June: Summer is Here

Ray B. News & Updates

Summer Solstice has arrived, and the season is truly here in the US. We can definitely say we are thrilled, and we hope you nature enthusiasts are too!

In this month’s newsletter, we’ve highlighted some of our fresh content on the site. We’ve also got some musings from around the web for you, hopefully something you haven’t seen yet and would like to share with your friends.

We’ve also put some of our favorite gardening items in this edition, some stuff that our very own Ray loves to use in her yard.

If you want to be first to hear what’s going on, plus gain access to coupons and deals on new and exciting products and brands, sign up for our newsletter below.

Already subscribed? This blog post is an expansion of the newsletter you received this month, so you might still find something new here.

What’s New at EcoKarma?

We’ve been focused on adding new content to our site, and less on the blogs this month. However, we have some great stuff in the works including new relationships with small business vendors that we totally dig (and think you will, too!). If you own a small business that’s in a field of creating sustainable products and educating our communities, feel free to reach out to us to make a global impact!

The Buzz at Eco Karma

Here are some of our latest articles that have been published or updated recently. 

Protecting Our Oceans

Inspired by a recent trip to Maui, Ray decided to look into more Reef Safe Sunscreen options out there. They are still high quality and protect skin, but don’t bleach coral or pollute our seas. It makes you wonder how safe for you a product is, that can cause degradation and harm to other creatures… Read more of the article and buy some environmentally friendly sunscreen for your summer adventures!
Hawaiian Sea Turtle

Photo Cred: Kapalua Bay, Maui, HI April 2018 Brandon Smith

Organic Gardening

We all want our gardens to flourish. The best way to do this is with Organic Fertilizer that is less harmful to nature, and safer for pets and children to be around. We’ve found a great variety of organic fertilizers, good for everything specific from roses and veggies, to lawns. Check out our full list of recommended products and see if something might fit what you are looking for!
organic fertilizer

Menstrual Cups: A More Affordable, Less Wasteful Option

Fellow women, are you tired of paying for overpriced feminine hygiene products? Ever wondered what’s actually in the tampons and pads you purchase? Do a little research, and we guarantee you’ll be a lot more selective on the brands you chose to buy. We have an even better solution for you: Menstrual cups are a cheaper, less wasteful, and just as efficient for most individuals. All of the best options are in one place for you, along with links to quizzes that will help you determine which one is the right fit for you. 
best menstrual cup

Product Corner

Here are some of our favorite June products! This month’s theme: Gardening. All products below are recommended or used by Ray and her husband Ben in their garden and yard.

Nature’s Care Organic Garden Soil

Ray’s Favorite Garden Soil

natures care organic soil

Nature’s Care Garden Insect Control

Ray and Ben’s favorite bug control spray for hops and roses.

insect control

Growerology Knee Pad

gardening knee pad

Best way to protect your knees in the garden during weeding and planting.

Grandpa’s Weeder

grandpa's weeder

Best Weeder: Grandpa’s Weeder. Ray and Ben however, use Ames weeder. 

Field King Backpack Sprayer

backpack sprayer

Ben’s favorite garden tool right now is the backpack sprayer. This way you can buy whatever sort of spray weed killer, or fertilizer you want and easily apply it around your yard. He has an older model, but this Field King will do the trick.

Shareables

Here are some of our favorite articles from around the web, along with our hot takes on the issues and topics they address.

Coca Cola’s “Giving Back” the Water They Use: A Closer Look

We’re not knocking them for trying- Coca Cola has vowed by 2020 to safely return the same amount of water back to communities, that is used in their finished beverages. However, the keyword there is: finished. This isn’t including the massive amounts of water that actually is used to create these beverages. The lack of transparency has been pointed out by many journalists. Our favorite comes from Christine MacDonald at The Verge.

She exposes the Bad Math behind the campaign, that will give people the first impression of them doing right by communities and the earth. However, these greenwashing tactics should not be overlooked. We encourage you to read the article, share, and keep an eye out for our own greenwashing article coming soon!

coca cola

The Last Straw: Cities Around the US Take Action on Plastic Waste

Though it might seem like a small item to be concerned about, the disposable plastic straw creates waste in more ways than one. Having access to disposable items gives us a sense of ignorance to what we are using and throwing away willy nilly. Banning things like disposable plastic straws and cutlery will make consumers think twice about what they use vs. what they actually need. Not only that, but it paves the way for product innovation and opens the market to creators of more sustainable products. No one can say that a paper straw is just as durable and effective as a plastic one- but now is the chance for inventors to show us how it can be. 

Lorraine Chow at EcoWatch just published an article on Seattle’s recent ban on disposable plastic straws and utensils at all eateries in the city. Considering the number of restaurants, cafes, and bars are in the major PNW metro- this could make quite the impact. Check out the article to learn more, and consider banning the straw in your own life! We will soon be publishing our own article offering you the great alternatives to disposable straws that you can carry with you.

drinking straws

A New Site for Families

EcoKarma is proud to announce a new site in the Top Shelf Media LLC family. Return of the Stork is officially live! If you or someone you know has a baby on the way, or is looking to finalize their registry, check out Return of the Stork for reviews on all the best baby products and gear. The Organic Diapers page, and article about the all of the Best Diaper Bags are both well worth a read. 
 return of the stork

What’s Coming this Month?

Be on the lookout for articles about fair trade coffee, push mowers, reusable straws and more!

Have you found an article that you want us to check out? What about a product or brand that you’re just obsessed with that we should check out? Please contact us with any content ideas, questions and concerns. You might even become a feature in an FAQ, Blog Post, or Product Review section!