1. A Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is a must for every parent, so things can get done easily with baby either happily asleep or watching the world go round. Tania says the Tula Bhttps://babytula.comaby carrier can be used until toddlerhood in a multitude of positions, and that it is just so comfortable for both parent and baby. She also loved the Small Hausen Store carrier and the Boba Serenity wrap.

2. A Sound Machine

“I use the portable Dreamegg and it was our saviour in those early month, and also to muffle any sounds when we’re out and about and she needs to sleep. I have just bought the GlowDreaming box as I was using a diffuser / sound machine and light separately and this is all in one which is awesome! We still use the dreamegg for naps on the go every day too.”

3. Muslin Blankets

“Muslin blankets, of all sizes!” Muslins are great for everything and can be used as blankets, burp cloths, protection for wherever you put baby down, and for any boob leakage. Tania says they are essential at first and you truly need and use them all the time. The Little Beacon muslin blankets are perfect because they are made with the softest and most natural ingredients, so that baby is wrapped up in the best material possible.

4. A Baby Bouncer

Tania shared with me how much she personally loved the Babybjorn. I’ve heard from so many parents that bouncers and rockers are such a lifesaver. You can pop baby down and get a few things done while they entertain themselves! Making it the perfect item to add to the list of new born baby gifts.

5. Organic Baby Products

Tania and I have on many occasions shared our love of clean beauty with each other. So I wasn’t surprised when she shared her favorite clean beauty products for her little one. She loved the organic baby range from Neal’s Yard, which is such a wonderful gift as you can get different sets. She also swears by this Olive Oil Cream, which she puts on everything and says fixes everything! An essential item on the list of new born baby gifts.

6. Reusable Nappies

I already love reusable nappies – check out our top five here!

Tania says they just adore the Esembly nappies, which they have found to be totally blow out and leak proof – a perfect and necessary gift for every parent! Esembly is a woman-owned brand committed to sustainably grown, low-impact, high quality ingredients and responsible manufacturing. Their organic diapers are made form certified organic cotton responsibly grown, so no toxins going close to your little one. Esembly offers amazing resources on how to use cloth diapers. From washing to maintaining so your diapers last for years.

8. Lovevery Playmat and Play Kits

The Lovevery Play Gym gives you and your baby the perfect first year of play with a play gym that looks at home in your home. Crafted with natural materials, and sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood, The Play Gym will help you connect with your baby as they discover their new world. It comes with wonderful tools and toys to help babies through painful teething too!

9. Sustainable Baby Clothing

Tania says they have Baby Mori Zip Up Pjs in every size because they are just the best eco pajamas. Most parents I’ve talked to have said zip up onesies are the best investment, as they make diaper changes so much quicker! The Baby Mori Zip Ups are a perfect gift as they make wonderful sets, so you can gift more than one.

10. Books!

Giving the gift of a book to an expecting or new parent is such a wonderful idea. Tania suggests both the Kind Mama Book by Alicia Silverstone and The Positive Breastfeeding Book. Silverstone’s book is a comprehensive and practical guide to empowering women to take charge of their fertility, pregnancy, and the first six months with their baby. She draws on her own personal experience and also includes information and tips from different midwives, nutritionists, holistic health counselors, and others. The Positive Breastfeeding Book is one that every new mother should have on hand, as it really does walk you through everything you need to know about breastfeeding!

A Pregnancy Pillow

I was so happy when Tania mentioned her love for pregnancy pillows, as I myself have truly loved mine throughout my own pregnancy. She suggests the Bbhugme pillow, which is a award winning and best selling pillow for a reason. It is also totally eco friendly and comes in a range of colours, so there is truly something for everyone.

Tip 1: Plan a menu that is seasonal, local and organic whenever possible with a lot of plant based or plant forward dishes.

The Holidays are so often a time of indulgence, but after our collaboration with Farmer’s Footprint this year we feel strongly that looking for organic, small-scale and regenerative food for your Holiday table is so important. And by choosing to have more plant based options on the table, you can additionally lower your carbon footprint! Our go to? A simple roast squash. 

Please listen to our podcast with the legendary Alice Waters on the importance and pleasure of the Slow Food movement to learn more!

Tip 2: If you’re getting a Christmas tree, try and source one locally and from a sustainable tree farm. Or you can rent one!

Also, when done with your tree make sure to compost it or see if a local service will pick it up for you. If you are in London, Haeckels often offers a drop off at their Broadway Market store to upcycle old trees into candles! 

Tip 3: Avoid Amazon and shop independent, smaller businesses who are trying to make a positive impact in the world.

According to Reuters, Amazon forecast revenue in the range of $160 billion and $167 billion for the all-important holiday quarter this year – a staggering amount of money for one company to make. Let’s spread the wealth and also try and support our smaller, more sustainably minded businesses who are operating in much better ways. 

Some of our top places for easy sustainable gifting for nearly everyone include Flamingo Estate, Christy Dawn and Bookshop.org.

Tip 4: Try alternative wrapping methods.

In the United States, an additional five million tons of waste is generated over Christmas, four million of which is wrapping paper and shopping bags. In the UK, consumers use approximately 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year, and will put what equates to 108 million rolls of wrapping paper in the trash. This year, why don’t you try using reusable cloth or totally biodegradable wrapping paper from small artists – like Cambridge Imprint in the UK.

Tip 5: Go for all natural decor.

Christmas time generates 125,000 tonnes of plastic on average and we need to stop buying one time things and decor that does not last. A great alternative? See what you can forage to make a beautiful garland, or use dried flowers in your wreaths, trees and wrapping to make them even more gorgeous and totally biodegradable at the end of life. 

Tip 6: Embrace composting!

Each year, the average American family of four loses $1,500 to uneaten food — that’s about 1,160 pounds of food that simply goes to waste. Even worse, these numbers tend to increase around the Holidays. Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil. By turning our food scraps and yard trim into compost, we can transform our waste streams into a beneficial, value-added soil amendment and use it to protect the environment and create resilient communities. Everything from your leftover scraps and veggies to your Christmas tree and wreath can be composted with a little bit of effort, and for people with lack of access to easy composting we suggest looking into a Lomi machine! 

Tip 7: Remember that a charitable donation makes a great stocking filler.

As a gift to yourself or your loved ones, why not give back this year to some of the people who are making the most impact on our planet – Farmer’s Footprint. Some of the best gifts are the ones that are not a physical product that goes on to perpetuate the destructive consumption and waste cycle, but gifts that are a token of thoughtfulness and a symbolism of deeper understanding of the values that the receiver holds. Why not give the gift of regeneration this year and seek solace in the fact that nothing goes to waste when people and the planet are being supported in effect!

Tip 8: If you’re going to serve meat, try and do it from regenerative sources.

We all know that the meat industry is rife with issues from animal cruelty to habitat loss to use of antibiotics and hormones. But what if we told you there was a way to enjoy meat through companies looking at it in a beautiful way – using animals to regenerate the land and giving them happy and healthy lives at the same time? Regenerative agriculture works in partnership with nature to make great tasting, nutrient-rich food while healing the planet. By combining agroecology and agrotechnology, regenerative agriculture approaches land management in collaboration with nature. Through focus on building soil and healing ecosystems, land stewards are increasing resilience, boosting yields, capturing carbon, increasing nutrient density, and returning hope to rural economies.

Great resources to find regenerative meat and ship nationwide here in the States are Thousand Hills and Force of Nature. In the UK, we suggest Riverford and Piper’s Farm. 

Tip 9: If you’re going out to parties and want a little natural glow, opt for organic skincare and makeup!

The beauty industry can be surprisingly toxic and wasteful – according to the social justice platform TRVST, 120 billion units of trash each year come from our personal care routines. Many personal care items also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. As a community of individuals actively seeking to connect our lives with where we invest our time, energy, and resources, we possess the potential to shape our shared world like never before. And, the heartening news is that a community of conscious skincare enthusiasts is steadily growing, one with brands and individuals ready to answer that call…

Our go to organic makeup line is Kjaer Weis and our current favorite natural skincare is The Golden Secrets! 

Tip 10: For some sustainable Christmas tipples, opt for organic, biodynamic wines.

Organic wines are a surprisingly rare luxury: only 5% of global vineyards are organic. Additives used in winemaking are like pesticides used in farming; they are lab made chemicals that make production easier, faster, and cheaper. For instance, mass producers use l fining agents to reduce a wine’s haziness; these typically include animal products with lots of protein or gelatin to bind to the solids in a wine, including egg whites, bull’s blood, or fish bladders. They also use defoaming agents, preservatives and even colorants to change a wine’s color, and so on. Natural Wines are often organically farmed (at minimum) and typically grown without irrigation, never vying for other industrial farming techniques, by smaller wine makers. 

Our go to’s are Dry Farm Wines and Vivanterre! Check our Cora’s podcast with Todd White of Dry Farm Wines HERE! 

Tip 11: Track your personal carbon footprint with The Commons app to help make changes!

Help your loved ones track their carbon emissions, offset their carbon, and learn more about sustainable living – all with one amazing app by our friends at Commons. The app is the perfect gift for the person in your life that needs to make some green switches and learn a bit more about how unsustainable their habits may be. It is a personalized, data driven app that shares practical tips to lower your carbon footprint and build a lifestyle that is more in line with the planet. You can even help your loved ones save money – in 2022 Commons users reduced their footprint by an average of 10% and saved $200 a month! Their offsets are a way to compensate for our unavoidable emissions. Commons supports a vetted, diverse portfolio of climate projects that are evaluated to lower emissions, support local communities, and restore ecosystems. The perfect gift for anyone in your life!

Toups & Co Organic Tallow Skincare + Makeup -

Beauty products are always such a stocking stuffer essential! Toups & Co make perfect products for everyone in your life – they truly have something for everyone. Their entire collection is made from 100% natural ingredients, and they only use organic ingredients like tallow, aloe vera, and cold-pressed olive oil. You’ll never find synthetic chemicals, GMOs, toxins, fillers, artificial colors, or fragrances in their products. For the women in your life, the Organic Lip Gloss is so perfect for the stocking – they have eleven different shades so there is absolutely something for everyone. Their Tallow Lip Love lip balms are the perfect match for dry winter lips – say goodbye to painful chapped lips! Combined with beeswax and gentle essential oils, this wintertime necessity is your ticket to healthier skin and fewer chemicals – they even have a special Holiday flavor! The Glow Serum and the Frankincense Face Balm are two of our favorite products, which are unisex wonders that both work to rejuvenate the skin, deeply hydrate, and leave the skin brighter and smoother – both the perfect size to throw into a stocking!

Use code ‘REVE+TOUPS10’ for 10% off Toups & Co! 

Gua Sha Beauty Tool from Golden Secrets –

A Gua Sha is something that everyone should have in their lives – men and women. It is such a brilliant unisex and holistic anti-aging tool, that works to enhance your skincare routine by increasing blood flow, circulation, and nutrients to brighten the complexion. It helps tone and lift the facial muscles naturally, leaving the skin more youthful after just one use. It contains over 40 trace elements (20 of them have anti-aging effects), emits far infrared, has negative ions necessary for graceful aging and optimal health, and gives out ultrasonic impulses with measurements that far exceed any other stone on the market.

Well Kept Razor -

Help your loved ones ditch their disposable razor by getting them a Well-Kept Razor. The Safety Razor Kit is a perfect stocking stuffer because it has everything you need for a perfect shave. This shaving set offers everything you need to achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave with a Safety Razor, six blades, 40 ml shave oil, and agave exfoliating cloth. The well-kept safety razor works with standard safety razor blades and lasts for a really long time. On average, one person may dispose of over 96 razors in their lifetime. On a global scale, that’s billions of plastic razors being sent to landfill every single year. When cared for properly, the brass safety razor will last a lifetime. It works with plastic-free, stainless steel razor blades that can be recycled through Well Kept’s blade bank program. All their packaging is recyclable or compostable, too.

Onda Wellness -

Everyone can use a bit of hemp in their lives…but the hemp should be certified biodynamic and regenerative, so you know you are getting the best results possible. Our friends at Onda make the best hemp products that make amazing gifts. Their tinctures have amazing benefits, but every person handles hemp / CBD-based products differently, so make sure to check out Onda’s dosage guides before starting your hemp journey.

Last Light -

Last Light was created with the philosophy of bringing a quiet joy and a sense of renewal through the objects we surround ourselves with every day. They are passionate about participating in the centuries-old practices and traditions of creating textiles and respect for the earth guides all that they create. Their linen is born from nature, produced from flax which requires little to no irrigation or fertilizers as a crop compared to cotton. Their kitchen towels and napkins are the perfect size to squeeze into a stocking for those in your life who are enthusiastic about sustainable home goods.

Our interview with Alyson Morgan…

First of all, can you tell us a bit about your mission with “slow folk living” and what that means to you?

Slow folk living involves the imperfect journey of divesting in meaningful ways from systems of oppression and uplifting processes that are equitable, sustainable and life giving to people and the earth. Focus on moving away from overconsumption, and investing in rituals, traditions, moving away from products that are not sustainability made and the unrelenting focus on new trends. Slow folk living is timeless, practical, useful, enduring and rooted in beauty and function. Oftentimes this is looking back on the life ways of our diverse ancestors for wisdom, knowledge, and perspective on how to live more rooted today.

Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to live a more simple life?

After my undergraduate degree at UC Davis sparked my interest understanding the connection between global inequality, environmental degradation and the extractive system of global capitalism, I was left feeling hopeless and lost. Especially after becoming a mother. I was left wondering what kind of world I would be bringing my daughter into. I felt on a deep level that I needed to explore new ways of existing within this paradigm. To give up certain ideas and ideals to feel more wholeness within.

I wanted to understand and take part in the ways in which my life was supported on this earth. Raising chickens, growing some of our own food and herbs and composting all became experiential ways supporting our existence on this earth. We by no means grow all our own food, or not shop at grocery stores, but these practices helped up to understand more deeply our impact on this earth and our interconnectedness.

How does nature play a role in your life and work?

Nature is the soil in which I’m rooted, it’s the sun which feeds me, it is inspiration in the leaves, the flower, the mushroom and it is my source. It’s well-being is intertwined with mine and my family’s. I let the seasons, the plants and the earth guide my actions, and when I lose sight of it I feel untethered and not like myself. It is not an abstract concept but all encompassing.

What does the idea of a “rooted home” mean to you? 

A rooted home is the idea that our homes can be a sanctuary. A sacred and harmonious place allowing us to feel most like ourselves. Where you come to rest, play and become nourished before you embark on the world. I think it’s important especially in home design to know about the materials coming into our homes. Are they good for our bodies and are they good for the environment? Am I creating a space of ease, beauty as well as health?

So much of our lives are co-opted and tainted with environmental pollutants. From paint to fabrics to furniture to detergents. When we make the choice to divest from those materials, our homes become safer. Chemicals are not entering into the environment. We can breathe more easily and our homes are not sources of taxing our local ecosystems. Our homes serves as the foundation of our lives. Spiritually, mentally and physical, add is connected to our collective home, this earth. 

Can you tell us a bit about the Driftless region in Wisconsin where you are building your homestead? It sounds like an incredible space! 

The Driftless region is an area in the Midwestern region of the United States that was untouched by glacial drift. Meaning it wasn’t flattened by a glacier during the Ice Age like much of the midwest. Preserving plants and flora and topography. This area is the traditional homeland of the Sauk, Meswauki, Sioux and Ho Chunk. There is an interesting convergence of people here focused on building community and protecting the environment. There is a wildness to the winding roads and cliffsides dotted with trillium in the spring. 

You are working on building a new home with all ecological materials. Can you tell us a bit about the process and sourcing for this? 

In the process of building our home we thought about using materials sourced as locally as possible. Using recycled materials, or materials that would stand the test of time and ideally, would not need to be replaced in our lifetime. Our budget and access to resources also affected what we chose. Instead of using synthetic materials, we chose when we could to use natural stone, recycled tiles, hardwoods and avoided plastics when possible. 

How do you impart the wisdom of living in harmony with nature to your children? 

I encourage my children to play outdoors, to spend time in nature getting dirty. I share with them that all living things, plants, animals, insects, trees, stones and soil should be valued. Everything has a story and a lifetime and we get to be a part of that. They plant seeds with me in late winter, sow seeds in early spring, tend to the garden, pull weeds and water with me in the summer, harvest in the fall and eat and enjoy what we’ve grown in the kitchen. This knowledge, experience and cycle builds meaningful relationships within them. We discuss the pitfalls of monoculture and the extractive ways humans treat the planet, we dream up new ways of existing with our earth and it is my hope these seeds I plant within them will grow and change our world. 

What inspired your connection to plants and the practice of herbalism? 

I’ve always had an affinity with nature, especially growing up in Northern California. The old oaks and the majestic and ancient redwoods along the California coastlines were the backdrop to my childhood and imagination. They felt like kin to me. It wasn’t until we moved from the suburbs of Milwaukee to our little cottage in the Driftless did the worlds of herb and plant wisdom and healing open up for me.

The little cottage we purchased was owned by a seasoned herbalist before us. She planted up the garden with plants she used in her own apothecary and on her clients. I walked into that garden not knowing much about herbalism other than the elderberry syrup I had made the winter before for my children. It was over the course of five years that I learned the song of the plants and their healing wisdom through sitting with them, using them, scouring books and blogs, attending herbal workshops and asking members of the community well versed in plants that I learned and practised herbalism. 

Alyson Morgan On Her New Book…

What inspired you to write your book, Our Kindred Home?

I was inspired to write Our Kindred Home in part to share my winding journey to deeper connection to the earth and the plants, to inspire other to connect with earth especially after the chaotic and tumultuous year twenty twenty when so much of the collective shadow and hurt came to the surface, I wanted to share rituals and recipes and plants i turned to in my everyday life with others.

What sort of content can we expect to find within its pages?

Our Kindred Home is my personal and seasonal journey. There are tools to connect more deeply with self, recipes to support you through ecological anxiety, despair and grief, personal reflections on how to decolonize the heart and mind, plant monographs by season to encourage you to connect with your local ecology and bring plants into your home and kitchen and practice. Seasonal reflection to understand how what is above is below and how what happens within is happening outside ourselves, and those threads connect and bind us together and with the wider world.  We are never alone.

Can you give us all one tip for starting out to embrace a slower style of life?

My number one tip to embracing a slower lifestyle is to get quiet. To spend some time disconnected from phones, social media and maybe with a cup of tea or with a tree outside and to listen to what is calling to you. Maybe something in your life isn’t resonating with you anymore. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by something? Some relationship, some pattern or habit, get curious and begin there, maybe it will take you on a journey. Slowing down can be as simple as practising the art of noticing the phase of the moon. Or the seasons change on the tree outside your window. There is so much information, healing and wisdom to be gained in our immediate experience.

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Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your journey into food? 

I’m a self-taught cook, a creative and facilitator. I currently live in a yurt close to the land. Basking in winter slowness and getting ready to plant out the spring and summer garden. Besides cooking, I’m passionate about women’s health, ayurveda, meditation, deep ecology, food growing and music. I created Melt (@meltspaces) in 2021 alongside my dear friend Emmeline; spaces for women to come together and melt into deep rest.

Being born into a small community of eclectic travelers, artists and writers in Mallorca in the late eighties I was exposed to a variety of culinary cultures… dinner parties, collective art exhibitions, poetry readings, jam sessions and potlucks threaded my childhood. My dad’s cooking had somewhat of a reputation within the community when I was growing up — my friends loved coming over for a meal and fondly remember specific dishes and flavours to this day. 

I’ve always loved food, both eating and cooking. As a small child I had an imaginary restaurant in my bedroom and as a young teen, after learning how to make a variety of Japanese dishes from a dear family friend from Osaka, I set up a sushi stall outside our house on market days. 

It wasn’t until later in life during my mid twenties, after my university studies in Human Rights, that I began to work with food. First in food photography and recipe development parallel to sharing online. Then I began to host private dinners at home, cooking for private clients and on retreats. Though my love for food and cooking has always been present, I developed an interest for studying and learning about food as a path to healing inspired by my own experience of suffering from an autoimmune condition over twelve years ago. 

You grew up on the island of Mallorca, how did that connection to nature inspire your connection to food?

I’ve never reflected on this question before… in my mind food and nature are one and the same. I feel that my connection to these was present from birth. 

My first spoken word was ‘lula’ referring to the moon. One of my earliest memories is watching the cherry trees in our garden bloom and see the flowers turn into fruit. Climbing our avocado trees all the way up to the top, harvesting strawberries and figs. Once a year a group of friends and family would gather at my grandparents olive grove to collect olives with bamboo canes, nets and straw baskets. The olives would then be taken into a village nearby to be pressed into olive oil to be shared between us. It was normal for people to have a kitchen garden, chickens and some fruit trees in our village. My grandmother had a beautiful sunny garden with views of the Tramuntana mountains and the sea, watered with an irrigation channel. I vividly remember the awe of digging out potatoes for the first time, harvesting broad beans and eating them raw with dirt covered fingernails. As a child I went to a tiny primary school with no more than forty children. We had a communal vegetable garden which we all took care of, had cooking classes as well as yoga and paper maché workshops. In the summer I’d be out climbing trees and stone walls barefoot with friends, swimming in the sea for hours on end until our skin was wrinkly. Mom and dad were craftsmen who produced bibliophile editions from their printshop at home. Home cooked meals were the norm. Eating out was a rare occasion and friends would often “spontaneously” appear around dinnertime.  Dad would collect vine leaves from my aunt’s garden once a year to make my favourite ‘dolmades’. We had a compost pile in our back garden and our pantry was always stocked up with jars of homemade chutneys, pickles and jams. They were our first thought when choosing gifts on special occasions. 

How has gardening played a role in your food philosophy? 

Being intimately involved in the process of growing food and developing a relationship with land over the four seasons, has allowed me to notice the subtle changes and shifts that take place. The new leaves sprouting in early spring, flowers forming and blooming, drying up and becoming tiny fruits. Watching those fruits grow and ripen is such a trip. I have become aware of how much love and life force goes into this process of growing and ripening. A watermelon seed will grow a watermelon plant with potentially two,  three or more watermelon fruits; each fruit containing anywhere from fifty to a hundred seeds or more. A watermelon carries within it the expression of abundance and generosity. So do all seeds. I have not met a human being that isn’t overcome by a sense of awe and excitement when taking part in this transformation from seed to fruit or leaf or vegetable. I have found the deepest solace in gardening in times of heartache, depression or despair. 

This hands-on understanding of the alchemical process that takes place for food to grow informs everything I make in the kitchen. It also informs my discernment in knowing what is real food and what isn’t. A knowing that we are not separate from nature, our bodies speak the language of the soil, the earthworms, the bees, the rain and the moonlight.

You spent time in India learning about regenerative farming and seed saving under Vandana Shiva which must have been incredible, can you tell us a bit about that experience?

During my late teenage years Vandana Shiva and her friend Satish Kumar would visit Mallorca every October over a number of years to lead a gathering under the name Soil, Soul and Society. A group of 50 or so were invited to gather over three full days at Guillem Ferrer’s beautiful off-grid home in the mountains. Guillem is a family friend, activist and visionary. Someone who has influenced me greatly. My parents and I made it a priority to be there every year, it was a time to feel deeply connected to community and to a bigger vision. We would come back home feeling very full and hopeful for the future. Conversations on Earth-centered education, sustainable living, eco-feminism and spirituality. Many projects sprouted from those gatherings. From earth schools to permaculture farms, education centers and more. 

In 2006 as I was approaching the end of my secondary education I felt very confused and uninspired, unsure of whether university was the right choice for me. My parents encouraged me to take a gap year to travel and explore. Soon after, I felt a spark of inspiration to travel to the south of India and study Ayurveda. As I was researching various options I received news that Vandana Shiva’s farm school in India, Bija Vidyapeeth, was opening a three month long program for gap year students for the first time. I initially rejected this option — to be honest, the idea of learning about composting practices and seed saving didn’t excite me at the time. But since my plans to study Ayurveda in south India weren’t flowing I decided to go. 

I traveled there with Ken Martin (a wonderful university professor who also was a close friend of Satish and Vandana). A little while into my time there, three english boys who had been traveling through India joined us at the farm. Daniel, Jonathan and Merlin (Sheldrake). Their deep curiosity and thirst for knowledge inspired me to apply for university upon my return. 

During our time at Bija we learnt practical skills on composting, natural fertilisers (using cow’s urine), vermi-compost, seed saving… we collected chamomile flowers, carried cow dung on our heads… practiced yoga, bonded with the staff and farmers, met many travelers, attended short courses led by Vandana and others, traveled to mountain villages to meet farmers who were collaborating with Bija in their seed saving campaigns and more. 

Living simply in community and close to the earth was profoundly enriching. This was not my first time in India, I first visited at age eleven with my parents so I was familiar with the culture, though being in one place for three months meant I was able to nurture a relationship with land and people in deeper ways. I have been back a number of times over the years and really cherish reconnecting with some of the staff who have been there for over fifteen years now and  seeing how Bija has grown and evolved. My last visit was in summer of 2019, I visited for a week on my way home after two months in the Himalayas near Gangotri. It was mango season so we had mango smoothies for breakfast daily and the fields were covered in water ready for rice to be planted. I strolled around the farm with a warm chai on hand, my favourite was seeing the herb garden in full abundance. Fragrant Shyama and Rama tulsi were my personal favourites.

What were the main principles you brought back with you to Mallorca from that? 

I vividly remember walking to the nearby village to phone my parents sharing in excitement all that I was learning. I incessantly pushed for us to have a cow in our land back home after witnessing how the farmers would turn cow dung to compost with earthworms, or how they’d use cow urine to create natural fertiliser. They also dried cow dung under the sun and used it as kindling when cooking on an open fire.

The main principle that stuck with me was that learning how to grow food is of utmost value and importance. Knowing how to create compost, build healthy nutrient dense soil and seed saving are essential skills. Not only this, but that engaging in gardening is healing, it reminds us of who we are and of where we belong. A sense of relief, a place to rest our minds and hearts. 

I learnt first hand that there are systems (Capitalism, Patriarchy) in place which disregard the sacredness of mother earth. Systems that destroy earth for profit, systems that believe humans are above nature and treat it as a commodity. I also learnt that there are many people doing amazing things. That the future is hopeful.

That ultimately, the way forward is in devotional relationship to the land (that access to land should be far and wide). That hands and hearts coming together can create big changes.That no one is coming to save us. I was heartbroken to hear of many farmers in India committing suicide after being persuaded into debt by Monsanto. This inspired my choice to study Human Rights in London. I wanted to learn more and find a way to help. 

You also studied Human Rights in London – what did you learn about in the context of farmer’s rights and how those currently stand? 

At the end of my three year course I had come to the realisation that Human Rights declarations are well intended but ineffectual; riddled with legal loopholes. I realised that my contribution to make change was going to come from outside the legal structure. I don’t know how the situation stands currently as my studies took place 16 years ago. To learn more about farmers rights in India I recommend delving into Vandana Shiva’s work and looking into her non-for profit Navdanya for up to date resources.

And what about water issues, how is this connected to both food and human justice? 

Water has become a commodity, yet our relationship with water and access to clean spring water is vital to our human life and spirit. It is a relationship that needs to be protected at all costs together with access to seeds, land and sunlight. We are made of water, water doesn’t belong to us, water is who we are :). Water is our source of life and no corporation or entity should have a right to privatise it, pollute it, or deny us access to it.  

The fact that most people only have access to tap water (highly polluted with chemicals for the most part) or bottled water is extremely concerning. Clean spring water should be free and accessible to all. I make it a point to harvest spring water as much as I possibly can, always in gratitude and prayer. I highly recommend reading the book ‘Water Wars’ by Vandana Shiva to understand this issue comprehensively. 

Why do you focus on plant based eating in terms of sustainability? 

What I focus on is locality, seasonality and real food. For the health and sustainability of the environment, small farmers, local economies and our bodies. Over 90% of the food consumed in Mallorca is imported. Most people shop for food in big supermarkets. I remember how a couple of years ago cargo ships were not able to make it to Mallorca for a couple of days due to a heavy sea storm. The fresh produce section at these supermarkets had empty shelves, whereas our small local farm shop was brimming in abundance.  A shift in our shopping habits into supporting local farmers instead will encourage more land being destined to agricultural practices and in turn promote a healthier more resilient community, environment and economy. 

Favouring fake meat is a rational ethical choice, not a rational choice for health or sustainability. In the words of Vandana: “It is possible and healthy to have a whole and nutritious diet based on biodiverse plants. But do not become subscribers to Mr. Bill Gates’ fake food empire. Please do not serve a bigger evil just because you want to avoid animal products. The same Tycoons who created the factory farms are the ones who are investing in fake meat, so don’t see these as alternatives because they are both sources of profit for the same actors”.

With every single meal we can nourish ourselves while being in right relationship with the earth. In this way, eating is an ecological act. Our individual choices and actions are undoubtedly entwined with the wellbeing of the whole.

How important is organic to you when talking about cooking and our food choices? 

What is most important to me is to eat real food. Real food to me is that which is provided by the earth in its pure form, free from chemicals or genetic manipulation. Food that is grown in small farms using methods and practices that care for the health of the soil and for biodiversity. Food that the body understands, for our body is of the body of the earth. The body understands an apricot grown in a tree in summertime. It understands this food and it knows how to relate to it. The body is confused by most food products found in stores. 

Foods that are sprayed with chemicals are known to be a fundamental root cause of disease. Cancer, gut issues, autoimmunity and more. It is also known that small farms focused on polyculture experience increased biodiversity which is essential for a healthy ecosystem, for healthy soil. Furthermore, small farms have a much higher yield than big mono cropping farms.  They also grow produce which is nutritionally rich due to their soil being rich in micronutrients and more. 

It is important to support small farms over big farms. Shop at farmers markets as much as possible, everyone will benefit. Plus it is such a beautiful thing to experience! Seeing the bounty of colourful produce that has been freshly harvested is such a gift. 

It’s also worth mentioning that many small organic farms don’t have the organic grower certification simply because of financial inaccessibility. The organic food movement has become commodified. Create conversation with farmers, ask about their farming practices. Ask if you can visit their farms! If you crave touching the soil, offer to volunteer. Offer to save seeds from the fruits and veg you buy from them. Farmers need a lot of love, support and appreciation. It is such hard work and in most cases it is paid very poorly. Few things are more important than farmers who are thriving. 

I have built beautiful connections with a few local farmers by shopping from them over the last nine to fifteen years, and I now also work with them sourcing produce when cooking for clients. I am truly grateful to them.

How important is seasonality and locality to you? 

Eating local and seasonal foods is single handedly the most impactful choice we can make when it comes to sustainability alongside growing our own food. I invite you to look into the work of Local Futures for more knowledge and inspiration on the ‘localisation’ movement. It’s not about being 100% aligned with this principle, it’s about bringing awareness to our daily choices and choosing with coherence whenever possible. 

Eating seasonally to me signifies humility and interconnectedness to the land. The earth is our mother in the sense that she sustains us. She knows best. We can trust that she provides what is best for us in every moment. There is a reason watermelons grow in the heat of summer, we need hydration, electrolytes. Us humans desiring watermelon or cherries in winter time and having it flown across the world to us is a testament to our greed and disconnection. 

Furthermore, the food that small farmers grow locally to you will be highest in nutrients and bioavailability. What is good for the health of the planet is also good for our personal health. One can’t thrive without the other because we are interrelated. 

If you could share one favourite recipe from your online resource, The Ones, which would it be? 

It would have to be the Herb Chutney. This herb chutney is a favourite way to pack a lot of those good medicinal herbs into a jar. I always make sure to pick several bunches of herbs at the farmers market and make a jar of this chutney, whilst they are still fresh and vibrant, for the week ahead. It’s delicious with parsley and coriander, I imagine adding other herbs like basil or dill to these would work really well too. I recently served it to dear friends alongside a big pot of chili sin carne (frijoles rojos) and rice, it was the perfect companion. The jar was licked empty! Sweet, savoury, tangy and herby. Delicious.

Herb Chutney Recipe by Rocio Graves (from The Ones)

(makes two cups) 

120 grammes fresh parsley or cilantro or a mix of both (one big bunch, stems included) 

3/4 cup cold-pressed olive oil 

4 tbsp apple cider vinegar

4 Medjool dates, pitted 

15 grammes fresh ginger, peeled

1/2 tsp salt 

Roughly chop the bunch of herbs (stems included) and toss them into a good blender with the other ingredients. Process for a minute or so until completely smooth. Taste and adjust accordingly — you might want to add one more date or more salt. Scoop into a medium-small glass jar, cover with a drizzle of olive oil and store in the fridge. Keeps well for one week.

What’s one of your favourite plants to use in cooking? 

My favourites change with the season — at the moment i’m really enjoying shredded beetroot cooked in a specific way. 

First I cook spices such as cumin, ajwan, fennel and mustard seeds into ghee (or coconut oil) on medium heat on a pan for a couple of minutes, then add the shredded raw beetroot. I coat the beetroot with the spice infused ghee and allow it to cook on medium to low heat for ten minutes or so; when the beetroot starts to release water and steam I add salt and ground spices (cumin, coriander, ginger etc). I mix well and continue to cook for another ten to fifteen minutes until the beetroot is thoroughly cooked and soft. I serve this with a cardamom spiced rice, some fresh coriander (or the herb chutney) and a squeeze  of lime juice. 

And finally, if you could share some simple tips for our audience who may want to get into sustainable eating, what would they be? 

I really try to take off any pressure I might feel about ‘saving the planet’. A more nourishing perspective is to see this as an opportunity to better love ourselves and the earth. Not because ‘shit, we are facing mass extinction’ but because we love this place. We want to do what is right and loving. To focus on deepening our relationship with the land that holds us. With the sun and the moon. Love and care for what is around us. One does not need to go to absurd lengths in the name of sustainability. By living simply we realise that…we don’t need much to be happy.

I really love the concept of ‘sattvic ecology’ as described by Satish Kumar in his book ‘Spiritual Compass’ (which I highly encourage anyone to read): 

‘(…) fear is a poor reason for being an environmentalist. Sattvic ecology provides a more profound and solid reason for our environmentalism: a conviction that the Earth is our only home, and living in harmony with her is good and sufficient in itself. A simple and sattvic way of life, respecting the intrinsic value of all living beings — humans and other than humans — is the proper way of life. Global warming or no global warming, caring for the Earth is our spiritual obligation. (…) For the majority of people in the world, caring for the Earth is a way of life rather than a way of crisis management.(…)’ 

What is the intention behind our actions? Are they coming from fear or from love? I think this is a really important question to consider within the ‘sustainable living’ conversation. Living in harmony with the Earth should be natural. How have we come so far from this understanding? How have we come to need others to remind us that this Earth is a sacred entity? When we remember this in an embodied way (beyond intellectualisation), we will relate to her in devotion and reverence, like we would our mother. 

Within this devotion we will learn to cook beautiful food with fresh ingredients, we will prioritise cooking as a spiritual practice that is intrinsic with being human, rather than thinking of it as a ‘chore’. Within this devotion we will learn to turn food scraps into soil through composting methods. We will realise that there is no such thing as ‘food waste’, that what comes from the earth is meant to return to the earth. Within this devotion we will remember. Within this remembrance we will do and choose that which is loving for ourselves and in turn, for the earth. 

My recommended resources for further exploration: 

Rocio’s recipe collection The Ones

Bija Vidyapeeth (Vandana’s farm/ Earth University in India)

Navdanya (Vandana Shiva’s organisation)

Schumacher College (progressive college for ecological studies founded by Satish Kumar offers incredible courses)

Local Futures

Slow Food Movement

Farmers Footprints

Words by Rocio Graves @rociosgraves

www.rociograves.com

Last Light:

Last Light was created with the philosophy of bringing a quiet joy and a sense of renewal through the objects we surround ourselves with every day. They are passionate about participating in the centuries old practices and traditions of creating textiles and respect for the earth guides all that they create. Their linen is born from nature, produced from flax which requires little to no irrigation or fertilizers as a crop compared to cotton. Their stone washed linen collection celebrates timeless details and hand-crafted construction with garment washes that create a relaxed, lived-in feel in a series of natural colours inspired by the transformation of light. Cora’s picks? The Rustic Linen Table Cloth and Linen Kitchen Towels!

Masaya:

Masaya is my new sustainable furniture obsession with their incredible seed to seat ethos. After several years of establishing tree farms on deforested cow pastures, Maderas Sostenibles founded a production facility in Managua to fabricate furniture and wood products that continuously capture carbon in our everyday lives through furniture. Inspired by the artisanal nature of Masaya and the rich culture and nature found in Nicaragua, MasayaCo was born. Every design is handmade from renewable solid wood. We plant hundreds of thousands of trees each year. By annually planting more trees than they harvest, a replenishing cycle is established providing both environmental and economic benefits. So far, their designs have planted over 1.2 million trees. Cora’s picks? The Masaya lounge chair and bistro dining set for sustainable outdoor entertaining!

Dry Farm Wines:

Founder Todd White developed the Dry Farm Wines Certification for finding the purest Natural Wines on the planet. This included a strict set of criteria: only organically farmed, sugar free, additive free, lower alcohol, lower sulfite, lab tested wines. It was from this personal journey that Dry Farm Wines was born. Todd set out to share more of these pure Natural wines with the world, and to educate people on what is really in their wine. Dry Farm Wines offers a range of wines that are deeply researched and conveniently curated into selection boxes that allow you to experience the best health and planet conscious wines the world has to offer. Each gift box is a curated selection of pure and rare Natural Wines you can’t find in stores. Every box includes unique grapes, regions, and profiles in their purest form, without the sugar, high alcohol levels, and additives of commercial wines.

Get a free bottle on us with the link: dryfarmwines.com/rev

Force of Nature:

If you are going to eat meat, this is the company to source it from. They are leading the regenerative revolution to create meat that is contributing to biodiversity restoration, carbon capturing and done with respect for the animals.They are on a mission to improve our collective environment and health through regenerative agriculture while creating food raised in a way that honors the systems within Mother Nature. They care for the soil, respect diversity in plants and animals on the land, and focus on natural outcomes versus synthetic inputs – no tilling, no synthetic chemicals, no hormones or antibiotics! Their range of meat is more delicious and nutritious than anything else you can buy, including organic and traditional grass fed. From Force of Nature you’ll find meats like Elk, Venison, Wild boar, Bison and the more conventional meats like beef, chicken, and pork.

Listen to Cora’s podcast episode with them here!

1st Dibs:

I am such a huge fan of trying to get everything I can in our home vintage first as it always has the lowest carbon footprint and the most character. 1st Dibs is my go to for vintage vessels, lighting and furniture for our home and it is always the perfect place to find a thoughtful and unique gift for anyone who wants a bit of vintage beauty in their home. 

Shop our unique link here!

Current Cassis:

After years living in Paris, a Kir or a Kir Royale has been my staple cocktail and Current Cassis is my favourite place to get this aperitif. An all natural 16% ABV sipper made by hand from lightly fermented NY blackcurrants, whole green cardamom, bay leaf, citrus rind, lemon verbena, wild honey and clean distilled spirits. C. Cassis is made by Rachael Petach in the Hudson Valley, just a few miles from where their blackcurrants are grown. If you are looking for the perfect gift for anyone’s bar cart, this is the sustainable spirit line I always go to!

R+D. LAB:

If you are looking for glassware that is perfect for the Holiday season and special enough to want to use all year long, look no further than my favourite Italian line R+D. LAB! 

R+D. LAB is an ethical glassware line that was founded by Jay Vosoghi and Sara Mostofi in 2006. An intrinsic belief in research and design is at the heart of their namesake and manufacturing. Providing experience and the impetus for collaborative exchange with classic artisans and small traditional manufacturers. Together, they work as a team to create highly distinctive products that are functional, sustainable and meaningful for modern life.

Cora’s Picks:

Luisa 1L Carafe in Jade Green

Luisa Calice Glasses in Jade Green – Set of 2

Obakki:

Obakki is special in that it gives back to artisans that create the beautiful pieces sold by Obakki. Through the Obakki Foundation, they partner with artisans and uplift communities through giving their traditional craft a platform to stand on. Real life connections with these communities is what allows Obakki to give them what they most need in the form of development work and resources to support their livelihood.

Cora’s Picks:

8″ Plato Liso – Set of 4

11″ Plato Liso – Set of 4

Kōpilā Cashmere –

Cashmere is such a classic and luxurious holiday gift for any woman in your life. Kōpilā makes some of our favorite sustainable cashmere on the market. The brand was born out of a desire to bring conscious cashmere to consumers that is made from luxury raw materials by artisanal craftsmanship. The result is a range that is timeless yet relevant, that showcases incredible artisan skills. These are pieces to be worn, loved, and treasured for time to come. Kōpilā is proud to partner with The Good Cashmere Standard (R) by AbTF, so you can trust they have full visibility of the journey of your pieces. They only use nontoxic dyes – an issue we are super passionate about, and they offer a completely dye-free home wear collection! The brand also has a zero plastic packaging policy, and they use biodegradable corn bags, paper parcel tape, handmade lokta tissue paper, and the garment labels are even made from organic cotton. You can’t go wrong with any of their pieces – timeless, ultra-comfortable, and perfect to keep you cozy through winter. 

Farm to Arm Regenerative Bags by 1 Atelier –

The 1 Atelier Farm To Arm Capsule is the first luxury accessories offering designed to be net-zero carbon, biodegradable, and waste-free. Starting with leather that is sourced from regenerative farms in the United States and vegetable-tanned by a 117-year-old American tannery using only natural ingredients, each piece is then meticulously handcrafted-to-order by the craftspeople at their Atelier in the Garment District of New York City. Already a pioneer in sustainable luxury, 1 Atelier set out to create a beautifully designed collection that contributes more fully to the drastic systemic change required to eliminate the devastating impact that the fashion industry has on the environment. There is a bag for anyone in this collection – they are sophisticated, elegant, and practical.

CULTHREAD –

We feel that a beautiful coat shouldn’t cost the environment, should be made to last, and shouldn’t be thousands of dollars. CULTHREAD makes wonderful coat options that are ethical and cruelty-free – such fantastic gifts. We love their classic Faraday recycled vegan puffer jacket, as it is such a wardrobe staple. Something that will always be in style and easy to pair with any outfit. It is made of 100% coffee-cycled vegan leather, recycled fabric, and 100% post-consumer recycled fiber down insulation – it is light but will keep you warm! We love it in black and green. CULTHREAD also makes really cool cross-body puffer bags that are designed to support your needs on the go with an array of pockets inside. It is also weather-resistant and is incredibly durable. Again, like all other products from the brand, it is made from 100% recycled materials!

Shadows Sun –

Give the gift of an elevated, comfortable staple t-shirt this holiday season with Shadows Sun. Founded in 2020 by husband and wife duo, Marrijill & Jeff. The two encounter years of working with artisans abroad, eventually leading the brand to one consistent vision; the juxtaposition of vintage and new. The brand is committed to creating the most comfortable and easy-to-style stapes that are created with the Earth in mind. Shadows Sun makes their vintage-inspired tops with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, from farms in India that use Regenerative farming methods. All their dyes and inks are non-toxic and water-based, free from any harmful chemicals. They are transparent about their supply chain, and they follow strict labor standards, including payment of a living wage, safe working conditions, and of course no child labor. Right now, they have two colors in their women’s tops – Oyster and Raven. The unique appearance of their garments is achieved by their special dyeing process and because of this, no two garments are alike. Something we really love about the brand!

UN Denim –

Un Denim rescue pre-loved high-quality denim and up-cycle them into your next fashion-meets-activism statement. We absolutely love the idea of gifting something that isn’t brand new, but rather has been given a longer life. Mindfully restored for planet-conscious humans, Un Denim’s proprietary process means that upcycling a pair of Un jeans requires less than 1% of the water used to manufacture a standard pair of jeans from virgin denim. Their environmental footprint in terms of land use, energy, and CO2e emissions is also a mere fraction of the industry standard. They have a multitude of styles, so there is absolutely something for everyone. Un also make picking your size a seamless process, and have very clear guidance on how to find your perfect size in their collection. From classic jeans, to skirts, to jackets – Un has your sustainable Denim needs sorted!

Kjaer Weis –

Kjaer Weis is without a doubt one of our favorite organic luxury beauty brands and they do the perfect gift sets for the holidays. Ethically crafted by makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, this beauty line boasts clean ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, while delivering professional results. All their products are formulated with the very best ingredients, that work to improve the skin while you wear your makeup. The brand’s collection is also completely refillable, so you only need to buy their packaging once!

Astro Facial at Salon C. Stellar –

From the founders of Pfeffer Sal is a new and exciting skincare / body care clinic – right in the center of London. Salon C. Stellar is an oasis, moments away from the busy Carnaby street where you can retreat for a gorgeous treatment. Their facials are such fantastic gifts for those who really need nothing but maybe a moment of bliss, relaxation, and pampering. The Astro Facial is unlike anything you’ve had before – it is the world’s first fusion of skin health and astrology. Perfect for the person in your life who is obsessed with star signs…They even match a facial oil to your star sign! 

Adriana Chede Fine Jewelry –

Adriana creates beautiful ethical jewelry in London that make amazing gifts for all at varying price points. All of Adriana Chede’s pieces are handmade, using responsible practices, with recycled solid gold and ethical gemstones. They source their metals from London suppliers that recycle the metal themselves, which is the most sustainable practice — a closed-loop system! Her line is timeless and there is most definitely a piece for everyone. 

Our Kindred Home by Alyson Morgan -

Through the lens of Alyson’s academic journey combined with the joy and wisdom she has absorbed from the soil of the Earth, this book was born as a seed of hope and a portal for connection. Our Kindred Home is a source for rekindling our fundamental interconnectedness to the Earth, and discovering everyday ways to stoke resilience, resistance, liberation, and collective healing.

This book is full of seasonal recipes that complement the rhythms of nature, heartfelt monographs describing plant allies Alyson most often turns to all year round, an exploration of ecological grief and its impacts, gateways for working with subtle body energy including flower essence therapy, tools for observing, identifying, foraging, and cultivating plants and creative methods for crafting infusions, honeys, vinegars, and oils.

Vertly -

Garden-to-Bottle Skincare. Vertly budded at the hands of husband-and-wife duo Claudia Mata and Zander Gladish. Everything they create is handcrafted in small batches, made fresh weekly in Northern California and each ingredient serves a specific purpose. No extra ingredients. Nothing artificial. Vertly products are made fresh weekly in small batches, and they are transparent with ingredients and test each product for over a year before it actually hits the market — ensuring prom

Last Light -

Last Light was created with the philosophy of bringing a quiet joy and a sense of renewal through the objects we surround ourselves with every day. They are passionate about participating in the centuries-old practices and traditions of creating textiles and respect for the earth guides all that they create. Their linen is born from nature, produced from flax which requires little to no irrigation or fertilizers as a crop compared to cotton. All of Last Light’s products are fantastic gifts but nothing is as luxurious as a fresh set of bedding along with a matching robe. The Sun Bleached White bed linen set is a bedding essential – something every woman in your life will adore. We all need bedding, but why not make it as luxurious, comfortable, and sustainable? Their linen robe is seriously the perfect robe – chic, comfortable, and comes in an array of colors.

Support Farmer’s Footprint By Donation

As a gift to yourself or your loved ones, why not give back this year to some of the people who are making the most impact on our planet – Farmer’s Footprint. Some of the best gifts are the ones that are not a physical product that goes on to perpetuate the destructive consumption and waste cycle, but gifts that are a token of thoughtfulness and a symbolism of deeper understanding of the values that the receiver holds. Why not give the gift of regeneration this year and seek solace in the fact that nothing goes to waste when people and the planet are being supported in effect!

Commons App –

Help your loved ones track their carbon emissions, offset their carbon, and learn more about sustainable living – all with one amazing app by our friends at Commons. The app is the perfect gift for the person in your life that needs to make some green switches and learn a bit more about how unsustainable their habits may be. It is a personalized, data driven app that shares practical tips to lower your carbon footprint and build a lifestyle that is more in line with the planet. You can even help your loved ones save money – in 2022 Commons users reduced their footprint by an average of 10% and saved $200 a month! Their offsets are a way to compensate for our unavoidable emissions. Commons supports a vetted, diverse portfolio of climate projects that are evaluated to lower emissions, support local communities, and restore ecosystems. The perfect gift for anyone in your life! 

Care.ē.on –

Meet the brand making the perfect beauty essentials for on the go! Founded by Madison Headrick, Care.ē.on was designed for those who want chic, reliable, effective, clean skincare that you can take with you anywhere – on your travels, to the gym, to the office, or even in your bag on a busy day out. The brand believes that health and wellness should extend to your skincare and selfcare, which is why they’ve taken a clean and sustainable approach to their entire line. They understand doing good and feeling good go hand in hand – a motto Reve holds at its core. Care.ē.on takes pride in making an effort to reduce carbon and plastic created by the conventional beauty industry. Their En Route Essentials Kit is such a brilliant gift as it has five wonderful products that are all TSA approved and ready to pop in your bag in a dash. In this kit you’ll find a hydrating mask, refreshing mist, moisturizing pads, and a convenient hand sanitizer!

The Lost Explorer Mezcal –

Regenerative mezcal – yes please! Created by David de Rothchild (listen to his podcast with us here!), The Lost Explorer Mezcal is one of the most sustainable liquor brands out there. They have the long-term mission of becoming the most sustainable mezcal brand in the world – and they are so transparent about all the incredible things they are doing so far. While setting high standards for sustainability within the industry, they are creating incredible mezcals. So far, they have three award-winning artisanal mezcals with different notes depending on your preference. They make incredible gifts because you can even personalize your bottle by engraving your loved one’s name! Their Tobala Mezcal is our head of partnership’s favourite as it is earthy with hints of tobacco, cocoa, vanilla and leather and it offers a unique balance between wood aromas and umami flavors. Such an amazing gift for anyone in your life that loves a sophisticated (but ethical) drink!

Purity Coffee –

We all have a true coffee lover in our life and Purity Coffee makes some of the most sustainable and delicious coffee beans on the market. Founders Andrew and Amber founded Purity because they wanted to share coffee that was actually beneficial for the body and for our planet. Through their research, they found that coffee is actually not unhealthy but rather the opposite. Over 19,000 studies have been done to measure coffee’s health benefits, and their results have pointed to coffee’s healing properties. Coffee has even been shown to decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple cancers. Much of these benefits are thanks to antioxidants called chlorogenic acids, or CGAs. Purity has a very unique ethos – to make a coffee product that has health as its top priority. The brand is dedicated to conscious and organic sourcing, creating specialty grade beans, precision roasting, and focused fulfillment that ensures their coffee is stored, packaged, and delivered perfectly so that consumers get the freshest coffee possible.

Un Denim –

Un Denim rescue pre-loved high-quality denim and up-cycle them into your next fashion-meets-activism statement. We absolutely love the idea of gifting something that isn’t brand new, but rather has been given a longer life. Mindfully restored for planet-conscious humans, Un Denim’s proprietary process means that upcycling a pair of Un jeans requires less than 1% of the water used to manufacture a standard pair of jeans from virgin denim. Their environmental footprint in terms of land use, energy, and CO2e emissions is also a mere fraction of the industry standard. They have a multitude of styles, so there is absolutely something for everyone. Un also make picking your size a seamless process, and have very clear guidance on how to find your perfect size in their collection. From classic jeans, to skirts, to jackets – Un has your sustainable Denim needs sorted!

Force of Nature –

Meet Rev’s favourite US based regenerative meat brands – Force of Nature. They are on a mission to improve our environment and health through regenerative agriculture while answering the community’s call for food raised in a way that aligns with their values. They care for the soil, respect diversity in plants and animals on the land, and focus on natural outcomes versus synthetic inputs. That means no tilling, no synthetic chemicals, no hormones or antibiotics, and beautiful wide-open space. The result of this care and attention, and working in tune with the Earth (rather than against it), is incredible meat. Another thing that sets Force of Nature apart is their selection. You’ll find more than just regenerative beef and chicken, you’ll also discover bison, elk, venison, and boar. All things we should be eating but it can be hard to source in grocery stores!

1. Assess

• Take a good look at your property and get to know it well. 
• What Eco Region are you in? EcoRegion Map will guide you in choosing plants that are right for your place.
• Note the conditions that are basic to plants: sun, shade, soil, slope.
• Look at natural places nearby with the same conditions to see what is growing there.  Use a plant ID app or, better yet, a person who knows. Take photos of what looks lovely to you. 
• Think carefully about not just what you want to do to your property, but what your property can do for you.  Instead of wrestling it into something it doesn’t want to be, work with it, not against.  A world of wonder awaits.

2. Reduce / ReThink your Lawn

• How much of your lawn do you actively use? Mark it off.  (area rug vs wall to wall?)  Convert the rest to native plants. They are so much less work and so much more alive.
• Maintain the lawn you keep by mulch mowing and leaving clippings, encouraging clover (it fixes nitrogen) and watering wisely. Add compost (if needed) and overseed in the fall.  No fertilizers, NO pesticides.

3. Plant Natives

Promote habitat and biodiversity. Plant the plants that lived there in health and happiness for eons before people arrived to “care” for them*.  Plant lots of different species (monocultures are a cop out) to attract lots of different birds and bees (and bats and bunnies and….)

4. Compost and Close the Food Loop

Keep all the organic matter (biomass) your property makes and feed it back to the soil.  

5. Stop Fertilizing

The plants that are right for the soil and fed with their own (composted) biomass, don’t need fertilizers*.

6. Stop Using Pesticides

All life forms need to eat, and we need them to eat and thrive as part of a complete ecosystem.  If caterpillars are eating your leaves, rejoice, plants evolved to be eaten and those caterpillars will be food for baby birds, or grow up to become moths and butterflies.  They eat far fewer leaves than arborists prune off in a season.

7. Stop Chopping

Why do we all feel compelled to prune and shear and shape?  Domination?  OCD?  Arborvictims?  Left to grow as they like; plants have lovely shapes that are integral to their resiliency.  The deadwood they harbor is a unique bird feeder ecosystem. Keep in mind–every cut is a wound–try to resist whacking away at a perfectly formed fellow life form*.

8. Stop Mulching

Plants love a packed party; they will fill every available space.  If you don’t want weeds, beat them to the party and fill every space with the plants you want. Don’t use mulch, it is a growth inhibitor that keeps plants apart and estranged.

9. Water Right

Ideally, there are very few plants in your garden that need watering because you have chosen natives that evolved without it. But, just in case you are in a drought, you might want to ease the stress, and give your plants a good deep drink.  Why is it so hard for everyone to water correctly? Think like rain: water seldom, water deep.  That means maybe once a week and for at least 45-60 min.  Of course, your soil type will have some bearing, so check and see how deep your watering actually got; 12-18” would be nice.

10. Learn to Let Go

And partner with nature- tightly manicured gardens are not living their lives, they are living yours, which generally means there isn’t much wild life accommodated, and they are actually quite dead.  Go for life. It is our future in your hands.

And, for more info, read the PRFCT Earth LeafLet: Basics of Nature Based and check out the super helpful Resources at Two Thirds for the Birds www.234birds.org

Words by Edwina von Gal, Founder of Perfect Earth Project

Grab a Surfboard or a Picnic!

The Surfrider Hotel sits on the Malibu coast, right by a well-known surf spot. Guests can use surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas for free. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of bringing your own gear. They also provide beautiful plant-based picnics. Each picnic comes with a glass bottle and regenerative Flamingo Estate chocolate.

Plastic Free Policy!

It’s helpful and encouraging that the town of Malibu has actually passed a plastic free ordinance and shows the power of government when working proactively, but Surfrider has embraced this on their own. All water bottles are glass, all take away items (very little of which they give out) are compostable, and the amenities are refillable and nothing is single use.

Grown Alchemist Organic, Refillable Products!

I have always been a big personal fan of Grown Alchemist, so seeing them as the beauty partner of The Surfrider Hotel was amazing. This line is certified sustainable, cruelty free, vegan and reef friendly.

Locally Sourced Food!

They have Finabar chocolate bars in our minibar, which contain ethically sourced cacao. Their plastic is compostable and biodegradable and their wrappers are compostable native California wildflower seed packets. Their featured non-alcoholic spirit is Optimist. A certified B corporation founded from right next door in Venice, CA. The menu is heavily plant based, with many vegan options as well. 

Biodynamic, Local Wines!

Surfrider’s main wine importer is Biare Wines, a husband and wife team. They’ve created a wine list featuring organic and biodynamic wines. These wines come from California, Germany, and Austria. A strong commitment to quality and sustainability is what The Surfrider look for in their winemakers.

Sustainable Employee Uniforms!

All employee uniforms come from Outerknown. This is Kelly Slater’s clothing company. They follow fair trade practices and use natural dyes. Small local communities make the clothes. For example their buttons are made out of nuts from a small village in Peru. You can send in your SEA jeans and jean jacket for free repairs or new items. Damaged jeans are recycled into new products like hats and bags.

Quarterly Surfrider Beach Cleanups!

The Surfrider Hotel hosts beach cleanups every quarter. They often team up with Gnarwhal Coffee Co. for these events. I recorded my podcast with Laird Hamilton and Susan Casey at the hotel. We talked a lot about how pollution harms our oceans. So, it’s wonderful to see local businesses trying to help and raise awareness!

EV charging -

We took our Fisker EV to the Surfrider. We were thrilled that they had on the spot charging. The charger is located right at reception, is free to use, and converts to work with any EV! It was such a nice feature to be able to charge our car on spot and I would so love to see more hotels making sure this option was available to guests.

What to pack: Solgaard -

Solgaard is a luggage and accessory brand. They strive to cut down plastic waste on Earth, working independently and with partners. For every product sold, they clean up 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities!

Solgaard use recycled, ocean-bound PET to make as much of their products as possible. The fabric made from ocean-bound plastic is called Shore-Tex®. The Durable Plastic is called Shore-Plast®. They stop plastic from reaching the ocean. They collect ocean-bound plastic waste from beaches, mangroves, and rivers. This collection is done via their network of third party global collection partners.

Read more about their impact, here.

Who Are Fisker?

Founded by Henrik Fisker, Fisker is on a mission to create the cleanest and most beautiful EVs on the market. An automotive pioneer and tech innovator, Henrik has designed some of the most iconic vehicles ever made, from a legendary sports car driven by James Bond to his latest creation, the all-electric Fisker Ocean. Designed from start to finish by Henrik and his world-class team, the Fisker Ocean zero-emissions SUV is ready to disrupt the automotive world through its beautiful craftsmanship, ingenious engineering, innovation, affordability, and sustainability. 

“At the core of our growth and innovation is our mission to create the world’s most emotional and sustainable vehicles. We strive to continually redefine what it means to be an automotive company. This driving energy for sustainable innovation resonates across the organization and has identified new and creative approaches.”

– Henrik Fisker

Why Fisker?

Fisker are on a journey to a clean future for all – and we invite you along for the ride. We see a future where skies are blue, the air is pure, and your conscience is clear whenever you go out for a drive in your Fisker EV. Their mission is to create the most sustainable vehicles on Earth.   

They put people and the planet first in everything they do – whether it’s sourcing from responsible suppliers, creating a solar roof, or using upcycled sustainable materials. They use less, use better, and use again. For us, the issue of all the waste coming from switching our future over to an electric one is a big one, and the notion of an EV company that is actually using recycled materials is an incredible solution on this path that we must take if we are going to keep the world habitable. Fisker is showing that you can do just that whilst keeping things beautiful.

Sustainable Materials –

At Fisker, they endeavor to use better, use less and use again. Efficient use of materials and natural resources are paramount to a responsible operations program and supply chain. Materials engineers and designers analyze materials for recycled content, recyclability, and sustainable production quality. This process helps to optimize each material for performance, aesthetics and sustainable attributes. It is an ongoing quest for continual improvement.

Cora’s Take –

We drove our Fisker Ocean from LA to Santa Barbara and hardly used any energy as we were in their energy saving mode, Earth drive. The navigation was seamless and easy to use to get to our destinations knowing exactly where we were going and with what amount of charge left (plenty!. The car was extremely comfortable and it looked great. At the hotels we stayed at, El Encanto and Surfirder, they both had EV charging stations so the car was charged overnight. That being said, with 360 miles of range I never really thought about that as an issue.

Solgaard, packing consciously in our EV

We packed with Solgaard suitcases for this trip which has become a firm favourite for sustainable travel, collecting up to 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities. And their interior Shore-Tex® lining is made from 100% recycled plastic. Along with Fisker, they believe in using recycled materials as much as possible so the synergy was perfect!

To stay: El Encanto –

El Encanto is one of those rare hotels that you feel at home immediately in. From the lovely staff to the bungalow type rooms to the thoughtful elements of the stay. Which lend themselves to what I was pleased to see was an overall conscious ideology around running a hotel. They are EARTH MARK certified. Which means they have outside auditors that come look in on the progress of sustainable efforts and help them improve. I think external audits are so helpful in many ways. And to learn that they were working one I respect was wonderful. 

The hotel itself has minimal plastic and waste. Their efforts to have things out of plastic were really wonderful in fact as someone who hates seeing it every time I travel. The food is locally sourced for the most part. Working with small regenerative farms like Ojai Roots, and the wine is all labeled as biodynamic or minimal intervention. They are making efforts at water conservation through efforts like native plants in the gardens and eco-friendly irrigation. I even heard from the manager that Belmond Group has implemented sustainable competitions throughout their hotels to see who can do best. A place this beautiful deserves to be conserved. I hope that the guests appreciate all their efforts as much as we did.

We have just launch a Sustainable Boutique at The El Encanto. Be sure to check it out and learn more about it here.

To visit: Beckmen’s Biodynamic Vineyards –

Being in Santa Barbara a trip to wine country was in order. I have been committed to only drinking organic, sustainably harvested wine. Ever since learning about the amount of pesticides used in normal grape growing. Enter Beckmen Vineyards – a biodynamic Demeter certified vineyard growing beautiful, clean grapes. Making delicious wine that aligns so much with our ethos here at REV. We got to tour the lower vineyard. Seeing everything from the pond and biodiversity they have cultivated for local animals. To tasting the fresh and spray free grapes right off the vine.

Bonus, if you are staying at El Encanto you can order their wine at the restaurant. Or arrange a free visit and tasting through the hotel! This place is certainly worth a visit. From the lovely and knowledgeable staff to the gorgeous Syrah that has deep richness, healthy roots and sunshine in it.

To Eat:

Breakfast – Oat Bakery

Oat Bakery believes that good bread is healthy bread. Their goal is to change the traditional way of creating and eating bread by using whole grains, local produce from the farmers market and superfoods like oats, chia seeds and flaxseeds to make our bread the healthiest and must nutritious it can be. Their bread is all organic and handmade and baked in small batches in daylight, that way employees are happy and well rested. In this light, breads are always fresh and our customers get to be a part of their bread making process: from making the doughs, shaping and coming fresh out of the oven. They want to share knowledge and passion with anyone and everyone who walks through our bakery doors. Oat don’t just want to be another bakery…they want to be a part of the community, an experience and a healthier choice. 

Dinner – Bettina Pizza

Prepare to eat the best pizza out of Italy. Bettina serves up naturally leavened breads, and pizzas alongside beautiful Italian dishes inspired by the local farmers market. They are 100% transparent about where they get all of their ingredients and produce from, so you know exactly what you are eating. You can really taste the quality of the organic and local ingredients. 

Drinks & Dinner – Satellite for Farmer’s Market Food

Satellite is a Farmer to Table / Farmer to Glass Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop. They are focused on ethical, environmentally beneficial agriculture and the freshest locally grown ingredients.  Some might say Satellite is galaxies ahead of the rest when it comes to vegetarian fare. With creative dishes like the picture-worthy Gigante Beans Confit, a delightfully floral vegan mac and cheese and its legendary Yoga Pants Salad. While you’re there, top off your glass with a splash from Satellite’s eclectic collection of natural, ethically sourced wines from across the globe.

Wellness: Sun Potion:

Wellness: Sun Potion-

We suggest hitting up the HQ of one of our favorite organic wellness lines, Sun Potion, to grab some holistic goodies to support you in your travels. Sun Potion Transformational Foods is dedicated to health, happiness and well-being through the use of medicinal plants, superfoods and tonic herbs. They source the planet for potent, healing substances with the ability to transform consciousness and health. We work with suppliers who can meet their stringent quality standards and commitment to purity. They only source Organic and/or Wildcrafted products and never use ingredients that have been chemically treated in any way.

To visit: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden –

As the first botanic garden to focus exclusively on native plants, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has dedicated nearly a century of work to better understand the relationship between plants and people. Their mission is to conserve native plants & habitats for the health & well-being of people & our planet. Conserving biological diversity starts with native plants, and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden takes a comprehensive approach — from the (sub)microscopic level of genes to the landscape level of ecosystems. This allows us to more thoroughly tackle the conservation challenges of our day, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, climate change, and pollinator decline.

To drive: Fisker EV –

Founded by Henrik Fisker, Fisker are on a journey to create a clean future for all. Their mission is to create the most sustainable vehicles on Earth. Fisker sees a future where skies are blue, the air is pure, and your conscience is clear whenever you go out for a drive in your Fisker EV. They put people and the planet first in everything they do – whether it’s sourcing from responsible suppliers, creating a solar roof, or using upcycled sustainable materials.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a thorough study of our vehicle’s impact on the planet. The LCA of the Fisker Ocean reveals the total carbon footprint, from raw materials through production and use, until the vehicle is dismantled at its end of use phase. The results of Fisker’s LCA assessment represents their hard work and focus reducing their impact through the entire vehicle lifecycle.

Discover their sustainable values here.

To ride: Santa Barbara Bicycle –

Their electric bike share system currently operates along the Waterfront, downtown SB, East & West side neighborhoods, and the Mission & the Mesa with more to come! With 250 electric bikes and 500 docks, members of the public can unlock a bike instantly from their mobile device and return to any station location across the city. Join us as we get people out of cars and onto bikes.