Books That Matter Unboxing: Wild Women

No matter what it is, I always feel a surge of juvenile euphoria whenever I receive something through the letterbox. So, it’s safe to say that when my first Books That Matter box arrived, I was ecstatic.

‘Books That Matter is a monthly subscription service delivering important pieces of literature and feminist trinkets to your door. Each month you will receive at least one piece of literature which enlightens your mind on themes of gender, race, culture, class, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, politics, or history, as well as at least two gifts by independent female-identifying or non-binary artists.’

I’ve had my eye on this subscription box for a while. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve been subscribed to their email newsletter since they started out last year. However, when I heard about July’s theme, I knew I had to make a purchase.

This month’s theme is ‘Wild Women’: exploring themes of ecofeminism, sustainability and our planet. I’m in the process of curating ideas for my dissertation, and it just so happens that this month’s theme ties in with what I’m hoping to explore. This box couldn’t have come at a better time.

Ecofeminism is a theory and movement which looks at ecology from a feminist perspective; that nature and women are subjects to the same principle of oppression from capitalist patriarchy. As author Abi Andrews writes, by exploring ecofeminism, we become more aware of the toxic system that we live under, which is hurting women while it destroys the planet. It helps us to see ourselves as part of an interconnected living-world.

This month’s box contains gifts from independent female creatives linked with July’s ecofeminist theme. So, without further ado, here’s what’s inside July’s Books That Matter box:

The Word for Women is Wilderness by Abi Andrews

First up, this month’s book is The Word for Women is Wilderness by Abi Andrews. This book follows protagonist Erin in her travels from the Midlands to Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland and eventually a lonely cabin in the wilds of Alaska where she charts the changing landscapes of her own mind and re-imagines not just a woman’s place in society, but humanity’s place on planet earth. As I said, this fits in perfectly with my possible dissertation topic and I can’t wait to join Erin on her journey into the wilderness.

Feminist Fashion Revival

This is a mini-magazine from the Revival Collective, a Brighton based sustainable fashion collective. It’s packed with informative articles, fashion inspiration, talking aesthetics and ethics.

Throughout the zine, they show how sustainable fashion is a lot more accessible than people think. It’s not merely about buying from sustainable brands, but about forming a sustainable mindset around the way we approach fashion. From buying less to washing our clothes correctly, there are many ways we can change our habits to reduce our impact on the planet.

“We can be seen in the same thing twice!”

Metal Straw – Sugar and Sloth

Alongside this informative reading, there is a beautiful metal straw from Sugar and Sloth. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve overheard people complain about soggy paper straws. To be fair, they are the worst. From now on, I’ll be sure to carry around this gorgeous oil slick coloured straw wherever I go.

Vegan Shampoo Bar – Hairy Jayne hair care

I’ve never used a shampoo bar before, but the fact that this product is natural and cruelty-free already makes it a win. It comes in a plastic-free re-usable tin, once again proving there are countless ways we can help the environment.

Wildflower Seeds – Wildflower Limited

There is also a packet of seeds from Wildflower Limited, with a percentage from each packet’s price going to the bumblebee conservation trust. Wildflowers are great for attracting local wildlife such as bees therefore, planting seeds is just another simple way we can help out the planet. I’ll be sure to plant these little seeds and watch them grow.

Finally, there is a cute ‘sustainability is a feminist issue’ print with a message written by Abi Andrews and ‘A woman’s place is in the revolution’ bookmark. After all, you can never have too many bookmarks.

Are you subscribed to any subscription boxes?

Thanks for reading,

Evie.

♥