Handshake with nature - where wellness meets design blog by Mache
the wellness design journal

design your way to healthy + sustainable living

Why Bees Are the OG Wellness Practitioners — And What They Can Do for Your Health

Why Bees Are the OG Wellness Practitioners — And What They Can Do for Your Health

Brienne Derosier

The bee is not just a pollinator. It is a symbol, a healer, a builder, and one of the most intelligent collaborative systems on the planet. In this article, I nod to the millennia-long partnership between humans and bees and I share what I know — and what the science says — about why bees matter for our personal and planetary health.

How to Claim Your Own Wellness Corner in a Family Home

How to Claim Your Own Wellness Corner in a Family Home

Brienne Derosier

In a home shared with children, partners, pets, and everyone else's stuff — your wellness practice is usually the first thing to get crowded out. Discover how to carve out a dedicated wellness space in your family home — even without a spare room. Tips on exercise snacks, sunshine breaks, screen-free evenings, and yoga storage that protects your investment.

Wood, Cork, Foam, Oh My! Select the Best Yoga Block for Your Practice

Wood, Cork, Foam, Oh My! Select the Best Yoga Block for Your Practice

Brienne Derosier

Today, we’re diving into one of those yoga accessories that often gets overlooked or misunderstood — the humble yoga block. If you’ve ever wandered into a yoga studio, seen those little rectangular blocks on the shelves, and thought, “Hmm, what on earth do I do with those?” — you’re not alone. Yoga blocks often get pigeonholed as “beginner props”... but that could not be further from the truth. 

Healthy Gift Ideas for Busy People: Wellness Gifts That Keep on Giving

Healthy Gift Ideas for Busy People: Wellness Gifts That Keep on Giving

Brienne Derosier
Enter the idea of wellness gifts—thoughtful presents that inspire healthy habits and promote self-care throughout the year. But what exactly are wellness gifts? To help you pick the perfect healthy gift, here’s a list of ideas guaranteed to bring calm, balance, and joy to even the busiest bees.
From Waste to Wellness: See How Brands are Transforming Ocean Plastics

From Waste to Wellness: See How Brands are Transforming Ocean Plastics

Team Mache
10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean and one of the biggest offenders is "wellness products". In light of this ever-expanding issue, some forward-thinking brands are taking the initiative to keep humans–and the planet–protected from plastics. While ocean-polluting plastics are still a menace, read up on how some brands are turning plastic waste into wellness essentials.
Beyond "Plastic-free July": 5 Ways to Embrace a Non-toxic Home Year Round

Beyond "Plastic-free July": 5 Ways to Embrace a Non-toxic Home Year Round

Brienne Derosier
Ready to design yourself a plastic-free home? As a wellness design professional, I’m here to help you transform your living spaces into havens of natural beauty and sustainability. This article outlines the first five areas I suggest you start to detox your interiors from off-gassing chemicals and cultivate healthy indoor air quality at home.
Green Living: The Role of Algae in Creating Biodegradable Home + Sporting Goods

Green Living: The Role of Algae in Creating Biodegradable Home + Sporting Goods

Team Mache
Environmental consciousness has made its way to the forefront of global discussions, which has led to the increasingly focus on sustainable goods and everyday products. Algae is emerging as a promising new eco-friendly, biodegradable material and this article explores the fascinating journey of algae from ponds to products, highlighting its role in promoting green living.
Healthwashing: Unraveling the Predatory Practice of Toxic Products Disguised as Wellness

Healthwashing: Unraveling the Predatory Practice of Toxic Products Disguised as Wellness

Team Mache
To shed light on dangerous marketing practice known as "health-washing", we sat down with Dr. Meg Christensen, a naturopathic physician and founder of Interior Medicine, an online consultancy, resource hub, and marketplace offering accessible, evidence-based information on the role of interior materials in health and disease prevention, along with actionable solutions to shop smarter for optimal wellness.
The Best Sustainable Yoga Products of 2024

Wellness Product Roundup: Best Sustainable Yoga Accessories of 2024

Team Mache
We've rounded up sustainable yoga props that beautifully marry functionality, comfort, and environmental responsibility. From yoga mats made of natural materials to fitness props designed for durability and eco-friendliness, the options are both diverse and inspiring. Check them out here...
Lower the Environmental Impact of Holiday Shopping with these 5 Sustainable Shopping Strategies

Enjoy Guilt-free Gift Giving with 5 Sustainable Shopping Strategies

Team Mache
Sustainable shopping isn't just about buying eco-friendly products; it's a holistic approach that encompasses how we choose, use, and dispose of gifts and decorations. By adopting sustainable shopping strategies, we can enjoy the spirit of the season while also caring for our planet. In this article, we'll explore five transformative strategies to make your holiday shopping both joyful and environmentally conscious.
How to Honor America's Indigenous Communities this Thanksgiving

How to Honor America's Indigenous Communities this Thanksgiving

Team Mache
As Thanksgiving rolls around, it's more than just a time for turkey and pumpkin pie. It's a golden opportunity to pause and reflect on the rich tapestry of America's Indigenous communities. This year, let's shift our focus and celebrate the holiday with a deeper understanding and respect for the true history of this land and its original inhabitants.
Eco-friendly Day of the Dead Decorations: Celebrate Sustainably

Eco-friendly Day of the Dead Decorations: Celebrate Sustainably

Team Mache
For those looking to embrace the Day of the Dead while also being eco-conscious, it's essential to understand the cultural significance of the celebration. By doing so, we can ensure that our eco-friendly adaptations are respectful and in line with the tradition's core values. This article delves deep into the cultural and historical aspects of the Day of the Dead, offering sustainable alternatives to classic favorites.
Design Yourself a Dedicated Self Care Space