Do you ever feel like you're failing to live more sustainably?


There is no one size fits all.

So much of my thinking is stemmed from a sustainable mindset. It's really hard to separate one from the other.

I almost feel like it's part of my identity.

Is that too blasé to say?

This might explain part of my struggle in trying to grow a community of like minded friends.

Maybe sometimes I skip steps when I share sustainability tips—because I live this life every day. But most people? You're so overwhelmed and don't even believe you can achieve this lifestyle too.

Where do I start?

Today we're going to shine a light on fast fashion.

I love a good deal and $5 for a fun t-shirt? Get in my cart.

Until I learned the actual cost.

The garment industry employs approximately 75 million factory workers worldwide, yet less than 2% earn a living wage.

Sure, there was no intentional harm in spending $5 on a shirt. Once I started asking questions, I was able to learn exactly what my money was supporting.

I’m not saying you have to toss your whole closet or never shop again. I am saying let’s start paying attention.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Who made this item?
  • Where are the materials sourced?
  • How are the materials sourced?
  • Is the company transparent about this information?

You have the power to vote with your dollars. While this is a systemic problem, the decisions you make matter.

In case you missed it, I've put together a list of my favorite companies who choose people over profits and I'd love to share it with you!

See you next week!


🌱Tip of the week!

If navigating the new clothing industry feels overwhelming, start by thrifting. You're keeping items in circulation and out of a landfill. Plus, you'll save so much money!

I can't tell you the last time I purchased a new clothing item—that wasn't socks or underwear—because I'm able to find what I need from thrift stores.

Not interested in receiving emails from me anymore? No problem! Unsubscribe here.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205

P.S. Leave me a tip!

P.P.S. I have a super quick question for you…

If you could only get one thing from reading my weekly emails, what would it be?

Feel free to be super specific.

Just hit 'reply' to this email real quick to let me know. It can be one word, one sentence, or essay-length. Your choice—but any reply will help me serve you better!

The Holmestead Series

I help busy women who crave a self-sufficient, sustainable life through modern homesteading—without a huge farm. Here we discuss things we're learning, growing in the garden and baking in the kitchen. This is the Holmestead Series!

Read more from The Holmestead Series

Flowers on the holmestead When we returned from our visit to Oregon last week, I was so sad to find some spoiled food in our fridge (fresh summer peaches!). It reminded me how easy it is to buy more than what we need—especially when there is seasonal produce galore everywhere. Are you someone that does this? Shops with your stomach and assumes it will all be consumed before going bad? Even throwing away rotten tomatoes that I grew pulls at my heart strings. (We have have 10 gallons of...

Took a walk down memory lane Last week I went to visit an old college friend who lives in the same town where we attended school. She was getting married over the weekend and I wanted to spend time with her before the big day. Walking down the streets and witnessing all the changes that have happened in the last 10 years was a gift. I remembered visiting the library for the first time and using my local address to become a member. It was exhilarating! Once I moved off campus and went to the...

Hello from Oregon! staying with family and watching my best friend get married I’m all about thrifting something first before buying it new.Keeping products in circulation is a great way to reduce your waste in a tangible way.This year I've started teaching sourdough to our local community via an in-person workshop. A few days before the workshop, I visit our local kitchen supply store to purchase a few items I recommend for sourdough baking so that students can conveniently buy them right...