Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak – Episode: RFC Amazon & Target

Release Date: April 8, 2025

In this episode of Add to Cart, hosts Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak delve deep into the world of consumerism, exploring the nuances of selecting and rejecting products that align with their values. Titled "RFC Amazon & Target," the episode focuses on alternatives to major retail giants like Amazon and Target, emphasizing support for small businesses and thoughtful purchasing decisions.

1. Navigating Consumer Choices

The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the challenges of modern shopping habits. Kulap shares her growing disinterest in acquiring new luxury goods, expressing a shift towards more meaningful and value-driven purchases.

Kulap Vilaysack [42:02]: "I'm very materialistic and shallow and I look at this stuff and I'm like, it's not worth it."

SuChin concurs, highlighting the ethical dilemmas associated with big brands, especially regarding their labor practices and authenticity.

SuChin Pak [42:28]: "It's the hunt. The hunt is what I crave."

2. Embracing Small Businesses for Home Essentials

Responding to a listener's request, Kulap and SuChin explore various small businesses that offer sustainable and health-conscious home products. They emphasize the importance of supporting brands that prioritize environmental friendliness and consumer safety.

Blueland & Branch Basics

Kulap praises Blueland for its range of clean cleaning products, including hand soaps, dishwashing tablets, and innovative fizzy toilet tablets. She underscores the effectiveness and convenience of these products.

Kulap Vilaysack [19:49]: "I find that it really does a job and it's great."

SuChin introduces Branch Basics, a brand committed to eliminating harmful chemicals from their cleaning solutions. She appreciates their transparent ingredient lists and the tangible results their products deliver, particularly for laundry needs.

SuChin Pak [21:01]: "It's really great when a founder had a problem that they couldn't find a solution for and then develop something."

Full Circle

Another highlight is Full Circle, renowned for durable and eco-friendly cleaning tools. Kulap shares her satisfaction with their scrubbers and dish brushes, which combine functionality with sustainability.

Kulap Vilaysack [23:03]: "It's beautiful stuff. They just last a really long time."

3. Sustainable and Lead-Free Ceramics

The hosts turn their attention to kitchen essentials, discussing the significance of lead-free ceramics. SuChin introduces brands like East Fork and Fable, which offer beautifully crafted, safe, and durable dishware.

SuChin Pak [26:37]: "They are lead free ceramics and Fable is one that we use all the time."

Kulap shares the importance of investing in high-quality ceramic products to ensure safety and longevity in the kitchen.

Kulap Vilaysack [27:53]: "It's logically the right move for us, especially with our family's health concerns."

4. Innovative Lighting Solutions

Addressing the impact of lighting on well-being, Kulap recommends Block Blue Light bulbs. These bulbs offer customizable settings that mimic natural light cycles, reducing blue light exposure and promoting healthier sleep patterns.

Kulap Vilaysack [34:02]: "This is a great kind of thing for everyone to use because you can have three bulbs in one."

5. Smart Furniture for Small Spaces

Kulap and SuChin explore Russet, a furniture company specializing in compact and easy-to-assemble pieces ideal for those with decision fatigue. They laud the brand's minimalist designs and practicality, which cater to modern living spaces.

SuChin Pak [32:12]: "They don't have a catalog of pages and pages. Just a few things done perfectly right that you absolutely need."

6. Thrifting and Local Shopping Adventures

The hosts share their personal experiences with thrifting and local shopping, highlighting the joy of discovering unique pieces while reducing dependence on big-box retailers. Kulap recounts a delightful trip to vintage shops and local boutiques, emphasizing the community-centric aspect of supporting small businesses.

Kulap Vilaysack [50:07]: "It's the hunt. The hunt is what I crave."

7. Engaging with the Community

Throughout the episode, Kulap and SuChin encourage listeners to share their own recommendations for ethical and sustainable brands. They stress the importance of building a community that supports each other in making conscious purchasing decisions.

SuChin Pak [54:43]: "We want to know. We want your tips."

Conclusion

"RFC Amazon & Target" serves as a thoughtful exploration of consumer habits, urging listeners to consider the ethical and environmental implications of their purchases. By spotlighting small businesses and sustainable brands, Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak provide actionable insights for those looking to make mindful additions to their carts. The episode not only informs but also inspires a shift towards more responsible and fulfilling shopping practices.

Notable Quotes:

• Kulap Vilaysack [42:02]: "I'm very materialistic and shallow and I look at this stuff and I'm like, it's not worth it."

• Kulap Vilaysack [34:02]: "This is a great kind of thing for everyone to use because you can have three bulbs in one."

• SuChin Pak [21:01]: "It's really great when a founder had a problem that they couldn't find a solution for and then develop something."

• SuChin Pak [34:16]: "It doesn't matter. That doesn't matter. If there was instructions for you. What have we already established?"

• SuChin Pak [54:43]: "We want to know. We want your tips."

Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, Kulap and SuChin effectively guide listeners towards more ethical and satisfying consumer choices, embodying the podcast's mission to dissect what we buy into and understand what it reveals about ourselves.