HELPING THE PLANET STARTS AT HOME
Wash your clothes in cold water - When you wash synthetic fibers in hot temperatures they break up and end up in nature. 1. Try to avoid purchasing synthetic fibers 2. Wash clothing at a temperature less than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Around 90% of the energy to wash clothes comes from heating the water.
Avoid single use plastics and straws - At this point we’ve probably all watched the horrifying video of the turtle having a straw pulled out of its nostril. We know plastic straws are bad for the oceans and sit in landfills forever. Do your best here friends! More and more restaurants and coffee shops are offering plastics alternatives or sip lids. I love these glass ones at home.
Turn off the water - Have you ever started brushing your teeth and let the water run in between rinses or until you’re finished? We’re all probably a little guilty of this (especially our little ones!). Water is a precious resource and creating good habits at home like reducing water usage can have a positive impact on the planet and on your bills!
Use reusable bags - If i’m being honest, this is always the hardest one for me. I used to always forget to put my bags back in the car after a grocery run or I would forget them in the car when I went into the store only to realize while on line to pay. Now I leave smaller zip pouches like this one in my bigger totes and also on the side of my car door to remind myself.
Eat less meat - Ok this does sound a little extreme but if we all ate meat just one night a week less, we could make a significant impact. According to the New York Times, “In the United States, 42 percent of agricultural emissions come from animal agriculture.”
Recycle old batteries - According to the EPA they contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel.” You should never just throw them away with the rest of the trash. Instead, head to your local Best Buy or PC Richards and drop them in one of their recycling bins.
Carry a reusable cup - When I’m around town running errands or working in a coffee shop, I carry a glass mason jar with me. I’m so used to it now that if I forget it I’ll likely go home if I have the time. Here is the one I have that comes with a reusable straw.
Clean with eco-friendly products - This was a change we made when we had Luke and its gradually become better and better. I also recommend the think dirty app to check your products. I’ve had to say goodbye to some of my favorites over the years because of this app!
Say no to non-disposable takeout - Ordering takeout or delivery that you’re eating at home? Let the restaurant know that you won’t be needing things like plastic utensils and paper napkins!
if you’re feeling adventurous…
Start a compost - About two months ago I started adding old coffee grinds and eggshells to our rose bushes. They’ve never looked better and it got me thinking…adding composted food back into our soil can help not only the environment but our garden too! When I started looking into it I was really surprised by what you could add to the pile. Everything from fruit and vegetables, to tea bags and cotton rags. Even hair! Here is a helpful list of what you can and cannot compost.
