Sustainability Spotlight: Interview with Kayli Kunkel
Today we have the pleasure to talk with the founder of Earth&Me Zero Waste store, Kayli Kunkel on her business and journey towards a sustainable lifestyle.
1. Could you tell us a little bit about your background?
I started Earth & Me in the summer of 2020. Before that, I was working as a director of marketing, but I always had a special passion for sustainability, nature, and supporting small makers and creators. I started Earth & Me selling items online out of my small Queens apartment. I was popping up at different shops in the area and selling products and getting the word out about eco-friendly options. The neighborhood took to the idea and was so excited, which led me to open our first brick-and-mortar location in December 2020.
2. When and how did you get involved in the Zero Waste movement and decided to establish Earth&Me?
In the summer of 2020, I was let go from my job. It was the height of the first wave of the pandemic, and lots of things were happening: economic fears, general panic, small businesses closing; but also a renewed emphasis on social justice, mutual aid, and supporting local. These were all the conditions that let me start my own small business: I knew it was a big moment for me personally to reevaluate how I spent my time and how to apply my skills, and a big moment citywide (and worldwide) as we were examining our place in our communities and our responsibility to each others' wellbeing. I never considered myself "zero waste” before opening Earth & Me, but always placed a huge emphasis on my life on eating local produce, upcycling, buying very few superfluous items, mending and tailoring things, prioritizing secondhand, and generally being an eco-conscious person. Zero-waste is a goal, but anywhere on that spectrum is great, and we can all always make small improvements in our habits that add up to big change.
3. What kind of products do you sell in your store? Do you provide services?
We sell home goods, personal care items, gifts, bulk refills foods, and cleaning supplies. Everything is small-batch, made with natural materials, and/or helps us reduce waste in different areas of our homes and lives.
4. Why did you choose Astoria for your first location?
I lived in Astoria (and now live in the neighboring Jackson Heights), so that was a huge encouragement to plant roots here. The community is so tight-knit, full of interesting and passionate people who care deeply about their neighbors and community in a way that is special in New York City. I had tried popups in other parts of the city, but my Astorians always came through for me in a big way. Also, Astoria and Queens more broadly are underserved for eco-friendly essentials.
5. Do you have any tips for someone who is interested in Zero Waste but has no idea where to start?
Pick an area and start there. Kitchen? When your plastic sponge goes bad, buy a compostable one instead; start refilling dish soap and hand soap, and use reusable produce bags for grocery shopping (and buy in bulk if and where possible). Additionally, learn to compost and where to drop off compost in your area. And try out buying secondhand clothing, and/or reducing the number of textiles you buy, while using services like ScrapNYC to recycle those that you do have. You don't have to do all things eco-conscious all at once. That can be overwhelming for people. Set small goals, build habits around them, and go from there.
6. Could you recommend some educational resources you would like to share about the Zero Waste movement?
I highly recommend everyone follow a few social accounts to get more familiarized with the issues around environmental justice: @intersectionalenvironmentalist @hikeclerb @browngirl_green @sunrisemvmt @astoria_uea and the newsletter for Common Ground Compost which is curated by my friend Jesi Taylor Cruz are all great resources. For zero waste tips, follow our Instagram and check out our Story Highlights for lots of ideas. And come by our store; we LOVE to chat low-waste ideas and swaps.
7. For a question that is close home for us: What do you think people can do in regards to their fashion choices to make the most positive impact?
Buy less! Truly, it's the most important thing you can do. When you do buy clothing, as often as possible, choose second-hand. Poshmark, vintage and thrift stores, and our own Earth & Me vintage section are great places to stop. Try to hang on to what you do have and mend, cobble, and tailor things that need TLC before you get rid of them. My personal strategy is to invest in neutral colors and high-quality, natural fabrics which last me ages. I am a proud outfit repeater. You can always change up basic pieces with fun accessories. I also NEVER go shopping just to shop; I always go with a mission in mind (i.e. I need a new pair of jeans as my old ones don't fit me anymore.) Things with stains? Tie-dye them! Things with holes? Add a patch! And, of course, try to attend a local clothing swap or donate/recycle clothes via awesome services like Scrap NYC.
8. What are your long-term goals for a sustainable future for your business?
To expand access to our eco-conscious essentials and refillable throughout Queens and NYC, and eventually develop a teachable set of guidelines to make your own small business eco-conscious in its operations and community-oriented in its mission!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to our questions! Your mission and values resonate with us so much and we are so honored and proud to be working with you!
Earth&Me is located in Astoria and they are so kindly agreed to be the SCRAPs drop-off location so make sure to drop by! We encourage you to also follow them on IG and check out their website.
