DISCUSSION WITH MELISSA GRANDKOSKI - The Swoondle Society

Melissa Grandkoski- A Sustainable Mama


We would like to welcome Melissa Grandkoski to the blog! She discusses her favorite products, how she lives sustainably, and even includes a homemade cleaner recipe.
 

What are some sustainable products you enjoy?

“For me, my ultimate sustainable favorite is vintage clothing and second-hand clothing. I sell vintage clothing in my shop, so I am always on the hunt for items for myself, my kids, and our home. Currently, my wardrobe is primarily made up of vintage clothing. When I do buy new fashion items, I tend to shop with smaller, slow fashion brands and boutiques. For some of my favorite sustainable products that I swear by for the home are our vintage collection of cast iron skillets, Lily Pad Reusable Silicon Storage Lids, Saint Olio Multi-Purpose Cleaner (sold in my shop and online), and canvas reusable grocery bags and produce bags. I use dampened cotton tea towels to store our veggies in the fridge as opposed to the plastic bags at the market. For beauty and body, I love Terra Tory soaps, Under Luna haircare, Linné Botanical skincare, Noto Botanics, and Fit Glow Concealer from them is my jam.”

 

What are some thrift shops that you frequent?

“Estate Sales are my favorite. Especially the ones right outside Portland city limits. Thrift stores are pretty picked over here in Portland. Village Merchants is great for kid’s stuff and home goods. I also love Red, White, and Blue Thrift. I find great things on Etsy and eBay too.”

 

How do you live sustainably?

“A sustainable lifestyle can look so many different ways to different folks. I am all about the ‘you do you’ and that every little bit helps. Our family aims to do our part in simplifying the consumption of goods, being conscious consumers, and eating a primarily plant-based diet (harder with the kids). Most important to me, is living sustainably without stressing yourself out whether it is good enough or not. If we all do our part, I feel that we are all at least forming a conscious collective to better our EARTH. 

Here at home, we plant an organic garden in the spring and summer. We are now planning to do a fall-winter garden as well. My husband and I primarily eat plant-based, but we are not strict on this and listen to our bodies on what it is asking for. If we do eat fish, meat, or eggs, we buy organic and from local sources. We are fortunate to be surrounded by amazing farms of all kinds here in Portland and have plenty of Farmer’s Markets to choose from throughout the year. As for our children, we let them intuitively eat. Always providing them with plenty of organic fruit and vegetable options, but as 6 and 8-year-olds we listen to what they are craving, whether plant-based or not. I also shop in bulk at our local co-op, eliminating unnecessary packaging where possible. We use non-toxic cleaning products in and around our home. I make a few homemade cleaners with vinegar and essential oils for use in our home that work great and are safe around the kids. Lastly, we opt for homeopathy, plant-medicine, and natural healing methods when it comes to our family’s health. Further eliminating, what we feel, is a toxic impact on our bodies and planet earth. I do feel when you live in tune with the environment, you feel more connected to the ground that supports you.

For the kiddos, we do a lot of consigning/reselling of their clothing and toys with local consignment shops. That is why I love sites like The Swoondle Society! We also try to be conscious of the number of plastic toys in the house, opting for wooden toys where we can. Luckily, my mother in-law-saved all my husband’s legos from his childhood, as we now have a reused bin of Legos! But we do try to teach the kids if something new comes in, something old needs to go out. Another reason why I love kid’s consignment/resale shops is that the kids can go in, bring in a toy, and leave with a gently used ‘new to them’ toy instead of purchasing a newly packaged toy. 

Lastly, I also started my shop, DANO, in order to share my passion for sustainable living and conscious consumerism. DANO promotes a conscious and radiant lifestyle by offering sustainable beauty/body products, plant-powered wellness, thoughtfully produced wares from artisans, and vintage clothing. I work with brands and makers who also have ideologies that align with mine, curating an offering that is luxurious but also respects Mother Earth. It is also just as important for me to foster the face-to-face shopping experience and hope that more will turn to local shops instead of being so quick to order from Amazon.”

 

What are some tips for keeping your kid's clothes clean?

I pretreat stains with Ecover Stain Remover. But if the stain doesn't come out, oh well.  They are kids and stains happen.  Indigo dye is one of my favorite ways to cover up a badly stained item, too. 

 

What are the best thrift finds that you’ve found for your little ones?

Thrifting for boys is hard. The clothes are very well worn and full of imagery (which we try to avoid). Thrifting for girls is a little bit easier. For my daughter, we find really great vintage dresses while thrifting. She has a good eye for finding vintage in the kid’s section. I take her thrifting with me while I am shopping for DANO, send her to the kid’s section and she handpicks out all the vintage. She has found some really great pieces.  We tend to shop kid’s consignment/resale shops rather than thrift shops. Rain gear and winter gear are great to find in our local kid’s consignment shops. Gently used Saltwater sandals, Birkenstocks, Mini Boden, and Tea Collection are also great finds here too.   Some of my favorite local kid’s consignment shops are Sweetpea’s and Beanstalk. 

 

What are some time-saving mom hacks?

Snacks in my purse and snacks in my glove box. I always keep markers, mini paper drawing pads, and packs of stickers in my purse for when we are out to dinner and need a little entertainment while we wait for food. At home, I get my kids involved in chores like folding laundry, vacuuming, or wiping down the windows. I also only deep clean 1-2 things a day so that I don't have to do everything at once. Like the toilet and the bathtub on one day, then I’ll do the floors another day, and so on. I am cleaning something every day, but it just takes up less time when I do little by little. 

 

Go-to best kid's snacks?

For on the go, my kids love Salmon Jerky and Bobo Bites. At home, pretzels and peanut butter for my son and chevre and crackers for my daughter. Cucumber slices are a favorite too. They both love homemade chia pudding which is easy to make and healthy.  Pomegranates are a great snack and mom hack. I cut them in half and have the kids pick the seeds out themselves. It keeps them occupied for a while and they have fun doing it. 

 

What are your favorite kid’s clothing brands?

I really don’t know much about kid’s clothing brands to be honest. If I was to splurge on my kid’s clothing, I do love what Rudy Jude offers. For underwear and PJ’s, I always buy Hanna Andersson. They are soft, well made, and wash well with repeated washes.