Los Angeles' crystal clearer blue skies and wild animal-welcoming spaces are proof that we really should be celebrating Earth Day year-round. As shortages of toilet paper are boosting bidet sales, first-world poopers are realizing that it's totally possible to scrape by (pun intended) without their precious quilted rolls — among many other conveniences.
On that note, sustainability and the low-waste movement have been gaining momentum in the fashion and beauty worlds for quite some time — and our new quarantine lifestyles are inspiring us to hone in on what's truly essential. So while the ultimate move as conscious consumers would be to buy second-hand or not shop at all, locally-based eco-minded small businesses and designers are in need of our support in these challenging times. (After all, many of them are sewing up essential masks and supplies for our front-line professionals.)
With Earth Day's 50th anniversary in mind, we've rounded up sustainable and ethically-made picks from California-born brands and boutiques. From dresses spun from deadstock fabrics to zero-waste must-haves, keep reading below.
Santa Monica-based Beautycounter's newest glow-giving concoction is good for your face and the environment. Approved by the Environmental Working Group, the Counter+ All Bright C Serum ($79) helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. You'll emerge from social distancing with healthier-looking skin and the peace of mind that your serum's recyclable glass bottle saved an estimated 26% of water and fossil fuel use.
These reusable bio-cotton makeup remover pads ($12) by L.A.-based Daily Concepts will give your beauty routine an eco-friendly makeover — yes, we see a future without single-use cotton balls and wipes.
We're already major fans of gender-free L.A. beauty brand Noto Botanics (which recently opened its first flagship), so you can bet that we're slathering its new multi-tasking The Wash ($35) all over from our hair down to our quarantined toes. It's infused with anti-bacterial natural ingredients like coriander, bergamot, and cedarwood, while organic aloe juice helps moisturize and stimulate collagen production. Oh, and the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic, too.
If you prefer to lather your tresses in bar form, consider Odacité's new 552M shampoo bar ($29). The Cali-based vegan label's cute hockey puck-like hair cleanser works with all hair textures, while ingredients like argan and coconut oils, cupuacu butter, and castor oil nourish and moisturize your scalp and strands.
Ready to go beyond your reusable straw and cup? Highland Park refill station and boutique Sustain L.A. will help you take your low-waste lifestyle to the next level — like ditching your plastic razor for this all-metal (and frankly, pretty badass-looking) shaving set by Connecticut-based Leaf. The store is currently offering delivery at a reduced fee and online order pickup, so fill up your virtual cart with soap and shampoo bars, DIY staples, and other plastic-free home essentials to make the most out of your trip.
You'll need some patience before you can twirl around your abode or back yard in L.A. designer Christy Dawn's most popular and versatile silhouette, as it will arrive between one to three weeks "due to current circumstances"). It'll make unwrapping this deadstock fabric dress ($218) feel all the more rewarding, especially since your purchase supports local dressmakers and you can still score 20% off when you use the code TOGETHER20.
Charitable L.A. label Lacausa's line of graphic tees and sweaters ($64 to $98), including the heathered terry pullover above, will help you wear your love for Mother Earth and Los Angeles on your chic sleeves. Plus, 50% of sales from the collection will go to the nonprofit environmental advocacy group National Resource Defense Council.
Buy one or five (or 10!) of L.A.-based basics brand Everybody.World's classic boxy tees ($39, or $34 or less when you buy three or more), which are made from waste fibers that are spun into 100% recycled cotton. Scrunchies, sweatpants, shorts, long-sleeved shirts, and hoodies are also an option; you can also stock up on a rainbow of shades when you use the code GOBOGO on select colors.
To encourage denim devotees to shop more mindfully, L.A.-based label Frame is slashing all of its sustainably-made pieces to 40% off. Our Zoom meeting-ready favorites include the utilitarian Safari Boiler Jumpsuit ($207; orig. $345), this frilly-edged cashmere short-sleeved sweater ($177; orig. $295), and the oh-so-comfy Ali Wide Crop Raw Edge denim pants ($147; orig. $245), to name just a few casual-cool picks.
H&M sister label & Other Stories tapped the designers at its L.A. atelier to dream up a capsule collection of Victorian-meets-California bohemian staples ($29 to $129) made of sustainably-sourced materials. The result: Peter Pan-collared summer frocks, puff-sleeved floral blouses, and backyard picnic-ready floral maxi dresses, all designed to be an "homage to natural beauty."
Spruce up your next FaceTime look with these handmade polished pine hoops ($165) by Venice-based jewelry designer Sophie Monet. These upcycled wood adornments get a drop of playfulness thanks to dolomite jade, which might just spark future plans for a post-quarantine beach day (or even a coastal drive with the windows down if you simply can't wait).
Speaking of seaside getaways, this ocean breeze-inspired candle ($32) from Florida-based brand Botanica will help you escape WFH life, even just for a whiff. Pick it up curbside from conscious boutique Galerie L.A. at Row DTLA or enjoy free shipping if you prefer not to leave the comforts of your home office.
Power up your work-from-home wardrobe with sustainable L.A. label Dame's sleek blazer ($195), which comes in black, white, navy, and almond tan colorways. It's made from deadstock linen cotton blend fabric and silk rayon lining and pairs well with the brand's comfy matching trousers ($155) — ideal for when we want to switch it up from yoga leggings and sweats.
