Sustainable Living Home Tour: Bathroom Edition

Want a more eco-friendly bathroom? Small swaps add up to big changes as we start our sustainable living homes tour. We’re going room by room to identify small changes we can make to our everyday habits that will make a lasting impact on our families and earth. 

Start simply by:

  1. Choosing a room
  2. Picking a few swaps you want to make, choosing ones that are exciting to you
  3. Getting comfortable with those new products
  4. Rinse and repeat in the next room

We can’t do it all at once. So let’s begin a sustainable living home swap tour; the first stop is the bathroom!

The bathroom is a great place to remove plastic because there are SO. MANY. BOTTLES.

Here are some easy swaps to remove all the plastic from your bathroom.

Substituting A Soap Bar For Bottled Soap

This is an excellent single-use-plastics-eliminator and sustainable living swap. You can pick up a bar of soap at pretty much any store but check your local farmers market or co-op to support a small business near you.

Choose a soap bar packaged in recyclable materials and biodegradable; both are best for the environment. 

Instant bar soap killer is having it soak in water. BOO. It’s most people’s objection to bar soap to begin with.

Sustainable swap bar soap for soaps in plastic bottles

Try these eco-friendly bathroom products to enhance your bar soap experience:

  • These soap sacks from Chagrin Valley help with storage in the shower, and use every last bit of your soap while infusing a little exfoliation.
  • Their locally sourced, handmade white oak soap decks are another excellent storage option, preventing your soap from getting mushy and gross between uses.
  • These simple amazon self-draining soap decks are another excellent option for keeping your soap in prime condition.

Body Wash Soap Bars

Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve, a family-owned business out of Ohio, has many choices that are good for you and the environment.

Face Wash Soap Bars

I love these options from SkinOwl. I use the Matcha Bar, and my husband likes the Charcoal Bar. I use other products from this company. It’s a fab, natural, female-owned brand, and I highly recommend them!

Hand Wash Soap Bars

I love a good lavender hand soap bar. Again, source locally or look to a company like Chagrin with natural ingredients. I love that their website will guide you to choose a product based on product type, skin condition, or sensitivities.

Another good swap for sustainable living is to reuse and refill your soap container with bulk hand soap. This will significantly reduce the use of single-use plastic containers. You can find refill liquid at Target and other big box stores as well as local options. As a very fun idea, see if you have a local ‘refillery’ or refill shop. I just visited my local one last week. Check this out:

@thehomesustainable

Super jazzed to visit my local refillery bulk store today. This store nakes it easy to reduce waste and use good eco-friendly products in your home and life. Look for a refillery or zero waste store near you! #sustainability #ecomom #sustainableliving #sustainablehome #christmascountdown #plasticfree #ecofriendly #shoplocal #greenscreen

♬ I’M FEELING LUCKY – Ellen Once Again

Start with bar soap for your hands, body, and face, and grow into finding a shampoo and conditioner bar you and your family love.

Replacing Regular Toilet Paper with Recycled or Bamboo Toilet Paper

The forests need our help. Thankfully, this is a simple swap with eco-friendly replacements at most of your local stores.

In general, single-use paper products take a hard toll on the environment. But toilet paper is explicitly responsible for diminishing the Canadian boreal forest, the last intact forest ecosystem left in the entire world.

Not only is this forest home to several indigenous animals and people, but our earth relies on these trees to absorb toxic carbon responsible for rising global temperatures. We have work to do, as the US leads the world in toilet paper usage, estimating that the average person uses 28 pounds per year.

Sustainable swap recycled or bamboo toilet paper for regular toilet paper

Eco-friendly Bathroom Products:

The three best swaps for your toilet paper are recycled or bamboo TP, and if you’re really motivated, a bidet-which eliminates the need for toilet paper altogether.

While recycled options have a slight leg up on bamboo choices, both are more eco-friendly than regular TP.

Take the thinking out of things with Reel and Who Gives a Crap toilet paper subscription services, so you never have to worry about running out of toilet paper again.

Amazon offers Reel TP, amongst other options, to deliver your tp straight to your doorstep.

Make changes you and your family are excited about. If you are jazzed about a change, it is way more likely you will make changes that last.

Ok, and the allstar, earth-saving toilet product (insert drumroll), the bidet. This one gets 5 stars from over 15,000 satisfied bums.

See, easy peesy. Once you find a few products you love, you will build confidence in making other small changes around your home for more sustainable living.

Save this post to come back to as we continue our home tour.

Next stop, laundry room!

Ethical Amazon Alternatives for Gift Giving

Are you desperate for Amazon alternatives but find yourself defaulting to Amazon for gift-giving? Are you tired of the same gift-giving guides and relatively impersonal feel of Amazon gifts?

I get you. I want to give unique and thoughtful gifts this year without spending a fortune or hours and hours searching for them.

GIRL! I’m making it super simple to support eco-conscious businesses. I’m giving you three ideas and providing you with a list of unique gifts for everyone on your list this season.

Here are three Amazon alternatives to shop this holiday.

Eco-friendly Amazon Alternatives for holiday gifts

Amazon Alternative: Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods

I love this site! They are everything their name says they are. Their stock of unique and creative gifts makes finding a distinguished and purposeful gift simple.

They have a great story of how they became one of the first B Corporations. Read more about B Corps and how they support sustainable gift-giving here.

They have done the work for us moms who are shopping for everything and everyone this season. Shop their Christmas gift guides for him, her, kids, teens, stocking stuffers, and more. 

A few gifts I’m adding to my list this year are an herb garden and an alcohol infuser beverage kit to level up my food and drink-making in 2023. And how stinking CUTE are these pollinator push gardens?! I mean, this will bring instant smile to anyone’s face, especially anyone mildly interested in gardening. Score.

Amazon Alternative: Etsy

Etsy

This online makers market is a wonderful way to support artists all over the globe with your gift-giving. 

With so many choices, Etsy can be overwhelming. Consider niching down and using search criteria like “made in the USA” if you want to ensure you are supporting local artists. 

In addition to all their handmade goods, they are also an excellent source for vintage items. Vintage art, home decor, and clothing make lovely gifts for that tricky somebody with everything. Shop unique clothing pieces for the fashion-ista on your list. Check out my secondhand shopping post for an exhaustive list of other online eco-friendly clothing retailers.

I’ve done you a solid and created a few gift lists, so you can skip the searching and shop my curated lists of art, jewelry, and home goods.

All of the art is reasonably priced and makes for a one-of-a-kind and unexpected gift your loved ones can enjoy for years and years. 

The jewelry is versatile and can be incorporated into any style. I gifted the Portuguese explored pendant to a friend who still raves about it.

These home-good items are easy hostess or girlfriend gifts and cute stocking stuffers.  

Amazon alternatives for gift giving this holiday season

Amazon Alternative: Thrive Market

Thrive Market

I highly recommend one if you do not already have a Thrive annual membership. I get all of my pantry items through Thrive. It’s easy to order, they source from eco-friendly companies, and they ship ground which is much better for the environment. My order shows up two to three days after I submit my order.

Beyond supplying food and stable items, Thrive has lots of great items for gifting.

Check out their variety of gift boxes for all of life’s celebrations. Keep them in mind for gifts beyond the holidays. It’s unique, practical, and healthy for your loved ones and environment. I’m in.

Keep these options in mind for teachers, neighbors, party hosts, and friends:

Alllll of the gift guides have already started pouring in from all the big box stores and Amazon. While there are valuable treasures there, let’s do better this year. 

Save this post to shop ethically for everyone on your list and to use all year long for all life’s celebrations.

Christmas Gift Ideas from B Corps

The Christmas season is notorious for good intentions that never get checked off the list like giving more sustainable Christmas gifts. Make this Christmas different by choosing to purchase from B Corps, businesses committed to good. Christmas gifts from B Corps is one small (but important!) way you can support sustainability with your holiday purchases.

(Disclaimer, for a truly sustainable Christmas gift I am a big fan of thinking outside the ‘stuff’ box and giving the gift of an experience, a donation in the name of, a plant, a book from a used bookstore, or something. But, I know some things will be purchased. So, with that, proceed.)

Businesses that choose to become B Corporations (or B Corps) prioritize people and the planet over profit, conduct business that is good for every community everywhere, and focus on improving their environmental and social impact.

Finding sources for eco-conscious products and business can be overwhelming. I have narrowed it down. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at some companies you know and love doing good for the earth.

Here are some ideas for supporting B Corps this season. I included a quick video and you can read on for company links!

@thehomesustainable

Some gift ideas this season from companies doing good. Use your dollars to support companies that care about sustainability and community @target @🅿️atagonia @Bombas @The Body Shop North America @Ethique @Athleta @Weleda @Allbirds #sustainability #ecomom #sustainableliving #christmascountdown #christmas #christmasgiftideas2022 #christmasgiftideas #greenscreen

♬ Holiday Upbeat Pop featuring ukulele, acoustic guitars. (Title : Party Bag) – Yuki Ishii

What is a B Corp?

B Corps are companies committed to doing good through social and environmental actions. These businesses have undergone a detailed certification process to ensure they are actually socially and environmentally responsible, not just saying they are.

B Corps are relatively new, but each business is scored on its practices; each company’s scores can be viewed in a directory like this one.

B Corp Brands to Shop This Season

I always love to encourage people to shop for local and sustainable Christmas gifts or to consider the gift of an experience instead of ‘stuff.’

But, I appreciate it’s hard to find certain gifts from your local area that hit the mark with everyone. B Corps are a great way to support the idea of giving more sustainable Christmas gifts while easily finding gifts for everyone on your list.

Here are a few quality B Corps for your planning (not exhaustive so keep your eye out for other companies you love!).

Stocking Stuffers

Bombas Socks are cute and cozy socks and slippers for everyone on your list.

Pukka tea is just so dang cute in festive colors. Great for a last-minute gift and can be picked up at Target. Bonus!

Ethique is cutting the plastic out of skin, body, and hair care. Check out this cool brand with yummy scents as an excellent source for shampoo and conditioner bars.

Hostess Gifts

The Body Shop gives me all sorts of happy throw back vibes. Who doesn’t love a delicious hand cream, foot pumice, lip balm, or hair care duo? The Body Shop has it all for self care and has been leading the way as ‘business as a force for good’ for decades.

Tea Pigs is another fun tea option (see Pukka above) for all your Christmas hosts. Tea is always a classy go-to.

For Her

Athleta I mean, who doesn’t love a good piece of activewear apparel? Leggings, loungers, cozy or serious tops. You just can’t go wrong with this gift for women. You may be thinking about some competitors (ahem I see you Lulu) but put your money towards Athleta who has prioritized communities and sustainability.

Weleda is a skin and body care line. If you have not tried Weleda Skin Food, run do not walk. It is deeply moisturizing and smells so calming. And, bonus, you can find products at Target, Walmart, Thrive, and Credo beauty. 

Aesop is simply divine. I will let them tell it: We offer skin, hair and body care formulations created with meticulous attention to detail, and with efficacy and sensory pleasure in mind. Yes please.

For All Your Family and Friends

Allbirds shoe company has products for men, women, and children. They are so comfortable and washable. Hello. The women’s tree loungers are my everyday go-to.

Tom’s shoes, another super comfy show, can be found at various shops like DSW, Famous Footwear, or Off Broadway Shoes. They can also be shipped via their website or through Amazon. Toms invests 1/3 of profits for grassroots good, including cash grants and partnerships with community organizations, to drive sustainable change.

Patagonia is the grandaddy of B Corps. What’s there to say? Patagonia just made Earth its only shareholder. I mean, wow. For the unfamiliar, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel and supplies company to fuel your love for the outdoors. Their products are top notch. I love the Nano Air jacket. It is magic. You can wear it in a huge range of temperatures, and it is very lightweight for the warmth it provides.

Uncommon Goods is such a fun site with so many good gift options for all! It’s kinda like an Amazon but better for the earth. Gifts for anyone on your list.

I’m thankful to live in a time that there is likely a B Corp or sustainable living option for every person and gift on your list this season. 

Another way to make sure you are giving more sustainable gifts this year is to plan out your gift giving. I wrote about the process here and there’s a free planning download included. Make sure you don’t miss anyone and that you give thoughtful sustainable Christmas gifts with this planning process.

What are some of your favorite B Corps you are supporting this year?

Sustainable Holiday Gift Giving

Anyone else wondering how it’s just about November? We are entering the warp-speed descent to Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it seems impossible to find time to breathe at times. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle just yet; get ahead of the game by jump-starting your holiday gift giving. 

Let’s talk about your plan to give this holiday season. Making a plan helps you be more eco-friendly in your giving! (and save money- win/win yea!)

Make a Plan

I know you are still covered in spiderwebs and already have your eye on your holiday turkey. But getting a jump on your holiday gift giving list gives you time to find thoughtful gifts that are better for the earth. Ensure your spending supports what you care about, like supporting local businesses and brands championing sustainability. 

We’ve all been there. The last-minute mad dash to the store, spending way too much money on junk no one wants or needs just to put more gifts under the tree. GAH.

Start by asking who you need to shop for. Download this free planner I made to help you get organized. The planner allows you to list names and gift ideas, and then check them off when you are done. Use this one to manage your Hanukkah planning.

Consider Gift Alternatives

“Let’s normalize giving fruit trees, sourdough starters, and your favorite recipes written down as gifts. Give something that will continue to give for generations instead of ending up in a landfill.” 

Yes! I saw this quote, and it resonates deep within me. 

The holiday season can become clouded by more, more, and more. And these ‘things’ often don’t mean much and end up wasting away in a landfill somewhere. Setting aside time to be intentional and define how we choose to celebrate and give can do wonders for your mind and soul this season.

And no judgement. We will likely have Paw Patrol and Cars toys wrapped under the tree amongst gifts of intention and sustainability; such is life with children and toddlers. 

Another great thing about planning out holiday gift giving is you can choose the people on your list that might appreciate a gift that can’t be wrapped and put under a tree yet sparks joy for generations. As I make my list, I’m thinking of those who might appreciate a fruit tree, plant, kombucha scobie (starter kit), herb trio, or a refill candle kit. Your local nursery is a great spot for local knowledge on what types of tree/plants are best for your climate and, bonus, support local.

Make a Budget

So, I’m an economist; I can’t help but touch on how valuable a budget can be this time of year. 

Planning allows us to scope out prices to ensure your holiday gift giving is within your budget before purchasing.

It’s so easy to overspend; here is a simple recipe for making and sticking to a budget:

  • Choose a total amount of money you can afford to spend
  • Determine who you need to purchase for
  • Look at how many gifts you need to purchase and establish how much you can afford to spend per gift
  • Don’t forget to include other expenses like travel that add up this time of year

Stay Organized

Getting ahead of the game feels good; purchasing a gift and forgetting you stowed it away in a dusty attic doesn’t. 

Stay organized by finding one or two places you can keep and collect your purchases. A few places I know my family will never check are in an empty suitcase, the cleaning supply closet, and my underwear drawer.  

In an over indulgent season, it can be easy to get swept away into the hustle and bustle of it all. Share some of your favorite holiday planning tips below.

And, stay tuned for upcoming posts about some of my favorite companies and brands doing good for the earth. Some of your faves my be on the list too!

Fake vs Real Christmas Trees

Do you love a real Christmas tree with the smell of evergreen wafting through your home but worry about the environmental effects of chopping down a tree every year? Same. 

And the thought of reusing a fake tree each year is intriguing, but what about all the resources it takes to produce it? Is it better or worse?

Let’s dive into the long-waged war on real vs. fake Christmas trees.

You can watch/listen below and read the quick post for links!

@thehomesustainable

What’s more sustainable? A fake or real Christmas tree? #sustainability #ecomom #sustainableliving #sustainablehome #christmascountdown #christmas #christmastree #christmastreedecorating

♬ Christmas standard song – 3KTrack

Real Christmas Trees

There is something magical about the trip to the Christmas tree farm (or hardware store parking lot) to discover the perfect tree for your home. Here’s the real deal about what goes into that symbol of Christmas magic. 

Christmas tree farm

Real trees benefit the environment by absorbing carbon for the many years it takes to grow. Reforestation has been shown as a leading fight against climate change because trees are a carbon sink and give us oxygen; thank you very much.

But isn’t cutting down trees bad? Sort of. Ok, not always. Think of Christmas trees as a crop grown to be cut down, much like the produce you purchase and consume. We’re not talking about sending the masses into the great outdoors to chop down trees. That would be devastating.

Yes, there are carbon emissions in transporting the tree to you, so the most eco-friendly Christmas trees are from a local farm, organic if available where you live.

The greenest way to dispose of a real tree is to recycle it through a green bin or community recycling program, where it can be turned into mulch, firewood, or food for wildlife. Sending your real Christmas tree to the landfill might not seem like a bad idea; however, it will release more carbon as it decomposes.

Fake Christmas Trees

With all the hustle and bustle around the holidays, sometimes the easy button is dusting off the box and setting up the fake Christmas tree in a snap. No trip or mess required. While it may save you time, what does it cost the environment?

Alright, fake trees can get a bad rap, but they do have their benefits. They can be considered a sustainable option when used for many years or decades. Most artificial trees are flame retardant and require no water to keep alive. For people that have allergies, fake Christmas trees pose no threat. They are also more cost-effective than live trees.

But many of these trees are made of PVC and chemicals that are bad for you and the environment. They are not biodegradable and typically non-recyclable, taking up more space in a landfill when disposed of. 

The best option for an eco-friendly fake Christmas tree is one made from recycled PVC plastic like these. 

Should I Get a Real or Fake Christmas Tree?

Technically a real Christmas tree (disposed of properly!) is the most eco-friendly option. But, this is not meant to be a guilt trip!

While a real Christmas tree is the most eco-friendly option, there are green choices for eco-friendly fake Christmas trees. This is an expansive list of sustainable artificial trees for purchase. 

Whether you choose a real tree or artificial tree this year, there are always small things we can do to reduce what we take from the environment.

What changes are you planning to make for a more sustainable holiday season?

5 Ways Busy Moms Can Have an Eco-Friendly Halloween

The leaves are turning, and maaaybe you’ve lit your favorite fall candle more than once and even snuck in a pumpkin spice treat or two; hey, no judgment here. Fall is the kick-off to the holiday season, which can be one of the most challenging times to maintain your green lifestyle. 

Sister, I feel you. That’s why I am making it super simple with tips to celebrate the season while maintaining your love for sustainable living and well-being, starting with Halloween. 

Here are five tips to have an eco-friendly Halloween. 

1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Halloween Costume

Do your little goblins have a specific costume in mind? Save a little money while inviting imagination and creativity into your family by taking advantage of these tips. 

Shop Your Closet

Most costumes are worn for a few hours, one day out of the year. No matter what look your little ones have dreamed up, you can always start by shopping your home’s closets. 

Not only will they have a one-of-a-kind unique costume, but you may be surprised at all the spooky things hiding in the back of their closets, but that I can’t help you with-eeek. 

Buy Second Hand

Can’t find what you’re looking for at home? Try hitting up your local thrift, antique, or consignment shop to find something you can repurpose into your costume of choice. 

This is a fun adventure to take your little ones on, sure to inspire a one-of-a-kind costume. 

Rent A Costume

Listen, you’re busy doing it all, and sometimes you don’t have the time or capacity to chase down all the elements to nail the look you are going for. Renting a costume saves time and is an excellent way to reduce waste. Rent something locally by simply googling “costume rental” in your area. There are also several online options like this one that make renting a costume super simple.

Host a Costume Swap

Gather your witches for a costume swap. You can even make a little thing of it by having everyone bring last year’s costume to trade. This blog post has everything you need to plan a smashingly good costume swap soiree. 

Other options like Facebook Marketplace are great resources for other moms wanting to trade costumes and accessories. 

2. Utilize Eco-Friendly Halloween Decorations

Most traditional Halloween decorations are made from non-recyclable plastics. These are a few simple ideas and easy swaps to make your decor more sustainable. 

Decorate with Nature

Mother nature offers us the most beautiful fall decor. Utilize beautiful dried flowers or grasses along with pumpkins and gords to create a beautiful fall scape for your home. I just put some lovely yellow dried yarrow by my front door together with some branches I found in our yard. It is fall happiness, will last all season, and can be composted come springtime. Win all around!

this Halloween try using nature to decorate like dried leaves and plants

Make The Most of Your Pumpkins 

Ok yall, pumpkins are like the gift that just keeps giving. I could talk all day about every single way you can use these things. They are so versatile! 

When buying, look for locally grown or organic pumpkins. 

Use them to decorate. 

Eat ’em. Roasting pumpkin seeds is the easiest thing ever! For realz. This is my favorite roasted pumpkin seed recipe, but visit Pinterest for seasonal soups and recipes for roasted pumpkin, yum. 

When you’ve got all your use out of them, compost them. If you don’t compost, check your local community garden that may have a compost drop-off site. 

Host a pumpkin smash and let the kids (carefully, under adult supervision) smash, drill holes, and destroy your jack-o-lanterns and feed the pieces to wild animals. 

Utilize What You Have 

If you’re like me, you often look around your house and wonder where all this stuff came from. Turn your unused jars, vases, and candles into potions and other hocus pocus fun. 

For instance, try using yarn, pipe cleaners, or cotton balls you already have to make cobwebs in place of the packaged nylon kind. Check out Andrea Nelson Art, she’s got SO MANY easy craft ideas- including pipe cleaner spiders!

3. Offer Sustainable Halloween Treats

Ok, Ok, your kids probably aren’t going to go for cutting out sugar completely, but here are a couple of ideas for lessening the blow on the environment and their teeth. 

Choose Candy with Eco-Friendly Wrappers

All those mini-bite-size candies are typically wrapped in plastic. Purchase treats wrapped in cardboard boxes or foil, which can be recycled.

A few ideas are junior mints, nerds, chocolate gold coins, or Hershey’s kisses. Here are more options you can order straight from Amazon, easy breezy. 

Candy Alternatives 

Mix it up by offering something other than sugar to your trick-or-treaters. Eco-friendly options include a canned drink like La Croix, Halloween pencils or erasers, or temporary tattoos. 
You could be really brave and offer a “trick” to your Halloween visitors by learning a new magic trick or offering a simple Halloween game for kids to enjoy in your driveway.

4. Incorporate New Trick-or-Treating Habits

I’m always down for a fun new tradition to incorporate into our holidays and celebrations. Here are a few ideas to try this year. 

Utilize a Pillowcase or Reusable Bag

Nothing brings back the nostalgia of Halloween, like running the neighborhood with a pillowcase stuffed with candy. Amiright?!

Skip the cheap plastic bucket for a reusable grocery bag. Make a thing of it and plan a night for your kids to decorate a reusable canvas tote bag they can use year after year. 

Pick Up Trash Along The Way

With all the fun and excitement, there is sure to be plenty of decor and trash that makes its way to your neighborhood sidewalks and streets. Carry an extra garbage bag to clean up debris you find along the way. 

Walk or Ride 

Get your steps in by walking your neighborhood for trick or treating. If you attend a trunk-or-treat or some other community event, try riding your bike as a simple way to lessen your carbon footprint.

5. Use Non-Toxic Options

I’m thankful to live in a time when options are readily accessible to most. These are a few easy swaps to incorporate healthy choices for your family and environment.

Use Non-Toxic Face Paint

While I’m always striving to choose non-toxic makeup as much as possible, Halloween face paint can be some of the worst for your family’s skin. They are typically loaded with heavy metals that aren’t healthy for anyone or anything.

Natural Earth Paint can be found on Amazon and is free from heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, petroleum-based pigments, and animal products.

Masks

Skip the cheap, toxic plastic masks and go for one made of cardboard or even wood. Put your little ghouls to work by creating their own out of a cardboard box.

Eco-friendly Halloween- a family wearing a diy cardboard box mask
Organic Candy

While there are plenty of organic candy options, choose one that is environmentally friendly, like Glee Gum or YumEarth Organic Pops, healthy for the earth and your family.

Don’t let celebrating an eco-friendly Halloween overwhelm you. Start by choosing one thing you can change this year to build upon. Inviting your family into new traditions makes new habits and good choices fun and exciting for everyone.

Curating A Sustainable Fall Wardrobe

Time to put away your flip-flops to make space for your favorite sweaters and fuzzy socks. Fall invites us to layer up and cuddle in. Here are three steps to curating a sustainable fall wardrobe you love.

1. Assess What You Have

It’s easy to forget what you have in between seasons. Getting organized will help you take stock of what you have, need, and donate anything you don’t have use for. This is the ultimate 1, 2, 3, for a sustainable fall wardrobe. Make a date with yourself! It’s a fun surprise every time.

Organize

Organizing what you have can go a long, long way here. Seeing what you have may inspire new outfits and spark fresh ideas for staples in your wardrobe.

Level up your closet by trying a new folding method like the Marie Kondo folding method.  Marie is best known for her organization techniques that allow you to see what you have, save space, skip the wrinkles, and spark joy and appreciation for what you have.

Organize your sustainable fall wardrobe
Donate

I don’t rant, boss, or guilt trip, but I beg you not to throw away clothing, like ever. Every year, billions of pounds of usable clothing end up in landfills. A number of companies are working to change this, so the options have never been more accessible to responsibly repurpose unwanted clothing and accessories. 

Consider donating to your local Goodwill or turning your unwanted items into store credit or cold hard cash using ThreadUp’s free closet cleanout service. 

Other brands, such as Nordstrom and Pact, offer similar cleanout services through their partnership with Give Back Box, which provides a prepaid shipping label for boxes of gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. 

Retailers, including H&M, GAP, Patagonia, Levi’s, and Madewell, have announced in-store programs allowing customers to bring in worn garments in exchange for discounts and coupons. Save the earth and some dollars, score.

Repair

Instead of tossing out your old faithful sweaters you’ve loved for years and years, spend a little time bringing them back to life. 

Make any pilling sweaters look new with a sweater shaver like this one. It’s rechargeable and simple to use. Simply turn it on and run it over any fuzzy areas to make it look polished and new. Click here for me to show you how. 

Consider having holes patched or mended to extend their life. Crowd-source a local tailor/seamstress- they can work wonders and often for very reasonable prices (and support a local business in the process- win!).

I had my favorite jeans patched up not too long ago. They look great, fit perfect, the patch saved me paying for a new pair of jeans, and the patch prolonged the life of these jeans for who knows how long! Sustainable wardrobe win.

2. Purchase Timeless Pieces

Investing in a capsule wardrobe or timeless pieces that won’t go out of style anytime soon will save you money and reduce waste. Not only will it be a sustainable fall wardrobe but a sustainable year round wardrobe.

Research

There are several great ethical and sustainable brands out there. Before purchasing, check to see if the brand you are purchasing from uses environmentally friendly materials, is transparent about where its products are made, and holds its production to high environmental standards.

Purchase Second Hand

Even if you don’t have the time to visit local vintage, thrift, and consignment shops. So many quality brands have made it easy to do it all online.

These are a few of my favorites:

  • For designer items, try The Real Real, an online luxury consignment shop, or Thrilling, curated vintage from indie shops
  • For kids, try the Kidizen, an online shop full of gently used and new fashion items 
  • For women’s clothes, try ThreadUp Madewell Forever to trade in your items and shop preloved clothing
  • For gently used items for everyone and everything, try eBay
  • For an online marketplace the entire family can enjoy, try Poshmark
Quality Fabrics

Materials matter. Choosing items made from high-quality or organic fabrics will last longer and are more likely to be sustainably made. Avoid items made from polyester, acrylic, rayon, and nylon.

For a sustainable fall wardrobe choose high-quality fabrics

Instead, try to choose items made from the following materials:

  • Wool 
  • Organic linen
  • Organic cotton
  • Recycled cotton
  • Organic bamboo

3. Renting Fast Fashion

Renting clothing is a good option while trying to save up for quality pieces or to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe for more on-trend details for the season. 

Several online rental options like Nuuly or Rent The Runway will send your choices right to your door each month. 

Renting clothes is a simple way to reduce buying cheaply made, hard on the environment items you may only wear a few times.

What are some of your favorite eco-conscious clothing brands? Share them below.

Three Sustainable Living Halloween Traditions

Sustainable Halloween? Tell me more….

Here’s a trick for you, how do you eat an entire tote of Halloween candy? One bite at a time. 

The same is true for living a sustainable life. Don’t get overwhelmed into nothingness. Life moves fast, the to-do lists are endless; small tweaks and changes to your everyday rhythms and choices add up to a better life for you and our world. 

We’re talking about three easy and fun traditions to incorporate into your Halloween for a clean, green, and sustainable Halloween.

Sustainable Halloween tip- learn a trick to entertain your trick or treaters

1. Learn a Trick

Be the talk of the neighborhood by providing something other than candy this year. (I mean who needs all that candy anyways?!)

Tell a Joke

What do you get when you scare a ghost?

A handful of sheet. 

Works every year, every time.

This is fun the entire family can get into. Come up with your own joke, or choose from a clever list like this one. Have each person in your family learn a few and offer a good laugh to your trick-or-treaters.

Learn a Magic Trick

Spend time together learning something new to offer your trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. There are tons of YouTube videos to inspire your next wonder. Or buy a kit like this one to give your Halloween visitors a good trick instead of a treat. 

Have everyone in your family learn a magic trick and offer a running magic show sure to delight all your Halloween visitors.

Provide a Game

Fun doesn’t always have to come wrapped in hundreds of tiny plastic packages. Set the stage for a little spooky cheer by offering a game for visitors on your driveway or porch.

The list of possibilities is endless, but here are some super simple ideas:

  • Life-size tic-tac-toe
  • Ring Toss
  • Creepy corn hole
  • Musical chairs
  • Giveaway a scavenger hunt for visitors to find along their route

You may be surprised to find your little monsters may enjoy a night of fun more than trick-or-treating.

sustainable Halloween tradition- create a game or scavenger hunt as a treat

2. Pick Up Trash Along Your Route

With so many people out tearing into candy, distracted by the fun, there’s likely to be more trash floating around Halloween night. 

Have everyone in your family pick up trash along your route; the person with the most waste at the end of the night wins a prize. 

Easy, peezy, earth-friendly squeezy.

Sustainable Halloween tradition- grow your own pumpkins

3. Grow Your Own Pumpkins

While this one requires a little forward thinking and planning, it provides months of anticipation and fun. 

Plant pumpkins beginning in early May-July. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to plant later in the season.

Not only is it fun to watch your own pumpkin grow, but pumpkins are also easy growers, which makes teaching your kids garden basics easy and fun. (While I highly recommend growing guides, I did see a video of a guy who threw his fall pumpkin in the corner of his yard and it produced like hot-cakes the follow year. So easy!)

Click here for a comprehensive guide on growing your own pumpkins.  

Eco-friendly choices don’t have to be expensive or hard. I’m all for simple and practical changes that add up to a lot better for all of us.

What are some of your family’s Halloween traditions? Share with me below.

And, if you like these sustainable Halloween traditions, check out these 3 ideas for sustainable Halloween parties to host this fall!

Running out for a PSL,

Lisa

Eating in Season: Fall Edition

One minute you’re 22, and the next, you literally can’t eat a tomato grown after October. 

It happens. 

Bless the years we lived off Ramen Noodles and dollar meals but as we’ve grown to be adults, so have our pallets.

Learning to eat in season not only ensures the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious ingredients but is also good for the environment.

Why Does Eating In Season Matter?

Eating in season allows for more locally-grown options, supporting local farms. It also means your food has to travel a shorter distance to land on your plate, which ensures freshness while reducing your carbon footprint.  

eating in season is more sustainable and allows you to support local farms.

Purchasing ingredients that aren’t in season requires unnatural growing methods like heating, grow lamps, and artificial chemicals to produce a harvest, all of which are hard on the environment, yuck.

Out-of-season foods are also sourced from other counties where that particular item is in season. Simply put, the further my ingredients have to travel, the less sustainable it is and the less fresh it will be.

What’s in Season This Fall?

eating in season fall edition. photo of field full of pumpkins

There’s a reason we crave pumpkin and potatoes in the fall. It’s a part of eating what’s natural. 

Where you live can affect what is in season. For a complete guide on what’s in season in your area, visit this season food guide that will show you what produce is in season each month in your state.

To give you a kickstart, here are a few general fall foods.

Fall Vegetables:

  • Winter squash
  • Sweet potatoes and yams
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin
  • Radishes
  • Bell Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Green Beans
  • Lettuce

Fall Fruits:

  • Pears
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Pineapples
  • Cranberries
  • Raspberries
  • Grapes

Easy Cooking in Season Fall Inspired Recipes

I love a good crockpot, slow cooker, or instapot recipe. They are helpful for busy families all year round but are especially perfect for fall soups and stews. This is my favorite instapot. It’s an all-in-one kinda deal because it can be used as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker, and has a slow cooker option. This gal reduces the number of appliances I have lurking around my kitchen and makes meal prep quick and easy. I am all about a time saving hack.

Recipe 1: Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This Pumpkin Turkey Chili from Skinny Taste is a gem. I would never have thought of a pumpkin-based chili, but YUM. It’s easy and freezes well for those busy nights on the go. Check, and check!

Recipe 2: Cheesy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potato

Baked sweet potatoes are one of my family’s fall favorites. Especially one with a hearty filling. This Cheesy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potato meal is easy to prep and full of fall goodness. Bonus, it’s a meatless option full of protein and nutrients.

I’m always adding to my collection of delicious, in-season recipes. What are some of your favorite fall foods and recipes? Share them below.

Happy Fall Cooking!

Lisa

3 Sustainable Halloween Parties to Host This Fall

Invite the fun this fall by hosting a party that gives you a chance to gather your people while doing good. Here are 3 sustainable Halloween parties for a frightfully fun time. 

Trick-or-Treat Bag Decorating Party

This is such a fun one and easy to execute. Yes, and yes.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Canvas totes
  • Paint
  • Glue gun (hot, be careful!)
  • Pom Poms
  • Wiggly eyes
  • Pipe cleaners

Invite a few friends over to decorate a reusable canvas tote, like this one. Dig up all the things that have made their way to your constantly-exploding-no-matter-how-often-you-organize-it arts and craft cabinet. No? Just me? Like, what is even in there?

Let the kids paint and glue a spookishly adorable and, more importantly, reusable trick-or-treat bag they can use year after year.

Not only will it free you to ditch the cheap, non-recyclable plastic tub this year, but you’ll also have a meaningful piece to pull out each year. 

I cherish sweet projects like this one, sure to spark a memory you can hold onto long after they are too old to run the neighborhood. 

Pumpkin Smashing Party

You’re handsome little jack o’lantern served your porch well this season, but the best is still yet to come for your little orange friend. 

3 sustainable Halloween parties- Host a pumpkin smashing party and then compost your pumpkins!

It’s time to get smashed. 

Things You’ll Need:

  • Protective eyewear
  • A tarp
  • Hammers
  • Drills
  • A bat
  • Small handsaw
  • Chisels

Gather a group of ghosts and ghouls. Drag out every fun and destructive thing you are always teaching them to avoid and let ’em at it. 

This one’s always a crowd pleaser for the adults as much as the kids.

Once your pumpkins break open, let the little ones explore a little sensory play by squishing the insides between their fingers and, if you’re feeling really brave, their toes.

This goes without saying, but I gotta say it, please host this even under watchful adult supervision. 

I would also recommend keeping the pumpkin demolition in the grass to avoid damaging your driveway. You may want to lay out a tarp or find a little pumpkin growing in your yard come spring. 

Super sustainable tip! Once your pumpkins are cut, smashed, and drilled to pieces, put them to good use by leaving them out for wildlife to eat or composting them. Check local parks and community gardens that often have compost drop-off spots. 

Host a Costume Swap 

This is a win-win-win.

Host a great party, source an eco-friendly costume, and check finding the costume off your to-do list. BOOM! Because I’ve definitely never waited until Halloween morning to pull together the perfect costume-YIKES. 

Things You’ll Need:

  • Your friends
  • A costume to swap
  • THAT’S IT!
3 sustainable Halloween parties- host a Halloween costume swap!

It’s really that simple. Invite a group of friends over, reminding them to bring last year’s costume, or any other costume they may have on hand, to trade.

If your kids are like mine (and every other child on the planet), they always want what their friends have. They love the idea of getting to wear their buddy’s costumes and will get a kick out of seeing their costume on someone else.

Many fast-fashion Halloween costumes are not ethically sourced, made of toxic materials, and end up in the trash after only wearing them for a couple of hours one day out of the year. 

This is one simple way to live a green lifestyle while saving a little money and time.

Consider hosting one of these 3 sustainable Halloween parties this year. What are other fun ways you and your family like to celebrate this season? Drop your comments below to share. 

Trick or Treat!

Lisa