Linen is known for being an eco-friendly fabric because it doesn’t require a lot of water to grow, does not require pesticides as it is naturally pest-repellent and creates minimal waste as every part of the flax plant from which linen is made is used for different purposes.

Linen is also very durable and gets softer over time, making it a great capsule wardrobe investment for years to come. With that in mind, here are my three of my top linen essential picks for your sustainable summer wardrobe:

See also: 3 Eco Items to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe

Son de Flor Pinafore Shirt 

I’ve already spoken about my love for crop tops in my summer capsule wardrobe article, but they really have become my no-brainer go-to for a street-style slash resort-look during weekends. I love Son de Flor’s square-neck linen crop top so much – its design makes it easy to pair with all my skirts, trousers, shorts and even jeans. Not to mention, it shows off all my hard work at the gym in a subtle, elegant way!

Son de Flor uses only natural Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics throughout their collection, with plastic-free packaging for delivery and a focus on ethical production. I wear this eye-catching fairy-tale piece with high-waisted pants for work or with relaxed trousers on my days off.

Available at Son de Flor

@White by Gosia Orlowska Sofia Pants 

I have officially replaced all my jeans with linen trousers as my summer staple! One of my favourite linen bottoms are these Sofia linen pants by Hong Kong-based designer Gosia Orlowska. They have become a great addition to my capsule wardrobe – the material is extremely soft and I like pairing them with a crop top and my favourite blazer for an easy, breezy summer outfit.

Gosia makes her collections from deadstock material in very limited quantities to minimise waste. She also allows customers to pre-order designs whenever she can.

Available at @White by Gosia Orlowska

BrunnaCo ARYA Safari Midi Dress

For a more feminine take on linen, my pick is BrunnaCo’s Arya safari linen midi dress. Wearing this lightweight dress on a hot summer day is oh-so-comfy!

BrunnaCo is a Californian environmentally and socially sustainable fashion brand founded by Bali-born Helga Ida Ayu. Each of their collections is handcrafted by select artisans, mostly women, working from the comfort of their own homes in Indonesia.

Available at BrunnaCo

Of course, investing in sustainable materials is just a tiny step in your conscious fashion journey! To further that journey, be mindful of where you spend, make sure what you buy causes no harm to the planet and its people, and invest in quality timeless pieces instead of purchasing single-use, fast fashion garments. That way, you can ensure any new clothes are long-term investments rather than just quick impulse buys.

See also: 3 Sustainable Skirts to Stay Cool In

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Despite this, nut lovers among us still have plenty of more sustainable options to choose from. Brazil nuts, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts all have a relatively low rate of water consumption compared to almonds, cashews and pistachios.

Fortunately for us, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts are all easily accessible to buy in Hong Kong! If you’re looking to switch up your almond or cashew recipes with these more sustainable nuts, here are some ideas to get you started.

See also: How Sustainable Are Nuts?

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts have a smooth buttery texture and are one of the most energy-dense nuts you can find. Their benefits include helping to regulate your thyroid gland, reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system.

It’s hard not to love a good nut butter. This Brazil Nut Butter recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make – simply roast the nuts, drop them into a processor and blend!

Get the recipe here

Brazil nuts also have an extremely satisfying texture, so they are perfect for adding to cakes and breads for that extra nutty crunch. We have our eye on this Brazil Nut Banana Bread!

Get the recipe here

Walnuts

Walnuts are very high in fibre and omega-3 fats. Walnuts are also a good source of antioxidants, meaning they can help fight against conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s, which are caused by oxidative stress.

Living in Hong Kong, most of us are probably familiar with traditional Chinese walnut cookies. This vegan, gluten-free version of the local favourite offers a healthier, plant-based alternative while maintaining the unique walnut-y fragrance we all know and love.

Get the recipe here

Walnuts are also a common ingredient in vegan cheese – which is why we think this Walnut Cheese Vegan Sauce is going to be absolutely delicious. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes to prepare the sauce! Use it in pasta, or as a dip for a summer platter.

Get the recipe here

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are a good source of potassium and fibre. The fibre in chestnuts acts as a prebiotic and helps to maintain a healthy gut environment.

Though you might immediately think of traditional chestnut stuffing and fillings, chestnuts are actually extremely versatile – their starchy texture and subtle sweetness makes them ideal in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.

This Chestnut, Mushroom and Thyme Casserole reminds us how easy it is to cook up a sumptuous dish with basic ingredients. The nutty sweetness of the chestnuts works extremely well with the mushrooms and the umami flavour of miso, creating a divine sauce for the mashed potato to soak up.

Get the recipe here

For an Asian-inspired chestnut dish, we would go for this Braised Mushroom, Chestnut and Tofu Bowl. This bowl is packed full of essential nutrients and offers an extremely balanced meal – from the protein in the tofu and mushrooms to the healthy carbohydrate in the chestnuts.

Get the recipe here

Hazelnuts

If you’re looking for ways to increase omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in your diet, hazelnuts are the way to go! Aside from this, hazelnuts are also high in vitamin E, manganese and copper.

This vegan, gluten-free Nutella Hazelnut Spread takes the ‘guilt’ away from the guilty pleasure of Nutella. Add it to your morning toast, yoghurt or smoothies; believe us, it will brighten up any rainy day.

Get the recipe here

This moist and soft Hazelnut Vegan Cake is also pretty divine – think Ferrero Rocher in the form of a loaf!

Get the recipe here

See also: 8 Plant-based Snacks to Make This Summer

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Read on for our diverse and sustainable picks of the coolest shorts to sport in the warm season — from the office to the beach, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

Stefania Vaidani: Ilios Recycled Shorts

Made of recycled fabrics, these adorable shorts are just what you need for the season. The brand has been certified by Oeko-Tex, which means its materials are free of harmful chemicals and safe for human use. Of course, we love the light-hearted yellow and white stripes too — the perfect summer staple for any occasion!

Available at Stefania Vaidani

Sézane: Lucky Shorts

French atelier Sézane creates most of its collections with organic cotton, certified materials and recycled polyester. These high-waisted chequered shorts, for instance, are made of 100 percent natural linen and have a flattering flared leg. Just watch as their bright colour and casual-yet-classy look carry you from the boardroom to the boat party!

Available at Sézane

House of Dagmar: Tatiana Shorts

Looking for an easy yet stylish summer staple? You’ve come to the right place. The soft twill linen shorts from Swedish sustainability-focused label House of Dagmar are among the brand’s ‘Good Choice’ items that consist of at least 50 percent sustainable materials and have the most wearable and comfy silhouette. Just peep that elastic waist — we love a stress-free look! We’d wear this to an all-white party, but the possibilities are endless.

Available at House of Dagmar

Boyish: The Leon Shorts

With a novelty belt detail and wide relaxed leg, these high-rise pleated denim shorts are the definition of versatility; dress it up or down, it’s up to you! The best part is that the Los Angeles label Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices in its manufacturing process, and these shorts are made of organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled cotton.

Available at Boyish

Whimsy & Row: Valentina Shorts

What can we say? We’re suckers for cool abstract shapes and neutral colours. These linen Valentina shorts are bound to be a crowd-pleaser no matter where you are. Just pair them with a plain basic and go! Whimsy & Row has lowered its carbon footprint by producing locally and continually strives for zero-waste by recycling its materials and only cutting limited quantities.

Available at Whimsy and Row

The Odder Side: Rive Shorts

Still looking for a pair of work shorts? These pure cotton shorts might just be what you need — the ruched waistband, belt loops and turned-up hem give a tailored feel, while the beige colour is a safe and easy-on-the-eyes choice for any room. Not only is The Odder Side certified by Oeko-Tex, but they also made these shorts with a plastic-free dedication to the environment.

Available at The Odder Side

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes

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Before we immerse ourselves in Mother Nature’s warmest season, take a look at our list of eco-friendly and sustainably made beach bags that are both functional and adorable!

Beach’d: Half-Moon Crossbody

Searching for something dainty for bringing only the essentials to the seaside? Look no further than this half-moon crossbody bag, made responsibly by fair-trade weavers. Whether you choose the natural or black colour, it’s the cutest and easiest accessory for all your memorable summer outings and photo ops. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s so wearable, you can reuse it for city days too!

Available at Beach’d

Kayu: Astrid Oversized Woven Straw Tote

Like to be well-prepared? This bag is big and soft enough for all your essentials and more. Handcrafted by women in Southeast Asia using indigenous techniques from sustainable and durable jute, the Astrid tote is functional and elegant. Aside from providing them with a sensible living wage, Kayu also makes sure their cultural heritage is preserved and promoted.

Available at Kayu

Mar Y Sol: Odette Crossbody Bag

We love this slouchy bucket bag for its “effortless but I’m still cooler than you” vibe. Crafted from woven straw made locally in Madagascar, complete with durable cotton lining and a pair of tassels, this Odette crossbody is simple yet unique, and we can’t wait to flaunt it under the bright blue sky.

Available at Shopbop

Maison Métisse: Katy Beach Tote

Handwoven with dried Buri leaves by Filipino artisans, each of these square-shaped bags is hand-painted individually in a playful aesthetic. This tote from the Philippines’ Maison Métisse is the perfect summer fashion item to shine at the beach. Wear it with a sweet playsuit, a floral dress or even just your summer fits as you’re out and about — the sky’s the limit when it comes to this one!

Available at Maison Métisse

AAKS: Tia Blush

Stand out and brighten up your beach look with this intricate statement bag from AAKS. Handcrafted in Ghana with woven raffia, this colourful top-handle bag is the best prop for those Instagram stories and posts, and is guaranteed to get you loads of compliments from the beach to the brunch!

Available at AAKS

The Dharma Door: Jumbo Hemp String Bag

Who doesn’t love a string bag in the summer? Especially when it’s an upgraded fashion version! Knotted and tied from hand-spun hemp fibres by fair trade artisans in Bangladesh, this strong and versatile bag can accommodate any situation you can think of. The thick handle looks tough but is actually soft… just like our hearts when we think of the beach!

Available at The Dharma Door

See also: 8Shades’ Guide to a Sustainable Beach Day

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While the Coca-Cola bottle comes in its original, hourglass-like shape that conjures up all sorts of nostalgia, a few tweaks were introduced to its design to make them more convenient for customers to return. Bottling plants will also find them easier to recycle, clean, disinfect and refill.

For starters, the bottle is now made of 60-percent recycled glass materials, making it not only more environment-friendly but also lighter and easier to carry after shedding two-thirds of its original weight.

Remarkably, the volume has increased even though it’s lighter, by now holding 250ml of refreshing Coke as compared to the previous 192ml. Furthermore, each box now contains 24 bottles instead of 12 for easier and more efficient transportation and storage.

The launch of the new glass bottle is part of Coca-Cola Co. and Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong’s long-term vision of sustainability. Following through with the motto, “World Without Waste,” together, they’ve adopted new, environmentally friendly technology to facilitate and encourage recycling and re-use.

An extensive campaign will be rolled out over the next few months to further engage consumers to opt for a a recycled bottle and getting into the habit of returning them.

These recyclable bottles are now available at your favourite restaurants around the city, including Hong Kong-style cha chaan tengs, noodle shops and Chinese restaurants, as well as convenience stores, supermarkets and online.

You can now order them online, including other Coca-Cola brands such as Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, and Kochakaden – so be sure to check them out next time the craving hits!

Learn more at swirecocacolahk.com/glass-bottle

See also: How to Keep Microplastics Out of Your Body

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Humans are fishing at biologically unsustainable rates, significantly affecting marine wildlife and disrupting the global ocean ecosystem. As a result, fishes are disappearing faster than they can be replaced and if we do not slow down, the world’s oceans will be “virtually empty” by 2048.

Because of the high content of toxic chemicals that seafood contains, reducing our intake of fish will not save us from the dangers that these substances represent to human health. Moreover, the contaminants found in fish often outweigh the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. For these reasons, the only solution we have to save our planet and stop compromising our health is to give up fish altogether. 

Are There Any Alternatives to Seafood?

Obviously, a way to reduce our intake of seafood is by switching to a vegetarian diet, but with huge progress made in the plant-based seafood industry in recent years, it does not mean that we have to give up the taste of fish altogether.

Similar to what brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have done for the meat industry, plant-based seafood companies are working on growing a new protein market, moving on from the already popular fingers and crumbed fish burgers to new products such as plant-based analogues of fish fillets that can satisfy the still unmet demand in the industry.

In recent years, a growing number of companies and startups have realised the importance of shifting to plant-based seafood to help reduce the demand of fresh seafood, alleviate the global overfishing problem and stress on the already-deleting marine population.

5 Plant-Based Seafood Companies To Know

1. OmniFoods (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong-based OmniFoods, originally known for their plant-based pork mince OmniPork, recently expanded their offerings to include six seafood products: two different fish fillets, an ocean burger, salmon, shelf-stable tuna, and crab cakes.

In late 2021, the company announced a partnership with Starbucks to serve OmniSeafood’s Omni Crab Cakes across 170 locations in Hong Kong, signalling a change in mainstream demand among Asian consumers.

2. The Plant Based Seafood Co. (United States)

In over 20 years of successfully creating and selling award-winning seafood products, this all-female, family-owned company experienced first hand the unacceptable and sometimes hidden practices in the industry.

Today, The Plant Based Seafood Co. sells six different seafood alternatives, from crab and lobster cakes to scallop and shrimp. The latter – made with 100% plant-based ingredients – was named Most Disruptive Product of 2020 at Prepared Foods’ Spirit of Innovation awards.

3. Good Catch (United States)

From crab cakes and fish sticks to incredibly realistic fish fillets and salmon burgers, the secret of US-based food tech company Good Catch’s alternative seafood products lies in its flavourful six-legume blend of peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans. 

In 2021, the company secured USD$26 million in funding to further fuel its plant-based expansion into European and global markets and in 2022, including a deal with US-based Sprouts Farmers Market to launch their new breaded-product nationwide.

4. Fazenda Futuro aka. Future Farm (Brazil)

Brazil-based Fazenda Futuro, created in 2019 and internationally branded as Future Farm, originally specialised in alternative meat products. Its revolutionary Future Burger patties made 100% from plants and natural ingredients were recently certified as carbon neutral globally.

The company has recently ventured into the plant-based seafood market, bringing the first plant-based tuna to Brazil. Aside from being produced with natural ingredients such as soy, peas, chickpeas, olive oil, and radish, developers included microalgae oil to provide omega-3s and satisfy consumers’ demand for plant-based products with similar nutritional values as traditional fish. 

5. Kuleana (United States)

San Francisco-based food tech startup Kuleana specialises in sushi-grade plant-based fish alternatives like bluefin tuna and salmon, and was one of the first plant-based seafood companies to address the lack of vegan alternatives to sushi-like raw fish in the market. 

Its plant-based tuna, made with radish, bamboo, algae, and pea protein and with high nutritional values including iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acid was named one of TIME’s top 100 best inventions in 2021.

This article was originally written and published by Earth.Org and is republished here as part of an editorial partnership.

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Sustainable products are usually more pricy than their conventional counterparts simply because they are more expensive to produce – often requiring quality raw products and specialised processes. They can also be hard to find, and even then, you’d still have to do your due diligence into seeing if they are truly sustainable or just greenwashing.

See also: Greenwashing? Take My Money… Not

However, one company is out to change all these barriers to sustainable shopping by making it both more affordable and accessible. Meet Cerqular, an LA-based e-commerce startup, that’s created an online marketplace solely dedicated to eco-friendly goods. Think Amazon or Taobao, but stocked only with products that are 100% certified to be sustainable – meaning organic, vegan, carbon-neutral, upcycled or recycled.

Founded by the husband and wife team of David Friedrichs and Janine Aeroporos, Cerqular was borne out of their passion for sustainable living. While they may not have been your typical dyed-in-the-wool eco-warriors – with Friedrichs working in pharmaceuticals and Aeroporos in the legal and financial sector – they have always sought to live sustainably and hoped to make it more commercial and available to the masses. And so, in 2020, they started Cerqular.

E-COMMERCE, THE SUSTAINABLE WAY

Cerqular currently features over 80 mission-driven brands and more than 58,000 products, with around 400 new products added daily. Brands include German denim brand, Dawn Denim, UK-based accessories maker, BEEN London, and Asian names such as Japanese apparel brand, Kapok Knot, and Singapore’s WhatIF Foods.

Some Hong Kong brands we have spotted on Cerqular include KIBO, Tove & Libra, and Just Peachy Diapers.

The right timing

Cerqular entered the market at a very opportune time. Eco-friendly products are a US$150 billion market in the US alone, while the global ethical fashion industry will be worth over US$15 billion by 2030. These figures are still dwarfed by conventional products (especially fast-fashion), but the market for sustainable products is growing at a rapid pace.

A recent study by consultancy firm Simon-Kucher & Partners also reveals that there’s a paradigm shift now happening with consumers. Consumers in the past have been overly conscious of price, but a new generation of consumers – specifically millennials and Gen Z – are supporting companies that sell products with clear “end-of-life solutions”. In fact, 42% of millennials and 39% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for sustainability – by as much as 32% more.

A MARKETPLACE YOU CAN TRUST

While many sustainable marketplaces tend to focus on a single or few product categories such as fashion apparel, electronics, or accessories, Cerqular carries all that and more – including beauty products, home furnishings, groceries, and even pet essentials!

With so many product categories covered, Cerqular needs to vet every single seller and product that’s listed on their site. Knockoffs are filtered out of the platform regularly, so rest assured that what’s actually on there is both sustainable and genuine.

So is it expensive? Friedrichs assures us that the pricing on Cerqular is competitive with the brand’s own website, giving consumers the choice to shop where they feel most comfortable. However, Cerqular does run a loyalty program that lets shoppers earn points (aka. cerq-cash) for discounts on future purchases. They also collaborate with brands on special promotions that make their prices equally – if not more – affordable than conventional products.

That’s not all – Cerqular even offers a 100% carbon neutral shipping option by partnering with Sendle to ship orders, particularly in the US and Australia – a courier service that mitigates the impact on the environment.

Cerqular in Asia + exclusive 8Shades discount!

While Cerqular has been focused on the US for its launch, they also have their eyes set on Asia as a high-growth market. In fact, both of Cerqular’s founders, Friedrichs and Aeroporos, lived in Hong Kong for seven years (up until 2019) and know the region well.

Cerqular is happy to offer 8Shades readers an exclusive discount of 20% off everything on the marketplace from now until 31 May 2022.

Simply use the code ‘8SHADES20‘ at checkout and start shopping here!

Make the 8Shades Switch:

The next time you’re in the mood to shop, try these easy sustainable switches:

• do your best to support sustainable brands
• shop on sustainable marketplaces like Cerqular
• go for pre-loved fashion like HULA and Vestiaire Collective

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See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Eco Retail Shops in Central, Hong Kong

SOUL

Located on the ground floor of The L.Place, SOUL is making a name for itself by offering its beverages in the fully biodegradable and fully edible Cupfee – a coffee cup made of wafer you can eat with your coffee (it’s also non-GMO and vegan too!). Mylk alternative lovers will appreciate their selection of oat and soy mylks, and we can all appreciate that their food items come in recyclable, biodegradable containers.

Learn more about SOUL here.

Filters Lane

It’s always a happy sight when we find a cafe that offers non-dairy mylk, and rewards patrons for bringing reusables. In operation since 2012, Filters Lane remains one of Hong Kong’s largest roasteries, with a commitment to social responsibility through their coffee bean sourcing policies. Their food menu is also not to be missed – we love the range of plant-based and vegetarian options.  To encourage customers and businesses to reduce waste, Filters Lane offers a HK$2 discount to takeaway customers for bringing their reusable cup.

34 Graham Street, Central

Learn more about Filters Lane here.

NOOD FOOD

At Nood Food, it pays to go green! With a mix of grab-and-go and made-to-order menu items, you’ll find a satisfying array of smoothies, salads, wraps, soups, and juices to keep you naturally fueled for the day. In their commitment to sustainability, Nood Food uses only reusable crockery for dine-in, and has a zero plastic policy for pre-packaged items. They have also done away with stir sticks, lids and other commonly found plastic items. Save the environment, and some cash with $3 off when you bring your own cup or container.

SoHo Kinwick Centre – 2/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road Central

Learn more about Nood Food and find all locations here.

Elephant Grounds

Specialising in “coffee n’ chill” moments, Elephant Grounds gives us plenty of reasons to keep coming back. From plant-based treats, like the collaborative ice cream sandwich series, to salads made of locally grown, fully traceable, and environmentally stress-free greens, to their love for Oatly and plentiful vegetarian and pescatarian menu options, this urban oasis will easily become your local stomping ground.

61 Caine Road, Mid-Levels

Learn more about Elephant Grounds and find all locations here.

TREEHOUSE

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With two locations in Central, Treehouse makes it easy to kick back with a plant-based meal and a tasty coffee at the same time. Choose from oat or soy milk, to go with your choice of coffee — while the coffee selection is small, it’s well-curated which is nice considering it’s not always easy to find a turmeric latte in this city. Try the coco cold-brew, a mix of coffee and coconut water, for a seriously refreshing, luxurious cold brew experience that won’t leave you feeling dehydrated.

We also love and appreciate Treehouse’s collaborative mindset: the company donates meals weekly through ImpactHK, uses profits to benefit Eden Reforestation projects, and contributes surplus food to Foodlink Foundation to reduce waste and offset our neighbours suffering from food insecurity.

Learn more about Treehouse here.

Have something to add? Send us a note at hello@8shades.com to add your favourite eco coffee shop to the list!

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Eco Retail Shops in Central, Hong Kong

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What is seaweed?

Seaweed is a type of macroalgae found in our rivers, oceans and lakes with thousands of seaweed species around the world. Some of the more common types include red seaweed, brown seaweed, green seaweed and Japanese kelp (known as ‘wakame’).

However, don’t confuse seaweed with kelp. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but kelp is, in fact, just a type of seaweed.

Why is Seaweed a Sustainable Crop?

Seaweed plays an important role in balancing marine ecosystems. The aquatic plant is also essential to maintaining biodiversity because it offers food and protection for many species. For example, kelp forests shelter species from jellyfish and crabs to grey whales, while also acting as a barrier against storm surges and tides, minimising the impact of strong currents in coastal areas.

Another reason seaweed is a sustainable crop is that seaweed is a ‘carbon sink’. This means that it absorbs carbon dioxide (Co2) from our atmosphere – up to 200 million tonnes of Co2 per year, in fact! Fun fact: the carbon stored by seaweed is called ‘blue carbon’.

Seaweed’s many uses

A large portion of farmed seaweed is intended for consumption, and seaweed has been a staple in East Asian diets for many centuries, primarily because of its exceptional nutritional benefits. The macroalgae is high in omega-3s and contain important minerals including sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Apart from obvious examples like sushi, seaweed is also an essential flavour enhancer in Asian cuisine and often used in stocks or sauces.

Seaweed also has excellent hydrating and exfoliating properties, making it ideal as a skincare ingredient. Skincare products with seaweed extracts usually help with hydration, anti-aging and exfoliation.

Of course, not all types of seaweed are grown for commercial consumption. Many countries also grow seaweed to restore marine habitats and to clean up the oceans.

How to Support Seaweed Farming

With its abundance of benefits, it’s no wonder seaweed on the rise as a sustainable superfood and ingredient. To help support its growth, here are a few innovative products to incorporate into your sustainable routine:

The Seaweed Bath Co. Hair & Body Products

1. The founder of The Seaweed Bath Co. initially launched the company to solve her family’s skin issues, but soon decided to share the benefits of seaweed with the world. The company offers a host of hair and body products including bath scrubs and shampoos. We’re loving the Whole Seaweed Detox Bath right now!

Purlisse Sheet Mask

The Blue Lotus and Seaweed Treatment Sheet Mask from Purlisse has a soothing and balancing effect on your skin. Apart from seaweed, the masks also contain a blend of white mulberry and anise fruit. This might just be the moisturising product we all need.

MyVegan Omega-3 Vegan Supplement

Those who have watched the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy will know that omega-3s actually come from seaweed! Seaweed Omega 3 supplements are a more sustainable, vegan alternative to traditional omega-3 fish oils.

Read also: Where to get your omega-3s in a post-seaspiracy world

Sea Tangle Noodle Company Kelp Noodles

If you’re looking for a healthier, more sustainable noodle alternative, Kelp Noodles are a great option. Not only are they gluten free, fat-free and very low in carbohydrates, they’re also delicious in rice paper rolls, casseroles or in a warm, winter broth. 

Seapoint Farms Seaweed Crisps:

These seaweed crisps from Seapoint Farms have a savoury crunch that makes them so very addicting. The pumpkin and sesame seed fillings add more flavour and some healthy fats to the snack, and you might find yourself constantly reaching for more – at least seaweed is a sustainable and healthy snack!

See also: Good News: 2022’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists Are Out

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Updated for 2022, here are the latest recommendations:

Dirty Dozen 2022

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

*no new additions to the 2022 list

Clean Fifteen 2022

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Cantaloupe
13. Mangoes
14. Watermelon
15. Sweet potatoes

*items in bold are new to the 2022 list

So what does this mean? The Dirty Dozen basically refers to the 12 fruits and veggies that contain the highest pesticide levels, even after thorough washing. If you’re a strawberry lover, be sure to buy them organic!

On the other hand, the Clean Fifteen list is made up of fruits and vegetables that the EWG found contains the lowest amount of pesticides, even when not organic. So, feel free to shop from the normal section of the supermarket for these items.

Why are pesticides bad?

Pesticides are not only harmful to humans, which can lead to things like skin irritation, birth defects and hormonal disruption – it’s bad for the environment too, by seeping into soil, poisoning other wildlife and affecting groundwater and other ecosystems.

Help do your part in protecting the planet by shopping responsibly on your next trip to the supermarket – remember, every little green step counts!

See also: 8 Ways To Make Easter More Eco-friendly

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