Eco Voyage

traveling solo is an enriching + expanding experience for me, but this month my best friend, lauren, her husband matt, + i journeyed into the woods of mount hood in oregon as a trio. the three of us made a mighty fine team of wilderness explorers, each of us equally bewitched + bewildered by nature's beauty.

together we trekked through densely wooded trails, an abyss of strapping roots, golden-green leaves + velvety soft moss. a canopy of trees above us + a panoply of mushrooms sprouting below us, we were spellbound. at the forefront of my thoughts was how to protect so much splendor. so how exactly does one prepare + what does one pack for a cruelty-free + eco hike in the mountains?

at one point we debated whether hiking gear was really necessary at all. honestly, as a minimalist, i actually don't own athletic gear. my work blazers don't translate organically to outdoor gear, but this never stopped me from hiking before. i put on my usual uniform of jeans, a tee with a flannel button-down layered over it for warmth + a cargo jacket with pockets for carrying my necessities, along with a pair of trainers. but there were moments that i wished i had a lightweight backpack or shoes with traction {and jeans don't perform so well when wet}.

certain outdoor gear is preventative + offers necessary protection from the elements, so if you're interested in investing in well-made, fair trade hiking kicks or the perfect parka, there are many ways to build a sustainable collection. here's a little starter kit for you. carry on, fellow explorers:

1/ the beanie: keep your noggin warm with a little knit number. i love a pom pom, i really do. but non-pom versions are also available. check out these fab organic cotton + hemp options here.

2/ the hiking boots: wrap your feet in pineapple leaves. yep, you read that right. i'm so excited that cruelty-free brand, nae, has teamed up with piñatex to create a pair of comfy hiking boots made of pineapple waste fibers. this is an exciting new alternative to leather that re-imagines waste as a durable, flexible + waterproof textile. sweet, sustainable pineapples!

3/ the parka: a sturdy + long-lasting investment piece with a water resistant hemp + organic cotton twill outer shell; this parka is lined with recycled PET faux fur, features handwarmer pockets + windcatchers with thumbnails. it comes fully equipped with pockets for carrying all of your hiking essentials. who designed this beauty? somebody deserves some serious recognition for a stellar product.

4/ the backpack: made with recycled PET bottles, this lightly padded backpack is just the right size, with lots of pockets for storing your reusable water canteen. pack your trail mix, your fruits + veggies, and some yummy vegan chocolate-covered peanuts. fully fueled? you're on your way.

5/ the reusable canteen: if you have a reusable stainless steel bottle, dig it out + put it to good use. if not, there are a plethora of eco choices for all boys + girls. because single-use plastic bottles don't belong in the oceans or in our landfills. but sadly, that's where most end up. learn more by watching the story of bottled water.

6/ the flannel: warm layers are a wise choice; depending on the weather, you can peel off layers or add on. i own exactly one flannel. and it gets good use. i actually purchased mine secondhand, at crossroads trading co. you can find more pre-loved options at buffalo exchange {if you're in chicago} or find a rad vintage shop {if you're in paris}. investing in a cozy, new one is also a choice, but be sure to care for it so it lasts for many a long hike.

7/ the socks: keep your feet + ankles toasty warm with a pair of ethically-produced, organic cotton socks. layer them up or keep an extra pair in your backpack in case you step into a lovely, gurgling stream, as i did. it's all part of the fun.

8/ the essentials: i mean business when i hike, so i ended up with a few nicks + cuts, which got me thinking. i wondered if there was a green option for adhesive bandages, and then i learned of patch offering latex-free + biodegradable bandages, made with 15% recycled materials. don't forget to pack nontoxic bug spray. ready? set? into the wild we go.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

green sock groupie: i'm a sock gal, i admit, if i'm in a shop browsing, and i see a cleverly designed pair of socks, i will stop in my tracks to inspect said footwear. is that a guava print? i'll take it! i love a designer who is generous with color + adds a dash of humor to their creations. here is a guide for organic + ethically produced socks for happy feet!

1} i love lowie: when it comes to bundling up during winter months, my friends + i are always on the lookout for well-made, warm socks. the lowie turkish socks were the first product ever sold in 2002 at online ethical retailer i love lowie + is still one of their most popular items. every pair of socks is hand knit using traditional methods from surplus acrylic yarn making each uniquely colorful. find lots of other fun, quality items designed + handmade by creative boys + girls at i love lowie. made in turkey

2} conscious step: crafted from the highest quality GOTS organic cotton for undeniable comfort that is as soft on your feet as it is on the environment. manufactured in fair trade certified conditions to ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for the garment workers involved {people with hopes + dreams just like you + me}. each pair of socks is partnered with a reputable non-profit dedicated to addressing social issues like poverty + hunger, as outlined by the united nations millennium development goals. this classic navy + mustard design is my fave d-good pair from conscious step. made in india

3} pact: this brand has been shaking up the apparel industry for a while now. their boldly colored, printed socks are made with non-gmo organic cotton {that means no harmful pesticides or fertilizers}; they're also made in factories that treat workers well + compensate them fairly. the masterminds behind this ethical label remind us that "robot's don't make our clothes, people do." they make utilitarian basics like camis + undies too. find them online or at your local whole foods. made in india

4} zkano + little river sock mill: fort payne, alabama was formerly known as "the sock capital of the world" with 300 knitting mills employing half of the town's residents. outsourcing has taken away from the textile industry, leaving only 7 operating mills in the small town of fort payne, however a gal with a heart for green living, gina locklear, a second generation "socker", had the bright idea to make this simple + organic product in america once again. gina's irresistible designs include polka dots, stripes + color-blocking: get 'em while they're hot! made in the u.s.a.

from seed to sock, many hands touch finished products. learn more about the farmers who make our apparel. why fair trade + organic? learn more here.

{image via i love lowie}