fast fashion trend. This resulted in the fashion industry quickening its pace and lowering costs. 

“Nowadays, fast fashion brands produce about 52 “micro-seasons” a year—or one new “collection” a week leading to massive amounts of consumption and waste.”

However, it wasn’t until a few decades later, when fast fashion reached a point of no return. According to the Sunday Style Times, “It particularly came to the fore during the vogue for ‘boho chic’ in the mid-2000s.”

Nowadays, fast fashion brands produce about 52 “micro-seasons” a year—or one new “collection” a week. According to author Elizabeth Cline, this started when Zara shifted to bi-weekly deliveries of new merchandise in the early aughts. Since then, it’s been customary for stores to have a towering supply of stock at all times, so brands don’t have to worry about running out of clothes. By replicating streetwear and fashion week trends as they appear in real-time, these companies can create new, desirable styles weekly, if not daily. The brands then have massive amounts of clothing and can ensure that customers never tire of inventory.

While brands like H&M, Topshop, and Zara have been the brunt of overproduction complaints, even luxury brands measure growth by increasing production. According to Fast Company, “apparel companies make 53 million tons of clothes into the world annually,” and the amount has surely increased since the article’s original release in 2019. “If the industry keeps up its exponential pace of growth, it is expected to reach 160 million tons by 2050.”

Is Fast Fashion Bad?

Many people debate what came first: the desire for fresh looks at an alarming rate or the industry’s top players convincing us that we’re behind trends as soon as we see them being worn. It’s hard to say, but there is no doubt that we thirst for the “next best thing” every day of our consumer-driven lives. (“10 Things I Hate About You,” anyone?)

Yet, with this increased rate of production and questionable supply chains, corners are inevitably cut. Clothing is made in a rushed manner, and brands are selling severely low-quality merchandise. There isn’t enough time for quality control or to make sure a shirt has the right amount of buttons—not when there is extreme urgency to get clothing to the masses.

The fast-fashion manufacturing process leaves a lot to be desired, and pieces are often thrown away after no more than a few wears. The same urgency that throws quality out the window also keeps the costs of these garments incredibly low. Companies like Topshop and Fashion Nova are greatly concerned with their bottom line and are banking on the “ocean of clothing” they churn out for profit. 

These brands earn millions of dollars while selling pieces cheaply because of the sheer number of items they sell, no matter the cost or markup. And garment workers are undoubtedly being paid well below the minimum wage. In the documentary “The True Cost,” author and journalist Lucy Siegle summed it up perfectly: ”Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”

“Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”

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Moral lines get blurred, however, when factoring in how much more accessible and size-inclusive fast fashion can be. Ethical fashion advocates have worked hard to unpack this complicated narrative, but the cost and exclusive-sizing are still barriers for many.

The Human & Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

All of the elements of fast fashion—trend replication, rapid production, low quality, competitive pricing—have a detrimental impact on the planet and the people involved in garment production. 

Brands like Boohoo, for example, use toxic chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetic fabrics that seep into water supplies, and, each year, 11 million tons of clothing is thrown out in the US alone. These garments—full of lead, pesticides, and countless other chemicals—rarely break down. Instead, they sit in landfills, releasing toxins into the air. Fast fashion’s carbon footprint gives industries like air travel and oil a run for their money.

“Many of us are familiar with the news about Nike sweatshops, but they’re just one of the many fast fashion brands violating human rights for the sake of fashion.”

In addition to environmental impact, fast fashion affects the health of consumers and garment workers. Harmful chemicals such as benzothiazole—linked to several types of cancer and respiratory illnesses—have been found in apparel on the market today. As our skin is the largest organ of the body, wearing these poorly made clothes can be dangerous to our health. 

This danger only increases in factories, towns, and homes where fast fashion is made. For example, according to the Environmental Health Journal, conventional textile dyeing often releases “heavy metals and other toxicants that can adversely impact the health of animals in addition to nearby residents” into local water systems.

The health of garment workers is always in jeopardy through exposure to these chemicals. And that doesn’t even take into account the long hours, unfair wages, lack of resources, and even physical abuse. Many of us are familiar with the news about Nike sweatshops, but they’re just one of the many fast fashion brands violating human rights for the sake of fashion. The people who make our clothes are underpaid, underfed, and pushed to their limits because there are few other options. Instead, we can proactively support garment workers and fight for better conditions and wages.

Qualities of Fast Fashion Brands

Here’s how you can spot fast fashion brands when shopping online or in-store:

• Look for rapid production, are new styles launching every week?

• Look for trend replication, are styles from a particular brand cheaply made versions of trends from recent fashion shows?

• Look for low-quality materials, are fabrics synthetic and garments poorly constructed, made only to last a few wears?

• Look where manufacturing is taking place, is production happening where workers receive below living wages?

• Look for competitive pricing, is new stock released every few days and then discounted steeply when it doesn’t sell?

The Rise of Slow Fashion

“It’s encouraging to know that there are brands, communities, and individuals out there fighting for the planet and the safety of garment workers.”

Although the fashion industry as a whole is guilty of committing many crimes against people and the environment, it is most evident when it comes to fast fashion. Society’s obsession with consumerism may make it hard to quit, but better options are out there. 

Slow fashion offers an alternative, with mindful manufacturing (sometimes including vertically integrated and in-house production), fair labor rights, natural materials, and lasting garments. It’s encouraging to know that there are brands, communities, and individuals out there fighting for the planet and the safety of garment workers.

By buying garments from responsible brands, speaking up for social responsibility and accountability, and going through secondhand shops, we can ensure agency and that we’re advocating for the environment and others. 

Audrey Stanton was born and raised in the Bay Area and is currently based in Los Angeles. She works as a freelance writer and has an exciting venture of her own in the works! Audrey hopes to continue to spread awareness of ethical consumption.

The post What Is Fast Fashion, Anyway? appeared first on The Good Trade.

Everywhere I turn on social media, someone is trying to sell me something. Last summer, the ads convinced me that I absolutely had to have a pair of roller skates. When Dry January rolled around, it was hard to pass by promotions from almost every spirit-free alcohol brand before eventually snagging a bottle of my own.

When so many of these posts seem organic, it can be hard to differentiate between a real recommendation and an endorsement solely for monetary gain.

Sure, building my skating skills was already on my to-do list, but did I need to buy a pair when I did? Was I really ready to give them the use they deserved just because Instagram recommended them to me? The quickly-faded novelty of my bubblegum pink skates suggests that I wasn’t. And one sip of my rum-less rum was enough to remind me that not everything is as great as the ads make them out to be. Both now sit in their respective closets, untouched for quite some time and creating guilt and clutter.

On the pages of my favorite content creators, you’ll find a plethora of product recommendations by way of brand partnership posts or other sponsored content. A typical morning routine video is often incomplete without promo for featured skincare, or vitamin supplements, or other carefully-placed products. And when so many of these posts seem organic, it can be hard to differentiate between a real recommendation and an endorsement solely for monetary gain.

Started as hubs to connect with friends and family, social media platforms have grown into vibrant settings for relationship-building and knowledge-sharing, and at the same time, giant marketplaces to sell products through both traditional advertising and influencers.

Brands recognize the value of credibility and authenticity that influencers build with their audiences and have steadily shifted their resources to accommodate them as marketing tools. This year, influencer marketing is expected to be worth a whopping $21.1 billion. The only problem? Adding that level of financial motivation can result in less-than-authentic endorsement content.

Research shows that higher levels of advertising make us sadder.

Between the ads that appear after every few posts on our feeds and prevalent sponsored influencer content, the constant encouragement to consume online contributes to a culture of overconsumption. Trends come and go quicker than the seasons, and we’re enticed to participate with our wallets—lest we be left by the popular crowd—just to toss aside gently used belongings a short cycle later.

Folks are getting fed up with it, and rightfully so: research shows that higher levels of advertising make us sadder. After comparing life satisfaction data from 27 European countries, a team of University of Warwick researchers found that higher annual advertising spending was linked to less satisfied citizens a year or two down the line. After all, ads are meant to make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t buy into whatever they’re selling. It can be especially exhausting comparing your belongings to those of influencers—who, by the way, receive said products for free and are then paid to promote them. This is just one of many reasons why creators have started producing de-influencing videos—and not a moment too soon.

What is de-influencing?

De-influencing is the antithesis of influencer product marketing, in which audiences are encouraged not to buy things. It aims to help consumers see through brands’ marketing ploys and curb overconsumption prompted by following the trends. Influencers have taken to social media to share their perspectives on the popularized concept.

Most viral takes tell followers not to buy certain products that don’t live up to their hype and, in turn, promote the creator’s own recommendations, which may be lesser known or less expensive.

Most viral takes tell followers not to buy certain products that don’t live up to their hype and, in turn, promote the creator’s own recommendations, which may be lesser known or less expensive. For example, @alyssastephanie took to TikTok to share her favorite lower-cost alternatives to popular beauty products, amassing almost a million likes.

In this way, de-influencing has prompted mainstream reflection on how products aren’t the best just because they’re popular. Other creators challenge whether some items are necessary purchases at all, exploring how social media has pushed us to consume continuously. 

When we see certain products repeatedly, our associations with them grow stronger, and it can ultimately impact our decisions to consume. But just because we see ads or creator posts for something everywhere, it doesn’t mean the product is good or even a fan favorite: it mostly means that the brand paid to reach your screen. De-influencing points out that we can all consider these factors, including why we really want to make a purchase, before adding to our cart.

Regardless of its intention, de-influencing is still influencing.

Regardless of its intention, de-influencing is still influencing: persuading followers to align with values, in some cases accompanied by physical products. But it becomes a problem when its primary function fuels a never-ending pattern of unnecessary purchases and unrealistic expectations.

If nothing else, de-influencing reminds us of the role influencing—and social media in general—plays in making us discontent with what we have and inclined to buy more. It’s certainly been an extra push for me to reevaluate how I navigate these platforms and compare myself to those who are paid to make me want it all.

Nevertheless, there is an ever-expanding community of people, from creators and activists to everyday citizens, who have and will continue to push for more mindful and transparent consumption. As a content creator myself, my goal is to empower my peers to live eco-mindful lifestyles while only sharing about the sustainable products I truly love. I’d be remiss not to consider that I need resources to sustain myself, especially if I intend to dedicate even more time to creating for social impact. Still, figuring out where to draw the line on sponsored posts and reconciling these conflicting factors is a challenge.

Thoughtless promotion breeds thoughtless consumption.

What I do know is that thoughtless promotion breeds thoughtless consumption. Moving forward, I’m looking for more sparing and genuine influencer endorsements, supported not only by belief in specific products but knowledge of and alignment with brand values. For many of us, de-influencing is just the latest label for ongoing efforts. The terms may change, but the concept will remain the same as its supporting community grows: together, I know we can make our takeaways from de-influencing last.

Nia Shalise (she/her) is an eco-conscious content creator based in Boston. You can usually find her amplifying sustainable practices online while drinking tea, or coffee, or possibly both. Connect with her on Instagram!

The post What Is De-Influencing, And Is It More Than A Trend? appeared first on The Good Trade.

Zoom out beyond your yard to the environment beyond, and headlines are hard to keep up with. Droughts rack the United States yearly, bee populations shrink, and soil quality declines. Cue the eco-anxiety. 

But zoom back in—one of the most valuable eco-solutions lurks right in your backyard. And it’s even simpler than going out to water your plants.

That’s the key here, actually—not going out to water your plants at all. Xeriscaping, or eliminating or almost eliminating a property’s need for irrigation, is picking up steam as homeowners respond to droughts, becoming more and more common in places all over the world.

Annually, average American households use around 35,000 gallons of water for outdoor uses, mostly watering lawns—and in arid climates like California, that number can go up to 70,000 gallons. Throughout the country, that’s almost 9 billion gallons of water per day. 

And it’s not just about water, says Sorrel Inman, founder of Mergoat Land Design and Restoration. Inman says lawn maintenance accounts for an estimated 90 million pounds of herbicide, more than 800 million gallons of gas, and stormwater runoff that compromises wetland and fish habitats. “One of the greatest acts of conservation the average American homeowner can take is to remove as much of their lawn as possible,” says Inman, and strategically replace it with native plant communities.

“Xeriscaping involves utilizing native species, drought-resistant plants, and landscaping features like mulch to ideally eliminate the need for watering.”

Xeriscaping involves utilizing native species, drought-resistant plants, and landscaping features like mulch to ideally eliminate the need for watering. And when you’re not fighting for a lawn’s survival, you’re not battling weeds with herbicides that can harm other plants and animals and run into the watershed.

Entomologist and author Doug Tallamy says that for a landscape to be sustainable, it must meet four criteria: support pollinators, manage the watershed, support the food web, and sequester carbon. “Lawn does none of them,” he says. 

Tallamy is a University of Delaware professor of entomology and wildlife ecology and the author of several books on bio-diversifying lawns, including “Bringing Nature Home” and “Nature’s Best Hope.” He’s also the founder of Homegrown National Park, a nonprofit that encourages landowners to steward their property by planting native.

“[A] lawn will pollute your local watershed, add carbon to the atmosphere, doesn’t support any pollinators, and doesn’t support the food web. It’s a status symbol,” says Tallamy. “It looks nice, and that’s great, but you cannot turn the planet into a status symbol because that’s the end of us if we do.”

You don’t have to completely eradicate your nice green lawn to be a part of the solution, either. Tallamy suggests cutting the grass on your property in half—replacing that space with trees, native plantings, or a small water feature. 

Cut the grass on your property in half—replacing that space with trees, native plantings, or a small water feature. 

Another way to help your local ecosystem? Participate in No Mow May, an initiative first popularized in the UK to help bees and other pollinators thrive on early-season flowers and grasses. In general, mowing your lawn every other week instead of once a week while also refraining from herbicides has been shown to increase the number of bees supported by the lawn. 

Read on for more tips on how to begin xeriscaping your property. Keep in mind that most plants need at least some water as they’re first being established—but with the following tips, soon enough, you won’t have to water your yard at all.

1. Discover plants that are native to your region.

Look no further than native plants for a landscape that doesn’t need irrigation. Look up your Native Plant Society—organized by the American Horticultural Society; every state has one. From there, the organization can tell you which plants are best for your region, your elevation, your side of the mountain or lake, and even the sunny or shady spots in your yard. “You’ve got to go with the ecosystem in which you live,” says Tallamy. “You want the plants to like where they are so maintenance is easy.”

For example, he says, many species well adapted to Mediterranean climates are used in landscaping in the American west—but while they thrive in the similarly warm, arid environment, our insects generally can’t eat non-native plants. Mediterranean plants aren’t supporting the food web part of the equation. 

2. Plant a tree (or multiple).

If you live in a climate that supports trees, planting just one or two with a bed around them will reduce your amount of lawn. Tallamy suggests planting an oak tree if they’re compatible with your environment, as oaks are one of the most important keystone plants, or plants the entire ecosystems depend on for survival. These trees sequester carbon, absorb soil contaminants, and can provide nutrients and habitat for thousands of insects, animals, fungi, and other plants.

3. Consider sprawling groundcovers. 

Want a yard that still stays low to the ground? Consider groundcover plants like creeping thyme, moss, or clover (which also adds nitrogen to the soil). Research other groundcovers native to your area—some produce beautiful flowers, and some, keep in mind, are too delicate to be walked on. Stay mindful of which areas of your yard get better sun and drainage versus spots that are cooler and more damp.

4. Utilize ornamental grasses.

Depending on the species, ornamental grasses can be drought tolerant and well-suited for sunny, dry areas. Most ornamental grasses don’t spread, so you won’t have to worry about keeping them under control, and as long as they’re native, they shouldn’t need any water—or really any maintenance at all.

5. Install a water feature.

Birds will love a small water feature with circulating water—even a minimal feature, Tallamy says, is a “valuable addition” in desert climates.

6. Add mulch, especially if you have kids.

Mulch helps to retain soil moisture and protect the roots of surrounding plants while adding nutrients to the soil. And if you have pets or children who still need space to play and run around, mulch is a grass lawn alternative that’s excellent at being trampled all over.

7. Build features that retain stormwater.

Inman says one of the worst features of a lawn is that they only retain 10 percent of stormwater instead of a forest’s 80 percent. Features like rain gardens, dry creek beds, and densely planted bioswales and berms (water pools in the swale’s basin, which stores water for plants on the berm) all help direct and store rainwater properly. “The more stormwater you can keep on your property the better!” says Inman.

8. Mow minimally and as needed.

Here’s one of the easiest ways to support a xeric lawn: let native grasses and wildflowers take over parts of your yard, and only mow as needed. Maybe you mow around the grill and the picnic table, then mow a path out to the firepit. The result is much less lawn to water and mow and a dreamy, romantic vibe to your property. 

9. Support the environment through container gardening.

No lawn to speak of? Even city dwellers with no outdoor space can help support the environment by container gardening. Continuing to use species that are native to your area, put flowery plants out on the fire escape, on the balcony, or in flower boxes for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to feast on.

Tallamy says the goal at Homegrown National Park is to help folks understand that anyone can and should play a part in conservation, noting that 78 percent of all land is privately owned. The problem isn’t one any landowner should have to fix on their own.

“When we begin thinking about the ecology of our own homes, aesthetics become a secondary consideration.”

—Sorrel Inman, founder of Mergoat Land Design and Restoration

 “Everybody has a responsibility—not just the treehuggers, not just the ecologists, not just the conservation biologists,” says Tallamy. The call-to-action program costs nothing and encourages homeowners to fill their property with native plants and then get on the map of conserved properties.

“When we begin thinking about the ecology of our own homes, aesthetics become a secondary consideration,” says Inman. We might even start to see thriving ecosystems as more good-looking than a clear-cut, crisp lawn. They note that our desire to create a beautiful living space should go hand in hand with our desire to create a beautiful world around us.

The conservation problem is global, but there is quite literally a grassroots solution. “People worry about the whole planet—don’t think about the whole planet,” says Tallamy. “Just think about the piece of the planet you can influence, and that’s your yard. And then it becomes much more manageable.”

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

The post The Best Xeriscape Alternatives To A Traditional Grass Lawn appeared first on The Good Trade.

It wasn’t until my 20s, while living in London, that I began to grasp the importance of spring and its role as a transitional season in both nature and my own life. If you’ve ever visited London in April or May, you’ll notice Cherry Blossoms lining the streets, blooming with abandon and creating pink puddles across the city. They thrive against a dull sky next to Flowering Dogwoods and common Laburnum, also called “gold rain”—my very favorite.

I’ve discovered spring to be a reminder of what is to come but also of what it costs to get there. So much happens in silence and secret during the winter months—seeds burrow beneath the soil, trees go dormant before their next bloom, a layer of ice conceals the water below. But there is a purpose in these passive acts.

“Wintering,” author Katherine May calls it, is an invitation to rest amidst our struggles and sadness. “Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximising scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight; but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.”

May goes on to write, “Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through.” 

We, too, experience winter as a season of metamorphosis in preparation for spring.

We, too, experience winter as a season of metamorphosis in preparation for spring. Sometimes the metamorphosis is grand and obvious, like the butterfly bursting from its cocoon; other times, the growth is subtle. It can look like tiny posture shifts and we may not even recognize the transformation we’re undergoing. Even still—the rest we’ve taken and the hardships we’ve endured throughout winter have changed us for the better. Spring reveals this. Winter was never the end; rather, it was always leading us here, to this moment and place, to the spring equinox and the first day of a new season. How we arrive is just as important as the arrival itself. 

I no longer have the Cherry Blossoms to witness outside my window, but I do have the warm Los Angeles air and the fields of blooms that are especially vibrant after a rainy winter. For the first time in what feels like quite a while, I’m noticing the growth and unfoldings happening in nature and my own life, like how good it feels to have sun on my face and the bird’s song in my ear after months of staying indoors. It’s rejuvenating to open my windows and let the outside in after taking time away—for reflection, for the mourning of losses, and for internal stretching. Likewise, spring reminds me to appreciate who I’ve been in every season, without judgment and without critique. 

Spring reminds me to appreciate who I’ve been in every season, without judgment and without critique. 

Winter can feel impossible and exhausting. It can also feel restorative as we take the time we need to retreat and turn inward. Wherever you are, and however you find yourself entering this season, may it feel like coming up for air. And may you allow yourself to be welcomed in with a gentle gesture and invitation to take baby steps forward. Even when it’s still cold or dark, even with one last impending blizzard, may this season be the warm reminder we all need: 

Everything is always in transition, and nothing lasts forever. For every winter, there is spring.

Kayti Christian (she/her) is the Managing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people.

The post What We Carry From Winter To Spring appeared first on The Good Trade.

Cell phones were designed to be almost addictive, so it’s not a personal character flaw if you find yourself anxious to be without your phone or you have trouble controlling your phone usage. But we’re not totally powerless—the more you get off your phone, the easier it is to stay off, so here are dozens of things you can do instead of reaching for your phone.

If any of these activities spark your interest, see if you can train yourself to reach for something else instead of mindlessly going for the phone. Some are fun, phoneless solitary activities, some involve chores, some involve getting some physical activity, and some help you get social without social media. 

Creative Things to Do Instead of Reaching for Your Phone

1. Paint or draw a picture.
2. Write a poem.
3. Knit (or learn how to). 🧶
4. Or learn to crochet.
5. Or pick up embroidery or cross stitching.
6. Start a simple DIY project like painting a dresser or table.
7. Sing a song.
8. Write a journal entry, even if it’s only a couple of sentences about what you did today.
9. Pick up an instrument, if you play.
10. Choreograph a dance.
11. Scrapbook.
12. Make your own candles.
13. Color in an adult coloring book.
14. Learn some simple origami.

Activities to Do at Home Rather Than Scroll

15. Do (or start) a puzzle.
16. Read a newspaper or magazine article (keep them lying around to encourage casual reading instead of phone scrolling!).
17. Read a book.
18. Listen to a podcast.
19. Play solitaire.
20. Do a crossword.
21. Do a Sudoku.
22. Play with your dog, cat, or other pet.
23. Play a video game. 🎮
24. Bake something.
25. Learn or practice a second language. Here are some apps to help.
26. Make a music playlist.
27. Watch a show or movie, and stay engaged with it.
28. Write up a bucket list.
29. Find a pen pal.
30. Browse job openings. (It never hurts to keep an eye out!).

Activities to Do Outside the House

31. Go on a short walk. 
32. Or a long walk!
33. Go thrifting.
34. Window shop.
35. Go to the farmers’ market.
36. Volunteer.
37. Run an errand.
38. Pop outside for some fresh air.
39. Go on a bike ride. 🚲
40. Go to the gym.
41. Go hiking.
42. Go to a workout class.

Chores to Complete Instead of Going on Your Phone

43. Set a timer and tidy for five minutes.
44. Empty the dishwasher.
45. Make the bed.
46. Water the plants (or just check them if they don’t need water). 🪴
47. Vacuum.
48. Write a grocery list.
49. Cook a nice meal.
50. Meal prep ingredients you like to use—cook rice, chop up broccoli, or cook dried beans.
51. Make quick pickled vegetables.
52. Go through your closet and choose items to donate.
53. Organize your closet by color.
54. Mend clothing that has a hole in it. 🪡
55. Clean your desk/workspace.
56. Change your bedsheets.
57. Clean the shower.
58. Clean out your purse or wallet.
59. Make a weekly or monthly to-do list.
60. Dust the shelves.
61. Clean out the fridge.
62. Clean the kitchen sink.

Physical Activities to Do Instead of Scrolling

63. Stretch or practice yoga.
64. Do ten push-ups.
65. Or crunches, pullups, etc.
66. Go on the treadmill/elliptical/stationary bike if you have one.
67. Head outside and draw some hopscotch.
68. Hula hoop.
69. Play catch.
70. Lift weights if you have some. 
71. Dance to your favorite song. 💃
72. Jump rope.
73. Roller skate or rollerblade.

Self-Care Activities to Do Instead of Reaching for Your Phone

74. Do a face mask.
75. Meditate.
76. Cut or file your nails.
77. Paint your nails.
78. Take a bath.
79. Apply body lotion all over.
80. Sunbathe outside. 🕶
81. Take a nap!
82. Foam roll tired muscles.
83. Make a vision board or a mood board.
84. Watch a YouTube video to learn something new.
85. Diffuse essential oils or light some incense.
86. Draw a tarot card or spread.
87. Make a cup of tea (and don’t scroll while the water’s boiling).
88. Do your makeup just for fun.

Social Activities to Stay Connected Without Your Phone

89. Strike up a conversation with your partner/roommate/parents if you live with others.
90. Write a letter or note to a loved one. 💌
91. Host a game night with friends.
92. Grab coffee with a friend.
93. Have a conversation with a barista at your local coffee shop.
94. Bake something and bring it to a neighbor or friend.
95. Go to the park and people-watch.
96. Have a phone-free date with your partner.
97. Go on a hike or walk with a friend or family member.
98. Try out a new restaurant with a loved one.
99. Have a manicure/pedicure date.

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Things To Do Instead Of Reaching For Your Phone appeared first on The Good Trade.

But life experience is a lot like birthday cake—best when it’s shared. 🎂 So this year, we decided to reach out to you, our readers, for even more advice across every decade of life.

And let us tell you—you delivered. We spent hours poring through advice from people in their teens all the way up to their seventies, grateful for all you had to share. Some of you even gave advice for years you have not yet reached, and they read like beautiful manifestations and affirmations of what you want for your life and for others. 

We selected some of our favorites below, but know that every tidbit of wisdom was received with warm hearts (and some teary eyes). Thank you, friends, for making the internet a kinder place, and for making aging seem a lot less scary.

Advice for your teenage years

“Trust in yourself and what you know. Don’t feel like you need to fit into a mold or what everyone else says you should be into, look like, dress like, etc. Let your inner voice guide you, and when in doubt, read some books!” —Ifrah A, 20s

“Meditate.” —Colette G, 20s

“Build self-confidence through keeping promises to yourself while you still have a ton of energy! Trust yourself to follow through on doing the things you deserve, like moving your body, eating whole foods, spending time with friends, and everything that makes life fun.” —Anonymous, 20s

“People aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you think they are.” —Rachel T, 30s

“I don’t know who started the rumor that women need to be hairless to be attractive, but men don’t care. Anytime I’ve mentioned not being waxed or shaved the answer is always ‘so?’ Do what you want, it’s your beautiful body.” —Jacqui D, 30s

“Keep tweezers and wax far away from your eyebrows.” —Hanna S, 30s

“Slow down. You’ll grow up faster than you think and there are so many experiences to be had right now. Savor the time. Learn from the good and the bad. The intensity of your emotions are a gift, don’t ignore them. Sit with them. Consider them. And never be afraid to ask for help. You are loved.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Give yourself some grace and learn about how hormones impact your experience and perception. Be kind to yourself. Enjoy the freedom of your teens while respecting it and take into account how future you may be impacted by present choices.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“Your parents are on your side. Your family is always going to be there. Value your time with them.” —Manjusha G, 40s

“As much as you want to moan and groan when your parents start acting ‘all young and silly,’ LET THEM. Life flies by REALLY fast and reliving teenage moments to them feels like yesterday.” —Nic K, 40s

“Find a mentor that you can share feelings with and ask important questions Don’t worry about not being in the cool gang, you will find your groove and tribe many times over throughout your life” —Sandi C, 50s

“Find your hidden gem. What makes you tick? Claim it. Find a good therapist. Go at least 4 times then you’ll have the rapport in place for when you need it. Avoid alcohol. Don’t ask why…just wait.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“Be open and learn from your elders. They have life experience which turns into wisdom as it ages.” —Amy S, 60s

“Oh darlings, just hold on tight. It’s all so confusing and wonderful all at the same time. Choose your friends carefully and don’t be afraid to be yourself and love that person.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Oh darlings, just hold on tight. It’s all so confusing and wonderful all at the same time. Choose your friends carefully and don’t be afraid to be yourself and love that person.”

Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 20s

“Find something you enjoy that you can go to when in tough times.” —Anonymous, 20s

“You should not compete with others, drink way less, and ask a lot of questions. Also, suffering in relationships is not love. Leave.” —Mariana CR, 20s

“Know your worth and that it’s okay to make changes. You don’t have to be locked into a path and follow that to its end. You can shift and change course. Your skills and time are valuable, never let anyone else undermine that.” —Ifrah A, 20s

“You definitely don’t have to know your next step (your 20s are for figuring yourself out), but you should have a strong set of values by your mid-20s that guide the decisions you make. That way, you’ll end up in the right place, even if you don’t know what that place is right now.” —Anonymous, 20s

“Be intentional about your relationships, learn to invest in those people that also invest in you. Continue to love others. Go at the pace you’re called to go, you don’t need to get married right away, or have kids right away, or get a house right away. Everyone has their own pace.” —Shine R, 20s

“Celebrate your friends’ accomplishments, big or small. A new apartment, an engagement, leaving a crappy job…Be happy for the people around you!” —Celia W, 20s

“Everything will be constantly changing during your 20s, so try your best to build a relationship with yourself that can ground you when things become confusing or overwhelming. Get to know yourself (and your inner child, very important!), meditate, move your body, do more of what you like, say no to the things you don’t and try not to take life too seriously.” —Iris G, 20s

“You can change. And change again. And change again.” —Farrin M, 30s

“Have fun! Make mistakes and learn from them!” —Jen K, 30s

“Approach this decade with ferocious curiosity” —Kimberly H, 30s

“Sexual health is important, get your pap smear every year, get tested for STDs, and make sure your partner does as well.” —Jacqui D, 30s

“Everyone is struggling. It’s not just you.” —Hanna S, 30s

“Don’t turn down road-trips or special moments with one or both of your parents. You’ll regret it if you turn down some sweet bonding time.” —Anonymous, 30s

“Life is long: don’t rush to work and have a stable life. Don’t obsess over money, clout and status. Dance, cook, have sex, do drugs, stay at home, sleep in the streets, do whatever except obsess over work and money.” —Elena S, 30s

“Even though everyone says you should find a career in something you love, not everyone should. Depending on that about which you are passionate for your livelihood can take the joy out of it. Find a job you enjoy, one that is fulfilling, but it’s okay to keep your passions for yourself.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Be kind to yourself. Learn how to enjoy spending time on your own.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“You will not be the same person 20 years, don’t take it too seriously.” —Michelle L, 40s

“Eat healthy, drink water, take care of your skin and get exercise, and build healthy routines, rituals, and habits—your 40+ age self will massively thank you.” —Nic K, 40s

“Work on yourself in little ways (with that therapist from your teens :). Start saving money. Start thinking about needs vs wants. Kiss a lot of different people. Say nice things to yourself in the form of affirmations. If you have a shitty mom or dad, find new role models. Journal. Travel to as many countries as you can. Begin in this decade.” —Lisa P, 50s

“My 20s were the toughest decade for me, trying to find my niche. Explore. Try different jobs. Live in different parts of the world. Be open to learning more about yourself. I was drawn to Tarot cards and astrology to understand myself. Therapy never hurts.” —Amy S, 60s

“Get out of your head and into the world, experience is much better when you feel it with your heart.” —Susan M, 60s

“Fall in love with everyone.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Get out of your head and into the world, experience is much better when you feel it with your heart.”

Susan M, 60s

Advice for your 30s

“Develop an awareness of how you feel and follow it. Drink your water, wash and moisturize your face. Quit that job. Find a new one thing and follow it like a rabbit down a hole.” —Farrin M, 30s

“Don’t panic if you seem to be doing things later than everyone else. We all grow and discover at different rates. At the same time, don’t let fear hold you back. You are so much stronger than you think.” —Jessie C, 30s

“This is where transformation happens. This is when you learn about yourself more than ever. Allow it, embrace it and be proud of how far you’ve come” —Allison R, 30s

“Glass of water before bed. Glass of water before morning coffee. Now that does a body good.” —Hanna S, 30s

“If you’re not happy, make a change until you are. Life is too short to spend living someone else’s narrative. Nothing matters as much as being true to yourself. So do the things that make you happy and distance yourself from those that don’t.” —Cris A, 30s

“Trust your gut but don’t always do as your experience tells you: take chances, risk things, cry a lot.” —Elena S, 30s

“I felt like this was the time when I started to settle into my being, my life, and my future but that wasn’t quite right. We should constantly learn, change, evolve, and expand. From our souls to our bodies to our surroundings, seek growth. Surround yourself with love and people who nourish you. Find your community (if you haven’t already) and build upon your foundation.” —Laurie N, 40s

“This is the stage for some belly button gazing and doing some self work.” —Michelle L, 40s

“Be patient with your partner—you are together for a marathon, not a sprint.” —Manjusha G, 40s

“Perfect the art of being attentive and buying quality gifts people will love to receive. Invest in a quality mattress and quality bedding—sleep is important and you best love being in the place you do it every night” —Nic K, 40s

“Take care of yourself, this includes your: feet, mental health, and physical strength. Also, if you’re interested in starting a family and haven’t yet, it can still be done—admittedly, having my one and only baby at 40, I can tell you that you can do it, just know your body can struggle more if you’re not actively working towards improving yourself (exercise, etc.).” —Rebecca W, 40s

“Be kind with your changing self. Life is happening now. You don’t have to be perfect to be accepted or loved.” —Marie C, 40s

“There is no perfect time to start a family.” —Michelle Q, 40s

“Stop trying to be happy all the time. Strive for contentment and appreciate happy when it happens.” —Regina M, 50s

“Stay true to yourself. This is the decade when you might erode/lose who you are at your core due to life changes, partnerships, children, and peer pressure.” —Cathy V, 50s

“Travel. Travel. Travel. Develop grounding daily practices. Trust. Begin investing. Learn new things. Read all the time. Be a good friend. Find your inner wisdom. Talk to her regularly. Keep checking in with your therapist. If they suck, definitely find a better one.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“Eat well, watch alcohol consumption.” —JA, 60s

“Don’t feel that you have to take on everything. Job, marriage, parenthood. You’ve still got some time, you’re still growing. No unnecessary pressure.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Trust. Begin investing. Learn new things. Read all the time. Be a good friend. Find your inner wisdom. Talk to her regularly.”

Lisa PS, 50s

Advice for your 40s

“If you’re lucky, you still have as many years ahead as behind. What an amazing time to exist. The knowledge you have earned over the last few decades can make this the most beautiful time in your life so far. This can be the decade of comfort and exploration. You’ve likely established yourself in one way or another. Maybe it’s time to lean into that or maybe it’s time to renew yourself. It’s also time to make sure you’re taking care of your body and mind. Feed and exercise both in a way that rejuvenates. You will be rewarded for that love.” —Laurie N, 40s

“Take care of your skin (full body), do more of what you love, and go to bed by 10—or find a way to get all your sleep.” —Anonymous, 40s

“Be kind to yourself. You are still so young and don’t forget it. Appreciate your body.” —Elizabeth C, 40s

“If you haven’t started already, spend as much time and collect as much wisdom you can from the elders in your life you’re close to. […] Your 30s will have flown by and your 40s go even faster. Stop filling your life with clothes, make-up and other material things. Spend the money on trips and memories and experiences, and savings.” —Nic K, 40s

“You still have plenty of time ahead of you. Make this time yours and not others’!” —Marie C, 40s

“Remember that even those people in your life that you trust fully will eventually cause hurt to you through betrayal, dishonesty, or just plain bullying (yes, bullying is still a thing). Having the grace and strength to get through these challenges are built throughout your earlier decades. Don’t lose who you are because those of peer pressure.” —Cathy V, 50s

“Trust your inner wisdom. Claim your voice. Keep traveling. Nurture friendships. Hire help. Limit alcohol. Keep your practices strong. Give time to your community. Take your neighbor’s garbage cans in and out. Travel. Volunteer in another country. Keep learning. Get a dog. Write. Teach others what you know best. Be kind. Tip a lot. Save and spend. Do both equally.” —Lisa PS, 50s

“I felt my strongest, internally in my 40s. Sex is great. Go for it.” —Amy S, 60s

“Buckle up. Contribute to 401k, patience, enjoy life while kids are still home.” —JA, 60s

“Ok now you are a big person….an adult. You may think you were before but most people shouldn’t have made life altering decisions before now.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 50s

“I have just turned 50 and although I’ve just moved countries, changed my career, learning a new language, I’m still searching out things to do, places to go….. live life to the full. I’m focused on my health because I want to be fit and independent for as long as I can. I make sure people I love and my well-being are at the forefront of my life. Looking back I probably have only one wish which is that I probably should have invested more but it’s only a minor practical thing that I can say from hindsight.” —Sandi C, 50s

“Continue to learn every day, especially through younger and older people. Be open to evolution and keep in mind that the world is so incredibly different than when you were growing up. Practice patience with those who feel like their old ways are the best ways but also free yourself from their company when you realize that their values and philosophy about living are completely contrary to yours.” —Cathy V, 50s

This is a good time. If you’ve taken care of yourself, your body is probably perfect. So is your mind. You have gained knowledge and experience enough to give good sold information and advise. It’s a decade to reevaluate and look at some of the things you wanted to do but didn’t. If you are a parent you can start to have a meaningful adult relationship with your children.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 60s

“WOWOWOW…how did I get here and what is next? I spent too many years surviving, sometimes thriving, sometimes crying, but 60 wasn’t on my radar. Dream of your next life early on.” —Susan M, 60s

“60s are a time to reflect and think about the person you are. If you’re retired and worked all of your life you most probably didn’t take the time to tweak any emotional flaws that may have been their all your life. It’s time to sit back any really look at the way you are, or not loving yourself. It’s time to stop giving any of your energy to criticism, negativity or judgment to yourself and to people and things around you. It’s time to realize that what you think is who you are. Be soft, be accepting. We’re all, including you, doing the best we can.” —Dianne S, 70s

Advice for your 70s (And Up!)

“It’s really a lovely decade. BTW, I forgot to say all this time you should have been moving and breathing! If you have, and you’re healthy, enjoy every minute. It’s one of the best times in your life. Spend time being kind, generous. Laugh a lot. Stay mindful, love every moment this life continues to give you. Being is a privilege and an honour. Don’t ever take it for granted. Love yourself. See beauty in the world. And look in the mirror every day and tell that reflection looking back how wonderful they are. The world is Divine and so are you.” —Dianne S, 70s

“Love yourself. See beauty in the world. And look in the mirror every day and tell that reflection looking back how wonderful they are. The world is Divine and so are you.”

Dianne S, 70s

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post We Asked Our Readers For Advice On Aging By Decade—Here’s What You Had To Say appeared first on The Good Trade.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With just a few simple and accessible steps, we can all simplify our wardrobes, spending less time and money on filling our closets and more time on wearing what makes us feel our best.

Creating your minimalist aesthetic has never been so easy. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clean Out Your Closet

Start building your minimalist closet by taking inventory of what you currently have. Sort and organize your apparel, separating items into three distinct piles: Donations, Consignments, and Clothes to Keep.

“Sustainable fashion is ultimately about wearing what you already own and keeping clothes out of landfills. We can often give our clothing new life with just a few simple updates, like hemming.”

When deciding what to keep, think about how often you wear an item and whether it complements the staple pieces you envision purchasing in the future. Keep only the garments you love and plan to wear often.

Also, remember: You do not need to toss something out just because it’s from a fast fashion brand. Sustainable fashion is ultimately about wearing what you already own and keeping clothes out of landfills. We can often give our clothing new life with just a few simple updates, like hemming.

For the garments you no longer wear that are gently worn, set them aside to sell online. Alternatively, you can resell them at your local consignment store. The money you make from these items is perfect for investing in quality garments down the road.

Your third pile is your donation pile. These are your clothes that are well-loved but not up to consignment standards. Drop them off at your local charity. For clothing damaged beyond wear, you can turn them into rags for cleaning or find a textile donation center.

Most importantly, start slow. You don’t have to clear out all of your clothes at once. Spend the next year slowly swapping out a handful of garments in exchange for one to two quality pieces at a time. This will make the process less overwhelming and more affordable.

2. Discover Your Style & Create Unique Looks

It’s essential to feel confident and comfortable in the clothing we wear. When creating a minimalist wardrobe, ditch the seasonal trends and think about a style that is unique to you. An authentic, timeless wardrobe will reflect your personality and make you feel most like yourself.

Ask yourself: What do I want my clothes to say about me? Which fabrics and fits do I feel most comfortable wearing? Which colors, patterns, and accessories bring out my true self and best complement my personality?

Try creating a mood board with photos of outfits and looks that speak to you. Or try these tips for finding and curating your personal aesthetic.

“An authentic, timeless wardrobe will reflect your personality and make you feel most like yourself.”

3. Save for Staple Items & Shop Secondhand

No surprise here: One of the biggest deterrents to building a minimalist wardrobe is the cost. Quality apparel from ethical brands is more expensive than fast fashion because of the sustainable, lasting fabrics, and because workers are paid fair benefits and wages (learn more about the cost of sustainable fashion here). Still, these garments can be out of reach for many of us. Here are a few beginner tricks:

• Shop secondhand. Contrary to popular belief, thrift stores are not only for cheap clothing and worn-out furniture. Some of our favorite and most timeless pieces have been discovered on the racks of unassuming thrift stores or online—we’ve even scored preloved apparel from sustainable brands. Check out our guides to thrift shopping successfully in-person as well as online.

• Save for big-ticket items and staple pieces. Don’t feel like you need to go out and replace your wardrobe all at once. Start small and begin saving for those expensive items, such as fine minimalist jewelry, winter coats, or high-end denim, months in advance. When you’re building a minimalist wardrobe, remember you’re paying for quality rather than quantity. By looking at the big picture and how much money you will save over time, it can seem less daunting. This is especially true when you plan and budget for an expensive item.

• Shop the deals. Many of our favorite ethical brands discount seasonal items and offer coupon codes when you sign up for their newsletters. Take advantage of these discounts when building your minimalist wardrobe.

4. Care for Your Garments

With fast fashion brands, clothes are not made to last for more than a few wears, and it can seem silly to invest in the care for a garment that costs less than 20 dollars. With a minimalist wardrobe, though, you’ll want to ensure you are properly caring for your apparel. This will protect your items from accidental damage and allow you to wear pieces for years to come.

A few tips for care: Hand wash delicates, invest in a steamer and wooden hangers, and know what garments you need to take to a dry cleaner. Read tips from a costume designer on how to care for your clothes, and read more here on how to clean vintage clothing properly.

5. Rely on Your Community

A common concern with keeping a minimalist wardrobe is not having clothing for those special occasions or unique seasons in life. Whether it be maternity clothes, wedding attire, or garments for your upcoming vacation, sometimes we need an outfit that is not everyday wear.

One option is online rental sites. They are ideal for unique and infrequent occasions.

We also love swapping apparel with friends—and prefer this method as it’s much more sustainable and has a low carbon footprint. It’s also more fun! If you’re curious about how to find like-minded individuals in your area who are also building minimalist wardrobes, check out our guide on hosting a community clothing swap.

“We also love swapping apparel with friends—and prefer this method as it’s much more sustainable and has a low carbon footprint.”

6. Remember: This is a Journey

Building a minimalist wardrobe is redefining the way we think about shopping for apparel, and we don’t want to gloss over how challenging this can be. When first starting, it can be difficult not to shop at our previous go-to stores. We learn how loyal we were to certain brands. We discover how convenient it was to stop by the mall when needing clothes for an interview or a new pair of jeans. It can feel exhausting and frustrating, especially when money is tight or we can’t find the item we’re looking for (but we know which fast fashion stores will have it).

But it’s worth it.

Be patient and kind to yourself. Building a conscious, minimalist wardrobe is a journey like anything else in life, and it’s full of learning curves and adjustments. Rewiring the way you think about shopping can and will be challenging, but the reward is worthwhile.

Knowing who made your clothes, feeling confident and true to yourself in well-made garments, not having a closet bursting with forgotten tees and unraveling sweaters—it’s all worth it. We’re on this journey together.

“Knowing who made your clothes, feeling confident and true to yourself in well-made garments, not having a closet bursting with forgotten tees and unraveling sweaters—it’s all worth it.”

Kayti Christian (she/her) is the Managing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people.

The post How To Build A Minimalist Wardrobe appeared first on The Good Trade.

 Giving Your Clothes New Life

We are more conscious than ever about the things we own, since caring for what we already have is the best way we can live a more sustainable life. But even the best-loved clothing can get damaged or stained, and our bodies and tastes can change over the years so that the once beloved item now hangs in the back of the closet, forgotten.

The change of seasons brings the perfect opportunity to do a wardrobe assessment. As you clean and pack away this season’s clothes and pull out your storage items, carefully look at each piece. Did you wear it this season? Is it in need of repair or tailoring? Have you been meaning to upgrade or replace it? Be honest with yourself, and take your time.

Luckily, there are more than enough ways to be mindful and sustainable when it’s time to consider the next phase of a garment’s life. Here are 10 ways we can give old clothes a second chance and make an impact, beyond just donating to Goodwill.

1. Host a garage sale & donate the proceeds 🏠

We’re feeling nostalgic thinking back to our neighborhood block parties and garage sales—and these small-town events are a fun and easy way to give away your old clothes and turn a profit. If possible, we encourage you to donate the proceeds to organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or your local branch of the International Rescue Committee.

2. Donate your gently used clothes to local refugees 🤝

If you’re looking to support refugees, newly immigrated families, or those seeking shelter with community programs or churches, there are many resources out there to find the best place for you. Not sure where to start? Check out the Hello Neighbor Network, a coalition of grassroots organizations working with refugees across the nation, to find volunteer opportunities including mentorship, hosting, education support, and more.

3. Donate clothes to retailers & receive a discount🧾

Businesses today have become more socially conscious than ever before, and many companies will now accept donated clothes in exchange for store credit or a discount. Some of our favorites include B-Corp Reformation which utilizes textile recycling, or Madewell which turns your old denim into housing insulation for local communities in need (and gives you $20 off your next pair!👖). One of our favorite ethical brands Cuyana offers resale programs when you’re finished with their products; simply send back in a pre-labeled bag and earn store credit or resale cash, all while benefitting their nonprofit partner H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease Abuse Related Trauma).

4. Find local nonprofits for clothing drives 👠

We all know about the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but oftentimes, there are local chapters of nonprofits that could use our excess clothing. Community organizations like Dress for Success, and Back On My Feet are often looking for gently-used clothing or shoes for those in need of a fresh start. Many organizations will also include a wishlist of their biggest wants and needs, and of course, these donations will be tax deductible.

5. Shop secondhand 🏷

One of my favorite bargain-hunting methods is to head to the local thrift shop, especially those that support communities in need. Thrift stores like Housing Works or Habitat ReStore will oftentimes partner with churches or nonprofit organizations to better the lives of those they serve—if you’re not sure where to look, a quick Google search in your area should get you started!

6. Host a clothing swap with friends & family 👯‍♀️

What is more fun than inviting your loved ones over for a traditional clothing swap? Have each attendee bring at least 5-10 pieces they no longer wear that are still in good condition, set out some appetizers and drinks, and get the party started! You can even heighten the anticipation with some photos beforehand of what you’re giving away! Everyone will walk away with a new wardrobe and feel even more excited for the next time around.

7. Recycle your textiles ♼

We all have those one pair of jeans that we’ve worn the life out of or that shirt we just couldn’t bear to part with until it had holes in the sleeves. If your clothing is ruined and no longer wearable, consider donating to your local textile recycling program. Americans discard over 10 million tons of unwanted fabric per year, contributing to waste in landfills and harming the environment—most of these fabrics, however, can be recycled into something new through programs like GrowNYC or the Bay Area’s USAgain.

8. DIY old clothes into something new ✂

Turn your clothing into something else functional, like a rug, quilt, or grocery store bag. You can easily turn your old shirts into a rug using a hula hoop or through weaving (do a search on Pinterest for some easy how-to guides!), and services like Project Repat transform your tees into a quilt while providing fair wages and US-based jobs. Worst case scenario? Use them as rags around the house— they’re durable, easy to wash and reuse, and free. 💸

9. Learn to mend & repair your clothing 🪡

If you’re in love with your clothes despite their holes and tears, the most sustainable thing you can do is learn how to patch them up! Check out Instagram accounts like this one for inspo on creative mending to make your clothes last as long as possible. 🧵 Too far gone? Consider turning the garment into something totally new: Transform your jean jacket into an effortless vest by slicing off the arms, or cut the bottoms of your jeans and add some lace to make shorts in time for warmer weather. A simple sewing class online or workshop will give you all the tools you need to revitalize your most beloved pieces.

10. Consign & resell 🛍

If the pieces you’re looking to give away still have tags or are barely worn, you can quickly throw them on a site like Tradesy or thredUP and make money without ever leaving your home. These sites will offer you a payout for each piece, and all you have to do is then ship the item—easy and efficient! If you’d like to sell them in person, stop by Plato’s Closet or similar businesses to get cash or store credit for your retired goods.

Henah Velez (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Money with Katie at Morning Brew, as well as a writer at The Good Trade. She holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in the Bay Area where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on Instagram!

The post How To Recycle And Repurpose Used Clothing appeared first on The Good Trade.