Even the smallest changes to your everyday habits can make a difference. A tweak to your purchases can make a difference. Fun and creative upcycling can make a difference. Planting a tree can make a difference. Recycling can make a difference. Every drop in the bucket makes a difference!
>We only have one planet<
We can do better…
{A handful of our makers pulled together the great news of how they're doing their part to protect, preserve, recycle, and reuse our precious resources. Click on any of the pics to be taken to that maker's collection on our website.}
FROM SCRATCH FARM
This is high school Amy. You can’t see all of the posters plastered on my bedroom walls. But here’s a peek at one corner. At all of the Ziggy, save the planet, save the whales things that surrounded me. No boy bands. No Hollywood heartthrobs. I was passionate about this one thing.
And I was going to become a marine biologist. Then other things got in the way.
But when I started a family, my priorities changed again. No more processed foods. I could do so much better by my kids. So I learned to really cook. And then when we moved to our land (whoa!), I pivoted again. Starting a garden, raising chickens, catching rainwater. Discovering essential oils. And researching what was in our products. All so eye-opening!
That’s how From Scratch Farm started. And I’ve spent the last nine years getting toxins out of our home, by creating the products myself, with careful formulation and packaging considerations.
And???? What does that mean for you and the environment?
1 I’m using some amazing ingredients. Doing my best to source natural, ethical, organic, quality ingredients. That means it’s all healthier for you and our planet. You’re able to pronounce everything on my labels. There are no hidden toxins, dyes, or fragrances.
2 I’m using little to no packaging, if I can. Glass, when I can. Plastic, only as my last choice. That means so much less is ending up in our landfills! You can recycle my paper labels, the glass, and plastic. The big wonderful bonus is that you can return any of the glass jars to me. I can sterilize and reuse. This is huge! And wonderful!
3 An added bonus, I’m able to offer several products as refills at Handmade on Main. (The distilled water-based ones, or easily pourable ones- room & linen spray, all-purpose cleaner, facial toner, face mist, and hand cleanser) All you have to do is bring in your old bottle (instead of recycling), and I’ll refill on the spot. Fantastic for the planet! But also, great for your pocketbook. These refills will save you money, over purchasing a new bottle. Win-win!
FOND
"Our soil is in crisis. For the past 70 years, the nutrient-density in our food has been declining as modern farming practices take from the land yet neglect to replenish what they are taking out. This in turn depletes our soil and food of critical nutrients and nutrient density declines so does our health.
But synthetic fertilizers, often used to address this issue, are not the answer as they hinder the diverse microbiology of the soil. When our soil is weakened this way, the nutrients that do exist don’t stay on land, but rather, wash away in what little topsoil exists.
There is a solution to this crisis. Regenerative farming. FOND’s Regenerative Bone Broth.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE FARMING?
By definition, regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that protect and enrich the soil, increase soil biodiversity, integrate livestock, and improve water retention–basically mimicking nature’s systems as closely as possible.
Regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic farming and pasture-raised and cage-free and adds conservation and rehabilitation of existing lands to create a healthier ecosystem.
BENEFITS OF REGENERATIVE FARMING?
Regenerative farming not only helps pastures flourish, it helps people flourish as well.
For decades, the nutrient-density in our food has been declining. The pervasive idea that the food our grandparents ate is healthier than what we’re eating today isn’t a myth; it’s scientifically proven. Multiple scientific studies show that many fruits, vegetables, and grains grown today carry less protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C than those grown decades ago.
Regenerative farming reclaims nutrients and yields dramatically more nutrient-dense foods at a time when we couldn’t need them more.
FOND’S COMMITMENT TO REGENERATIVE SOURCING?
When I started FOND I knew I wanted to do better. I was committed to using the highest quality ingredients and bones and I wanted to give back to the land that made our little jars of healing possible. This is where regenerative came in.
Taking care of the land isn’t just the responsibility of farmers and ranchers. As food manufacturers, we have the responsibility to ensure our ingredients come from a sustainable source. Our job is not to pillage and plunder, but to cultivate and restore. At FOND, our greatest joy is being a part of renewing the land. We’ve seen firsthand the changes to the land after a few years of farming regeneratively, and the results are absolutely stunning."
RELYT
"We are a wellness company rooted in our effort to leave people, places and things better than we find them. We think that small changes have a big impact so we start with one thing a day to be better. We are patient and gentle with ourselves and others, and are always learning and growing. We seek to not only experience the feeling of good health daily but to experience the feeling of joy daily. We also know and practice the notion that we are all in this together.
WE PROVIDE WELLNESS PRODUCTS AND EMPOWER LIFESTYLE SHIFTS TO RELIGHT BALANCE, VIBRANCY AND WELLNESS FROM WITHIN.
Relyt (pronounced "rē-light") is more than just a brand; it's the culmination of my personal health journey. Back in 2015, while living in Long Beach, CA, I stumbled upon herbalism as a solution to a lifetime of health issues. The discovery ignited a passion that has since taken me on a fascinating journey around the globe.
Crafting teas and tinctures that are not just effective but also a joy to use became a natural progression."
We are now carrying Relyt's loose leaf teas for "cough-cough," "calm," "defense," "glowing skin," and "sleep." And we're only carrying the refill pouches, so you never have to worry about repurposing glass or being wasteful. Come in and find your new favorite tea!
MIXY
"More of us are looking to make sustainable choices in all aspects of life - including our happy hours! 🍸 We love seeing the rise of the waste-free cocktail movement that minimizes environmental impact behind the bar. Here are some of our favorite tips:
🌿 Use fresh herbs and edible garnishes grown right in your backyard. Get creative with flowers, fruits, and veggies serving both form and function.
💧 Swap plastic bottles for glass and reusable metal straws to cut single-use waste.
🍋 Look for all-natural, non-GMO ingredients in your drink mixes, syrups, and infusions (like our Mixy blends! 😉).
🧺 Compost leftover citrus peels, herb spoilage, and pulp waste to close the loop.
And give your used-up Mixy infusion jars new life as charming miniature terrariums! 🌱
Simply clean out the glass jar, add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then small plants like succulents or air plants secured in soil. Mist occasionally, decorate the lid or jar edges with twine/paint/stickers, and display your crafted garden anywhere in your home!
Upcycling our glass jars reduces waste while allowing you to continue enjoying their usefulness in a different form. Get creative customizing your own boho-chic planted jars unique to your style - a perfect weekend project! 🌎♻️"
CRAZY PLANT LOVEE
"Upcycling is all about giving stuff a second chance, and Crazy Plant Lovee will turn anything into a quirky planter!
Take a peek at some of our favorite upcycled creations. You might even get inspired to make your own!
Got a funky upcycled planter at home? Show it off! Tag Handmade on Main and Crazy Plant Lovee in a photo, and you could win a free plant!
In addition to From Scratch Farm taking back all jars for sterilization and reuse, so does Bear & Roo Candle Company.
And honestly, if you bring back any Mixy or Fond jar, I'll use them for propagating houseplants! Frequently you'll find a jar and pothos vine somewhere in the shop, that you can have for free when you spend $50!
Plus. I'm constantly reusing boxes that we receive in the mail, to ship orders to our customers. Sorry about the ugly packaging. But it's a good thing!
Recycling is our last-ditch effort.
Hardly anything goes in the trash.
Score!
To support these makers, and more, come browse our shop or our website!
Store hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 5pm.
And website is up and running 24/7.