Alexandros Hanou, CEO of Crate 61 Organics, on Craft, Sustainability and Building Something Real

CEO of Crate 61 Organics Alexandros Hanou knows that sustainable skincare is not only a possibility we can aim for, but a standard we must strive for. He shared his insights into top-notch, sustainable ingredients, production and shipping methods and even marketing tactics. Crate 61 Organics provides customers with satisfying soaps and other products without any bells and whistles regarding scent, plastic usage in their packaging and other stereotypes that plague the skincare industry.

Hila The Earth Helps Us Connect With The Earth On A Deeper Level While Having Fun!

Hila the Earth is not your everyday performer. A Brooklyn girl with heart, Hila grew up with hip hop and drag queens, and has been freestyling for a long time. The big turning point in her live was when she fell in love with nature and the Earth. This was a game changer! New York City is not known for its green spaces. But Hila, now dressed as the Earth, fully embodies the Earth wherever she goes and performs. With songs like “WAP — Wet Ass Planet” and “Go Parks” you will quickly fall in love with her fervor and wit as she raps and freestyles you into caring about the environment! Read on to learn more about this insanely talented woman and the Earth we all love!

8 Ways You Can Sustainably Beat The Heat In NYC

As we officially enter the month of July, New York City temperatures have already hit the 100 degree mark. Trying to stay cool can seem impossible when faced with numbers that extreme, but I promise you can avoid a sunburn this summer, and even healthily take care of your environment in the process. Here are the best ways to keep yourself, and the planet, cool and cared for.

Articles, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJuly 20, 2026olivia weber, new york city, summer, heatwave, Sustainability, enviornment, greenliving, #summertime, nycComment

Staying Clean and Green in the Busiest City in The World

Since moving to New York City for the summer at the beginning of the month, I have reveled in all the new freedoms and opportunities the city has to offer. Of course, this city’s reputation for being overcrowded, humid and, at times, a little dirty precedes it, and staying sustainable and clean can seem like a challenge.

NYC Fashion Week: Sustainability

We live in a world where a normal brand's main focal point is, above all else, profit. Money has become such a prominent driving force behind brand actions that our planet is suffering because of it. Environmental and sustainability concerns are slipping further and further down our agenda, but our planet can’t afford our neglection of these concerns.

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and unsustainable industries in the world. With millions of tons of textile waste produced every year, skyrocketing levels of water and chemical use, the use of polluting microplastics, and rising carbon emissions, we are destroying our planet.

Layered Up: What Everyone’s Wearing This Winter

As the temperature drops, winter fashion rises to the occasion. This season wraps us in cozy confidence, mixing comfort with eye-catching trends that make even the coldest days feel stylish.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 57.7Kylie MurphyJanuary 12, 2026fashion, winter fashion, Winter Clothes, trending, Sustainability, sustainable fashionComment

Greener Choices, Not Greenwashed Ones

In an age when sustainability sells, it’s never been easier for companies to look eco-friendly — even when their actions tell a different story. From leafy logos to vague claims about being “natural” or “carbon neutral,” greenwashing has become a marketing art form that preys on consumers’ good intentions. But behind the buzzwords and recycled imagery, how can you tell what’s genuine and what’s just green gloss? Understanding the signs of greenwashing is the first step toward making choices that truly support the planet.

Green is the New Black: Fall Fashion Goes Sustainable

As the leaves begin to turn and temperatures drop, fall ushers in not just a change in weather but a shift in our wardrobes. This season, however, fashion is undergoing a more profound transformation—one rooted in sustainability. From ethically sourced knits to recycled materials and timeless layering pieces, sustainable fall fashion is demonstrating that style and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously. In a world increasingly aware of the impact of fast fashion, this autumn’s trends are all about making mindful choices without sacrificing aesthetics. Here’s a look at how to stay on-trend and eco-conscious this fall.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 57.5Kylie MurphySeptember 29, 2025Sustainable Fashion, Sustainability, fashion, fall fashion, fall, #clothing, eco-friendly, environmentComment

How to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money on Groceries

Food waste is a big problem for both the planet and your wallet. What can you do to spend less on groceries while saving the planet? Simple changes like mindful meal planning, careful shopping and rethinking leftovers can make a vital difference.

Articles, zIssue 57.5Cora GoldSeptember 22, 2025food waste, groceries, save money, plant-based, Sustainability, foodComment

How to Live Sustainably in a City

Living in a city doesn’t mean giving up on sustainability — in fact, it’s one of the places it matters most. With cities generating enormous greenhouse gas emissions globally, every eco-friendly choice you make counts. The good news is that urban life offers plenty of opportunities to shrink your footprint without shrinking your joy.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Cora GoldAugust 22, 2025Sustainability, city, city living, garden, eco-friendlyComment

Green on the Go: Must-Have Sustainable Travel Essentials

Traveling doesn’t have to leave a trail of waste behind. By packing a few eco-friendly essentials—such as reusable tote bags or solid toiletries—you can reduce your environmental impact while still having a great time. Eco-conscious packing isn’t just better for the planet; it makes your trip simpler, lighter, and a lot more satisfying. Ready to travel smarter and greener? Let’s dive into the must-haves for a more sustainable suitcase.

Summer Glam, Simplified: Top Beauty Trends Right Now

This summer, beauty is all about striking the perfect balance between bold expression and natural radiance. From skin-first makeup hybrids to high-shine lips and watercolor eyes, the season’s trends invite you to play with color while embracing your skin’s natural glow. Skincare-infused foundations are blurring the lines between complexion products and self-care, while chromatic eyes in shimmering hues bring a futuristic edge to warm-weather looks. Sculpted, glossy lips make a high-impact comeback, and blush isn’t just a pop of pink anymore — it’s your glow-from-within secret weapon. Whether you're keeping it minimal or going full glam, these trends prove that summer beauty is anything but basic.

Pet-Friendly, Planet-Friendly: Sustainable Choices for Pet Owners

Being a pet owner is all about love, but what if that love could extend to the planet, too? From squeaky toys to poop bags, our furry friends can unintentionally leave a big pawprint on the environment. The good news? A few simple swaps can make your pet care routine more sustainable without sacrificing fun, comfort, or belly rubs. Let’s dig into how you can be a greener, cleaner pet parent—one wag or purr at a time.

Eco-friendly Tips on How to Survive a Heatwave

With the height of summer approaching, temperatures are only climbing. Though, while air conditioning may feel good, it doesn’t exactly do good. Air conditioners can cause massive harmful effects on the environment that you might not even know about.

Leave Only Footprints: Your Guide to an Eco-Friendly Beach Day

Beach days are all about relaxing, recharging, and soaking up nature, so why not return the favor? With a few easy, thoughtful choices, you can have all the fun in the sun while keeping the sand and sea healthy for everyone. Here’s how to make your next beach outing both enjoyable and eco-friendly.

Nature's Guest: How to Travel in Harmony with the Earth

Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, offering the chance to explore new cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. But as tourism continues to grow, so does its impact on the environment. Fortunately, traveling sustainably doesn’t mean giving up comfort or adventure, it simply means making smarter, more conscious choices. The modern adventurer is not just seeking beautiful destinations, but also responsible ways to reach and enjoy them. I personally had the privilege of traveling around Europe for the last four months, where I was able to witness first-hand how simple practices like these can make an immense impact. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list journey, here are some practical and inspiring ways to make your travels more eco friendly.

Soulflower Print Co.'s Sustainable Second-life Screen-printing

The mass overconsumption of unsustainably made products in today's world is a big problem, one this business is trying to counteract. Inspired by a few college classes, a passion for graphic design, and a love for thrifting, Soulflower Print Co. was created as an eco-friendly, nature-inspired business that produces sustainably made and screen printed apparel and paper goods. Giving quarterly donations to One Tree Planted from product profits, Soulflower Print Co.’s owner, Jess Emery-McGregor, is making efforts to help create a global impact. To learn more about Soulflower Print Co.’s story and products, read on.

Work+Shelter - Moving the Needle for Women and the Environment

Theresa Vandermeer and Kavita Sabharwal, founders of Work+Shelter, have created a full service sewn goods manufacturing facility that is not only sustainable but also aims to uplift women through economic empowerment. Using organic and recycled materials, Work+Shelter is able to create durable products while actively reducing waste and conserving water. For the women of Work+Shelter, sustainability is survival. To learn more about how they’re making a difference, read on.

Natural Vs. Man-Made Materials: Exploring the Environmental Impacts

At first glance, natural materials like wood, cotton or wool seem like the obvious eco-friendly choice. They come from renewable sources, and most are biodegradable. On the other hand, manufactured materials like plastics and synthetic fabrics are engineered for durability and performance. Both categories have their place in the modern world, but to understand their true impact, you must look beyond simple "natural” versus “artificial" labels.

Articles, zIssue 56Cora GoldApril 24, 2025Sustainability, materials, natural, syntheticComment

Illiterate Light - Turning Up the Volume, Powering Up the Future

Meet Illiterate Light, a band not just making music but creating an experience. In their latest album Arches the band weaves together distorted rock and raw emotion, and explores finding meaning in the struggle. Whether they are electrifying crowds at Brooklyn Made or reimagining live performances with their bicycle-powered stage at Newport Folk Festival, Illiterate Light is constantly exploring new ways to connect with fans and spark change. Read on to learn more about Illiterate Light, their music, and their work.

Art, zissue 55Chelsea ChanJanuary 28, 2025music artist, music industry, band, Sustainability, environmentalComment