Author: admin

Taiwan has been in a Level 3 Lockdown since May 15th and the government plans to extend it at least through July 26. 

Main guidelines include: wearing a mask at all times outside of the house, indoor gatherings limited to 5 people and outdoor gatherings limited to 10, and carry-out or delivery-only for restaurants.

It’s pretty surreal to be experiencing the shut-down of all local activities again for the second time. In spring 2020, I was in NY when the US began to shut down but because Taiwan’s been handling the pandemic so well until this point, I never expected to experience it all again.

The upside to going through it again is that I already have routines established from the first go-around. This post will cover some of those daily moments as well as some scenes from a *more quiet* Taipei.

Everyday Quarantine Routine

7 am: wake up & morning routine

I’m training myself to wake up early. Grandma and dad tend to go to bed around 9 pm and so my personal schedule of sleeping at 12 am and waking up at 9 am has also been disrupted. At the moment, my goal is to get into the habit of waking up at 7 am, but on some days, it’s still a struggle.

Rather than doing my skincare in the morning, I dive straight into work.

Experts say that it’s important to establish a morning routine to set the tone for the day, but I’ve found that if I start things off at a slow pace, I just get tired and fall back to sleep. My concentration is best in the morning so I like to get the challenging, focus-intensive tasks out of the way first. 

9 am: hot cup of coffee for a small moment of joy

Emails, tasks, projects — check, check, check. I’m lucky to work in digital marketing. Being fully remote allows me to set my own schedule and tackle projects in accordance to my energy levels.

11 am: skincare & mid-morning routine

Finally taking a break from work. My mid-morning routine helps me get physically grounded and gives my eyes a break. I make my bed and air out my room. The next step is to put contacts on and do my skincare routine. Nomel’s skincare products have been a favorite recently. Their products are very gentle and perfect for layering.

12 pm: lunch

It varies from day to day but it’s typically noodles or leftovers.

1 pm: back to work

I like to tackle mundane tasks after lunch. It gives me time to transition slowly back into work and allows me to move through the food coma. After working all afternoon with a few snack breaks in between, I take a walk or go for a bike ride.

3 pm: afternoon walk/bike ride

Here are a few shots from these simple afternoon excursions:

I always, always, always, take an afternoon walk (or bike ride). It gives me a break from work and signals to my brain that it’s time to slow down. The government recommends that we stay indoors, but I’ve found that going outside and breathing in the fresh air has been crucial for my wellbeing.

My state of mental health has been pretty shaky these past few weeks, but I’ve found that practicing deep rest and deep work, the art of being fully immersed in whatever you are doing, has helped me to focus on what really matters.

These light aerobic afternoon breaks allow me to deeply restore by absorbing the nature or cityscape around me. The help me set boundaries with social media and allow me to recognize that my time and attention are best spent in the present.

Aesthetically, Taipei is a pretty ordinary city. The buildings look run-down because of the constant rain and there always seems to be a sense of clutter because of how dense the population is. Regardless, I still think that there’s a charm to the grime that is uniquely Taipei.

5 pm: dinner

Typically a classic dinner with three side dishes and one soup.

6 pm: work (usually something creative)

I like to categorize my creative projects as “work” because I hope that one day they’ll be able to support me monetarily. Spending today with youtube edits, photo edits, and research. It’s fun but it’s also a lot to manage.

8 pm: yoga and/or workout

It’s time to unwind. I’ve been practicing yoga on and off for the past 10 years now and it’s been instrumental in reframing my mindset. It helps me slow down my thinking, gain better insight into my emotional state, and also helps me stay flexible in mind, body, and spirit.

Since lockdown, I’ve been making an effort to practice at least five times a week and I definitely feel stronger because of it. Yoga is an ancient art that has been appropriated by the west and I’m hoping that through active unlearning, I can one day, respectfully teach it again.

9 pm: shower or bath

10 pm: social media

I’ve been working on setting strict guidelines for social media. I’ve found that too much scrolling can actually drain me of creativity and so I’ve set a goal for only one hour of Instagram a day. Of course, there are times when I get sucked in for longer, but I think that for the most part, setting a cap on screen time allows you to move into consuming and engaging with the content a little more mindfully.

11 pm: read & bed

I recently took up reading again. I read a lot as a child but lost touch with that interest as time went on. It’s been a nice hobby to rediscover as an adult and I really enjoy that it offers either an escape or knowledge depending on the book that you choose. 

The key to a productive next day is in getting adequate sleep! That’s it. Good night.

Anyone who works with creativity can tell you—it’s fickle and hard to control. There are times when the inspiration flows and ideas come easily, and alternatively, there are times when you sit there for hours and get absolutely nothing done.

Lately, I keep running into creative blocks. After much reflection, I’ve found that it’s attributed to two things: the first is that I’m using so much of my creativity for my full-time job (truly a blessing, but it leaves me with very little energy and inspiration for myself), and the second is that I’m consuming too much entertainment on youtube.

For me, entertainment-oriented content provides short-term joy but also triggers underlying anxiety. It frequently makes me think too much about how I can tailor my creativity for my audience. While having an ideal audience in mind is an important part of business and success, I think that focusing primarily on what’s popular, trendy, or entertaining can detract from actually creating for the purpose of self-expression.

So, as an exercise, I’m taking today to just reflect on tactics that I use to combat creative blocks as well as steps that I’m going to try to get out of this current rut.

1. Eliminate hard deadlines and expectations

Yes, consistency is key, but sometimes those hard deadlines are the exact opposite of helpfulf.

Success comes from the combination of opportunity (privilege) and perseverance, and although long-term consistency is a key factor in success, taking a step back from the structure of deadlines can actually open up the forum for deep rest, which in turn allows you to better tap into what you want to express. 

Give yourself permission to fully set aside any deadlines for a few days and trust that the work will eventually get done. Allow yourself to simply live and take the time to do things that you enjoy outside of content creation. If an idea comes up spontaneously, take a quick note or write a quick draft, and after a few days of full and deep rest, give yourself a new deadline to complete the project.

2. Set boundaries

Sometimes, it’s hardest to be creative when there are no rules or boundaries on a project. When your space is an open forum for discussion and reflection, focusing on just one idea can be the most difficult part. When that happens, I combat it by setting strict guidelines, boundaries, and themes to play with. 

Example: personally, this happens a lot with photography. When there are no restrictions on style, lighting, or editing, the photographs frequently turn out to be too commercial because it’s natural to go for the easiest shot. In contrast, setting a theme, restricting a pose, or working with difficult lighting prompts me to reflect on how to make the most of what I’m working with and as a result, the photographs end up being more creative.

3. Free write or mind map

Allowing yourself to write down what you’re thinking without judgment is a good way to get the juices flowing. When you open up space and allow thoughts to flow on paper, it gives concrete form to not just those ideas, but also to the connections that link idea to idea. As you go back and reflect on that piece of paper, that’s when the creativity begins to take concrete form.

4. Get off social media

Seriously. Stop consuming short-form media. While it can be entertaining and also inspire other short-form pieces of content, I’m a strong believer that in order to tap into deep creativity, we need to take a break from consuming and turn inwards.

Being on social media also adds unnecessary pressure for what you create to look and sound a certain way. If everyone started pulling inspiration from the same place, then the art that we create would all be uniform. How boring would that be? Personally, I think that in order for art to truly inspire, it needs to be at least somewhat raw and unedited.

5. Finding creativity in other parts of your life

It’s safe to say that when you’ve been doing something for a long enough time, it gets monotonous and the spark dies out. Part of human nature is to seek spontaneity and change, but in creative work, it’s always this balance between consistency/brand-building and finding innovative ways of expressing growth.

Taking time to try a new task or project can spark creativity and push you to look at familiar tasks in a new way.

I think that creativity in essence comes out of wanting to convey a message or a feeling and in order for that creativity to flow, we have to be in touch with exactly what we are trying to express. I’ve found that creative blocks happen when we’re disconnected from our own experience and therefore, at its core, the best way to get back in touch with that inspiration is to get reconnected.

These are just some of the ways that I’ve found supportive in breaking out of creative ruts but the artistic process looks different for everybody.

What are some tips and techniques that you resort to when you’re feeling stuck? Share with us in the comments below; I’m always interested in learning more!

When it comes to sustainable fashion, shopping secondhand fashion will always be a better alternative than buying new. Though this is the case, it can be difficult to get comfortable with the idea of thrifting underwear or swimwear. The next best option would be to mindfully replace your worn-out garments with new purchases from small, ethical and sustainable brands.

Organic Basics is one of the most credible sustainable fashion brands producing sustainably made and ethically-produced undergarments. They are a Europe-based company that produces simple garments, underwear, activewear, and swimwear.

I’ve tried out a few of their undergarments and here are my honest thoughts on the brand.

Sustainability:

Their products are created with organic cotton, Tencel, and other recycled materials that are selected on the basis of environmental footprint and lifetime durability. Each of the textiles used is cited on their website so it makes everything easier for the consumer to research.

Ethics:

Organic Basics only works with trusted and certified factory partners that strive to reduce the overall environmental footprint and ensure that all garment workers are treated ethically and respectfully. Again, each of their factories is listed on the website with information about certifications, working conditions, and employee benefits. You can learn more about each individual factory here.

Review:

The good thing about Organic Basics is that they offer packs, which are essentially clothing sets. If you need to replace multiple pieces in your closet, purchasing a pack can save you money.

Tencel Starter Pack Lite Bralette

I started off with the Tencel Starter Pack featuring one of their Tencel Lite Bralettes and two of their Tencel Lite Tangas.

Tencel Lite Bralette in Black & Dusty Rose

Hands down one of my favorite bralettes ever. So my chest is pretty small–32 A–and bralettes have been my favorite form of bra to wear (when I choose to wear a bra). This piece is light and comfortable and the Tencel fabric is really smooth and breathable. I like that the elastic band on the bottom is a little thicker and the cutout detailing is super cute as well. I actually enjoyed it so much that I got the exact same bralette in the dusty rose color.

I will say that I’ve had this piece for over a year and a half now and have been wearing it maybe two times a week. Because of that, the straps are starting to wear down and loosen, they’ll frequently slip off my shoulders, but for now, that’s easily fixed by tightening it. I think in the future, I’ll probably have to snip them and just re-sew them.

Tencel Lite Tangas in Black

Okay, so I got two pairs of these black Tencel Lite Tangas in the set. I like them…it’s just, the back kind of rides up and eats into your butt. Again, this is made with Tencel so it’s really smooth and soft and again it has that thicker elastic band for a bit of contrast and support. The one drawback is that it really just creases into your backside and makes it uncomfortable to wear under form-fitting clothes. I usually reserve these for wearing under flowy skirts or loose pants.

Invisible Cheeky Thong in Rose Nude

These Invisible Cheeky Thongs in Rose Nude are the perfect undergarments to wear under light-colored or thin pants. They fit much better than the Tanga style and lay flat against the body. The underwear is made from recycled nylon and elastane and is much smoother than the Tencel pair. This might be a little too much information, but I will say that for some reason, I’ve noticed an increase in infection rate when I wear these. It might be because the synthetic material is a little less breathable or maybe it traps more sweat in, but I try to wear these for shorter periods of time and when I’m on dryer parts of my cycle.

Overall:

Organic Basics is a brand that works hard to ensure that it’s doing the best in terms of ethics and sustainability and for that, I applaud the brand. They have a men’s section, they publish transparency reports, and their website is low impact so again, this brand ranks highly on my list of sustainable brands to buy from. 

The only thing is, my experience with their underwear has been pretty mediocre, borderline negative, but because they have quite a few other styles, would definitely try them again in the future. I’d be interested in trying their athleticwear and newly launched swimwear line as well.

Have you tried Organic Basics out? What were your thoughts? What are some things that you love about the brand and some things that you wish they would change?

Plastic Free July is a global movement led by the Plastic Free Foundation that helps millions of people reframe the way that they consume plastic. It’s a challenge in which participants cut single-use plastics from their everyday lives for a week, a month, or even from here on out. This challenge teaches individuals to be more mindful of how prevalent plastic is in our society and what they, as individuals, can do to make an impact.

This will be my first Plastic Free July and to start, I’d like to remind the audience here (and myself) that despite what the media shows, plastic-free living does not have to look a certain way.

This blog post will address several myths about plastic-free living and also some plastic-free swaps that you don’t need.

Common Misconceptions About Plastic Free Living:

1. You Have To Get Rid Of Your Old Plastic

A lot of people just starting on their sustainable fashion journey have this idea that in order to build a more sustainable wardrobe, they have to get rid of all their fast fashion. This is a myth.

Similarly, to live a more plastic-free lifestyle, you do not have to get rid of all your old plastic.

Remember that the idea here is to use what you own for as long as you can, and then slowly replace worn-out items with mindful purchases. The first step of living more sustainably is to reduce whatever it is that you’re consuming. 

2. You Have To Go 100% Plastic-Free

Sure, maybe that’s what we’re working towards but everyone’s journey looks different. Maybe this month, you’re simply trying to eliminate single-use utensils. Maybe next month, you add takeout containers to that. Plastic-free living is a slow transition and as long as you’re taking small steps forward in the right direction, you’re doing great.

3. Plastic-Free Living Means A Massive Lifestyle Shift

Taking that initial step towards plastic-free living can be overwhelming. There’s so much information out there and plastic is deeply integrated with how our society functions. Though this is the case, it’s important to remember that reducing plastic use can come in small changes over time. Again, this builds off the same concept mentioned in myth number 2 but with a little preparation and a lot of mindfulness, reducing plastic use will come in due time.

4. Plastic-Free Living Means Fitting All Your Waste Into A Mason Jar

We’ve all seen it–those zero wasters that fit an entire year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar. Despite the fact that it might create an inspirational image for some, it absolutely isn’t representative of plastic-free living for most people.

5. A Plastic-Free Lifestyle Is Too Expensive

Plastic-free living doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t need the latest tools and gadgets to reduce your plastic consumption–just a few of the basics and some preparation will be enough.

Plastic-Free Swaps That You Don’t Need

Building off that last myth, plastic-free living does not have to be expensive. I’ve said this a million times, but you cannot buy your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Here are some common plastic free swaps that you DON’T need and some household items that you can use instead.

1. Mason Jars

Fancy and uniform mason jars might be a pretty aesthetic and might save you room on the shelf, but realistically, you can just reuse old jars from sauces or jams that you’ve emptied.

2. Fancy Grocery Bag

Net bags are super cute but random reusable totes or bags work just fine. Remember that swag bag you got back when college started?

3. Beeswax Wraps

I will say that this swap is actually really helpful but in a pinch, you can use another plate or bowl as a cover. Old takeout containers or Tupperware can also be used to store food. For taking food on the go, cloth napkins are a simple alternative. 

4. Reusable Makeup Pad

A washcloth or even an old shirt works just fine!

5. Reusable Paper Towels

I know this seems a little silly but there are people that actually purchase reusable paper towels or kitchen towels! An easy swap for this is to just use an old washcloth or an old t-shirt to wipe up spills or dry your towels.

Here’s to an insightful Plastic Free July! What are some myths about plastic-free living that I missed? What are some swaps that we absolutely do not need to buy?

It’s officially summer so let’s bust out the summer dresses and short shorts! Here are 8 looks that I felt were representative of this warmer time of year.

Look 1: Classic Summerdress

Taiwan summers are incredibly hot and humid, averaging 86°F/30°C with 80% humidity. Because of this, I made sure to incorporate breezy and effortless looks in this season’s lookbook. This floral, light green, dress features a loose silhouette, a deep v neckline, and a hemline that hits about halfway on the thighs. I brushed my hair out of my face with pigtails and kept the look simple and light with pale shoes.

Green Floral Dress – Thrifted
Beige Mules – Thrifted

Look 2: Picnic Party

What’s better than a summertime picnic? Being the summertime picnic! This second look features print mixing–a styling technique that I’ve been using quite frequently these days. I paired a more muted, neutral top with a bright and bold skirt for a refreshing and casual outfit. Both pieces were thrifted from 2nd Street in Taiwan. 

Brown Gingham Tank – Thrifted
Colorful Gingham Skirt – Thrifted
Beige Mules – Thrifted

Look 3: All White

You can’t have a summer lookbook without a *mostly* white look! Because I’m such a clumsy person and tend to get stains on my clothes, it took me a really long time to add white and neutral garments to my closet. I created this simple and minimal look by pairing an easy white crop top with breezy white pants and throwing on some chunky shoes for contrast.

White Crop Top – Thrifted
White Pants – Thrifted
Black Chunky Platforms – Thrifted

Look 4: Florals Everywhere

Look number 4 features florals all around! Both the button-down and the shorts are printed with dainty flowers on a neutral base. I accentuated the natural feel of these garments with a sage bikini top. 

Sage Bikini Top – Fast Fashion
Floral Print Button Down – Borrowed From Aunt
Floral Print Shorts – Thrifted
Beige Mules – Thrifted

Look 5: Sporty Chic

Outfit number 5 highlights one of my favorite summertime combos: sports bra + shorts. I chose light and muted colors for a lowkey vibe. Because the look is so casual, I added black platform boots for pizazz. 

Black Sports Bra – Old Fast Fashion
White Button Down – Thrifted
Mauve Shorts – Thrifted
Black Platform Boots – Old Fast Fashion

Look 6: Resort Vibes

This outfit has the opposite vibe from the previous look. It gives me resort vibes and is something that I can see myself wearing on vacation. The purple skirt originally belonged to my mom and because it no longer serves her, we made some modifications by pulling in the waistband so that it’ll fit me better.

Blue Leotard – Hara the Label
Purple Floral Skirt – Raided Mom’s Closet
Beige Mules – Thrifted

Look 7: All Black

We had an all-white number earlier so it’s time to balance it out with something in all black! This is what I would wear for a night out on the town. While the dress has shrunk quite a bit over the years, it’s still one of my favorite pieces. I dressed the look up with a crossbody bag and high platform boots.

Black Mini Dress – Old Fast Fashion
Black Crossbody Bag – Old Fast Fashion
Black Platform Boots – Old Fast Fashion

Look 8: Print Mixing

We’re wrapping it up with another look featuring mixed prints! Summer is my favorite season to wear bright colors and bold prints so I figured, why the heck not. This look easily passes for a pool-to-dinner outfit but I can also see myself wearing this around the city. Chunky black platforms add a bit of edge and also make it functional for walking around!

Floral Bikini Top – Fast Fashion
Black and White Striped Skirt – Old Fast Fashion
Black Chunky Platforms – Thrifted

Which of these looks was your favorite? What would you include in your summer lookbook?

Summer is *literally* around the corner so that means it’s white pants season! For the longest time, I avoided white pants and saw them as high maintenance but this year, I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and I have to say that my wardrobe is forever changed.

If you’re lost about how to wear white pants, here are five ideas that you can try out today.

All White

This combo of all whites is a classic for warmer days. White is a color that reflects sunlight so when you pair that with breathable fabrics, you’ve got just about the most cooling outfit available!

White crop top, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
White pants, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Beige mules, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei

Black and White

Monochrome is always a safe bet! Stick with classic white and black for a sleek, chic look. For this outfit, I layered a mini dress under white pants and topped it off with chunky platform shoes. Wear your garments, folks!

Black mini dress, Old fast fashion 2016
White pants, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Black chunky platform shoes, 2nd Street in Taipei

Neutrals All-Around

This neutral brown and white gingham top adds interest but isn’t too distracting. Its boxy cut and double lining make for the perfect braless fit. I paired the look with simple mules and honestly, I think this is one of my favorite outfits of the season.

Brown and white gingham top, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
White pants, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Beige mules, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei

Bold & Colorful Top

Gingham is one of the trendiest patterns this season. While it’s not always a smart idea to follow trends simply just because, I do think that selectively adding trendy items to your wardrobe can help you extend the wearability of some other pieces that you already own. For this look, I styled my thrifted gingham skirt as a top and called it a day. For those who are curious, the skirt has a slit so I simply put it on upside down and tied the two edges of the skirt together.

Colorful Gingham Skirt, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
White pants, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Beige mules, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei

Swimwear Cover-up

Summertime means hanging out by the beach or pool in swimwear! I paired the white pants with a sage bikini top and then added a simple white button-down for some extra layers against the sun.

White button-down, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Sage bikini, Fast Fashion
White pants, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei
Beige mules, Thrifted from 2nd Street in Taipei

There you have it–5 easy ways to wear white pants. Remember, restyling your clothes extends their longevity and keeps them out of the landfill for longer! Which of these styling ideas would you try? What are some of your favorite ways to style white pants?

Between balancing a full-time job in social media and creating content for this space, I frequently find myself on the fringe of burnout. Not only is spending so much time in a digital space taxing on the body (shoulder and neck problems, anybody?), but the ceaseless stream of media is stressful for the nervous system as well.

Social media is toxic, and it’s not just because it triggers comparison.

The constant influx of media triggers a neverending release of dopamine, which keeps our sympathetic nervous system (the one in charge of fight or flight) activated. Because we’re constantly in a state of excitement, the body never has any time to settle into a relaxed state. 

It’s important to note that we do most of our healing when the parasympathetic nervous system (the one in charge of rest and digestion) is activated, so when social media keeps us in a fight-or-flight mode, you truly have no time to recover.

Lately, I’ve been feeling the need to be more productive, and naturally, this translates as creating more frequently. Instead of spending time with friends or family, I find myself seated in front of my computer for hours on end either trying to “play catch-up” with the work I’ve “missed” or trying to “get ahead” with work that I “have” to get done.

I put all of these words in quotation marks because other than objective project deadlines, who’s to determine what work is actually missed and what work we actually have to do?

Objectively, I got all of my work done but subjectively, there always seems to be more to do. Ideas to implement; systems to put into place; leads to build. But who is all of this serving?

I’ve found that the more I feel like I need to create and the more frequently I do create, the poorer the quality of work. The more time that I spend thinking and stressing about the process, the less time I actually spend in the flow of creation.

Whenever I notice these patterns of behavior reappearing, I make it an active point to set everything down and put systems of *true* rest into place (that means not scrolling through the gram or binging youtube).

Here are some things that I’ve found helpful:

Journaling: 

This is a new practice for me. I used to only write about the activities that occurred throughout the day and would stress about how well written those thoughts were or what it would look like if I went back in five years and reread them.

Nowadays, I’ve let that image go. I simply jot down whatever it is that’s on my mind: any worries, to-do lists, reflections, and commitments for the next day.

It’s helped me reframe the chaos that comes with consuming all that information and to reprioritize the things that I value most.

A Physical Practice:

I’m still working on getting more consistent with this one but more often than not, if I find myself jittery and lacking focus throughout the day, I’ll make a mental note to practice yoga or something physical in the evening.

Getting centered in a space that isn’t entirely digital reminds us to truly just be. It reminds us to take deep breaths and that we’re physical beings that take up space. It’s a reminder that life can sometimes be really slow if we take the time to notice every second.

Digital Detox:

Plan a consistent engagement and content creation schedule and stick with it. During all other times, stay away from social media unless you’re called to share something authentically.

Alternatively, it can be refreshing to break from that schedule. Give yourself a week, a month, or however long you need to disconnect fully and live life spontaneously.

I’ve found that taking a step back and keeping my space open has allowed for spontaneous creation and the capturing of little moments in my day that I would’ve missed otherwise. When we take the time to notice and document things as they are, those photos become so much more meaningful because our feelings from that time are also imprinted on that image.

Fully Unplug & Engage in Active Rest

Rehashing some of the ideas above, when I feel burnt out, I give myself permission to fully drop my responsibilities (even if it’s just for 2 hours) to engage in active rest. 

You know that habit of thinking about projects even when you’re not supposed to be working on them? Well, break it. Learn to curb that temptation so that you can fully leave whatever it is that’s stressing you out for later (and definitely do it later–don’t break your promise to yourself) so that you can focus on your needs in the moment.

The concept of active rest in sports medicine means that rather than doing no activity at all on your rest days, you should be doing light to moderate exercise to help your body recover. This concept applies to mental and emotional health as well. Rather than completely vegging out, choose to do a lighter activity (like going for a walk, reading a book, connecting with loved ones) instead. These activities keep us focused in the present moment and allow our brains to do the sorting that it does naturally on the backend.

Okay, now for some practical tips for my content creators:

• Batch your content when you’re feeling inspired. Recognize when it’s useful to push through and recognize when it’s time to rest. Take advantage of your inspiration when it hits and do the majority of your work then.

• Repurpose your content. If you’re creating on multiple platforms, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be sharing it again on a different platform. Extending the reach of a single piece of content will give you peace of mind and also help more people.

• Keep a consistent pool of content that you can pull from. If you come across an idea when you’re engaging, bookmark it for later. Reference it when you’re stuck.

• Approach things from a different perspective. If you’re sick of your content, switch it up. Use a different feature and learn a different skill. It takes a lot of effort at first, but variety will make content creation fun again.

Batch your content when you’re feeling inspired. Recognize when it’s useful to push through and recognize when it’s time to rest. Take advantage of your inspiration when it hits and do the majority of your work then.

Repurpose your content. If you’re creating on multiple platforms, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be sharing it again on a different platform. Extending the reach of a single piece of content will give you peace of mind and also help more people.

Keep a consistent pool of content that you can pull from. If you come across an idea when you’re engaging, bookmark it for later. Reference it when you’re stuck.

Approach things from a different perspective. If you’re sick of your content, switch it up. Use a different feature and learn a different skill. It takes a lot of effort at first, but variety will make content creation fun again.

How you balance the burnout that comes with content creation is unique to you but the key is in acknowledging your needs first. Remember that you come before whatever content creation machine you’re bound to and that in order to fully thrive, you have to take care of yourself. Are you a content creator in this space? What are some of the ways in which you address burnout?

Podcasts have grown hugely popular these past few years: as of June 2021, it’s estimated that there are over two million different podcasts and over 48 million episodes. In the US, 55% of the population has listened to a podcast and 48% of those listeners are between the ages of 18 and 34.

Podcasts provide valuable industry updates that you can take on the go. They’re presented in a convenient, easily digestible form and can frequently be played when you’re doing other mindless tasks (commuting, cleaning, cooking, etc).

As someone who is keen on new developments in the sustainable space, podcasts are by far my favorite method for learning new information.

Here are the top 8 sustainability podcasts that you should listen to today.

1. Green Dreamer

It’s no surprise that Green Dreamer is at the top of my list. I’ve been a supporter of this show since 2018 and cannot say enough about how the podcast is run. Green Dreamer covers a wide breadth of sustainability topics ranging from sustainable fashion to decolonizing wellness and how all ties into our greater wellbeing as a society.

Podcast Blurb:

Green Dreamer with Kamea Chayne is a podcast that curiously and critically explores our paths to collective healing, ecological regeneration, and true abundance and wellness for all.

2. Hey Change

Have you ever experienced eco-anxiety? I sure have. I think it’s safe to say that most of us here have. On one hand, it can be empowering to take simple everyday actions to better our shared environment; on the other hand, how can the actions of one small individual possibly make an impact in the large, looming beast that is climate change? 

Hey Change is an uplifting podcast that features positive stories and interviews with climate activists and entrepreneurs. I love listening to this podcast for an instantaneous mood lift.

Podcast Blurb:

Welcome to the Hey Change Podcast. We speak with climate activists, social justice advocates, change-makers, and thought leaders to inspire and empower ourselves to be the change we wish to see in the world. If you’re ready to make meaningful changes in your life and help shape the path for a more just and sustainable tomorrow, you’re in the right place. We are so excited to have you on this journey with us!

3. A Sustainable Mind

A Sustainable Mind started off as Marjorie Alexander’s master’s thesis project to expand the conversation around environmental activism and sustainability to include a more diverse group of people. The podcast features weekly interviews with industry experts and is framed in a way that makes environmental conversations more accessible.

Podcast Blurb:

A Sustainable Mind is a podcast created for the earth-conscious individual, ecopreneur, environmental activist, sustainability enthusiast, grassroots organizer, minimalist, conscious consumer, and the eco-curious. If you are looking to get inspired, motivated, and take ACTION to be the change you want to see in the world, you are in the right place.

4. Conscious Chatter

One of my go-tos for conversations in sustainable fashion. Kestrel Jenkins actively works to bring us interviews with a diverse cast of guests and she even created a series called, “The Root,” in partnership with Dominique Drakeford about decolonizing sustainable fashion. Too frequently do we see sustainable fashion through the lens of the white woman and Jenkins uses her platform to share the space with other individuals leading the movement.

Podcast Blurb:

An inclusive audio space, Conscious Chatter opens the door to conversations about our clothing + the layers of stories, meaning, and potential impact connected to what we wear. It’s a venue that allows us to continue to learn more about the garment industry and how we can all be a bigger part of positive change in the industry.

5. Brown Girl Green

A podcast that addresses the intersectionality of sustainability! There are very few podcasts that discuss environmental wellbeing as it relates to social justice and racism, but this podcast does just that. It can be difficult to navigate such complex topics but Brown Girl Green does so in a manner that is thought-provoking and easily digestible.

Podcast Blurb:

Created by activist, host, and speaker Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green addresses the intersections of media, diversity, and environmentalism. Through interviews with leaders and advocates, the conversations focus on inclusion, climate crisis solutions, and more. Listeners can tune in to discussions about how to use personal finance for environmentally conscious spending, as well as how to cultivate joy in a frequently overwhelming world.

6. Practical(ly) Zero Waste

Zero waste has been a huge conversation in the sustainability space for a while now and although there are plenty of accounts that share aspirational photos or videos of living zero waste (you know, the ones that gather all their trash for a year into a tiny glass jar), there’s surprisingly not that much that address the practicality of it all. 

Practical(ly) Zero Waste is a hands-on podcast that talks about the daily changes we can make in the context of everyday life.

Podcast Blurb:

Welcome to Practical(ly) Zero Waste, a podcast about making zero waste living as practical as possible. Each episode discusses straightforward practical changes we can make that add up to create a big difference environmentally. We explore different companies, products, habits, and practices that make going zero waste easier. Everything we do on this earth has an impact, let’s make it a positive one!

7. The Sustainability Agenda

Sustainability encompasses many facets and The Sustainability Agenda is a podcast that addresses all of them. This podcast features interviews with the industry’s thought leaders and critically examines the latest concepts at play and what needs to shift in order for us to build the future that we envision.

Podcast Blurb:

The Sustainability Agenda podcast has Fergal Byrne hosting a killer lineup of sustainability experts and thought leaders to take on some of the biggest questions in the industry today. Discussions are piercing and tactical, yet manage to retain an accessible, down-to-earth quality that makes for great listening. Learn how some of the top sustainability professionals are devising innovative solutions to long-standing challenges.  

8. Mission First

Mission First is a podcast that explores sustainability through the lens of entrepreneurship. Can sustainability move hand in hand with capitalism and entrepreneurship? I don’t know. But I do think that it’s worth exploring the intersection of the two and how we can use business ventures and existing systems to address the climate crisis.

Podcast Blurb:

Welcome to Mission First, the podcast to learn from successful entrepreneurs who are building a sustainable future for our planet and its people!

In each episode, I interview one entrepreneur with a company mission related to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Our guests are entrepreneurs who have recently gone through these difficult first years successfully. Together we discuss their challenges and what they have learned on the way. We go into detail, with a specific focus on company culture, leadership, financing, growth and business strategy.

Have you listened to any of these podcasts? Are there any that I missed? Leave them in the comments below!

While I shop secondhand for most clothes, underwear and swimwear are garments that I haven’t gotten around to thrifting. As an alternative, I’ve been seeking ethical and sustainable underwear brands so that I can slowly replace my undergarments when they get worn out.

Hara the Label is a conscious underwear brand based out of Australia. Their mission is to, “bring change and awareness to the human and environmental issues in the fashion industry while creating sustainable soft dreamy bamboo underwear that is both rejuvenating and empowering.”

Here are a few things that make Hara great:

• They only use OEKO-TEX 100 certified organic bamboo fabric to make their pieces. Bamboo is a more sustainable alternative to the cotton traditionally used for undergarments as it requires fewer pesticides and less water to grow, and regenerates more quickly. The OEKO-TEX 100 certification ensures that no harmful substances are found on the textiles.

• Hara uses natural plant dyes so that no toxic runoff is created. The components used are then composted so that no waste is generated.

• Hara’s garments are manufactured ethically in Melbourne. Workers are contracted under the Australian Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award 2010 which guarantees a living wage. Hara traces every step of its supply chain and regularly visits its suppliers to ensure ethical work conditions.

• They ship their garments with Better Packaging “Dirt Bags”! These bags are fully home compostable!

They only use OEKO-TEX 100 certified organic bamboo fabric to make their pieces. Bamboo is a more sustainable alternative to the cotton traditionally used for undergarments as it requires fewer pesticides and less water to grow, and regenerates more quickly. The OEKO-TEX 100 certification ensures that no harmful substances are found on the textiles.

Hara uses natural plant dyes so that no toxic runoff is created. The components used are then composted so that no waste is generated.

Hara’s garments are manufactured ethically in Melbourne. Workers are contracted under the Australian Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award 2010 which guarantees a living wage. Hara traces every step of its supply chain and regularly visits its suppliers to ensure ethical work conditions.

They ship their garments with Better Packaging “Dirt Bags”! These bags are fully home compostable!

Hara sent me four pieces to try on with no expectations for a blog post or any social media content. Here are my thoughts on these pieces!

Overall:

I really enjoy how the bamboo fabric feels. The fabrics are a little looser around the body and give a more casual and comfortable feeling than some other undergarments. 

Cherry Stella Low Cut Bra – S

I usually wear a 32/34 A and this bra fits perfectly. I like that there is no clasp in the back but worry about whether or not it will stretch out as time goes on. The cups are very comfortable (no underwire) and this bra feels more like a bralette than a traditional bra. That being said, this bra offers very little support so it might not be the option for others. I love the color and intend to wear it both as innerwear and outerwear.

Cherry Lena High Waist Undies – S

Super comfortable! I experienced a little bit of gapping around the hips but much prefer that to excessive compression. This piece embraces the shape of your body and doesn’t cut (much) into the butt.

Powder Blue Bumi Leotard – S

One of my favorite pieces! I absolutely love the color and cut of this garment. The exposed back is a fun detail and makes it easy to style on a night out. The butt area does rise up a little so I personally choose not to pair it with any tight pants or leggings. This bodysuit does not feature a snap crotch so using the bathroom is a little more complicated but it’s very comfortable all around.

Charcoal Gabi Bike Shorts – S

My first pair of bike shorts! I can’t believe that I haven’t shopped this trend before; they’re so comfortable and practical! These bike shorts are actually a little loose around the hips and don’t give you the compressive feel that you come to expect with athletic shorts or leggings. Despite this difference in expectation, I still really love the shorts and find that they’re great for everyday wear or even when you’re working out.

Final impressions:

I really enjoyed the garments that Hara sent me! Due to the COVID backlog, the process did take a while–I placed the order in January and didn’t get the package until March, but regardless, I would definitely order from them again. The bamboo fabric is so soft and the colors happen to work extremely well with my closet.

Have you tried this brand out? What do you think?

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Hello friends!

I’d like to start this post out by stating that I don’t believe that “thrift hauls” are sustainable at all. Sure, secondhand clothes definitely have a smaller environmental footprint than newly-made clothes, but overconsumption is overconsumption regardless. The concept of a “haul” in itself is an example of purchasing in mass quantity (ie. overconsumption).

That being said, I do believe in mindful thrifting as an alternative to traditional shopping and thought that it might be useful to share some of the items that I’ve purchased over the last four months in Taiwan as a means for personal accountability as well as to spark conversation around how we can be more mindful consumers.

These past four months, I’ve purchased more clothing than I did in all of 2020. When I initially moved to Taiwan, I planned the trip to only last until March and appropriately only brought a small capsule with fall/winter clothes. As I extended my trip, I began to realize that I didn’t have the necessary clothes to get by in everyday life and this prompted me to purchase a few new secondhand garments.

Here are some of the pieces that I’ve picked up over the last four months in Taiwan and part of my reasoning and logic behind purchasing them.

Quick disclaimer: as we talk about consumer habits, I think it’s important to note that consumer activism and systemic change encouraging more sustainable corporate practices are just as important (if not more important) than personal shifts in consumption.

Green Linen Shirt

200-300 NT (approximately $7-10 USD) – March 2021

Reasoning: The quality of this shirt is incredible! I love how lightweight it is and with summer right around the corner, I’m looking for breathable fabrics that will still do a good job of protecting the skin from UV rays. The color itself is also a trendy color that I happen to think works well with my closet.

Orange Skort

200-300 NT (approximately $7-10 USD) – December 2020

Reasoning: I absolutely fell in love with this skort. There are times when you go thrifting and come across items that you just know will fit perfectly in your wardrobe–this was one of those times. This rust/orange skort caught my eye from the get-go and I just knew that it was an investment piece to purchase.

White Button-Down

700 NT (approximately $25 USD) – February 2021

Reasoning: I was originally looking for a white button-down shirt to dye with indigo, but after purchasing this piece, I realized that it would better serve me if it remained white. I kept this shirt white because I thought that it would be a versatile garment to have in my closet.

Pearlescent Skirt

500 NT (approximately $20 USD) – December 2020

Reasoning: Okay, I’ll admit that I was really on the fence about this piece. It deviates from my usual style and so I wasn’t sure about how I would style it in my everyday life. I also thought that the fabric would be high-maintenance but retrospectively, I’m really glad that I bought it. It’s a piece that elevates my closet and something that I can wear on a dressier night out.

Red and Black Grid-Pattern Top

100 NT (approximately $3.5 USD) – February 2021

Reasoning: This was another one of those pieces that I fell in love with. It fits in perfectly with my style and I love the movement that it adds to an outfit. The button-down aspect also allows for more versatile styling! 😂 Are you starting to notice a trend in my reasoning? 

Navy Shorts

500 NT (approximately $20 USD) – February 2021

Reasoning: This pair of shorts is just a solid, solid, solid choice. The weather in Taiwan is getting pretty warm and I needed something that would function as my everyday go-to pair of shorts.

Blue and White Dress

150 NT (approximately $5.33 USD) – January 2021

Reasoning: I saw the corset along with the blue and white print, and was automatically drawn to it. Admittedly, this was an impulse purchase inspired by some Instagram trends and I somewhat regret it. This dress is very hard to style because it’s such a statement piece, but I am doing my best to pair it with different layers!

Flare Denim Overalls

700 NT (approximately $25 USD) – March 2021

Reasoning: Definitely a pricier investment but this is one of my favorite purchases so far! I love the shape of the pants, the denim is of great quality, and the overalls can easily be tucked in to allow for two different ways of styling!

What are some things that you keep in mind when thrifting?

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