Help Eliminate Plastic in the Ocean with these Products

By now we’ve learned about the giant garbage patch that is growing and destroying our oceans. Research estimates that 8 million tons of plastics flow into our oceans each year. Many countries around the world are joining forces in the war against plastic by banning single-use products. Where is the U.S. on this ban? The U.S accounts for only 4% of the global population but uses 500 million plastic straws every day. That number seems startling but think about it – every time you go to a restaurant, a straw comes with your drink and every to-go cup you grab comes with a straw. It’s excessive, and it needs to stop. Cities like Seattle banned the use of plastic straws and utensils in June 2018. However, it is time for all of us to do our part.  We’ve got one Earth – if we don’t protect it now, we are going to run out time.

Go Sili: Eco-Friendly Straws, Cups, and Bowls

Why GoSili?

Silicone is composed of the natural element Silicone combined with Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Carbon to create Silicone – a non-toxic, hypo-allergenic material. It is completely safe as it does not react with food or drinks. Their products contain no BPA, PVC, or phthalates. Silicone is very durable and made to last. Unlike many plastic products that aren’t meant to be thrown away after one use – Silicone can be used over and over again.

Added bonus: Silicone is recyclable, although it may not be accepted at your local recycling center. No worries – send your Go Sili Items back to them, and they’ll take care of the recycling for you. They believe in the power of reuse and recycle.

Replacing Products with GoSili

Straws: We’ve already told, the U.S accounts for only 4% of the global population but uses 500 million plastic straws every day. Straws are a massive contributor to unnecessary plastic waste. If you adore straws, we won’t hold it against you, but give GoSili Silicone Reusable Straws a whirl.  They come in variable sizes, allowing them to fit in all kinds of cups. So, pop one into your reusable snack bags and toss them into your purse to easily replace wasteful straws.

Now you may argue that little kids need straws – and, honestly, we won’t argue with you there. Kids are messy little creatures whose not-so-graceful moves knock over everything in their path. Will GoSili let you down? Absolutely not. They have fantastic To Go Cups for kids with or without straws. One of our favorite options is the Siliskin Universal Straw Top this cup allows you to turn any cup into a straw cup.  And we do mean any.  The Silicone stretches and conforms to any cup making it spill proof – a.k.a. kid proof. Give any cup a straw within three seconds.

To Go Containers: Food wrappers and containers account for 31.14% of all pollution. The American lifestyle is one on the go – constantly rushing from one place to another as fast as we can. Because of this, much of the food industry caters to products that can move along with us, thus using plastics to do so.

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You can do your part by bringing your own to-go containers and cups with you. Siliskin Reusable Silicone Snack Bags are perfect for replacing plastic baggies in your lunches or stick in your purse and take your leftovers home in them. They are the perfect size for sandwiches, wraps, or snacks.

Raise your hand if you need your afternoon pick me up caffeine-infused drink? Ain’t no shame – we see you, and we raise you GoSili To Go Coffee Cup and Tea Cup. This cup will be the perfect addition for your Target runs, play dates, or school pick ups. The cup has all the benefits of silicone plus it is embedding with stainless steel rings to hold its shape.

Kiddo Utensils– Kids are unpredictable at best. You never know when a cup is going to go flying across the room or a bowl of spaghetti will slip out of tiny hands tumbling to the floor. For these reasons, many kids products are made from plastic because it’s durable. However, Silicone is just as durable without the drawbacks. The Silibowl serves three functions in one: a plate, a bowl, and storage. The top serves as both a plate and an airtight seal for the bowl. What more could you ask for? Well, there is more- it is also MICROWAVE-safe, thus making it the perfect alternative to plastic. For the older kid that is learning how to use a real cup, try the Siliskin Glass Cup. These cups come in a two pack of glass cups encased in shock absorbing silicone. The Silicone sleeve makes it easy to grip and hold onto because, let’s be honest, kids of ages spill.

Beru Kids: Upcycled Clothes

Our children are our future. What we teach them today about protecting and taking care of the environment will directly affect how they grow up. The choices we make about the products we use and wear will also directly affect the world they grow up in. We are destroying our planet at a drastic rate. As much as the world (or at least the U.S.) doesn’t want to recognize the issues of global warming, ecosystem destruction, and the havoc we are wreaking on our Earth, the problem remains. Beru Kids is a company with an awesome goal and mission that is working to help clean up the clothing industry and provide jobs for those in need.

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How does Beru Kids Help?

Fashion is the second largest pollution industry, the most significant being Oil. That is insane because clothing isn’t something vital to our lives, yet it is a crucial player in destroying our delicate Earth. Beur Kids uses what is known as deadstock, an unused surplus fabric that has been purchased from other clothing companies. In the U.S., 11 million tons of fabric ends up in landfills every year. Beru Kids gives the fabric a second chance at becoming something awesome, plus reduces waste. Their goal is to continue growing and expanding upon their sustainability processes.

Beru Kids guarantees their products are also ethically made. Almost 100% of their fabric comes from Los Angelos. Because they source, create and are located right in L.A., they can oversee all production from start to finish, guaranteeing that each step meets ethical and sustainability practices. They also provide jobs to locals living in a poverty-stricken district of L.A. They choose to pay higher wages because they believe in excellent products that support both people and the environment.

For the Girls

We’ve fallen in love with the practices and clothing produced by Beru Kids.  The Lyric Top paired with the Nova Shorts is a beautiful mix of sophistication and comfort. Accompany the outfit with the Madison Star Cardigan for cool summer nights. This one of a kind piece made from unused fabric creates a completely unique look for your girl.

For the Boys

The quality and craftsmanship of Beru Kids is unparalleled. The Nate Basketball Short will quickly become a favorite. They are thick, comfy, with an elastic waistband to keep your little comfortable all day long. Pair with either the Cruiz Tee or Huxley Tee “BEDTIME RULES” for a complete look. The Cruiz Tee is super, soft and cuddly for loving on your little guy.  For the little guy who refuses to sleep, the Huxley Tee “BEDTIME RULES” shirt is perfect. Made from 100% organic cotton and printed by hand. Your little guy will love these genuinely unique looks.

Don’t forget that because of Beru Kids unique production of using deadstock fabric outfits may be limited. This helps to guarantee the products are unique but also means they are made in limited quantities. If you see something you love be sure to grab it today!

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Traveling Grapes: Wine on the Go

Raising kiddos and saving the Earth isn’t to a job to be taken lying down.  There is so much to do be done each day it is overwhelming. However, moms need a break too. Enter the To-Go Stainless Steel Wineglass from Traveling Grapes.  Traveling Grapes is a Charlotte-based event company that focuses on all things wine with a passion for the environment. They make hilarious custom made cups about anything Motherhood related. What can be more fun than eliminating a single-use plastic cup and replacing it with a stainless steel cup that with witty mom humor?

For the Mamas: Wolven Threads

As moms, we spend most of our lives in leggings or joggers. We don’t care if they are considered pants. We care about how quickly we can move to catch our toddler before he juts into oncoming traffic. We care about how comfy we feel while sitting in carpool for half the day. We care about the Earth and finding sustainable products to protect and preserve the Earth for those babies we love so dearly.

Wolven Threads is a big believer in mother nature and preserving what she has to offer. Fashion does not mean having sacrifice functionality and sustainability. Their clothing made with OEKO-TEX certified Recycled P.E.T (RPET) from recycled water bottles. Not only are they cleaning up the Earth by repurposing plastic, their garments are also certified to have no harmful or toxic chemicals.

Want more from clothing you love? Not only does Wolven Threads use recycled material in all their clothing they also give back to their community. They believe that harmony between the Earth and the people that inhabit it is vital for the future. They work with the non-profit Families Supporting Families to provide yoga and wellness education to at-risk youth. Yoga helps to build self-love which in turn promotes less anxiety and more positive outlook on life. By giving youths the tool to empower themselves by using their own heart and mind they can find the confidence and strength to lead them toward the path of light and healing.

How to support plastic bans

Want to make more of an impact? Contact state and local officials to tell them you support banning single-use plastics. Encourage your local grocers to do away plastic bags. Say no to straws and encourage restaurants to do the same. Bring your own water bottle everywhere you go. Sign this petition to help spread the word about banning plastic bags.

Photo Credit: Ashley W, Dani Nicole Photography, Vova Drozdey

Sources: Tree Hugger