Earth & Me
Mar 12, 2021/Photo: Courtesy of Earthandme.co
In the summer of 2020, Kayli Kunkel found herself out of work, debating her next move, and wanting to do more for the world at large. This led to the creation of Earth & Me — Queens’ first zero waste shop filled with mindfully-made products.
“We are in desperate need of a consumer culture that is more circular and kinder to earth,” Kunkel explained. “From the packaging to shipping processes, the materials and ingredients used, and the treatment of the people who are involved in the creation of everything we buy, we deserve better, kinder, sustainable options.”
The shop stocks everything from natural skincare products to decor, accessories, and cleaning products — all with an eco-friendly slant. To source them, Kunkel reached to makers in person and online, while making sure to speak with them personally about their products.
“Nearly all of our vendors identify as women, and at least one-third of the items in the store at any given time come from businesses owned by women of color,” she said. “The people we partner with are always happy to brainstorm with me about sustainable options, be it a metal [over] plastic lid, compostable labels, biodegradable packing peanuts, or no packaging whatsoever. I look up to them and have learned so much from them.”
The shop also has a “refillery" where customers can cut back on plastic packaging by filling up their own containers with soaps, shampoo, and other supplies. It also recently launched a free community climate library with works pertaining to the environment, zero-waste principals, Indigenous cultures, etc. Customers can browse the library, take a book with them, and bring it back in their own time.
Kunkel says she hopes to expand the shops offerings in the coming months to include community workshops.
“I am also working with an incredible group of folks to launch QNS Collaborative, a community space we hope to open up this summer that will include work space, a makers' market, bulk refills on food and spices, community-led workshops, and lots of services around composting, recycling, accessible food/books/personal care items, and more,” she explained.
More about Earth & Me can be found here.
