Living Better With Less™

Sharing this ETHOS, again – by Vitsoe

Our common future In 1987 the Brundtland Commission defined sustainability:

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Yet everything we do in our lives seems to have a negative impact on the world around us. What are we to do?

How about creating products that are avowedly long-term in their outlook?

Products that do not strive for built-in obsolescence but prefer to be discreet, adaptable and faithful servants in the face of a turbulent world. Products that minimise their inevitable impact on the world’s environment and resources by being useful for as long as possible.

This was Vitsœ’s proposition in 1959: to eschew fashion whilst creating products that would be the blank canvas on which to paint your colourful life.

After more than 60 years our resolve is stronger than ever: more of us must learn the art of living better with less that lasts longer.

Reusing rather than recycling Vitsœ generates as little waste as possible at all times and in all areas of its business. Reuse is the Vitsœ touchstone. For example, wooden stillages are used to transport our aluminum parts between suppliers. Many stillages have been in continuous use for 20 years.

But reuse also applies to customers who are able to take their furniture from home to home while adding, subtracting or dividing as necessary.

Coincidentally this means that Vitsœ costs you less than cheaper alternatives.

Consuming less Every new customer for Vitsœ is another customer who will consume and dispose of less during their lifetime. Some observers are perplexed by Vitsœ’s desire to sell less of its self-effacing furniture to more customers and to encourage them to live with it for longer.

It was the Stern Review of 2006 that said: “The world does not need to choose between averting climate change and promoting growth and development.” Vitsœ can grow because of its ethos.

Unravel (2012)

When people in the West throw their clothes away, their cast-offs often go on a journey east, across the oceans, to India’s industrial interior. From the Kutch District of western India to the northern city of Panipat, garment recyclers turn into yarn the huge bales of clothes that come from people and places distinctly strange. With little exposure to Western culture other than the Discovery Channel, the garment recyclers rely on their imagination and the rumours that travel with the cast-offs to create an an intriguing perspective on the West.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of my all-time favorite herbs and I wanted to introduce you to its wonderful benefits. It’s no coincidence that nettle is one of the first plants to emerge from the frozen ground in the Spring. Nature is so wonderful, it shows up at the time our bodies need it the most—right after the long cold winter months. I could write about nettle for ages because the list of its medicinal properties and benefits is so long, but I’ll stick to its main ones here.

Stinging nettle (urtica dioica) is one of my all-time favorite herbs and I wanted to introduce you to its wonderful benefits. It’s no coincidence that nettle is one of the first plants to emerge from the frozen ground in the Spring. Nature is so wonderful, it shows up when our bodies need it the most—say, right after the long cold winter months. I could write about nettle for ages because the list of its medicinal properties and benefits is so long, but I’ll stick to its main ones here.

Some of nettle’s properties and benefits:  Extremely rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals – especially high in iron (with vitamin C helping with the iron absorption), calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin A (promotes hair and nail growth). Highly nourishing, rejuvenating, remineralizing, and alkalizing—particularly beneficial to women; nettle helps to replenish iron reserves during periods, but also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS symptoms. Nettle gives energy and vitality – ideal if you suffer from chronic fatigue, have low energy, or have a weakened immune system. Very effective to prevent and treat allergies, asthma, and hay fever symptoms (congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing). Take in early Spring before seasonal allergies start to appear. Anti-inflammatory, it can also help prevent and treat eczema, arthritis, joint pain, and gout.

Tea vs. Infusion:  It’s important to understand the difference between herbal tea and herbal infusions. An infusion is very much like tea, only it uses a larger concentration of herbs and is steeped for a longer period (overnight or at least 4-6 hours). If you want to get a maximum of nettle’s wonderful benefits, infusions are really the way to go! An infusion is therapeutic, while a tea is mainly recreational (of course, you still get some of the benefits of the plant in an herbal tea, but at a much smaller dose). What you get from a nettle infusion is a dark green, almost black liquid that is super concentrated with the plant’s vitamins and minerals – basically pure nourishment and happiness for your cells! :)

Quantity:  I like to drink about one cup of nettle infusion every day. The recipe below makes enough for about 5-7 days, so I make a new batch every week. You have to allow herbal infusions time to work; I’d recommend drinking it for at least 4-6 weeks to start noticing its effects.

Where To Buy:  You can find dried nettle leaves in herbal stores, many health food stores, and online. Opt for Certified Organic leaves, anything ingested should be of the best quality and pesticide-free. Even better, if you have a garden or a balcony, I’d recommend growing your own nettle! If you grow your own, harvest the leaves at the end of the season and dry them. It’s more fresh and tastes even better than the store-bought version.Tasting Notes:  Nettle has an earthy, punchy, and slightly sweet taste. I love drinking it on its own (hot or cold), but if the brew/infusion is ever too strong for your taste, you can add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves, mix it with your favorite tea, or even add it to your smoothies.

How To Make A Nettle Infusion

1 large Mason jar

1 oz dried nettle leaves (30 g.)

1 quart boiling water (the size of a large Mason jar) (about 4 cups)

Instructions:  Place nettle leaves in a large Mason jar, then cover with boiling water. Close the lid and let sit overnight (or at least 4-6 hours). The next morning, strain through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the leaves (place in the compost). Store in the fridge and drink about a cup every day.

Enjoy!

This is a great explanation of the impacts of our disposable culture!

"When you say you’re going to throwing something away ... where is away? There’s no such thing."

Julia Lorraine "Butterfly" Hill (born February 18, 1974) is an American environmental activist and tax redirection advocate. She is best known for having lived in a 180-foot (55 m)-tall, roughly 1500-year-old California redwood tree for 738 days between December 10, 1997 and December 18,1999. Hill lived in the tree, affectionately known as Luna, to prevent Pacific Lumber Company loggers from cutting it down.

She is the author of the 2000 book The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods and co-author of One Makes the Difference: Inspiring Actions that Change our World

I don’t have perfect skin - far from it. But after years of wandering the aisles at Sephora, Ulta and other beauty supply stores looking for the answer to my sensitive, acne-prone skin - I came to the realization that less was more. I also felt guilty about all the packaging I was tossing (despite my attempt to use every last drop), there was so much waste and very little results. And with my sensitive skin I was spending far too much money on specialty products, with no reassurance about the actual ingredients they were using. So I decided to take my skincare routine into my own hands and cut down on waste at the same time. 

My new skincare philosophy: • Keep it simple • Buy in bulk whenever possible • Use less packaging

Aztec Indian Healing Clay My latest (and new favorite) discovery, thanks to TheBeautyBean – Indian Healing Clay. This deep pore cleaning clay is 100% DIY and multipurpose - my favorite combination. You simply mix equals parts clay and apple cider vinegar (or water), use it as a face mask, bodywrap, in the bath, as a foot soak, on insect bites or as a pimple spot treatment. It’s practically like buying in bulk - this 1lb container (that only costs $6) has lasted me months!

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Have you jumped on the apple cider vinegar train yet? If not, you should. Its uses range from a no-poo hair rinse, to an anti-acne toner -> Dilute apple cider vinegar with a little water and apply to the face using a cotton ball or pad. Purchased in bulk and stored in this repurposed glass bottle, it fits perfectly on my bathroom shelf and is also the perfect size for travel.

Baking Soda Always purchased in bulk and stored in a glass jar - I use baking soda for everything (cooking, cleaning, oral care and beauty). When it comes to skincare, I add a little to my cleanser and it makes the perfect exfoliant, in shower or on my face. Don't rub too hard and be sure to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.

DIY Eye Cream Despite the all-natural, organic & paraben-free products available, with hyper-sensitive eyes like mine it doesn’t take much for the that delicate skin to get irritated and swell up. So, I prefer to make my own eye-cream to ensure I have complete control over the ingredients and know exactly what’s going on my skin. My favorite 3-Ingredient Eye Cream: 1/2 cup Coconut Oil, a few drops of Vitamin E Oil & a few drops of Essential Rose Oil (love this smell!). Store it in a jar in the fridge, then refill a repurposed (plastic-free) eye cream container whenever needed. (Recipe via Popsugar)

PURPOSE Gentle Cleansing Bar Making the switch from liquid cleansers to bar soap can sound terrifying, believe me (remember, sensitive skin here). But after much trial and error I’ve finally found a product that not only removes my makeup, but leaves my skin smooth and clear – not tight and dried out or burning and irritated. Even better, a cleansing bar lasts 5x longer than liquid cleaners and there’s no unnecessary (typically plastic) packaging!

SALUS Manitou Mud Soap Minimal packaging, beautiful scent, doesn’t irritate my skin and made from Manitou Red Clay from my home state of Colorado - SOLD. I’ve been using SAULS’ Manitou Mud Body Soap for years, I’ll never go back to body wash again! 

Thank you for all your support in 2015. This coming year is going to be the year of #livingbetterwithless - I can feel it! #herewego!

#2015bestnine: Everyone’s doing it!

Decluttering Tip: • Group similar items; postcards, envelopes, notebooks, receipts, beer koozies;) scissors, cables, tools, etc. • Go through each pile individually. • Toss/Recycle any duplicates or unused/unnecessary items. • Then organize!

Bring Your Own Mug:  A reusable coffee cup makes the perfect last-last minute gift! (tap for my favorite brands)

‘tis the season to give presents be present Presence > Presents. Well done @sweetgreen !!

When you’re at a loss for what to get that friend, family member or co-worker, Gift Guides can be super helpful. Unfortunately, they also tend to perpetuate the notion of “more stuff = better.” Sure we all have wishlists (😉) and it’s nice when someone checks an item off your list, but as we grow up those Dear Santa lists aren’t always recognized. Where we tend to slip up is buying things just to have something to give. Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but not when it obligates the receiver to find a place in their home to store that item, especially when it’s something they probably didn’t want or need in the first place. Giving just to give? You’re better off giving a card or a personalized note.

One big thing that’s missing from a lot of these Gift Guides out there - experience gifts! Gifts that create a lasting impression, a ton of memories or gifts that give the receiver something to look forward to!

My post, Last Minute Experience Gifts, from 2014 was a long one! And thanks to James Hamblin's, Atlantic article: Buy Experiences, Not Things - I vowed to only purchase “experience” gifts, whenever possible. This year is no different, but this time around I decided to narrow it down. I hope this helps get the wheels turning and inspire you to find that gift that literally keeps on giving and reminds you to, “Give Moments, Not Things.”

1. Museum Membership – Art is a great gift. Art 365 days a year is even better. Each time they visit they’ll think of you and maybe even bring you as their guest:)

2. Movie Tickets/Gift Card – Going to the movies isn’t cheap these days! Who wouldn’t love a night out or two, on you.

3. Rent a Sports Car* – Or a cool camper van! Turo, is like Airbnb of cars. 

4. Netlfix or Hulu Plus Subscription – Let’s face it, giving the actual gift of Netflix & Chill ... you can't lose.

5. Momofuku Compost Cookie – Don’t discount the perishable gift. It may seem fleeting, but something like the Compost Cookie (AKA the greatest cookies on the planet) is sure to create a lasting impression. Homemade cookies from the heart, are the best gift too!

6. Cooking Classes – Solo, as a couple, or in a group - everyone could use a little boost in their cooking game. It’s not often you can say you gave the gift of a newly learned or perfected craft. Also, cooking brings people together and that’s what the holiday season is all about.

7. A Proper Shave – Men need a little pampering too. (For the ladies, a massage or mani-pedi are always welcomed.)

8. Cheese of the Month Club – Murray’s Cheese every month ... need I say more!

9. Subscription to a Quarterly Magazine – Nothing’s worse than receiveing a weekly/monthly subscription to a magazine you can’t seem to keep up with. One that piles up on the coffee table and eventually ends up in the trash (or hopefully the recycling). Instead opt for a subscription to a beautifully-curated print magazine – when each arrives, it’s like Christmas all over again.

10. Plants – Succulents and cacti are the easiest to maintain. So, even if they lack a green thumb, a beautiful house plant is a gift that lasts (hopefully) through the years.

11. LOCAL Coffee Beans – Find a local coffee roaster in their home state or your local city. It’s a personalized gift they can enjoy every morning. If they’re not coffee consumers (what?!?), local/herbal teas make great gifts too.

12. Wine of the Month – Kingstone Wine Share is by far my favorite. Not only is their packaging on point, but the carefully selected 2 bottles per month creates a personalized gift any wine-lover is sure to enjoy.

Lucky 13. And finally, a phone – Nothing beats a “Happy Holidays” phone call to the one you love - or to someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to.

Happy Experience Shopping!

I simply can’t live without lavender – I never leave home without it. Not only is lavender an aesthetically pleasing hue (I’m not usually one for color, but there’s something about this particular shade of violet that hits the spot), but this über soothing herb boasts a ton of health and beauty benefits! The word itself originally stems from the Latin word lavare which means "to wash.” So, let the scent wash over you and get ready to save yourself time and money at the drugstore – with lavender it’s a one stop shop.

LAVENDER USES + BENEFITS

• Useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. Dab a few drops of lavender oil behind your ears when ever you need a moment of zen. • Apply directly into the temples in case of headache or migraine. • Put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow at night to help ease into a good night’s sleep.  • Ease digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and bloating – sprinkle some dried lavender onto probiotic yogurt to help calm a bloated gut. Or make an herbal tea by steeping dried lavender in hot (not boiling water) for a few minutes and adding honey. • A natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, lavender helps reduce itching, swelling, and redness with bug bites, minor burns or other itchy skin ailments. Dab a few drops on a cotton ball and apply to the effected area, 2-3 times daily. • Add lavender oil to your after-sun lotion to help soothe your sun-burned skin. • Popped pimple? Lavender’s anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory compounds ease irritated and inflamed skin. Apply a small amount of organic lavender oil to a q-tip, then apply to the blemish before bed. (First time users or those with sensitive skin, make sure you dilute with water before application). • If you’re an insect magnet like me, apply a few drops of lavender oil to your pulse points (or crush fresh flowers and spread it on your legs & arms) before heading outdoors. • Leg day at the gym? Massage lavender oil into aching muscles for added pain relief. • Add a few drops of lavender oil to your next bath for full sensory relaxation. • Got flakes? Lavender oil can help. Add a few drops to warm water & massage into scalp. Let sit for an hour, then rinse. • Lavender oil increases circulation, which in turn helps promote hair growth, so use it regularly for scalp and hair massages. • Curly Girls: This DIY Lavender Refresh Mist is a must! • Lavender stems, with the leaves stripped, can be burned like an incense stick. • Gather dried lavender into small satchels and hang in your closet or place in dresser drawers. Not only does it keeps the moths & silverfish away, it adds a sweet scent to clothes and linens. (Hang one in your car too!) • Tie a bundle of fresh lavender flowers together with string or ribbon, and hang in your home for a simple & fragrant décor.

• Skip the scented candles. Simmer 1/2 cup of dried lavender in water and the peels of 2 lemons  for a natural and relaxing air freshener.

Where to buy:  GNC / Aromappeal / DōTERRA / AuraCacia

Simply minimizing or avoiding shopping all together is one way to prevent over-spending, but you and I both know that’s just not realistic. Yes, the less you shop, the fewer the opportunities to spend money on things you don’t really need – but shopping can be fun and it’s often a social activity. Impulse shopping is where most people struggle; buying things just because they’re on sale or discounted, buying something because someone else is also buying it (I call that a #peerpressurepurchase) or as one friend put it, “It was just so dang cute, I had to buy it!”  

Shopping, spending and stimulating the economy is a big part of everyday life, but I’m here to help you avoid the dark side of shopping – over-shopping, over-spending & over-consuming, be it Black Friday or any day of the year. Here are some simple tips:

When shopping, ask yourself:

• Do I “desperately” need this?

• Do I have a place to put this?

• Do I have the time and energy to organize/clean a space to put this?

• Will I really use this (in the next 3 months)? 

• Do I already own this? (how many times have you purchased something only to realized you already owned it!?)

When buying clothes, ask yourself:

• What do I already own that goes with this?

• Is this something I’ve been eyeing for awhile?

• Do I look in my closet and wish I had this?

• Do I already own something similar?

• Do I only want it because it’s on sale?

• Will I still love it in 3-6 months (too trendy)?

If you’re shopping for gifts:

• Considering an “Experience” gift instead of material items.

I don't know about you, but junk mail, be it snail or digital, seems to dominate my life when left to its own devices. Credit card offers, coupons, flyers, takeout menus, newsletters; it's all spam, and it adds up quickly. Advertising mail accounts for 59 percent of all mail Americans receive, and no matter how many times you go through your email in search of that microscopic “unsubscribe” link they seem to crawl back into your Inbox days later. With these helpful resources and just a few hours spent, you can take control of Inbox - instead of drowning in it. 

Less unwanted mail = less stress. 

Less stress = more time to do the things you love (exclamation point).

[image source: @livingbetterwithless]

SNAIL MAIL:  • optoutprescreen.com  – Before “opting out” I was receiving up to 15 “pre-approved” letter’s from Capital One per month! What a waste. It takes about 6 weeks to kick in, but it’s well worth the wait. • CatalogChoice.org  – A non-profit that helps all you catalog junkies - save a tree or four with their simple opt-out service. Their motto: “Reduce Clutter, Protect your Privacy, Save the Environment.”  • DMAchoice.org  – The Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS) allows you opt-out of receiving all the unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies for up to five years. • Paperkarma App – Lets you take photos of unwanted mail you want to stop. “Snap a photo and you’re done.” I have not used this app myself, but a good friend swears by it.

[image via info school]

EMAIL: 

• Unroll.me – Clean up your Inbox with this easy to use service – you can even combine your favorite subscriptions into one email. “Read what you want, when you want.”

• Unsubscriber App – This simple drag and drop app takes place within your inbox. Effortlessly drag unwanted emails into the pre-assigned “Unsubscriber” folder and they take care of the rest.

• Unlistr.com – This email productivity app not only saves you time, it helps you select and automatically unsubscribe unwanted email without skipping a beat.

PHONE: • Now we can’t all be as clever as Jerry Seinfeld, so don’t forget about those pesky telemarketers. Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to remove your cell, home and work phone numbers.

Taking the time to gain control of your mail/spam really pays off*** in the long run. Simplify at every opportunity.

Great post on Design Sponge: Three techniques for mending holes in your clothes in the most beautiful way.

THREE EASY WAYS TO MEND FABRIC, INSPIRED BY JAPANESE TEXTILES

Read entire post here: http://www.designsponge.com/2015/09/three-easy-ways-to-mend-fabric-inspired-by-japanese-fabric.html

[Image ©DesignSponge]

Banish those pesky yellow armpit-stains for good with this simple recipe.

HOW TO REMOVE ARMPIT STAINS

• 1 part dishwashing soap 

• 2 parts hydrogen peroxide

• A sprinkle of baking soda

Use an old toothbrush to gently work the mixture into the stain.

Let the treated shirt sit for one hour.

Wash normally.