Upworthy's book GOOD PEOPLE, now available - take a look!

Shop
 Explore 

Chris Iredale

Enjoy great sustainable coffee that gives back

The Volcanica Coffee Company offers sustainably sourced coffee from around the world.

All images via Volcanica Coffee

True

Despite being one of the world’s most sought after drinks, coffee is still a source of enviromental degradation, child labor, animal abuse and even slavery in many parts of the world. So, how do we enjoy a cup of coffee knowing that it could further contribute to these issues? By buying from a coffee roaster that actively works towards reducing their carbon footprint, sources sustainable beans from local coffee farms and cooperatives, and gives back to a non-profit that works on projects in developing countries. Just like the Volcanica Coffee Company.

The Volcanica Coffee Company is a family owned business based in Atlanta, Georgia. They specialize in roasting specialty and exotic coffees and donate one percent of sales from their website to charity: water, a non-profit organization that raises funds for a variety of water related projects in developing countries.

Did you know that moderate coffee consumption may actually be good for you? Even though early studies indicated that coffee might be bad for your health, recent research has concluded that moderate coffee consumption has many health benefits that are more beneficial than detrimental. In addition, a wide array of studies indicate that coffee consumption can lead to less burn out, better mental performance, and help with focus and attention.

Volcanica Coffee Roasters provide a unique variety of coffees, including naturally low acid coffee which is grown in areas where the soil and altitude conditions affect the pH of the coffee. When selecting a low acid coffee, Volcanica Coffee Company recommends listening to your body and seeing how your stomach reacts. If you’re looking for a low acid coffee, try the Brazil Estate Coffee, which is a single origin coffee that has a pH of 5.3 and is Rainforest Alliance Certified.

It has been said that adventure in life is good, consistency in coffee is even better. Good coffee roasting can provide great consistency, since coffee roasting can considerably influence the taste and composition of your java. All of the coffees produced by The Volcanic Coffee Company are freshly roasted in Atlanta to ensure a consistent standard.

If you’re looking for a delicious daily sipper, try the organically grown Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, that’s grown in a region known for its flowery and sweet tasting notes. Or purchase a bag of the well-balanced El Salvador coffee, that’s Fair Trade Certified. If you’re looking for a high-end coffee, the Costa Rica Geisha is popular because of its sweet tasting notes. It also has thirty percent less caffeine than most other coffees.

Need the perfect gift for a coffee lover. Try the Four Pack Coffee Gift Boxes, which come in different variations like Exotic Peaberry, World Traveler and Classic Gourmet.

Joy

Is a raw food diet right for your dog?

We all know that finding the right food for our pups is important.

Image via petplate.com

As dog owners, we all know that finding the right food for our pups is important. We want to feed them a well-balanced diet that supports their immune system and gives them enough energy to play. After all, our pets are family.

When it comes to dog food there are a lot of current trends and marketing terms that can be confusing for dog owners- raw diet, kibble, grain-free, natural, holistic, organic. The terms can be difficult to understand. Luckily, the Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center has published a guide that breaks down all of the current pet food trends into easy and understandable information. Now, it's easy to interpret what's in our dog’s food and whether or not it’s healthy for them.

Image via petplate.com

Which diet is best for your dog?

It depends. Always consult with your veterinary professional when deciding your dog’s diet because every pet is different. Some dogs will require soft foods or raw diets because of dental or health issues. Others are perfectly fine with hard kibble. Your vet should have brand recommendations and give you places to purchase your dog’s food. If they don’t, you can always chat with the professionals at your local pet store for specific brand information.

Should you go raw?

While there is no scientific evidence that raw food is more beneficial to a dog’s diet than kibble, a raw diet does give owners peace of mind by knowing exactly what your dog is eating.

That being said, owners need to be careful when handling raw food. The Ohio State Veterinary Guide notes that without proper care, raw food can put you and your dog at risk for food born illness. Similarly, a poorly planned diet without proper nutrients can lead to illness and injury in your dog.

We’ve found that a great solution to these issues is Petplate, a dog food service that uses vet-designed recipes to create a well-balanced raw food diet specifically designed for your pup. Petplate uses a USDA kitchen to freshly prepare every meal, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your pets are safe from dangerous microbes. They also deliver, saving you the time and hassle of cooking meals yourself.

Delicious Entrees

Image via petplate.com

Petplate uses human grade ingredients to create great dishes like Barkin’ Beef, Chompin’ Chicken, Tail Waggin’ Turkey, and Lip Lickin’ Lamb.

Chicken Apple Sausage Bites Treats

Image via petplate.com

These USDA organic treats are easy to break apart and perfect for small dogs.

Cookie Supplements

Image. Image via petplate.com

The Tummy Ticklin’ Digestive Cookies deliver probiotics to improve stomach health and stool quality.

If you’d like to try Petplate, you can get 61% off your first box by clicking this link. But hurry, because the deal ends on May 16th, 2022.

From Your Site Articles

Science

This smart technology helps save water

Image via Gethai.com

As the clean water crisis grows, new technologies are emerging that help us to conserve and maintain a sustainable usage of water in our daily lives. One such innovation is the Smart Showerhead from Hai. Powered by a small turbine inside the showerhead, the Hai Smart Showerhead is a brilliant piece of connected technology that helps us conserve water and better understand our water usage. It’s also a great self-care tool that provides perfect pressure and a spa-like experience, truly the best of both worlds.

Image via Gethai.com

A spa-like experience

The Hai Smart Showerhead comes with many spa-like features that can help improve your self-care routine. First, the Hai Smart Showerhead is engineered to offer a greater range of coverage than the average showerhead. This also makes showering easier, since you won’t have to adjust the showerhead or move around as much.

Second, the Hai Smart Showerhead effortlessly changes between different settings which can be programmed using the companion app on your smartphone. The settings range from a fine mist to a steady stream. You can find the perfect pressure by playing around with the sliding adjuster on the app.

Third, if you’re tired of waiting for your shower water to get warm, then the Hai Smart Showerhead is definitely for you. An LED alert will notify you when the shower water is warm enough for you to enter. No more freezing cold starts to your morning, perfect for anyone who’s always freezing.

Image via Gethai.com

How the smart showerhead works

Inside the Hai Smart Showerhead is a small turbine which spins from the flow of the shower water. The turbine generates electricity which powers a light on the showerhead. It also powers Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor your shower usage using an app on your smartphone. There’s also a feature that can alert you after 20 gallons of water have been used, helping you conserve water by letting you know that it’s time to stop your shower. With the Hai Smart Showerhead you can take the time you need in the shower without feeling guilty that you’re wasting water.

The Hai Smart Showerhead also comes in two different flow rates: water sense and regular. The water sense flow rate is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program as a water saving product. It's intended to conserve water and has a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute. The showerhead for the water sense model is designed to improve low water pressure and has 29 individual spray nozzles. In comparison, the regular showerhead has a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute and 35 individual spray nozzles.

Image via Gethai.com

Sustainable packaging

All of the packaging for the Hai Smart Showerhead is 100% sustainable. The product and shipping boxes are one and the same so there isn’t any unnecessary box-within-a-box packaging. That saves a lot of unnecessary cardboard from ending up in the landfill.

Image via Gethai.com

Easy showerhead installation

The Hai Smart Showerhead is an easy DIY install that will fit onto any existing shower arm. Simply unscrew your current showerhead and replace it with the Hai Smart Showerhead. It’s that easy.

What are you waiting for? To improve your self-care routine and monitor your water usage, check out the Hai Smart Showerhead today!

affiliate

Joy

This modern bean bag feels like heaven

Image via Moonpod.co

In today’s stressful world, it’s important to take time out of your busy schedule to destress and relax. Having a dedicated space to meditate or just take a nap every once in a while can improve your overall wellness. That’s why Moon Pod bean bag chairs and accessories are the perfect products to help you chill out after a long day or prepare for one to come.

Relax in Style with the Moon Pod

Image via Moonpod.co

The Moon Pod is a re-engineered bean bag chair designed for maximum comfort and relaxation. Made with high density beads, the Moon Pod gives its users a similar sensation to float therapy which has been shown to have a calming effect. It can also help ease you into your meditation practice. The shell is made from a dual membrane which responds to your body type and helps relieve neck and back discomfort. Best of all, the Moon Pod only weighs 12 pounds so you can move it around easily. Now you can rest wherever and whenever you want.

If you’re having trouble finding the time to relax throughout your day, having a Moon Pod in the house is a great physical reminder to slow down and relax. The Moon Pod is also a perfect spot for reading a book, doing a face mask, or waiting for your nails to dry. It’s the perfect relaxation meditation station.

Add Extra Support with The Crescent

Image via Moonpod.co

If you’re looking for extra support, you can add the Crescent to your Moon Pod order. This parabola-shaped wonder adds extra bracing for your back, arms, and neck. It’s filled with the same custom high density beads as the original Moon Pod, so you know that it’s built to last. The Crescent is perfect for any activity that requires sitting upright in the Moon Pod, like a seated meditation or a relaxing classic movie night.

Kick Back and Relax with the Lunar Lift

Image via Moonpod.co

If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, kick your feet up on the Lunar Lift. This footrest is made from the same materials as the Moon Pod. By elevating your feet, you’ll boost blood flow, decrease inflammation and reduce muscle strain. The best part is you’ll really feel like you're floating—no sensory deprivation tank required.

Get More Moon with The Super Moon Pod

Image via Moonpod.co

If you’d like to relax with someone else, or want more space to vibe out, then the Super Moon Pod is the product for you! This super-sized Moon Pod can fit two people comfortably. It’s perfect for a joint meditation session or stretching out for an afternoon nap. When you’re ready to take a break from today’s stressful world, look no further than this comfy, supportive bed.

Wellness is important. With the Moon Pod, you can comfortably relax in style.

affiliate

Save up to 15 percent off this beautiful sustainable dinnerware

Image via Lollygag.co

Looking for dinnerware shipped with sustainable packaging that will “wow” your guests? Then Lollygag is the perfect brand for you! Founded by a husband and wife team in 2019, Lollygag makes tableware that’s perfect for your next dinner party. All of their pieces are designed to be mixed-and-matched, so you can add to your collection at any time. Their creative designs turn table-basics into eye-catching displays that will have everyone asking, “Yo, where’d you get that?”

Now you can get up to 15 percent off site-wide. Just type in UPWORTHY10OFF for 10 percent off, and UPWORTHY15OFF75 for 15 percent off any order over $75, at checkout.

Image via Lollygag.co

With Lollygag, you don’t have to feel guilty about buying new since all of their packing materials are sustainable. Instead of tape, all Lollygag packages use a compostable, cornstarch-based adhesive. In addition, all of the extra space in shipping boxes is filled with recyclable and compostable craft paper. All goods are wrapped and secured with WrapPak- a compostable corrugated paper-alternative. Your order will arrive safe, and you will have peace-of-mind knowing it's safe for the environment.

Image via lollygag.co

If you're looking to make a more sustainable table-scape, the Danica Studios collection is the perfect solution. Made from sustainable materials like mango and acacia-wood, the Danica Studios collection donates a portion of proceeds to Education Without Borders, a non-profit that supports educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in Canada and South Africa. Feel good buying great products! Also, did we mention that these designs are gorgeous? Check them out below:

Flight of Fancy Salad Bowl

Image via Lollygag.co

This beautiful mango-wood salad bowl and acacia-wood serving set is great for any occasion. The majestic birds are sure to be a conversation starter at any dinner table.

Soleil Salad Bowl

Image via Lollygag.co

This boho-inspired salad bowl is a whole vibe for your dinner table. The hand-drawn sun adds an extra pop of color.

Solstice Salad Bowl

Image via Lollygag.co

A retro-rainbow of warm colors adds an extra dimension of style to this mango salad bowl and acacia-wood serving spoons. There’s also an option to add matching serving bowls to complete the look.

Small World Reusable Water Bottle

Image via Lollygag.co

This magical coral-colored water bottle reminds us of spring days spent in the garden looking at snails as they slowly slither up plant stalks. Best of all, it keeps your cold drinks cool for twenty-four hours and hot drinks steaming for twelve hours. Just think of all the plastic bottles and paper cups you’ll save!

Hill & Dale Reusable Water Bottle

Image via Lollygag.co

This reusable water bottle features a fantastic fox and other woodland creatures. It’s also the perfect gift for any friend who loves the outdoors.

Moon Phases Tea Infuser Bottle

Image via Lollygag.co

Capped with an ecologically-sourced bamboo lid, this gorgeous tea infuser bottle shows all the different phases of the moon cycle. Take your favorite tea to-go, or use the bottle to infuse water with delicious ingredients like pineapple or lemon.

Myth Glass Tea Infuser Bottle

Image via Lollygag.co

BPA-free, this whimsical tea infuser features a beautiful graphic of a mythical bird surrounded by plants, suns and moons. The bottle is made from double-walled borosilicate glass, so it will keep your drink well-insulated for a long time.

With all products on the Lollygag site, be sure to use promo codes UPWORTHY10OFF for 10 percent off, and UPWORTHY15OFF75 for 15 percent off any order over $75, at checkout.

affiliate

Joy

10 super cute dog toys to make your pup happy

Whether you just got a new dog, or you’re looking to reward your loyal friend, adding some new cute and fun dog toys can be a great way to play with your pup.

Image via Safeandchic.com

Whether you just got a new dog, or you’re looking to reward your loyal friend, adding some new cute and fun dog toys can be a great way to play with your pup. Lucky for us dog owners, Safe & Chic has some adorable new toys that make doggy playtime fun and are great conversation starters for houseguests. It’s time to give that tired old tennis ball a rest with some of these fun dog toys.

1. Watermelon Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

Keep your pup cool this summer with this delicious watermelon slice chew toy. This toy is perfect for a day in the shade or a fun trip to the doggy beach. Best of all, it doesn’t have any real seeds.

2. Taco Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

Everyday is Taco Tuesday with this taco chew toy. Now, instead of asking who’s a good boy you’ll be wondering, “Quien es un beuno chico?” and “Yo quiero taco toy?”

3. Frenchie Fries Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

These plush french fries are the perfect fast food for any fast dog. It’ll be hard to ketchup to any pup with this in its mouth.

4. Barking Bubbly Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

Now your dog can enjoy a taste of the good life with this Muttscato chew toy. Luckily, this plush toy doesn’t come with any hangovers. It also won’t save you from bad puns.

5. Poppin Pupcorn Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

Every doggy cinefile will enjoy this hilarious pupcorn plush toy. The perfect toy for nights on the sofa, watching doggy inspired flicks. It doesn’t come with any melted butter, but it will melt your doggy-loving heart.

6. Puppy-Roni Pizza Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

This Puppy-Roni Pizza is a fresh slice of adorable cuteness. Whether you prefer a thin slice, pan sheet or deep dish, this is the only slice your pup will love. Best of all, this slice of ‘za is machine washable and dryer friendly.

7. Soft Serve Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

The perfect soft serve swirl does exist with this adorable soft serve ice cream dog toy. Now, your pup can cool down with you and enjoy its own refreshing dessert. Doggy playtime just got a whole lot cooler.

8. Lollipup Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a lollipop? Help your pup find out with this adorable lollipup dog toy. Dog slobber sold separately.

9. Fried Chicken Dog Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

10. Magic Unicorn Toy

Image via Safeandchic.com

We knew they were real! This knitted unicorn plush toy is a hysterical addition to any pup’s toy collection. Best of all, this toy is good for your dog’s health– its natural flossing property removes build-ups of tartar on your dog’s teeth. Wow, unicorns really are magic.

From Your Site Articles

affiliate

Joy

Start a new family tradition with Staub cookware

If you come from a family that loves cooking together, then you know that sharing is a big part of preparing every meal.

Image via Zwilling.com

If you come from a family that loves cooking together, then you know that sharing is a big part of preparing every meal. Some families share recipes, techniques, and even cookware passed down from generation to generation. But how do you prevent a family heirloom from turning into a family burden? After all, nobody wants Grandma’s crusty, brown, one-handled, creepy clowns mixing bowl that she bought at the state fair in 1965 for a dollar.

We’ve found that in order to avoid sharing dated and damaged pieces, it’s important to select timeless and durable kitchenware from trusted brands that have been around for decades like Staub.

Used by some of the best chefs in the world, Staub cookware has become a mainstay in the world’s biggest kitchens. Chefs love the durability and consistency that comes from cooking in Staub’s cast iron and stoneware dutch ovens and cocottes. With Staub, heavy-weight, tight fitting lids ensure a nice seal, which maintains consistent cooking temperatures. Not to mention, the classic designs are always in style– making them something everyone in the family will be fighting over.

A few items we love are on sale right now:

Heart Shaped Cocotte

Image via Zwilling.com

Perfect for cooking a meal for someone you love, this dainty heart shaped cocotte is a beast in the kitchen. Made from hardy cast iron with an outer enamel coating, this cocotte can be used on the stove top and in the oven– up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The rough cast iron finish is perfect for even braising and browning. While the polished nickel handle makes it a tablescaping showstopper. This is the perfect pot to cook for– and eventually hand down to– the loved ones in your life.

Tomato Petite Cocotte

Image via Zwilling.com

Designed after the classic heirloom Brandywine tomato, these petite cocottes will make the perfect family heirloom for generations to come. Not just for looks, this classic stoneware dish also delivers incredible results in the oven as well. It’s the perfect vessel for cooking baked dishes and casseroles. Plus, it’s microwave safe, so you can use it to reheat leftovers or give your meal a refresh right before serving. This elegant piece of stoneware is sure to be a conversation starter at any dinner table.

Pumpkin Cocotte

Image via Zwilling.com

This pumpkin cocotte is a classic cooking and serving dish that looks great on any table. Perfect for casseroles, soups and baked dishes, the pumpkin cocotte is oven, broiler, freezer and microwave safe– making it a workhorse in the kitchen. It’s been fired twice in the kiln, so it is ultra durable and can handle sharp changes in temperature. It’s also the perfect vessel to serve autumnal dishes and desserts. We can already smell Grandma’s pumpkin crumble.

Artichoke Cocotte

Image via Zwilling.com

This artichoke cocotte is a practical head turner. The cast-iron is incredibly durable and crafted with the highest Staub standards. It also works on induction stoves, can be placed directly on a gas or electric stovetop and works in the oven. The cast iron is perfect for frying with oil, braising, cooking, and stewing. Plus, this beautiful cocotte looks great on any table, which makes it the perfect vessel to cook and then serve in.

Now you too can start a family tradition by handing down these beautiful, high-quality pieces from Staub. With great cookware, you can make great memories and pass down the traditions that matter.

Editor's Note: Upworthy may receive a percentage of payment for sales of items listed in this article