GreenBirdi

If you’ve ever looked at one of our stickers and thought, “Wow… this is giving feminist-fairy-godmother energy,” you’re not wrong. That’s because they came from the brilliant mind of Victoria-based artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative powerhouse Meaghan Lovis.

Meaghan graduated from Concordia University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction. Since then, she’s racked up awards for both printmaking and digital art, and has worked with artists and companies across Canada. But honestly, the reason we love her isn’t just because she’s wildly talented; it’s because of who she is.

Saying “No Thanks” to Hustle Culture

In the summer of 2023, Meaghan launched Phaest, a small but mighty brand built on personal agency, empowerment, and the joy of taking art off the page and into everyday life through apparel and accessories. Phaest is woman-powered, community-minded, and deliciously anti–grind culture. After too many experiences in creative environments that prized productivity over well-being, Meaghan decided she was done with it and set out on her own to create a business rooted in conscious spending, transparency, and genuinely ethical and& sustainable production (her totes are made by a company that runs on 90% solar energy!).

All of Meaghan’s apparel materials meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning every component is tested – and free of – more than 1,000 harmful substances. Her garments are produced in WRAP-certified facilities that partner with the Fair Labor Association, ensuring ethical labour practices, safe working conditions, and a clean, responsible supply chain.

A Queer Woman Changing the Industry From the Inside

As a queer woman in a deeply male-dominated space, Meaghan brings a voice, vision, and lived experience that the design world needs a lot more of.

Her queer identity in business gives her the chance to be open, generous, and collaborative in a field that tends to encourage secrecy and gatekeeping around success. As a successful entrepreneur, Meaghan believes in sharing knowledge, supporting others, and breaking down barriers that discourage transparency and pressure people to keep their achievements behind closed doors.

The Art: Whimsical, Subversive & Perfectly Phaest

Meaghan’s style blends her traditional fine-arts background with digital design, creating pieces that feel like they’re floating between enchanting and provocative. Expect soft, endearing imagery on the surface with feminist bite just underneath.

This blend is exactly why her work translates so beautifully into our sticker collab. They’re sweet, empowering, a little cheeky, and very “stick this on your water bottle so everyone knows you support cool women doing cool things.”

Why We Chose Meaghan (And Why We’d Do It Again)

At GreenBirdi, we partner with businesses and makers who align with our values: community care, ethical production, cultural respect, and small-business magic. Meaghan does all of that and brings a refreshing honesty and tenderness to the way she builds her business.

Working with her has felt like collaborating with a friend… someone who cares just as deeply about the meaning behind the work as she does about the art itself.

Check Out the Sticker Collab

Our Phaest x GreenBirdi stickers are dreamy, bold, ethical, and ready to be lovingly slapped onto laptops, journals, water bottles & bumpers everywhere (they’re outdoor-proof!).

Shop your values and our sticker collection.

Author: Olivia Tognela

Is your t-shirt bad for the planet? The answer is likely yes. Most of what we wear in fast fashion is made in ways which don't support the environment or community. Clothing is shipped long distances, resulting in high energy use and emissions. It is often made in low-income countries in sweatshops, resulting in exploitation. And then, at the end of its life, it usually ends up in a landfill. Sometimes, before then, if somebody ends up with something that doesn't fit.

There are things you can do, including recycling clothing, but upcycling and thrifting can make a huge difference. Not only that, but it can help you achieve a more unique look, rather than feeling as if you are wearing what a fashion marketer decided you wanted.

What is Upcycling and Why Does it Matter?

First, upcycling is not the same thing as recycling. Recycling is reducing textiles into parts and then reusing those materials. Upcycling is using parts of an item of clothing in different ways.

Waste is a significant issue. 6% of the discarded plastics in Canada are textiles or apparel. And that is only the plastic; it doesn't count natural fibres that may also have been discarded. With new apparel production having a high carbon footprint about 10% of global carbon emissions it's imperative to reuse more textiles.

Upcycling is a creative and fun way to do that. You can upcycle clothes into art or for all kinds of other purposes. Textiles that can't be used for anything else are good as cleaning rags. Having a rag basket for completely worn-out clothing is old-fashioned, but valuable, and can save paper.

The Magic of Thrifting - Treasure Hunting for Style

Older clothes are often better made than current fast fashion. Shopping second hand not only helps the environment but also allows you to buy better clothes for less money. Some thrift stores are non-profits and can help the community. Others encourage people to sell their unwanted clothes rather than throwing them away.

You do need to be smart when thrifting. Many donated clothes are not in good condition. Here are some tips for smart thrifting:

1. If you find a fantastic item that doesn't quite fit, consider upcycling, getting it tailored, or even learning to make simple alterations yourself.

2. Know what materials last the longest. Ballistic nylon lasts the longest, but it is not typically what you will find. Polyester and nylon are the most durable, as are cotton polyester blends. Don't dismiss that lovely wool but know that it might not last as long (wool should also be washed less frequently). Denim is also durable because of its twill weave.

3. Know where to shop. Local thrift stores are often the best option because you can try things on and examine them closely. Online marketplaces are a little riskier but can provide good deals.

Thrifting supports your community and reduces demand for new production, so it's great for the environment. It's also fantastic for your style, giving you access to pieces that aren't "in style this week" but "in style for you."

Upcycling Ideas to Transform Your Wardrobe

Think about the t-shirt we mentioned at the start. T-shirts often wear out in the armpits or around the collar, and many are discarded while still having their screen-printed art intact. You can collect a bunch of old t-shirts, cut the art, and sew them together into a quilt. If you have something sentimental, such as an old band shirt, you can even frame it.

Another way to upcycle is to repair things in ways that look cool. A torn pair of jeans can be mended. Or it can be patched with cloth cut from another worn-out item of clothing, with intentional contrast.

Have a shirt that is no longer well-fitting let's say your size went up, but it didn't. Cut complementary fabric, open the side seams, and expand it. This is also a way to turn your favourite shirt into a maternity shirt.

Worn-out knit sweaters can be turned into scarves, cowls, or even mittens. Old t-shirts can also be knotted into headbands or bracelets. There are all kinds of ways to change the size of clothing, repair it, or use it to make other things.

You can also swap out buttons. A new shirt with plain buttons might pop better if you switch them for the sparkly ones on a worn-out shirt. Jeans that are now more worn than is fashionable? Crop them into shorts. Denim also makes great bags, especially if you add some pretty embroidery.

Faded clothing can be revived with dye, which is easy to do yourself. You can also consider dyeing that gift from someone who knew your size, but not one you would never wear in that shade of pink. Dyeing is also a good way to turn a thrifted item into something you will genuinely love.

And don't forget that you can combine upcycling and thrifting. Thrift an item that's too small and then use upcycled fabric to enlarge it. Or combine a vintage dress with modern accessories for a unique look.

Sustainable Style on Any Budget

Eco-fashion can seem expensive, but it really isn't. Fast fashion is cheaper in the long run because flimsy clothing wears out quickly, not to mention the cost of buying something. After all, it's the closest you can find, and then you never actually wear it because it wasn't what you wanted. Fast fashion is one-size-fits-all, and that is not how people work.

If you aren't sure where to start, set yourself a sustainable style challenge and get some accountability from your friends. Say, put together one thrifted outfit per month. Or pull one piece of worn clothing and do something with it.

Second hand clothing is of higher quality for the same price, and upcycling can reduce the amount of clothing you buy, and in the long term, you might even save money.

How GreenBirdi Supports Conscious Living

Our mission at GreenBirdi is to promote sustainability, equality, and empowerment. Upcycling and thrifting support our mission by protecting the environment and reducing demand for fast fashion, which is often produced in sweatshops. This all goes hand in hand with our fantastic range of curated beauty products that will help you shine.

Small items make huge differences. Thrift clothing, supporting women-led brands, and choosing eco-conscious products are more effective than you think. Join the flock to create collective change.

Fashion that Feeds the Soul (and Saves the Planet)

Fashion doesn't have to be cookie-cutter. It can be expressive and ethical, and entirely you, while still being affordable on any budget. Do you have neat looks that are thrifted, upcycled, or both? Share them on social media with the hashtag #GreenBirdiStyle to show off your look and inspire others.

Style shines brighter when it's kind to the planet and it's better for you, too. Make simple changes and look good today and tomorrow and check out GreenBirdi's range of beauty products to complete your ethical, eco-conscious look.

The average woman in Canada spends a total of 2.8 hours a day on unpaid household upkeep. This is a significant amount of time invested, and it helps explain why so many people spend so much time thinking about the household cleaning products they use to get the job done. In recent years, eco-friendly household cleaning products have become increasingly popular as families and individuals alike have grown in environmental awareness and recognize some of the health risks that can come from using traditional products.

This is why we want to offer you some simple tips to incorporate green cleaning into your everyday routine. We know that these tips work, and we want you to have the opportunity to apply them to your own life. 

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?

You aren't just trying to be trendy or politically correct when you select eco-friendly cleaning products. Instead, you are deliberately choosing to provide your household with some of the best household cleaning products on the market. 

Here are some additional reasons why you should choose eco-friendly cleaning products:

• Healthy Choice for You and Your Family - Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies, irritate your skin, and even lower the air quality in your home. Meanwhile, eco-friendly products do not contain those same chemicals, helping you avoid potential reactions. 

• The Environmentally Friendly Choice - Clearly, one reason so many gravitate towards eco-friendly cleaning products is that they want to do right by the planet. These products are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable. Thus, they are the ideal choice for those who want to do right by the planet. 

Not only that, but you are showing your support for responsible companies when you purchase these products. When you make sustainable purchases, you put your dollars into action, which can help those companies grow. 

Easy Swaps to Start Your Green Cleaning Journey

Trying something new always involves a learning curve, and this is true of the cleaning products you use as well. If you are curious about making the switch to eco-friendly products, do so in small steps to make the transition as easy as possible. 

Here are a few small steps that you can take in the right direction: 

• Switch from a standard all-purpose cleaning to a plant-based spray 

• Instead of using traditional dish soap, try a biodegradable formula

• Move away from sponges and try reusable microfiber cloths instead

These are the types of moves you can make to get yourself away from traditional cleaning products and into more environmentally friendly options.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Cleaning a Habit

Anyone can clean their home once in an environmentally friendly manner, but keeping up the habit is an entirely different story. It requires you to take precise measures to keep this habit going strong. Once those measures are taken, you will naturally begin to fall into routines that have you cleaning your home in an eco-friendlier manner all the time. 

A few of the habits that you can put into motion today include: 

• Buy in Bulk and Reuse Containers - It is essential to purchase products in bulk, not only for your wallet, but also because doing so means you aren't constantly buying single-use products that contribute to waste. It is also true that you can reuse bulk containers to get even more life and utility out of them. 

• Use Concentrated Formulas - Purchase products with concentrated formulas to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. Products such as laundry powder can be purchased in concentrated formulas and are a better alternative for the environment than the liquid forms of these products. Plus, you can save some money by purchasing concentrated formulas for many products. Win-win. 

• Set a Routine You Can Stick To - One of the biggest motivators to keep going on your eco-friendly cleaning journey is to set a cleaning routine you can stick to. When you have a method for cleaning up, you will find it easier to stick to it. It won't seem like a burden to use eco-friendly products to clean, because they will already be such a central part of your process. 

It is fantastic to see what even the smallest of changes can do to help you create habits that are literally life changing. Remember, you don't have to move the entire mountain all at once. Instead, focus on making small, but meaningful, changes to your routine to achieve the results you need. 

Beyond Your Home: The Bigger Impact of Green Cleaning

The changes that you make to your cleaning routine have impacts that extend beyond your own household. That is where this process begins, but your actions will also have a direct effect on the outside world. The eco-friendly products that you use reduce environmental harm for everyone. It might seem like a small step, but it makes a significant contribution to your overall impact on the world around you. 

To multiply the positive impact, you have on the environment, consider involving your family and friends as well. Let them know how important it is to start using eco-friendly cleaning products as much as possible. Offering them a little nudge in the right direction, like this, can provide them with just the encouragement they need to make the right choices. 

Start Small, Make a Big Difference

Take a small step in the right direction today, and watch as the tiny steps you take add up to significant results. Start by swapping out one traditional cleaning product you currently use for an eco-friendly alternative that is better for the environment and your family. Continue this process, and before you know it, your entire cleaning routine will have moved to a more environmentally friendly standard.

Check out our full range of eco-friendly cleaning products today and start using the ones that can have the most immediate impact on your daily life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why choose eco-friendly cleaners?

They’re safer for your family and better for the planet, free from harsh chemicals and biodegradable.

2. How do I start green cleaning?

Make small swaps: plant-based sprays, biodegradable dish soap, and reusable microfiber cloths.

3. Are eco-friendly products effective?

Yes! Many work just as well as traditional cleaners while reducing environmental impact.

4. How can I stick to eco-friendly habits?

Buy in bulk, use concentrated formulas, and set a simple cleaning routine.

5. Does it really make a difference?

Absolutely! Small changes reduce waste, support sustainable brands, and help protect the environment.

They’re in your makeup, toilet paper, shampoo and even in your microwave popcorn. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are designed to resist water, oil, and stains, but what they don’t resist is time. These synthetic compounds linger in our bodies and our environment for decades, raising red flags about their impact on human health, wildlife, and the planet. The scariest part? You’re probably using them every single day without realizing it.

What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals and have been in use since the 1950s. They persist in their current form because they contain a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. This is a powerful bond, one of the strongest in chemistry.

In the 1930s, PFAS chemistry was discovered, and by the 1950s, they were in everyday use, made using electrochemical fluorination (EFC) or fluorotelomerization. There are a variety of PFAS substances, which include:

• Side-chain fluorinated polymers

• Perfluoroalkyl acids

• Polyfluoroalkyl surfactants

The risk of these chemicals became apparent in the 1990s. In the 2000s, a variety of long-chain PFAS (the most persistent) were phased out, with companies moving to replace them with nonfluorinated chemicals. This included PFOS, PFOA and their precursors. However, these substances remain in the environment and in certain household goods, many of which people tend to keep around for extended periods, extending the problem into the future.

Where Are Forever Chemicals Found in Consumer Products?

Forever chemicals are most often used in three specific areas in consumer products, and one more that is of concern for everyone. 

Household Items

Some of your most used household items may include PFAS. Primarily, PFAS are found in non-stick cookware such as Teflon and in stain-resistant carpets and furniture. Because non-stick cookware is obviously in contact with food, it's one of the ways PFAS can get into your body.

Personal Care Products

PFAS may be found in a variety of personal care products, including:

• Toilet paper

• Feminine hygiene products

• Waterproof makeup

• Waterproof sunscreens

• Shampoo

• Dental floss

Food Packaging

PFAS are often used in fast food wrappers and are also found in microwave popcorn bags, where they are often used to keep the bag from catching fire in the microwave.

Clothing and Outdoor Gear

Many rain jackets and rain pants contain PFAS. You might also find them in stain-repellent clothing and in some other outdoor gear, including tents.

Firefighting Foam

The most effective firefighting foam contains PFAS. Unfortunately, this results in exposure for firefighters. A lot of work is being done on making firefighting foam that is PFAS-free but still effective.

The Hidden Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS can enter the human body through ingestion, absorption, or inhalation. Ingestion is a particular concern given the use of PFAS in cookware and food wrappers. They can also enter drinking water, from which they are challenging to remove, and contaminate the watershed in general, affecting fish. PFAS exposure is generally low, and PFAS are eventually excreted from the body through urine and menstruation. Unfortunately, PFAS are also commonly excreted through breast milk, exposing infants.

Vulnerable Populations

The following populations are particularly vulnerable to PFAS:

• Women and others who can become pregnant. PFAS are linked to disruptions in reproductive hormones, causing problems when pregnant and, as already mentioned, PFAS can be excreted in breastmilk.

• Children. Very young children are more vulnerable to PFAS exposure in general due to their tendency to put everything in their mouths.

• Marginalized communities. Marginalized communities are more likely to be downstream of PFAS-producing facilities and closer to contaminated water sources. This particularly impacts Indigenous communities and low-income neighbourhoods.

Long-Term Health Risks

Although PFAS are generally eventually excreted, there are indicators that they might be connected to a variety of long-term health risks, which include:

• Cancer, particularly of the kidney or testicles. There may also be links with breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate, thyroid cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukemia. Risks are highest for people employed in the production of PFAS-containing products.

• Fertility issues caused by hormonal disruption. These issues primarily affect women and lower the rate of both conception and live birth.

• Immune system dysregulation and suppression. PFAS have been shown to reduce antibody response after vaccination.

• Liver and kidney damage.

Studies continue to find links between PFAS and all kinds of health problems.

Environmental Impact

PFAS in water and soil can contaminate crops, drinking water, and the water consumed by wildlife. These chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, having the worst impact on apex predators. This environmental impact primarily occurs when PFAS-containing products are spilled or disposed of.

It can also be emitted into the air, and we currently lack a reliable sampling method or an effective way to track its impact on air quality. Fish can be a significant source of exposure for both humans and animals that eat fish.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

So, how can you reduce PFAS exposure? These chemicals can be complex to avoid, but here are some practical tips:

• Avoid non-stick cookware. Choose ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel instead. There are also some newer non-stick technologies being developed that don't use PFAS.

• Read labels on all of your cosmetics and cleaning products. Learn what these chemicals are called. For example, trifluoro propyl, triethoxysilane, and polytetrafluoroethylene are all PFAS chemicals that can be found in cosmetics. The EWG Skin Deep database is a great resource.

• Filter your drinking water using an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Note that these filters are also the best way to deal with lead.

• Choose clothing, outdoor gear, and home products that use other methods to resist stains and water.

• Be careful when disposing of older household products that might contain PFAS.

Look for PFAS-free certified products. Check for certificates from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or GreenScreen. Always double-check any certification to make sure it's solid.

Avoiding PFAS is not just about protecting your health. It's about supporting the entire environment.

How GreenBirdi Protects You from Forever Chemicals

You can trust us to protect you, your family, and the environment from dangerous forever chemicals. We vet every product through our CARES Framework (Cultural sustainability, Authentic wellbeing, Regenerative ecosystems, Equitable economics, and Social responsibility), and that includes checking for the use of PFAS and other harmful chemicals. We give our products the GreenBirdi Seal of Approval, showing that they are free from chemicals and are not greenwashed.

We also prioritize women-led and Indigenous-owned suppliers, choosing partners who advocate for safe, clean, and responsible practices. Shop GreenBirdi to know and trust that you are selecting products that are safe for you and the planet.