Become more minimalistic

Okay – I’m not saying you need to clear out everything to live more sustainably! But you can make a few switches to decrease your waste and eliminate clutter. Begin with a simple list of things you want to switch, and then when you run out of that item, replace it with these alternatives.

Get rid of paper towels

Think you won’t be able to give up your beloved paper towels? Think again! My simple guide to ditching paper towels makes it *easy* to switch over and create a more sustainable life. You’ll never want to go back – and your family will make the switch without a fuss. Promise.

Simplify your cleaning supplies

Glass bottles plus cleaning supply refills are a match made in heaven. I love that I can reuse the same bottles over and over. And make my own cleaning products or purchase simple and recyclable refills.

Begin composting

We waste a lot of food around here… with three young children, it’s hard not to. Sometimes it’s half-chewed, and other times it’s just left out to dry. So the addition of a compost pile was a gamechanger for me. Finally, our uneaten fruit and veggies could stop going to the trash. Now they’re feeding the worms in our backyard and preparing to supply our garden with nutrient-dense soil.

Thrift, buy used and create a capsule wardrobe

Fast fashion is a huge source of waste, and a simple way to change that is to start purchasing gently used clothing. I don’t have time to head to a thrift store and sort through the clothes. But I can hop online and browse websites like ThredUp. I search for companies that make high-quality clothing (like Madewell) and invest in a nice (previously owned) piece for a crazy discounted price.

Purchase sustainable items moving forward

When it’s time to purchase something new, consider the material it is made from. Is it biodegradable? Is it recyclable? Stay away from buying plastic or synthetic materials that can only be used once. I love to prioritize our budget towards children’s toys that are well made and good for Mother Earth. Biodegradable Beach Toys are a superb choice when planning for your next vacation. And heirloom playroom toys are always going to be enjoyed by children.

Get more plants inside and outside of your home

Whether you’re ready to start a backyard garden or just add some hanging plants to the interior of your home, investing in more greenery is always an excellent choice for Mother Earth and yourself. Creating a sustainable life isn’t just about you, it’s also about taking care of the world around us.

Hanging Indoor Plants

Want to improve your air quality? Add some plants to your home. A snake or spider plant will love hanging near a sunny window and creating better air for your family. You can create your own plant hangers or find an excellent shelf for your greenery. Each plant will help clean the air around you and bring more joy to your home. Living a simple and sustainable life isn’t just about doing good for Mother Earth; it’s also about finding joy in the small things!

Invest in Essential Oils

Medicinal plants have been a part of medicine since the beginning of time. So oils derived directly from plants are a fantastic way to add the benefits of plants into your home. I love to use oils to cure a headache or freshen up the kitchen. And it’s so lovely to know our cleaning supplies aren’t damaging our children’s immune systems or exposing them to toxic chemicals.

Do what you can, when you can

While I would love to live a sustainable life 365 days a year, it’s not always possible. So I do what I can when I can, and I don’t stress about the rest. I can’t strive for perfection – I just want to aim for being better and purposeful, so I hope you will, too!