6 truly simple ways to be more eco-friendly
Trade in paper towels for dish towels and rags. We bought reusable napkins too and our toddler is all about them. If you want to take it up a notch you can even thrift the rags or cut up some old t-shirts. Added bonus: Paper towels are kinda pricey, no? It’s nice to save that twenty bucks for other things.
Compost! I think if you have any yard at all, a compost pile is totally doable. There are plenty of ways to build it, here’s an article from pinterest for inspiration. I know some people worry about rodents, but so long as you aren’t putting any meat or dairy in your pile, you shouldn’t have an issue. You can compost fruit and veggie scraps, toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes (so long as there’s no sheen), egg shells, garden weeds, etc.
Make your own laundry soap. You’ll cut down on those bulky plastic containers or little plastic pods and save yourself some money in the process. This tip definitely isn’t just for the earth, this soap will last you forever! I made some in July and I am still using it now, February 12th. I think it gets stains out better than the Tide Gentle detergent we used to use, too. Fair warning: grating the Fels-naptha bars is the worst. If you have a food processor use that, or keep an eye out for one at a thrift store/garage sale/whatever.
4. Go homemade when you can. This applies to snacks, meals, decorations for birthdays and holidays, gifts, you name it. Not only is homemade usually far superior and more intentional than anything storebought, we’re cutting down on our footprint and plastic consumption. For example, think of all the packaging for those kids’ treats like pouches or granola bars vs. if you decide to make a smoothie or some granola at home. Or what if instead of buying pre-made decor (all from different corners of the earth, all wrapped up in plastic to keep them safe on their journey), we just buy some construction paper and glue one time? I know this sort of thing seems obvious, but I think we underestimate the little things and how they add up.
5. Thrift what you can! Clothes especially. Did you know the average consumer now buys 60% more clothing items than they did 15 years ago but keeps them for only half as long (McKinsey & Company)? Search for well-made brands when you thrift so you know it’'s made to last and you’re not perpetuating the cycles of consumerism. I personally like thrifting my dishes as well. Since I have a 4 year old and 9 month old, it seems pretty futile to buy nice dishes at this stage of life.
6. Ask for paper bags. It seems to be the default for grocer’s to give us plastic bags. This is such an easy thing! It just takes a teensy bit of discomfort as you ask the bagger to give you paper, sometimes you’ll get an eye roll and sometimes ya wont. Either way, its worth it. Plus, guess what you can do with those paper bags? Straight to the compost pile friends!
Bonus tip: If you’re local, Join the Loudonville/Perrysville Buy Nothing group on Facebook. It’s a group where you can either request something or give something away. You are also welcome and encouraged to share gratitude to other members when it feels appropriate. Buy Nothing groups stretch far and wide and the idea has existed for a while. Don’t be shy, ask for what you need and give what you feel you can give!
