We’ve carried these sustainable handbags and purses everywhere from errands to dinners out — these are our top picks for materials, construction, and price. 👜

As consumers, we’re passionate about knowing whether the people who make our clothes and accessories earn fair wages and work in safe, ethical conditions. Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite brands that check those boxes — and make gorgeous eco-friendly totes, handbags, and weekenders for everyday use, summer travels, and beyond.

Why carry ethical handbags?

Carrying ethical handbags isn’t just about being trendy — it’s about making a statement with your style. When you opt for ethical handbags, you’re saying no to unethical practices like animal cruelty and exploitative labor. Plus, you’re supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices through conscious fashion choices.

Some of our listed bags and purses are American-made while others are upcycled. The list includes vegan totes and artisan-made handbags, too! (And for second-hand designer bags, check out Vestiaire Collective!)

Our criteria

Our editors have worn, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands for sustainable handbags. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.

• SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | Each of these handbags are made using sustainable materials like upcycled leather, recycled fabrics, and eco-friendly materials, while minimizing waste and excess production in their manufacturing.
• CONSTRUCTION | Artisan craftsmanship and heritage techniques are employed in the making of many of these handbags, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting while looking and feeling luxurious.
• AFFORDABILITY | If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck as we’ve made sure to include affordable sustainable handbag options on this list.
• ETHICS | Each of these sustainable brands are intentional when it comes to sourcing and manufacturing their handbags, employing cruelty-free practices, and ensuring safe and fair working conditions for their employers.

If you’re looking to update more of your wardrobe, check out our fair trade clothing guide, our roundup of sustainable shoe brands, and our ethically made jewelry guide!

Best Overall | Best Vegan | Most Affordable 

1. Sézane

B corp

FSC

GOTS certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Bucket bags, raffia bags
Price Range | $160–$475

Sézane creates timeless pieces that also respect the planet and its people. This certified B Corp uses majority natural and sustainable materials, including raffia, chrome-free leather, and cotton, for its gorgeous collection of bags, wallets, and baskets. (Many can also be personalized!) Throughout production, the team’s efforts are powered by renewable energy and sent in eco-friendly packaging (ships internationally). To date, Sézane has gifted more than five million euros to support education and equal opportunity for children.

Shop Sézane

2. Cuyana

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Elegant styles, monogramming
Price Range | $128–$548

Cuyana lives by a simple mantra: “Fewer, better.” The brand believes that style is more important than fashion, and quality trumps quantity. You’ll rarely see our editor without her caramel Easy Tote from Cuyana. (She’s always been a proponent of big bags, and is glad they’re back in style and so, so chic!) Cuyana creates artisan leather bags for the modern person, with soft neutral colors and enough space for just what you need. The brand also believes in one of our favorite concepts — the Lean Closet — and provides a free shipping label (available internationally!) with every domestic online order, so that you can fill a box with used clothes and receive a credit. Be more intentional, sustainable, and live by “fewer, better.”

Cuyana Review | “Just received this bag today. As a writer and teacher, I am always looking for a bag that can carry a book, journal, pens, and whatever else I need to carry. This bag is perfect. While my 13-inch pro laptop fits, the computer’s industrial weight feels too heavy to carry in this purse — let alone any purse. I am glad I settled on this shoulder bag, even though I had been needing a crossbody. However, when I tried on the bag today, the longest shoulder strap length fits comfortably as a short, close-to-the-chest crossbody. I am so glad that I purchased this. It solves all the issues that I had kept encountering as I was looking for the right bag for over a year.” – Natalie (See all reviews)

Shop Cuyana

3. Allégorie

American made

Cruelty free

Fair trade

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Small business

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Vegan, plant-based leather
Price Range | $198–$575

Vegan leather made from … food waste? We’re listening! Allégorie creates beautiful wallets and bags from plant-based food byproducts, saving the landfill from an excess of GHG emissions. Materials include apple, pineapple, and cactus, which provide the beautiful texture and feel of leather without harming any animals (or using petroleum-based plastics!). The small batch, women-owned brand makes all their goods in NYC, offering fair wages and full compensation with benefits to their workers in Queens. In addition to their ethical practices and eco-friendly materials, their bags are gorgeous.

Shop Allégorie

4. Quince

Budget friendly

GOTS certified

Natural materials

Vegan

Best For | Affordable leather bags
Price Range | $40–$130

Quince makes “affordable luxury” a reality. Using certifications — like OEKO-TEX, BSCI, and GOTS — as well as sustainable packaging whenever possible, the team refuses to sacrifice ethics and sustainability for affordability. You can find Italian leather and vegan crossbody purses, belt bags, totes, and even toiletry bags and travel jewelry cases to help keep you organized all day long. Ships to the US.

Quince Review | “Great quality product, the leather is really soft. Very versatile, I can see this going with many outfits. it’s big enough to fit all the essentials and still very elegant.” – Emily B. (See all reviews)

Shop Quince

5. Pixie Mood

1% for the planet

BIPOC Owned

Budget friendly

Cruelty free

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | On-trend vegan bags, wallets
Price Range | $36–$137

Pixie Mood’s handbags are socially responsible, sustainable, and stylish. Since 2010, this brand has crafted functional and fun bags made from recycled and solvent-free vegan leather. Based out of Canada (shipping available to Canada and the US!), Pixie Mood has gained worldwide recognition for its standout products — RFID-equipped wallets and cases, monogrammed pouches, and chic crossbodies. With dozens of styles and every color of the rainbow, you’ll be sporting one of these pieces for years to come.

Pixie Mood Review | “I love my new crossbody bag—perfect size for my phone, a small wallet, and a couple of small misc items. The color I chose, blueberry wrinkled, is fun and great for day-to-day wearing. Thanks, Pixie Mood, for making fashionable vegan bags!” – Kim E. (See all reviews)

Shop Pixie Mood

6. Baggu

Budget friendly

FSC

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Durable, everyday bags
Price Range | $14–$78

To give you a sense of how much we love Baggu, our Senior Editor uses a Baggu crescent bag daily and totes a reusable Baby Baggu within it. We love the brand’s thoughtful attention to the materials, production, and design (read more here). Baggu’s reusable totes are cut from a continuous piece of nylon material, and then the waste is used to make handy carrying pouches. Its factories in China are audited yearly by a third party, ensuring safe, fair working conditions. You can even send your bag back to be recycled! This is our go-to bag for just about everything — grocery shopping, beach days, road trips, laundry hauls. Hot tip: It makes for the most fun (and affordable!) gift. Worldwide shipping available!

7. ABLE

B corp

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Handcrafted leather bags
Price Range | $48–$398

Handcrafted with durable leather in Brazil (and a few upcycled leather options as well), ABLE’s versatile handbags, purses, and backpacks are made to last a lifetime. Available in a number of sizes and styles, these bags are designed with organization in mind, helping you stash your must-haves in the available front pockets and interior slots — it’s perfect for your keys, wallet, phone, and makeup. Choose from premium pebbled leather, in a variety of colors for a touch of sophistication to any outfit.  

ABLE Review | “Love This Bag!! Soft leather, unique knotted handles, long strap option. It’s the perfect size and a casual stylish shape, has useful pockets, smooth zippers. It’s my daily bag! People ask where I got it and I love the opportunity to share the ABLE brand with new supporters.” (See all reviews)

8. Stella McCartney

FSC

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Designer vegan totes & shoulder bags
Price Range | $550–$2,650

Since Stella McCartney launched 20+ years ago, the team has never used leather, fur, or any animal byproducts in its luxury line. So while these handbags have the style and sheen of leather, they’re made with solvent-free alternatives instead (and some are woven from sustainable raffia!). Many of the handbags are styled with the recognizable Stella logo, though you can also find chain-lined totes, simple wallets, and printed designs here, too. It’s all luxury for a lifetime. The brand ships internationally.

9. HYER GOODS

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Upcycled leather
Price Range | $165–$355

HYER GOODS was founded by a fashion vet who was dismayed by the amount of waste in the industry. Not wanting to contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions necessary to produce leather and other materials from scratch, the brand instead creates its beautiful designs from the most sustainable materials out there — the ones that already exist! The new HYER GOODS are cut from Luxury Leftovers and made in a female-owned factory in India — the brand has combined new, state-of-the-art manufacturing with obsessive quality control and the most luxe waste yet to bring you the Best of Better Leather (read our review of HYER GOODS for more info on their leather). And because everything is made from waste, it’s all limited edition. Hyer ships internationally.

As for giving back, the brand does that too! HYER GOODS gives 1% of its monthly profits to various organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, the Malala Fund, and Transanta. We love that!

HYER GOODS Review | “I have this bag in glossy red and it is SO beautiful! The material is super sturdy and feels amazing, and it’s a really great weight to sit on my shoulder. It also fits everything I need day to day. Love!” – TW (See all reviews)

10. VIVAIA

BIPOC Owned

Budget friendly

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Patterned totes
Price Range | $49–$129

Since 2020, VIVAIA‘s been crafting classy, one-of-a-kind crossbody bags and totes that do good for both you and the planet. Made with recycled plastic bottles, each bag is made without any excessive waste, is mindfully designed to help you stay organized, and is machine washable! These bags look luxe and won’t break the bank, with the highest-priced bag maxing out at $129. Worldwide shipping is available.

VIVAIA Review | “Delighted with the product! Much better quality than I anticipated for the price. I bought it for an overseas travel tote (I put my purse AND little dog in my bag, and use it for shopping!). Lightweight but durable and folds neatly down to put in a suitcase. Lovely pale green/blue color.” – Kristy M. (See all reviews)

The post 9 Sustainable Handbags And Purses We Love For 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.

Today, I actually enjoy seeking out coupons and money hacks. I eagerly check in on my monthly spreadsheets and financial trackers, and you’ll never catch me “adding to cart” without also searching for promo codes.

Now I’m here to share my favorite money tips and lessons learned with you. Because those are your hard-earned dollars after all, and you deserve to stretch them as far as they will go. (And if you’re in your 20s, check out these financial wellness tips here that my colleague Kayti wishes she’d known then!)

Budgeting Hacks For Home

1. Moving into a new space? See if you can negotiate a few bucks off your rent or ask for upgrades if the amount seems too high.

2. If you have a reliable track record as a tenant, ask a landlord if they’ll accept a lower security deposit.

3. Or, the most effective rent hack of all: Live with a roommate.

4. If you have very high electricity bills in one season and very low bills in another, reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans. During a particularly cold winter in a basement apartment surrounded by concrete, our heat bill came out to nearly $400. We were able to pay closer to $120/month through a budgeting plan, rather than $400 chunks in the winter and $80 bills in the summer.

“Reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans.”

5. Ask for an electricity audit from your service provider to see where the costs are adding up. A service member will examine your space and show you where energy is most used, and you can make sure they’re documenting your actual use versus estimates. (The US Department of Energy has a DIY assessment you can try, too.)

6. My parents relentlessly reminded me to turn lights and ACs off when leaving a room, to which I rolled my eyes. Now that I have to pay for it myself? I see their point. Turn off and unplug electronics—it adds up.

7. If you own your home, consider switching to renewable energy. There are often tax credits for this as well as lowered utility bills!

8. While you’re at it, think about smart devices to upgrade, like plugs, bulbs, and thermostats.

9. Live in a warm city? Keep the blinds closed in rooms you’re not using to conserve energy. Live in a cool city? Keep them open to stay warm.

10. Buy seasonal produce and avoid meat for extra savings at the grocery store.

11. Cut cable and switch to subscriptions to save money.

12. Save an extra penny by splitting subscriptions with friends or family.

13. If you have standard internet use (aka, you’re not gaming or streaming), save on your internet bill by switching to a lower upload/download rate. You likely won’t even notice the difference in your internet service.

14. Go through your bills and cancel any memberships you’re no longer using. (Cough cough, that gym you signed up for three months ago and haven’t gone to.)

15. Buy in bulk for goods you know you’ll need time and again, like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or laundry detergent.

16. Plan your meals to double up ingredients for two meals. Today’s tacos make for great frittatas tomorrow! Check out these 99 healthy dinner recipes if you need ideas.

“Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own.”

17. If you have a partner and share bills, refer one another for extra credit card bonuses, especially on no-fee cards.

18. Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own; save on buying basil or tomatoes every week!

19. Borrow books from the library if you won’t reread your books.

20. Buy secondhand books if you want to keep them.

21. The ol’ meal plan is a tried-and-true method for a reason. Stick to recipes you enjoy cooking (rather than dread), and avoid the takeout.

22. Thrift furniture and home decor on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or these apps for secondhand furniture.

23. Check the weekly ads for grocery stores near you. Compare between multiples if you can.

24. Learn some simple DIY repairs so you can fix or mend things yourself instead of calling in costly contractors or services.

25. Program your thermostat to adjust to natural weather whenever you’re not home.

26. Buy goods that can last in the freezer whenever they’re on sale.

Budgeting Hacks For Transport + Travel

27. Check for a certified pre-owned car rather than a new one. (Also, the personal finance community will suggest always owning over leasing, but you do you, boo. Everyone’s circumstances are different.)

28. Drive a lot? Look up gas apps to find the cheapest gas near you. Google Maps now has this feature, too.

29. Sign up for a gas program if you’re loyal to one place, like the Shell you pass every day on your way to work.

30. Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.

“Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.”

31. See if you can triple-stack those gas savings. The Points Guy has a great primer on this.

32. If you find yourself flying the same airline over and over again—hi, United at Newark Airport—look up airline credit cards. These usually come with generous sign-up bonuses once you hit a minimum spend (i.e., spend $1,000 in two months and we’ll give you 50,000 miles) for purchases you may need to make anyway.

33. If you’ve had a negative flight experience, speak up. Passengers are entitled to certain rights when they fly—though most don’t take the time to look them up—and airlines will provide flight vouchers, refunds, or coupons if your experience was particularly rough (airline policy actually mandates it). My travel bank currently has $100 from one airline due to a severe flight delay and $100 to another because both the entertainment and charging systems were broken. (If you live in the US, I recommend checking out the Department of Transportation’s Fly Rights, which outlines issues around overbooking, delayed, and canceled flights.)

34. Always search for flights, rentals, and hotels in Incognito mode. Most websites save your cookies and change the price, knowing you’re looking for a specific option. If you search on a private browser, the prices will not only stay the same but are more likely to drop. Some will even show you the in-country currencies for international destinations, so you don’t have to worry about conversation rates or fees.

35. Subscribe to flight or vacation deal websites like The Flight Deal, Skyscanner, and Scott’s Cheap Flights; you can often find last-minute steals or mistake fares if you’re flexible! In 2014, a friend and I leveraged a mistake fare from The Flight Deal from NYC to Prague, Amsterdam, and Milan for $179 one-way. These fares do happen, and it’s glorious.

36. Book a flight, car rental, or hotel stay with credit card points. Most times, it’s recommended that instead of booking through a credit card’s travel portal, you should transfer the points to a respective vendor like United Airlines or Hertz to maximize your rewards.

“If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass.”

37. Or, if you want to redeem points but aren’t traveling, leverage cash-back rewards on your statement. Some cards do an automatic percentage back for every purchase, while others offer them in incremental chunks ($25, $50, $75).

38. If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass. You can use Go City to find one in your area or Google for other smaller passes.

39. Turn on tweet notifications for The Flight Deal and similar accounts so you can see deals as soon as they go live (aka before they’re gone!).

40. Consider a home swap if you’re going on vacation, so you can save on the cost of lodging—and get free pet care if you need it.

41. Check out annual companion passes for airlines like Southwest, so you and a friend can fly together for the price of one seat.

42. Public transportation often sells monthly or weekly passes at a discount.

Budgeting Hacks For Shopping

43. Sign up for a Rakuten account to earn cash back on purchases. You can also add the Rakuten extension to your browser for pre-emptive deals. I’ve saved more than $400 to date, thanks to this app.

44. Speaking of browser extensions, add Honey, too. Honey searches the internet for the best coupon codes and promos.

45. Similarly, Fetch offers gift cards and rewards for any purchases made in stores or at restaurants. Simply upload your receipt.

46. Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out. If you’re still thinking about it a day or two (or three!) later, you can always come back and check out.

47. Buy pieces for next winter or summer at the end of your current season when they’re most on clearance. It’ll be cold or warm again before you know it!

48. Ask for discounts, especially if you’re a student, veteran, or teacher. Many brands give them if you ask.

49. Check Poshmark or other secondhand apps for items currently retailing above your budget.

“Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out.”

50. Find multiple uses for one product—Vaseline doesn’t just have to be for your lips.

51. Just because you have a coupon for something doesn’t mean you need to use it! Use your discretion if you truly need an object or not.

52. Use “cash envelopes” for certain parts of your budget. If the money’s gone, you’re out of money to spend that month.

53. Invest in a capsule wardrobe over time, rather than seasonal purchases that fall apart.

54. Have one retailer you love? Try buying discounted gift cards from them if you know you’ll be a repeat customer. You can do this on Raise, the Honey extension, or even in your local Facebook group.

55. Go for generic over name-brand. Most times, you’ll find the same effective ingredients or materials.

56. If you’re short like me, consider shopping in the kids’ section. Both my mother and I have purchased shoes in kids’ sizes that fit just the same but cost half the price.

57. Make some extra money by filling out surveys using sites like Swagbucks.

58. If you enjoy a product or service and can genuinely recommend it, earn referral codes by sharing about them with friends!

Budgeting Hacks To Make Your Money & Bank Work For You

59. Want to invest in the stock market or ETFs but don’t know where to start? Consider robo-advising companies like Betterment which make it easier to invest with just $10—and it helps automate and optimize your taxes. (You can also invest with your values!)

60. Or, if you’re excited to invest in real estate but don’t have thousands of dollars, check out Fundrise, where anyone can help own property starting at $10.

61. If you think you’ll owe on your taxes this year, get a proactive conversation going with a CPA to figure out ways to cut down on that bill!

“Did you know you can negotiate medical bills?”

62. Look at your credit card or bank perks for percentages off purchases with specific retailers; think 10 percent off at IKEA or $20 off $100 at your Gelson’s grocery stores.

63. Put aside at least 10 percent of your income towards savings (if not more). This can be across your emergency fund, retirement account(s), or sinking fund if you’re saving for a special occasion.

64. Max out your 401K if you have a company match.

65. If an employer-offered 401K is not an option, max out an IRA. Check the tax implications for a traditional, Roth, or even mega-backdoor IRA depending on your income.

66. Shop around and compare rates when looking for a new service. Car insurance companies, contractors, and photographers all have wide ranges, and you should find the one that is most optimized for your needs and budget.

67. Did you know you can negotiate medical bills? Ask for an itemized bill to understand each expense, and check out these negotiation strategies.

68. Are you a student? Apply for scholarships. Millions of dollars go unclaimed every year, and there’s a scholarship opportunity for just about anything—like being left-handed.

69. If your credit card has an annual fee, consider downgrading to a free card from the same bank or asking for a retention offer. A retention offer is an incentive they’ll offer you, like free miles or a reduced fee, so banks can retain you as a customer.

70. Don’t skimp on insurance. Whether for your iPhone, your newly adopted pup (congrats!), or your apartment, there’s usually a related and worthwhile insurance to think about. Emergencies happen, and even the best budgeter can be caught off-guard.

“Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar.”

71. Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar. Auto-pay ensures your most important expenses are covered no matter what, especially in an emergency. And in addition to never having to wonder if you paid rent or your phone bill, some providers will give you a discount for setting it up as well. T-Mobile, for example, gives us five dollars off our plan each month thanks to auto-pay.

72. Ask for cheaper options if services you love and consistently use are truly out of reach (i.e., NYT subscriptions can go for as low as $4/mo.).

73. Consider an ATM fee-free account or bank if you need cash on hand often.

74. Have an FSA? Use that for daily hygiene and menstrual needs. It’s tax-free!

75. If an FSA isn’t an option, but you have a high-deductible health plan, you can also try an HSA for tax-free medical needs.

76. If you have credit card debt with a high APR, consider moving your balance to a 0% APR card to avoid paying extra interest. This calculator from Affirm is helpful for seeing any loan amount, interest rate, and payments from three to 36 months.

77. Sell gently used goods or clothes you no longer use and save anything you make.

Budgeting Hacks To Shift Your Mindset

78. Consider working with a financial coach or therapist to deal with fear around money. The Financial Gym is a great place to start.

79. Make checking your budget a ritual so that it doesn’t cause you stress. Pair your check-in with your favorite wine or dessert.

80. Remember, it’s okay to say no to asks that might break the bank! The Financial Diet has great posts on setting boundaries and reframing your financial priorities.

“Remember who you are saving for.”

81. Avoid expensive social events and opt for free or low-cost hangouts instead.

82. Remember who you are saving for: Your future self, your children, your future generations. Consider it an heirloom.

83. Order water at restaurants. Drink costs can add up quickly.

84. Forgo the gym membership and use the great outdoors or a fitness subscription to work out from home.

85. If you are going out to eat, go out for lunch instead of dinner—similar portion sizes, way more affordable.

86. Did you get a raise recently? Congratulations! Use that extra money to buffer your savings.

87. Instead of splurging on expensive gifts, go the DIY route for loved ones and hone a craft you enjoy. A handmade card, cookies from scratch, or a pet portrait will be just as meaningful.

88. Download an app like You Need A Budget or Mint to understand your cash flow.

89. Follow these finance newsletters written by and for women.

90. Check out these personal finance accounts on Instagram from women.

91. My mom’s second-most important piece of tactical advice is one I will scream from the rooftops: Pay your credit card in full every month. This way, you’ll always remember to spend within your means and only carry minimum debt (read: the monthly statement balance).

92. Turn your checking account into your “cash” account and only use what’s in there instead of ever touching your savings.

“Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.”

93. If you only need something once or twice (like a saw or special occasion dress), consider renting or borrowing over buying.

94. Celebrating your birthday soon? (Our happiest wishes to you!) Don’t forget about birthday discounts, meals, and treats.

95. Save spare change for a “rainy day” fund. My parents did this over the years, eventually accumulating $800.

96. Don’t sleep on buy-nothing or local swap groups.

97. Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.

98. Keep a photo or Post-It around of what you’re saving up for as extra motivation.

99. Talk. About. Money.

Have a budget hack of your own? Share in the comments below to add to this master list! 💸

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of Money with Katie at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of Departure, a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Mindful Money Hacks To Support Your Budget appeared first on The Good Trade.

Hmmm it kind of looks like an old man, I thought. Instead of tossing the cup (and instead of going to bed, much to my parents’ chagrin), I gathered my markers, scissors, glue, a couple cotton balls, and construction paper. Soon, the soggy vessel transformed into good ol’ Saint Nicholas, red suit, beard, hat, and all. I stood him on my nightstand and admired my work of genius.

I brought my little buddy to show-and-tell at school, where the teacher excitedly asked me to teach my classmates to make their own. She set aside a whole class period, purchased a pack of dixie cups and cotton balls on her meager teacher salary, and distributed the supplies to my fellow classmates. And suddenly, shy little Emily with a fear of public speaking, was in charge. 

“The confidence of knowing someone believed in me, over something so simple as a paper cup and an idea, has rippled through my life for decades.”

A couple dozen students learned how to turn trash to treasure that day, and I added to my own little army of bearded men — this time, I made Saint Patrick. He was the same as Santa in every way, except he was green and carried a pipe cleaner shepherd’s staff. The confidence of knowing someone believed in me, over something so simple as a paper cup and an idea, has rippled through my life for decades. (Shoutout to Mrs. Kimmett, who saw the vision in so many ways.)

Physical creation has always been an important part of my life, even before I made those gnome-like cup guys. I learned to crochet at an early age, sewed bags and bad outfits in high school, and took up watercoloring in adulthood. These are not just hobbies, to me and so many others, they’re rebellious acts of self-care in the face of a world that invites us to consume rather than create.

So as we watch the unraveling in the news, the tears ripping through society, and the hurts coloring our communities, I think it’s high time we get back to what fits in the palms of our hands — as we’re also learning to also carry one another into whatever’s next. Whatever craft or hand-making looks like to you, whether it’s woodworking or fabric dyeing, make a little space in your schedule for creating something from scratch. Beyond the fact that handmaking is fun and screen-free, there’s also science that supports its benefits.

“Crafting, to me and so many others, is a rebellious act of self-care in the face of a world that invites us to consume rather than create.”

Why crafting is important — and the science that agrees

Crafting has an impressive impact on mental and emotional health, and I’ve found plenty of research to back this up. Data collected from a survey out of Anglia Ruskin University in the UK show evidence that craft activities like painting or making things by hand boost happiness and overall life satisfaction, making days feel more meaningful. There’s also a small study conducted by Dartmouth College researchers that shows taking even a basic art course can literally rewire your brain — specifically in regions connected to creativity and perception. The benefits aren’t just a nice feeling; they’re supported by measurable shifts in our neurology.

“When projects go wrong — whether that’s tangled yarn or a miscut piece of wood — crafting quietly teaches flexibility and resilience.”

But sometimes the feeling isn’t so nice (anyone else ever have to scrap a whole sweater or afghan for one reason or another? Devastating.) When projects go wrong — whether that’s tangled yarn or a miscut piece of wood — crafting quietly teaches flexibility and resilience. It’s not just a matter of getting better at troubleshooting, although that’s helpful, too; a 2024 study on fiber arts suggest that working through mistakes trains the brain to adapt and build emotional resilience. From my own experience, I’ve found that my proclivity to making has helped me approach challenges with greater patience and resourcefulness — skills that have seen me through some of the most difficult seasons of my life.

Crafting also connects people in ways that are hard to replicate through screens alone. Research on group art-making indicates that the practice of creating crafts in a group setting can help reduce depression and increase feelings of social wellbeing, which means your neighborhood craft night might be an accessible low-cost intervention strategy for folks going through a rough patch. This goes for attending events in the arts as well! I’d argue, too, that craft connects us to our ancestors and cultural histories, and the histories of cultures outside of our own. Like walking through a museum of art created in ancient civilizations, we can get a hands-on experience of what folks hundreds and thousands of years before us were creating. Fiber arts, pottery, and painting using natural pigments offer us a glimpse into the labor that go into these practices, both then and now.

Finally, the confidence that comes from hands-on creativity extends into other areas, including work and leadership. Studies highlight that people who pursue crafts may feel greater self-efficacy and career satisfaction, as well as develop skills that make them more adaptable in careers not likely to be automated anytime soon. These creative habits can even fuel social action and stronger problem-solving — qualities valued in STEM fields and leadership roles. Crafting helps build a foundation for facing complex challenges, and that’s something we could all use right now.

Are you reaching for that crochet hook yet?

“Crafting helps build a foundation for facing complex challenges, and that’s something we could all use right now.”

The courage that comes with craft (of all kinds)

As I said earlier, craft comes in so many shapes and forms, so pick the best one for you. Here are 99 craft ideas to get you started, although it doesn’t stop there. Creating doesn’t solely belong to those of us lamenting the loss of our good friend JoAnn fabrics — craft transcends mediums, skill levels, and meaning and usefulness throughout history.

“If there is a practice you indulge in, whether for work, profit, or neither, that bridges the space between your brain and your body and invites you to a state of your own unique flow — that’s craft!”

I extend my own definition of craft to include things like building, composing, repairing, singing, tinkering, upcycling, and, hey now, sometimes even breaking. If there is a practice you indulge in, whether for work, profit, or neither, that bridges the space between your brain and your body and invites you to a state of your own unique flow — that’s craft! In that way, working with our hands includes the practical, everyday projects, as well: sorting the medicine cabinet, hanging paintings and plants, installing a projector on the ceiling, removing the base plate off the dishwasher and disconnecting the water sensor to clean it, hauling the boxes of a new couch upstairs and assembling it over the course of one sweaty afternoon.

These are all real things I’ve done myself, and all because I’ve been cultivating the confidence of creation since I was a young child.

Because I’ve been a crocheter, a calligrapher, and a cook, I’ve had the courage to be an apprentice electrician, carpenter, and plumber (with YouTube’s help, of course). Truly, reading through a dishwasher manual isn’t nearly so intimidating after you’ve followed a crochet pattern, and constructing a couch comes easier after you’ve built your first lego set. And, most importantly, because I’ve messed up on most of these, I’ve dug a deeper well of resilience and curiosity in the fallout. In my mind, the world is full of creative possibility and problems to be solved.

“This is a reminder to embrace these crafts that bring us back to ourselves, that bring our communities a little closer to whole, step by step and stitch by stitch.”

So while the world feels so big and crushing around us, and we feel the insignificance and despair creep in, I return, again, to something Mrs. Kimmett taught us back in third grade. We traced our hand prints, cut them out, then filled them with what each of us were capable of, even at our young age. “My hands are small, I know,” went the Jewel song that inspired my teacher to create this exercise. “But they’re not yours, they are my own, and I am never broken.” To this day, the song still bring soft tears to my eyes as I reminisce on how beautiful my life has become thanks to these practices of using my hands to build something better.

I’ll never forget how my sweet teacher strung up those tiny handprints through the classroom, a bunting of courage and capabilities, a reminder of the strength and creativity we hold in the palms of our hands. 

And I’m reminded, most importantly, to embrace these crafts that bring us back to ourselves, that bring our communities a little closer to whole, step by step and stitch by stitch.

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.

The post Why We Need To Work With Our Hands appeared first on The Good Trade.

But for many of us, autumn can usher in a season of performance. Even if we haven’t been students for years, fall feels like a fresh outfit, an unmarked notebook, or a chance to make the varsity team. Add in the super-social holiday season, and suddenly there’s little room for introspection. 

“I want to align myself with Mother Nature’s clear instructions: Look inside, reflect, and shed what’s not mine.”

But this year, I’d like to put some of that outwardness down. I want to align myself with Mother Nature’s clear instructions: Look inside, reflect, and shed what’s not mine. 

So I’ve been considering the source of my motivation lately. Is it aligned with my internal compass, or is it mostly designed to satisfy others? 

Understanding motivation 

According to mental health professionals, our motives can be divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is driven by our curiosity, what brings us joy, or what feels meaningful and important to us. 

“Intrinsic motivation is driven by our curiosity, what brings us joy, or what feels meaningful and important to us.”

“I think of intrinsic motivation as what naturally gives us energy,” says Arati Patel, LMFT. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from something outside of ourselves, like obligation, a sense of responsibility, or a desire for approval and rewards. This type of motivation isn’t inherently a bad thing, says Patel — especially when it functions as a form of healthy accountability. It can give us structure and a little kick in the butt when we need it. (Think: some peer pressure at the gym, competing to get a promotion, or egging on from a rival team.) These can be positive forces in moderation. The problem arises when that outward motivation becomes a primary source of fuel instead of a temporary boost. 

“When you’re driven mainly by the external,” says Patel, “it tends to leave [you] burnt out or [feeling] disconnected.” And that’s not all. Empowerment coach, Aura E Martinez, often sees clients who are driven by outside validation struggle with anxiety, low self-worth, and even physical symptoms like insomnia and chronic stress. “Without an internal anchor, people risk burnout, resentment, or a loss of identity,” she says. Plus, when folks who are driven by extrinsic factors do achieve their goals, the victory can feel hollow and unsatisfying. 

“The healthiest approach is using extrinsic motivation as a stepping stone to deepen intrinsic motivation” says Martinez — and not as a long-term game plan. 

Is it intrinsic or extrinsic motivation? 

It seems like it would be simple to differentiate between what we care about and what we’re prioritizing for others’ sake. But societal conditioning is powerful, and so is pressure from the people important to us — it can be easy to take ownership of a desire that isn’t ours. 

“Societal conditioning is powerful, and so is pressure from the people important to us — it can be easy to take ownership of a desire that isn’t ours.” 

That said, there are tricks we can use to tease out what drives us. “I help clients distinguish [between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation] by asking them not only what they want but why they want it,” says Martinez. “That distinction matters.”  

Of course, if the only “why” we can think of is that it’s important to someone else, that’s extrinsic motivation. Another clue, according to Patel, is in our language. She often hears clients say “I should” more than “I want” when discussing extrinsic goals. 

The biggest sign, according to both professionals, lies in our energy. If we’re feeling exhausted despite achieving what we set out to do, there’s a good chance we’re doing it on someone else’s behalf. That’s not to say pursuing what we care about can’t be tiring. But it typically engenders more of a physical or mental fatigue than a soul-deep depletion. 

How do we find what truly motivates us? 

Martinez believes our energy levels are so critical to assessing our motivation that she prescribes her clients an “energy audit.” For a week, they track which activities give them energy and which drain them. The energizing activities, of course, point to what her clients care most about, while the draining ones are ideally phased out or delegated. So that’s something we can all try at home. Martinez also recommends asking ourselves if we’re making a decision from our heart or out of fear. (I have heard another coach, Natalie Kennedy, refer to this as choosing based on what will “make her world bigger,” which I love!) Then it’s time to summon our bravery and choose the world-expanding, heart-bursting decision. 

We can also ask ourselves what we would be doing if nobody were watching us, says Martinez. Journaling around that, and any other related questions — like what we’d be doing if we weren’t “responsible,” or if we weren’t a “good wife/sister/daughter/friend” can be helpful. So can paying attention to the quiet moments that leave us feeling content: Heeding our intrinsic motivation doesn’t mean we’ll always be exuberant, but it often means a life that feels pleasant and fulfilling in a simple, inevitable way. 

“Heeding our intrinsic motivation doesn’t mean we’ll always be exuberant, but it often means a life that feels pleasant and fulfilling in a simple, inevitable way.”

Similarly, Patel recommends carving out unscheduled time to see what we drift toward when our motives aren’t clouded by obligation. The results can be telling! And she also urges us to check in with our bodies. We may find that if we’re operating in service of others’ expectations, we’re more likely to have tense shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a sense of numbness or weightiness. “Authentic choices often feel lighter, while performing tends to feel tense or heavy,” she notes. 

The secret to intrinsic motivation

According to Martinez, self-compassion is essential to aligning with our internal motivations. After all, what happens if we find the things we care about aren’t the ones we’ve been taught to value? 

“What happens if we find the things we care about aren’t the ones we’ve been taught to value?”

“Letting go of external validation can stir guilt, shame, or fear of disappointing others,” says Patel. Personally, I felt all of those things when I made a drastic change in my career. After graduating summa cum laude from an expensive university, I felt pressure to maintain a lucrative role. But ten years after receiving my diploma, I’ve switched from a “prestigious” marketing career to a (frankly) very low-paying job in animal welfare. 

I know the people close to me weren’t necessarily gung-ho about my transition. I had to use a lot of gentleness with myself to accept that I don’t enjoy the type of jobs I am “expected” to do. At first, the voice telling me I was wrong for changing careers was loud. But after reading “The Good Enough Job” by Simone Stolzoff, I was able to soften into my desire for a different kind of work — and I was rewarded with an unexpected decline in my anxiety and depression symptoms.

A practical approach to taming external motivation 

Focusing more heavily on our intrinsic motivation is important, but so is being realistic. A lot of our external motivation comes from people we love and respect, or from causes that we care about. We usually can’t shrug our shoulders and say, “Oh well, I choose not to care about that anymore.” If only it were that simple! 

That doesn’t mean we’re subject to prioritizing others’ opinions forever, though. If there are external motivations we’ve identified and would like to reduce, I believe we can trust our intuitions. The path to doing that is always going to be nuanced and unique. Usually, we know what we need to do to change things. We may just need help getting there. 

“If there are external motivations we’ve identified and would like to reduce, I believe we can trust our intuitions.”

So here are a few guideposts to help us on our way: 

Name the source of our external motivation. Who does it actually “belong to?” Our father? Our Boss? Knowing this can help us determine how to move forward. 

Do a values check. Does the expectation in question align with our values? If the answer is no, that’s a big red flag. If the answer is something along the lines of “sort of,” do some more digging. 

For example, maybe we’re externally motivated to stay in shape because looking a certain way is a value upheld by our social circle. Meeting an aesthetic standard may not align with our core values, but perhaps feeling well and energized does. Can we reframe our motivation accordingly? If the answer is no, that’s okay too! 

Take baby steps. This one is for all of my fellow all-or-nothing girlies: We don’t have to upend everything overnight. If we find that we’ve been attached to an external motivation, can we simply loosen our grip on it, rather than immediately letting go? 

Maybe it means going home on time one night per week, instead of working overtime Monday through Friday. This can help build our tolerance for shifting expectations. 

It always comes back to boundaries. At the end of the day, we were given this one life to create, explore, learn, and share our unique gifts with the world. When we stifle our inner voice, we’re preventing ourselves from doing all of these things. That alone is our motivation to set limits on others’ expectations. If we have trouble doing that — which many of us do — we are more than deserving of a coach, mental health professional, or other support to assist us in that process. 

“Autumn is a season of transition and letting go,” says Martinez. “Just as nature sheds what it no longer needs, we can reflect on the motivations and commitments that no longer serve us.” I couldn’t agree more. I am proud of the progress I’ve made in turning inward, but there will likely always be areas where I let others’ opinions and desires get the best of me. So I’m going to look to the season for gentle reminders to take the time to slow down and reflect on what motivates me. 

“I’m going to look to the season for gentle reminders to take the time to slow down and reflect on what motivates me.”

If being aligned with the natural world appeals to you, use the trees dropping their leaves as a visual reminder to drop whatever you need to as well. “It’s an ideal time to slow down, reassess, and realign goals with inner values before the rush of the new year,” Martinez says. “This seasonal rhythm reminds us that it’s natural and healthy to pause, release, and reset.” 

And I’d love to know: What’s one intrinsic motivator you will be giving your loving attention this fall? Let me know in the comments. ✨

Nicole Ahlering is an animal adoption counselor at her local humane society. She’s also a writer. (So basically, everything she wanted to be when she grew up!) When she’s not working, she’s hanging out with her kitties and her partner, drinking iced espresso, or reading something non-fiction.

The post What is Intrinsic Motivation? And How To Find It appeared first on The Good Trade.

What do I plan to do? A lot.

For one, it’s been expected of me. I was born in a small New Jersey town to religious parents who practiced Jainism — one of the world’s oldest religions focused on nirvana, nonviolence (ahimsa), and non-attachment (aparigaha). At the exact time of my birth, a new Jain temple opened 30 miles from our home. The space had reportedly been prophesied by Guruji, essentially the Jain equivalent of a saint.

“Success wasn’t only expected of me, but I wanted it; I relished in the idea of ‘making it big.’”

This overlap of events, my birth and this grand opening, was the most telling fortune my family could imagine. It was an auspicious sign, roughly translating to your daughter is destined to succeed.

I became an overachiever, a semi-gifted kid with Type A habits (you know, like this meme), working hard to make that vision of success my reality. Success wasn’t only expected of me, but I wanted it; I relished in the idea of “making it big,” which at the time, meant being top of my class and earning acceptance into top-tier universities.

But when I went into the real world, no particular place was impressed with my resume or achievements, much less my aspirations for success. Flailing to find any entry-level nonprofit job I could, I was just another fish in a sea of graduates. I eventually found a role, but after a few years in the social impact space, I decided to address my itch of starting my own business. I enrolled in a graduate-level program focused on social entrepreneurship, excelling there, too.

When I graduated, I planned to start my own company as a freelancer. I’d scale and be my own boss and work on my own hours. The six-figure revenue? The seniority and title? The flexibility to work whenever, wherever? I’d finally have it all — I’d finally make it big.

Yet, once again, when it came time to spread my proverbial wings, I flailed. I could barely make ends meet and so I eventually went back to a salaried role. The cycle repeated more than once. I ended up back as a proverbial cog in the machine once again.

“What does it mean when your successes aren’t at the scale you imagined?”

What does it mean when your successes aren’t at the scale you imagined?

I think about this often, as though my entrepreneurial itch is a scratch I’ll never quite be able to reach. I then find myself in a place of self-doubt and self-flagellation: If so many others can find scalable success and be their own boss, why haven’t you?

But I try to remember that negative self-talk doesn’t serve me or my dreams.

Instead, I take a beat and attempt to talk to myself like I would my best friend Sarah. I’d never let her believe the negative comments I’m saying, so why should I allow it for myself?

I also question if traditional “success” is worth pursuing. What do I love most about myself outside of my career or professional accomplishments? I’m in a loving, equal relationship; I’m a great pet-parent, friend, sister, and daughter; I’m thoughtful and compassionate and a good listener. No career fail (or win!) can take those statements away from me.

“I’ve refined my vision of success to better fit with who I am, keeping in mind what feels most aligned with my values.”

Finally, I reconsider my idea of success and its origins. We navigate the world, introducing ourselves by our jobs or by asking, “So, what do you do?” A capitalist society tells us our worth is based on our productivity. Of course we’re meant to feel like CEO-level success is the goal. And that’s been re-emphasized to me simply based on the time I was born. It was a factor I had no control of, but it ended up controlling others’ expectations of me.

Nowadays though, I’ve refined my vision of success to better fit with who I am, keeping in mind what feels most aligned with my values. I’ve also learned that my aims for “making it” weren’t only about prestige or a six-figure salary, though that’s a big part of it, too. (Why are women made to feel guilty for wanting these?) And just because I’m learning to reframe my idea of success, doesn’t mean that I no longer want it.

But rather than only celebrating when I reach a certain milestone, I’m taking time to honor the smaller wins — and learning that they’re not so small, either. Each step leads me closer to my vision for my life, and that’s worth celebrating, too.

Because alongside the traditional career wins, “making it” also means obtaining what I actually want in life: security, stability, access to hobbies I love like travel, care for my loved ones, a cozy home. Those are variables I care about — and ones I technically already have.

That excerpt from The Summer Day about our “wild and precious life”? It’s a great one, popular for a reason. But we never see the earlier lines, which read: “I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?”

“Now, I’m not so focused about ‘making it’ as I am about making a life.”

Oliver wasn’t telling us to live our biggest, most aspirational lives; she was reminding us to slow down, to see the beauty in the everyday, to be present and observant, and to focus on what’s most worthwhile — because life is fleeting.

Now, I’m not so focused about “making it” as I am about making a life. One that will have its career highs and lows, successes and failures, but one most centered around the people, places, and things I love. And that will be prolific enough for me.

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of Money with Katie at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of Departure, a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on Instagram!

The post What If I Never Do Anything Prolific? appeared first on The Good Trade.

And that, my friends, is a recipe for mental exhaustion I cannot recommend.

I simply needed to find a new system that consistently engaged my feelings of accomplishment, delight, and novelty. One consistent recommendation was coming up across many of the videos and blog posts I was reading, and that was a new-to-me app called Notion.

What is Notion?

Notion is a connected workspace that empowers everyone to shape tools around their unique ideas, projects, and teams — for work or for life. It’s not just for notetaking, but for building whatever you need: docs, wikis, workflows, and beyond. Consider it an operating system for your brain. Founded in 2013 by Ivan Zhao, Chris Prucha, Jessica Lam, Simon Last, and Toby Schachman, it’s a singular dashboard where both individuals and businesses can capture thoughts, manage projects, and organize…well, anything.

Think of it like Google Docs, but with a more advanced linking system — it’s your own personal Wiki. The whole thing is built on the idea of blocks and databases that can be reconfigured into new views that help you the most. With Notion, you can do things like nest tasks into projects, click and drag items between dates, chart out a timeline, and file away those notes you no longer need but just can’t seem to get rid of. The free version, which I use, allows you to use the workspace solo, although many people run teams and even businesses on the paid plans.

“Notion is a connected workspace that empowers everyone to shape tools around their unique ideas, projects, and teams — for work or for life.”

Notably, the landscape for organization apps keeps shifting and is embracing more AI than ever before. Since I first discovered Notion, it’s expanded beyond simple blocks and databases — it now bridges calendars, emails, teams, and more in brand new ways. The platform’s AI is like having a second brain inside your digital ecosystem, summarizing messy meeting notes (and even auto-transcribing Zoom meetings with takeaways and action items), auto-tagging tasks, and, my fave, spotting patterns in your workload before burnout hits.

However, it’s not as simple as downloading the app and voila! Suddenly you’re organized. Notion is as only as useful and interesting as you make it, kind of like an old school planner. When I first started using the app, I voraciously sought out YouTubers, bloggers, and templates to optimize all the things. 

That energy started to wane, though, when I didn’t find folks making systems that I enjoyed using long-term. I finally discovered a witchy-sounding course that promised to teach me how to use Notion to create system spells with Michelle Pellizzon at Holisticism. While it’s not currently available, it was designed to “get you to the place where you trust yourself, your systems, and your brain to do what it’s supposed to do.” Self-trust? Systems? Cute gifs everywhere to light up my brain? Sign me up.

Before we dive in, though, it’s important to note: With all this connectivity (including new AI, calendars, and email features), Notion’s privacy practices become even more important: Any pages, notes, or emails you use with Notion AI stay private to your workspace, and Notion doesn’t use your content to train their models. Your data is encrypted and protected, so even your wildest ideas are for your eyes (or your team’s) only.

How I use Notion (and you can, too)

2. Putting thoughts in their place. From there, I empty my inbox once every day or two so I can keep the messiness of my mind out of my day-to-day dashboard. Out of sight, out of mind is a blessing and a curse; if I see too many notes I become jumbled and directionless. But if I don’t keep my notes, I flounder and a simple project can take an hour rather than minutes.
   
   In my Notion course with Holisticism, Michelle explained emptying an inbox ideally takes less than five minutes…but I have a lot of thoughts all the time, so it takes closer to 15 or 20. I drag each item to where it needs to live in Notion. If it’s a task, I move it to my calendar, detail it with notes, dates, and important links, and place it where it needs to go using a system each week called Monday Hour One.
   
   If it’s just something I read or enjoyed and want to save for later, I’ll file it into my Second Brain database (a concept by Tiago Forte I learned about from Holisticism). And if it’s one of those miscellaneous two-minute to-dos that cross my desk, I file it away to work through during my “chaos hour” so I don’t have to see it on my list all day. Yes, chaos hour has existed on my calendar, and yes, it’s as stressful and improvised as you can imagine.

3. Nesting tasks into projects — and giving them their time to shine. At the ripe age of 35, I’m learning the difference between projects and tasks (the project is attending an event or in-person meeting, the tasks are getting dressed and brushing my teeth).
   
   Another example: Writing an article like this one isn’t a single task, it’s a project that requires multiple steps. Instead of “write that Notion post” being a single to-do on my long list of daily work items, I start with the first step — like notetaking or research — and save the outline, draft, and revisions for later.
   
   Basically instead of putting a full pizza on my plate, I’m selecting it piece by piece, and saving the rest for when I’m actually hungry again. Here’s a few ideas for creating different task lists.
   
   
4. Celebrating what I’ve done. Having a central space for my accomplishments means that I can see what I’ve actually done — versus crumpling up completed post-it notes and throwing them away like a tortured writer. So my monthly and yearly reviews have become way easier! I’ve also been able to look back at places I’m doing redundant work, and can combine tasks to save time in the long run.
   
   With ADHD, it’s easy to decide that “everything is bad” or “everything is good” if you don’t have tangible proof of all the work you’ve been doing. Notion can even be a work diary of sorts, especially with AI summaries, and it helps me remember my contributions to the team. A self-worth win.
   
   
5. Tracking personal and creative goals. Most of what I’ve used Notion for has been work-related, but I’m excited about the potential it has to house my goals as a person. As someone with a squiggly brain, I live concretely in the present and very abstractly in the future, which means creating and sticking to personal projects and goals is nearly impossible for me. I’m currently building “Emily’s Guide to the Galaxy” which is a personal Notion dashboard that features my values, goals, and ideas I’d like to take action on. Lavendaire’s template and Notion tour on this topic is particularly inspiring.
   
   As an example, a few years back I organized myself in a meaningful way for a two-week, five-city solo travel through Spain. As someone who has never traveled out of the USA, I loved that my Notion was there every step of the way to remind me where my Airbnbs were, sights I wanted to see, and Spanish phrases I needed to remember to not stick out…as much.

At the end of the day, I rely on Notion to allow my brain do what it does best — forget. If I can create a fun and engaging system that lets me file my thoughts before they disappear, I can put less stress on my exhausted mind. And since it’s all a circular ecosystem, it means I’ll have more energy to be creative and, yes, to make more Notion workspaces and systems that make me happy.

“At the end of the day, I rely on Notion to allow my brain do what it does best — forget.”

Notion’s evolution isn’t about finding a ‘right way’ to organize — it’s about giving each of us the canvas to build our own system. Their brand mission to empower anyone to ‘make tools their own’ might sound grand, but it feels pretty personal every time I tweak a dashboard or automate away a daily headache.

If you try Notion and find it’s not for you, that’s okay! I hope though that you can take a moment to look at what systems of yours are (and aren’t) working, and to explore whether there’s a new and creative approach you can take to save yourself mental and emotional strain.

If a lined and dated planner is best for you — follow that notion. Create your own systems, on your own terms. You do not have to find success the same way others have.

You’ve got this.

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.

The post What Is Notion? How I Use It To Organize My Workflow appeared first on The Good Trade.

From business casual to corporate wear we’ve researched and personally worn pieces from the top sustainable fashion brands — these are our go-to picks for an ethical and professional wardrobe.

It can be challenging to find tailored yet affordable clothing for the business casual environment, especially when it comes to ethically made pieces that we can feel proud wearing. But look no further! We’ve found nine ethical workwear brands for women, ranging from durable denim workwear to business casual and formal.

Why shop for sustainable office wear?

Made with eco-friendly fabrics using ethical labor practices, sustainable office wear can help minimize our carbon footprint, promote fair working conditions, and support the ethical treatment of garment workers. Office wear made from natural and sustainable fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo are biodegradable, use no pesticides and use minimal water during production making it better for us and the environment. These fabrics also tend to be of higher quality than conventional fabrics, lasting longer thanks to their durability and craftsmanship techniques. Clothing made from upcycled and/or recycled fabrics also reuse existing clothing, diverting it from landfills and minimizing fast fashion waste. By choosing to go sustainable with your everyday workwear, you’ll take a stance for environmental and ethical responsibility in the fashion and corporate space.

Our criteria

Our team has worn and researched dozens of sustainable clothing brands, as well as scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands to wear to the office. We regularly update this list with new favorites that meet our criteria.

• ETHICAL/ECO-FRIENDLY | Each of these sustainable office wear brands tout ethical and eco-friendly clothing made with natural, recycled, and sustainable fabrics.
• COMFORT | Long hours at the office can feel even longer if we’re not comfortable in our clothing. We’ve tested these office wear brands and can confirm they fit well and are very comfortable for those long work days!
• DURABILITY | Our office wear can go through a lot, especially if we’re wearing them 5 days a week or more. Each of these sustainable clothing brands craft their pieces to last long and wear well through multiple uses and washes.

Whether you’re working from home or heading to the office, these professional styles will leave a lasting impression—on Zoom or IRL!

For a full workwear upgrade, don’t forget to pick up some sustainable shoes and ethical jewelry. And if you need a tote or purse for your work supplies, these eco-friendly purses and handbags are sure to do the trick!

PRICING GUIDE

   $ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50–$100
$$$ | Typically $100–$150
 $$$$ | Typically $150 or more

Best Overall | Best Business Casual | Best Business Professional

1. ADAY

B corp

Cruelty free

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Capsule wardrobes, comfortable WFH apparel
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $$–$$$

Technical. Seasonless. Sustainable. Those are the core tenets for ADAY. We love this brand for its gorgeous workwear staples but also for the sustainably minded production processes and responsible fabrics (all cruelty-free, majority vegan, and some recycled). The company also prioritizes OEKO-TEX and Bluesign-approved partners to ensure that the chemicals used to treat the fabrics aren’t harmful to the environment.

ADAY Review | “Hands down the most comfortable and flattering blazer I own! I sized down for a more fitted feel. It’s perfection!” – Marie R. (See all reviews)

Shop ADAY

2. Sézane

B corp

FSC

GOTS certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Best For | Blouses, skirts, work dresses, shoes
Size Range | US 2–14
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Looking to spruce up your spring workwear collection with a gorgeous flowy skirt or an intricately knit blouse? Sézane may be a great fit! This Parisian brand is our go-to for sustainable staples, and we love that these garments can be styled for the office, date night, or weekend brunch. In addition to giving back, Sézane focuses on responsible and eco-friendly production.

Sézane Review |“Obsessed with this brand. The clothes are just beautiful, and I especially love the chic touches like the beautiful tags, items wrapped in tissue and my name written on the outer box.” – Nancy P., Thingtesting (See all reviews)

Shop Sézane

3. Quince

Budget friendly

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Washable silk, affordable cashmere, capsules
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $–$$

SF brand Quince makes affordable and sustainable workwear clothes, perfect for the office or for working from home. The brand keeps costs down by shipping directly from its factories, cutting out the middleman and excessive packaging. As for fabrics, eco-friendly materials include recycled polyester, organic cotton twill, and washable silk (a workwear staple if you ask us!).

Quince Review | “I love this sweater. It is the third one I buy and would not hesitate to buy it again. Fits well, nice quality and very reasonably priced.” – Linda G. (See all reviews)

4. EILEEN FISHER

B corp

Circular fashion

Fair trade

Natural materials

Second hand

Size inclusive

Woman owned

Best For | Tops, pants, dresses, jumpsuits
Size Range | PP–3X
Price Range | $$–$$$

EILEEN FISHER has been redefining workwear since 1984 with its signature mix of simplicity, sustainability, and inclusivity. What started with four timeless shapes has evolved into a full system of easy-to-style pieces that are as versatile as they are eco-conscious. Today, the brand is a certified B Corp and offers a range of minimalist, mix-and-match staples that make it easy to dress up or down for the office — and beyond. With inclusive sizing from XXS to 3X and a focus on circular design, many of these pieces transition effortlessly from work to weekend.

EILEEN FISHER Review | “These pants are perfect. Lightweight but not see-through , they don’t stretch out while wearing, flattering, and comfortable. Worth every penny!” – Alicia C.. (See all reviews)

Shop EILEEN FISHER

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5. Everlane

GOTS certified

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Best For | Capsule wardrobes, trousers, blouses, accessories
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Everlane always tops our lists for denim and office dresses, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite for general workwear too. We’re looking to this brand for everything from tapered trousers to chic button downs, comfy but professional flats, and showstopping totes. We love how easy it is to see the impact of each piece right on the site, and their sustainability page that outlines all of their programs and environmental initiatives provides the kind of transparency that makes us feel good about stocking up on these chic looks.

Everlane Review |“I love this shirt way more than I was expecting it!! It is comfy, perfectly boxy, looks put together without having to do anything. You can dress it up, dress it down. It’s the perfect go-to staple.” -@olivia1994 (See all reviews)

Shop Everlane

6. Buck Mason

American made

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | American-made tees, sweaters, collared shirts
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $$–$$$$

For easygoing wardrobe staples you can dress up or down, we recommend Buck Mason. Their easy crewnecks, cotton sweaters, and collared shirts are easy to mix and match for a style that’s classic, but can be elevated to be made uniquely yours. Most items are crafted locally in Buck Mason’s knitting mills in Pennsylvania, with each garment spun using premium USA-grown cotton for a comfy, structured feel. Transition from the office to happy hour or your after work activities in ease and comfort!

Buck Mason Review | “I’ve only tried their Tees but they really are the best for what they are. They’re super soft, feel broken in right out of the bag, has a “heritage” feeling to the design, and love the curved hems. I also love that they launched options for their Tees like Hem style and Length so you can really dial in the perfect fit for yourself.” – Jesse R., Thingtesting (See all reviews)

Shop Buck Mason

7. Boden

Budget friendly

Recycled materials

Best For | Bright blouses, patterned skirts, & dresses
Size Range | 0–22
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Boden’s workwear collection comprises of bright colors and bold patterns, while being tailored to perfection. Founded over 25 years ago, the company is a longstanding member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which requires its suppliers to meet minimum standards relating to working conditions, as set out in the ETI Base Code. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spring cardigan or bootcut pants, Boden has a wide range of pieces ideal for the business-casual workplace.

Boden Review | “Beautiful dress! The colours are as shown – I keep looking at it in the wardrobe and it makes me smile – can’t wait to wear it. The fit is perfect especially on the bust – size 10, 34 DD. I bought the long (I’m 5ft 6ins). More bright coloured dresses like this please.” – Anonymous (See all reviews)

Shop Boden

8. Tradlands

Natural materials

Size inclusive

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Button-ups, basics
Size Range | XXS–4X
Price Range | $$

Founded by Sadie Roberts in 2012, Tradlands is on a mission to make pieces you’ll wear 50 times over, instead of just a handful. The brand creates effortless looks and garments while using a slow and sustainable process. Tradlands pieces are made with natural fibers, crafted within two trusted family-run factories in small batches. Check out its Worn Well Series for style inspo.

Tradlands Review | “I was very hesitant about purchasing one of these sweaters. To be honest, the price point made me nervous, but I ended up loving the sweaters so much that I already bought another one in a different color. The quality, weight, and fit are all great. They feel like wearing a blanket so that said if you want a snugger fit, I recommend sizing down.” – Jessica N. (See all reviews)

Shop Tradlands

9. Reformation

Climate neutral

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Outerwear, coats, jackets, and blazers
Size Range | XS–3XL
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Whether you’re hopping from Zoom to school pick up, or the board room to dinner with friends, the piece that can most instantly transform an outfit into a professional look is the jacket. Reformation knows that it’s this top layer that can really make all the difference. Pop one of their sustainable Tencel blazers, elegant wrap dusters, or premium recycled wool coats to tell the world that you mean business. We love that you can easily mix and match with suggested trousers to create versatile suits too.

Reformation Review | “My favorite clothing brand ever. Every time I go in the store, I end up finding too many cute things. This is my go-to shop whenever I need to find something for an event. The quality is great for how much they cost, in my opinion.” – Keely M., Thingtesting (See all reviews)

Shop Reformation

Featured image is by The Good Trade with pieces from Reformation and KOTN

The post 9 Sustainable Workwear Brands For Women appeared first on The Good Trade.

These 99+ newsletters below span the gamut from current affairs to careers & money to Substacks from some of the industry’s best writers. While we don’t recommend signing up for all of them right now (otherwise, say goodbye to Inbox Zero!), we suggest picking a few that speak to you and taking them for a test run. Oh, and don’t forget to confirm your subscription if it requires a double opt-in!

Also: If means allow, consider upgrading to a few paid subscriptions to support independent writers and their content. Most are only about $5/month (less than a coffee these days, or your monthly Netflix bill), and your subscription means writers get to work for themselves and publish the content that matters most to them. Better yet, a paid subscription is a great zero-waste gift option for holidays and birthday ideas. 😉 No matter which newsletter you pick, we’re confident you’ll become better informed, more inspired, and more in tune with the world around you.

Which newsletters do you already subscribe to and love? Let us know in the comments!

Best Lifestyle & Roundup Newsletters

• The Daily Good. Our 30-second daily newsletter is filled with original essays, soothing playlists, nourishing recipes, non-toxic product reviews, and more.
  
  
• The Weekend Edit: A weekly roundup of our 10 most-read links, plus handpicked recommendations from one of our editors.
  

• Good Digs. Tips for sustainable design, decor, DIYS, and more! Delivered in a digest every other Thursday.

  
  

• 5 Smart Reads. Curated by author Hitha Palepu and her team, this daily digest is for “the news you should know, the books to read, and the things that will make your life better.”

  
  

• Gloria. Similar to Britney Spears’ “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” this weekly newsletter is for women approaching midlife — not yet old, yet not still young.

  
  

• Downtime. Dubbed a “newsletter for downtime,” we love kicking off our weekend with these curated smart reads and trusted product recommendations.

  
  

• Oldster Magazine. Curated by bestselling writer, editor, and teacher Sari Botton, this Substack newsletter is our favorite lifestyle reads. Subscribe for essays about “the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures.”

  
  

• The GIST. Whether you root for the Yankees or sit courtside at Lakers’ games, The GIST is your 101 on the sports world, sent four times a week.

  
  

• Bake with lovevivv 🙂. A newsletter with baking recipes and inspo — our favorite!

  
  

• Letters from Esther. Esther Perel, the renowned intimacy expert, shares her up-to-date monthly insights on relationships, love, and emotional intelligence.

  
  

• The Stripe. Grace Atwood’s blog has been an Internet staple for “stylish bookworms” for over a decade, and her newsletter rounds up the best internet reads, fashion finds, and home decor inspo.

  
  

• Nisha’s Internet Tote Bag. A Sunday newsletter of reads, recipes, and curated recommendations by Vox’s Managing Editor Nisha Chittal.

  
  

• Add To Cart. A newsletter by Eater for perusing and bookmarking the coolest (often food-adjacent) brands. Bookmark now, buy later.

  
  

• Suitcase Mag Newsletter. For your regular dose of armchair travel.

  
  

• What To Read If. For your next book recommendation, curated by writer Elizabeth Held.

  
  

• Recovering. We love this Substack from author Holly Whitaker for all things self-care and going sober.

  
  

• The Pause. The On Being Project’s weekly newsletter (delivered every Saturday).

  
  

• Satanic Baby Girl. Yoga practitioner Jessamyn Stanley writes thought provoking pieces on the intersectionality of yoga and pleasure, and how to face your fears.

  
  

• Amplifying Our Voices. NYLON’s weekly digest is all about celebrating underrepresented voices in the fashion, beauty, entertainment, and tech sphere.

  
  

• Cooks Without Borders. Award-winning writer and cook Leslie Brenner showcases recipes and stories from around the world. 

  
  

• Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. From stories about health and spirituality, to culture and news, Sunday Paper publishes content to inspire your heart and mind. 

  
  

• Slow Brew Sunday. This newsletter will have you creating your own Sunday ritual through intentions, productivity tips, and advice for sustainable self growth. 

  
  

• Conscious City Guide. Learn about community retreats and transformative events happening near you!

  
  

 Best Newsletters For Creatives

• Longreads. This weekly roundup shares five of the best long-form pieces on the Internet, curated by its stellar team of editors. Set aside 15 minutes; you won’t regret it.

  
  

• Memoir Monday. For curated essay and long-form writing recommendations, hot off the press every Monday AM.

  
  

• Maybe Baby. One of the GOATs of Substack newsletters, in our opinion. A top culture newsletter by Haley Nahman.

  
  

• Grief Bacon. Self-described as “A bunch of long, weird essays” (mostly about love).

  
  

• Not a Writers Club. We love this newsletter for “people who sometimes have a difficult time writing.” (It’s us, we feel seen.)

  
  

• Fog Chaser. This one’s not your typical email newsletter. Once a month, composer Matt Evans sends out what he calls “a moment of calm”, which includes an original instrumental composition and an accompanying visual.

  
  

• Britchida. A newsletter for algorithm-free art that spends time “exploring trauma/healing, queerness, connection and rest.”

  
  

• Before And After The Book Deal. One of the most helpful resources for newbie authors — subscribe for alllll the tips on how to get published (and paid for it).

  
  

• Poem of the Day. A daily poem curated by Poetry Foundation.

  
  

• Subtle Maneuvers. From the author of Daily Rituals: How Artists Work. A fortnightly Substack newsletter on “routines, rituals, and wriggling through a creative life.”

  
  

• Agents & Books. Another one for aspiring authors! Kate McKean is teaching us everything we need to know about finding a writing agent.

  
  

• The Marginalian. Formerly known as Brain Pickings, this Sunday and mid-week newsletter helps us reflect on the search for meaning and beauty in the world around us.

  
  

• Wu Fei’s Music Daily. For original, daily music compositions.

  
  

• Brass Ring Daily. Subscribe for “a daily dose of encouragement for your work, life, and creativity.”

  
  

• DrawTogether. Learn to draw with #1 New York Times bestselling artist Wendy MacNaughton!

  
  

• The Fairest Newsletter. A free writing newsletter by author Meredith Talusan “as a way to try to make things more fair to those who cannot afford to go to [writing] fancy schools.”

  
  

• Lit Hub Daily. A daily email recapping the best of the literary internet.

  
  

• The Mood Board. Brianna Schubert’s newsletter is a space for readers (and herself!) to explore creativity, slow down and take notice of the beauty around us.

  
  

• Listings Project. This is a weekly newsletter that includes job listings and housing opportunities — from one artist to another.

  
  

•  ilovecreatives. Delivered every Wednesday to your inbox, this newsletter’s got you covered on the latest gigs, events, workshops and more.

  
  

•  Inbox Collective. Need support with growing your own newsletter list? This weekly newsletter will teach you how to get your readers engaged and your revenue up!

  
  

• Blavity. This newsletter provides an engaging platform where BIPOC folks and multicultural communities come together to share the latest on creative news, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture. 

  
  

• Sub Club. A newsletter for submission opportunities for creative and professional writers delivered to your inbox weekly.  

  
  

• The Parallelogram. This Webby-winning newsletter is all about revealing the inner workings of how celebrities help businesses thrive (or fail). 

  
  

Best For Daily News & Current Affairs

• Morning Brew. This daily read sent to 4M+ subscribers promises to make you smarter in just five minutes by covering news with wit and brevity.

• The NYT’s The Morning. A newsletter for New York Times news, of course.

  
  

• The GoodNewsletter. A free daily email filled with optimistic, positive worldwide news? Sign us up.

  
  

• The Skimm. Tailored by and for women, this daily email breaks down everything you need to know in the world of current affairs. Check out the link for previous editions.

  
  

• The Know Newsletter. This 5-minute newsletter is helping us feel informed but not overwhelmed. And we love the “cheer me up” section!

  
  

• 1440. This everyday read covers science, politics, and culture from an impartial view, with an audience of 2M+ readers and growing.

  
  

• The Newsette. Daily updates on beauty, business, and everything in between — with a cheeky twist.

  
  

• The 19th. Reporting on the intersection of gender, policy, and politics, this independent nonprofit newsroom shares news that actually represents you.

  
  

• ProPublica. Best known for its journalist deep dives and exposes, ProPublica has a number of newsletters to check out on current events, from weekly recaps to daily digests.

  
  

• Zette. Tired of paying separately for every single news subscription? This credit based service gives you access to paywalled pieces from publishers like Forbes and Oxford Magazine through a single subscription.

  
  

• Vote Save America. Keep up with political news locally and nationally with Crooked Media’s email list, perfect for election season. (Plus, we appreciate Crooked Media’s bias towards action!)

• The Browser. A round-up of some of the most truly interesting and thought-provoking material being published each day.

• The Daily Upside. For a positive outlook on news surrounding business, finance, and economics, this newsletter will have you feeling empowered.

• TheFutureParty. Get the latest scoop on business, entertainment, media & culture all in this 5-minute newsletter!

• The Donut. Get quick, nonpartisan news updates that are actually fun to read with this personalized newsletter. 

Best For Sustainability & Climate Change News

• Grist. One of the few newsrooms out there focused on the intersection of climate and justice; opt-in to The Beacon for positive and hopeful climate news or The Daily for everyday reportage and coverage.

  
  

• The Unpublishable. Jessica DeFino’s tagline says it all: “What the beauty industry won’t tell you, from a reporter on a mission to reform it.” 👀 Start with one of our favorite recent editions, Where Are All The Eyebrows?

  
  

• HEATED. Launched by Emily Atkin, her insights as a climate journalist are invaluable as we look towards the earth’s future — plus, we love her take on demanding accountability.

  
  

• Sustainable Baddie. From thoughtful content creators we love (including Jazmine Rogers AKA @thatcurlytop), this newsletter is “a place for fun and optimistic content surrounding imperfect sustainable fashion and living.”

  
  

• Unwrinkling Roundup. A newsletter by fashion and sustainability journalist Whitney Bauck reporting on climate and the environment.

  
  

• The Climate Crisis. From The New Yorker and American environmentalist Bill McKibben.

  
  

• Patagonia. While most brand newsletters focus on sales and products, we love Patagonia’s emails for environmental action alerts and climate-related news (in addition to sales + product launches, ofc).

  
  

• Long Live. For all things secondhand-fashion, this twice weekly newsletter from Erika Veurink has got you covered.

  
  

• The Farm Share Newsletter. For tips on what to do with all your CSA produce!

  
  

• Zero Waste Chef. From cookbook author Anne-Marie Bonneau, a newsletter for zero waste tips and kitchen hacks.

  
  

Best Newsletters For Parents

• phone notes. Kayti Christian’s Substack is one of our favorites for notes on motherhood, IVF, and infertility.

• Dear Somebody. This weekly newsletter by Meera Lee Patel chronicles five things worth remembering and explores the art of motherhood.

  
  

• The New Fatherhood. We love love love this weekly newsletter by Kevin Maguire about modern fatherhood. Subscribe for “honest conversations between a community of dads who are trying to be a little bit better.”

  
  

• Apparently. A Substack by mom blog writer Ilana Wiles. It’s about parenting — and also everything else.

  
  

• The Examined Family. If you’ve ever wondered how exactly we’re supposed to raise little humans in this broken world, this newsletter is for you.

  
  

• Now We’re Talking. “A newsletter about the lived experience of being a mom, in all of its wonderful, but impossible, and yet often absurd glory.”

  
  

• The Future of Education. An excellent newsletter for school-age parents about top trends in innovation in learning.

  
  

Best Newsletters For Career & Money Advice (Plus, Job Postings)

• The Assist. Want to become a better professional? This is our go-to for career advice that’s actually enjoyable.

  
  

• Money With Katie. 401(K)s, IRAs, and tax bills, oh my! A personal finance newsletter that you’ll actually want to read, can easily understand, and will laugh at over and over again.

  
  

• Career Contessa. Go from entry level to managerial with this weekly email, chock full of resources, timely reads, and expert advice.

  
  

• The Bloom. Your next favorite newsletter for career tips, jobs, exclusive interviews, and connections — specific to the social impact space.

  
  

• The Financial Diet. Named one of the top online destinations for women to talk about all things personal finance, this weekly email shares DIY tips, self-improvement challenges, and access to exclusive events and resources.

  
  

• The Penny Hoarder. More tips to help save that money, bb!

  
  

• The Nerdletter. From The Hell Yeah Group’s Paco de Leon, this weekly newsletter has thoughtful insights and practical reads on all things money.

  
  

• Embrace Change NYC. Cynthia Pong — a former lawyer, award-winning career coach, and LinkedIn Top Voice — specializes in career support specifically for BIWOC. Find no-nonsense, cheeky, and insightful tips with this weekly email.

  
  

• Robinhood Snacks. New to the finance or investing world? See this daily read that breaks it down into bite-sized…well, snacks.

  
  

• Wellfound. If you work in the startup space, don’t sleep on this weekly email covering new trends, the future of work, and tech jobs.

  
  

• The Wall Street Journal. It’s not just for your econ professor or dad to read anymore. Stay in the know about the economy and global markets with WSJ’s many newsletters tailored to your interests.

  
  

• The Browngirl Green’s Green Jobs Board newsletter is excellent for climate oriented jobs.

  
  

• Ask A Manager. New and seasoned managers will appreciate Alison Green’s thoughtful responses on effectively leading and supporting teams. Choose from daily digests or weekly updates.

  
  

• Jack’s Flight Club. The best newsletter for saving $$ on travel.

  
  

• Feed Me by Emily Sundberg. Sundberg’s daily newsletter is worth paying for — though she releases free versions of the letter frequently. You’ll get a daily selfie coupled with her personal (and often spicy!) take on the latest trends in business and media. A smart and fun “girls club” to be a part of.

  
  

• Girlboss. For a healthy dose of pop culture, career inspo, and work advice, this curated newsletter will perk up your day. 

  
  

 Newsletters Making Us Smarter 

• NPR Life Kit. Named after the eponymous podcast, this weekly newsletter helps you get your life together. (Not into this topic? NPR has over a dozen newsletters to sign up with.)

  
  

• NYT’s How to Do Everything. The New York Times’ Magazine’s column on all the things you wish you were taught in school, like how to talk to dogs or remember someone’s name.

  
  

• National Geographic. Get inspired by Nat Geo’s plethora of daily and weekly newsletters, with engaging and uniquely covered verticals like “Health,” “Animals,” and “Environment.”

  
  

• A Thing or Two. Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur, two e-commerce experts and longtime friends, share the 10 new products they’re most excited about each week. (Think everything from chic candlesticks to new 3D-printed collectibles.)

  
  

• The Spy Museum. James Bond fans, historians, and aspiring techies alike will love this weekly email “briefing,” with news, book releases, and stories about spies and secrets.

  
  

• Atlas Obscura. Explorers, local and international, will be obsessed with Atlas Obscura’s newsletters — with stories on the world’s most intriguing food and drink to hidden places to travel to on every continent.

  
  

• Culture Study. With tens of thousands of paid subscribers, we love journalist Anne Helen Peteresen’s Substack for our weekly think piece on all things culture (from politics and feminism to celebrity takes and consumerism).

  
  

• The Economist’s 1843. Named after The Economist’s publication date in September 1843, this weekly email explores events old and new, from Queen Elizabeth’s legacy to American barbecue.

  
  

• Atavist. This digital magazine focuses on one long-form story every month, from a troubling humanities magnet program in LA to FBI informants involved in murder and fraud. Incredibly researched and written.

  
  

• Love Notes. Whether you’re a parent or a partner, the Gottman Institute is the go-to for research-backed data on relationships. Enjoy the latest from the pros themselves on the art of love.

  
  

• Alienhood. This newsletter by writer Jesus Rodriguez is “an exploration of democracy through the eyes of an undocumented immigrant.”

  
  

Newsletters From Our Favorite Authors

• The Audacity by Roxane Gay

  
  

• Story Club by George Saunders

  
  

• sweater weather by Brandon Taylor

  
  

• Werk-In-Progress by Saeed Jones

  
  

• Cup of Stars by Carmen Maria Machado

  
  

• Lorain by Morgan Jerkins

  
  

• Men Yell at Me by Lyz Lenz

  
  

• Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

  
  

• Badreads by Lauren Hough

  
  

• Somebody’s Notes by Ashley C Ford

  
  

• Out Of The Blue by Mari Andrew

  
  

• Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith

  
  

• The AF WKLY Newsletter by Ann Friedman

  
  

• Heartbeat (fiction) edited by Georgia Clark and Hannah Orenstein

  
  

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of Money with Katie at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of Departure, a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Inspiring Newsletters To Sign Up For This Year appeared first on The Good Trade.

I was in a Zoom meeting with colleagues recently, where the meeting’s leader was sharing some data that was less than convincing. In a private chat message to a coworker, I playfully wrote, “Weak sauce!” and hit send. Except it wasn’t a private chat message. It went to everyone. Including the meeting leader.

CRINGE.

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s calling someone the wrong name, burping during a status update, or spilling coffee all over your crush from accounting, awkward moments make us all want to melt into the floor. But what if instead of cringing, you embraced the awkward with open arms? What if you realized not only is it okay to be awkward at work, it can actually benefit your career?

“What if you realized not only is it okay to be awkward at work, it can actually benefit your career?”

Join the Awkward Army

Let’s start with this universal truth — everyone has awkward moments, even the most confident and polished people you know. Did you accidentally send a “Love you!” text to your boss? Awkward. Your coworker tripped over her own two feet while walking down the hall? Awkward. You blanked on the name of your most important client in front of the CEO during your first week? Unbelievably awkward. But you’re not alone. Consider yourself an official member of the Awkward Army, a supportive community that celebrates our cringe moments and shared humanity instead of tucking those moments away. Some of your fellow members include:

• The ultra-sharp manager with toilet paper stuck to her shoe all day 
• The VP who replies “You too!” when the barista says “Enjoy your coffee!”
• The coworker who waves back at someone behind them
• The intern who calls the CEO “Mom”

These natural and human moments are born from life’s inherent uncertainty, and to avoid awkward moments means cracking the code on avoiding uncertainty all together. We’ve all been in your shoes, and simply knowing that everyone else can relate will help you recover from your next awkward moment faster. Being a member of the Awkward Army means finding solace, support, and a lot of laughter in our shared experiences, instead of feeling alone in them when they inevitably happen.

Separate emotions from evidence

After an awkward moment, our minds often go straight to catastrophe mode. “Now my coworkers will think I’m a total embarassment and my career is ruined!” our inner critic screams. 

“Social science tells us that most of the time, people are too busy worrying about their own blunders to deeply notice yours.”

In these moments, it’s helpful to stop long enough to separate the evidence from the emotion. Social science tells us that most of the time, people are too busy worrying about their own blunders to deeply notice yours. Psychologists call this the “Spotlight Effect” — we overestimate how much people focus on our flubs.

The next time awkwardness strikes, take a breath and reality check your inner critic:

• Is it really as bad as I think?
• How would I react if my coworker did this? 
• What’s the worst (realistic) outcome here?

Pausing long enough to reality-check the situation and ask yourself some questions helps you regain some needed perspective. It’s likely not as big a deal as your emotions claim. That time you picked up a phone call from Aunt Mia during a Zoom meeting and realized you weren’t on mute? Yes, embarrassing. But will it change how Malik from accounting views your strategic thinking skills? Doubtful. 

Take small steps (with room for false starts)

Now that you’ve joined the Awkward Army, it’s time to get a bit more familiar with this emotion. Awkwardness is an emotion of discomfort, but it’s unique in that it’s a social emotion – we only feel it in front of other people. Improving our awkward tolerance begins with strengthening our social muscles. Start small by allowing yourself to make minor goofs in front of other people:

• Keep your phone in your pocket in the supermarket checkout line and say hello to someone
• Say something silly in a meeting even if it gets a few blank stares
• Make a corny joke even if it only gets a polite chuckle 
• Fully own up to mistakes rather than downplaying them
• Ask “dumb” questions rather than staying confused 

By avoiding risks out of fear of how we’ll be perceived or fear of embarrassing ourselves, we hold ourselves back. Leaning into awkwardness builds confidence and resilience over time. With repetitions, you realize those “awkward” moments weren’t so bad, and in fact, are key to helping you grow.

It’s natural to have some false starts. Maybe you’ll overshare on a video call or make one too many dad jokes. That’s okay — it’s all part of the process. Reflect on what you learned and aim higher next time. Growth comes from trial and error.

Awkward isn’t all bad 

Once you embrace awkwardness, you’ll start to notice the upside. Recent research found awkwardness has workplace benefits:

Awkwardness shows authenticity. Your humanness makes you more relatable. As long as you are generally seen as someone smart and capable, research finds that people find it refreshing to see your whole humanity — blunders and all — instead of a version who is overly polished.

Awkwardness builds deeper connections. Opening up makes you more approachable. Coworkers can relate to your shared quirks. Remember, this is everyone’s emotion, and sharing these moments with another actually accelerates our connection and moves us back to a more relaxed, creative state.

“When used quickly and strategically, humor in an awkward moment becomes a shared moment of lightness.”

Awkwardness adds levity. According to researchers, a touch of lighthearted awkwardness makes you seem more confident and competent, especially when you can handle the moment with a laugh. Laughter unites us, suppresses the release of cortisol (the stress hormone), and sparks the release of oxytocin which promotes social bonding. When used quickly and strategically, humor in an awkward moment becomes a shared moment of lightness.

The next time you stick your foot in your mouth or have a klutzy moment, go easy on yourself. See it as a chance to build camaraderie and resilience.

Read on for some of our readers’ awkward stories and share your most awkward moment in the comments!

Our readers’ stories

“I finished a text to my boss with 😘 instead of 😂. Just a quick slip of the finger. I’m also really trying to embrace the part of « asking “dumb” questions instead of staying confused ». I find it actually makes me come across as authentic and invested and then I learn and grow more quickly!” – Rachel

“I run a big team and I shared a personal note in a public Slack channel. It was obvious who the note was for and I only deleted it after one of my employees told me what I did. I thought everyone would lose respect for me but it blew over quickly.” – Kathrine

“I can’t think of a situation at work at this moment but when I was younger at an after school program we had a pizza party and the teacher told me to go look in the staff refrigerator and grab the drumsticks. I looked and looked until a teacher passed by and said can i help you. When I told her I was looking for drumsticks she quickly pointed out the big blue box of ice cream and there was a moment of awkward silence as I had an ohhh moment in my head. Instead of looking for the Drumstick ice cream, I was in search of chicken wings. I guess Pizza & wings seemed like a more appealing combo at the time Lol” – Anonymous

Henna Pryor is a renowned Workplace Performance Expert, TEDx and keynote speaker, and author. She’s known for her science-backed approach to elevate high achievers and skyrocket risk-taking at work, and her award-winning book, Good Awkward, is out now.

The post Why It’s Okay To Be Awkward (Even At Work!) appeared first on The Good Trade.

I don’t recall being taught much about money specifically, but I did know our family had unspoken values around finances. Cars? A new vehicle was a waste of money and dealerships were out to rip you off, so find the best used vehicle in the tristate area, and always utilize a reasonable, local mechanic to service it. Groceries? Shop the clearance meat section, and eat every last bite of leftovers. In general, we rarely bought new things, and if we did, someone would call it “fancy.” Overall, though, my general assessment of money was that there were good and bad ways to spend it, right and wrong ways to handle it — I just didn’t really know what they were. And that was what I carried into adulthood.

“Every single one of us has internal scripts around money — whether you grew up wanting or with plenty, talking explicitly about how to handle it or not at all.”

Whether due to cultural taboos, financial illiteracy, or fear of judgment, there are plenty of reasons we don’t discuss money in more specific terms. Money isn’t just about the numbers in our bank account — it begs questions about our status, our security, and ultimately our self-worth. It’s emotional, vulnerable, and can remind us of what we had or didn’t have growing up. Thought patterns around money are influenced by formative experiences, like how it felt to be teased for not having the right clothes in middle school. Deeper still, it can remind us of painful experiences like food insecurity, bullying, or whatever it is that you’re thinking about right now as you read this.

After graduating from undergrad, I applied to jobs for over a year, none of which returned my correspondence. I then moved back to Southern California after spending all of my childhood and adolescent years in the Midwest, and felt overwhelmed by the drastically different cost of living. When I saw my peers getting married and buying homes, I felt a profound guilt that I was nowhere close to this life goal — and I felt like I was doing something wrong.

“Money isn’t just about the numbers in our bank account — it begs questions about our status, our security, and ultimately our self-worth.”

After sharing a bit about this anxiety, a friend and mentor of mine sent me an article outlining how the housing market and economic landscape are drastically different now than when my parents were my age, providing context and encouragement that the burden of my economic status wasn’t mine alone to bear. I wondered what other financial anxieties I had that could be mitigated by a little perspective.

I feel incredibly lucky to have rich friendships in my life, with friends who I can talk to about anything, two of whom are from college and I’ve remained close to. We’ve intentionally tended to our friendship for nearly fifteen years now, meeting up in various cities across the country to reconnect despite living in different time zones.

On one such trip to Palm Springs, we sat around the breakfast table discussing our finances. A few months prior, one of them had started a group chat with several of our friends with the intention to share resources, ideas, and begin the conversation around money. We’d always shared generally about this area of our lives, but agreed that discussing more specifics would be helpful.

Over coffee and pastries, we disclosed specific salary figures, student loans, credit card balances, family support or lack thereof, insecurities, thought patterns, and limiting beliefs. Some of it was really hard to share — so much of it was such a relief to hear. 

“Over coffee and pastries, we disclosed specific salary figures, student loans, credit card balances, family support or lack thereof, insecurities, thought patterns, and limiting beliefs.”

For the first time, I felt something unlock inside of myself. On one hand, this conversation was valuable because it was simply another level of vulnerability with the people I trust. On the other, it was the beginning of demystifying an aspect of my life that touches every part of it. 

Together, we’ve endured many different iterations of life, religion, marital status, sexuality, health challenges, and heartbreak. We were in each other’s weddings, know each other’s therapists by name. They’ve seen both videos of me giving birth to my children, have sat with me on the floor of my new baby’s bedroom while wearing my postpartum pads, milk dripping from me. My point is we’re well-versed in each other’s vulnerabilities, and still, for me, sharing transparently about finances felt vulnerable in a way that nothing else had.

Since then, we’ve continued the conversation, and doing so is unraveling my ideas and hangups around money, revealing my thought patterns and habits that are both constructive and destructive.

We all agreed that taking the conversation from general to specific made it richer and more meaningful, just as doing so in the past with other topics had in our relationship. For example, there’s a huge difference between generally asking each other “Are you having good sex?” and specifically asking “Are you orgasming? Why or why not? How, when, how often?” (by the way, the answer usually involves a vibrator).

Talking about finances with people we trust is grounding, helps us orient where we are and where we want to go, and gives us essential perspective. Money, just like anything, is a learned skill — how can we learn it if we don’t talk to each other about it? 

“Money, just like anything, is a learned skill — how can we learn it if we don’t talk to each other about it?”

These conversations helped fill in the gaps to the question each of us was asking in some capacity, which was How are people doing this? Being transparent about money is helping us all move toward personal growth and financial wellness. 

In the years since then, we’ve shared various podcasts and book recommendations with each other, and come to one another for advice on questions we previously would have tried to figure out on our own. It’s inspired us to ask for help, pay off debt, change jobs, and take steps toward the kind of financial futures that will provide stability and an environment where we can thrive. One of us even made and shared an epic custom budgeting spreadsheet for each of us to use to track our spending.

You don’t have to be an expert — in fact, being open about the fact that you’re not sure what you’re doing could be the key to opening up the conversation. Are there a few people you trust that you’d feel safe talking through specific financial topics with? Do you have a budgeting spreadsheet you can share with each other? Maybe you’ve listened to a podcast, read a book, or gleaned some wisdom that would be helpful to share. Identify those in your life who you feel comfortable being vulnerable with, and start the conversation.

Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!

The post Why You Should Talk To Your Friends About Money appeared first on The Good Trade.