Melanie Lorick | Inspired Epicurean

I'll be your personal shopper! At the core of sustainability is a movement away from buying new, cheap items. Purchasing vintage and secondhand items helps keep them out of the landfill, extends their life, and is often better quality than items made today. Estate sales, flea markets, consignment shops, and antique stores are wonderful resources. In case you live in an area without easy access to those resources…or just want as many options as possible, here are some cool finds on Etsy that are vintage, secondhand, or both! (Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.)

YouTube is such a great source of inspiration and vegan community, so I'm sharing some of the channels that have sparked inspiration and offer either helpful information, beautiful recipes, or both. Feel free to comment with any others you think I'm missing!

Using high-quality cookware is an essential part of creating vibrant, delicious food while lessening our environmental footprint. These items are durable, cook efficiently, and will last years (usually, decades). If you care about sustainability AND making fantastic recipes, these items are where I suggest creating a low-waste foundation in the kitchen. (Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Vegan recipes are already kinder to the environment, but Inspired Epicurean takes these a step further and helps you keep recipes low waste, including recipes dedicated to using scraps. You get more flavor, keep scraps out of the landfill, and get the most for your money. These low-waste vegan recipes are here to showcase how vegan treats can spark inspiration and satisfy our inner epicurean. 😉

Create a comfortable and inviting space without sacrificing sustainability! These are items we enjoy in our home, taking into consideration fabric, organic and responsible sourcing certifications, and high quality items that will be timeless. Of course, buy secondhand when possible and consider the lifecycle. Good quality is more likely to last longer and can be enjoyed even after they've served their use for you. 😊 Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Atlanta was recently named one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the U.S., and with these fantastic restaurants, I'm not surprised one bit. 😉 Here's a list of our favorite vegan restaurants in Atlanta. One section organizes restaurants that have a full vegan menu, while others aren't 100% vegan, but have vegan dishes we've enjoyed. Cheers!

Whether you're new to your sustainability journey, or just want to embrace a more green lifestyle, these books about green living offer a beautiful combination of practical tips and inspiration. Spanning topics from vegan cooking to native gardening, there's a little something for all interests! While I always suggest checking your local library first, or buying second hand, these books are worth having on your shelf or gifting to friends and family. Enjoy! (Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.)

Make it Delicious: these pantry essentials create a delicious, basic foundation for a vegan kitchen. Of course, when you're able to make your own (like nut butter), that's ideal. *Bonus points!* If you can't…or don't…have time, this list has you covered. :) This includes everything from seeds that serve as egg replacers to delicious vanilla extract. Because who can live without vanilla? 😉 Start exploring here! (Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.)