A Year in Slow Living

by Julia Le

Under the constraints of a global pandemic, and in the wake of a social justice movement, a lot has changed since we’ve last revolved around the sun. Days have blurred into weeks, and then into months. It’s now been more than a year since the world has been put on pause.

Away from the barrage of notifications, updates and yet another bad piece of news found on our screens, an appreciation of the analog world resumes where any semblance of quiet can be spared. In New York City, my time was poured into projects that soaked up every minute. I experimented with vegan versions of traditional dishes that reminded me of home, attempted my first challah (and many other breads), and finally made a small dent in the ever-growing reading list. Through such moments and few occasions with friends and family, happiness came in form of freshly made poffertjes, a picnic with puto cheese, and frequent taco nights with homemade tortillas. 

Between social justice, the climate crisis and the mental gymnastics of navigating an ever changing political landscape, the most peaceful moments have come in finding joy in simple actions and routines. With the regular momentum of our daily lives withheld, we were left with an abundance of time - to think and reassess, learn and unlearn. How can we play a part in creating change on an individual level, and at scale?

WoodWatch, based in the Netherlands, pairs conscious design with social impact through renewable materials and community investment. Made with sustainably sourced wood, their designs are inspired by nature, and made to last. Partnered with the non-profits, Trees for All and Trees for the Future, WoodWatch makes its deliveries CO2 neutral, planting 3 trees for every product sold, and supporting farmers and local communities in Senegal, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

For Earth Month, WoodWatch is pledging to plant 10 trees for every product sold - on their way to 100,000 this month alone. Their goal is to plant one million trees by 2025. You can also have a custom message etched onto your timepiece, as a little reminder to yourself or someone you love.

As the world resumes its former pace, and we ask ourselves how will we continue forward? Take the time you need, savor those quiet moments, and when it matters most, make every second count. 

In Partnership with WoodWatches ft. Maple Rosegold, Blossom 

All Other Clothing + Jewelry: Vintage, Secondhand

Creative Direction/ Styling: Julia Le

Photography: Joe Thomas