the home sustainable

The Power of Beans: From Managing Cholesterol to Family-Friendly Meals

A journey from cholesterol woes to family meals

Hey there! I wanted to share a little personal story that led me to discover something pretty magical: beans.

Recently, I got my blood work done for the first time in ages, and, to my surprise, my cholesterol levels were higher than I’d hoped. It was a bit of a wake-up call. I mean, I knew I needed to be more mindful of what I was eating, but seeing those numbers made me take a step back and look at my diet. Eaks! With little ones at home, I was already on a mission to feed them nutritious meals, but this just added a new layer of urgency.

That’s when I stumbled upon the wonders of beans. I mean, I enjoy beans but I didn’t grow up with a lot of bean meals in the house so it just didn’t occur to me how fantastic these little buggers can be. These humble legumes, often overlooked in our modern diet, turned out to be a fantastic solution for both my health and my family’s meals. Let me break down why beans are such a game-changer and share a few easy recipes that’ll make them a hit at your dinner table too.

Beans: The Unsung Heroes of Nutrition

Beans might not be the flashiest food, but they’re incredibly nutritious. Here’s why:

1. Protein Powerhouses

Beans are a fantastic plant-based source of protein. For those of us trying to cut back on meat or just looking for variety, beans offer a rich protein content that’s perfect for building and repairing tissues. Plus, they’re an excellent option for our little ones who need plenty of protein for growth.

2. Fiber Boosters

Beans are packed with fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep us feeling full longer. In an age where fiber is often lacking in diets, beans are a delicious way to get our daily dose. There is data to suggest only about 5% of Americans are getting enough fiber on a daily basis. Eat! This fiber also helps in managing cholesterol levels, which was exactly what I needed!

3. Nutrient-Rich

Beans are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate. They’re low in fat and, unlike processed foods, they come with a host of benefits for overall health.

Beans and Our Current Health Climate

In today’s health-conscious world, there’s a lot of buzz around protein and fiber. With many people trying to balance their diets, beans fit right in with current trends. They offer a great way to increase fiber intake and reduce reliance on animal proteins, which can be beneficial for heart health and overall wellness.

Plus, beans are incredibly versatile. From hearty stews to fresh salads, they can be incorporated into a variety of dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. As someone who’s keen on feeding my kids wholesome food, beans have become a staple in our house. They’re not only good for us but also easy on the budget!

Easy Bean Recipes for the Whole Family

Here are a few simple bean recipes that your family will love:

1. Bean and Veggie Chili

Ingredients: Kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin.
Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, then add bell peppers. Stir in tomatoes and spices. Add beans and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with a side of cornbread.

2. Creamy White Bean Soup

Ingredients: White beans, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme.
Instructions: Sauté vegetables until tender. Add beans and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes. Blend until smooth and season to taste.

3. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients: Black beans, shredded cheese, tortillas, salsa.
Instructions: Spread beans and cheese on a tortilla. Fold in half and cook on a skillet until cheese melts. Serve with salsa and avocado.

Half Baked Harvest has a cookbook with super easy and (relatively) fast recipes I picked up at Target (support book stores, here’s the link to Barnes & Noble) which has a SUPER yum sheet pan recipe roasting lemony halibut, apples, onions, and chickpeas (season all with olive oil, salt, and pepper). My four and one year old love the chickpeas and that was a bit of my ‘a-ha’ moment. If my kids will eat chickpeas, we can do this!

Wrap-Up

Discovering beans has been a bit of a revelation for me. They’ve not only helped me manage my cholesterol levels but also provided a nutritious option for feeding my family. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to incorporate into meals that everyone will enjoy. So, next time you’re planning your meals, consider adding beans to the mix—they might just work some magic in your diet too!

Happy cooking and here’s to healthy, bean-filled meals!

Oh, and get your blood work done to make sure everything is looking good!

Cheers,

Lisa

Online Shopping? Choose Eco-Friendly Shipping with Ground vs Next-Day

Do you find yourself doing the bulk of your shopping online and looking for the answer on the most eco-friendly shipping? Your question answered here!

Today we’re diving into a quick and easy tip that can help lower your carbon emissions: choosing ground shipping over next day delivery.

Why Ground is the more eco-friendly shipping

Let’s start by understanding why ground shipping is a more eco-friendly option compared to expedited shipping methods like next day delivery.

When you choose next day delivery, your package often travels by air. Plane transit burns a significant amount of fossil fuels and emits large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. On the other hand, ground shipping typically involves trucks. Trucks operate more efficiently and emit fewer greenhouse gases per package.

Let’s go one level deeper on exactly why trucks more efficient than planes. Well, it’s all about the way they operate. Trucks can carry a larger number of packages per trip, reducing the number of individual trips needed to transport goods. Additionally, ground shipping routes are often optimized to minimize travel distance and fuel consumption. And, this further reduces emissions.

Incorporating Ground Shipping

Now, let’s talk about how you can easily incorporate this tip into your daily life. The next time you’re making an online purchase, consider opting for standard ground shipping instead of expedited delivery. Yes, it might take a bit longer for your package to arrive, but the environmental benefits are well worth it.

And here’s a bonus tip: try to consolidate your orders whenever possible. By placing fewer, larger orders instead of multiple small ones, you can reduce the overall number of shipments and further minimize your carbon footprint. For example, when you are stocking up on reusable items to make lunch’s more sustainable, group your Amazon purchases together and choose the day Amazon recommends where all the items can arrive together.

Summing Up Eco-Friendly Shipping

To recap, choosing ground shipping over next day delivery is a simple yet effective way to reduce your carbon emissions. Not only does it help lower the environmental impact of your online shopping habits, but it also encourages retailers to adopt more sustainable shipping practices.

I Can Buy Myself (dried) Flowers

Are you looking for a more sustainable Valentine’s Day? I offer up the idea of some dried flowers this love season.

Happy week before Valentine’s Day. I thought today would be a great day to talk about a novel, and I think quite sustainable Valentine’s Day idea. We always think about flowers. We love flowers, they bring joy to our homes.

And so today I wanted to do a little bit of a spin on Valentine’s Day flowers and propose dried flowers for your Valentine. (If you prefer to listen, you can do so below)

This year I am loving the idea of dried flowers. I mean, just dried flowers in general, I have to admit. Maybe it’s a bit of a throwback to some of my childhood memories and my mom and I making art projects together using some dried florals. I have found some really great places online to get beautiful dried florals, and I think it’s a cool way to bring a little sustainability into something I love receiving any day from my loved one. And certainly on Valentine’s Day.

Try dried flowers for a sustainable Valentine's Day

Flowers and Green Waste

I’m not going to go over data and statistics about floral waste or green waste. We do it, I do it (insert wincing emoji here). I try and put my wilting, dying flowers in the green bin so that they can be collected and hopefully composted or recycled through the green program in my city. That’s a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of our flowers on the back end.

If you have at home composting, you can certainly put withering flowers in there too. And dying flowers are good to help diversify the composting contents. Brown waste, or plant organic waste, is important in compost too.

Dried vs Fresh Flowers

Moving away from real cut flowers to dried flowers is so cool for a few reasons. One, they last a really long time. I mean, literally a year or more. You can keep repurposing them, put them into new arrangements, and put them in different places in your home. They will last.

Try dried flowers for a more sustainable Valentine's Day

Where to Get Dried Flowers

You can also be really intentional about where you source your dried flowers. Try and work with local flower farmers, local artisans, or local shops. Check out your local farmers market.

Admittedly, for ease purposes, I have found some online outlets that I really like that are either sourcing from local farms or sustainably practicing farms female owned outlets.

Afloral Starting off with Afloral. They have some beautiful, beautiful dried flower and grass collections. You can purchase a couple of different styles and mix and match. And, I believe they are pretty reasonably priced.
Idlewild I am kind of goo goo gaga over Idlewild. Idlewild is a female owned company out of California. Oh, these bouquets and designs are gorgeous. I mean, you almost don’t even realize they’re dried. It is just beautiful colors. Beautiful styling. Check them out for some inspiration.
East Olivia Out of New York I just found East Olivia, also female owned, working with dried components. I love their take- Forever Florals. Really beautiful designs. Check them out. Really cool inspiration.

Eating in Season- The Spring Edition

Spring is a season of new beginnings, with longer and brighter days, warmer temperatures, and much-needed time outside. At the Home Sustainable we love eating in season. And, a change in season is the time to transition from our winter menu to make way for Spring’s fresh flavors.

How to Eat In season

Eating in season means enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak during a particular time of year. Not only does this support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint that comes from importing produce from far-off locations, but it also ensures that the food you eat is fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

Here are some of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the Spring:

Asparagus
Radishes
Rhubarb
Artichokes
Peas
Spinach
Strawberries
Apricots
Mangoes
Pineapples
Avocado
Grapefruit

Eat in season this spring by choosing grapwfruit

By incorporating these fresh and delicious ingredients into your meals, you’ll enjoy their taste and all the nutritional benefits each one has to offer, like spinach. It’s packed with iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. I like to sneak it into smoothies I make for my family for added nutrients. In season produce is typically picked at the peak of its ripeness and has had more time to develop its nutrients, making them more nutritious overall.

Save Money Eating In Season

Eating in season benefits not only our bodies and the earth but our wallets as well.

Lower prices: When you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, you’re likely to find them at lower prices. This is because the supply is high, and farmers can spend less money transporting them from other parts of the world. As a result, grocery stores and farmer’s markets can often offer them at a lower cost.

Reduced transportation costs: In-season fruits and vegetables are usually grown locally, so it doesn’t have to travel as far to reach your plate. This reduces the transportation costs associated with importing food from other parts of the world. The less distance the food has to travel, the less fuel is needed to transport it, which also contributes to you saving money.

Longer shelf life: When you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, they’re likely to be fresher and have a longer shelf life than those that are out of season. This means you’ll be able to use them for a longer period, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.

Food to Be Cautious of The Dirty Dozen For 2023

I know it can be hard to imagine fresh fruits or vegetables being a food group to be cautious of, However, when shopping for produce, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for pesticide residues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual “Dirty Dozen” list, ranking the fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides.

For 2023, the Dirty Dozen includes:

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Bell and hot peppers
Cherries
Blueberries
Green beans

To reduce exposure to these pesticides, consider buying organic versions of these fruits and vegetables or washing them thoroughly before eating.

Get to Know The Clean 15

Balance your diet with produce from the “Clean 15” list, which are fruits and vegetables less likely to be contaminated with pesticides.

The Clean 15 for 2023 are:

Avocado
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Mango
Sweet peas
Kiwi
Onions
Asparagus
Honeydew
Cabbage
Mushrooms
Sweet potatoes
Watermelon
Carrots
Papaya

Eating in season can be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce while supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint. By being mindful of the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, you can reduce exposure to harmful pesticides while still enjoying the many health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Tis the season for visiting your local farmer’s market (or grocery store) to embrace the flavors of Spring! I’d love for you to share your favorite springtime recipes with me below.

International Women’s Day

Happy International Women’s Day! I love being a woman and have to give a shout-out to the incredible women who have helped shape me my life, my mom and grandmothers.

I like to think of this post as celebrating the women behind The Home Sustainable.

My grandmothers are quite different from each other and special to me in their own ways. And, of course with age and reflection brings a wisdom to see how truly incredible they each were.

celebrating the women of The Home Sustainable on International Women's Day

Grandma

My mom’s mom, Emily Elizabeth, was born in Chicago just after the turn of the century (we are talking 1900 here). She and her siblings lost their parents young. And, together they made the great journey to Los Angeles for a new life and opportunity. This alone is remarkable to me. In their late teens and early 20s they would embark on a train journey west with so many unknowns but embracing strength-of-spirit and optimism about the idea of creating a better life for them selves.

Emily met Bill in Los Angeles. He was a tall drink of water from a small town in Texas and served in the Navy in World War I. Fun fact, he played 1st base for the Navy Baseball team, and they played the Army team in an exhibition game in front of the King of England on July 4,1918.

Emily fell in love with her soldier. And, they made their life together in a suburb of Los Angeles. Emily made homemade outfits to dress my mom in the likeness of Shirley Temple (so darn cute).

The Songbird

Emily was gentle, quiet, loving, played ukulele and sang like a songbird. Ukulele?! Yes! A woman ahead of her time! And, Emily sang alto in the area Barber Shop Quartet and with the Sweet Adelines.

Singing harmony is in my blood. And, I am sure it is from Emily. Grandma Emily gave me the gift of music, and I am forever grateful. I love to sing and to harmonize. I love music. Thank you for this great gift, Grandma.

Grammie

My dad’s mom, Verda Adela, was born on a farm in rural Minnesota. She embodies a strong farm woman. She was smart, funny, one of the hardest working women, and didn’t let anything slow her down. And, ‘early to bed, early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise,’ just about sums her up.

She ironed sheets and underwear. She baked the best pies ever. And, she was sharp to the end. I learned how to make whipped cream as her apprentice in the kitchen when I was 10 or so. And, she played a mean game of cribbage.

I love the stories she told about my grandfather, Noble. She saw him at a church social and picked him out from the crowd. And, word through the grapevine was he did not smoke cigarettes. She didn’t smoke either. So, this shared quality was attractive to Verda. I just love it!

They were a stoic folk but you knew love ran deep. They lived to their 90’s and never spent a day apart. Grammie wore the pants and Noble sweetly obliged.

They were quickly married (at 19 or so? I have to confirm that) and opened a country store. Such gumption and an entrepreneurial spirit! They had two kids, my Aunt and my Dad. And, they ultimately decided to move west to Los Angeles, away from large extended families in Minnesota, for more opportunities for the family.

They made what I can only imagine to be a very hard decision- to leave everything they knew and the safety net of family to move to the somewhat unknown for job opportunities and a shot at education for their kids. They wanted a better life for their kids.

Rosie the Riveter

My Grammy was a Rosie the riveter her during the World War II and made sure her kids had every opportunity possible even though the family had very meager means. So, they truly were and are the American dream- parents wanting more for their kids. They worked hard and never had much.

But, they had what they needed and instilled an unwavering work ethic. As a result, my Dad ultimately achieved a PhD in nuclear physics from Berkeley, and my Aunt was a Fulbright Scholar and earned a Master degree. My Aunt is also a remarkable woman. Women didn’t do these things when she was young!

My Grammie’s motto about campsites is- leave them better than you found them.

I have taken that as a motto for life– leave things better than you found them, leave people better than you found them, leave places better than you found them.

Mom

My mother, Marilyn. She lights up a room. She is effervescent. She’s funny and kind and creative and smart. And, she is also quite remarkable.

A Zest for Life

Mama graduated from Cal Berkeley and decided to enter a relatively new organization at the time called the Peace Corps. She went to Senegal, Africa for two years in the mid-60’s.

But, at that time travel was not as simple and telephones were not plentiful nor cellular. My mom went to Africa for two years. This means she didn’t see her family or friends and she didn’t talk to her family and friends on the telephone. All they could do was write letters and send audio tape recordings as a way of keeping up and feeling connected.

This is so amazing and strong of my Mom (and her parents… their only child!). I am not sure I would have the fortitude of spirit to do such a thing. She has continued to work in social work and truly has a heart for those in need.

Mama loves to travel and has instilled that in me. She loves to explore, and she loves to learn. And, she has a positive attitude about life. I am grateful she has passed all of these wonderful things on to me.

My Biggest Fan

She loves theater and musical theater and introduced me at a young age which I am FOREVER grateful. Unabashed theater lover here. I believe being awash in musicals as a child made me believe in happy endings in life and made it ok to break out in song which, in my mind, brings more joy to any situation. Also, as I did musicals in high school, she was my biggest booster and all of the good parts of a stage-mom.

I am so grateful for the example of a strong woman who marches to a slightly different drummer but knows the chorus and sings the loudest.

Post Script

I would also be remiss not to mention my dad in this whole situation. He’s an incredible man and has also made me the woman I am today. My parents have always treated me and my brother as if anything is possible and to pursue our future regardless of gender. It never crossed my mind growing up that women should or would be treated differently than men.

This is in large part because my Mom and Dad’s mentality was exactly that- men and women are equal. It harkens back to Scandinavian egalitarian ethos. My Dad to this day is careful to make the point it is a team effort for my parents.

All of his successes are a team effort and all of her successes are a team effort. They are in it together and they are only able to do what they do because I teach other. Awwwwww (insert smily heart eye emoji here).

I see why I have never been deterred by things that are not things traditionally pursued by women. I have a Master degree in economics and realize that’s a field dominated by men (but more and more women all the time- yay!). But, I’m a proud economist and so glad to be in the field.

I was fortunate to grow-up by the ocean and, as I was teaching myself to surf 20 years ago there were not many women and the waves. It was a lot of dudes and me. Thankfully, surfers tend to be really nice and mellow (as long as you are not at a territorial break). And, I am PUMPED to see so many women in the wave of these days.

I don’t share these things to say I am some sort of pioneer. So many women have done more. But, maybe in some small way? I am so grateful for the women who shaped me and worked really frigging hard so I can have the opportunities to push the envelope in my large or small way.

I wish we were in a time and place where we didn’t have to designate a day to be International Women’s Day. But, I will take the progress we have made and continue to push for more. We continue to move forward.

The Secret to Decluttering Your Home, No Matter How Much Time or Stuff You Have

Today I will share the secret to the very best Spring clean, the pre-spring task of DECLUTTERING.

We’ve had a few warm days that have me dreaming of springtime patios, days at the park, planting, and, plot twist (insert record scratch here)…spring cleaning.

Each season brings new opportunities. And, just like new buds on the trees and green popping up from the ground, Spring is an invitation to come out from hibernation and start fresh.

Spring cleaning gives us the opportunity to get all the stuff in our spaces under control.

Why Declutter Your Home?

Clutter can feel like dead weight. Can you feel it when you look at piles that have accumulated? I know I can. Esh. Having too much stuff and loads of unorganized things can make your space feel stressful. And, this makes it hard to relax or enjoy your space as a place you want to be.

The best way to start a spring clean is with a good decluttering

Decluttering our living spaces has been known to boost your mood, invite calm, improve your mental health, and provide that dose of feel-good energy that feels so dang good.

Organized and curated spaces are an important foundation for living a fulfilled life.

When we keep our space organized and clutter at bay, we can live intentionally by focusing our time, energy, and money on the things that matter most to us.

Set Your Intentions for Decluttering Your Home

Start by asking yourself, what do I actually use?

I start this process with a discerning eye for things that must go. It is something I am intentional about adding to my day. As I go through my day, I heighten my awareness of what I use and do not.

Some examples:

In the morning, what makeup and skin/hair products do I use? What can I toss? Do it.
What clothing items do I use, and what can I donate? Do it.
As I am in the kitchen, what tools do I use, and what is just taking up space? What can I donate? Are there broken things that need fixing? Do it.
In the living room, are there piles of magazines that you haven’t looked at in months? (guilty) Time to recycle! What about books? Have you loved and read a pile of books that may be ready to move on to the next reader?
In your office, how are the paper stacks? Are there some easy ones to attack/take care of? Do you need a shredder to move some paper through? We just got one, and it’s made a big difference. Now we have a shredding stack that we address on the regular.

Being mindful of my daily routines allows me the freedom to start putting things in a bag for donation, and this is a really good way to take a first pass at cleaning out your space.

Be critical. Seriously, have a little chat with yourself; what do you use, and what can you pass along that you do not use or do not wear?

Once things and clutter start to reduce, the newfound space is liberating.

How to Declutter Your Home

Arranging some child care so you can fully dedicate some time to a clean and declutter is ideal, but here are other ways you can incorporate decluttering into your daily routines or even in a spare hour.

If your children are old enough, include them in the process. They learn to get excited about giving to others by choosing a few toys or stuffed animals (my word, the STUFFIES, these things have actually learned to re-produce at our house) they can donate each season.

Here are a few strategies you can use based on the time you have.

Make a list of spaces you want to declutter. Checking areas off your list gives you a place to start and makes you feel accomplished once an area is complete. This also helps break things down into more digestible steps.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you think of a whole home at once. No no dear friend, as they say- how do you eat the elephant? One bite at a time (terrible phrase now that I think about it, but how the saying goes and you get my point!).

Another key strategy is keeping these questions in front of you, put post-its up around areas you want to declutter with the questions on it- What do I use? What can go?

It is easy to have best intentions but forget as the day goes by. Having that physical reminder to look at things with a discerning eye is key to getting things done. And, how good will it feel to take that post-it down when you’ve decluttered that area?!

Keep a running ‘donate box’ in your closet or garage.

As you go about your daily routines, add things to the pile. This will help you get into the habit of reducing and feels like less pressure than parting with a ton of your items all at once.

Donating clothing can be tricky, I hear you. There are so many reports of donated clothing ending up in the landfill anyway. Sustainably Kind Living has a great post about the 25 best places to recycle old clothes.

Fill one trash bag with things that are broken.

If you only have an hour or so, this is a great way to focus on getting the trash, like broken things, old paperwork, and expired items, out.

Make a re-purpose pile.

You will come across things that no longer fit your needs but may be used elsewhere. I had a stack of top sheets my kids never used that I put in a labeled bin to use as tablecloths for birthday parties.

Sell gently used valuable items.

This is great for nice clothing that no longer fits you, furniture, decor, and things your kids have outgrown. I have some great information on where to buy and sell second hand clothing.

You have to decide HOW YOU want to declutter. Not all strategies work for all people.

Love your life. Manage your time. Dream big. Make plans. Streamline things you must do to spend more time on what makes you happy. You’ve got this.

Some days seem to provide more energy for this kind of thing than others. Try not to get down on the days you feel stuck under a pile of stuff.

Life is a journey. Embrace all that is full and fulfilling!

Go Green This St. Patrick’s Day

No, like literally, try these ideas for an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day! I love finding new and creative ways to celebrate with friends and family. And, I am sure everyone will enjoy an idea or two from this list.

Here are a few ideas to go green this St. Patrick’s day by eating, gifting, and celebrating a delicious, festive, and eco-conscious St. Patrick’s Day.

Eat Green-Serve a Green St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are one of my favorite ways to eat. Who doesn’t love a good grazing opportunity?

Whether I’m hosting a gathering or making dinner for my little one, having a variety of foods to choose from, and a few bites of everything, is so so good. Here’s a list of green items to include on your charcuterie board.

Snacks

Spinach tortilla pinwheels
Pickles
Salsa Verde with tortilla chips
Green olives
Pistachios
Guacamole with chips (my personal fave)
Green hummus for dipping
Greek goddess dip for everything

Fruits

Green grapes
Green apples
Kiwi
Pears

Veggies

Cucumber
Zucchini
Broccoli
Snapped peas
Edamame

As an added eco-friendly element- use remaining food when possible (that won’t spoil of course). This will save you time since the food is mostly already prepared. And, it will save food waste. Charcuterie boards can easily be packed into a lunch for any little one’s you are sending off to school. Lastly, try to compost whatever you can’t salvage. I love me some composting.

Give Green-Eco-Conscious Gifts for Yourself or Family This St. Patrick’s Day

I like to invite fun into these kinds of holidays by giving little gifts to my little ones. There is just something about the honest joy and sparkle in the eye. Here are a few ideas to give yourself or your family this St. Patrick’s Day to support a green sustainable lifestyle.

Snag some reusable shopping bags. Fill them with a few ideas below, and then use them for all your grocery shopping from now on.

Get a reusable mug for all your coffee runs. Some coffee shops even give a discount for bringing your own mug.

Skip the single-use plastic water bottle. Buy your family nice reusable water bottles they can use each day.

Purchase reusable straws for your family. Find silicone, metal, or plastic straws for your family to use over and over again.

Avoid cheap plastic decor, outfits, and dyes—thrift for fun green clothing and accessories instead of wasting money and resources on toxic decor and costumes.

Treat yourself to new eco-conscious self-care products. Self-care is always a good idea for yourself or anyone else.

Celebrate Green-Ways to Celebrate with an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re skipping the green pub crawl like I am this year, here are a few fun and green ways to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with your friends and family.

Plan a Shamrock Hunt

Invite a few friends or families to a park to hunt for shamrocks.

This is festive, easy (no planning required), and a great way to get outside and enjoy nature.

If you’re feeling crazy, consider putting together a charcuterie board with some ideas at the beginning of the post.

Host a Recycled Art Show

I love this idea. So simple but yet not a mainstream party idea. Have friends or kids friends bring their favorite art pieces made from all recyclables and host an art show.

A spin off of this could be to have an art table to make ‘green art’ at a St. Patricks Day party. Save items like toilette paper rolls, shipping boxes, box packaging (bubble wrap), and magazines and throw out some paint, pens, paper and see what people come up with. You could even put together an eco-conscious gift bag from the ideas above for the most creative art!

Plant Some Greens

Have a planting party. It is nearly spring. This is the perfect time to get plants going!

Host a potting party for an eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day party

Set up a potting station and invite friends to decorate their pot and plant something like herbs or a veggie plant. If you are a green thumb, you could start the seeds yourself a few weeks prior to the party so people can plant the already started seedlings in their pot. You can also find pretty affordable herbs at your local nursery. Mint is a fan favorite and quite robust. Just don’t plant anything else in the pot, the mint will take over!

If you’re not up for hosting, invite friends to visit a community garden to plant veggies or trees there.

Organize a Bike Parade

This is so much fun for the little ones. Dress up in thrifted green items or green items from your closet and host a bike parade in your neighborhood. You’ll be promoting eco-conscious transportation and a love for the outdoors.

Paint Rocks to Deliver to Friends

Gather some rocks and choose a non-toxic paint to decorate rocks. Paint pretty pictures, encouraging sayings, or make “gold” your kids can keep for themselves or deliver to friends.

Ideas for a fun eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day gathering

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from my family to yours. I hope you find a fun way to celebrate. Share some of your favorite eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations below.

Baby Feeding Essentials for the Eco-Conscious Mama

We did a thing.

We are so excited to announce we are pregnant with our second bebe!

This is boy number two. And, while there was a moment of hoping for a girl, I couldn’t be happier to be an official all-in ‘boy mom.’ I am in deep! Let’s do this!

One could say our toddler is less than enthusiastic. But, I have no doubt he will come around in time. When we told him he furrowed his eyebrows, thought for a moment, and said, ‘no baby.’ At least now he asks me to kiss the baby in his belly mirroring what we do with my belly. Anyone have some tips on how to best land this plane?

The second one is hitting so different for me. I remember the anxiety and overwhelm of feeling like I needed everything and needed to be prepared for everything. I watched all the YouTube videos and went down many a rabbit hole.

Experience has taught me to keep it simple and focus on the first few months. They eat, they sleep, and they poop. Rinse and repeat (literally). Today we are going to cover eating and baby feeding essentials. Get excited, this will be a series of posts to help you prep for baby, the sustainable way.

You can explore my eco-friendly newborn Amazon list here. I love supporting local businesses and small businesses but an Amazon registry makes it easy for family and friends.

Here are the things I really used the first time around, what’s on my eco-friendly baby list for baby #2, and sustainable options for feeding your newborn. Behold my baby feeding essentials! (and my list of what you don’t need at the end)

Baby Feeding Essentials for Feeding Your Newborn

Let’s just start by saying what’s best for you and your baby is best for you and your baby. Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formulas, both ways are the right way and your little one will thank you for choosing what’s in their best interest.

Sometimes the decision is made for you. We ended up mostly formula feeding our first baby. He was born at 33 weeks and was in the NICU for 26 days. Thankfully, he was healthy and just needed to feed and grow.

Baby feeding essentials for newborns. — My peanut finally home after 26 days in the NICU!

I was pumping and it was hard. There was already enough stress, I wasn’t prepared for delivering early and almost a month in the NICU. I wasn’t producing a ton and knew the best thing for me and my baby was to make the switch to formula.

Even with best laid plans, I recommend everyone have a few bottles on hand for feeding, either formula or pumped breastmilk.

Bottles

The most eco-conscious bottles are made from non-toxic materials like glass or even stainless steel. Look for nipples made from natural rubber or food-grade silicone.

But, let’s be honest. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Our baby was colicky so we went with these Avent bottles. We used them as long as possible and then passed them along to a friend. Reuse- also an eco-friendly option. I didn’t know what I didn’t know at the time. Now I would opt for something like these glass Tommy Tippy 3-in-1 that grow with you into food storage and an open cup.

Bottle ideas and baby feeding essentials for the eco-conscious parent

Babylist has a ‘bottle box,’ which I think is a good idea too. Babies can be finicky and you just never know what will work for them. This bottle box gives you 5 different bottle options to try out and see what works best for your baby.

We washed a lot by hand so I do recommend the infamous Boon Grass drying rack (or any similar countertop drying rack).

And to really get things sanitized, these sanitation bags are a must.

Formula

When choosing a formula look for the USDA Organic seal. This will ensure that at least 70% of the formula is derived from organic ingredients.

With my first we used a European formula, HIPP. We ordered online which worked but you did have to be on top of ordering to account for any shipping delays.

I am happy to share, there is a US brand, Bobbie, that is really hitting the mark on upping the quality of ingredients. My plan is to try and do some breast feeding this next time around but I will have some Bobbie on hand.

Breastfeeding

On the breastfeeding front- this one is a bit personal preference but it is worth considering a pillow like My Brest Friend. It gets superior reviews to the Boppy because of the waistband securing the pillow to your body. It also has a washable cover that’s organic cotton.

Common eco-conscious fabrics to look for are organic cotton, recycled cotton, organic linen or bamboo linen.

People also swear by the haakaa. I didn’t personally use it because of my personal journey and not doing much breastfeeding. But, for those who do, they say the haakaa is a must for catching breast milk let down. Literally liquid gold.

Burp Cloths

Burp cloths are the real MVPs and great to have on hand. My first didn’t spit-up much but I still love being able to grab a burp cloth to wipe up a spill or runny nose, they do it all. These Burt’s Bees were my favorite and are made from organic cotton.

Any organic cotton burp cloth is good for the environment, soft on your baby’s skin, and absorbent.

Items You Really Don’t Need To Buy For Feeding Your Baby

To each their own but here are a few things you can skip to save energy and reduce waste while saving space and money.

Bottle warmer
Formula dispenser
Disposable nursing pads (opt for washable ones instead)
Disposable breast milk storage bags (source reusable ones like these)
A nursing cover. Again, you never know what will happen and you might not use it. If you find yourself out and about a lot, it might be your thing but think about it. Also, in a next post I will recommend muslin swaddles which can serve as a nursing cover! Multi-purpose win
Other ‘fancy’ bottle and feeding accessories. I find they rarely get used and just take up space and budget

Over time you will want a highchair, those cool spoons that change color to show the food is too hot and the like. But, you don’t need any of these things for a bit, so don’t stress.

Mom’s have been mom-ing for centuries. I share these guidelines and products as a helpful resource but trust your instincts, lean into your support systems and you can’t go wrong.

Share your baby feeding essentials and number one must-have baby-registry item in the comments below.

Elevate Your Shower this Valentines Day

Today we look at some eco-friendly shower products to elevate your at-home spa experience. And, an at-home spa moment comes down to two kinds of people: the bath takers and the shower lovers.

I covet the stand-alone soaking tub, I really do, but not having one myself has made me appreciate a luxurious shower. With Valentine’s day coming, we’re covering a few ways to level up your shower to pamper yourself or your loved one…oh, and the earth.

Roses are red, violets are blue, at the end of a long day, a pampered-up shower will do

By now, you have to know how much I love eliminating single-use plastic bottles for products like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash to bar soaps. These eco-friendly bath and body products cut out loads of plastic. IMHO soap bars are a win-win as an elevated experience and eco-friendly swap.

There are tons of great bar soap options, making this swap easier than ever. Take a little time clearing out the bulky plastic bottles and make room for soap bars. The Sustainable Home Tour: Bathroom Edition post lists many of my favorite picks.

Eco-friendly Shower Scents

Scents are incredibly powerful for activating a physical and emotional response, especially relaxation. But, lots of products contain ‘fragrance’ and the product manufacturer does not have to define what that fragrance is. ‘Fragrance’ can be code for chemicals and who wants that when there are wonderful natural options?

Add Eucalyptus to Your Shower

Eucalyptus has all kinds of healing and soothing properties. Hang a small bunch of eucalyptus branches to elevate the shower to release a good clean scent while opening up your sinus passages.

Eucalyptus looks beautiful while offering a variety of health benefits, like reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. Yes, please.

If Eucalyptus grows in your area, it can be easily sourced at any floral store or nursery. If not, there are plenty of online options to have live, fresh Eucalyptus shipped right to your door.

Bundle eucalyptus with lavender for added relaxation and the most fragrant aroma.

For the DIYers, these all-natural eco-friendly shower steamers are another way to incorporate Eucalyptus and lavender into your shower routine.

Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Shower Routine

essential oils are a natural way to enhance an eco-friendly shower moment

Use essential oils to enhance calm and promote relaxation as you shower. Scents can play a powerful role in achieving a certain mood, like coming down to escape stress or energizing ourselves to take on the day.

Use this insightful guide to help incorporate scent and essential oils into your routines to improve your overall wellness.

Eco-friendly Shower Pouf: the Natural Loofah

So this might blow your mind, but the plastic pouf Loofahs you find hanging at Target are fashioned from a natural plant called a Luffa Plant. They are a tropical vine associated with the cucumber family and are perfect for exfoliating without adding wasteful plastics to your bathroom. Loofah converts carbon dioxide to oxygen on the front end and can be composted on the back end.

Choose an eco friendly shower pouf and go with the natural Loofah. This is one of my favorites. They are affordable, more aesthetically pleasing, and doing way better for the earth.

Add a Luxurious, Eco-Conscious Robe or Towel for After Your Shower

The most eco-friendly towel on the market is the one you already have. But, if you are in the market for new towels, let’s talk about luxurious eco-friendly products.

eco-friendly shower with organic cotton towels

Growing cotton has a significant environmental impact on the earth, from the water it takes to the pesticides used to help it grow.

Here are two things to look for when purchasing cotton-based products:

GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard. If organic cotton is GOTS certified, you can feel good. Organic certification means that textile and fabric products are grown according to strict guidelines on using petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, and synthetic products.
OEKO-TEX: Oeko-Tex certification is about how the fabric is processed, including things like dyes and finishes. Oeko-Tex textiles and fabrics are certified free of harmful chemicals and safe for human use.

But to make it even easier, use this guide to help you find a luxurious and sustainable towel.

Incorporate Plants that Will Love Your Shower

The bathroom can be an excellent place for your plant babies because of the steam your shower provides. Live plants add zen and act as a natural air purifier.

Studies have shown that getting into nature reduces stress and lifts your mood. Surrounding yourself with plants acts as an air purifier and encourages the plant’s photosynthesis process.

Try a Pathos or Snake plant if you have a little natural light. Both plants are extremely low maintenance, even for the brownest of thumbs. I promise you can do this!

The Pathos needs a little water once every week or so. The snake plant can literally go a month or more between watering. They are the best! Which reminds me, I have to water my snake plant, which I definitely have not watered yet this year, and we are kicking off Feb.

I would be remiss not to mention that water is a finite resource, so we need to be aware of how long we are showering. Give yourself a day or two of the week for a nice relaxing experience while the other showers are efficient.
Are you a bath or shower person, drop me a 🛀 or 🚿 below

Celebrating Black History Month

Happy Black History Month! Today I am thrilled to highlight and honor the vital work of African-American leaders advocating for the healing of our earth.

Here are ten black environmentalists to celebrate. While each of their contributions to a more sustainable earth deserves praise, there are three incredible women whose work I want to spotlight. These contemporary women promote nature, sustainability, and a healthy planet for all.

Each of their contributions are rooted in personal passions and experience. And, frankly, in sectors that are typically white-male dominated: energy, farming, and outdoor adventure, making their voice imperative.

I’ve come across each of their work in various ways. And, each of their stories struck me as inspiring to say the least.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

I found Dr. Johnson on Twitter many years ago. I’ve enjoyed following her takes in 160 characters or less among her other works, like her Podcast, ‘How to Save a Planet.‘ If you have a chance, I particularly loved her interview with Dr. Jane Goodall. What a duo!

She’s a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and all around incredibly accomplished. Also, among her other areas of expertise, she sits on several Boards, including Patagonia’s Board of Directors, the company most famous for making planet earth its only shareholder.

She’s had several writing pieces published by top news channels. And, she invented an award-winning fish trap to reduce bycatch, the unwanted fish, and marine creatures caught during commercial fishing. Umm, hello inventor for good!

Celebrating Black History Month and black contributions in environmentalism.

Dr. Johnson, we’re forever indebted to your powerful contribution to a more sustainable planet earth.

Rue Mapp

I first came across Rue and her work featured in an outdoor magazine. In 2009, she founded the nonprofit Outdoor Afro to celebrate African Americans’ connection to nature and to develop leadership in exploration spaces. Today, the organization has chapters in 30 states! Outdoor Afro also has 80 leaders who guide members through nature tours and other recreational activities.

I love love love the mission of Outdoor Afro. Being outdoors feels like home. I grew up hiking and camping in the forests of CA. I skip rocks like a pro, cook a solid meal on an open fire, and don’t shy away from a week of no-shower showers. Although, I will say, that first hot shower back is golden. My dad and I backpacked Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the continental US) when I was 20. There is just nothing like the majesty of the great outdoors and our National Parks. And, it should be accessible to everyone.

Rue’s nationwide programs equip leaders to guide their communities to enjoy all the land and water has to offer. Her dedication to Black leadership in the outdoor space, where there is a lack of representation, is invaluable.

Rue is hosting her own Black History Month celebration, honoring a different Black nature activist each week. I’m excited to learn from her and follow along her journey.

Leah Penniman

I first learned about Leah’s (all pronouns) work, after being featured on a Podcast for his/her/them/they’s expertise on our food system and regenerative farming.

Leah is a food justice activist, leader, Farm Director at Soul Fire Farm. Leah is also the author of the book “Farming While Black.”

Leah’s mission is to help African Americans connect with the land and our food system to resolve racism within the food system.

Leah’s work at Soul Fire Farm provides farm training for Black and Brown people. They also provide a food subsidy program for communities living under unequal access to healthy foods and lack of opportunity to grow their food. And, the Farm offers community farm days, youth programs, farm tours, and urban farming solutions to surrounding areas of their community.

I’m looking to Leah as a valuable resource as I learn more about regenerative farming and our food system.

I’m forever indebted to the tireless work of these three women, we all are. I’m grateful for the incredible opportunity to learn from them and celebrate them.

I hope you enjoyed these highlights. How are you celebrating Black History Month and please share some of your black climate heroes in the comments!