A Sustainable Life with Sara Harowitz of Vitruvi

Name:

Sara Harowitz

Occupation:

Director of content and editorial at vitruvi

Location:

Vancouver, British Columbia

Please let us know if there is anything specific you would like us to add in your introduction?

I would love it if you can mention that part of my job is being the editor-in-chief of vitruvi’s magazine, Natural Habitat. And that we launched our debut print issue last year, with actor and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell on the cover. The magazine was printed on FSC-certified, post-consumer-recycled paper using eco-friendly ink; it’s designed to be a keepsake, which is why we only create one issue a year.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Once my alarm goes off, I usually stay in bed for a few minutes in the dark—it’s my quiet way of welcoming the day. Then I hop right into the shower; I try not to check my phone until after I’m dressed.

What are you having for breakfast?

I usually have Terra Breads granola (Vancouverites: if you know, you know) with coconut milk or yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and local bee pollen on top. Plus fresh berries in the summer. Also, a black Americano.

What’s your daily beauty routine?

It’s pretty minimal these days. In the morning I just splash my face with cold water and then apply some toner; right now I’m loving Mifa’s Vitamin Sea Essence. At night I take off any makeup with micellar water, wash my face with a gel cleanser (currently East 29th’s Valia Cleanser), and then apply Honest’s Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum.

How would you describe your day to day style? (Feel free to elaborate on favorite pieces, designers, etc.)

My style is quite basic: lots of denim (I especially love my Decades and my vintage Calvin Kleins) and plain shirts (Kotn is a go-to for sustainable classics). I also love Rachel Comey and often wear her stuff when I have an upscale work event. Oh, and my Mate sweatsuit is a dream for lounging around the house

How do you inform yourself throughout the day? What are you listening to, watching, reading?

I subscribe to a lot of daily newsletters, including The Globe and Mail, Literary Hub, The Skimm, Morning Brew, The Cut, Refinery29, and The New York Times. I also get weeklies from Canadaland and The Tyee, as well as Hung Up and Friday Things. I try to make sure I’ve got some baseline knowledge on everything from current events and industry news to pop culture.

Do you have any personal life hacks for getting through the day in the most sustainable way possible?

My closet is probably the way I’m the most sustainable. I try to shop vintage or consignment first and foremost, and if I do buy something new off the rack, it’s always made ethically. I’m that weirdo who searches for the inner tags on a garment to see where it’s made, and will often stand in an aisle and Google a brand if I need more information on its production.

How do you wind down at the end of the day?

Exercise is crucial for my mental health, and it’s a big part of my after-work routine (shoutout to Lagree West). Other than that, I like to read in the evenings—or watch some easy television (currently it’s reruns of Parks and Recreation).

What’s dinner time look like for you? What are you eating? Where are you eating? With who?

Because I work from home now, I prioritize getting out of the house and seeing my people in the evenings—which often means having dinner at a local restaurant or bringing takeout to one of our houses. If I’m cooking at home for myself, it’s usually something pretty simple like pasta primavera or a rice bowl.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability for me is about future-proofing. Previous generations have been largely focused on the present, but we need to start thinking about preservation.

What drives you to live a sustainable life?

We know that big corporations and environmental policy are what will really move the needle in terms of the health of our planet. So for me, adopting sustainable practices is a way for me to feel like I’m making a difference—even if it’s just in my own little life.

What are your three favourite pieces on Rêve En Vert?

It’s very hard to pick just three! But I love the look of this gray cashmere v-neck dress by Leap Concept; Bare Knitwear’s ribbed jacket in beige; and these gorgeous reclaimed gold hoops from Carolina de Barros.

Words from Sara Harowitz @sara.harowitz