Riding the Wave of Shopping Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Words & photos by Carmen Macri

Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to finally ditch that old ratty bikini and trade it in for something better — for you and the environment.

It’s always a mission to find a swimsuit that’s both durable and easy on the wallet — every girl’s dilemma. With high-end brands charging a fortune for a bikini and the dark side of fast fashion wreaking havoc on our planet, it’s tough to navigate. That’s why when local businesses start rolling out eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable swimwear options, it’s time to jump on board.

Choosing eco-friendly, sustainable swimwear isn’t just about following trends; it’s about aligning our values with our actions. By opting for swimwear made from recycled materials or produced ethically, we’re making a statement about what matters to us. It’s a way of saying we care about the health of our planet and the well-being of those who make our clothes. With each purchase, we’re not just buying a piece of clothing; we’re investing in a better future — one where our oceans are cleaner, our communities are supported, and our impact on the environment is minimized. So when we slip into that eco-friendly swimsuit, we’re not just making a fashion statement; we’re making a conscious choice to swim in style while doing our part for the planet.

Among the limited local brands that truly catch attention stands Noelani The Label. Based right here in Jacksonville, Noelani represents a local, sustainable, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly bikini line. Every thread of this brand is the creation of Kyla Noelani, who serves as its founder, owner, designer, seamstress and everything in between. Launching her venture right out of high school in 2019, Noelani was driven by frustration shared by many toward the subpar quality of available bathing suits.

“It’s all handmade by me. I just love bikinis, I love fashion and I love sewing. So I kind of combine that all into my little business,” Noelani shared. “I was getting bikinis from Target and Shein, and I just never liked how they felt on me and how they fit. And then when I started learning about how it’s made, the materials and the labor, you know, it’s kind of questionable.”

Noelani discovered her passion for sewing during her middle school years, initially finding joy in it as a simple hobby. However, it wasn’t until she explored the fashion industry, particularly the bikini sector and witnessed the staggering amount of waste it generated, that she felt inspired to take matters into her own hands. Balancing the creation of a fully eco-friendly, sustainable swimsuit line alongside staying abreast of trends is undeniably challenging. It requires extensive research to ascertain whether materials are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

“I figured I would just do it myself. Simple,” Noelani explained. “I started learning about sustainability and how much waste fashion produces.

So it’s kind of a hard compromise, wanting to try new styles and trends and then also trying to balance that with being sustainable.”

One crucial aspect Noelani prioritizes in her brand is minimizing waste that could accumulate during manufacturing. That’s why every item crafted by Noelani is made to order, ensuring that no excess material is left behind, thus reducing the risk of it ending up in landfills. When it comes to the actual material used — all regenerated material. Plastics, carpets, fishing nets, and water bottles are all gathered and transformed into a type of yarn, which is then repurposed into a new fabric. Or she uses deadstock fabric.

“Sometimes brands have extra fabric that they never end up using to produce their items. So they’ll have like hundreds of yards extra of fabric just like wasted,” Noelani explained. “And so sometimes I come in and buy some. Then I’m able to turn that into something new, whereas it either would have been sitting in a warehouse forever or they would have just thrown it away.”

Noelani’s bikinis offer added value with their reversible designs, essentially giving you two swimsuits for the price of one. Instead of sticking to plain solid colors, Noelani prefers vibrant hues and eye-catching patterns, drawing inspiration from the iconic swimsuits of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.

“So I always try to have kind of more timeless and like vintage-inspired, the 90s florals, plaids and gingham,” Noelani explained. “I like to create things that I can see people wearing for decades, not just something that’s a micro trend right now.”

Recently, there’s been a growing spotlight on Arcane Swim, another local swimwear line renowned for its eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable practices. The attention it’s garnered is completely warranted — here’s why.

Arcane Swim’s fabric, crafted with biodegradable materials, is manufactured by garment workers represented by IndustriALL Global Union, a force for better working conditions and trade union rights worldwide. The brand ensures carbon-neutral shipping and employs compostable packaging, supporting projects like the Cambodian Water Purification Project through EcoCart. Partnering with One Tree Planted, Arcane Swim plants a tree for every purchase, contributing to global reforestation efforts. They offer a range of second-hand and vintage clothing at affordable prices to promote sustainable living. Committed to slow fashion, Arcane prioritizes quality and fair treatment of workers, avoiding rushed production. They educate consumers about sustainable practices and textiles, advocating for a kinder approach to the environment. Their fabric, OEKO-TEX 100 Certified, boasts CO2 control technology for environmentally friendly production and UV protection. The Light (CO2), a circular knitted fabric made with biodegradable nylon, decomposes rapidly, exemplifying Arcane’s dedication to eco-conscious innovation.

The women behind it all?

Kirsten

“Lulie” Mayo.

“I came up with the idea for Arcane back in 2016, but it wasn’t until a few years later that we really got things going. It took a lot of research, figuring out how to start a business and testing out tons of fabric swatches to find the right materials. Finally, in the spring of 2019, we were able to launch our first collection,” Mayo shared. “After we launched, we didn’t even get our first order until two or three days later. But within two weeks, we completely sold out of the collection.”

In an effort to reduce waste in production and packaging, Arcane Swim implements several important measures. They prioritize shipping all products in biodegradable mailers, ensuring customers feel good about the eco-friendly delivery of their swimwear. Through a partnership with EcoCart, they offset carbon emissions from shipping, making all shipments net zero and lessening their environmental impact. This collaboration also supports The Cambodian Water Purification Act, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Arcane also ships tagless and often includes a metal ring as a “tag” for hanging suits on towel racks after handwashing, enhancing sustainability throughout the customer experience.

“We’re all about sustainability. We’re guided by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on areas like climate action, responsible consumption and production, and gender equality,” Mayo added. “This means that every swimsuit we make is not just stylish — it’s also helping the planet and supporting social causes. We’re also part of the Fashion Revolution movement, which is all about making fashion transparent, sustainable and ethical. It’s about changing the way we think about clothes from how they’re made to how we wear them. By partnering with Fashion Revolution, we’re working to create a fashion industry that’s better for everyone.”

In high school, Mayo dove into the world of retail at a Jacksonville Beach surf shop, where tasks ranged from handling shipments to arranging products. This hands-on experience shed light on a couple of things: the limited inclusivity in sizing and modeling, the questionable ethics of some big-name brands and the over-priced products. Immersed in Jax Beach’s swimwear scene, Mayo realized that when she eventually started her own swim line, she wanted to do things differently… And she did.

“Creating and maintaining an eco-friendly swimwear brand comes with its challenges, but I think something I’ve recognized and see not only in Arcane but other brands as well is that sustainability is a privileged conversation. Some people can’t afford to be more sustainable because eco-friendly products are often more expensive with higher cost usually due to the better quality of the products and the fair wages paid to workers,” Mayo shared. “But here’s the thing: just because you might not have the budget for it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to make sustainable choices. We believe it’s our job as the company to make sustainable products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. We want to make it easier for you to find products that not only make you feel good but also help the planet. Finding the balance between affordability and sustainability is tough, but as we grow and learn more about running a business, scaling up and sustainability, we’re getting closer to finding our footing.”

Residing in a beach town, it’s crucial for our community to play a role in enhancing the environment and preserving our oceans. And if bikinis aren’t your thing, fret not. “Folio” recently chatted with the owner of Eco Eclectic, a fresh zero-waste shop that recently opened its doors on the corner of Third Street and Eighth Avenue in Jacksonville Beach.

Sara Fagen’s frustration peaked during her beach strolls, witnessing heaps of trash tarnishing our dunes. Determined to make a difference, she launched a shop focused on zero-waste refills with eco-friendly products at the core. Initially, Fagen operated her shop out of local farmers markets across the beach area. Since 2020, she’s spent her weeks scouting eco-friendly alternatives for everyday essentials like laundry detergents, dish soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Additionally, she sources recycled plastics, tins, glassware and other containers for refills available at her booth — now her store.

“I live on the beach, and I was seeing all this trash, so I was like, oh, what is a way that I can change this by having different products?” Fagen explained. “There wasn’t anyone local that I supported, so I was kind of like, oh crap. I have to do this myself. And then from the farmers market, it grew into the store.”

When Fagen isn’t tending to her newly established brickand-mortar store, which opened its doors in October of last year, she’s immersed in her role as a research scientist at Mayo Clinic, focusing on drug discovery — a subject close to her heart. While her primary focus lies within her store’s refill center, she also utilizes the space to champion other local vendors committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Within her store, Fagen hosts numerous vendors who align with her sustainability ethos, switching plastics for clay and opting for local vintage shops like Keeks Vintage over fast fashion outlets. Recycled or used books and old vinyl records find new homes instead of ending up in landfills, while spots for brands like Arcane Swim can add to the eclectic mix. Eco Eclectic hosts a monthly clothing swap as well, offering a sustainable alternative to discarding old clothes by facilitating exchanges among customers, ensuring a continuous cycle of secondhand garments being exchanged rather than languishing in landfills. Whatever does not find a home that day will either end up back on the rack or will be donated to Mission House or Salvation Army.

“We kind of wanted to inspire people to start wherever they are, whether it’s coming in to buy a plant and then they’re like, ‘Oh, we could go refill things,’”Fagen explained. “If they’re not on board with that, but they like to get thrifted clothes, we have that option too. There are so many ways to be eco-friendly, and we kind of want to be the gateway, the entry point, to all of that.”

Everything inside of Eco Eclectic is sourced locally funneling money back into our city while also being conscious of the effects the products might have on the environment.

“We try to get as local as possible,” Fagen said. “Handmade ideally. We also look for women-owned and minority-owned companies. And then for things like the refills, are we able to send those back and refill them? If not, can we recycle or reuse those containers? Are they even natural products? Are they biodegradable? We’re so close to the ocean, and these things are going down the drain. So we look for natural biodegradable ingredients while supporting local vendors.”

Sustainable shopping has often been associated with higher costs, justified by the quality of products. While this holds true, Fagen at Eco Eclectic believes in making ethical and sustainable shopping accessible to her community. As a result, her prices are unbeatable, prioritizing affordability without compromising on sustainability.

“Plastic bottle and waste reduction has been through the roof,” Fagen shared. “People bring in the same containers to refill products, which is amazing. We track how many bottles we’re saving. We want to be a hub for that and support those people that are doing cool, sustainable efforts in the community.”

The journey toward sustainable living and eco-conscious consumption is not only attainable but also essential for the well-being of our planet. We see that small changes can make a big difference. By supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, we can contribute to a healthier environment and create a brighter future for generations to come. So whether it’s choosing eco-friendly swimwear or shopping at zero-waste stores, take proactive steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle — our planet will thank you.

Words & photos by Amiyah Golden

A statement that will forever grind my gears: “There’s nothing to do in Jacksonville.”

My face immediately morphs into this deadpan expression and my eye starts to twitch whenever I hear this.

As a native of Jacksonville, I have not only have I seen this city grow tremendously, but I have connected with so many pioneers who are doing the work to improve this place we call home, instigating a chain reaction that has produced projects of passion, infrastructure constructed from love and events that speak to the ethos of Jacksonville.

My own integration into the local art space has been healing for the soul. As I begin to see the tangible manifestation of a fire lit by a manifold of beings who wish to see their community thrive, their servitude yields a beacon of light that illuminates ambitions — not only as an inhabitant — but as an artist and devotee to the cause in ways that make me feel emboldened.

A testament to this power of light comes from the creation of Wine Down Wednesday, a monthly event curated by five individuals who delight in the pursuit of showcasing local artists and their gifts while curating an atmosphere that also appeals to their attendees.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the Wine Down Wednesday crew composed of Dr. Dominique Tull (aka Dr. Dominique), Khalliah Bryant, DJ Larry Love, Yung OG Rawby, and Will Morgan (aka “The Vagabond”) in a candid conversation surrounding culture, family and art.

I recall my first time seeing the promotion for Wine Down Wednesday. It was constantly being reposted by my friends and mutuals with familiar names announced as a part of the line-up each month; it was something I knew I needed to pay a visit to. I was determined to be a witness so I seized my best friend and forced her to drive me to Murray Hill and hobbled my way into Vagabond Coffee — crutches and all — to be in that audience.

I saw old and new faces alike and was met with the most contagious energy from strangers who passed by. This coffee shop by day turned into a dwelling of solace that night, complemented by idiosyncratic performances, a gallery of inner perspective and community connection.

From entering and seeing the visual art, musicians and the surprise treat of getting to hear a cypher to vendors and food services supplied by Chef Anderson, owner of feedtheville — and of course wine — I began to see the reason for all the fanfare. All five of my senses were certainly tantalized.

The event is organized to highlight an alternative vantage point of Black art, an immense subculture that is frequently limited due to media portrayal and nescience. It often emanates as dogmatism, which can result as a hindrance to many Black creatives when trying to emerge into new spaces. I’ve talked about this in a previous article, but the myopic labeling often precedes us, when in fact it’s just a fallacious ideal.

The architects behind Wine Down Wednesday come to challenge these limitations — and not for fame or profit — but the genuine longing to see artists succeed, analogous to a garden that cultivates an environment necessary for flourishment.

“A big part of my mission as a human and with Wine Down Is to help infuse the culture in the city and to make sure the culture remains in the city as it grows,” Dr. Dominique said. “Being from Nashville I was able to see it become completely gentrified. The city I had known changed in the blink of an eye.”

As this event welcomes the entire community and inspires affinity, it doesn’t disregard the importance of the preservation of Black ethnology and the desire to share it with other distinct cultures.

“Vagabond was created to be a place for something like Wine Down, to be a place that facilitates community, culture, love and light,” said Will Morgan (a.k.a. The Vagabond), owner of The Vagabond Coffee Co. and Vagabond Flea Market. “I was invited into my friend’s culture, and I was able to present my home, to create a space where there was a deficit for the kind of event we do here in Jacksonville.”

Ward began his coffee ventures over eight years ago with amazing success since. Alongside his brand, which has been stamped onto the hearts of many Jacksonville residents, the blood of an artist still streamed through his veins, making the cosmic collaboration between the bunch so organic.

“When you have the same spirit and energy, nothing matters,” Ward added and quickly opened the doors to his shop to host the first Wine Down Wednesday — and many more to follow.

“We’re curating a space for creatives to get back out there or level up on their craft.” chimed in Bryant, who serves as the event’s graphic designer alongside her husband Dr. Dominique.

Art is embosomed by the pair with both embracing their own artistic skill sets. Bryant coined her own self-expression as the art of communication aside from her graphic designer title, using her career as a marriage and family therapist to integrate her skill sets beyond the office.

“When I first got into this sphere of the art world, I was like I don’t fit in anywhere, but the more I worked with Wine Down and came out to different events, I realized the art is in community and I do fit into this,” Bryant said. “Wine Down is the physical manifestation of good community relationships that are practiced in a healthy way.”

Dr. Dominique has established his role of scouting artists for each event. This occurs outside of his profession as a physical therapist. Through various avenues such as Influence Crew, the Ritz Theatre & Musuem, CoRK Arts District and various exhibits, he is able to round up creative wonders event after event.

“I’m just being a fan and over time you get to know the artists and now we’re constantly on the search for talent but there’s so much talent in the city that it’s easy to find,” he added.

Dr. Dominique served as the initial link between the creator of Wine Down Wednesday, Yung OG Rawby and Ward. Dr. Dominique and Yung OG Rawby initially crossed paths in college and then reconnected sometime later at The Walrus in Murray Hill where Yung OG Rawby was performing. After expression from Yung OG Rawby about his concept of Wine Down Wednesday, Dr. Dominique recognized a parallel spirit between Yung OG Rawby and Ward and introduced the pair. They instantly hit it off, forming a bond that is certainly evident.

DJ Larry Love who is also a part of the local rap collective L.O.V.E. Culture offered his talents to Yung OG Rawby when he caught wind of the event. His presence blended seamlessly into the fold.

“Wine Down was so important for me as a DJ because a lot of people see me mostly in clubs or certain events, but I’m a creative and I like working with the artists,” explained DJ Larry Love. “You have a lot of DJs who won’t mess with artists, but if we want our city to grow and our people to shine, our job as DJs is to do that.”

As this combined mind continued to host their monthly expos, the buzz surrounding this Hump Day affair grew. Spectators and artists began to anticipate the next installment. Wine Down Wednesday was revealing itself as all that was hoped for.

I can confidently say that their reputation truly precedes itself. While the art is stellar and the music is *chefs kiss*, it all would be null and void if the energy that flows throughout that place wasn’t on par. As someone with social anxiety, entering uncharted territory is extremely nerveracking and the last thing I want to encounter is cold shoulders and judgment. However, I walked through the threshold and instantly was met with smiles and greetings prompting immediate reassurance — midweek relief I didn’t even know I needed following the constant hustle and bustle of life.

FInding a place to decompress with authentic fellowship, I realized that fire was burning bright again.

“Wine brings people together in a certain kind of way. When you have wine, the right music and a beautiful space, it’s going to bring the right people and vibrations,” DJ Larry Love said.

While the libations are greatly appreciated, the sheer ability to spark rapport with individuals you may never otherwisecross paths with — due to daily quests or the distance that partitions us — envelops the divide, facilitating the efforts needed to unify.

As Young OG Rawby explained, “Coming back here and falling back in love with my city as an adult, I realized it’s a huge need for events like this. I’ve always wanted to see my city come together on a creative tip.”

Ward agreed. “The heart of [Wine Down] is representing the true culture of our city. Jacksonville is a beautiful city with people from all types of races, and it’s ridiculous to me how little representation there is. There’s all types of performers and artists and we’re doing our best to highlight something that hasn’t had its day in the sun, and we’re bringing it to light, so everyone has to look at it!”

But this is just the beginning of the Renaissance. Creative resurgence is here – it’s always been – but it’s needed somewhere safe to blossom. What the minds behind these events in the city are doing is way bigger than merely creating clout but encouraging rebirth and revival.

“It’s the time of the creative to build this city to what it’s supposed to be. Providing a beautiful space for people to come and bring their art to the world,” said DJ Larry Love.

And Ward chimed in: “One of my bucket-list dreams is for one of the people who’s performed to literally blow up. I don’t care if they ever mention Wine Down because we will know that we’re completing our goal.”

The sincerity these people lead with is invigorating. The elation they emote as they talk about the joy of irrigating a system that promotes and lifts artists who warrant notice or those who need a boost of assurance exemplifies their character.

“Overtime we’re putting more people into that spotlight and limelight which is the ultimate goal,” Young OG Rawby said.

The group recounted moments when various artists were aptly compensated for their craft, with no prior expectations — with the sole objective of sharing their work — communal belief and support contributed to furthering concepts and confirming their worth.

“As an artist when you have someone say ‘oh that’s a cool idea’ it’s like a kiss on the mouth because to have the validation of something you feel as though is a representation of your creativity is really cool, and you can see people getting motivated and encouraged and growing because maybe no one’s seen their art before.” The Vagabond said. “It’s cool to have a stranger go ‘That’s rad, let me get that.’”

With Wine Down Wednesday’s first birthday approaching, everyone began to reflect on their first year of success. Major strides were made that they should all pride themselves on. My expectations for this next year are high, too, as I now know the capabilities that each possesses, and the talent hanging in the back pockets of so many unearthed talents in this city.

Now, don’t ever let that phrase, that starts with “There’s nothing to do …“ come out of your mouth again. Go support local art, develop relationships, drink some wine and take a load off. Wine Down Wednesday can serve as your monthly escape to be transported into an oasis of melodies, art and community.

Now, an exclusive tidbit for you if you made it all the way to the end … a festival is coming …

You can now be on the lookout for a Food and Wine festival from the creators of Wine Down Wednesday. Infusing music, food, and wine – three elements that come together to elevate your experience. To stay up to date on future dates and locations for Wine Down Wednesday and the upcoming festival you can follow their Instagram page @winedownwednesdayjax.