Favorite Eco-friendly Purchases of the Year (so far)

From sustainably-made to good-for-you products, these are my biggest discoveries of the year - when it comes to sustainable living.

Even though I barely buy stuff these days (in comparison to my previous self), I still need to replace a few things every now and then or to invest in something that will help me with a particular problem. 

Before 2021 started, I’ve established some goals for the year ahead. As the first half of 2021 has come to an end (yes, that was really fast), I can tell that I am doing quite well in terms of my yearly resolutions. Of course, there’s still room for improvement - here and there. But I am quite happy with my accomplishments so far.

Out of the few things that I have purchased this year, these are the ones that are helping me a long way. When it comes to living a simpler, more sustainable, and waste-less life.

Nordgreen Wrist Watch

Before becoming an ex-pat and embarking on my sustainable(ish) path, I used to be a watch collector. A habit I’ve inherited from my late grandfather and that gained a whole new dimension when I’ve started making my own money. 

I would purchase one or two watches per year, and I would definitely buy one when a big milestone came up. Like turning 25 or getting a new job. Moving to a new country made me leave my entire collection behind, but my reliable Skagen wristwatch. A classic and quality-built piece that I’ve had for years in my collection, but that was sometimes uncomfortable to wear.

A couple of years ago, when I was trying to get back to the gym, I purchased an Apple Watch to keep track of my performance. But, for some reason, I was never particularly fond of it. Then, the pandemic hit and I haven’t used it for months.

Fast forward to earlier this year, when I decided to give it a new life and sell it - while it was still in mint condition and had market value. With that money, I bought a Nordgreen watch. A timeless sustainably-made piece, that I have been wearing every single day since I bought it.

I have wanted a leather watch with a timeless design for some time now, but I haven’t really come across something that matched my personal taste and values. Until this year.

Nordgreen’s watches are sustainably made, they have plenty of vegan leather options available, you can interchange the straps and they have a Giving Back Program. For every purchase on their website, you get to decide which cause you want to contribute to (health, education, or environment).

This year, as an intent to become more minimalist, I promised myself that I would only buy things I actually needed. If I wanted to get something I liked (but didn’t actually need), I had to give a new home to something that I already owned. And that’s exactly what happened here.

I sold a watch I no longer used and didn’t match my values, so I could buy one I absolutely love and that I can totally relate to. 

The best part? Whether the strap gets old or I get tired of its design, I can change it to a different one - without having to buy a new watch. Plus, I know that I will be contributing to an important cause with every purchase I made from this brand. 

Labienhecha Recycled Leather Bag

For the past two years, I have owned only two bags. One from Bimba y Lola that I use pretty much every single day I leave my flat, and a summer one made by Portuguese artisans (and that makes me feel special every time I wear it).

This year, after purchasing my iPad, I needed a slighter larger bag - so I could take it with me. I’ve spent over a week looking up options online. And yes, I was willing to spend big bucks or even get a pre-loved item. But there was never a perfect match. Either because the reviews weren’t convincing or it didn’t have enough space to store my iPad mini.

Besides the size criteria, I was looking for something timeless and long-lasting. An item that I could use for years to come and feel great about it.

I was about to give up when I ran into an Instagram ad from Labienhecha. I knew it was it, as soon as I entered their website. Handmade bags made in Málaga (a city in the south of Spain), created by women, out of recycled leather.

The hardest part? Deciding which model I would get. Because they have a lot of cute, and unique bags, available in a large range of colors. Oh, and you can also customize your Labienhecha.

The best part? Being able to support such a lovely project and having the chance to rock a unique (timeless) design everywhere I go, that was made out of a pre-used material. And that means so much more for me than owning a designer piece.

Timeless and Long-lasting Pieces of Clothes

It’s been a few years now since I started working on my closet. Focusing on replacing worn-out or pre-loved pieces with quality-built ones.

For that, I had to find out my style and which pieces made me look (and feel) good. Even though I have a couple of pieces from sustainable brands like ECOALF and VEJA, they’re far from being the majority. Not just because of the price tag, but because of the design itself. 

After doing some reading and research on the subject, I’ve decided to replace my old clothes with quality-built alternatives.

Like a wool winter coat or jeans from Levi’s and Benetton. Two brands that have never failed me in terms of quality. Actually, all the Benetton pieces I no longer own were donated because these no longer matched my style. Not because these got ruined or worn out. 

I have also been supporting smaller and independent Spanish brands, whose clothes were created within the same geographical area of where I live. Which means these are the most sustainable products that I have ever owned. 

iPad mini + Pencil

I know, it’s a gadget. But a reliable, long-lasting, and versatile one. I am a hardcore hand-writer. I need to write everything (taking notes during meetings or when I am studying, doing copy work exercises, etc.), and I don’t really enjoy doing it on my computer.

After giving the Infinite Book a try, and failing in the in tempt. I decided it was time to do proper investment on something that allowed me to take handwritten notes, over and over, while reducing my paper usage at the same time. Hence the iPad mini and its Pencil.

Was this an easy buy? Well, no. Especially because it was a huge investment, and also because (until then) I’ve never been able to properly handwrite on a screen. However, watching some videos on YouTube and trying it myself at some electronics store was more than enough to seal the deal.

Actually, I couldn’t be happier. Besides carrying several notebooks with me at the same time (without feeling its weight on my shoulder), I am also able to organize these my way and I am even starting to use a digital calendar (something new to me).

On the other hand, I can also use the iPad mini for other purposes than writing. Like attending classes, reading (and taking notes on) PDF files, or watch some entertainment while traveling.

Is it easy to write with a Pencil? Very easy. Actually, I wasn’t expecting it to be so easy. But here’s a disclaimer: you need to find the best “Note” app for you. I’ve tried a few before finding one that suits my needs and that displays my handwriting in an accurate way. In case you’re wondering, my favorite app for this matter is Good Notes.

Lush Solid Body Moisturizer

When I got started on my sustainable living path, Lush’s solid shampoos were the very first I tried of its kind. And I couldn’t be happier with the experience. But after trying some of Lush’s solid skincare items, I decided to stick with its solid shampoos - instead of keeping spending money on formulas that didn’t convince me at all.

Until I received a Lush Solid Body Moisturizer on my birthday. Unlike their skincare naked products, the solid body moisturizers nurture your skin without making it feel greasy or sticky, and its scent lasts for hours.

The problem? These aren’t exactly cheap, at least for my kind of budget. However, if that’s not a problem for you or you want to treat yourself a little bit - just go for it.

The best part? Besides moisturizing and leaving a lovely scent on your skin, your bathroom will also smell great. 

Flor de Mayo Makeup Remover

Effective, made with natural ingredients, reusable packaging, and on a budget. This makeup remover from Flor de Mayo was one of my best clean beauty finds so far.

Its buttery texture turns into oil as you apply it to your face. Melting your makeup effectively, even if you’re wearing highly pigmented and long-lasting formulas (lipstick, mascara, cream blush…).

Besides its similarities with this one from The Body Shop, Flor de Mayo’s Makeup Remover can be used in the eye area and its formula helps to strengthen your eyelashes. It’s also slightly cheaper every package comes with a soft reusable makeup remover glove. WIN!

If you live in Spain or you’re just passing by (borders are open again), you can find it at Druni and Primor (this one ship to Portugal, as well).

Essence Hello Good Stuff Volume Mascara

I’ve already talked about my experience here. Even though I bought my first Essence Hello Good Stuff Volume Mascara by the end of 2020, the truth is… I’ve already bought two more this year.

It’s my go-to mascara. Natural ingredients, easy to apply, long-lasting effect, and my eyes don’t sting by the end of the day.

The best part? It’s really, really cheap. It retails for around 5 euros. Which is a total bargain, given its formula and performance.