Published

1 day ago

October 3, 2025

Alice Rush

Personal style is a dance between dualities: fashion as art and fashion as function; clothing as self-expression and clothing for our circumstances.

Style is a medium for communication and self-expression, yes. But it’s also shaped by the environments and requirements around us, from workplace dress codes to city cultures, climates, and specific occassions.

In last Saturday’s workshop, where we talked about how to remix what you already have in your closet, attendees shared a common challenge:

How do you balance your personal style expression while dressing for the various situations and environments we operate in?

“I’ve found above all else my style is highly influenced by my environment (my job, my city etc.)—sometimes it becomes about ‘fitting in’ and losing individuality”

“I find I’m too led by my day-to-day lifestyle. I WFH and so often I just don’t get dressed at all.”

“There are too many applications: workout, work, at home, formal occasion.”

Style as Identity vs. Style as Communication

It’s no wonder style and getting dressed can feel so confusing.

In the personal style world, we learn to dress for who we are on the inside. And then we see the style rules in fashion media: here’s how to dress for this season, this dress code, this city.

And in our real lives, we have real dress codes we might have to follow, whether for a workplace or a wedding.

But what if all those sides conflict?

If my style words are “casual” or “sporty” but I’m in a workplace 40+ hours a week that requires business formal, where does that leave my personal style?
If I love vibrant and artsy looks, but I live in a city full of neutrals, what do I wear?

It’s no surprise it feels… complicated.

Here’s my take.

We’re Not One-Dimensional — Neither is Our Style

Sometimes I want to disconnect and live in cottage in the mountains, surrounded by more trees than people. Other days I dream of having an apartment in the center of Paris where I see more people in a day than live in my hometown.

I’m light, joyful, maybe even quirky with friends. I’m ambitious, intentional, perhaps more serious in work. There are times I feel it’s best to soften and let it go; other times it feels most aligned to be unapologetically outspoken.

We are human. We’re social creatures. We’re complex and full of contradictions.

Social media has trained us to fit people into neat boxes because “niche” is what performs in the algorithm.

In real life, though, our “authentic” selves aren’t so one-dimensional.

I’m not speaking to new networking contacts the same exact way I talk to my best friend I’ve known for years. That doesn’t mean I’m pretending to be someone else. It just means I’m showing up a bit differently depending on the context.

Similarly, our personal style doesn’t have to be expressed in one singular way.

That’s what’s beautiful about fashion! We have the opportunity to express ourselves a bit differently each and every time we get dressed.

What we wear might ebb and flow with a situation, the season, or our mood. There are common threads, but differentiators too.

Three distinctly different looks can all be authentic.

For me, personal style isn’t about being setting such rigid parameters that we can no longer embrace our multi-dimensional nature.

And there’s undoubtedly the layers of privilege at work here too. Is it safe to dress in alignment with your true identity in that particular situation? Will you be taken seriously? Could there be repercussions?

There’s a lot to untangle when it comes to what we wear.

Making Our Multi-Dimensional Style Practical

As I shared in last week’s workshops, style is many layers. The four I see it through are the vibe, the shapes, the colors & textures, and our lifestyle & values.

The aesthetic reflects your vibe, mood or style adjectives.

For example, my vibe or adjectives are feminine, structured, grounded.

The shapes are the fits, silhouettes, and proportions you love.

I often wear outfits with a straight silhouette or tailored fit balanced with a relaxed, flowy, or drapey element.

Colors & textures include your preferred palettes, fabrics, and the way materials feel.

I prefer wearing natural fibers when possible. I like gold jewelry, and I feel more aligned in lower contrast looks. Lighter colors for day. Sometimes darker for evening or certain events.

The lifestyle & values element is the consideration of your actual day-to-day. What situations and environments are you dressing for? What is important to you?

I work from home so comfort is key most of the time. I value slow fashion practices — rewearing, repairing, and supporting circular practices and sustainably-minded brands.

Once you understand these layers of your style, the next step is figuring out how to apply them in real-life situations.

Applying Your Style to the Situation

In last week’s workshops, I talked about the role of outfit templates here for various situations. What is the foundational blueprint of what you might wear to your office, working from home, in a school setting, at home, running errands, and so on?

There are opportunities to bring in the layers of your personal style in these various situations, but it does require some intentionally on the outset. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into our old patterns or copy what others around us wear. (Even subconsciously, as fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell has shared!)

Here’s one of my work-from-home outfit templates that balances style and situational needs:

Blouse with feminine detail: I start with the top for Zoom calls!
Straight-leg bottoms: this could be jeans, colorful pants, or a column skirt
Slim shoes: the general “slim” descriptor makes it versatile across seasons
Structured bag: an option to add polish when coworking at a café

By thinking in these various layers (vibe, shapes, colors & textures, and lifestyle & values) you can build outfits that feel authentic to you while fitting the constraints of the external situation.

What About One-Off Unique Situations?

Like this Wednesday evening, I spoke on a “Sustainable Fashion in Action” panel with Chicago Climate Connect during Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago. But the panel was also taking place at the Patagonia x Worn Wear store.

So the vibe was professional meets fashion, but also kinda casual?! And we are still in the Midwest here. I have to say, this one wasn’t easy.

But here’s the step-by-step thought process that helped me balance my style, function, and a unique-to-me context.

I picked a foundational piece: My navy wide-leg trousers were business casual without being too formal and were practical for train travel.
And functional accessories:My old Coach bag fits everything and my chunky Veja sneakers matched the vibe I was going for so those were the picks.
Then a piece that brought it all together:At this point I was mixing high-contrast colors (white with navy & black) and different vibes (trousers vs. sneakers). I felt like I needed a bridge for the outfit, and this navy-striped vest tied it all together.
Finally, some final touches: Gold jewelry made the look feel more “me”, while this cap from Abbie at The Filtery made it all feel effortless.

In the end, this outfit took a lot longer to create than a typical look.

It took longer to create than my usual outfits, but it felt just right. The combination was practical, suited my style, fit the vibe of the panel, and aligned with the weather.

The panel from left to right: Mireya Fouché (co-founder of Monarch Thrift Shop), me (mostly repping Conscious Fashion Collective), Macaila Britton (Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago) and Mackenzie Siren (Chicago Climate Connect)

This panel outfit reminded me that style is what we wear to express ourselves, but it’s also a tool to help us navigate our lives. By thinking through these layers of personal style (vibe, shapes, colors, textures, and lifestyle needs) we can balance showing up authentically while honoring the nuances or navigating the constraints of a situation.

For me, that’s the real power of personal style.

One single outfit can’t tell the whole story of who we are. But personal style can be flexible, functional, and expressive of the many sides of our multi-dimensional nature.

So lately, more than asking “does this outfit perfectly express my full self?” I’ve been finding myself asking:

“Does this outfit help me show up in the way I want to? Does it say what I want it to say in this particular moment?“

The post You’re multi-dimensional. So is your style. appeared first on .

You’re multi-dimensional. So is your style.

Green Living

What Is a Third Place and Why Do They Matter?

Published

2 days ago

October 2, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on October 2, 2025

It’s no secret my greatest love is theatre. From the time I was three years old, I knew I wanted to be an actor.

In an effort to make new friends after moving to Maine, I auditioned for a local production of Shrek. (One of my least favorite shows, but full of some of my soon-to-be favorite people). And you know what it taught me? Third places (theatre being one of them) matter.

Thanks to theatre, I fell into a gorgeous community, and these days, I volunteer in (almost) every corner (painting sets, assisting with costumes, and of course performing!). Here’s everything you need to know about what a third place is and why we need more of them.

what is a third place?

A third place is a public spot you can meet and connect with others through a shared interest or skill (like theatres!).

Third places are fantastic for socializing, exchanging ideas, and building community. Basically, a safe space to be yourself and find like-minded people.

Many third places are also entirely free, or low-cost. This is incredibly important because almost everywhere you go nowadays requires payment just to get in or participate. This creates an air of exclusivity and can keep lower income communities away.

But several third place areas are entirely free (like libraries and parks), or accessible due to their affordable pricing.

And beyond being good for our wallets, third places are equally good for our health. That’s because humans are social creatures that enjoy being around other people.

At third places like cafes, you can interact with strangers from various backgrounds and incomes in a positive, safe environment. Because everyone, from all walks of life, are welcome there.

why are third places disappearing?

Third places aren’t necessarily disappearing, but they were impacted by the pandemic when being around groups of people became hazardous.

Specifically, third places like coffee shops, bars, and gyms were hit hardest. However, the opposite was true for parks – everyone became aware just how important our outdoor spaces are.

That said, many third places never fully recovered from the pandemic when certain businesses realized they could function 100% remote. For example, if no one is arriving in person to a business office, a nearby cafe might suffer from less foot traffic. And rising rents don’t help matters.

Last but not least, certain people may find it difficult to locate a third place near them if they live in a rural setting. Third places tend to be easier to locate in cities.

However, third places can also be found through online communities (more on that later). The irony is the internet has also led to the decline of physical third places.

I think it’s important to have both so there’s a balance. Online communities are amazing, but there’s something about meeting people in person that hits different.

how is a third place different from a hangout?

A third place is different from a hangout in the sense you go there to socialize without any specific goal in mind. Or sometimes, you don’t socialize at all – but simply want to be around other like-minded people.

Whereas a hangout is more planned, a third places doesn’t demand any kind of itinerary or interaction if you don’t want to. Sometimes just hearing neighboring gossip or interacting with a barista is enough.

For example, if you go to a gym, you could chat up the person using the machine next to you. Or, you could simply enjoy the presence of others. There’s no right or wrong.

But with a hangout, you go with the intention of socializing and getting to know someone (or multiple someones).

how is a third place different from a club?

A third place is different from a club in the sense that clubs tend to be more exclusive, whereas third places are for everyone.

Typically, third places don’t have memberships (unless they’re gyms). There’s no barrier between you and that place. Everyone is welcome.

For example, if you’re trying to get into a ‘Homeowners Club’ the one requirement would be to be a homeowner. Which many Americans cannot afford, especially considering the cost of living is going up.

There’s no obligation to be at a third place. Nor are there any specific dress codes or strict requirements. Anyone from any class, culture and gender can participate without pulling rank.

why do third places matter?

Third places matter because they offer people another place to relax, unwind, and connect outside of their homes. Without spending aberrant amounts of money.

Third places encourage social connection without any pressure to perform. We choose how much we engage, if at all. And sometimes just being around other people is enough.

During the pandemic when only essential personnel were leaving the house, it was a stark reminder of how important these spaces are. Without human connection, mental health suffers.

On top of this, third places can be wonderful, neutral areas to do work and start projects. Think of your local cafe, bursting with people doodling in sketchbooks, writing in notepads and typing on laptops.

People flock to these locations not just for free WiFi – but to experience a change of scenery. Make light hearted conversation. Savor a cup of coffee made by someone else. Whatever the reason, there’s a clear need for them.

what are examples of third places?

There are several examples of third places, including:

Libraries
Parks, playgrounds and dog parks
Cafes
Theatres
Bars and lounges
State parks and nature reserves
Gyms and yoga studios
Recreation or community centers
Community beautification group
Community gardens
Privately owned public spaces (like a plaza)

These are just a few I could think of off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are plenty more third places.

Also, be mindful of online third places as well! For those who don’t have access to any of the above, you may be able to find solace with online communities like Reddit groups, digital book clubs, Instagram group chats, and WhatsApp community groups.

That being said, there’s a charm to visiting a third place in person. So if you’re able, and have access to one, definitely take full advantage!

So, will you be visiting a third place? Let me know in the comments!

The post What Is a Third Place and Why Do They Matter? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

What Is a Third Place and Why Do They Matter?

Green Living

How to Create Outfits That Fit Your Style and Your Life

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2025

Alice Rush

Style should work with your life, not against it. So often when we talk about fashion and style, we focus on the aesthetics alone. The shapes, the colors, the designs we like.

But we aren’t mannequins in a showroom or models in a photoshoot — we have to actually wear the clothes in our actual lives.

The feel of the fabric, the flexibility of the fit, and the wearability of those silhouettes matters too.

One of the most common challenges I hear from the community is that their current style or closet is misaligned with their day-to-day lives.

“I feel like I know what I like but I have a hard time balancing that with my actual life.”

“I love structured outfits but I work from home and find the sensory feel of stiff clothing feels off/wrong somehow, so I always change back into sweats.”

“I struggle with keeping cute outfits for ‘occassions’ instead of getting cute for just regular life.”

Integrating Practicality and Expression

I’ve talked about the duality of fashion as art and fashion as function before, but I wanted to make it more applicable.

How can we actually balance those two sides of fashion (art and function) to create outfits that not only work for who we are, but what we do day to day?

I used to think “fashion as art” equaled dressing up with a gown and heels while “fashion as function” meant sweatpants and sneakers.

But it’s not so binary — there’s a beautiful spectrum in between. And that’s probably the space most of us are dressing in, most of the time.

Here’s what I’ve learned from integrating my style with practicality for my work-from-home or work-from-café attire.

Consider the Fabric:

The wrong fabric can quickly make an outfit impractical. If it’s itchy or isn’t breathable, you’re not going to last very long in it if you don’t have to. Alternatively…

A breathable cotton dress can often be even more comfortable to me than sweats in the heat. It’s easy, keeps you cool, but isn’t fussy.
A linen button-down or crisp cotton blouse feels much more put-together than a t-shirt but can offer a similar level of comfort.
Some fabrics have more give than others. Generally knits are more forgiving than woven fabrics (if that woven fabric isn’t blended with elastane). When a brand advertises “stretch fabric” it usually mean synthetics, but a quality wool knit should also be able to stretch and spring back pretty well.

You can see how swapping in the linen button-down made these looks feel a bit more interesting without having to sacrifice comfort.

Ensure a Good Fit:

Sometimes it’s not the formality of the piece that’s the problem, but the wrong fit.

Are the shoulders too narrow, restricting your movement?
Is the fabric stretching or puckering at the bust?
Are the sleeves allowing for bending without feeling tight?
Can you sit in those pants without them pulling or the crotch cutting in?

Also the waist is a big one! For me, a trouser with a stretchy waist is almost as comfortable as a pair of sweats (I said almost!) but elevates the outfit 10x.

Remix the Garment Ingredients:

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to get more comfortable remixing the “ingredients” of my wardrobe in new ways.

A lace trouser doesn’t have to go with an elegant blouse! It can, if I want it to feel polished, but I could also pair those trousers with a tee and a denim jacket for a more smart casual look.

I could even wear the trousers with sneakers and pull my hair back for a fully casual option.

I also have a silky cupro jumpsuit that I used to only wore with heels. But I challenged myself to try three new styles with it that were more practical for my everyday.

I wore it with a linen button-down wrapped around my waist and birkenstocks for casual day around the house.
I paired it with a cotton vest for a day-running-errands look.
And then I put a column skirt over the jumpsuit for an option that was elevated but not as “fancy” as it felt with a pair of heels.

The point is there are probably far more options to adjust the clothes in your closet to your current life than you think.

That’s exactly what my framework for remixing your closet is all about.

Finding new ways to wear old clothes so you can create outfits that meet what your present self needs. Not still wear your wardrobe like that version of you five years ago.

If you’re ready to go even deeper, you can join my 6-week live course, Love Your Closet Again! This is where you can start creating outfits that align with your style *and* life, using the clothes you already have. And if you do buy, you’ll know how to identify outfit multipliers — instead of just adding more stuff.

In the course, you’ll get step-by-step support plus opportunities for personalized feedback. Learn more here.

The post How to Create Outfits That Fit Your Style and Your Life appeared first on .

How to Create Outfits That Fit Your Style and Your Life

Green Living

Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on September 25, 2025

Household hazardous waste is more common than you think – paint, batteries, meds, and cleaners all need special disposal. Peek inside the cabinets, garage, or bathroom and you’ll find everyday products we assume are harmless, but many are hazardous items that can’t go in regular trash or down the drain.

Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly

When handled the wrong way, these products can harm human health, contaminate water and soil, and degrade air quality. This guide explains which household items are considered hazardous, why they’re risky, and exactly how to dispose of them safely (and where to take them).

what counts as household hazardous waste?

When I think about hazardous waste I usually picture large metal barrels with glowing green goo oozing out of them straight from Scooby Doo, but the truth is it’s a lot more boring than that. In fact there’s a lot of common household items lurking in our cabinets that might surprise you!

Paints (including even water‑based/latex)
Motor oil, automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid)
Batteries (single use, rechargeable, lithium‑ion)
Drain cleaners, oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach
Glues, adhesives, solvents, strippers
Old or expired medications, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
Aerosol cans, nail polish remover, certain cleaners

why these items pose real risk:

So what happens if we don’t dispose of these things in the right way? Many of these products can contain chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive, meaning they pose risks if stored incorrectly, mixed, or disposed of in ways that allow them to escape into the environment.

Water contamination: If chemicals leach through landfills or make their way into storm drains or septic systems, they can infiltrate groundwater or nearby streams and rivers.
Soil contamination: Toxic compounds degrade soil health, harming plants, earthworms, and the microbial life that maintains ecosystem balance.
Air pollution: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solvents, aerosol propellants, or paints can evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor air quality issues and outdoor smog or ozone problems.
Health impacts: Direct exposure (skin contact, inhalation) can cause burns, poisoning, respiratory problems, or longer‑term chronic health effects. Vulnerable populations (children, elderly, people with respiratory issues) are particularly at risk.

Because of those risks, many jurisdictions prohibit throwing these items in trash bins or pouring them down drains. So what do you do instead?

how to dispose of toxic household waste safely and item-by-item guide:

paint (latex & oil-based)

Even latex (water-based) paint contains compounds that can harm waterways and air if it’s rinsed down a drain or left to evaporate. Oil-based paint is always hazardous. Do not pour paint down sinks or toss wet cans.

Where it goes: a local paint take-back partner (call your paint store) or your community’s hazardous waste disposal site. Many Sherwin-Williams stores offer this service. Small amounts of latex may be air-dried and then landfilled only if local rules allow.
Recyclable? Often. Latex can be reblended; oil-based requires specialized handling.

motor oil & automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid)

Used oil and automotive fluids are toxic and persistent; even small spills can contaminate large volumes of water.

Where it goes: auto shops, community disposal sites, or hauler-run drop-offs. Many services also accept antifreeze.
Recyclable? Yes for used motor oil (re-refined into new oil) and often for antifreeze. Brake fluid typically needs special treatment.

batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium-ion, button cells)

Batteries can leach heavy metals or spark fires (especially lithium-ion). While batteries are recyclable never EVER put batteries in your curbside recycling bin.

Where it goes: retail drop-off programs or local disposal sites like Staples and Best Buy. Never place lithium-ion or button cells in household trash. Some localities allow alkaline in the trash, but drop-off is safest.
Recyclable? Frequently from special programs. Metals and components are recoverable, especially from rechargeables and lithium-ion.

medications (rx & otc)

Flushed or trashed medications can enter waterways and pose poisoning risks at home.

Where it goes: pharmacy or law-enforcement take-back programs and events; many locations have secure drop boxes. Avoid flushing unless local or FDA guidance explicitly directs it.
Recyclable? No. Medications are handled via secure destruction.

corrosive cleaners (drain/oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach)

These products are highly corrosive and reactive; mixing them can release dangerous gases and cause burns.

Where it goes: keep sealed in original containers and take to your local hazardous waste disposal site. Do not mix leftover products.
Recyclable? Generally no. They are typically neutralized or otherwise treated.

solvents, paint thinners, adhesives, strippers

These products are flammable and high in VOCs, posing indoor air and fire risks.

Where it goes: bring sealed, original containers to a hazardous waste disposal site; store away from heat or ignition sources.
Recyclable? Sometimes. Many solvents can be distilled and reused; some thinners are recoverable.

pesticides, herbicides, insecticides

These chemicals are toxic to aquatic life, pollinators, pets, and people even at low doses.

Where it goes: follow the label and take to a certified community hazardous waste disposal site.
Recyclable? No. They are generally treated or neutralized under strict controls.

aerosol cans

This one is a bit tricky as it also depends on what’s inside the can.

Where it goes: If a can is completely empty and your local recycling program accepts it, it is often recyclable with metals. If it is not empty, or it contained hazardous products (for example, pesticide or oil-based paint), treat it as hazardous waste and take it to a disposal site. Never puncture aerosol cans yourself.
Recyclable? Often yes when fully empty and accepted by the local program; otherwise handle via hazardous collection.

fluorescent bulbs & tubes (including cfls)

These contain small amounts of mercury that must be captured.

Where it goes: retailer lamp-recycling programs, mail-back kits, or your local hazardous waste disposal site. Handle carefully to avoid breakage.
Recyclable? Yes. Mercury is captured and glass and metal are recovered.

RELATED: Can You Recycle Lightbulbs?

nail-polish remover (acetone) & specialty solvents

These are flammable solvents that off-gas and affect indoor air quality.

Where it goes: take sealed containers to a hazardous waste disposal site; do not allow products to evaporate as a “disposal” method.
Recyclable? Sometimes via solvent recovery; otherwise treated.

how to find drop-off sites and services near you

Start with your city or county’s household hazardous waste webpage for permanent facilities or event calendars.

Then check your hauler’s website (for example, wm.com) for nearby drop-off locations, any at-your-door collection availability, and recycle-by-mail options for specific items. For targeted streams such as paint, batteries, and lamps, call retailers to confirm participation before visiting.

toxic household items: quick disposal cheat sheet

keep it labeled: leave products in original containers; never mix chemicals.
never in the bin: oil-based paint, pesticides, non-empty aerosols, lithium-ion & button-cell batteries.
sometimes okay (check local rules): dried latex paint and empty aerosol cans may be accepted in curbside programs.
where it goes:
- medications – pharmacy or police take-back boxes (don’t flush unless directed).
- batteries – retailer drop-off or your local hazardous waste site.
- paint/solvents/auto fluids/corrosives – household hazardous waste collection sites or community events.
safe transport: seal tightly, keep upright, separate incompatibles, and carry in the trunk (not the cabin).

When in doubt, don’t throw it out – instead check your city or county website for household hazardous waste drop-offs or collection days, and call ahead to retailers for take-back programs. A few extra steps keep toxic chemicals out of our homes, waterways, and air and that protects everyone.

The post Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly appeared first on Going Zero Waste.