Let us Get a Little More Eco-Friendly
The planet is constantly reminding us just how terrible we have been to her. If you sit down to think about it, it might overwhelm and make you feel helpless. We have included a quick list of changes and habits you can adopt in your own home, as an eco-friendly, fun, and lovely reminder that positive change starts at home. These changes are so simple, you can start making them NOW!
Reduce
Take an inventory of what you have. If you have 4 spiral notebooks on your shelf, remind yourself that you do not need the cute one you eyed earlier this week. If you have 3 sweatshirts, opt-out of buying one next season. Find comfort and beauty in the abundance you currently have. Simplicity is good. Mother Earth and your home (and probably your spouse) will thank you.
Reuse
- Keep your sauce jars and save them as drink glasses.
- Keep any packaging/tubs and use them instead of buying Tupperware.
- Repurpose beverage bottles as flower vases.
- Keep your Kombucha bottles and use them as water bottles.
Related Article: Using Plant-based Items Instead Of Plastic To Protect The Environment
Buy in bulk
Cut the plastic packaging and the middleman of monster companies out of your home. Visit the bulk sections at your local grocer and stock up on spices, dry mixes, nuts, pasta, beans, seasonings, proteins, etc. Mindfulness starts by taking your kitchen back into your own hands.
Make your own cleaning products
We promise these will not irritate your eyes like store-bought chemical-based products. Find and reuse an old spray bottle for storage. Can we assume there is at least one under your kitchen sink?
- Window cleaner: 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water and tea tree oil
- Anti-bacterial cleaner: 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp of baking soda, 1 liter of hot water and orange/citrus essential oils
- Room spray: 2 cups of warm water and tea tree essential oil
- Bathroom Cleaner: 1 ½ cups of baking soda, ½ cup of warm water, ½ cup of liquid soap (you can use powdered or flaked too, just add more water), 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Save Water
Humans crave warm water for showers. While waiting for our shower water to reach the desired temperature we often waste gallons of water. Instead, place a large jug or bucket under the showerhead to catch this water and use it for plants, or other cleaning needs at home.
Related Article: Be the Next Zero-Waste Hero!
Unplug your sockets
Spare energy when your products are not in use. Yes, saving energy and being eco-friendly can be that simple.
Looking for some more ways to create change?
Travel by bike and buy it secondhand if you can. Buy local. Wash clothes only when necessary (we will not tell anyone!) Line dry your clothes. Eliminate plastic. Air dry your hair. Use reusable dish rags. Grow your own produce. Get attached to your reusable mug. Pay attention to labels. Limit shower time. Stay present. Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep living. The list goes on…
And everyone’s favorite…turn off the lights when you leave a room.