sustainablesabs

[sustainablesabs]

Howdy 🤠 welcome to my little corner of the internet. I haven’t introduced myself in a minute, so this goes out to the fresh faces around here 💓 Hi! My name is Sabs (she/her), I’m 27, and I’ve lived in Brooklyn for the last 5+ years, but was born and raised in Houston, TX. I’m passionate about intersectional environmentalism, sustainable fashion, slow living, farmers markets, and vegan food, among many other things. I speak fluent French, and a lot of my style is influenced by my family and their stunning hand me downs I’ve accumulated over the years (including but not limited to my Parisian grandmother’s supremely stylish pieces). My hope for this page is to encourage you all to ask questions, find the nuances, and hopefully inspire you to walk a little more lightly on this planet: whether that’s reducing your consumption, bringing your own thermos to the coffee shop, volunteering at a local garden, or exercising your right to vote. I am by no means perfect, so don’t hold me (or any other content creator for that matter) to that standard. Last but not least, I’ve been a lot more open talking about my Jewish culture over the last few years and hope that I’m sharing, you’re able to learn and dispel/unpack your own biases while also observing Jewish joy ✨ (P.S. the first time I heard the term ‘Jewess’ was while watching A Confederacy of Dunces back when I interned @huntingtontheatre. It felt a little weird hearing it in the show, but I decided to reclaim that term for myself, hence the bio description 😌) That’s enough about me tho, there’s 27.8k of you following me!! So please feel free to drop a little note about yourself so I can learn about you too 🫶🏻 Photo by @mingdliu [image description: Sabs wears a green Henley, bike shorts, doc martens and her signature sunglasses + mask chain. She stands with hip cocked and *candidly* (lol) looks off in the distance.] (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CklQI6XOYr3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sustainablesabs]

Officially in my coastal grandma era ✌🏻 In a few days I’m starting a three month #NoNewThings challenge, which means no new clothing, apt decor, kitchen items, etc. If I need anything, I’ll be looking into circular economy options like shopping #secondhand (these shoes are from @depop!), #swapping or acquiring from my Buy Nothing group, or #upcycling as needed. I’ll also be saying no to free/gifted clothing from brands who reach out 🦋 if you wanna learn more about this challenge, check out @ashleepiper’s recent video where she broke down the rules! Life feels so chaotic right now, but doing something tangible like this challenge (while not directly connected to reproductive justice) reminds me that consuming more isn’t going to solve our problems. It allows me to get creative, practice patience, and connect with my community - all traits that are helpful when working towards building change 💓 Anyone else interested in joining? Let me know in the comments so we can keep each other motivated 💪🏻 [image description: a close up, top down view of a pair of woven leather ‘huarache inspired’ sandals on a wooden floor.] https://www.instagram.com/p/CfZFeTmu-5U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#nonewthings #secondhand #swapping #upcycling

[sustainablesabs]

Baby hairs ✔️ Sustainable outfit ✔️ On brand colors ✔️✔️✔️ #EthicalOOTD: 🌱 Dad’s #vintage button down 🌱 @shoparq bralette 🌱 @selvanegra_ pants (rented from @rentintheloop) 🌱 #gifted @adidas made with #recycled ocean plastic Photo by @zahranurbiabani [image description: Sabs runs a hand through her hair while sitting on a marble bench and looking at the camera. She wears a black shirt sleeve button down over an emerald green bralette, two-tone (white and brown) ribbed pants, and white sneakers.] https://www.instagram.com/p/Cell6mTuCvI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#ethicalootd #vintage #gifted #recycled

[sustainablesabs]

This outfit needed a feed moment thank you ✨ #EthicalOutfit details: 🌱 @genusee_official glasses #gifted 🌱 @itsmaryyoung #gifted 🌱 @ilanakohn skort 🌱 @cariuma sneakers #gifted 🌱 #thrifted @ltrainvintage button down 📷 by @joobachi.o [image description: Sabs poses “candidly” 🌝 on a New York step. She wears a black one-shoulder top, a khaki(ish?) skort, and white sneakers.] (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd3gEjGuxoR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#ethicaloutfit #gifted #thrifted

[sustainablesabs]

It’s #companiesthatactuallygiveashit time and in honor of #AAPIHeritageMonth I’m excited to highlight @nguyencoffeesupply 💕 Founded by 1st gen entrepreneur-activist Sahra Nguyen, Nguyen Coffee grows their organic coffee organically at their farm in Da Lat, Vietnam and ship their beans to New York to be roasted in Brooklyn. They even sell adorable #minimalist drip coffee makers (pictured!) that are perfect for camping or travel. ‘We diversify the industry through Vietnamese coffee, elevate resilient robusta as the key to our sustainable coffee future and transform the landscape through economic advancement for both arabica & robusta farmers, globally,’ they say on their website. Check out @nguyencoffeesupply to learn more about their #ecofriendly practices + to try out their coffee 💕🌻☕️ #companiesthatactuallygiveashit started when a zero waste retailer blatantly ignored the community’s concerns around inclusivity, and people were looking to find #sustainable and #BIPOC-led brands. Inspired by @zerowastehabesha’s #RepresentationMattersinSustainability series, the goal is to highlight brands that we should all be supporting, and show that this movement isn’t exclusively for white, upper/middle class women. I have a lot of privilege and want to lend my platform to uplifting brands and voices that have been and continue to make a difference in the world. If you know of any brands you’d like to see highlighted, please tag them in the comments below and I’ll add them to the list 😊😊 [image description: a small metal jar sits atop a glass mug with an ice cube, slowly dripping coffee into the mug.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyG6QFugnP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#companiesthatactuallygiveashit #aapiheritagemonth #minimalist #ecofriendly #sustainable #bipoc #representationmattersinsustainability

[sustainablesabs]

As a #minimalist who low key hates the beach (😅), this is pretty much the only #swimwear I need. Often, the current fashion/trend cycle makes us believe we need more than we *actually* do. From being bombarded with Instagram ‘haul’ videos, to learning about micro plastics in swimwear, consumption can feel hella confusing especially if you’re trying to purchase ethically 💔 So here’s your friendly reminder that the most #sustainable item you can buy is the one you 🌸 don’t 🌸 buy. If you do choose to buy, do what you can to ensure your garments last as long as possible (handwashing when necessary, hanging dry, etc). And find new ways to love your items! These two tops were made for swimming but you can be damn sure I’ll be wearing them as crop tops when it’s too hot to wear anything else 🌝 Has your perspective on consumption changed lately? If so, how? Let me know about your experience in the comments 🌞 [image description: two bathing suit tops sit atop white sheets; one top, purchased #secondhand, is emerald green in color and has shoulder ruffles. The second top, olive green with white polka dots and a cute bow in the front, is from #ethical fashion brand @marahoffman.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdqbwHnuNNh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#minimalist #swimwear #sustainable #secondhand #ethical

[sustainablesabs]

Over the last few weeks in the wake of the Roe v. Wade news out of the Supreme Court, you may have heard of a group called The Jane Collective. ‘Before Roe v Wade made abortion legal, the women of Jane provided safe, illegal, and affordable abortions to nearly 12,000 women in the Chicago area until seven "Janes" were arrested in 1972’ (@JewishWomen’sArchive). Founded by Heather Booth, a Jewish American woman, The Jane Collective supported over 11,000 abortions until they disbanded in 1973 following national abortion legalization. Like Booth, many of The Jane Collective’s leaders were Jewish (in addition, there were a number of women of color at TJC including Lois Smith, a Black woman who joined to provide support for the many BIPOC in need of abortions.) In Judaism, abortion is not only permitted, but required in instances that put the pregnant person’s life at risk. Pikuach Nefesh is a Jewish principle that states that the preservation of life overrides any laws or rules within Judaism. It is for this reason that for Jews, abortion IS health care. Recently, I noticed a lot of people who shared about The Jane Collective, but rarely were their many Jewish identities ever mentioned. In the spirit of #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth, please be mindful not to erase Jewish identities of many women who led this movement 🦋 Check out the Jewish Women’s Archive podcast episode on The Jane Collective to learn more 🌻 [image description: image one has a dark green background with cream colored text that reads ‘The Jane Collective, Jewish American Heritage Month’; image two shows four black and white mug shots of members of The Jane Collective - image courtesy of @jewishwomensarchive] https://www.instagram.com/p/CdgF8u5O1So/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#jewishamericanheritagemonth

[sustainablesabs]

A little bit o this, a little bit o that in my latest YouTube vlog 💕 check the link in bio for some spring joy 🥰 [image descriptions: image 1: a cream colored barrette that kinda looks like a fan sits in textured fabric; video 2 shows Sabs posing for a pic through a phone camera; video 3 shows a close up of beautifully blossomed tree with pink flowers.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdLc5cyOKri/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sustainablesabs]

It’s May 1, which kicks off Jewish American Heritage Month 💁🏻‍♀️ while I’m not a particularly religious person, I do think there’s so much beauty in Jewish traditions, particularly those that connect us to the earth, to one another, and to justice. My goal for this month will be to talk more about the beauty and the joy in being Jewish, rather than antisemitism and the hatred and violence we consistently experience. Cause if there’s anything that bigots hate more, it’s oppressed groups experiencing joy 😘 Stay tuned 🦋 and if you have questions or are curious about anything, let me know in the comments ✨ [image description: on white fabric, a thick gold chain is shown featuring a pendant that says Shalom (Hebrew for hello, goodbye, peace) in the shape of a Star of David.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdBO_3LO0yB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sustainablesabs]

Hi folks 🤠 there are a few new faces around here, so lemme introduce myself: My name is Sabs (she/her), I’m 27 + I live in Brooklyn. I speak fluent French thanks to my Parisian mother 🧥 I’m a content creator and cofounder of @intersectionalenvironmentalist 🦋 and I advocate for + work towards contributing to a more just future for all. My happy place is either the farmers market, or somewhere in the park. I love #Sustainable and #EthicalFashion 👞 at any given point, I am probably wearing a piece of jewelry or article of clothing from my mother/grandmother(s)/aunt (in this pic, I’m wearing grandma’s necklaces 🌝) I also love #vegan food, am a proud Jewess, and will unapologetically hype my friends up every time they tell me about a cool sustainable thing they did recently ❕ (PS where are my climate optimists at? 🙋🏻‍♀️) That’s enough about me - tell me something about you? 🥰 📷 by @kiana.kaz [image description: Sabs stands, leaning forward, while mid laugh and holding a spinach bouquet. She is seen standing before a grey brick wall with bushes at the top.] (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc2xe5ZumbJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#sustainable #ethicalfashion #vegan

[sustainablesabs]

Some spring moments (+ #EthicalOOTDs) from this past week 🥰 Still getting in some R+R time after a busy busy month and I hope y’all are too 😌🦋 [image descriptions: (1) some blooming green and cream flowers, (2) Sabs playing with her hair while sitting in a backyard garden, (3) Sabs takes a selfie posing in front of a beautiful bathroom mirror, (4) close up of a bouquet of lovely red tulips, (5) Sabs looks at the camera and smiles a moment after taking a bite from a pizza square.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcsssLCOflT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#ethicalootds

[sustainablesabs]

It’s Earth Week 🤍 and as much as I want to use this as a chance to rally all of you to take action for the planet... the reality is I’m feeling more burnt out than I ever have before. I’ve ugly cried more times this past week than I’d like to admit, and I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling it 🙇🏻‍♀️ Instagram is a highlight reel, showing you the best of the best aspects of people - but it’s unrealistic to be perfectly happy and motivated and ready to fight the good fight all the time. Planetary health and personal health go hand in hand 🤝 So this Earth week, my only ask if that you take care of you. Reach out to your community if you need support. And remember that we cannot continue pouring from an empty cup 🙏🏻 📷 by @itsalexwee [image description: a not at all candid-candid photo of Sabs wearing a long black skirt, cream polo top, brown cardigan, and docs (all #secondhand) in front of a Brooklyn building.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CciSMYGOqv_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#secondhand

[sustainablesabs]

Sharing this story from the other day to the feed since it seemed to resonate with so many of you 💕 [image description: the following text appears on a dark green background: to be part of the climate justice movement is to fiercely love our fellow humans, to love every plant and tree and fungi and animal, to love the land. At times it feels like hate: hating war, hating government inaction, hating fossil fuel giants. And maybe part of that is true. But I believe if we are to have a just future, we must be rooted in care, empathy, respect, and equity. I’m doing so, we would have no need to hate because we wouldn’t have to face these destructive industries, systems, and practices. Maybe this sounds a little too ‘woo woo’, and I’m not asking us to ignore historic systems of oppression - those must be addressed and remedied. But to me, love feels empowering. When you love something or someone, you want to keep them safe, you put in the work. So if anyone else is struggling right now, I am sending you love and a reminder to take some time for yourself today if you can. Go for a walk, sit and read at a café, whatever you need to fill your cup 💕] https://www.instagram.com/p/CcawtF1ufG4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sustainablesabs]

Patiently (desperately?) waiting for a time I can wear my breezy linen clothing again *without* having to layer a bunch of stuff on top 🙆🏻‍♀️ Fun fact: linen fabric is derived from the flax plant (yup, the same one you get flax seeds from), and is known for getting softer + more comfy every time you wash it. Just make sure to follow the care instructions 😘 PS if you have other fun facts about your favorite fabrics drop them in the comments! 🔥🔥 I love learning about what my clothing is made with 🥺 [image description: close up of a garment tag on a 100% linen olive green blouse.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcNjcuAuFHV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sustainablesabs]

Hi 👋🏻 just here to remind y’all that I’m an #ImperfectEnvironmentalist (we all are!). Sometimes that means I get all my produce at the #FarmersMarket in my reusable bags 🍏🥕🥔🧅 but other times I eat boxed #vegan mac and cheese with leftover broccoli rabe from the bagel shop down the street 🌝🥣🥦 That is all to say: let’s practice grace with one another, and not shame people into this movement (we know that’s never going to work 😳). Spread the word! [image description: close up of a bowl of vegan Mac + cheese with broccoli rabe, sitting atop white fabric.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcDUhKlOwqN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#imperfectenvironmentalist #farmersmarket #vegan

[sustainablesabs]

So. My #SpendingPending / Buy Nothing challenge came to an end as of yesterday ✨ After three months of not buying any clothing, plants, and home decor, I am really grateful for the lessons learned here. Lessons like: 🐛 you don’t need a new outfit for every occasion 🐛 the fashion industry produces SO much waste, and we should reduce consumption accordingly 🐛 limitations lead to creativity - explore the versatility of your wardrobe by trying things on backwards, layering new items together, or styling garments in new ways 🐛 unlearn ‘impulse buying’ by waiting several days or weeks to purchase new items And now for the million dollar question: Sabs, are you gonna big anything now that your challenge is over? I’d like to think that I wouldn’t, but I’d be lying. I bought something yesterday after a few *months* of mulling it over. Stay tuned for upcoming fit pics 💅🏻 How did your #SpendingPending challenge go? Are you still going? What lessons have you learned? Lmk in the comments 🌼 Photo by: @veganbodegacat [image description: Sabs runs a hand through her hair as she looks off into the distance. She wears an all black outfit, leather bag and white sneakers, and stands before a green door in SoHo.] (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb2gD-_uFuj/?utm_medium=tumblr

#spendingpending

[sustainablesabs]

Truly no better feeling than strolling through Brooklyn + finding a gem like this wooden picture frame on the street 😭🙏🏻 Unfortunately home decor/furnishings are some of the least recycled items out there ‼️ That’s why I recommend opting for #secondhand home items before buying new. If you’re looking to decorate, try to prioritize shopping at: ♻️ your local thrift stores ♻️ online marketplaces like craigslist or Facebook, or ♻️ the Buy Nothing group to see if anyone’s old items could serve a new purpose in your home 😌 What are some of your favorite #secondhand home finds? Let me know down in the comments 🪑🧺 [image description: a detailed wooden frame hangs on a white wall and features a black and white @henn_kim print of a woman with flowers growing around her.] (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbfNcOguaQ_/?utm_medium=tumblr

#secondhand