Here are a few Sonoma County finds that will help you minimize your waste and be a little kinder to the planet.
Copper That’s a Keeper: These vintage pots are both substantial and stunning. Found in a restaurant kitchen in a French village, they are so pretty, you won’t pine for something new. As Elsie Green says, "We believe not making something new is the greenest thing of all." $149-$199 (small-large), Elsie Green, The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, elsiegreen.com
Bubye, Shampoo Bottle: Why use shampoo that comes in a plastic bottle, when you can have an artisan-made bar version instead? Petaluma based Soap Cauldron has mixed cleansing brews in three varieties for different hair types. $7.95, Soft Shell, 18 Kentucky St, Petaluma, 18 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-773-4950, softshellpetaluma.com
Straw Poll: Say yes to sipping, but no to lots of plastic waste. These reusable bamboo straws can be cleaned with a quick boil. $3.95 (per straw), Kindred Fair Trade Handcrafts, 605 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, 707-579-1459, kindredhandcrafts.com
Hummingbird Hosting: Pollinators play an important role in the health of our planet and food supply. The pollinating efforts of hummingbirds often go unsung. Keep them happy with the addition of this copper and glass feeder to your yard. The color of the bottle keeps liquid from fermenting, allowing you to hang this in a sunny area. $45, Potter Green and Company, 23586 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-996-8888, pottergreen.com
Good Wrap: Switch out your bad wrap (plastics and baggies) for some reusable beeswax wraps. These can be cleaned with cool water and gentle soap and they're compostable once they've reach the end of their lifespan. $20, Sports Basement, 1970 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-921-3147, sportsbasement.com
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Living with Linens: Eliminate paper-napkin waste with fine linens. The additional benefit is the beauty and texture you get to experience at every meal. Luscious Linen Design of Penngrove makes these lovely tonal napkins (and many other designs) using fabric from Ulster Mills in Ireland. With gentle washing and drying, linens can lost a long time. Luscious Linen Design recommends damp ironing or forgoing the iron to get a "stylish rumpled look." We definitely recommend the latter! $22, Luscious Linen Design, 11041 Main Street # 166, Penngrove, 415-408-1299, lusciouslinendesign.com
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It’s not always easy being green, but it’s not impossible either. Here are a few Sonoma-based items that will help you minimize your waste and be a little kinder to the planet. It doesn’t hurt that they’re stylish, too. Click though the above gallery for details.
