"One Woman's Trash"

You know how the saying goes right?? One woman’s (technically the adage says one MAN’s trash but it’s 2019 and the patriarchy is dead, so Imma say what I want) trash is another’s treasure, and with my new series that’s painted on garbage, I’ve turned waste into something valuable and reusable. Anyone who knows me in real life can attest to my love of the planet (and recycling) :) I’ve always had a deep connection and love for Mother Gaia (anyone down to binge watch the entire Blue Planet series?) it’s my star seed nature as most of us are born with great affection for the planet, and we are actually here to help it ascend!

This new series (View Gallery Here) isn’t political or activism. It’s simply me doing what I do. I literally can not throw away anything. I try as much as I can to make sure everything has a recycle or re- purpose to it. I’m well known amongst my crew as an avid recycler ( no one wants to throw away their garbage in front of me) and I’ve recruited my young niece to be my “Recycle Captain” to help keep up with the effort when I’m not around! I’m probably the only person in good ole ‘Merica who does not use Amazon because I am mindful of the non - recyclable padded envelopes they ship so much in, admittedly so I have enjoyed it’s convenience from time to time never knowing how to re-use them, now I’ve turned those puffy shippers to art!

I do my best to invest in the earth by spending more on “green products” in fact I’m going to list some awesome companies selling amazing shit that will not destroy the planet. I don’t know if we can take the massive American consumerism train off the tracks, but what if we could learn to consume product that wasn’t going to kill whales, deplete the ozone, warm the climate, deforest the amazon… I think you get where I’m going here.

“One Woman’s Trash” is a compilation of the garbage from products I have consumed, from puffy shipping envelopes to sculptural soft plastics that I bought cheese in. There’s some fun fashion pieces like a Chanel box I got in Paris carried around Europe for 30 days, ensuring it’s pristine return with me back stateside, because, Hey, I might make some art from that box one day right?

Please enjoy this new series, and take some time to think about your consumption, where you can make easy changes to help the planet (say no to straws) and eventually graduate to some harder ones (never accepting a plastic bag can really be a challenge) so the younger generations can inherit a beautiful, healthy planet with all it’s creatures safe and protected!

Buy THIS instead of THAT

Stasher Bags are reusable storage bag options, versus the soft plastic Ziploc (Booo…why support these 1%er corporate giants that have been putting profit over the planet for years..ugh gross) bag. Bee’s Wrap also makes a great alternative to plastic wrap to make your kitchen habits more sustainable. Did you know that now there’s plastic free laundry detergent? Dropps, what an awesome way to cut out plastic in your household!!! I’m a big fan of Reel Paper co. delivering toilet paper made from bamboo, a highly sustainable fast growing plant, in bulk and guess what? It’s not wrapped in plastic! And as long as were on the bathroom topic, Ladies a great way to reduce non biodegradable waste during our menstrual cycles is a Diva Cup, I love mine, it’s super convenient for me and the planet! I just saw now there’s organic mouthwash tablets that reduce plastic in the bathroom, as well as, my Sister and I are huge fans of LUSH cosmetics shampoo bars! So many tangible ways to cut down on plastic so our oceans can be full of healthy fish, not garbage!

You guys know I will never stop buying fashion!! But lately I have become very conscious of fast fashion, I’ve Marie Kondo’ed my closets and only my most joy sparking pieces remain! Instead of bulking up on more disposable, wasteful trends bullshit, I’ve started shopping luxury consignments at The Real Real. I honestly love how The Real Real has made consignment shopping cool, turning your grandma’s favorite hobby into a mainstream trend, introducing a more eco - friendly and wallet friendly way to stock up on those luxury labels you desire. I’ve procured some fantastic labels, (Prada, Wang, YSL anyone?) from The Real Real hanging in my closets now, I’m stylish AF and saving the planet, so yeah that seems right! Also if you needed a reminder I love painting on vintage clothes, commission me to make a super unique hand painted re purposed piece for you! I was walking Fifth Avenue last week and I saw H&M is launching a super chic eco conscious line, it really filled my heart with enthusiasm to see this, my mind’s eye wandered to my visioned utopia where fashion is available, stylish, and does not kill the planet! Agh! Imagine it with me!!

I’m also really into sustainable yoga pants because that seems to be the one thing in my wardrobe that has to be replaced every few months. Yogavated is amazing because not only are their products made with zero waste, but also with collaborations with paid artists! No brainer for me, I’m getting my workout gear there! Yoga Democracy is making gorgeous yoga leggings from plastic bottles, as well as Athleta has some cool swim suits and workout gear made from sustainable fibers!

Tbh this list could go on for about 10,000 more words but my fingers are tired of typing. Hmu if you love to #reducereuserecycle or if you’re interested in what other sustainable products are out there to help you reduce your footprint and give our planet a freaking break!

One more thing tho… Check out Terra Cycle ! You can order a box from them and fill it full up of products that are not recyclable in your average cities waste stream. Toothpaste tubes, hair brushes, latex gloves, you name it and they can recycle it! I highly recommend getting a box on hand for your spring cleaning!!

Okay now seriously I’m done. Please love yourself and the Planet!!

Love, MKM