Earthlove Review Summer 2020

Earthlove is an eco-friendly lifestyle subscription box full of clean and safe food, beauty, wellness, and home products that aims to make living sustainably and healing the planet easier. They kindly sent us this box for review.

Earthlove sources products that are ethically and environmentally responsible, including zero waste packaging, natural ingredients, organic and non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, beegan/vegan, and fair-trade. Earthlove also supports artisans, makers, and small businesses in the US & Canada as well as companies making a difference around the world.

Each seasonal Earthbox is packed with 6-8 full-sized sustainable + eco-friendly products by the world’s best eco-conscious makers. Boxes may include one book, apothecary & botanical wellness, tea & healthy snacks, beauty & skincare, plastic-free swaps and other earth-friendly items along with a magazine with tips and ideas to live more mindfully with the earth.

Their packaging is mindful and sustainable too! The boxes, stickers, and packaging materials are 100% post-consumer, biodegradable, and created with environmentally-friendly algae-based inks—the most non-harmful inks available.

Also, every box supports a cause! Every season they partner with environmental non-profits who protect, restore, conserve the natural world and protect our ecosystems.

Subscription Details

Earthlove is $59.99 per quarter for quarterly or annual subscriptions. Shipping is a flat rate of $4.95 ($20USD to Canada, $35USD for international) or free US shipping with all annual subscriptions. New boxes are shipped on the 15th of each month at the beginning of the quarter (March, June, September & December). and will arrive to subscribers within 10 business days after shipping.

Summer Box Details

“Bringing about change is never easy, but the ground is finally beginning to shift. It is important to stand strong and keep trying, to keep doing your best and speaking up for what matters most. This season the Earthlover community voted to help save monarch butterflies, a species that has been devastated by climate change, and it seems fitting to be helping conserve these beautiful butterflies who symbolize hope, endurance, and transformation. The makers behind the items in this box have all thought about how they could help improve the world and make things better for people and planet, whether that is using reclaimed materials, reducing microfiber, or inventing new packaging technologies to fight single-use plastic. A number of members wanted something to pass the time during the shelter-in-place mandates, so we put together an exclusive DIY kit just for you featuring lovely sea-tumbled sea glass and ceramics. We are improving, too, and now offer a carbon offset on all orders and memberships-the only subscription box to do so! I hope that this box helps you and inspires you this season and beyond. Stay safe and in good spirits!”

Here’s a look at what’s in this quarter’s Earthlove box ($170.45 total value):

Box Insert

Each quarterly box includes a box magazine that is filled with tips, DIY, inspiration, and stories to help you live more mindfully with the Earth. It’s really nicely designed and it’s even eco-friendly as it’s printed on FSC-certified paper using waterless printing technology. This quarter the magazine includes a meet the maker article from jewelry designer & diver Szilvia Gogh; an article about reusing skateboards to craft wood goods; A 3 questions piece with Keith, the founder of Kokoa Botanics; an article looking behind the scenes of a natural hair salon; Changing the industry – how to find better ways to snack; information on reducing plastics and microfibers; information on what exactly is organic cotton; a look this month’s cause partner which happens to be the The Xerces Society that helps save Monarchs and a bit of earth wisdom on creating a garden sactuary. So much goodness!

Book of the Season: ECOrenaissance ($xx)

“ECOrenaissance provides inspiring tips and tricks for how to live and shop in harmony with nature without sacrificing style or luxury, and how best to benefit from the current renaissance-a global rebirth of sustainable economics, progressive ethics, and green culture-through the wisdom of eco-entrepreneurs, green fashion designers, organic food purveyors, and innovative leaders of this new movement.”

This season’s book (as an FYI there is always a book included in each box) is a book about the subject of eco fashion. It was a community chosen book by vote. I didn’t vote for this book and was hoping a different one would be chosen, but not because this doesn’t sound interesting. It does actually seem like a good book and is full of information and resources that go beyond just fashion and cover other areas too. I’m sure it will be a helpful tool as I continue my life greenify-ing journey.

Wudn Sunglasses ($40)

“Designed especially for nature lovers, woodland wanderers, and tree huggers by Cameron Christian and his team in Hidden Springs, ID, these eco-chic wooden sunglasses are the latest in sustainable fashion! These sunglasses are a mix of black walnut wood with bio-acetate frames, a new type of natural material that is plastic free and made from renewable resources that are biodegradable and recyclable. Each pair is made from sustainably-sourced wood form FSC-certified forests and fitted with CR-39, UV-400 polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection. The lenses are also scratch resistant and anti-glare. They make the perfect accessory for catching some summer rays!”

The perfect summer accessory! Of course sunglasses are useful year round, but they are especially necessary in the summer so this is a perfect item for a summer themed box. I love that these are really neutral and unisex so anyone could wear them anywhere. I also love the thoughtfulness that went into the materials chosen to make these. Very cool that the frames are biodegradable. The wood that’s used for the arms is a subtle and dark stained wood that blends well with the frame too.

Kokoa Botanics Body Butter Bar ($15)

“This all-natural nourishing body butter blends together citrus, coconut oils, cocoa butter, arrowroot, shea butter, and essential oils to create a bright, moisturizer for the skin full of antioxidants, fatty acids, and antibacterial properties-great for hydrating sun-damaged skin and helpful to prevent the look of aging. Simply push up on the plastic-free tube to apply and keep out of direct sunlight (or it’ll melt!).”

I love discovering plastic free products that traditionally would be contained in some kind of plastic so this is a super fun item. It’s perfect for parched summer skin and also perfect timing to receive since it’s plastic-free-July! It smells really good – like coconuts mixed with a hint of orange and chocolate. I almost want to eat it haha. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel greasy either. This is super handy for taking on the go and for any travel since it’s not liquid.

LesserEvil Organic Popcorn ($1.25)

“Community Item Pick! The 100% guilt-free popcorn. Made with a blend of organic nonGMO popcorn, organic coconut oil, Himalayan salt, and a plant-based alternative to butter, this light and fluffy popcorn is a delicious vegan snack you can enjoy anytime. Low in fat and calories, this healthy snack is a joy whenever you need to satisfy a snack craving! From one of the first snack companies to use biodegradeable packaging, this bag will break down naturally over time.”

This popcorn is the best! I really like this brand and all their popcorns. This one is made with butter-flavored coconut oil and Himalayan salt and all ingredients are organic. This is a great and quick snack and this package is the perfect size for bringing along anywhere you go.

Gogh Jewelry Zero Waste Scuba Necklace ($29)

“This lovely upcycled necklace is handmade using scuba parts by renowned leader in the diver community, inductee into the Divers’ Hall of Fame, and artisan Szilvia Gogh from California. This piece is part of her Zero Waste Project Collection, which repurposes normally-discarded bits of scuba gear to create beautiful and wearable one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition to the scuba parts, the necklace also features a pretty Amazonite stone (known as the “hope” stone).”

I really enjoy minimalist jewelry so this necklace is perfect for my style! Not to mention, turquoise is one of my favorite colors so the Amazonite stone used makes it even better. This is great for every day wear and is neutral enough to match anything. I love that it’s recycled materials come from scuba gear so wearing it is almost a reminder to think about your impact on the earth and especially the oceans.

No Trace Sandwich Bag ($9)

“Handcrafted by Liz in Santa Cruz, California, this GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton sandwich bag is good for both people and planet and the perfect alternative to ziplock bags! Useful for hikes, walks in the woods, work, or anywhere else you enjoy yummy things, this bag can hold nuts, grapes, pretzels, popcorn, or your favourite go-to snack (and sandwiches, of course!). Also makes a great for carrying cutlery or a reusable straw. To open, just fold the top edge over. Then fold it closed again once full.”

Such a cute sandwich bag! I think there were a few different patterns you might receive and I’m so glad I got this colorful whale pattern. Swapping out single use plastic bags is such a great place to start when trying to reduce waste so this is perfect to add to my collection. I love that it’s made with organic cotton so I can feel good about it touching my food. It’s great that even though it’s designed for sandwiches, it can be used to hold so many other things too.

Cora Ball Reusable Clips ($9.85)

“We know you are doing your best to reduce waste at home. Nevertheless, there are some products that come in an inevitable bag. plastic, paper or foil. While we all have a motley of rubber bands, plastic clips, and twist ties lying around sometimes they just don’t do the trick. Made of sustainably sourced Baltic birch and laser cut in Vermont by the creators of the Cora Ball-a nifty laundry ball that catches microplastics in laundry – Bubbe Clips are a natural alternative to plastic bag clips. With these clips you can re-close your paper, foil and plastic bags to keep food fresh. They are also great for camping and picnics!”

This is one item that I hadn’t realized there might be a plastic free alternative for. That’s one thing I really like about subscription boxes, that they send you new things to discover. These seem really handy and can be used for fold top or twist top bags. They are made entirely of wood and have such a simple and sleek design.

Earthlove Sea Found Kit ($25)

“With many of us sheltering in place at home, we’re bringing the ocean to you! Working with beachcombers in Hawaii, California, and Japan, we’ve put together an upcycled DIY craft kit exclusive to Earthlove members, featuring genuine sea-tumbled sea glass, vintage ceramics (some as old as 120 years old!), and natural soft driftwood. These beautiful pieces have been tossed by the waves for years, turning what was once trash into unique ocean art. Now you can make your very own suncatcher or home decor! ”

This is so cool! It’s a craft kit to inspire creativity and is filled with shore-washed sea finds. Each kit is uniquely different and beautiful. Mine has a lovely and soft piece of drift wood, a few pieces of sea glass including a piece of sea pottery that has a pretty pattern on it. It makes me wonder what it’s history is. It also includes a few beads and some twine to help create a piece of art or wall hanging. I love, love, love the ocean so anything that inspires or reminds me of it is more than welcome in my home. I can’t wait to get creative and make something beautiful!

Mystic Ginger Apothecary Botanical Hair Oil ($15)

“Handmade by herbalist and licensed hairdresser Kellie in Blackwood, New Jersey, this botanical hair oil is a nourishing blend of organic Safflower, California Poppy, Violet Flower, Elder Flower, and Calendula infused with the hair-loving Apricot, Jojoba and Avocado oils. By enhancing circulation, this hair oil stimulates hair growth, strengthens hair and can also help reduce frizz in the summer beat. How to Use: Once per week before hopping in the shower, split your hair into two equal parts and add several drops to your hand. Rub them together and massage the oil into your scalp in a circular motion. For long hair, run your hands through the length of your hair starting from your scalp. If your ends feel dry, add more oil until they look shiny. Shampoo after use within 8 hours.”

I’ve never actually tried a hair treatment oil like this before so this will be so fun to test out. Hair can get frizzy and dry in the summer heat so this ought to be super nourishing and hydrating. I love that it’s made with super simple and natural ingredients and that it seems really easy to use too. It doesn’t really have a scent that I can pick up and has a nice lightweight texture. I’ve recently decided to grow my hair out a bit, so this will be fun to test out while I’m doing so.

Bonus: Milkweed Seed Packet

“Your box supports monarch butterfly conservation this season with The Xerces Society.”

Butterflies are such a nice part of the summer season and monarchs are especially beautiful. It makes me so sad that they are endangered because of the lack of access to milkweed plants, a necessary plant for their growth. This month’s box purchases support a monarch conservation group so I love that these seeds are also included so each recipient can do their part to help the monarchs by planting them in their yard too!

Earthlove Review Summer 2020 – Final Thoughts

This is one of my most favorite subscription boxes! This is only the second Earthbox I’ve reviewed, but the contents have always been the best. It’s really important for me to be eco-minded with my purchases and consumption so I really appreciate that this box aligns with my values. Speaking of value, it is always such a good value in terms of what’s inside it too. This month (and always) it’s packed to the brim with useful tools and fun items to try. The contents are always unique and different too so they cover any categories one might be interested in or need at the moment. Generally the items are always mindful of waste and plastic use, but I particularly like that there are some zero-plastic items included this month since it’s Plastic-Free-July. I appreciate that Earthbox is quarterly (cuts down on waste too!), but on the flip-side I can hardly wait until the next one comes. Looking forward to seeing what the fall selection has in store!

The Botanic Gal – http://www.botanicgal.com