Category: Giveaway

Fair trade fashion on sale
Giveaway, Minimalism, Product Review

Affordable, ethical fashion from Love Justly

*This post is in partnership with Love Justly. All opinions are my own and all content is original to MeredithTested.com. 

When I’m curating my more minimal wardrobe, it is actually much easier to be more conscious about the new items I add. Like many areas in my home, minimizing and decluttering my closet freed up headspace for more important things: like being more curious and conscious about where, how and by whom my clothing was made.

I avoid buying from “fast fashion” stores because of the toll on the people and land, but also because it’s my experience that the pieces don’t last.

How many times did I wash something once only to find a hole or rip? No more. Now I buy a lot of my clothing and other items in my home second hand. When I’m buying something new, I look for ethically made clothing and accessories, meaning the people and environment were treated well in the production of the item. When I found the site Love Justly, I was impressed by the selection and prices. If you’re looking to add some pieces to your wardrobe, it’s definitely worth starting there.

psst: One of my readers will win a $50 gift card (!!!) to shop for discounted fair trade clothing and jewelry on LoveJustly.com! Read to the bottom to find out how…

Where to buy affordable, ethical and fair trade fashion

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Bring your own reusable straw and protective case by StrawSleeves
Giveaway, Zero Waste

Reduce Your Trash with StrawSleeves

I realized early on in my journey to be more environmentally conscious that single-use plastics are one of the biggest hazards to our planet. From plastic bags at the grocery store to a plastic cup at the coffee shop, we’re offered single-use plastics regularly. Seriously, back off, plastic pushers!

80% of all marine debris found in the ocean is land based, and 80-90% of the marine debris is made from plastic (source.) Not only that, single-use plastics aren’t actually that necessary in our daily lives. Plastics can be really cool and have some innovative and incredible uses in the medical field, etc. A single-use plastic cup that I can easily avoid by bringing my own jar/mug/cup isn’t one of those “excellent uses.” Far, far from it.

One of the biggest culprits of beach and ocean trash is plastic straws. Straws are a nice way to drink a beverage but there’s no need to accept a plastic straw. They are resource-intensive to produce, are used for a few minutes, and then become a burden on the planet and harm marine life. The solution is wonderfully simple: Bring your own straw!

If you don’t think bringing your own straw will make a difference to the planet, consider this: In the United States alone, we discard 500 million straws A DAY. It seems like that number is too big, but imagine how many coffee shops are in every city and town in America and how many of them offer a plastic straw with nearly every beverage. U.S. consumption of plastic disposable straws would fill Yankee Stadium 9 times a year.

Every time you choose to do something nice for the earth, it’s a good choice. No matter how small it might seem.

how to avoid trash on the go

StrawSleeves is a lovely shop and, I’ve found, a great resource for information about plastic pollution and practical, easy ways to avoid it. I’ve been following StrawSleeves on Instagram for a while and I appreciate seeing the information they share and the photos of their products “in the wild” showcasing individuals across the globe choosing to bring their own reusable items.

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plastic free eco friendly water bottles - review and giveaway on MeredithTested.com
eco friendly kids, Giveaway, Minimalism, Pregnancy & Baby, Product Review

Plastic Free Bottles – Pura Stainless Review

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own and you guys know I only share the good stuff. Long before I learned about the concept of “zero waste,” I spent a long time slowly trying to eliminate plastic from my family’s home. No easy task in our modern times. Inspired and educated by Beth Terry and her book, and driven by my own … Continue reading Plastic Free Bottles – Pura Stainless Review

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Kiddobloom toddler baby spoon
Giveaway, Minimalism, Pregnancy & Baby, Zero Waste

Meredith Tested: Kiddobloom Utensils Review

Living a plastic free, low waste lifestyle is certainly possible with a baby, toddler or kids in tow. Research, preparation, and a few of the right products by your side help considerably. Oh and a support system helps too. You have a friend in me! I’ll always tell you that no matter what, YOU’RE DOING GREAT. Even if you’re not perfect. Progress not perfection… (Are you sick … Continue reading Meredith Tested: Kiddobloom Utensils Review

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Giveaway, Makeup, Product Review, Skincare

Green Living Giveaway! {Closed}

{This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been notified. Thanks to everyone for entering!} Over the past few years I’ve gotten serious about healthy eating, paying attention to the potentially harmful ingredients all around me from makeup and skincare to plastic food containers. I started buying fewer high-quality clothing and other goods that will last versus lots of fast fashion or disposable items. … Continue reading Green Living Giveaway! {Closed}

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