I’ve listed everything you need for this edible dirt cup activity and included some additional resources to help you turn this easy edible dirt cup activity into an extended lesson!

In this blog post, we’re talking about an easy edible dirt cup activity to teach kids about the environment!

Recipe 1: Traditional Edible Dirt Cup Activity

Ingredients

• Chocolate Pudding
• Oreos
• Gummy Worms
• Green Sprinkles

Directions

1. Add pudding to the bottom of the cup
2. Add a layer of crushed Oreos
3. Add gummy worms
4. Add green sprinkles to represent grass

Recipe 2: Chocolate Extreme Edible Dirt Cup Activity

Ingredients

• Chocolate Ice Cream
• Chocolate Chips or crushed Oreos
• Gummy Worms
• Green and Brown M&Ms

Directions

1. Add chocolate ice cream to the bottom of the cup
2. Add a layer of chocolate chips or crushed Oreos
3. Add gummy worms
4. Add green and brown M&Ms to represent grass

Recipe 3:Healthy Edible Dirt Cup Activity

Ingredients

• Yogurt
• Graham crackers or protein cookies
• Gummy worms or pretzel sticks
• Green Sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Add yogurt to the bottom of the cup
2. Add a layer of crushed graham crackers
3. Add gummy worms
4. Add green sprinkles or any other green edible snack to represent grass

Recipe 4: Non-Edible Dirt Cup Activity

Does your child have food allergies such as gluten intolerance? No problem! Use clay or non-toxic Play-Doh to sculpt out the activity instead of using edible items.

Ingredients:

• Brown clay
• Fake dirt – here is a DIY recipe for fake dirt
• Toy worms – these are great from Target because they’re learning worms to teach about measurements or make worms out of clay!
• Green clay

Directions

1. Add clay to the bottom of the cup/bowl
2. Add fake dirt
3. Place toy worms on top
4. Add green clay to represent grass/land

Recipe 5: Edible Soil Horizon

This is great for teaching about soil horizons! Each layer represents a different soil layer.

Ingredients:

• Peanuts/cashews
• Mini chocolate chips/peanut butter chips
• Crushed cookies chunks
• Vanilla pudding
• Chocolate pudding
• Green sprinkles

Directions:

1. Add peanuts to the bottom of the cup; this represents bedrock (R horizon)
2. Add mini chocolate chips/peanut butter chips; this represents C horizon
3. Add crushed cookie chucks; this represents B horizon
4. Scoop vanilla pudding; this represents E horizon
5. Scoop chocolate pudding; this represents A horizon
6. Green sprinkles on top represent O horizon

Activity Extension Ideas

Here are some activities that can be paired with the edible dirt cup Earth Day activity!

Avoid single-use items for the activity

All of the ingredients you need for this activity will come in packaging – that is unavoidable. For the other items such as the spoon and cup, try to use reusable items instead of single-use items. Use this as an opportunity to talk about eco-conscious living and the importance of avoiding single-use items when possible.

Discussion topic: packaging

Take the opportunity to discuss packaging. What happens to your trash when you throw it away? Are any of these packaging items recyclable? Decide what is recyclable and what isn’t. Check with your city/county to make sure you’re recycling the right items. Sometimes it can be surprising to find out what is actually being recycled.

Talk about composting

Dirt is more than just dirt! It is so important for our ecosystem. Here are some great composting resources for your child:

• Read Compost Stew
• Read Making Composting Understandable For Kids
• Watch Composting with Peppa Pig or How Does Composting Work

Take a nature walk

Take a walk around your neighborhood or travel to a nearby park. Ask your child to observe what they see and hear. Do you see anything living in the dirt or walking on the dirt? What do you smell? Are there any plants or animals outside? What color are they? Feel free to bring a notebook and have your child jot down the answers to these.

Draw it out

Art is a beautiful way to allow children to express themselves and reinforce lessons. Have your child draw about Earth Day. Ask: what does Earth Day mean to you? What can you do to protect the Earth? Other options: write it out, act it out, type it out!

How did your edible dirt cup come out? Did your kids love it?

I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about edible dirt cup activities!

Happy Earth Day!

Related Posts:

• Making Composting Understandable For Kids
• The Most Adorable Science Valentines Day Cards From Teachers
• 12 Intriguing Lorax Discussion Questions That Will Kickstart Conversation

Spoiler alert: the rumors are true! Cloth diapering is an amazing choice for your baby. By the end of this post, you’ll learn more about why I highly recommend cloth diapers. Cloth diapers can be beneficial for your baby, your family, and your wallet.

This post is all about the benefits of cloth diapers!

Benefit # 1: Cloth diapering saves you at least a thousand dollars

Let’s start with the big one, shall we? For my family, this is one of the top benefits of cloth diapers. Cloth diapering can save you at least $1,000! I’m not sure about you, but I could you use an extra thousand dollars.

If you’ve heard that cloth diapering is expensive, the reason may be because you will need to pay for the cost of your cloth diapers upfront. This is different than disposable diapers because most often, you buy as needed.

Here is a cost breakdown of cloth diapers versus disposable diapers:

• Disposable Diapers $70/month x 24 months = $1,680
• Cloth Diapers $40 (per diaper set of six) x five (sets of diapers) = $200

Although there are other supplies you may want to purchase for your cloth diaper baby, the total still will not be more than that of disposable diapers. Once the investment is made, there is no need to continue purchasing.

Benefit # 2: Cloth diaper sare more stylish and made with better material

Now, let’s best honest for a minute, one of the best things about having a new baby is the cute clothes! The onesies, the bows, the matching pieces. Cloth diapers are one more way to add style to your child’s wardrobe. Cloth diapers have vibrant colors, beautiful patterns, and cute messages. These adorable styles are the exact baby accessory item you didn’t even realize you were missing. While stylish diapers may seem small, it is one of my favorite benefits of cloth diapers.

Before you say you don’t care about the design of diapers, consider that even disposable diapers have designs. From Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street to cactus prints and farm animals, designs on diapers is not new. The difference is, cloth diapers have the most dynamic and irresistible patterns and colors for every occasion!

Benefit # 3: Versitilitiy

You don’t have to stick to one type of cloth diaper. Versatility and flexibility are one of the many benefits of cloth diapers. There are so many different types of cloth diapers! Yes, cloth diapering goes beyond the “old school” sheets and safety pins. As you can see from the section above, cloth diapers are so adorable! What’s more, they’re versatile. Here are the different types of cloth diapers:

Flats

• Flats are the traditional type of cloth diapers
• Pros: fast washing/drying and very inexpensive
• Cons: requires folding; you’ll need pins or snaps to keep it in place

Prefolds

• Prefold diapers are similar to flats, but they are …prefolded! Making it easier to get the traditional diaper shape before placing it on your baby
• Pros: fast washing/drying, very inexpensive, and easier to fold
• Cons: you’ll need pins or snaps to keep it in place

Fitted

• These are already in the shape of a diaper
• Pros: no folding required
• Cons: need a waterproof cover

Pocket

• These are my personal favorite! The outside is waterproof and the inside is stuffed with absorbent liners
• Pros: no folding, or extra purchase needed for absorbance
• Cons: diaper inserts must be “stuffed”

All In One

• The reusable disposable diaper
• Pros: no stuffing, folding, or pins
• Cons: can be more pricey; longer dry time

All In Twos

• These are all-in-one diapers with an extra insert
• Pros: extremely absorbent
• Cons: insert must be stuffed before the diaper is used and cleanup can be time-consuming.

Benefit # 4: Cloth diapers are better for your baby’s skin

Our baby’s skin is so sensitive. From the waxy coating that covers their body when we have them to the random burst of baby acne, we know that baby’s skin goes through so many changes.

In fact, approximately 50% to 65% of babies will suffer from diaper rash at some time in their life (source). According to research, there is a correlation between the type of diapers and the way that it impacts your baby’s skin. This study showed that traditional diapers, such as Pampers Pure Protection had a higher prevalence of diaper rash than more “natural diapers”, such as Honest.

Taking it one step further, cloth diapers are even more natural. When considering diapers, keep in mind one of the benefits of cloth diapers is that they do not contain the same amount of chemicals and ingredients as cloth diapers do. This is a great benefit of cloth diapers because it means that your baby has a smaller risk of exposure to chemicals.

Benefit # 5: Cloth diapers are zero waste

Have you heard of the zero waste movement? The EPA defines zero waste as a system-wide approach that seeks to maximize recycling, minimize waste, reduce consumption, and ensure that products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled back into the environment or marketplace.

While I personally don’t consider myself zero waste, I make a considerable effort to reduce the amount of waste I produce. When you purchase your cloth diaper, it may come in some wasteful packing, but the cloth diapers themselves are zero waste. In addition, you don’t create new waste with each time you use the diaper.

For example, every time I use a disposable diaper, I’m adding waste to the landfill. According to research, diapers take approximately 500 years to break down. This means a diaper my child was in for two hours will be on the Earth for 500 years – unless it is incinerated. When you think about the fact that each baby uses at least 1500 disposable diapers a year, that’s a lot of diapers that will be around for a very long time.

Benefit # 6: Cloth diapring eliminates the task of constantly buying diapers

“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.”

Have you ever found yourself out of diapers and having to make early morning (or late night) run to the store to get more? One of the benefits of cloth diapers is that it eliminates the urgency to need to go to the store and buy more diapers. However, this does mean you have to remain diligent with washing to make sure you have diapers available.

One of the greatest senses of comfort for me with cloth diapering is knowing that I don’t have to purchase another diaper if I didn’t want to. One of the most important aspects of being more environmentally friendly is reducing what you purchase.

Benefit # 7: Cloth diapers are better for the environment

Yes, cloth diapers are better for the environment.

This is personally one of my favorite benefits of cloth diapers. Using cloth diapers significantly reduces your waste. This is important because when we throw away items, such as disposable diapers, they are sent to the landfill where they never really break down (or will take hundreds of years!) and creates methane gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is contributing to our warming climate.

In addition, disposable diapers use up to 3.5 times more energy to make than reusable diapers (The Sustainablish Guide to Green Living).

Many people ask, don’t cloth diapers use a lot of water? Aren’t cloth diapers just as bad for the environment? Yes, using reusable diapers uses water. However, the use of water to clean cloth diapers does not make them less sustainable than disposable diapers. The environmental impact of disposable diapers far outweighs that of cloth diapers.

Here are some ways to make cloth diapering even better for the environment:

• Wash on cold
• Wash with other clothing
• Buy cloth diapers second hand
• Donate/giveaway cloth diapers to others when you’re done
• Don’t buy too many cloth diapers (over consumption is not good for the environment, even if it is a sustianble product)
• Air dry or line dry, if possible

Benefit # 8: Cloth diapering reduces your carbon footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint is another one of the benefits of cloth diapering.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions (source). Currently, our average carbon footprint in the United States is about 16 tons per person while globally the average is 2 tons per person. One of the ways to help slow down the rate of climate change is to reduce our carbon footprint.

How much we purchase and how much we waste are major contributors to our carbon footprint. In addition, when comparing reusables to disposables, reusables show greenhouse gas emission savings and lower global warming potential impacts (source).

Calculate your carbon footprint here!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the 8 benefits of cloth diapers every mom should know!

Did you know about these benefits? There are so many myths and stigmas associated with cloth diapering. Before you reject the idea of cloth diapering your baby, do lots of research and understand the many benefits of cloth diapers!

Other Blog Posts You May Like:

• Ultimate Guide To Cloth Diapering
• The Best Ways to Deal With Poop in Cloth Diapers
• A Step By Step Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial For New Cloth Diapering Parents
• Tips for Cloth Diapering Beginners

I hope you enjoy this blog post all about eco friendly everyday products!

How does consumerism affect the climate crisis?

When talking about purchasing eco friendly everyday products there is a fine line. This is because we cannot buy ourselves into a more sustainable future. In fact, consumerism plays a large role in our climate crisis. Research has found a correlation between consumer habits and carbon emissions. According to a 2012 study on household consumption and CO2 levels in China, as income levels increase so do household energy consumption and CO2 emissions (source). The conclusion from this study revealed one of the best ways to tackle this problem is by shifting consumer patterns of China’s households from high fossil fuel and carbon-intensive behavior to low fossil fuel and carbon-extensive behavior over a long-term horizon (source).

Now I recognize we cannot buy our way into a more sustainable future, however, our consumer actions clearly have a significant impact on the economy and the environment. By purchasing eco friendly everyday products we are not only helping to drive brands to change their practices to be more considerate of the environment, but we are also choosing items that are more often better for our bodies and better for the planet.

Why is sustainable purchasing important?

• Reduces waste
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Raises awareness about the importance of ethical and sustainable purchasing
• Creates momentum for collective action
• Supports local communities
• Creates an opportunity for environmental education
• Encourages businesses/brands to continue sustainable practices
• Creates demand for sustainable products
• Supports water conservation
• Encourages creative solutions to reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, repurpose, etc.
• Often these items are better for our health
• Reduces pollution
• Sustainable purchasing is more earth-friendly

Oftentimes people ask me “how can I be eco-friendly every day?” I love this question because it takes into account that eco-conscious living is not about one day or one action, but continued lifestyle adjustments that lessen your impact on the Earth.

How can I be eco-friendly every day?

There are several ways you can be eco-friendly everyday:

• Clean up litter when you see it
• Limit plastic in your life
• Don’t buy things you don’t need
• Reuse and repurpose items when you can, instead of throwing them away
• Only recycle what is actually recyclable in your area
• Reduce your food waste
• Use sustainable products

Eco Friendly Everyday Products

Bamboo Toothbrush

I started using bamboo toothbrushes years months ago when I began to realize how wasteful plastic toothbrushes were. We use toothbrushes twice a day for six months and then toss them in the trash. Once the plastic toothbrushes make it to the landfill, they take hundreds of years to biodegrade. In fact, billions of toothbrushes are wasted each year in the United States.

I wanted to find a more eco-conscious product to use to decrease my plastic consumption. I decided to try Bamboo toothbrushes.

Here are some of the pros:

• They work similar to manual plastic toothbrushes – there is no learning curve
• Unlike plastic, bamboo is a non-toxic, sustainable product
• The bamboo handle can be reused/upcycled
• Activated charcoal bristles have anti-bacterial properties for a deeper clean
• Very affordable
• There are adult and kid sizes

Here are some cons:

• You have to remove the charcoal bristles with pliers before you can compost the bamboo handle
• There are not as many fun colors and varieties as traditional toothbrushes
• Bamboo toothbrushes should still be replaced every six months
• If you do not compost or reuse the bamboo toothbrush handle, it ends up in the trash (BUT it is biodegradable)

Overall, I LOVE my bamboo toothbrush. My husband and my son now use one as well. We make sure to properly compost or reuse/up-cycle the toothbrush after use to maintain its sustainability.

Thrifted/Sustainable Clothes

I used to be embarrassed to talk about how much I love thrifting. Now thrifting is all the rage! Not only does it make sense economically, but it makes sense environmentally. We a society we waste so many clothes! We often follow the trends and demands of the fast-fashion world and buy more than we need.

If you’re interested in thrifting try places like Goodwill, Clothes Mentor, Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Thread Up, Poshmark, or Poplinen Pre-Loved.

Recently, I’ve been shopping for sustainable clothes! Sustainable clothing is made with the environment in mind. This includes materials used, shipping, packaging, and even the working conditions of those making the clothes. My favorite sustainable clothing brand is Poplinen.

Poplinen uses certified organic cotton, compostable shipping mailers, compostable and recyclable packaging materials, and pays their manufacturers a fair wage. Poplinen believes clothing sizes should be inclusive and timeless.

Learn more about Poplinen here! Use Code TEACHGOGREEN10 or 10% off.

Natural Sunlight

There is truly nothing better than getting out in the sun and getting fresh air. Everyday I make sure our family gets to spend a couple of moments outside. If it is rainy and cloudy outside, I am sure to at least open the blinds or windows to bring the outdoors, indoors.

Nature has provided us with a beautiful, natural source of vitamin D! Embrace the sunlight!

Here are some benefits of natural sunlight (source):

• Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin, also known as the happy hormone.
• Sunlight causes your skin to create Vitamin D, essential for bone health.
• Sun exposure can actually lower your risk of some forms of cancer!

French Press

Coffee is life in my house! It is one of the first things that I prepare when I get downstairs in the morning. I love the smell, the taste, and the boost of artificial energy.

Instead of using single-use coffee pods, which waste millions of pounds of plastic, we use our french press!

Here are the pros of a french press:

• Easy to use
• Zero-waste
• Creates strong coffee

Here are some cons of the fresh press:

• Requires a few steps – it is not set it and forget it
• Takes a bit longer than a single-use coffee machine

With just a few freshly ground coffee beans and hot water, I’m able to get hot brewed coffee without all the plastic pollution. After I’m done with my coffee grounds they’re added to our compost!

Reusable Water Bottles

Of all the sustainable products I use everyday, I think this one is the most common among a variety of people. Reusable bottles are not only stylish and trendy, they’re affordable and incredibly beneficial to the environment.

Instead of using disposable cups at home, I opt to use reusable cups or upcycled pasta jars as cups. While I’m out, I make sure to even take a reusable bottle with me on the go to limit my need to buy a single-use drink.

Limiting single-use items in your home makes a tremendous difference for your wallet and for the health of the planet.

Bamboo Drying Rack

Who knew being an adult meant you were responsible for washing dishes three to five times a day!

About six months ago, I ditched my plastic drying rack for this beautiful bamboo drying rack! My plastic drying rack had reached the end of his useful life. It was molded and full of gunk. I knew that it was time to get a new one and I wanted to make a sustainable swap.

After some research, I decided on a bamboo drying rack.

Benefits of bamboo drying racks:

• They’re beautiful! Keep in mind you shouldn’t get rid of fully functioning items to buy new items, just because it is more attractive. That being said, if it is time for a replacement, this is definitely the time to make the switch to this aesthetically pleasing item.
• Unlike plastic, bamboo is a sustainable material
• Bamboo has bacterial-resistant properties. This decreases the chances of mold and gunk forming (unlike my old plastic drying rack!)

As I continue to dive more into eco-conscious living, I am continuing to make purchases that bring me joy and are functional for my lifestyle. I am incorporating products that will last for a long time, instead of “quick fixes” to get the job done. For me, the bamboo drying rack fits that criteria!

Reusable Napkins

To know me is to know I LOVE reusable napkins! They are cute and fun and in my opinion, still convenient. Switching to reusable napkins was one of the first eco-conscious switches I made, several years ago. I knew that paper towels were incredibly wasteful and honestly, I was tired of wasting money on them.

My husband and I used up the rest of our paper towel stash and did not purchase anymore. Instead, we began using old rags for cleaning and purchased a cheap pack of towels for our hands. Over time, we built a nice stash of rags, towels, and reusable napkins to serve various purposes throughout our home.

We keep a basket near our washing machine and simply toss the used napkins inside the basket when we’re done.

Cast Iron Skillet

I’ll be the first to admit, there are several areas of my life that I still need to make eco-conscious improvements to. The kitchen is one! I’ve recently found out about the harmful chemicals present in cookware and knew I needed to find more sustainable products immediately. For more information on toxic chemicals found in cookware, check out this article.

As I’ve mentioned previously, maintaining an eco-conscious lifestyle is all about slow, intentional steps. Upgrading my kitchenware to non-toxic pots and pans was not something I could afford immediately. So, to limit my exposure to these chemicals until I am ready to purchase the non-toxic items I really want, I’ve been using my cast iron skillet as much as possible!

Benefits of Cast Iron:

• Inexpensive
• Can be used for a variety of cooking
• Cast iron skillets are “seasoned“

I love using our cast iron skillet! What I love most is the peace of mind that I limiting the number of toxic chemicals I am exposing to my family. Although cast iron skillets are heavy and require TLC to maintain their quality, they are inexpensive, non-toxic, and incredibly functional.

Cloth Diapers

With two kids under two, cloth diapers are a staple in my household! We love the fact that they are eco-friendly, affordable, versatile, and much better for our kids’ skin.

I have several blog posts all about cloth diapers! To learn more about cloth diapering your baby, check these posts out!

Cloth Diapering Posts

• Ultimate Guide to Cloth Diapering
• The Best Way to Deal with Poop in Cloth Diapers
• Step by Step Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial
• Overcoming the Stigma of Cloth Diapering
• Tips for Cloth Diapering Beginners

Soy Candles

I use candles everyday. Not only for the smell, but for the ambiance it creates. I have a few candles in each room of the house and usually light the candles when I’m in that room or before a good deep clean of the house.

Once I learned that most candles are made with paraffin wax, a type of petroleum-based wax that releases harmful chemicals, I knew I had to find an eco-conscious alternative. According to research, a person who lights this type of candle often (LIKE ME) expenses themselves to unwanted chemicals which contribute to the development of cancers, asthma, and allergies.

As an alternative, I’ve been using soy candles and my natural diffuser. Soy wax candles and other vegetable-based candles, do not release these types of chemicals. In addition, soy wax is more eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Refillable Planner

There are hundreds of electronic ways to plan your life, but for some reason, I still love my paper planner. In order to make my paper planner addiction a bit more eco-friendly, I’ve opted for the refillable planner.

I have a refillable planner for work and one for personal/blog life. Refillable planners are perfect because you can remove each of the pages easily after use and recycle them. Instead of buying a whole new planner, you simply buy new sheets to refill the cover you’ve already purchased.

Although I know electronic planners are much more eco-friendly, this refillable planner works for my lifestyle and learning style.

I hope you enjoyed this post all about eco friendly everyday products!

What sustainable products do you use everyday? Will you give any of these products a try?

Remember, eco-conscious living does not have to be all or nothing. As you noticed, I’ve made some of these swaps very recently! I did not start using all of these times all at once. With careful research over time, I’ve slowly been adding more into my lifestyle. My hope is that this is helpful and provides some guidance for you. Even if you’re a busy working mom, you can still incorporate sustainability into your life everyday!

This blog post is all about free ways to reduce your waste.

1. Save your jars

Convert old spaghetti jars into mason jars or cups! Mason jars are a common item in the eco-friendly world for multiple reasons.

Glass is a great material for several reasons it is infidelity recyclable, microwavable, made from sand, and nontoxic!

Here are some ways you can reuse your mason jars:

• Salad dressings
• Ice coffee, smoothies, and other drinks
• Airtight fruit and food storage
• Storage
• Decor

2. Stop buying water bottles

Fact: bottled water is conveniently packaged tap water. Between 25 – 50% of all bottled water is tap water. In fact, Pepsi had to change the label on its Aquafina water bottles to reflect the fact that the water came from a public drinking water source.

Did you know it costs 2,000 times more to drink bottled water than tap water? In addition, bottled water is also less regulated than tap water (source).

Bottled water is not only costly to you, but it also comes at an extreme cost to the environment. Yes, plastic water bottles are recyclable, however, only about 9% of plastic actually gets recycled. A better way to reduce waste is by using a reusable water bottle and filling it up with your own filtered tap water.

3. Use old rags 

Instead of paper towels and purchasing towels, use old rags for cleaning and wiping your hands!

Repurposing rags reduces your need to have to buy paper towels or new towels for cleaning/hand drying. You can use old shirts or unwanted towels. If you’re a cloth diaper momma, you can even use old cloth diaper liners for cleaning up spills! As you can imagine, they’re incredibly absorbent.

4. Eliminate aluminum foil and plastic wrap

While incredibly convenient, I’ve found that I don’t actually need aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Plastic wrap (used or not) is not recyclable in your curbside bin and aluminum foil is not recyclable unless it is clean and completely free of residue.

These two items were some of the first things my husband and I stopped buying to reduce our waste. I can honestly say, I don’t miss it!

5. Bring out the good dishes

I know we’re all incredibly busy, but using regular dishes instead of single-use dishes make an incredible difference in our waste stream. The kitchen is the heart of the home. If we can reduce our waste in the kitchen, we can make a huge positive impact on the environment.

Single-use plates are often made of toxic materials that do not easily biodegrade. Instead, use those “good dishes” you only use for special occasions. The best part is you most likely already have them in your home so it’s no additional cost to you!

6. Avoid the freebies

I know this may be a hard one for some people, but to reduce waste, say no to those freebies. 

This means avoid those flyers from solicitors at the grocery store, walk past those tables with the free handouts, and say no to the free “gifts” you know you don’t need. 

A few weeks ago I decluttered our kitchen cabinets and discovered 12 reusable water bottles. Seriously…who needs that many reusable water bottles? About half of those reusable water bottles were freebies given out at our gym or community events.

We have to avoid the idea of “more is better”. Just because it is free doesn’t mean it belongs in your home.

7. Recycle

Over time recycling has become an overused buzzword. However, if done correctly, there is still value in recycling. Every city around the country has different rules for recycling. Outside of the United States, the rules are even more different. 

To make sure you’re following the guidelines of the place you live, try sticking to the basics: paper, aluminum, and glass. As long as they are clean, they are almost always recyclable. 

8. Take care of your items

When we treat our items carelessly there is a tendency for them to become damaged and break resulting in us having to throw them away and replace them. Instead, take care of the items you do have to make it less likely that you have to replace them as quickly.

9. Shop sustainably for school supplies

Also, consider which items can be used from the previous year. This blog post is all about sustainable items for the school year that can help you reduce your waste and support sustainable businesses.

10. Stop buying disposable “zip-loc” bags

If you’ve never heard of Stasher reusable bags, you’ll want to check them out. Once you build up your stockpile, you’ll never need to buy disposable “zip-loc” bags again.

11. Properly donate or dispose of electronics

Don’t crowd the landfill with harmful metals and toxins from electronics. Instead, make sure to donate or recycle electronics properly. This will not only help to reduce your waste, but hopefully be able to r

12. Fill up your dishwasher completely before you run it

Make sure you’ve filled up the dishwasher before pressing the start button to save on water waste. Instead of constantly running your dishwasher with just a few dishes, fill it up.

In addition, did you know it is more environmentally friendly to use a dishwasher than to handwashing? The reason is because of consistency and energy efficiency. With a dishwasher, you’re using the same amount of soap and water each time. In addition, most modern dishwashers have energy and water saving features which will help you reduce your waste!

13. Compost food scraps

Using a compost bin will help to reduce food waste. In turn, you’ll also receive healthy compost that will nourish your garden.

14. Unplug devices

Eliminate vampire (or phantom) energy by turning off appliances when not in use to save electricity. Even when you’re turned an appliance off or it is not connected, if the plug is still in the electrical socket, it is still pulling energy – wasting electricity and costing your money.

15. Hang your clothes to dry

Skip the dryer and let your clothes air dry. Even if you don’t want to hang dry all your clothes, hang drying delicates and jeans are definitely an energy and cost saver! In addition, this will help your clothes last longer too, meaning you won’t have to repurchase clothing as often.

16. Host swaps

Hosting swaps is one of my favorite things to do. Instead of simply donating, make sure items go to a new loving owner and get some “new to you” times in exchange.

17. Collect rainwater

This is on my New Year goals list! I’m so excited to get a rain barrel to collect rainwater to use for irrigation. This not only saves the cost of water, this also helps you water your plans and clean outdoor areas. If you’re looking to implement this concept with no cost, simply place buckets outside to collect rainwater.

18. Go the library

I’ve become a bit of a book snob lately, instead of constantly buying new books, I’ve started to utilize my local library! I can get boos for free and the deadline of having to return them motivates me to read them quickly instead of leaving them to collect dust in my home. I’ve even been using our library Libby app on my phone which is a way I can access my books all the time!

19. Print front to back

If you have a have a printer, print on both sides. This will cut your paper usage in half. As a homeschool mom, I try my best to reduce my paper waste by printing on both sides as often as possible. This is a great practice to introduce at work as well!

20. Shorten your showers

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good everything shower as much as the next person, but that doesn’t mean every shower has to be 20-30 minutes long. Reduce water waste by limiting your shower time.

21. Learn about sustainability

It costs nothing to read more blog posts, follow me on Instagram, and stay turned into what is going on in our world. Watch videos, read articles, or even listen to podcasts to keep yourself informed.

Related Post: The Best Sustainable Living Books You Need To Read Right Now

I hope you enjoyed this post with these free ideas to reduce your waste!

Have you been working to reduce your waste? What are some free ways you reduce your waste?

Related Posts:

• 4 Easy Zero Waste Products to Swap (For The Busy Eco-Friendly Momma)
• 6 Painful Recycling Truths You Need To Know About
• 19 Things You Should Stop Buying Right Now| Eco-Friendly Swaps That Save Me Money
• 19 Best Eco Friendly Easter Basket Ideas Kids and Parents Will Love

Eco-conscious living can be intimidating and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. In order to truly make the lifestyle sustainable and save you money over time, START SLOW.

Here are the five easiest eco-friendly switches you can start making today!

1. Refuse straws

Have you noticed any of your favorite restaurants and brands have committed to ending plastic? Companies often respond to consumer demand. Currently, consumers (US!) are demanding an end to the toxic compound known as plastic. Plastic is in almost everything and everywhere. I’ll be honest, completely removing and avoiding plastic in your life requires a lot of effort. I too have not mastered this task.

Instead of trying to eliminate all plastic in your life, choose one plastic item and work to completely remove it from your lifestyle – like straws.

Why are plastic straws bad?

Plastic straws are contributors to our much larger plastic problem. They take hundreds of years to break down in the landfill and often end up littered. Littered plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. These plastics are then eaten by marine animals. When marine animals eat plastics in the ocean, we eat those marine animals. The toxins are transferring to us.

Straws are often given with to-go orders and offered with drinks. Get into a habit of refusing straws. If you’d still like to sip your drink through a straw try using reusable straws instead!

I keep reusable straws in my car and in my purse so I’m always prepared when we go out.

2. Choose cleaner products

Choosing cleaner products is a super simple eco-friendly switch! You can choose to make your own products or you can purchase products from companies who prioritize choose less toxic products that are more sustainable for the environment.

I have a post all about sustainable products that will keep your home clean and smelling good without chemicals! Check it out here.

Related Post: The Best Sustainable Cleaning Products To Make Your Home Smell Incredible Without The Toxins

Currently, my favorite DIY cleaner is baking soda and water. It cuts through grease, dirt, grime, and even the dreaded bathroom soap scum. I sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the area I want to clean, let it sit, and use a warm rag to scrub it clean. It’s simple, inexpensive, effective, and eco-friendly.

3. Pick Up Litter

While it may be obvious that you should not litter, something that is a little less obvious is that we should all be in the habit of constantly picking up litter when we see it.

If you’re not already, adopt picking up litter as an easy eco-friendly switch in your life. This does not mean you have to join in community cleanups recruiting your neighbors to host an adopt a spot (although these are excellent friendly practices!), it simply means to pick up litter around you!

When you’re in the parking lot and see a plastic bag floating around, or on a walk and see a disposable mask in the grass, or even the litter that ends up near the entrance of your home.

Each piece of trash you pick up from the ground is one less piece of trash that goes into our oceans, polluting our waterways in the process.

Don’t forget – picking up litter includes cigarette butts as well! This is consistently one of the most littered items in the world.

4. Unsubscribe from newspapers and magazines

Making the switch to paperless entertainment is incredibly easy!

If you’re anything like me, you occasionally receive those pesky newspapers (that you didn’t ask for!) thrown in your driveway. Either contact the company to unsubscribe from the subscription service or find a creative way to reuse the newspaper. We use our for crafts, lighting the grill, and our firepit.

If I’m being completely honest, I love a good magazine! In college, I actually subscribed to magazines because I loved reading about the latest trends and gossipy advice. Now, I can get the exact same information electronically through my app store or Audible!

Continuously creating paper contributes to overusing natural resources such as trees and water. Although newspapers and magazines are both recyclable, not having to use those natural resources in the first place is the best option for more eco-friendly living.

5. Choose glass when possible

Whenever possible, switch to glass.

Plastic, when ingested by both humans and animals is toxic. Despite this fact, we ingest about 5 grams of plastic per week, the equivalent of a credit card.

At this point in time, plastics are so abundant in our environment, it is almost impossible to remove them. The next best solution, avoid them when possible.

Glass is less toxic than plastic and indefinitely recyclable. On the other hand, only about 9% of plastic is recycled. Plastic in the waterway never truly breaks down. Instead, it gets smaller and smaller until it is considered microplastic. Plastic in the landfill can take hundreds of years to break down.

I hope you enjoyed this post all about easiest eco-friendly switches that won’t make you miserable!

There is no better time to start making eco-friendly switches than now. Not only is it good for our planet, it is good for our health. If you can’t incorporate all five of these eco-friendly switches into your lifestyle, that is okay! Choose one and continue doing it well. When you’re ready, incorporate more swaps.

The pace you choose to adapt eco-conscious lifestyle changes into your life and the changes you decided to make will completely depend on what works best for your family.

Are you new to eco-conscious living? What eco-friendly switches have you made?

Related Posts:

• How Can People Make Sustainability A Lifestyle? 28 Eco Friendly New Years Challenge Ideas To Make Your Year More Green.
• 5 Surprising Zero Waste Products I Found From An Online Shop To Make Easy Sustainable Swaps
• Here’s why “going green” can be annoying and intimidating: reasons people reject eco-conscious living (and how to overcome it)

If we haven’t “met” before, welcome to my blog! I’m an eco-conscious working mom! I blog about eco-conscious living, motherhood, and working mom life. I love to share tips on how to make eco-conscious living practical, even for busy families. Most importantly, I want people to learn tips that can benefit them and their children to help our planet be sustainable for the future.

I am not a zero-waste blogger or a minimalist, although I respect both of these lifestyle choices and incorporate their practices when applicable to my life. I focus on educating and providing practical tips so YOU can decide what works best for your lifestyle.

The purpose of this article is to remain transparent and confess that being eco-friendly is not always easy. In fact, “going green” can be both annoying and intimidating.

I hope you enjoy this blog post all about reasons people may reject going green

Here are some statements people have given me as to why they reject going green:

“Eco-friendly products are too expensive.”

“I’m not ready to give up my life.”

“I’m too busy for that.”

“It’s too much work.”

“I don’t know where to start.”

Do any of these sound familiar to you?

Most of these statements are incredibly valid. It highlights some of the major problems with the sustainability movement but also gives some insight on what must be done to move forward.

Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you choose to take action (and I hope you do!), I will earn a commission. I have chosen these products because they are awesome and helpful, not because of the small commission I will receive. Thank you!

Happy reading, Momma! XO.

Top reasons you may reject eco-conscious living … and how to overcome it

Reason Number 1: It requires research

Oh, research! This extra step requires you to pause, read the label, contemplate your purchases, and perhaps even Google what you’re reading to truly understand what you’re about to buy.

Most of us don’t have time to constantly be researching our items before purchasing. We’re on a tight time schedule and we need what we need. I find research most difficult when online shopping. I cannot count the number of times I’ve purchased something from Amazon thinking it was eco-friendly only to find it was actually made from plastic or packaged in so much plastic, I feel like my purchase was almost counterproductive.

How to overcome it

Here’s the thing: “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela. This is one of my favorite quotes. It is suitable for many life situations, but especially when we’re talking about eco-conscious living. In order to truly change the world, we have to take a moment to research and learn to understand what we’re investing our dollars in.

In truth, companies look to us for what they need to continue making. We make our demands with our dollars. If we change what we demand, we have the power to change what companies are making. How do we know what we should change? Research. What is truly in the food you’re eating? Should you really warm that up in a plastic container? Is bottled water really better than tap water? What happens to your trash after your garbage is picked up?

Once we begin to ask ourselves these questions and research the answer, we will find that there are probably better solutions out there for us.

When researching, take it slow! Here are a few books I’d suggest starting with. You can purchase the hard copy, listen on Audible, or try your local library/book exchange.

Silent Spring

Animal Vegetable Miracle

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide

Reason Number 2: It takes you out of your comfort zone

Whenever I share a new book I’ve read or a documentary I’ve watched with my mom, she listens intensely, asks great follow-up questions, and then replies “I’m not there yet!”. I always laugh at her response because I feel like she is of the same mindset as most people – just not there yet.

Our world is busy and fast so convenience not only helps to maintain our lifestyle but it feels necessary. We don’t have time to remember our reusable bags, we’re too busy to think about what happened to those balloons we released at the birthday party, if we put the wrong thing in the recycling bin they will figure it out. I was in this same exact space not too long ago. In truth, it is our responsibility to do better once we know better.

How to overcome it

Suggestion 1: Only change what you can – nothing more. Once you get incredibly good at that, then add on something else.

Suggestion 2: Participate in a challenge. There are hundreds of challenges out there to help you kickstart your eco-conscious journey. Try a no-spend challenge, a minimalism challenge, a thrifting challenge, or even a food waste challenge

Suggestion 3: Conduct a waste audit. See what you’re really throwing away and analyze how you can reduce, reuse or recycle before throwing items away.

Reason Number 3: Some level of creativity is required

Little did I know, being more eco-conscious requires creativity! Conjuring up ways to reuse items or do without certain items is the opposite of convenience. In fact, it can be quite time-consuming! Learning how to up-cycle old items, or searching through second-hand items at the thrift store for “gems” is not as easy as the conventional as we’re used to.

How to overcome it:

Use Pinterest! Pinterest is an incredible space for inspiration, motivation, and creative ideas. If you don’t already, join Pinterest. While you’re there, don’t forget to follow me!

Reason Number 4: You think it’s all or nothing

For years I’ve hesitated to share my knowledge about eco-conscious living for fear of being labeled as “not green enough”. What I’ve come to realize is this is exactly what we need! The world needs millions of not green enough people. One of my favorite quotes from Anne-Marie Bonnea, Zero Waste Chef

We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.

For whatever reason, there is pressure for perfectionism within the eco-conscious world. It is not enough to try or do something, but instead, we must do everything or we’re not really doing enough.

How to overcome it:

Making small, consistent, environmentally-friendly choices is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of the planet.

Find what works for you! Consider what you’re passionate about changing or being better at. Is it reducing plastic waste? Perhaps you want to start swapping out products for eco-friendly alternatives? You could start by involving your children in making more eco-conscious choices. Maybe you just want to plant a garden and start a small compost.

The first eco-conscious living change I made was to my diet by becoming a flexitarian. Next, I gave up paper towels and disposable dinnerware. From there I’ve continued to build and make switches over the years. As I’ve said before I’m not perfect and that is perfectly okay!

Reason Number 5: You’re listening to what others are saying

Closely related to reason number 5, listening to what others are saying can be incredibly demotivating and intimidating. For one, it can make things more confusing. One person is advising you about how to be more eco-friendly and another person is giving the exact opposite advice.

In addition, some people may not understand your decision to live more eco-consciously. I’ve had people make fun of me or mock me for some of my lifestyle choices.

How to overcome it:

For unsolicited or conflicting advice, combat it with research. I remember having a conversation with a person who works in the waste management industry. He insisted that incinerating trash was just as good, if not better than recycling. According to the EPA sustainable materials management, however, reducing, reusing, and recycling is most preferred over incineration and landfilling.

Overcoming people who ridicule, question, or mock your eco-conscious decisions may be a bit more difficult. For me, gaining more confidence in myself and overcoming imposter syndrome were key.

Reason Number 6: Information overload

There is so much information out there. Books, magazines, blogs, articles, TV shows, YouTube videos, Instagram posts, Facebook groups – you name it -it’s out there. Mixed in with all these sources of information is usually the idea that you need to make a change and make it right now or the planet will die.

Personally, I don’t agree with this approach, but it is very common and can be one of the reasons people reject eco-conscious living. In addition, some of the information is conflicting and confusing. You’re left wondering, what do I do and where do I start.

How to overcome it:

Find one source of information that delivers information in the way you receive it. Whether that’s a blog, a video, social media, a book, or any of the other sources I mentioned above.

Once you begin to understand the information and incorporate the tips from that person, find another. Over time, you’ll start noticing some overlap. If multiple people (with scientific evidence and proof) are telling you the same thing over and over, it may be easier to feel less overwhelmed and more informed. The books I referenced aboe are great places to start. And of course – my blog!

Reason Number 7: Inaccessibility

It is important to remember that everyone does not have as much access to eco-friendly living opportunities.

Many people are limited by time, knowledge, money, location, and more immediate life concerns.

Examples of inaccessibility: food deserts, price of sustainable fashion versus fast fashion, and inconsistent environmental regulations for factories and farms near communities – especially communities of color.

Most often people may care about the environment, but feel limited in the changes they can make based on their access.

How to overcome it:

While some acts of environmental justice cannot be fixed immediately, some personal changes can be made for those who seek to make eco-conscious changes in their life with little access.

• Research local farmer’s markets, thrift stores, and other local places in your area. Shopping locally has an incredibly positive impact on the environment and is often much cheaper than store-bought items.
• Reuse items at home. Use items like old yogurt containers, empty sauce jars, and butter containers as Tupperware instead of buying new ones. Try reusing old towels/rags instead of buying paper towels.
• Make what you can at home. Making food at home is also a brilliant way to practice eco-conscious living. Cooking at home is usually better for your health, helps the planet, and is less expensive. Just don’t forget to eat those leftovers to cut down on food waste!

Reason Number 8: You’ll have to rethink parts of your lifestyle

Fact: people reject change. So it should be no surprise that people reject eco-conscious living! Beginning an eco-conscious requires you to rethink parts of your lifestyle. Most times it also requires switching out some conveniences for more natural and sustainable alternatives.

How to overcome it

The way to overcome the rejection (or fear!) of change is to gain an understanding of the change and start to incorporate it slowly. I talk about this more here!

Reason Number 9: Kids

I recently watched the documentary Minimalism on Netflix. The documentary had great takeaways and incredible, eye-opening information. At the end of the movie, however, I turned to my husband and asked “did any of them have young kids?”

Kids, our wonderful bundles of joy, can complicate things. Kids require THINGS. Living an eco-conscious lifestyle with kids can be overwhelming and intimidating. Finding eco-friendly products for them can require a lot of research and are generally more expensive. In addition, being a parent contributes to the busyness we all experience in life. Due to this, purchasing more convenient items without considering the environmental impact can be common.

How to overcome it

Tip 1: only buy what you and your kids need

Tip 2: shop second hand (and do clothing swaps with friends!) instead of buying new clothing

Tip 3: Choose bamboo, silicone, stainless steel, and glass materials for you child when you can

Tip 4: Limit single-use items such as snacks and make as much of it homemade as possible

Reason Number 10: The perfection complex

Personally, this is a big one for me. Sometimes it’s not even that others expect me to be the perfect environmentalist, but more so that I have this expectation that it’s expected of me. The perfection complex also contributes to things like eco-anxiety.

How to overcome it

Understand that perfection does not exist. What’s more, we live in a world run on convenience. Completely escaping all major brands, plastic consumption, and being 100% zero-waste just doesn’t exist for most people.

Eco-conscious living can look different for everyone! You don’t have to do what others do, or what society tells you you should or shouldn’t do, do what works best for you and your family.

Reason Number 11: There’s a delayed reward

All of our lives we have been trained to expect a reward for our positive actions. This isn’t always the case with eco-conscious living. Making more sustainable decisions and purchases will not cause an immediate shift in the health of the planet and may even go unnoticed by most. This can be discouraging for many people.

How to overcome it

Find your why! Why are you choosing to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle? Is it to save money? To decrease your dependence on disposable diapers by switching to cloth diapers? To decrease the amount of plastic in your life?

When you find your why and can stick to it, you won’t be searching for an external award.

Reason Number 12: You’re busy

A major reason people reject eco-conscious living is because they’re busy. We live in such a fast-paced world, it is difficult to choose products and create habits that we know are more time-consuming. It wasn’t until everything shut down in 2020 that I truly realized that we were all burning the candle from both ends. We rarely have time to even consider the impact of our lifestyle on the environment because we’ve already moved on to the next thing, the next task.

How to overcome it

We’ve all heard the quote “you make time for what matters to you”. Prioritize what matters to you! If you truly want to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle, make eco-friendly practices a priority in your life.

Throughout this entire blog, I provide tips and trips to help incorporate eco-friendly practices for busy parents. Feel free to start here with some practical tips.

Reason Number 13: You don’t think one person can make a difference

I’ve heard this countless times: “what difference will one person make?” It’s very easy to get caught up in the idea that you are a small part of the world and the actions you make don’t have an impact on other things/people.

How to overcome it

It starts with each of us! We each have the ability to make decisions that better impact the environment. Imagine if each person made one consistent change to improve the environment. If we believe that small positive changes can make a difference over time, we have to also believe the opposite is true.

What we do matters.

Choose what works best for you and your family and do more of that!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about reasons why people may reject going green and how to overcome it.

Have you rejected eco-conscious living? No judgment here! Let’s talk about it in the comments below.

Related Posts:

• Eco-Conscious Living Guide
• Overcoming the Stigma of Cloth Diapering
• How to Have an Eco-Friendly Summer
• 19 Products You Should Stop Buying

Earth Day is one of my all-time favorite holidays! Taking an opportunity to give some extra love to the planet that keeps you alive is a big deal. What’s more, Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to do fun activities with kids to teach them about the importance of eco-conscious living and environmental stewardship.

This post is all about how to celebrate Earth Day with kids!

History of Earth Day

The first Earth day was on April 22, 1970. During this time, people began to understand how the actions we were taking had a dramatic impact on our environment. One of the catalysts of this movement was the novel Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. If you’ve never read this book, I highly recommend it!

This book changed my entire perspective on my lifestyle and influenced my love for environmental science.

Today, Earth Day is a day to raise awareness about the environment and take action to positively be more kind to the Earth and show appreciation for the planet that keeps us alive. Taking a moment to celebrate Earth Day with kids is incredibly important because kids that are taught about their role in our environment are more likely to want to help protect it. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids:

Kid’s Earth Day Activities about Reducing:

1. Unplug

Talk to your kids about electricity and phantom power. As an activity, go around to each room of the house and create a list of all the items that are plugged in. Look at the list and put an X next to each item you can unplug when not in use. Make an effort to unplug these items anytime they are not in use. BONUS – take out your electricity bill and explain how electricity usage and billing work.

2. Bring your own bags

When you celebrate Earth Day with kids, talk to them about the impact of plastic bags on the environment. Then, for one whole week, challenge your family to only use reusable bags at the store. Kids are excellent at challenges! It challenges them and helps them strategize. Have your kids help you place them in strategic places around the house so you can remember them – hang them by your keys, put them in the garage, leave some in your car, stash a few in your purse, etc.

Kid’s Earth Day activities about Reusing:

3. Egg carton seed starter

Instead of throwing away your plastic or paper egg cartons, reuse them as seed starters! Grab a bag of potting soil and have your child fill each hole in the carton. Place seeds in the soil and make sure the seeds are covered. Water the soil and place it in a sunny area.

4. Painting delivery boxes

We all have probably collected a few too many delivery boxes over the past year, right? Reuse those boxes as a paint project for Earth Day. Teach your child about the importance of reducing and reusing BEFORE recycling. Lay down an old sheet, some non-toxic paint, and allow your child to express their creativity. Depending on the age of your child, this can also double as an activity to have your child practice writing their letters, numbers, or name.

Kid’s Earth Day Activities about Waste:

5. Composting activity

Related Post: I have a blog post all about teaching kids how to compost! Here is an activity to create your own compost at home with a 2-liter bottle!

6. Waste audit

Time for a little dumpster dive. Okay, not really, but sort of. Lay out a tarp or trash bag outside and have your child dump out your trash. Have a paper and pen handy and make a tally each time you find:

• something that could have been recycled
• plastic packaging
• styrofoam packaging
• clothing or textiles
• toys or toy pieces
• Food or food pieces

Have your student answer the question – how can I reduce the amount of waste I create?

How can you celebrate Earth Day at Home?

7. Get outside

There is nothing more valuable than getting outside to appreciate nature. If you can, spend some time outdoors this Earth Day. Take a walk around the neighborhood, go on a hike, or visit a neighborhood park. Being outdoors improves your mood, gives you energy and enhances your creativity.

8. Read a book

Here are some excellent Earth Day books for kids!

• The Lorax
• What Does It Mean To Be Green?
• Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug
• Where Does the Garbage Go?

9. Watch a movie

These movies help to emphasize the importance of protecting our environment.

• Wall-E
• The Story of Stuff
• The Lorax
• Bee Movie
• Happy Feet
• Wasteland

10. Pickup litter

It seems like there is litter everywhere you look! Litter harms animals, pollutes our environment, and decreases property value. Take a few moments to bring your child outdoors and pick up litter. Grab some gloves and a trashcan or bucket and pick up any litter you see in your yard or surrounding area. Even a 10-minute cleanup can make a big difference.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about how to celebrate Earth Day with kids!

Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day with kids? Teaching kids how to reduce, reuse, and recycle with these activities is a fun way to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.

Related Posts:

• Making Composting Understandable For Kids
• 5 Recipies For An Easy Edible Dirt Cup Activity To Teach Kids About The Environment
• 5 Best Reasons to Buy Sustainable and Fair Trade Clothing for You and Your Kids

Whether you’re heading overseas (lucky you), interstate, or an hour away, implementing these sustainable travel tips will help you build the next generation of responsible travelers. 

Here are 7 ways to travel sustainably as a family!

What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel means being mindful of minimizing your impact on the local community, the environment, and wildlife as you travel. It’s about being considerate of the world and its people while you explore new places. This often means doing your best to make eco-friendly choices to reduce your carbon footprint and respecting local cultures and landmarks. You might actually have some sustainable travel habits already without realizing it!

Why is traveling sustainably as a family important?

Building sustainable and eco-friendly travel habits as a family has many positives, like:

• Benefits local communities by supporting local guides, shops, and companies over chain stores.
• Reduces waste and environmental footprint
• Gives you and your family a greater understanding of your destination and its culture
• You’ll appreciate your trip more

The sustainable travel tips below may seem small, but they add up and can make a big difference!

7 tips for traveling sustainably as a family

1. Chat with kids about the environmental impacts of traveling

Before heading off, talk to your kids about the benefits of sustainable travel. You could even encourage them to spot ways to be more eco-friendly during your trip. Explain the importance of respecting landmarks and monuments you visit, and how things like littering are harmful to the environment. 

2. Pack reusable travel products

One of the easiest ways to travel sustainably as a family is to reduce your waste by packing reusable items. Some of the most useful eco-friendly travel products include stainless steel water bottles or thermos, reusable cutlery, reusable bags, e-readers like a Kindle, and reusable food wraps. Instead of buying shampoo and other toiletries on the road, you can fill empty bottles and containers from home with your own products like shampoo, conditioner, or skincare products.

3. Support local businesses

Choosing local traders, guides, and attractions over chain stores and hotels means more money goes into the local community. Shopping at local farmers’ markets is a great way to do this – you’ll have access to fresh and exotic produce and, by bringing some reusable bags, you’ll save plastic while you’re at it.Try to use local tour guides instead of major companies – you’ll find cooler spots and hear some amazing stories!

4. Hop on a bike

Traveling by bike is a fantastic option if your family is trying to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling. Depending on your destination, bikes might actually be the easiest way to get around! Cycling is also a great way to get the kids outdoors and explore nature. Bike and walking tours are also a fun and interactive way to get some exercise during your trip.

5. Choose ethical attractions

Choose not to engage in unethical activities that are harmful to animals and wildlife. This includes riding elephants, petting tigers, or going to marine park shows. Animals are best seen in their natural habitat, so choose activities like a whale-watching tour or mountain hike instead. The kids will get a bigger kick out of the real deal and learn a thing or two along the way! 

6. Embrace Slow Travel

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of exploring a new city or town. Especially if you only have the school holidays or a long weekend to explore. When you slow down and take the time to soak up your experiences and surroundings, you’ll truly appreciate and be grateful for your visit while making the most of the quality time with your family. You might even notice things, people, or places you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

7. Aim to ‘leave no trace’

Encourage the family to leave each place as they found it by taking your rubbish with you and sticking to well-trodden paths to not disturb local flora and fauna. 

Traveling sustainably as a family in a nutshell…

When we make the conscious effort to travel sustainably as a family, it encourages a deeper understanding of people and places. Interacting with locals, actively seeking out independently-run stores, or choosing an activity “off the beaten track” will give your whole family a more authentic experience wherever you go. 

Not only that, but these eco-friendly travel habits can apply to your everyday life at home!

Blog contributed by Emily Erickson is a vegan, sustainability, and travel blogger based in Australia. She is passionate about showing others how easy (and necessary!) it is to make kinder choices; from what we put on our plate, to the clothes we wear and the companies we support.  Emily shares tips for going vegan, zero-waste living, and conscious travel on her blog.

At some point, we forgot the term “reduce, reuse, and recycle” is to be done in that order. It is always best to reduce, then reuse, with recycling being our last resort. Remember, everything is not recyclable and everything we put in the recycling bin does not actually get recycled.

Eco-conscious living is all about living with the environment in mind. It is best to refuse or reuse an item than it is to recycle that item. Recycling should not be an automatic solution if there is a reusable option instead.

Please keep in mind that it is important to incorporate these swaps at your own pace! I didn’t stop buying all these items right away. In fact, it has taken me years to get to where I am today and I’m still not exactly where I want to be. We live in a fast world and we depend on convenience. If you’re curious about tips to help create long-lasting, eco-conscious habits for your family check out this post!

Here are 19 things you should stop buying right now and some friendly swaps that save me money.

1.) Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is often used in cooking, baking, and grilling. Although it is convenient, aluminum foil in excess can have adverse health effects. Aluminum foil is also harsh on the environment. This single-use item requires mining, creates pollution, and releases greenhouse gases.

Time to decompose: 400 years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Yes – if it is clean and free of food waste.

Eco-friendly swaps: For me, none. My family has stopped using aluminum foil and we haven’t missed it. If you feel like you need a substitute try cedar wraps or a silicone grill mat

2.) Breastmilk Bags

Breastmilk bags are the ultimate convenience for moms who are pumping. However, these single-use bags are made from plastic, heated up, then thrown away. Warming plastic can cause it to leach into the breastmilk. It is estimated we eat a credit-cards weight in plastic a week!

Time to decompose: 500 + years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Breastmilk bags are #4 plastics. These usually cannot be recycled in your curbside bin.

Eco-friendly swaps: silicone storage bags or silicone breastmilk storage pods

3.) Coffee Filters

Although coffee filters are compostable, it is much better to reuse an item over and over again, than continuously buy an item and have to dispose of it. Remember, reduce – reuse – recycle, in that order.

Time to decompose: 6 to 8 months

How long is it used: single-use, but you can rinse, dry, and reuse them.

Recyclable? No, but they are compostable.

Eco-friendly swaps: reusable coffee filter, french press, or one of these.

4. Disposable Coffee Cups

I love a Saturday cup of coffee on the go just as much as the next person. Making to-go coffee an occasional treat as opposed to a daily endeavor will be sure to save you money and help the environment.

Time to decompose: over a million years (Styrofoam) | 20 years (paper cups with plastic lining)

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No. Styrofoam cannot be recycled in your curbside bin. Since paper coffee cups are usually stained with coffee and lined with plastic, they are also not recyclable.

Eco-friendly swaps: Reusable coffee cups

5.) Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are not needed to keep your clothes clean. If you’re looking for something to reduce your drying time and help with the static in your clothes, there is a much cheaper, reusable alternative. This alternative is also much better for the environment!

Time to decompose: Years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No. Dryer sheets are made of synthetic material that is not recyclable nor compostable.

Eco-friendly swaps: Dryer Balls

6.) K-Cups/Coffee pods

I ditched my Keriug many years ago when I realized the amount of waste it accumulated. In addition, K-cups are expensive. Instead, I opt to use a traditional coffee pot or a french press.

Time to decompose: thousands of years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Not in most curbside bins.

Eco-friendly swaps: reusable coffee pod, traditional coffee pot with a reusable coffee filter, french press, or one of these.

7.) Mason Jars

Mason jars have been around for a long time. They provide a rustic, farmhouse-like decor vibe and are currently seen as chic and trendy. While glass takes a long time to decompose, it can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality. Instead of buying new glass, try to reuse glass jars instead!

Time to decompose: 1 million years

How long is it used: Can be reused over and over again

Recyclable? Yes. Glass is 100% recyclable, indefinitely.

Eco-friendly swaps: I reuse mason jars instead of buying them. I rinse out used pasta jars, pickle jars, or soda bottles and use them instead of buying new glass jars.

8.) New Outfits for Every Holiday/Occasion

As tempting as it may be, we don’t need new clothing for every holiday and occasion. We currently have a major problem with fast fashion. Trends are created to keep us buying more clothing, even when our “out of season clothes” are still in perfectly good condition. This is bad for the environment, but also for our wallets.

Time to decompose: Anywhere between 3 months to hundreds of years, depending on the fabric

How long is it used: Multi-use

Recyclable? No, but 95% of used textiles can be reused or repurposed.

Eco-friendly swaps: I purchase sustainable clothing from Poplinen, thrift, and participate in clothing swaps.

9.) Styrofoam Plates

One of the largest kitchen conveniences – styrofoam/paper plates. Although they may save you a little time on doing dishes, it’s not saving your wallet, nor the planet.

Time to decompose: 500 – 1 million years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Not in your curbside bin. There are extremely limited recycling options.

Eco-friendly swaps: Choose reusable glass containers

10.) Paper Towels

Another kitchen convenience – paper towels! An average family of 4 uses about 2-3 rolls of paper towels per week. One mom tracked her spending and calculated that she saved $400/year by switching from paper towels to cloth.

Time to decompose: 2-4 weeks

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No, but they are compostable.

Eco-friendly swaps: I use tea towels or cotton towels instead of paper towels. You buy them once and can reuse them over and over again. They’re great for cleaning up messes and spills and cleaning/drying your hands.

11.) Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap is often used to cover food items and keep them fresh and preserved. Despite the marketed convenience of plastic wrap, it is costly over time, not recyclable, and can contain harmful chemicals.

Time to decompose: 500+ years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Try beeswax wrap as an eco-friendly alternative!

12.) Plastic Kitchenware

There was a time when I would buy the mega large box of plastic utensils from Sam’s club. These would cost me anywhere between $10-$15, per box. Often given with to-go orders, deliveries, and drive-throughs, these convenient utensils are also contributing to our plastic problem. With 8 million tons of plastic in our ocean, we should ditch plastic kitchenware.

Time to decompose: 500+ years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Regular kitchen utensils or on-the-go utensils.

13.) Plastic Tupperware

Before I became aware of the chemicals plastic can leach into food, all of my Tupperware was plastic. Not only is plastic toxic for our health, it takes hundreds of years to decompose! When purchasing containers, I no longer choose plastic.

Time to decompose: 500+ years

How long is it used: years

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Glass containers or Stasher bags

14.) Pre-cut Fruit and Veggies

I’ve stopped purchasing pre-cut fruit and veggies because they are often more expensive, go bad faster, and contain excess packaging.

Time to decompose: the plastic wrapped around these veggies can take 500+ years to decompose

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Usually, no.

Eco-friendly swaps: buy loose veggies! I use a mesh bag to hold loose veggies from the grocery store or farmers’ market.

15.) Sandwich Baggies

Sandwich baggies can be so expensive over time. And, as I’ve mentioned earlier, we shouldn’t be storing our food in plastic because chemicals can be released into our food from the plastic.

Time to decompose: 500 years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Not in your curbside bin. These can be recycled along with your plastic bags and other plastic wrap in-store recycling bins. Find a list of Trex Recycling stores here!

Eco-friendly swaps: Try reusable silicone bags like Stasher Bags! These bags are toxic-free, reusable, and help to eliminate waste.

16.) Single-Use Water Bottles

While I do believe it is safe to always have some water bottles on hand for public health emergencies, single-use water bottles are not part of my daily routine. In fact, I no longer buy single-use water bottles.

Time to decompose: 450+ years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? Yes.

Eco-friendly swaps: Use reusable water bottles instead of bottle water bottles.

17.) Sponges

Sponges are not biodegradable meaning they never really break down. Every sponge you’ve ever used is most likely still sitting in a landfill!

Time to decompose: 52,000 years

How long is it used: one to two weeks

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Instead of sponges, I use towels. These are reusable, eco-friendly and they’re zero waste! Another alternative is a dish brush.

18.) Straws

It is estimated that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. That is A LOT of plastic. One of the easiest ways to help to decrease the amount of plastic found in the landfill and the ocean is to use less plastic. Straws are a major convenience, but not buying them has saved me money in the long run.

Time to decompose: 500 years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Instead of disposable plastic straw, I use reusable straws. There are metal, glass, or bamboo options.

19.) Swiffer Sheets

I always dreaded when it was time to buy new Swiffer sheets. Always. It seemed like such a waste. Turns out, IT IS. Save your money on new Swiffer sheets and try some of the suggestions below.

Time to decompose: 200 years

How long is it used: single-use

Recyclable? No.

Eco-friendly swaps: Try microfiber cleaning pads, an old towel or an “old fashioned” mop.

I hope you loved this post all about eco friendly swaps that save money!

What items are you committed to stop buying? Remember, the first step in eco-conscious living is finding ways to reduce. When you stop buying items you are not only saving money but also helping the environment.

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You hear it a lot: “go green!” “Save the planet!” “There is no planet B!” But what does eco friendly living actually mean? How do you live an eco friendly lifestyle? In today’s world, is it even possible?

Why do I say this guide to eco friendly guide is even doable for busy, working moms? Because I am one! During the weekday I work as an environmental educator, teaching about water quality in my community. In my free time, I blog about eco friendly living and working mom tips. I do all this with a very active toddler and a baby on the way.

Why am I telling you this? I’m mentioning this because I want to provide context for this guide. I do not believe you have to do all the things to be considered eco friendly. What I do believe is if everyone did what they could to help the environment, and did it consistently, we’d all see positive changes to our environment.

I hope you love this incredibly helpful guide all about eco friendly living!

Why is eco friendly living important?

Being eco-conscious is important because, well, we need the Earth to live.

Prior to reading the book Silent Spring, I never really thought about the fact that our actions have an impact on the environment. Think about it, we have a beautiful planet that provides us with air, water, food and is just the right distance from the sun to keep us alive. How incredible is that!

Our job is simple, enjoy the beautiful, natural benefits for the Earth while leaving enough for people in the future.

Is eco-conscious living easy?

Being eco-conscious means living with the environment in mind. In order to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle, you’ll have to disrupt some of the conventional ways you think about your life and the world.

Most of our everyday lives are centered around convenience. This is why it may seem difficult to start living a more eco-conscious lifestyle, but taking small steps, one day at a time can help you create a life with less impact on the Earth.

Always keep in mind, you won’t be perfect and we can’t do everything, but we can do something!

How do you start eco-conscious living?

1.) Commit to starting slow

Starting slow is my number one strategy for successful eco-conscious living. Always remember, there is no rush and no timeline as to when you need to have made the appropriate swaps and lifestyle switches to decrease your impact on the environment.

It has taken me years to get to where I am today and I still have improvements I want to make!

Instead of trying to do everything at once, start slow. Choose one of the steps below, and start there! Continue working on it until it becomes a habit and then add on.

2.) Cut back on buying disposable or single-use items

Once you’ve made a commitment to eco-conscious living, cut back on buying disposable or single-use items.

Single-use items are also called disposable items. They are items that are most often used one time before they are thrown away. Usually, it takes large amounts of natural resources to create the product and have it transported to you but is only used for a short period of time before being thrown away.

Once thrown away, it can take hundreds or thousands of years for these items to break down or biodegrade.

Examples of single-use items to cut back on include:

• Aluminum foil/plastic wrap
• Cotton swabs/ Cotton pads
• Disposable drink cups/containers
• Single-use face masks
• Disposable gloves
• Dryer sheets
• Paper towels
• Paper plates and bowls
• Plastic bags
• Single-use plastic utensils
• Plastic straws
• Takeout containers
• To-go water/drinks (in cups or plastic bottles)

Can you easily eliminate any of these from your current lifestyle?

3.) Unplug

This seems simple and obvious, right? But how many of us actually do this?

When you leave things plugged in that are not currently in use it is called Vampire Power. This Vampire Power can be sucking up 10% of your electricity bill a month!

Here are some items you can consider unplugging when not in use to save energy:

• Chargers
• Coffee maker
• Computers and computer monitors
• DVD players
• Free-standing lights
• Game systems
• Small appliances
• Sound systems
• Vacuum cleaner

4.) Turn down your hot water heater

It costs $0 to turn down the temperature on your water heater. This simple task can save you money on your energy bill and move you closer toward your goal of eco-conscious living.

It is suggested water heater temperatures be set to 120 degrees. Water heaters set at 140 degrees or more can waste up to $400 a year.

5.) Wash your laundry on cold

An estimated 75 to 90 percent of all the energy your washer uses goes to warming up the water, so switching to colder water can lower your gas or electric bill.

As often as possible, wash your clothing on cold. This can also help you preserve your clothes longer and reduce wrinkles in your clothing.

6.) Start meal planning

Meal planning is an excellent step on your eco-conscious living journey. Why? Meal planning helps you reduce food waste.

Food waste is one of the largest items found in landfills. If you are looking to incorporate eco-conscious living, it is extremely important to try to reduce your food waste.

Planning out your meals helps you know exactly how much you need to buy and keeps you from having too many leftovers or throwing away food that has gone bad.

7.) Reduce your meat consumption

Reducing your meat consumption is one of the single largest ways to decrease your impact on the environment.

While going completely plant-based is an option, it isn’t the only option. You can reduce your meat consumption by following a flexitarian diet.

A flexitarian is a person who occasionally eats meat. This means the person mostly eats a vegetarian or plant-based diet but may have animal products, on occasion.

Flexitarian diets are ideal for someone who may not be ready to completely give up all animal products or wants to slowly begin their journey to a more plant-based diet. It is flexible and an eco-friendly alternative to our traditional meat-packed diets.

8.) Research before you buy

Greenwashing occurs when companies misleadingly market products to seem more environmentally conscious.

Examples of greenwashing include:

“No added hormones” – hormones are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are legally not allowed in raising hogs or poultry. When companies advertise their meats as “no added hormones” they are making a claim as if they are being environmentally conscious by not adding hormones, but in actuality, they are following the law.

“Natural” – did you know the FDA has not formally created a definition for the term natural? There is also no process of verification for this term.

Food labeling and nutrition are regulated by the federal government to keep people informed and safe. Since the term “natural” does not have a formal definition, these foods may still use pesticides, high fructose corn syrup, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Use of earth tones such as brown and green – when you see these colors you tend to think “eco-friendly”, “healthy”, “natural”, “from the earth”. Companies use these associations to subtly attract customers into thinking their products are better for them or better for the environment. They’re usually not.

Recycling symbols – Some companies add recycling symbols to products that cannot actually be recycled in the curbside bin. In addition, a recycling symbol does not make a product good for you or the environment.

Fancy claims – Ask yourself what the company is really claiming. Sometimes you will see claims like “made better” or “made simply”. These don’t actually mean anything. This product is made better than what? Simply made doesn’t mean it’s made in an eco-conscious way.

Here’s the bottom line here: Do your research before you buy products. Look past the beautiful pictures and packings and understand what they’re really claiming. This takes research, time, and practice.

9.) Buy less

We live in a world of stuff. In fact, we love stuff. There are more storage units in the United States than there are McDonald’s, and there are A LOT of Mcdonald’s in the US.

Remember the saying “reduce, reuse, recycle”. We first want to reduce. If we don’t buy those items in the first place, there is no need to reuse or recycle it. If we buy less, than less has to be produced. This means a lowering our environmental impact and reducing how many natural resources have to be used to create these items.

The only thing better than buying sustainable products is reducing how much you buy in the first place.

10.) Avoid plastic

Plastic is plaguing our planet. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Plastic is in so many items we use every day from our bedsheets and clothing to our food packaging and toothpaste. While some of it may be hard to avoid, we should work to avoid plastic whenever we can.

Plastic waste usually ends up in the landfill or local waterways. Studies have found the average person is ingesting a credit card’s weight in plastic every week.

Ways to avoid plastic:

• Bring your own bags and containers
• Avoid buying plastic water bottles
• Buy in bulk, if possible
• Use loose-leaf tea with a tea infuser, instead of tea bags
• Avoid Keurig pods
• Buy items in glass or aluminum when possible
• Avoid single-use items such as disposable utensils and straws

11.) DIY cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products helps to keep harsh chemicals from going down the drain and ultimately into our waterways. In addition, the chemicals found in some of our most beloved cleaning products may be hazardous to our health.

A more eco-conscious solution to traditional cleaning products are DIY cleaning products. Use items such as vinegar, baking soda, lemons, oranges, and essential oils to make cleaning products that are better for your health and the planet.

12.) Thrift

Buying second-hand is not only fun, it’s amazing for the environment. Remember the “reduce, reuse, recycle” we talked about earlier. This is reusing!

Instead of buying items made of virgin materials, reuse items that have already been created. These pre-loved items are often in great condition and can be easily incorporated into your eco-conscious lifestyle.

Thrifting places to try:

• Goodwill
• Platos Closet
• Once Upon a Child
• Local second-hand stores
• Poshmark
• ThredUP

13.) Switch to reusables

Reusable items are made to be used over and over again. This is in direct contrast to single-use items which are used once before being discarded.

Even if a single-use item is recyclable – like a 20 oz. soda bottle, using a reusable bottle would still be better for the environment.

To understand why, think about the amount of raw materials it takes to create an item. Plastic is created from oil, glass is created from sand, and aluminum is created from…aluminum. These materials must be taken from the Earth and processed to create your item. Single-use items are then used for minutes before being discarded.

Alternatively, reusable items can be used over long periods of time reducing the number of materials need to create more and reducing waste from continuously buying items. This will save you time, money, and most importantly, save the environment.

Reusable items to invest in:

• Water bottle
• Straws
• Coffee filter
• Coffee travel cup
• Plastic storage bags
• Reusable bags
• Mesh produce bags
• Reusable masks
• Refillable deodorant
• Tea towels
• Dryer balls
• Cloth diapers

14.) Buy items in glass over plastic

When possible, purchase items in class instead of plastic.

Why?

• Plastic contains harmful chemicals that can leach into your food
• Only 8.7% of plastic is recycled
• Glass is 100% recyclable
• Glass is easier to reuse

15.) Switch to sustainable products

Remember, it is always better to reduce and reuse. Buy sustainable products that are better for the environment.

Choose products that are made ethically and from a source that can be easily created and produced without destroying the environment.

Currently, I am getting into sustainable fashion. My favorite sustainable fashion brand is Poplinen. Poplinen makes ethical, sustainable, size-inclusive women’s clothing in the United States. Learn more about choosing sustainable clothing here!

Remember to do your research to ensure you avoid greenwashing.

16.) Add plants to your space

Plants help clean the air. Not to mention plants completely beautify your space.

Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Humans, on the other hand, take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Sounds like a mutually beneficial relationship to me!

If you’ve ever watched the Lorax or Bee Movie, you already know we need plants just as much as plants need us!

17.) Compost

I’ve written an entire blog post about compost! You can read it here.

Compost is made up of materials broken down to create a rich, fertile soil. Composting is a great way to repurpose leftover kitchen scraps!

If you are able, collect your kitchen scraps in and add then to your composting bin. Add these veggie scraps along with egg shells, coffee, leaves, boxes, grass clippings, etc.

When kitchen scraps are added to the landfill they create a harmful gas called methane. Methane is a major greenhouse gas contributor. Composting eliminates additional release of methane into the atmosphere.

18.) Recycle appropriately

Recycling is a “go-to” for many. Recycling makes us feel good and seemingly helps the environment.

In reality, recycling in the United States is in trouble. Most of our recycling is exported to China. However, China has recently increased its restrictions on what they will accept. They are not only requiring cleaner recyclables, but they are also rejecting recyclables that are not meeting standards.

When we recycle the wrong materials or dirty materials, we contaminate the recyclables. Contaminated materials are sent back to the United States and usually sent to the landfill.

How to be a better recycler:

• Don’t wishfully recycle. Just because you want it to be recycled, doesn’t mean it can be.
• If you’re not sure if something can be recycled, research
• Check with your locality for a list of what can be recycled.
• Companies may place a recycling symbol on an item (greenwashing!), but this does not mean it is recyclable where you live
• Some items may not be recycled in the curbside bin but can be recycled at local grocery stores (like plastic bags) or through Terracycle.
• Remember, most plastic is not accepted in your curbside bin.

19.) Accept that mistakes will happen

You have to ditch the idea of perfectionism. While you’re at it, release yourself from comparisons and/or superiority.

In order to make your journey to eco friendly living long-lasting and sustainable, you have to accept that you will not be perfect and what works for you may not work for someone else.

If we’re being honest, having the ability to live an eco friendly lifestyle is a privilege. The resources and access to materials for eco-friendly living is sometimes costly and not available to everyone.

It is most important to do what you can and decrease your impact however you can – no matter how big or small.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to help you get started with eco friendly living.

What steps are you taking to begin your eco friendly living journey? How are you practicing eco friendly living? Remember to check the links throughout the blog posts for products to help you along your journey!

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