I tell myself I want to use reusable bags when I grocery shop but I always forget. But it’s still floating around in the periphery of my mind. I just purchased a LARGE cotton tote so I’m hoping that is motivating instead of 4 smaller ones. We’ll see. :)
BUT there are things we do that are doable and easy and I hope to grow in my knowledge and practice of more sustainable habits.
Shop secondhand as much as possible.
I recently made this a soft rule for myself and I can’t say enough how much free space is in my brain, and how much this single boundary line is causing me to pause when I want to purchase something. For example, Do I really need those new tennis shoes when I have a pair that look and work fine? Because if I’m buying secondhand I might as well wear mine until they wear out and buy a new pair or ask for some as a gift.
Reduce your single use plastic use.
We invested in a few Stasher bags as well as others Target carries. Perfect for half eaten apples, Cheerios for a park visit and the cheese block.
Keep a water bottle in your car.
I read recently that it takes a plastic water bottle 450-1,000 years to break down, yet me refilling a water bottle takes only a few minutes. I say keep it in the car because that takes one thing off your mind as you are getting out the door with your toddler, diaper bag, and whatever else you think of on the way out.
Easily make your own countertop cleaner.
Honestly, vinegar is pretty much all you need in a counter cleaner (unless you’ve been cutting raw chicken). (via) Or, pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.
Brainstorm creative ways to reuse cardboard boxes or takeout containers.
Diaper boxes, Amazon packages, and other bigger boxes I have started using to organize ‘stuff’ in our various closets or garage shelves. And I used to always toss the Diablo’s to-go bowls but they are perfect for sending leftovers or dessert home with friends!
Make paper towels go longer.
I discovered Marley’s Monsters and purchased a package of their Unpaper Towels, and I think I stretched a rolled of paper towels for about a month – what! It was also a personal challenge to see how long I could make it last, but whatever. :)
Get a library card (and in my case, use it.)
My library usage comes in waves, but I always walk out when I find a couple of gems so pumped that it’s FREE. Haha, silly, but amazing. Utilize the library and use that money elsewhere is what I’m rehearsing to myself.
Shop local as often as possible.
And I don’t simply mean a local farmer’s market, but places like Etsy, or local small businesses. Might not be an environmental sustainability thing, but it’s pretty amazing to know the face or family or story who benefits from your purchase.
Do you have any sustainability rhythms in your home? I’d love to hear them!
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