Fedco Seeds

Fedco Seeds is your source for cold-hardy selections especially adapted to their demanding Northeast climate. Each year Fedco observe hundreds of varieties, selecting only the best for inclusion in their catalogs. Through their product lines and cultural hints, they encourage sustainable growing methods. They offer a large selection of certified-organic cultivars and regional heirloom varieties. Fedco has five divisions: Seeds, Potatoes, Onions and Exotics, Organic Growers Supply, Trees, and Bulbs, and sends out three catalogs annually. This is one of the best seed companies for those in New England. They have lots of varieties for those elsewhere in the US too!

Hudson Valley Seed Company

Hudson Valley Seed Company is your source for heirloom and open-pollinated garden seeds. They are a values-driven seed company that practices and celebrates responsible seed production and stewardship. With their own certified organic farm in upstate New York where they produce much of what they sell. They are committed to growing organically, sourcing locally and sustainably, and preserving crop diversity. Selecting unique, rare, and hard-to-find varieties.

Every seed in their catalog is open pollinated, many are heirloom and organic, and they are never GMO. Hudson Valley Seed Company were also one of the first companies to sign the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI). They remain committed to their values of sustainability to the last. This is one of the best seed companies if you appreciate packaging. All of which can be recycled and comes with beautifully designed instructions, each with their own illustration. Perfect for hanging on the wall of your potting shed or greenhouse!

The Maine Potato Lady

Located in the foothills of Central Maine, the LaCourse Family Farm, home of The Maine Potato Lady™, has been in operation for more than 25 years. Their 100-acre piece was once part of a 560-acre farm that dates back to the 1600s. They specialise in organic seed potatoes, fingerlings, onion sets, shallots and garlic, and they grow everything on their hill-top farm which has a solar system to provide electricity. All their potato seed meets the State of Maine’s seed certification requirements that establish acceptable tolerances for seed quality. Many of their varieties are also USDA certified organic. This is one of the best seed companies if you want to support small scale farming.

Johnny’s Seeds

Johnny’s Seeds is comprised of 40-acre farm is located in Albion, Maine, with 9 smaller fields nearby, all about 25 miles from Augusta, the state capital. Part of the farm was certified organic by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in 1979. As a certified-organic grower and handler, Johnny’s is able to offer a wide selection of organic seeds produced on its own farm as well as from numerous seed producers worldwide.

Johnny’s does not sell genetically modified seeds; nor does it breed new varieties using genetic engineering. Rather, the breeding team at Johnny’s breeds plants using traditional methods, a slow, painstaking process that can take eight or more years to complete, from the first selection to seed sales. This is one of the best seed companies for those who want to grow organic produce at scale.

Botanical Interests

At Botanical Interests their mission is to provide carefully selected high-quality seed varieties including many tried-and-true heirlooms. Their seeds are regularly third-party laboratory tested to ensure germination rates satisfy both federal and their own standards.

They have an ever expanding selection of USDA certified organic varieties and are signers of the safe seed pledge which states that they “do not knowingly buy, sell, or trade genetically-engineered seeds or plants.” Their seeds are tested by the Non-GMO Verified Project which looks for genetically engineered (GMO) contamination in seeds that can occur when plants cross-pollinate. Their seeds are not treated, and their packets never contain fillers—just high-quality seeds you can count on.

Earthbeat Seeds

With the motto “For the Medicine of Tomorrow”, Earthbeat Seeds believe in investing their energy in a holistic, sustainable and grassroots approach to human and planetary health.

“Seed security means many small-scale sources of sustainably and ethically grown seed. Mass produced seed, grown overseas on a large scale using fossil fuel dependent systems, and distributed through complex supply chains causes a dangerous dependency.  During times of climate, political and economic uncertainty, this could lead to lack of access to seed for many farmers and gardeners.   For this reason, we will continue to expand our selection of high quality, small scale and sustainably grown seed, “For the Medicine of Tomorrow”.” – Jessica Manchester – Owner & Founder, Earthbeat Seeds

Wild Seed Project

The goal of Wild Seed Project is to build awareness of the vital importance of native plants and to provide people with the tools to restore biodiversity in their own communities. They equip community members, public officials and municipalities, and land-holding individuals and organizations – from farmers to land trusts – with the skills and resources they need to collectively repopulate landscapes with native plants that expand wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and build climate resilience.

Wild Seed Project seeds are ethically sourced, hand-collected, cleaned and packaged by staff and trained volunteers in Maine. Seeds are collected from native gardens and private lands with owner permission throughout the state, and are organically grown without the use of harmful pesticides. They carry over 90 species of wild-type and open-pollinated wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and shrubs for a variety of growing conditions.

High Mowing Organic Seeds

At High Mowing Organic Seeds, they believe in re-imagining what our world can be like. They believe in a deeper understanding of how re-built food systems can support health on all levels – healthy environments, healthy economies, healthy communities and healthy bodies.

With over 700 heirloom, open-pollinated and hybrid varieties of vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seed, High Mowing’s commitment to furthering organic agriculture continues to grow and in turn grows the organic movement. True to their roots, High Mowing Organic Seeds continues to source many of the varieties they sell directly from independent, passionate organic seed farmers.

Uprising Seeds

Uprising Seeds is a small family run certified organic seed farm and the culmination of years of fresh market farming, variety trialing, seed production and breeding work, and most importantly, a decades-long love affair with food and its power to bring people together.

Uprising Seeds is adamantly opposed to GMO’s and considers it a challenge and honor to take part in the rebuilding of healthy and just food systems for all. All their seeds are 100% open-pollinated, USDA certified organic, and grown by small family farms in the Pacific Northwest. They are also Washington’s first 100% Certified Organic seed company.

Are you in the UK?

Check out our list of the best seed companies in the United Kingdom. Read more

First of all, can you tell us a bit about your journey to motherhood – did you have any rituals or routines that you practiced during your pregnancy?

My journey to motherhood has been long and hard, filled with wavering doubts about myself and my body. Being a mother has always been something I’ve wanted to do, but it was a very abstract thought, until I was told I was infertile, and then it became very real.  I knew I wanted to be a mom after watching the cows give birth at the dairy barn. Watching these cows become mothers, and how instinctual that shift was, how nurturing, how rooted in all beings that journey is, made me feel like I wouldn’t want to spend my time on earth without experiencing that shift. But we learned a hard lesson quick, that you don’t always get to choose this. After trying for two years to get pregnant and failing, I was told I was infertile. I no longer got to choose if I wanted to become a mother- my body made that choice for me. What comes with that? Grief. Anger. Sadness. Desperation. They were dark times. I am unbelievably fortunate and forever grateful that my work offered fertility benefits.  We went through two painstaking rounds of IVF, which is a ritual in and of itself. Shot after shot of hormones, pills, procedures, tests, but 6 months later, I was pregnant. I was lucky enough, to finally be pregnant. In terms of rituals or routines- I’m a huge fan of acupuncture- with the right practitioner.  I’m sure it had physical benefits that assisted my pregnancy, but emotionally, it also did wonders. I had deep, profound thoughts and meditations on that acupuncture table that connected me to motherhood. On a more surface level, rituals like dancing, letting the baby hear music I liked, and letting her feel my body moving to the beat, that was always important to me. Watching baseball at night— this wasn’t necessarily specific to my pregnancy, but having something consistent to look forward to, daily, helped me stay present in the pregnancy. 

What were some of your preparations for the arrival of your daughter that felt very personal to you? 

It always goes back to the cows for me. Ha. I probably sound like a broken record, but it’s true. Watching the bull trying to impregnate the heifers when we we were trying to get pregnant, and once I was pregnant, I could finally relate to how uncomfortable the pregnant cows must also be- no wonder they were laying down. And then watching them give birth- their strength, just pure strength, and fear, and pain- you can see it in their eyes when they are in labor.  And of course watching them become mothers, how they call to their babies, watching the baby calves nurse in the field… watching this process and cycle just made me feel like I had everything I needed within me to go through this journey. Watching this cycle is why I wanted to become a mom, and getting to go through it with them was a gift. Also— sewing. My version of nesting was sewing baby clothes for Beppa. Creating something for her, with my hands, that she would wear and have forever, brought me so close to her before she was even here. It was a way for me to express in a tangible way that I was ready, that I loved her, that she’d be taken care of.

Did you have any particularly sustainable things you did throughout pregnancy? 

I tried to remember that everything is temporary- and I didn’t need to consume to get through it. There’s a lot of marketing out there directed at having a baby. Once the social media algorithm finds out you’re pregnant, you’re bombarded. It’s easy to think “I need that”. It’s meant to target new moms, people who don’t know if they need that or not. “Do I need a hospital gown dress? Do I need a kangaroo carrier shirt?” It can be hard to navigate. In terms of consumption- I probably made things harder for myself than they had to be. I tried to avoid buying almost anything, I just wanted to make do with what we had. We also did not create a registry, as I didn’t want to accumulate things we didn’t need, and I didn’t know what we needed yet. I wanted to wait until she was born to make those decisions.  That was a helpful strategy, and a difficult one at the same time. I’m not sure if I would recommend it. It was probably a little too extreme. It was also important for us as a family to talk about what sustainability meant to us moving forward. Not just what we consumed, but in a larger sense. We tried to plan how to make our future sustainable as a family unit. What would our job situations look like, childcare, hobbies? We spent a lot of time talking about what we envisioned for our future, that would be sustainable for us as a family, and leave room for us to all grow. 

After the birth of your daughter, how has your outlook on the world changed? 

First off, there’s more beauty. which I feel so lucky to have. I stare at the color of her hair, or notice the temperature of her slobber when I give her a kiss- I feel very in-tune with my senses when exploring our world together, and I find that beautiful. But I’m experiencing that while feeling these intense feelings of bliss  and gratefulness I’m also experiencing sadness that this moment will end, or change- I’m fearing time passing. What I’m learning about the world now is that there can be two truths.  Becoming a mother has made all things possible. I can feel great happiness, and intense sadness at the same time. I can feel exhaustion and exhilaration. Triumph and defeat.  I could go on and on. The world is not black and white-  it can be beautiful and ugly place, and that feels liberating, and scary. For me, and for Beppa.

What has been the most difficult aspect of new motherhood? 

All of it. And I mean it. I knew motherhood was hard. People tell you motherhood is hard, “It’s the hardest job there is”.  You just can’t comprehend what that means, until you’re in it, and I was blown off my feet by how difficult this is. The adjustment is extraordinary, in all regards. The thing that’s been most difficult for me though, has been my inability to pause. As a new mother, you’re balancing boredom and overload. There’s a million things to do, and nothing to do.  In my down town, or I should say Beppa’s down time, I find myself being lured back to the things that I used to do when I was alone, before baby. Projects— artistic pursuits. Before baby, doing these activities would calm me, but I’m slowly realizing that now’s not the time for me to be keeping busy with projects. I’m finding the things I used to love to do for self care purposes now feel exhausting, so it’s time to take a break, and that is way easier said than done. Letting go, or pressing pause, has been the hardest part.

What has been the most wonderful aspect of new motherhood? 

A new found trust in myself. I trust my gut now more than ever before. Once I had a baby, and a new life was 100% dependent on me, I found some peace within myself that I knew what to do, and to trust my instincts. That has translated not only into taking care of Beppa, but in other areas of my life. It is very clear to me now what feels right, and what feels wrong, where before those lines were blurry. 

How have you looked at things like reducing waste around having a baby? 

For us, there is a balance post baby, between making our life easier, and considering things like waste. We try to always live simply, and that helps to reduce waste in and of itself, but learning to choose the easier route, over the hard way, has been extremely important for my mental health. Everything is a balance. It’s important after having a baby to not be too extreme with anything. We use cloth diapers- when it feels good to use a cloth diaper. Not exclusively. Cloth diapers are amazing, I love them, and they reduce waste significantly. 37 billion disposable diapers are thrown away each year in the USA alone. This makes up 30% of all non-biodegradable waste in our landfills. That number is unbelievable, so for that reason, and lots of other reasons, we use cloth diapers as much as we can. But sometimes, it feels too overwhelming to keep up with the laundry, or inconvenient when we’re out running errands, or when I’m just feeling like, at that moment, a cloth diaper is not the best choice for us. And that’s okay.  But I’m aware of the impact that making more sustainable choices has, and we work towards that as we can-  it’s a practice I can return to more completely when we get in a better rhythm. 

Has keeping things organic been important to you? 

If you mean “organic” loosely, as in being close to nature, then it’s extremely important. It’s important for me to make sure that our lives unfold organically as we transition into this new chapter, but if you mean “organic” as in “chemical free”— in all honestly-yes and no. We strive for local over organic. We support a local dairy farm every week, but it’s not organic. We participate in a local CSA, since our garden wasn’t up to par this fall, and I’m sure the fabrics I’m using to sew Beppa’s clothes aren’t organic, and that’s okay. Keeping an organic “flow” in our household that feels grounded in nature and our local community has been more important.

How have you incorporated the natural world into her life thus far? 

Beppa’s middle name is ‘Fiori’ which means Flower in Italian, so getting to share flower farming with her, even just for a couple months has been a special connection I hope we can continue together indefinitely. Beppa also loves being outside. She had colic, and the only way to soothe her crying was to take her outside. Once she’s outside, she instantly settles. She’s a nature baby for sure. Her happiest moments are undoubtedly going on a walk in the woods with her dad, or going down to the cow pasture with mom and staring at the black and white shapes that walk by. When she’s inside, you can find her gaze almost always staring out a window.  I’m grateful nature is something that I know she is truly connected to. 

Do you have any eco-friendly tips for new mothers that you can share? 

Like I mentioned, I’d encourage cloth diapers! We use Esembly, and they make it really easy, and approachable, and their system takes the guess work out of all of it. I also bought a lot of wool- clothing, sleep sacks, blankets, etc. Wool is amazing for babies- it helps with temperature regulation, keeps them dry, is antimicrobial, breathable, doesn’t need to be washed as often, I could go on and on. These pieces are made of incredible quality, and yes, they are an investment, but it’s something that will be passed down, whether it be to my own next child, or another family after mine. They’ll be here for 100 years I’m sure. 

What is making you feel hopeful for the future of the world now that you have Bepina in it?

I’m learning, through deep talks with my own mother, what joy is. Joy is far different than happiness. Joy is more about moments that touch your heart, that shape you as a person, and those moments aren’t always happy, or easy, or fun. This is a new lesson for me, and it helps me frame some of the worries I have about Beppa getting older, as moments of Joy to hold on too, instead of fear. I am hopeful, and certain, that Beppa will teach me all lessons I need to learn in this life, and while some will be hard, and others may hurt, I’m hopeful, and certain, that I will have lived a joyous life, and that she will as well.

Words from Bess Piergrossi @besspier

Photos by @kelleyrileyphotography 

“El Encanto is a hotel that is leading the way in sustainable luxury – a hotel who’s ethos is as high as it’s aesthetic. From food to waste, it’s amazing to see as much effort going into ethical practices as there is service, beauty and comfort.” – Cora Hilts

Native plants and eco irrigation -

The gardens and landscaping at El Encanto are a highlight of the property, and the numerous trees keep you naturally shaded from much of the California sunshine. I was so pleased to meet with James who is the hotel’s director of engineering who told me about their efforts to plant only native plants to help with the biodynamics and natural water retention of the property. He also said they had installed eco-friendly underground irrigation which works with natural rainwater, doesn’t lose anything to evaporation, and uses significantly less of California’s precious water resources than conventional hose watering. 

Locally sourced food -

I was so happy to get to speak to El Encanto’s food and beverage director personally and to learn about his connection to local, sustainable food sources was incredible. The hotel is working with a nearby regenerative farm called Ojai Roots that he had been to personally and could tell us stories about. If every hotel could show this level of local sourcing and support for sustainable farms the impact would be HUGE.

Biodynamic and minimal intervention wine -

I couldn’t believe it when I opened the wine list and saw items classified by biodynamic, sustainable agriculture and minimal intervention next to each glass and bottle. I had never seen that sort of identification before outside a natural wine bar and the majority of the list had some sort of certification. It made ordering sustainable wine easy, and is thought provoking for guests who might not otherwise consider making that choice. I wish this was a practice every hotel would enlist!

Plastic and waste reduction -

As someone who really notices when hotels aren’t making an effort on single use and plastic pollution, I was so happy to see El Encanto’s efforts in this space…I hardly think I saw any! The water all comes in aluminum cans or glass water bottles. Their coffee cups are compostable and mainly everything comes in glass. James also told me that they have even invested in trash compacting to minimize the inevitable waste from the guests which has resulted in less of a carbon footprint from garbage trucks. These things might not be as sexy as regenerative agriculture on the menu, but they are hugely important in a warming world. 

Plant based options -

Their prix fixe menu was all plant based which I love to see! It’s so refreshing to have a luxury hotel make plant forward eating seem like the focal point it should be. I personally tried everything from their quinoa salad with tofu to a tomato, burrata dish and crudités that were completely lovely. The menu itself was incredibly plant forward, with simple dishes that reflected seasonal and local eating to their area in Santa Barbara, California. Eating vegetarian food was easy and delicious for the entire time of our stay. 

Earth Check certification -

Earth Check is an external auditing company that helps devise a Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Policy for hotels to implement. They identify any critical issues and benchmark hotels across:

• Energy use
• Water use
• Carbon Emissions
• Chemicals
• Community and employee impact
• Paper use
• Waste

Their stringent policies help hotels really move toward sustainable practices across all areas of business, and I was thrilled to learn that El Encanto uses them to constantly plan on and improve their sustainability efforts. 

What to pack -

Solgaard – Luggage

Christy Dawn – Women’s Clothing 

Onda Wellness – Hemp Oils

NARU STUDIOS – Leather Bag

Earth Shoes –

At earth_® shoes, they make supremely comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and responsibly designed shoes. At the core of earth_® shoes is the desire to do good without sacrificing style, so their footprint never overshadows their impact. Designed with materials like water-based adhesives, natural cork, and recycled plastics, their shoes strive to be safer for us and the planet by using these recyclable, renewable, and regenerative materials whenever possible. This includes using reduced packaging with FSC-certified recyclable paper and tape, and soy- and water-based adhesives. They also partner with tanneries that uphold high environmental, social, and governance standards!

Interview with Earth Shoes –

How did you start to think about sustainability when producing your footwear?  

Sustainability has been one of the core pillars of Earth Footwear for many years. The initial objective was how to make Earth footwear with minimal impact on the environment and people. The Earth team embarked on improving all aspects of producing sustainable friendly footwear and packaging, while keeping awareness of the evolution in sustainable materials and packaging to be used in future Earth Footwear.

Earth Shoes use recyclable, renewable or regenerative materials wherever possible. Can you tell us a bit more about these materials and some of your favorite resources? 

More than 95% of the leather used on Earth shoes are from LWG (Leather World Group) Gold Rated tanneries (the highest LWG ratting). We also use some different types of recycled fibers into the Earth materials. The main recycled material is Polyester fibers which are made mainly from recycled PET bottles. Regenerative/Renewable: The main renewable material used on Earth shoes is the cork material (more explanation on the answer for question 4). We also use Jute on some styles, jute is one of the most eco-friendly fibers. It is biodegradable, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen and it doesn’t need pesticides nor fertilizers to grow.

And what about natural cork – why is that such a good material? 

Cork is made using the bark of trees. The bark of the tree is carefully harvested without harming the tree and it will regenerate itself allowing to be harvested every nine years. Cork is 100% natural biodegradable and renewable.

Can you tell us a bit about what make your tanneries a more ethical choice?

More than 95% of the leather used on Earth shoes are from LWG (Leather World Group) Gold Rated tanneries (the highest LWG ratting). The LWG audit covers all elements of responsible leather manufacturing including environmental management, traceability, chemical management, social responsibility, and governance.

We know sustainability is a moving target, what are some of your upcoming goals on making the line even more ethical?

As new technologies and information emerge we continuously work with our overseas partners to see how we can implement new materials into our styles.

Our founder’s top picks –

“Earth Shoes are so unbelievably comfortable and versatile – it’s nice to have shoes which are as sustainable as they are aesthetically pleasing to wear around our farmhouse this Autumn.”

– Cora Hilts

Cora’s Picks –

Juliet Block Heel Lug Sole Casual Mules in Dark Green

Flan Round Toe Casual Slip-on Flat Mules in Black

Nicole Round Toe Casual Booties in Brown

If you liked this article, check out other sustainable fashion content here

A Message From Anna:

This chickpea pancake recipe is one of my favorites. I eat them straight out of the pan like traditional pancakes topped with a fried egg, some flash-fried vegetables and cheese. Or I keep them in the fridge, then heat them up gently in a pan to use like wraps or instead of chapatis for dipping into curries. I’ve included some topping ideas, and variations on the spinach to make it a more seasonal dish below.

Anna's Green Chickpea Pancakes.

PLEASE NOTE THE RECIPE SERVES 4 (MAKES 8 PANCAKES).

Ingredients:

250g chickpea flour

350ml oat milk

50g spinach, washed

A small bunch of parsley

The zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

Coconut oil or olive oil for frying

*SWAP THE SPINACH FOR:

1 medium beetroot, peeled and grated (add 1 teaspoon fennel seeds)

A medium carrot, grated (add 1 teaspoon cumin or caraway seeds)

Method:

Put all the ingredients, except the oil, into a blender and season well with salt and pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is a thin smooth pancake batter. You can add a splash more milk if your batter feels too thick.

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a roughly 24cm non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add a small ladle of the batter to the pan. Working quickly, swirl the pan around so the batter covers the base, and cook for a couple of minutes, then flip over and cook on the other side for another 30 seconds.

Repeat for the rest of the batter, adding a little more of the oil each time. Stack on a plate with a layer of baking paper in between each one and keep warm in a low oven. Top with your favourite sweet or savoury combinations; there are lots of suggestions below.

These chickpea pancakes can be made ahead of time and stored covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen, separated by sheets of baking paper, for up to 2 months; allow to defrost for 30 minutes at room temperature before using.

Pancake-topping ideas:

Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, basil, Parmesan

Peas, mint, lemon, date salad or vegan-style ricotta

Roast tomatoes, whipped ricotta, wilted spinach, toasted almonds

Grated carrots sautéed with cumin seeds, coriander, yoghurt, mango chutney

Roasted squash, dukkah spice, feta

Thick Greek yoghurt or plant yoghurt, chopped pistachios, toasted sesame seeds, fennel seeds, honey

Kōpilā Cashmere –

Kōpilā is a Nepali name that means ‘flower bud’ and speaks to the vulnerability of new beginnings. Their journey begins with the vision of a better, kinder world in mind. The brand was born out of a desire to bring conscious cashmere to consumers that is made from luxury raw materials by artisanal craftmanship. 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. 

What makes the brand so special -

Kōpilā not only adheres to their many sustainable values such as using certified cashmere, non-toxic dyes and their zero plastic policy. Kōpilā also use the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as a guideline to inform their sustainability strategy. These goals are a fundamental blueprint for anyone to follow when working towards a peaceful and healthy planet. By being influenced by this larger goal Kōpila show they are dedicated to the long term vision for this planet and hold their business to the highest standards. Discover more about Kōpilā’s own sustainability pillars here.

Interview with the founder of Kōpilā -

And what about the environmental impact of the goats – How are they treading more lightly on the earth in the way you are working with them?

The Good Cashmere Standard® have strict regulations on the protection of the environment and biodiversity. One of its key principles is that goat farming should have no negative impact on the environment, especially on the land and biodiversity. By having yarn certified to The Good Cashmere Standard® our customer can be assured that we are doing the best we can to minimise the environmental impact in the farming of the goats.

We are very concerned with toxins in dyes and were thrilled to see you guys work with all non-toxic dyeing…can you tell us a bit about why this was important to you and what your dyes have in them to make them gentler on people and planet?

First hand I know the impact of toxins from our environment on our health, but also the impact on the planet and our soil. So it was important to us from the start to make sure our dyes were certified by OEKO-TEX (R) STANDARD 100 and to offer a completely dye-free home wear range. All of our yarns and buttons are dyed using non-toxic dyes and are approved and certified to OEKO-TEX (R) STANDARD 100, this is an internationally accepted standard and means the dyes don’t contain any harmful substances, are completely safe for human touch and have reduced chemical impact. Our dye-free range comes in natural tones that are blended from the three natural cashmere goat colours giving the softest neutrals from creamy white to earthy brown, and using only the essential processes of blending, carding and spinning, so they are pollutant free and fully biodegradable cradle to cradle. We also offer a few dye-free day wear pieces and hope to expand that offer in the coming seasons so watch this space!

Your yarn supplier and garment factory both have ISO14001 certification – what does this mean?

ISO14001 is an internationally-agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, covering air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management, soil contamination, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and resource use and efficiency. Which ultimately improves resource efficiency, reduces waste and improves overall environmental impact.

How do you design with circularity in mind?

From our yarn to our corozo buttons, our labelling and our packaging, 99% of our materials are recyclable or compostable. We know from farm to end of life our garments won’t harm people or the planet. We also minimise waste as much as possible, we make our garments in small batches, and any left over yarn is used for the following seasons sampling. By using such a specialist factory and skilled artisans we also keep our sampling to an absolute minimum and all samples are sold – No garments or yarn are wasted. Our knitwear is also designed with longevity in mind, made from a premium long staple fibre and knitted with a tight tension to minimise pilling and we purposely create contemporary and lightweight garments that transcend the seasons so our customer can re-wear again and again.

And what other steps have you taken with your sustainability journey that you feel are unique to Kopila?

Culture is one of the pillars of sustainable development, so cannot be missing from our sustainability strategy, Nepal and the cultural heritage of its communities are celebrated and integrated into our business wherever possible. Alongside supporting the tradition of hand knitting on needles, We are also using Lokta paper packaging which is a traditional handmade paper indigenous to Nepal. It’s made from the bark of Lokta trees – which is non-wood forest that conserves biodiversity, and is fully sustainable. Using this paper supports local communities in the manufacture of the paper and celebrates the use of traditional techniques Kopila is known for. We are also developing handmade delivery boxes in Lokta paper for our AW24 collection!

Can you tell us a bit about the home of your knitwear, Nepal, and why this place was special to you?

Nepal is special to us as it is home to the artisans that craft our pieces – without whom we wouldn’t exist. So as a thank you to their skills, care and patience our AW23 colour palettes, patterns and textures are inspired by Nepal: from the vibrancy of Kathmandu and Nepals traditional dhaka textiles to the sunsets over the Himalayas and the quiet waters of Pokhara’s lake.

Can you tell us a bit about the artisans you work with and the approach they take to making Kopila products by hand?

Knitting is a traditional craft in Nepal and an important part of Nepalese culture. We celebrate our artisans expertise and support this tradition’s continuation with our hand-knitted garments. These are knitted by hand on needles and can take up to 15 days to knit. All of our garments are also hand finished with great skill and care, meaning all of the details are paid attention to – if you look inside our cuffs no seams are evident, these have been finished invisibly by hand. Even our machine knits are created on hand-operated knitting machines. They say when a cake is baked with love it tastes different! – we really believe our garments feel so beautiful because they have been made with great skill, care and pride. When you hold a Kopila garment we really believe you can feel the difference.

How have you thought about the aesthetic of Kopila when it comes to longevity?

Our aesthetic is very important to us and we wanted our garments to be not just sustainable but beautiful too as when garments touch your heart you want to look after them and keep them forever. We have designed the range to have a feminine feel to the silhouettes and detailing , the pieces are contemporary but wont look out of place in years to come – but most importantly they are individually beautiful, considered pieces that we hope will find a special place in our customers hearts and will be loved and treasured forever.

Finally, what do you hope the Kopila consumer knows about the line’s commitments to community, environment and sustainability?

I hope our customer trusts we have done as much as we can before launching our brand and as our sustainability promise states: We will continue that journey. As a small business we promise to act responsibly with transparency and integrity as we grow, continually expanding and developing our sustainability intentions towards a better, kinder world.

Our favourite pieces as worn by the REV team –

“I feel so chic in all the Kōpilā pieces I have and already know I will wear them again and again – regardless of the season. They are all so timeless and can be styled so effortlessly – with jeans, on top of a dress, or skirt – you name it!”

– Taylor Blair-Dubuis, REV’s Head of Brand Partnerships

Taylor’s Picks –

no 70 – cropped collared jacket in Haystack and Eco Alabaster (un-dyed).

no 61 – chunky dip dye effect sweater in Dune & Eco Smoke.

no 75 – hand knitted textured Winter Stripe jumper.

no 59 – simple crew in Velvet Pink.

scarf no 6 in Spice.

Cora’s Picks –

no 87 – bobble texture handknitted sweater in Feather.

no 32 – un-dyed bralet in Eco Paper.

no 85 – un-dyed pyjama pants in Eco Paper.

no 42 – un-dyed robe in Eco Alabaster.

no 9 – un-dyed bralet in Eco walnut.

no 41 – un-dyed shorts in Eco Walnut.

Diapers are essential but incredibly unsustainable. Conventional, disposable diapers are the third-largest single consumer item in landfills…let that sink in. 92% of disposable diapers make it to landfills and it takes at least 500 years to decompose.

Why Choose Eco Friendly Diapers?

Diapers are essential but incredibly unsustainable. Conventional, disposable diapers are the third-largest single consumer item in landfills…let that sink in. 92% of disposable diapers make it to landfills and it takes at least 500 years to decompose. Approximately 140 million babies are born worldwide each year and almost every baby will use about 6000 diapers in their first two years of life. I’ll let you do the math…

We were shocked to learn from @Eembly Baby that there are 11 million diaper-age babies in the USA every year. Each baby uses an average of 65 diapers per week. Which results in over 37 BILLION disposables being tossed EACH YEAR in the USA alone. Diapers which currently make up 30% of non-biodegradable waste in landfills, and we feel this isn’t the best future we could be leaving to the next generation or our planet! So here are some eco-friendly alternatives for your little one that will help with landfill, emissions and waste!

The Best 5 Eco Friendly Diapers:

1. Coterie

Fast working, clean, and absorbent. Coterie eco friendly diapers tick off every box. The brand builds all their products form the ground up, making the most sustainable choices with each decision. Their diapers are made with 25% plant-based materials, specifically wood pump sourced from sustainably managed forests. Coterie have also teamed up with Diaper Recycling Technology to help recover diapers sitting in landfills so they can be properly recycled. I can’t wait to join Coterie’s subscription once my little one is here!

2. Kit and Kin

I’ve been a huge fan of this brand long before I started my journey into motherhood! Kit & Kin was created in 2017 with the mission to bring better diapers and baby products to the market that were better for baby, better for our environment, and that gave back. Kit & Kin uses only the most natural ingredients to be kind on the environment along with on babies delicate skin. Their amazing diapers are made from sustainable and plant-derived materials, and their packaging is also 100% sustainable. Plus they are produced in a carbon neutral factory. Thanks to Kit & Kin, I already have my babies first eco friendly diapers ready for use!

Left Image – @edierose_andme

3. Esembly Baby

This reusable, eco friendly cloth diaper company is one of the best options on the market. 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.

4. DYPER

Dyper diapers are made from eco friendly bamboo to create a soft, breathable, odorless, and sustainable diaper. They picked bamboo viscose because they could source it responsibly. It grows fast, requires no fertilizers and they can process it with less chemicals. The best part about Dyper is that they offer conatcless home pickup and composting in the US, so you can dispose of the diapers sustainably.

5. Green Mountain Diapers

Green Mountain Diapers make organic and affordable eco friendly cloth diapers. These are are incredibly comfortable and easy to use. The brand offers amazing reusable alternatives to most baby necessities, so they are a great resource if you are trying to cut down on your waste. I would recommend grabbing one of their kits, which has everything you need for cloth diapering. The kits also make amazing gifts!

If you liked this editorial…

If you want to know more about the best eco friendly diaper brands or want to check out other useful parenting articles, be sure to explore the links below:

10 Baby Essentials and Newborn Must Haves

10 Non Toxic Baby Clothes Brands

Sustainable Pregnancy Postpartum Guide

1. Wild Nutrition - The Best Natural Prenatal Vitamins For Taste.

In my early days of pregnancy, before the morning sickness kicked in, normal vitamins were perfectly easy for me to get down. Once the nausea hit and everything made me feel sick, I felt so grateful for Garden of Life’s chewable prenatal multi vitamin. They were so easy to get down and actually incredibly tasty – at a time when nothing was! Still from time to time, I go back to these gummy vitamins when my stomach is acting up a bit. I think that these vitamins are a must for everyone’s first trimester.

2. Wild Nutrition - The Best Natural Prenatal Vitamins For Fertility Support.

This UK based company is another one of my favourite go-to wellness brands. For months leading up to my pregnancy both my husband and I took their fertility vitamins religiously. Their food-grown pregnancy vitamin is such a wonderful choice when looking for a prenatal vitamin, because it is formulated with the best ingredients to ensure you are getting a blend of vitamins and minerals. It is even formulated to help ease nausea, restore energy, and balance hormones – while providing your baby with support to develop and grow! A major plus is that the brand offers a bigger refill bag, so you can top up your jar.

3. Ritual - The Best Natural Prenatal Vitamins For Digestion.

Ritual’s entire line of supplements are amazing, as each formula is made from natural and non-gmo ingredients. The brand’s essential prenatal includes 12 nutrients that prep the body for pregnancy and supports the body throughout pregnancy. What make’s this prenatal so unique is that it is created with a delayed-release capsule design, so that it dissolves in the small intestine, which is an ideal place to absorb nutrients. I also love their formula, because you only have to take two a day, instead of the usual four!

4. Pure Synergy - The Best Natural Prenatal Vitamins For Essential Support.

Certified B Corp, Pure Synergy’s range is certified organic, non-gmo, gluten free, and dairy free. The brand’s Prenatal Vitamin can be used before conception, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding to continuously support your body and your babies development. This formula is also very gentle on the stomach, making it a great choice if you’ve been experiencing any nausea or stomach sensitivity. Pure Synergy is completely transparent about what is in their supplements and the exact reasons why – so you know the benefits from every ingredient you are taking!

5. Rainbow Light - The Best Natural Prenatal Vitamins For Ease Of Use.

Rainbow Light’s high potency Prenatal Multivitamin is just one pill a day, making it just so easy! The brand’s innovative formula is made with vitamins and minerals to fuel the body at a cellular level, promote immunity, brain and bone health, and foster baby’s development from conception all the way to nursing. It is made with all organic fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and enzymes – so you don’t need to take too many other pills alongside this one! I’ve been taking Rainbow Light’s Prenatal DHA Omega-3 Fish Oil since I found out I was pregnant. DHA is super important while pregnant because it promotes baby’s brain development and eye health, while supporting my cardiovascular health. The brand only uses wild and sustainably sourced fish too. You can of course find great vegan alternatives out there!

Check out our other guides and editorials on pregnancy and natural product alternatives:

Sustainable pregnancy safe skincare

The Best Organic Skincare For Your Skin Type

For Cozy Ethical Cashmere - Kōpilā –

We fell madly in love with Kōpilā the second we laid our eyes on it. Kōpilā is a Nepali name that means ‘flower bud’ and it speaks to the vulnerability of new beginnings. The brand was born out of a desire to bring conscious cashmere to consumers that is made from luxury raw materials by artisanal craftmanship. The result is a range that is timeless yet relevant, that showcases incredible artisan skills. Rev’s CEO and Head of Brand Partnerships have been living in their Kōpilā pieces since the seasons changed. 

“I feel so chic in all the Kōpilā pieces I have and already know I will wear them again and again – regardless of the season. They are all so timeless and can be styled so effortlessly – with jeans, on top of a dress, or skirt – you name it!” – Taylor 

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. 

To learn more about nontoxic dyes, listen to our Rev On Air Episode with Michel of Aizome. 

For Warm and Sustainable Shoes - Earth Shoes –

After a barefoot summer, it is time to think about shoes for the fall and winter months. Look no further than Earth Shoes, a brand who puts out some of our favourite sustainable shoes. They prioritize supreme comfort, effortless style, and all the while ensuring they are designing with our earth in mind. Earth Shoes are designed with materials like water-based adhesives, natural cork, and recycled plastics. Their shoes strive to be safer for consumers and the planet by using recyclable, renewable, or regenerative materials whenever possible. The brand has also partnered with tanneries that uphold high environmental, social and governance standards when it comes to their leather-based shoes. All the shoes by the brand are so comfortable and it is because the footbeds are meticulously crafted with structured arch support for all-day comfort. They’ve become a favourite of Cora’s and they support her from morning dog walks to gardening in her produce patch to dashing out for a casual dinner in town.

For Sustainable Hosiery and Accessories

For our sustainable hosiery this season, we’re turning to one of our newest brands, Swedish Stockings! After learning that traditional pantyhose are petroleum based products, Swedish Stockings was founded with the mission to change and influence the entire hosiery industry towards sustainable production. Currently, their collection consists of more than 80% recycled materials which includes recycled polyamide, elastane and nylon.

For some cosy accessories, HERD and Navygrey have got you covered –  we’re loving The BORDER CABLE Scarf in Navy and Wyre Wrist Warmers in Ecru, both from their latest AW24 collection!

For Vegan and Cruelty Free Jackets - CULTHREAD –

As the weather changes, a good coat is an essential. We feel that coat choice shouldn’t cost the environment, should be made to last, shouldn’t be thousands of dollars. CULTHREAD make wonderful coat options that are ethical and cruelty free. 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 make 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 and is incredibly durable. Again, like all other products from the brand, it is made from 100% recycled materials!

For Timeless Tops for All Seasons – So Elly –

So Elly is one of Cora’s favourite brands for a reason. The brand was founded on the principle that clothing designed with quality and simplicity can span the seasons, transcend generations, and become long-lasting wardrobe staples. Every So Elly piece is made with a commitment to versatility, quality of material and fine craftsmanship. Each item is designed to be mixed and matched, loved and worn for years to come. Their tops and shirts work for all seasons and can be dressed up and down depending on the occasion – such a wardrobe staple.

For Sustainable and Handmade Jeans – ELV Denim –

Jeans can be one of the most unsustainable wardrobe classics on the market, but E.L.V. Denim make no waste denim. They operate from an ideal of ‘no waste’ and create their jeans using discarded denim which otherwise could be destined for landfill. Working with local ateliers in East London, Founder and Creative Director Anna Foster ensures that each jean has the lowest carbon footprint possible whilst supporting local businesses and communities. At E.L.V. Denim environmental and social sustainability are at the heart of the business, and they believe that being entirely transparent with their supply chain allows a consumer to find a consciously sourced jean which is as unique as the person who wears them. It only takes 7 litres of water used to create E.L.V. Denim jeans, where to create a brand new pair would use 7000 liters – this is more than the amount of water ONE person drinks over 13 years.

Looking for unique things to do in London?

I lived in London for eight beautiful years, and I love that I now only live an hour train ride away, and can nip into the city to see friends, try amazing restaurant, and meet with inspirational brands for Reve. If you are planning an ethically minded trip to London or looking for unique things to do if you already live in London, I hope you find something in my list!

Thank you to our friends at Treehouse Hotels for making this editorial possible! If you’d like to market your brand with us, please contact taylorb@revenvert.com.

Where to Stay –

Treehouse Hotel London

The Treehouse Hotel could not be more perfectly located. Moments from Oxford Street, Marylebone high street, and Regents Park. Truly the best of all worlds! It can be so challenging to find a sustainable hotel, but Treehouse is doing eco travel right.

To name just a few sustainable practices. Firstly, you won’t find any plastic water bottles around the hotel but rather filtered water stations all over the hotel. They even provide a glass bottle so you can easily refill water throughout your stay. Real-time energy and water management systems and a recycling and composting infrastructure including an aerobic waste disposal machine in the kitchen to break down food waste into liquid form. They like to give a second life to pre-loved items, and all the furniture is the nest is found vintage items. All their shower and body care products are not only amazing and 100% natural, but they only provide large versions that they refill repeatedly to reduce waste.

The hotel is beautiful as well with incredible views of the city – a wonderful place to relax or work. Lastly, for any parents looking for a kid friendly hotel…The Treehouse Hotel is the perfect pick. I spent my last two trips to London there and my 18-month-old just loved the whole experience!

Book a Stay

Where to Eat –

Lume Restaurant in Primrose Hill

I have been eating at Lume since the week it opened as I used to live around the corner. Lume is my favourite Italian restaurant in London – not only is it just so simply delicious but their ingredients are organic, everything is homemade and handmade, and their wine selection is organic, biodynamic, and natural. Their manifesto is biodynamic, ethical, and seasonal – what more could you want!? A great eatery on my list of unique things to do in London.

Silo in Hackney Wick

On the East side of town, Silo is my go-to because it is a zero-waste restaurant that has literally eliminated waste by choosing to simply trade directly with farmers, use re-usable delivery vessels, choose local ingredients that themselves generate no waste, and compost any food scraps. They’ve really closed the loop! They choose food sources that respect the natural order, allowing ingredients to be themselves without unnecessary processing. 

Where to Get a Treatment –

Pfeffer Sal

My favourite place in London to have a relaxing moment to myself is Pfeffer Sal, my go-to place in London to book in for a facial. Everyone at this spa is a true skin expert, so while you relax under a warm weighted blanket and an incredible facial massage, magic is truly being worked on the skin. Pfeffer Sal only use the best of the best skincare on the market – that means so nasty ingredients that are potentially harmful for you or the planet. If you are looking for relaxing and unique things to do in London, this is the place.

What to Drive –

Rent a Jaguar or Land Rover from The Out

Powered by Jaguar and Land Rover, The Out is a premium car rental service that delivers and collects across the UK. You can forget queues, added expenses, or trips before the trip with them. You’ll find an amazing selection of electric cars – they’ll even provide child car seats if you’re traveling from abroad! A unique driving experience to explore all the unique things to do and see in London!

Reserve Your Car

Where to Shop Fashion –

Sezane

Sezane continues to be one of my favourite sustainable fashion brands and they have a wonderful shop in Notting Hill. Guided by the desire to create timeless pieces that respect the planet and its people – they are even B Corp Certified. When you head to Notting Hill to explore and shop, Sezane is a unique place and must. 

Where to Shop Beauty –

Oh My Cream!

With two locations in London – one on the King’s Road and one on Westbourne Grove, Oh My Cream is one my favourite clean beauty destinations in London. They have an amazing seletion of new and established clean beauty brands and they stick to a transparent selection policy. You’ll find brands like Rahua, Pai, ILIA, Violette_FR, Tata Harper, and even Oh My Cream’s own brand (which I adore).

Explore our other sustainable city guides here

The Perfect Big Green Egg Pizza Recipe

First of all, any great pizza in my opinion starts with the sauce. It’s early September here in Maine and the tomatoes are in full bloom – if you can pick your own, amazing. Otherwise please try and source your fresh tomatoes from your local farmer’s market to make sure they are organic and seasonal!

What you need for the sauce:

About two cups of fresh tomatoes

1 medium onion

2 large cloves of garlic

Handful each of fresh Oregano, Parsley and Basil 

Red Wine (an optional dash!)

A pinch of sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Ideally, grab everything you need from the garden! Start with sautéing the diced onion for about 5 minutes on a medium heat. Throw in the garlic and saute for another 2 minutes, add in the wine and cook off if you are using. Add in your tomatoes, sugar and cook for 20 minutes on a low heat. Throw in your fresh herbs and use a blender to make the sauce a bit finer.

We use a local organic pizza dough, but you could absolutely make your own! We use this incredible, Maine grown grains, sourdough base: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodcrust.maine

To assemble the pizza, we do a light layer of the homemade sauce, and then finish with fresh mozzarella. I use Maplebrook as they are local to us and do everything by hand using small farms: https://www.instagram.com/maplebrookfarm/

Grilling:

It just takes some kneading, a bit of flour to keep things loose, and a nice pizza peel. TBig Green Egg have the most amazing pizza stones that you can place right on the grill. 

Get your Big Green Egg up to about 400 degrees, then simply slide our pre-rolled and assembled pizza onto the stone from the pizza wedge for baking in the Egg.

Cover and use the BGE Pizza Oven Wedges to let the air in. Cook for 12-15 minutes, take off and let cool for 5 minutes. You should have the perfect hard bottom and soft top crust!

To finish, we used more fresh basil from the garden. A perfect late summer, meat free option! 

If you liked this editorial...

Check out our guide to creating a sustainable outdoor dining set here

And, how to start a no-till kitchen garden with Cora here

Ingredients to Avoid

If you’ve recently discovered you’re pregnant, you may start questioning your beauty cabinet. Some of your normal body oils, scrubs, creams, etc. may actually contain ingredients that you should be avoiding. A lot of people actually discover green beauty products during pregnancy and then never go back!

A Few Ingredients to Check Your Body Care for –

• Aluminum
• Formaldehyde
• Chemical Sunscreens
• Retinoids
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Glycolic Acid

Hydration Hydration Hydration!

Liha Beauty

There are a lot of things that you don’t expect from pregnancy until you are actually pregnant. One thing I didn’t expect is how much my skin has changed – both my face and my body!  I was expecting the “pregnancy glow” that one often hears about but so far I haven’t experienced that glow. My body is now ultra dry, sensitive, and reactive. It took me a while to find products that actually hydrated my skin properly – lots of trial and error. Another factor is smell…there were so many products that I once loved that I can no longer use because I can’t stand the smell!

I finally found the perfect hydration duo, which has cured my dry and sensitive skin. Every morning and every evening before bed, I apply a thin layer of Liha Beauty’s Organic Idan Oil, which has the most beautiful smell. This oil is made with natural, cold-pressed coconut oil into which a Tuberose flower has been immersed, ensuring the wonderful scent of this night-blooming flower is absorbed naturally into the oil by a traditional African process of enfleurage. I then top that oil with Liha Beauty’s legendary Ivory Shea Body Butter, which has no scent – perfect if you can’t handle any smells! A little goes a long way with this product, meaning one tub lasts ages. Shea butter has been used for centuries by women to protect and regenerate the skin, its potency lies in its naturally high concentration of A and E. All of your dry patches will immediately disappear after using this product!

Etto Oil

Created by our lovely friend Taylr Anne, Etto Oil has been one of my favourite oils since it first launched. Even though my sense of smell has been funny, Etto Oil’s blend of essential oils has not bothered me one bit, but actually the opposite. I adore the smell! This oil is made from all organic ingredients, which leave the skin feeling so incredibly soft and hydrated. It is such a wonderful oil to use before before bed, as it instantly calms the mind – something I’ve been needing more of during pregnancy.

Gentle Exfoliation

When it comes to pregnancy in general my motto is gentle, gentle, gentle. Abrasive scrubs used to be my go-to for exfoliation but now that my skin is extra sensitive, I’ve switched to dry-brushing with my Glasshouse Salon Wooden Dry Body Brush. Along with preserving our healthy summer glow, dry brushing does so much for the skin and the body. Like Gua Sha, dry brushing stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping to eliminate toxins within the body. It is very common for the lymph system to become stagnant, which can play a part in weakening our immune system and causing an unwanted cold from toxins sitting in the body. Since the skin is our largest organ, what we feed our skin directly affects what is happening underneath. When we dry brush, we are increasing blood circulation within the body, so it is very common for your skin to turn red during the practice. Since the practice is a form of manual exfoliation, we are helping to speed up cell turnover and rid the skin of dead skin, which can make our skin look pasty.