Earth Day Swaps: Vegan Goods

Many of us strive to be kind to Mother Earth on a given day though it can be a tall order given the pace and demands of our modern lifestyles. Making thoughtful decisions of what to buy as a consumer that is ethically sourced and simply good for us can be a challenge, even if we wish to always make solid choices that leave us feeling purposeful.

Many have found the answer in veganism, which abstains from consuming and using animal products. It’s a green, holistic way of living that appeals for its pro-planet vegetable diet, pro-health and animal-friendly approach that leaves followers often feeling extremely passionate about their cause.

Veganism is on the rise and with celebrities like Lea Michele, Wendy Williams and long-time advocate Alicia Silverstone spreading awareness, demand and access to vegan products have similarly become more plentiful. Rising concerns over allergies, meat sources and a desire for more sustainably sourced goods, has made the following, on-trend, vegan choices more exciting than ever.

MANDUKA YOGITOES TOWELS

These gorgeously printed, multi-hued yoga towels will inspire you to hit your mat and get your warrior poses ignited. Opt for a color blast, an inspirational motif or a solid color. Eco-friendly, each made from eight upcycled plastic water bottles.

From $64, manduka.com

CROSS BODY MESSENGER BAG

This handmade, luxury designer bag by Ministry of Tomorrow is certified organic and made of 100% animal-free leather, created in eco-friendly facilities that provide fair wages to its workers. What this company does is beyond. While all seven bag styles sport a sleek, black exterior, just open them to reveal a bold interior lining--a Kenyan Afro-funk Maasai Warrior mask pattern!

$230, Télégraphe Cross Body Faux Leather Compact Messenger Bag, ministryoftomorrow.com

VEGAN SOUPS

Well Yes!, a new line of 14 scrumptious soups created by Campbell’s, features four vegan soups with a forward focus on hand-picked veggies. Each one has an unexpected yum factor like the Chickpea and Roasted Red Pepper Soup with its smoked paprika, and the Italian Vegetables with Farro Soup and its touch of fennel—and you can really taste it! What a way to warm your purposeful spirit. #sponsored

$2.69, grocers nationwide, Well Yes! Soups

NEUTRAL KICKERS

Give your gams a boost with this platform wedge of man-made suede with a comfy heel and tons of ankle support. The nude color goes with everything and will become an instant staple in your warm-weather closet.

$32, Janelle Faux Suede Wrap Wedge, vicicollection.com

Flats are getting there moment in the sun, and what a comfortable yet stylish pair to run around town, making your legs look longer and get all your errands done in.

$34, Office Dress Code Pointed Flat, vicicollection.com

KARMALIT CANDLES

These exquisitely scented and eco-friendly sourced soy candles are made to minimize environmental impact while filling your home with a luxurious fragrance you’ll want to burn continuously! My favorite: Wanderlust (sage, lavender, amber) for a woodsy sniff with a touch of floral and Golden State (desert + mountain air and ocean breeze)--plus it's a nod to my roots! Since I burn candles all year and I’m an aromatherapy addict, these are a must.

$12-24, assorted candles, karmalit.com

ESSENTIAL OIL ROLL-ON

Anyone within range of me knows that I've switched my usual perfumes for this essential oil roll-on called Breathe Again, a blend of 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils that includes four types of Eucalyptus, Blue Cypress, Peppermint, Rose Hip, Myrtle and others. It's designed to help you rejuvenate when you need it though intoxicating enough to wear all day...and I honestly cannot get enough. You can see my personal stash is going quickly, and thus the back up; I should become a distributor at the rate I'm going, seriously!

~$35, Breathe Again Roll On, youngliving.com

LUX FLIP FLOPS

These comfy flip flops by Malvados are not only in shade variations of ultra violet--Pantone’s color of the year--but also made of footbeds and straps that are completely vegan, an eco-chic way to skip on the sand. (25 colors available, up to size 12)

$30, Jazzberry (darker purple)/Spotlight (lavender), malvados.com