Summertime 2020 Staff Picks!
Abby Suggests: Olipop Strawberry Vanilla
So yummy and makes my tummy feel so happy (:
Alisa Suggests: Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream
Perfect for those hot steamy summer nights!
Brenden Suggests: Goodpop Organic Freezer Pops
They are a great treat to beat the heat and to keep my toddler at bay, at least for a few minutes! They contain no added sugar and are made from 100% organic fruit juice.
Caleb Suggests: Ursa Major Forest Fix Deodorant
You’ve probably asked yourself sometime over the past five months, “do I really need deodorant?” The answer is most likely, not often. But for those special occasions when you want to smell fresh and clean for someone else, or even just yourself, I recommend Ursa Major’s Forest Fix. You’ll smell like summertime in Vermont.
Chuck Suggests: Goodnow Farms Brown Butter Chocolate Bar
It's up there in price but is phenomenal. It was my personal B-day gift. <3
Courtney Suggests: Cambridge Naturals Stress-Ease
These capsules have made a huge impact on my mood and stress levels over the past month. With adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Tulsi, along with Rhodiola, Passionflower, Lemon Balm and Bacopa, this is a really soothing and stress-supporting blend. The key is to take it consistently!
Ellen Suggests: Bulk Licorice Root
I made a licorice root tea for the first time ever last night and WHOA it's so sweet and flavorful. Going to try adding some sassafras to tonight's mix :)
Emily J. Suggests: Indie Lee Clearing Mask
I've been using this a couple times a week to treat my face-covering related breakouts. This is great at improving skin texture, clearing/preventing breakouts and congestion without over drying your skin. I also like to use it as a spot treatment at night.
Emily K. Suggests: Cambridge Naturals Astragalus
This wonderful herb has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help support a healthy immune system. Especially these days, I'm doing everything I can to stay as healthy as possible!
Jake Suggests: Apple Park Organic Picnic Pal Blankie
This guy has been a huge help during my time staying at home. A cozy friend!
John Suggests: Coming soon!
Lauren Suggests: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix
Life with a newborn can make rest hard to come by. While Four Sigmatic products have always been favorites of mine, I’m loving them now more than ever. This mushroom coffee supplies me with the energy I need with minimal caffeine, so baby’s milk isn’t impacted and I’m not left jittery. The added Cordyceps, which can offer anti-inflammatory benefits, has been supporting my body through both our world’s stressful times and postpartum recovery.
Matt Suggests: Superieur Watermelon Electrolytes
Superieur Electrolytes are my go to supplement over the summer when I want to stay hydrated. These electrolytes are refreshing and taste good without being too sweet. They are full of real and clean ingredients like Himalayan Salt, Acerola Berry, and Ionic Sea Minerals. ~
Mike Suggests: Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA
For those that are managing their alcohol intake like myself, while still wanting a flavorful, crisp and hoppy beer at the end of a hot summer day, this has been my go-to! Their other non-alcoholic beers they brew are also very crushable.
Morgan Suggests: Coming soon!
Nancy Suggests: Coming soon!
Nick Suggests: Tierra Farms Organic Dried Mango
Yum
Sally Suggests: Coming soon!
Sam Suggests: MEM Tea Blood Orange Hibiscus bulk tea
If you're at home, you can use it to make a delicious iced tea blend to sip at home, while you stay at home, in your house.
Sarah Suggests: Olipop Strawberry Vanilla
What Abby said!!
Sawyer Suggests:
DRAM Gingergrass CBD! This is the best seltzer I have EVER tasted and I've tasted a lot of seltzers in my lifetime.
Plus, you can't beat the soothing calm of the CBD.
Steph Suggests: Nutrigold Turmeric Curcumin Gold
A staple for me. Helps with overall inflammation and pain, keeps my stress levels low, and keeps my skin clear from the inside out.
Vicki Suggests: Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing
My brother's favorite snack is cucumber and ranch dressing, and he got me obsessed with it. Nothing better than a nice cold cuke with some ranch dressing on a HOT summer day in a tiny apartment on the top floor with no AC.
Zach Suggests: Clean Giving Hand Sanitizer
Local, Simple, Effective. 80% alcohol in a convenient spray bottle. And a 1-for-1 donation for every ounce bought!
Interview with Taste Radio
Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with CN Co-Owner Emily Kanter about the recent reopening of Cambridge Naturals’ locations for in-store shopping, her decision to take the reins of her family’s business six years ago, why the retailer stopped selling groceries in the 1990’s and why it resumed a few years later. She also explained what she looks for in a brand’s backstory and what would make her less inclined to stock a new product, why Cambridge Naturals is consistently rotating its selection and why the company tries to be on “the cutting edge, but not bleeding edge” of emerging trends. Later, she expressed optimism that the FDA would provide concrete guidance about CBD-infused foods and beverages and how entrepreneurs interested in partnering with the retailer can connect with her team.
Listen here:
Our re-opening guidelines!
In-Person Shopping Hours
Monday - Saturday 11am - 4pm (Porter Square)
Monday- Saturday 11am-5pm (Boston Landing)
Curbside Pick Up Hours:
Boston Landing Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Porter Square Monday - Saturday 10am - 6:30pm
Please be advised that the following protocols are now in place, for our safety and for yours (and, according to the current retail policies in MA):
Our “open” hours until further notice will be 11am - 4pm at Porter Square and 11am-5pm at Boston Landing, with the first hour (11am - 12pm) for seniors and immunocompromised folks only. We will likely expand our open hours as the days progress and we become more comfortable with this schedule.
10 customers are allowed in Porter Sq and 5 customers in Boston Landing at any given time, under current guidelines. If we have reached our limit, we will not allow the next customer to enter until someone has left. Please form a (physically distanced) line outside till we can let you in.
All customers are required to wear a face mask or face covering that covers their nose and mouth when inside the store. No exceptions. If you would prefer not to wear a mask, we are happy to offer you curbside pick-up as a shopping alternative.
Please do not come to shop if you are aware of having any symptoms related to Covid-19 or have been in physical contact with someone who has symptoms of the virus or tested positive for Covid-19.
We will still be taking curbside pick up orders via phone and website, as well as offering local delivery! Feel free to place an order for curbside or delivery if you would prefer that method. Curbside pick up is available 10am - 6:30pm at Porter and 10am - 6:00pm at Brighton.
We will supply hand sanitizer for customers at stations throughout the store. Please use it upon entering.
All basket handles will be wiped down with alcohol before use. We will also be conducting regular cleaning of all “high touch” sections. No testers of body care items are available for the time being.
No tote bags or large shopping bags are allowed in the store. Please leave large bags in your car or at the front of the store while you shop.
We are happy to discuss products with you and answer questions, and, our staff will maintain a 6ft distance from customers (and each other) at all times, or remain behind the plexiglass dividers at the desks, for our safety and for yours.
Our bulk herbs section is Full-Serve only (no self-serve!) and we can not take your containers to fill at this time. We will happily fill paper or plastic baggies for you. Thanks for your understanding!
Cash is welcome, cards are encouraged.
We have placed arrows around the store to encourage traffic flow in a single lane direction. Please adhere to the arrows whenever possible.
Be advised that we are still not taking returns on items. Please purchase what you would love to bring home and keep!
Thank you for your understanding of these new protocols, and we can’t wait to see you!!
Opening our doors this week!
We are so thrilled to open our doors to the public this week!
In-Person Shopping Hours this week:
Boston Landing Tuesday 6/30 - Friday 7/3 11am - 4pm
Porter Square Wednesday 7/1 - Friday 7/3 11am - 4pm
Curbside Pick Up Hours:
Boston Landing Monday 6/29 - Friday 7/3 10am - 6pm
Porter Square Monday 6/29 - Friday 7/3 10am - 6pm; Saturday 7/4 11am - 4pm
Please be advised that the following protocols are now in place, for our safety and for yours (and, according to the current retail policies in MA):
Our “open” hours until further notice will be 11am - 4pm, with the first hour (11am - 12pm) for seniors and immunocompromised folks only. We will likely expand our open hours as the days progress and we become more comfortable with this schedule.
10 customers are allowed in Porter Sq and 5 customers in Boston Landing at any given time, under current guidelines. If we have reached our limit, we will not allow the next customer to enter until someone has left. Please form a (physically distanced) line outside till we can let you in.
All customers are required to wear a face mask or face covering that covers their nose and mouth when inside the store. No exceptions. If you would prefer not to wear a mask, we are happy to offer you curbside pick-up as a shopping alternative.
We will also be taking customers temperatures via a no-touch thermometer and those with a temperature over 100 degrees will not be allowed inside. Please do not come to shop if you are aware of having any symptoms related to Covid-19.
We will still be taking curbside pick up orders via phone and website, as well as offering local delivery! Feel free to place an order for curbside or delivery if you would prefer that method. Curbside pick up is available 10am - 6:30pm at Porter and 10am - 6:00pm at Brighton.
We will supply hand sanitizer for customers at stations throughout the store. Please use it upon entering.
All basket handles will be wiped down with alcohol before use. We will also be conducting regular cleaning of all “high touch” sections. No testers of body care items are available for the time being.
No tote bags or large shopping bags are allowed in the store. Please leave large bags in your car or at the front of the store while you shop.
We are happy to discuss products with you and answer questions, and, our staff will maintain a 6ft distance from customers (and each other) at all times, or remain behind the plexiglass dividers at the desks, for our safety and for yours.
Our bulk herbs section is Full-Serve only (no self-serve!) and we can not take your containers to fill at this time. We will happily fill paper or plastic baggies for you. Thanks for your understanding!
Cash is welcome, cards are encouraged.
We have placed arrows around the store to encourage traffic flow in a single lane direction. Please adhere to the arrows whenever possible.
Be advised that we are still not taking returns on items. Please purchase what you would love to bring home and keep!
Thank you for your understanding of these new protocols, and we can’t wait to see you!!
Today is Juneteenth!
Boston Celebrations, Rallies and Virtual Movements to Join
Photo via Boston Magazine, courtesy of the ICA
Freedom Fete presented by the ICA: a virtual dance party from 8pm-12am!
A Saturday march in Cambridge, led by 6.19, a national call for a day of action
Funk the Police Musical Speakout and Rally in Dorchester
A Juneteenth Black Winegrower Celebration hosted by TJ of The Urban Grape
Boston’s 10th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance 2020
Malden Juneteenth Flag Raising, Performances, Proclamation
Virtual Celebration with the MFA (including a panel with Trillfit owner Heather White!)
Poetry As Protest: Dr. Malcolm Tariq and Camara Brown in partnership with the Museum of African American History. Register here!
Songs of Freedom: A Black Music Month Tribute & Fundraiser by Darryl's Corner Bar And Kitchen, Roxbury
In honor of Juneteenth, Boston JerkFest is excited to feature Nahdra and Jahriffe, owners of Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor in Dorchester.
“Food for the Body, Food for the Soul” presented by Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. A virtual concert, cooking class and community dialogue live from the Portsmouth African Burying Ground.
And - Sign the Petition to make Juneteeth a National Holiday!
Can’t attend an event? Support these Black-owned businesses in Boston!!
To drink: The Urban Grape in the South End
To eat: Fasika Ethiopian Cafe in Roxbury
For dessert: Tipping Cow Ice Cream in Somerville
For another dessert: Clarke’s Cakes and Cookies in Dorchester
To read: Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury
To give to your loved one: Giselle’s Flowers & Gifts in Roxbury
To get a trim: Sly’s Barber Shop in Cambridge
To learn: Spokehouse- Bowdoin Bike School in Dorchester
To exercise: Trillfit live, online classes in Mission Hill
P.S.! Consider using BlackBoston.com to search for Black-owned businesses in Massachusetts!
Honoring Juneteenth
On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their liberation in Texas, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was decreed - and therefore could be considered the true beginning of the liberation of Black people in America (clearly, we still have a long way to go!). Juneteenth is celebrated in the Black community and in family gatherings, and last year Pennsylvania declared it a state holiday.
Today, we in America celebrate July 4th as our "Independence Day" but of course, July 4th 1776 does not recognize that a huge percentage of our country was not and would not be independent or free. Juneteenth could rightfully be considered our nation's true Independence Day.
We at Cambridge Naturals, along with our partners at The Sustainable Business Network, Cambridge Local First, and The Williams Agency encourage everyone to take time this coming Friday, June 19 to commemorate and celebrate this important national holiday. There are several ways to celebrate Juneteenth this Friday, locally!
Juneteenth Celebrations (Online!)
A Juneteenth Black Winegrower Celebration hosted by TJ of The Urban Grape
Boston’s 10th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance 2020
Malden Juneteenth Flag Raising, Performances, Proclamation
Virtual Celebration with the MFA (including a panel with Trillfit owner Heather White!)
Poetry As Protest: Dr. Malcolm Tariq and Camara Brown in partnership with the Museum of African American History. Register here!
Songs of Freedom: A Black Music Month Tribute & Fundraiser by Darryl's Corner Bar And Kitchen, Roxbury
In honor of Juneteenth, Boston JerkFest is excited to feature Nahdra and Jahriffe, owners of Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor in Dorchester.
“Food for the Body, Food for the Soul” presented by Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. A virtual concert, cooking class and community dialogue live from the Portsmouth African Burying Ground.
And - Sign the Petition to make Juneteeth a National Holiday!
Support these Black-owned Businesses in Boston!
Photo: The Urban Grape
To drink: The Urban Grape in the South End
To eat: Fasika Ethiopian Cafe in Roxbury
For dessert: Tipping Cow Ice Cream in Somerville
For another dessert: Clarke’s Cakes and Cookies in Dorchester
To read: Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury
To give to your loved one: Giselle’s Flowers & Gifts in Roxbury
To get a trim: Sly’s Barber Shop in Cambridge
To learn: Spokehouse- Bowdoin Bike School in Dorchester
To exercise: Trillfit live, online classes in Mission Hill
P.S.! Consider using BlackBoston.com to search for Black-owned businesses in Massachusetts!
Reminder! Workshop: Sharing Our Pain and Dismantling Racism in MA and Beyond
Join the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts on Wed, June 17th from 4:30–6:00pm in a conversation to discuss actionable ways to dismantle racism in our communities!
Sign up here (it’s free!)
Banter with Kanter (and Coven!)
Emily Kanter and Michael Kanter of Cambridge Naturals interview Mitch Coven, Co-Founder of Vitality Works, in our 2nd ever installment of Banter With Kanter (see the first one here)!
Join us for a vibrant conversation on everything from Mitch's "desert island" herbal remedies to why Vitality Works is one of our favorite companies of all time (and the makers of our popular Cambridge Naturals Brand herbal medicines!) to how to care for yourself in the midst of a global pandemic.
Continuing the Conversation
We are dedicated, this week and beyond, to amplifying and celebrating the voices, work and teachings of the Black community. We know the work exists beyond a donation and an Instagram post, and that educating ourselves is a privilege. Below, we’ve listed six actions items for anyone who is looking to begin their anti-racist work in a tangible way.
Six Ways to Push Against Your Privilege Today:
READ: The American Nightmare by Ibram X. Kendi
WATCH: Angela Davis in 1972 on Violence and Revolution
FOLLOW: WOC-run Floral Boutique @bia.blooms and @girltrek, the largest public health + self-care movement for Black women
TAKE ACTION: #8Can’tWait
HONOR: Breonna Taylor’s 27th Birthday (today!) by making these calls
Join a Local Movement
Founded by Nicola Williams, a resident of West Cambridge, the Let’s Grow Something project encourages neighbors in Cambridge/Somerville to grow sunflowers throughout the neighborhoods, infusing the city with beauty and growth amidst this time of pain. Nicola was inspired by Ekua Holmes, who started the Roxbury Sunflower Project.
Black-owned Brands and Makers
Cambridge Naturals is committed to sourcing products locally, organically, and ethically via fair and direct trade channels, and to donating a portion of our profits to social justice and environmental organizations. As part of our vision for a more just, equitable and sustainable world, we strive to partner with businesses owned by women, LGBTQ, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).
For those who have asked (thank you!) we’ve provided a list of black-owned partner brands in this post. It is possible that this list is incomplete, and if we have forgotten to include anyone, we are truly sorry and will correct that. And, if we listed your company here and you don’t identify as black, but instead as BIPOC, brown, black-brown (as we learned from the instagram stories of ceramicist Not Work Related), we are truly sorry for mislabeling and please let us know. And also please feel free to reach out if there are other brands you’d like us to carry in the future.
We want to be careful to say that this post is not meant to highlight how great we are for partnering with these wonderful brands (we have a lot of work to do). These companies are indeed wonderful, as are their products, and the aim of this post is to help our customers (especially non-POC customers) direct their dollars towards black-owned brands. We are grateful for the opportunity to help you do so!
(In full transparency, Covid-19 has had a severe impact on our sales since mid March, when we closed our doors to the public to protect our team and switched to phone/web orders. We aim to invest in partnerships with many more BIPOC-owned and specifically black-owned companies as we are able to do so. Thank you for understanding!)
Body Care
Grocery
Supplements
Black Lives Matter.
Dear Cambridge Naturals Community:
We’re certain that most or all of you are consumed by the tragedies unfolding in the nation right now: the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, countless others before them; the failure of law enforcement to protect those most vulnerable; the insidious, pernicious racism that has continued to thrive in our country for over 400 years [the system isn’t broken, it was built this way]; and meanwhile, the global coronavirus pandemic still taking thousands of (disproportionately black and brown) lives every day. It is so much pain and anguish; it is almost too much to process.
As an organization that strives to create a healthier, more just and equitable world in all we do, it is also our responsibility to learn, to speak out, to try to do better every day - for social justice, racial justice, environmental justice.
The CN ownership team has made - and will continue to make - personal financial contributions, to many of the organizations listed below. We are also doing our own work, as white people, to understand our own internalized racism and complicity. We believe that Anti-Racism Work IS Wellness Work. Our community’s health depends on it. On social media, we will be spending the next week (June 1st-June 7th) amplifying the voices that are not always heard/shared, as part of the #amplifymelanatedvoices challenge. The work goes on, forever.
We strongly encourage ALL who seek health and wellness to speak out, learn, educate yourself, donate, support black leaders and organizations and educators with your dollars.
A compiled list of many is below.
Thank you for being our community,
Emily, Caleb, Michael & Elizabeth & the CN Team
(Many of the organizations in Minnesota were sourced via Reclaim the Block)
Black Visions Collective - Black Visions Collective (BLVC) believes in a future where all Black people have autonomy, safety is community-led, and we are in right relationship within our ecosystems.
Minnesota Freedom Fund - We value a society that values its people, their freedom and recognizes their contribution to the greater good. A society that does not condition pretrial freedom on class or identity, that has ended mass incarceration, and that invests in restorative and transformative justice.
Reclaim The Block - Organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety.
Black Immigrant Collective - The Black Immigrant Collective amplifies and makes visible the voices of Black immigrants in Minnesota.
Black Table Arts - Gathering Black communities through the arts, towards better black futures.
Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha - CTUL is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate and empower each other to fight for a voice in their workplaces and in their communities.
Du Nord Riot Recovery Fund - Du Nord Craft Spirits is a Black-owned distillery with a building that was damaged. They’ve “received a tidal wave of love and support from across the nation and many have asked how they can help… Therefore, Du Nord is establishing this fund to support black and brown companies affected by the riots.”
Isuroon - Isuroon is a grassroots nonprofit organization working to promote the well-being and empowerment of Somali women in Minnesota and beyond.
Little Earth Residents Association - Food and safety needs for residents of Little Earth of United Tribes.
Migizi Communications - MIGIZI Communications advances a message of success, well-being and justice for the American Indian community. Support them rebuilding after fire.
Minnesota Healing Justice Network - We provide a supportive professional community and mutual aid network for wellness and healing justice practitioners who also identify as IBPOC (indigenous, black, or people of color).
Northside business support - support businesses on Minneapolis’s Northside that have been impacted by recent demonstrations.
Pimento Relief Fund - We’re partnering with Pimento to provide black business without insurance relief after white supremacists set them on fire during the protests.
Powwow Grounds - send via paypal to angelswann2021@gmail.com - Native-run cafe, currently providing meals to elders, protectors and community, purchasing medical supplies, fire supplies, cooking supplies.
Southside Harm Reduction- Southside Harm Reduction Services works within a harm reduction framework to promote the human rights to health, safety, autonomy, and agency among people who use substances.
Spiral Collective - A volunteer full-spectrum reproductive options and support group comprised of doulas, birth-workers, and passionate reproductive justice advocates. based in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, occupied Dakhóta territories.
Women for Political Change - Holistically investing in the leadership and political power of young women and trans & non-binary individuals throughout Minnesota.
Unicorn Riot - A decentralized media organization that has been live-streaming uprisings
NAACP Legal Defense Fund - America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.
Join Campaign Zero - We can live in a world where the police don't kill people by limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability.
The Bail Project - The Bail Project™ National Revolving Bail Fund is a critical tool to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.
BOSTON/MA
You Good, Sis? Local collective for Black and Brown women looking for a mental, spiritual check in
Massachusetts Bail Fund The Massachusetts Bail Fund posts bails of up to $2000 in Essex & Suffolk Counties in Massachusetts.
Black Lives Matter Boston Boston’s chapter of BLM, working to raise new Black leaders, create a network for Boston Black folks, and end violence against Black people
New England Innocence Project (NEIP) - Founded in 2000, the New England Innocence Project (NEIP) fights to correct and prevent wrongful convictions and ensure justice within the criminal legal system for innocent people throughout New England who are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit.
Support Black Owned Companies in Boston - #BuyBlack
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - free or sliding scale
Radical Well-Being Center Radical Well-Being Center offers psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families, group therapy, massage, acupuncture, reiki and decolonized healing and energy work, nutrition counseling from a non-diet/Health at Every Size/intuitive eating perspective, educational workshops, and community events.
Therapy For Black Girls So often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. This space was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant.
Dive in Well Offering digital classes on various wellness practices, to create a more inclusive wellness industry. Dive in Well hosts donation-based digital events like breathwork classes and therapy sessions aimed at centering self care.
Dr. Jennifer Mullen of @decolonizingtherapy Dr. Jennifer Mullan (Pronouns: She/ Her) creates spaces for people and organizations to heal. She believes that it is essential to create dialogue to address how mental health is deeply affected by systemic inequities and the trauma of oppression, particularly the well-being of Queer Indigenous Black Brown People of Color (QIBPOC).
Inclusive Therapists Seeking counseling or therapy can be a vulnerable process. To that, add the challenges that marginalized populations face such as micro-aggressions, prejudice, and language/ financial barriers. Getting the right help can become an overwhelming task. Finding a therapist should not feel like a gamble. All identities in all bodies deserve equal access to quality, culturally responsive care. We aim to make this process simpler and safer.