Elmhurst 1925

Brand Feature

Elmhusrt 1925 Milk has hear. We love the product and the story! In 2016 Henry Shwartz closed New York’s last dairy, Elmhurst. Elmhurst had been in his family over 90 years, where both his father and uncle hand-bottled and delivered milk throughout NYC. Henry was acutely aware of the steady decline in dairy consumption and was forward thinking about the rise in health conscious eating. He didn’t know much about plant based milk, but as the world kept spinning he had a serendipitous meeting with famous plant food scientist, Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, who just so happened to be looking for a partner to aid in the launch of her revolutionary HydroRelease™ milling process. Using just water, HydroRelease separates the natural components of a grain, nut, or seed before reassembling them as a smooth, creamy beverage. The original ingredient's nutrition is maintained, and no gums or emulsifiers are needed to hold the product together. Hence, circa 2017, Elmhurst 1925 was born. With a vast offering of plant based options, these milks are not only healthy, but absolutely delicious too! Their milks are super clean, many with just the nut of your choice, water and salt. Sweetened options and creamers are available and are also minimal in their ingredients. The cashew milk is a no brainer swap for half and half. The oat milk delectable in vegan baking recipes and the chai spice oat creamer to die for! And as for their packaging, there is a thin sustainably sourced aluminum lining in their cartons to best protect product from light and prevent leakage. Their cartons are still over 75% sustainably sourced paperboard and 100% recyclable including the cap.

Emerald Water

Brand Feature

With talk of microplastics becoming prevalent in regards to water and food, water filter systems are becoming more and more sought out. They are not only beneficial to your health, but the health of the planet as well. With the use of the Emerald Water Fitration System, which uses a carbon filter, viruses and bacteria are filtered out and micro plastics eliminated. Additonally, by using an Emelrald Water Filtration System, will help cut down on single use plastic immensely. For a household of 5 individuals who use 5 gallon plastic water jugs, an Emerald Water system will help eliminate approximately 5.3% fewer tons of CO2 every year. Cutting down on single use bottles would result in 10% fewer tons of CO2 every year and keep approx 700-1000+ single-use plastic bottles from going into the landfills/oceans each year. This would be the greenhouse equivalent of planting 15-20+ trees each year.

Bonus- some systems offer the option of cold, hot, ambient and sparking all in one with pricing starts as low as $45 per month. You can opt for a counter, under the counter for free standing option.

More than 29 billion water bottles are made every year in the US alone and 86% of them become garbage or litter. Also, millions of gallons of fuel are wasted every day transporting water across America. Gallon jugs and single-use plastic water systems lead to considerable environmental ramifications including high amounts of plastic waste, water wasted during production, significant use of oil, high carbon emissions and more. Learn more about Emerald Water here. All purchases made using this link are privy to one free month of service with code: green with living.

Porter Road

Brand Feature

We have a long term relationship with Porter Road and have sampled most of their pasture raised goods. Beyond cage free and organic, Porter Road holds their partners to the highest, possible standards. They regularly visit their farms to make sure the animals are raised outside, fed vegetarian feed, and given proper attention at every stage. The animals spend time roaming and grazing the fields, which yields more depth in the flavor of their goods. Shop individually or curate a monthly box, either way you won’t be disappointed. They also offer subscribe and save options. There is an extensive offering and everything is minimally processed. For items such as their prepared sausages, all the ingredients are void of any preservatives and/or additives. Their chicken is the best we have ever had. The quality stands as being not only fresh, but tender and juicy too. And although we are limiting our meat consumption, when we do allow for the infrequent indulgence, their thick cut pork chops and bacon really wow and encourage you to savor every bite. At their facility in Kentucky, they hand cut all their meats to ensure no part of the animal goes to waste.

The meat comes packed surrounded by Green Cell Foam to keep product at a food safe temperature until its delivered. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter and alerts as they often run promotions and sales.

St. James Cheese Company

Brand Feature

Calling all cheese snobs. St. James Cheese Company states, “We know people who know people who know people. Some time ago we figured out that the best way to get the farmhouse cheeses we go crazy for was to find the individuals as enthusiastic about making them as we are about selling them. We’ve built an international network of cheese makers and affineurs who hook us up with the artisan and farmhouse cheeses not found in other shops”. If this alone does not leave you feeling intrigued, simply peruse their cheese selection and you are sure to be delighted. With a selection that spans two continents, this family owned cheese shop scours the globe for the most alluring and sense provoking finds.

They also have the great fortune to work with dozens of cheesemakers who use environmentally sustainable farming practices. You might ask why? Are cheese people are more “woke,” as the kids say? Taken from the mouth of owner co-founder, Danielle Sutton, “while many artisan cheesemakers are passionate about stewarding a healthy environment, the heart of the matter is a bit more self-serving. Regenerative agriculture is not only sustainable, but also produces the best cheese. Good cheese starts with good milk, and good milk starts with soil and grass management. It is unfortunately common in industrial dairy to overgraze a pasture, stripping the soil of its nutrients, compacting the earth, and making it difficult for the greenery to come back.” Their local friends at Sweet Grass Dairy in Georgia, Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont and Sequatchie Cove Creamery in Tennessee all have biodynamic solutions allowing them to create products that true cheese afficionados will devour.

Danielle reminds us sustainable agriculture is not only good for the environment, it;s great for our bellies. If you treat the land right, your cheese will thank you. We couldn’t agree more and urge you to consider their cheese of the month club.

Neutral

Brand feature

Not turned plant based yet? That’s ok! We aren’t here to judge. However, we are here to provide resources on how to improve your carbon footprint and so is Neutral. Neutral is a brand of dairy that is carbon neutral. They work with farmers to sponsor projects that profoundly reduce their overall footprint. These changes benefit local and global ecosystems by keeping methane and other pollutants out of the atmosphere. And because Neutral makes capital investments on farms, they are helping farmers tackle projects they have been wanting to do—in some cases for years—but have not yet been able to because of money, time, and risk. Reduction opportunities include improved forage production and grazing management, nutrient and manure management, and conservation practices, such as reducing tillage or planting cover crops. They produce low fat and full fat organic milk and organic half and half that is much better for the environment. What they can’t eliminate, they offset with verified carbon credits from U.S. dairy farmers that are turning cow poop into clean energy!

Tierra Farms

Brand Feature

Tierra Farm is a certified-organic manufacturer and distributor of dried fruits and nuts, situated 20 miles south of Albany, New York. Their customers consist primarily of independent and cooperative-owned grocery stores which value working with companies that are environmentally conscious and who manufacture their own products. Their commitment to the planet runs deep. From their compostable packaging to their solar powered manufacturing, this brand loves the planet! Most of their products are void of added sugars and all are gluten-free and kosher. Check out their extensive assortment of nuts, seeds, nut butters, granola, trail mix and coffee too! Take note, they are also a peanut free facility.

Jeni’s

Brand Feature

Here’s the scoop! Jeni’s Ice Cream is built from scratch by James Beard Award winner, Jeni Britton. The mouth feel is perfection and the flavors vast and explosive! Their ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body, with bright flavor and clean finish. They are proud to be a Certified B Corp endorsed by the international nonprofit B Lab as a company. They use Direct Trade ingredients, employing a diverse team of people, working to improve environmental and social impact. They work in partnership with the growers, makers, and producers who supply then with their ingredients. From Brown Butter Almond Brittle to Strawberry Buttermilk, the choices are endless. Check out their Pint Club for access to newly released flavors shipped right to your door. Gluten and dairy free options available.