The Well Code

5 People Who Are Changing the World & How to Support Them Today

A few pretty incredible individuals, their inspiring stories & how to get involved
Filed Under > 5 Things

5 People Changing the World & How You Can Support Them Today

I wanted to spend today celebrating a handful of people who are spreading light around the world.  As you know, I’m diligently penning my Five Minute Journal entries every day, and it’s helped me find gratitude and peace in a lot of areas where I’ve been tempted to feel anxiety or fear in the past.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with worldly issues, but these individuals proved that single people can bring about change. Working on this post was a great reminder of the many individuals who are helping pave a better future for people, bringing a little more hope into the world. 

The list by all means can go on and on, but today it includes five people whose efforts and missions have particularly spoken to me.  From clean water initiatives to education and innovation, the work has not been for the faint of heart…these people are rockstars!  I hope you’ll join me in recognizing these social entrepreneurs, and tell me who else I should check out.  Cheers, Kat

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE


  

Boyan Slat

CEO, The Ocean Cleanup

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Boyan Slat has been an inventor since birth, and he started The Ocean Cleanup at the insanely young age of 17.  As an inventor and entrepreneur, he’s created technology to solve societal problems. The Ocean Cleanup develops advanced technologies to rid world’s oceans of plastic.  He came up with a system that acts like an artificial coastline, which catches plastic in the ocean with 100% natural powered ocean currents.

Slat is the youngest-ever recipient of UN’s highest environment award and has been recognized as one of the 20 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs Worldwide (Intel EYE50). Forbes also included him in their 30 under 30 edition in 2016.

You can join the team or donate to The Ocean Cleanup’s efforts HERE

Malala Yousafzai

Founder, Malala Fund

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Malala Yousafzai, a student and education activist, has done amazing things for girls’ rights and education.  She actually started speaking out publicly about girls’ before she reached her teenage years in Pakistan, after she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban when she was just 15. Malala then co-founded the Malala Fund, which invests in developing country education leaders and organizations in regions where most girls aren’t able to complete secondary education.  She was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. 

Malala Fund strives to help girls complete 12 years of safe, quality education, without the fear of violence.  Their work also supports girls’ decisions to delay early marriage, while building up their academic and life skills through mentoring programs. 

You can donate HERE to help 130 million girls who are out of school complete the quality education they deserve.  And if you have some time, you must read Malala’s entire story HERE; it’s incredible. 

 

Scott Harrison

Founder, charity: water

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“For me, charity is practical. It’s sometimes easy, more often inconvenient, but always necessary. It’s the ability to use one’s position of influence, relative wealth and power to affect lives for the better. charity is singular and achievable.” Scott Harrison, the founder and current CEO of charity: water used to be a club promoter in NYC.  After realizing he was faced with “spiritual bankruptcy”, he rediscovered his faith and sought to spend his life helping others.  He hopped aboard a floating hospital service called Mercy Ships, where he put a face to the worlds’ 1.2 billion people living in poverty.  He was changed; he saw the lack of clean water as the common thread to so many of the devastating issues around him, and vowed to help people access clean water around the world. 

Currently, charity: water funds water programs in 24 countries around the world.  With hand-dug wells, rainwater catchments, piped systems and more solutions, it’s able to focus on providing rural communities with clean water.

Read more about Harrison’s story HERE and donate to the cause HERE (100% of the profits helps bring clean water to people in need). 

Anna Stork

Co-Founder, LuminAID

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Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta co-founded the company,  LuminAID after brainstorming up a solution after the Haiti Earthquake.  You may have seen these LuminAID lights on Amazon; they’re awesome for camping. The girls majorly impressed all of the judges on Shark Tank with them, landing a deal with Mark Cuban after all sharks offered deals. 

But the best part about these lights is that they’re amazing in a time of need, offering long-term lighting solutions for areas without power during an emergency.  LuminAID solar lights pack flat for easy distribution, which makes it exponentially easier on the aid workers during an emergency.

LuminAID lights have been used in more than 70 countries (!) after huge disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the earthquakes in Nepal. 

Check out their Give Life Get Light program HERE.

Peter Diamandis

Founder and Executive Chairman, XPRIZE Foundation

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Peter Diamandis has a passion for space, longevity, and innovation.  He founded the XPRIZE Foundation, which is committed to funding competitions that encourage major technological development that could benefit mankind.  Diamandis is incredible at developing an idea, building leadership teams, developing a vision, and letting them run things.  He’s known for bringing together world class talent around his ideas, and his impact around the world is beyond impressive. Forbes’ article published this week dubbed him ‘the author of technology’s future.’

So what’s this about XPRIZE?  XPRIZE designs and operates large-scale incentive competitions, meaning: million-dollar contests that try to solve a serious problem that plagues the world. An XPRIZE must be a bold and audacious goal, one that seems to be unsolvable. It also must be be “winnable” by a small team, and that could be anyone from industry experts to high school students. Lastly, it must provide vision and hope for a better future. 

Diamandis’ motto is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself” and he sure found a way to incentivize playing our part in the bigger picture. 

Check out the active prizes HERE, and donate HERE to help fund more crazy ideas that could lead to world-size solutions. 

Featured image, charity: water

Refresh: How To Properly Care for Delicates & Other Things That Take Time

Those Little Life Skills That Always Pay Off
Filed Under > Everyday

How to care for delicates & more via waitingonmartha.com

One of my resolutions this year has been to tackle the simple “life skills” that I so often overlook and/or forgotten about.  I’m thinking of these “life skills” as little refreshes I can make in my daily routine to make my life a little easier.  Like what, you ask?  Properly caring for my lingerie and delicates; those beauties are pricey and I want to have them for awhile.  Thanks my recent visit to Rigby & Peller, I knew it was due-time to approach my lingerie laundry routine a bit differently.  Protecting and treating my leather because my favorite investment bags need to last.  I’ve used my hard-earned cash to score those handbags, after all.  And caring for the homegrown herbs that just taste better in my cocktails.  They simply taste better with fresh herbs!  

Check out my top five “life skills” that are worth learning below.  What would you add to the list?!  Truly, MKR

Properly Wash Your Lingerie

Souple Lace-Trimmed Stretch Cotton-Blend Jersey Contour Bra

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I recently spent some time at Rigby & Peller and learned a bit about properly washing my lingerie.  It’s so important to hand wash the pieces because it protects the delicate stitching and helps them last longer. Here are a few steps to follow:

Step 1….Soak your pieces in your sink filled with a teaspoon full of lingerie wash.

Step 2…Allow lingerie to soak for 15 minutes.

Step 3…Use the non-hooked part of your underband to scrub any areas that need extra attention.

Step 4…Remove the lingerie from the sink, and let drip dry. 

Grow an Indoor Herb Garden

Clay Stripe Mini Sphere Planter

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As we shared here before, an indoor herb garden will be a much-loved addition to any kitchen…the cooking and cocktail possibilities are endless with fresh homegrown herbs! 

The key to successfully growing herbs at home is having the proper set up for them to flourish.  You’ll want to move the herbs from their store-bought containers to new planters with care.  Read more from our step-by-step tutorial here

Care for Leather & Suede Products

Leather Master Leather Care Kit with Ink Lifter

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Properly protecting (and saving) your favorite leather products is another important life skill that takes a little bit of time.  

With this kit, you’ll get a cleaner, protection cream, ink lifter, sponge and buffing cloth. The cleaner is a water-based product that will penetrate the surface and protect against future stains.  I especially love the ink lifter when applied within a day of an inconvenient stain from ink, lipstick, makeup, etc. Works like a charm! 

Now for your suede and nubuck, you’ll want something even more gentle to protect and clean the material.  I’ve been impressed with this kit as its cleaner doesn’t change the color of the suede like most others do. 

Smith & Cult Non Toxic Nail Polish

Giving Yourself a Good Mani

Smith & Cult Nail Polish

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Nothing beats a fresh manicure, especially if it’s a salon-worthy manicure that you’ve done at home.  Of course, this is easier said than done; getting your nails to look polished and perfected takes time and diligence. I’ve found that taking the time to do every step is crucial (and that includes the cuticle trimming and nail bed buffering!), and I always allow for at least 30-45 minutes to get it done. 

My biggest trick: Allow for your first stroke of polish to start from the edge of the nail bed. Using the natural shape of the brush, make it run as wide as possible down the nail. Then I run another strip down the rest of the nail to cover the entire thing.  After at least a few minutes, I apply a second coat, with a top coat to finish.  Voila! 

Meal Prep for the Week Ahead

OXO Pop Containers

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Chopping, dicing, marinating, pre-cooking and thawing. It takes time, but it’s so worth it if you can get it all knocked out in one sitting. I’ve always considered Sundays and Mondays were practically made for meal prep. Here’s how I like to plan out my meals (with my top tips on getting it all done). 

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

The Best Green Skincare & Personal Care Products to Try Today

Clean & Effective Alternatives to Put on Your Radar
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

The Best Green Beauty Products, Waiting On Martha

From a kale face wash to a nontoxic deodorant (that actually works) to a soothing face mask and more; I’ve tried more green beauty products than I can count over the past few years.  And from that I’m thrilled to say I’ve really been able to narrow it down to the best green beauty products on the market. 

If you’re thinking about swapping out any of the products in your own daily routine, I’d recommend any/all of the following to start.  I included several great options for things like daily cleansers, face oils, all natural skincare, nontoxic deodorant and clean nail polish that I’ve personally tested and LOVED.

I’ve become a bit obsessed with clean beauty and skincare products of late, but I can also attest to how much more effective they really are.  I’ve been happy to test and sample a ton of popular brands who’ve devoted their lines to products with ingredients you can trust.  That kale face wash (only $36!) is THAT good that I went back for another bottle, I’m telling you.  But like Kat said yesterday, take it slow if you’re overhauling your entire beauty and personal care routine…it can add up fast and it’s more fun to see the direct results of a new favorite, am I right?!  Truly, MKR

Softening Emollient

Sapelo Skincare

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I turn to this Softening Emollient Elixir when my face is feeling super dry (hello, winter).  Its all natural ingredients, including a combination of apricot seed oil, high oleic sunflower seed oil, lock in major moisture…fast.  I can’t get enough of how it makes my skin feel hydrated and dewy. 

Milk & Honey Hydrating Mask

Sapelo Skincare

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This gentle, incredibly healing milk and honey mask is another one of my secrets to my recent glow; its collagen boosting milk peptides help to hydrate, and the honey flushes the pores and keeps my complexion clear. It’s great for sensitive skin (which I most definitely have).  I typically apply it once a week, when I’m in need of a good at-home spa night. 

Seaweed Cleanser

Sapelo Skincare

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This super mild and gentle seaweed cleanser is a great option for an all natural makeup remover.  It works to moisturize, condition and prep the skin for a serum. 

Vitamin D Moisture Mist

One Love Organics

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Once you try this moisture mist, you will be hooked.  It’s part lightweight moisturizer and part toner that can be used for long-lasting hydration.  The list of ingredients include shiitake mushroom (a natural source of Vitamin D which tones my complexion) and alpine rose (rich in antioxidants that fights dryness from the winter or any other of the elements). I love to use the mist before applying serum so that it preps and hydrates the skin for maximum effect, but also whenever my skin needs a quick little reboot throughout the day (especially great when traveling!). 

Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover

One Love Organics

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This award-winning organic makeup remover is absolutely one of my must-haves in my routine. Applied directly to your dry face, this serum locks in moisture and effortlessly removes makeup and impurities. It’s super hydrating; the ingredients feel luxurious on the skin and you’ll find yourself finally looking forward to removing your makeup every night once and for all. 

Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser

One Love Organics

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A WOM team favorite for good reason, this gentle everyday cleanser is a showertime staple. Its winning formula includes vegetable glycerin, cold-pressed apple oil and Chilean soap bark to come together as a non-drying, nontoxic foam.  It can be used for the face, body AND hair.  It’s pretty much a miracle product in my book. 

Lavan Shaving Oil

Oui Shave

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This uniquely moisturizing lavender shave oil is great for normal to sensitive, and easily irritated, skin.  Its nourishing blend gives you a ridiculously close shave, while it repairs and hydrates the skin. I’m a big fan of its all-star lineup of ingredients; Vitamins A & C improve skin tone and texture, and Omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 rejuvenate. 

 

Breathe Again

Young Living via The Well Code

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This convenient ready-to-use roll on blend features four types of Eucalyptus essential oils.  Eucalyptus contains cineole, which has been studied for its potential to support healthy lung function and reduce airway inflammation.  Along with Eucalyptus, the blend includes powerful essential oils: peppermint essential oil, myrtle essential oil and copal essential oil. 

I like to rub Breathe Again straight on my chest or under my nose, finding that it gives me fast relief when I’m stopped up.  If you haven’t dived into the whole essential oil world yet click HERE to find out why we did a few months ago and join us!

Thieves Essential Oil Infused Cough Drops

Young Living via The Well Code

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So thrilled to have an all natural cough drop on hand in case I need the relief.  These cough drops not only bring the cough to stop, they sooth sore throats and boost immunity.  I personally love the flavor too; think minty, spicy yet sweet (but with no artificial sugars or preservatives).  

Nail Polish

Smith & Cult

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Hands down, my favorite all natural nail polish brand: Smith & Cult.  This “8-free” nail polish is formulated without the eight common concerning ingredients of big-brand name polishes: Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide and Triphenyl Phosphate. 

They’re simply my favorite thanks to utterly gorgeous shades that don’t chip (I’m talking like 1-2 weeks!). Do yourself a favor and stock up on a few colors of Smith & Cult nail polish

Kale + Green Tea Spinach Age Prevention Cleanser

Youth to the People

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The gang’s all here!  No, this isn’t your favorite smoothie recipe; it’s one of my favorite face cleansers.  This Youth to the People cleanser has antioxidant-rich ingredients work that together to fight free radicals, overall redness and all the junk that hits your skin from the environment every day. It’s light, non-irritating and very, very refreshing. 

Ocean Cleansing Milk

Osea Malibu

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I feel like I’m giving my skin a big hug with this ultra soothing and hydrating cleanser. It’s gentle enough for super sensitive skin and it’s completely fragrance-free, and it has a lineup of all natural ingredients like water lily extract, chamomile essential oil and rosemary essential oil. It has the perfect amount of creaminess as it effortlessly removes impurities (and makeup) without irritating the skin’s surface.  It’s left my skin feeling sooo supple and soft. 

Atmosphere Protection Cream

Osea Malibu

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Here’s a fantastic new-to-me lightweight daily moisturizer from Osea Malibu. It  hydrates and gives your skin a barrier protection against surface damage caused by things like extreme dry climates, wind and air pollution. The ingredients are heavenly; USDA Certified Organic Algae, shea butter and avocado oil.  After applying, your skin feels silky to the touch, and it smells absolutely divine.  I think it helps the overall look of my makeup too – hydration really is key! 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Young Living via The Well Code

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Frankincense essential oil is my new trusty skincare BFF.  It’s great for my acne scars, as well as fighting fine lines and wrinkles to help reduce their appearance and support an overall healthy glow and clear complexion.  I like to apply Frank on my face “neat” without a carrier oil (after spot-testing to see how my skin would react), but you can also mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil.  Another great application is a drop or two in your favorite daily moisturizer for an even Also, add a drop or two of frankincense to your daily moisturizer to boost its performance.

And the best news is that it comes in the Premium Starter Kit ($160 value for 11 oils, a diffuser and more) which is a great deal from the retail price of $96.71 a bottle). 

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Young Living via The Well Code

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Tea tree essential oil is a life-saver when it comes to pesky blemishes and breakouts.  It’s my go-to spot treatment that gets down to the problem STAT, and clears me up naturally.  I’d HIGHLY recommend this oil to anyone looking to add an emergency breakout solution to their beauty regimen.  

Thieves Essential Oil

Young Living via The Well Code

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By now you know of my love affair with Thieves essential oil; it’s a household staple for us now for major immunity support, dozens of nontoxic cleaning applications, as well as aromatherapy. It’s a blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary.

I apply a drop directly on a pesky pimple, only to see it disappear by the next day, leaving no scar. I like to think of it as a bacteria zapper around the house, and I’ve found it works wonders on my skin too. 

Cello Vanilla Rosewood Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant

No Tox Life

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I’m always on the hunt for a hard-working all natural deodorant.  If you’ve tried any, then you’ll know it’s easier said than done finding a good alternative to the big-name brand stuff you’ve used for years.  I recently tried a sample from No Tox Life and have been really pleased with the subtle fragrance and strength to fight sweat. 

5-in-1 Derma Roller

Derma System

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Only a few months ago I tried derma rolling, and I’ve been so pleasantly surprised with the results.  As someone who’s struggled with acne scars for almost all my life, I appreciate this (affordable) at-home treatment that helps exfoliate and turn over skin cells, regenerating fresh, younger looking skin. 

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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