As the seasons are on the verge of changing, many of us are starting to plan our spring-cleaning regimen. And since we’re straightening up our homes anyway, many of us are using it as an excuse to do a little home renovating.
Showing posts with label
zero-waste lifestyle
I grew up in an ex British colony (South Africa) so I grew up drinking tea... hot, with milk and sugar. My country is also known for Rooibos (red tea) that apparently grows only there! So tea has been a part of my daily life forever and now that I have to be entirely caffeine free (triggers migraines), I depend even more on tea.
However, I’ve come to realize just how much waste tea can produce. From the plastic cups at cafes to the not-quite-compostable tea bags building up, it’s more than I expected. With that said, here are my tips to help you make your tea drinking more sustainable.
The most sustainable way to shop for clothes is to buy gently used. But... getting the most out of a trip to the thrift store takes a special formula with a few key ingredients. Here are four ways to prepare for thrift shopping success.
As we spend more time at home, many of us are looking for sustainable ways to add character to our homes. One way to accomplish this is by using salvaged lumber. Used wood has a unique character and a lot of charm—perfect for a adding warmth.
Ready to take on an eco-friendly improvement project but don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas on how to use reclaimed barn wood in your home.
The global demand for rugs has created some un-environmentally friendly production methods, just like fast fashion. Also, if you're particular about the pattern and color, it can be hard to find the perfect area rug (and expensive). So once you find one that's just right, you want to ensure that it survives for decades! Here are a few simple tips to make that happen.
Corporate social responsibility is a way to run a business that focuses on helping the world instead of hurting it. It is also the responsibility a company has for the people, community, and environment where it is located.
Any community can incorporate sustainable practices if given some concrete steps. Creating awareness is any community’s first step in incorporating sustainable practices. If community members don’t know there’s an issue and how to get involved, you won’t make any progress.
Your bedroom is where you choose to spend your resting and decompression time. It’s where you explore your personality and preferences the most. When you were younger, it was also where you and your friends grew closer while sharing stories and secrets.
One of my favorite ways to get new clothing is through clothing swap parties. These are practical and fun ways to find new outfits, get rid of things I don’t need, and hang out with friends. I’ve learned some tips over the years, both from attending and hosting these types of parties. If you'd like to try it, here's how to host a clothing swap party.
Over time, we naturally accumulate stuff and things in excess. We might have had a garage sale or two, but we still sit on more than we'll ever need. Finding the best way to pack it up is always a challenge, but chances are you already have what you need to create effective, upcycled storage.
Waste can be a big issue for everyone, including students going to college. In fact, many students tend to forget about waste, since they're focused on studying, getting good grades, and enjoying their college experience.
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it's the time of year when we can’t help but notice that the temperature is dropping and the stores are full of cozy new garments to tempt us. But before you shop... I'm here to remind you that there's a LOT you can do with the clothes you already have to keep warm.
There’s nothing more satisfying than transforming something old, outdated, or just plain ugly into something new, functional, and beautiful. While the process can be unappealing, the end result is always worth it—especially when it’s your home! Here are my tips on ways to make an old home look brand new on a budget.
DIY is part of a zero-waste lifestyle. And the first time you do it, it's exciting! Rolling up your sleeves, making something new, saving money—it actually gets me every time. But in the crafty thrill of your first time, it’s easy to forget the fact that you’re working with sharp tools, heavy (or messy) materials, and occasionally, chemicals. Yes, paint is a chemical.
If you laughed at the headline for this post, you're not alone. When you have small children, just being a parent every day is daunting enough. The idea of living a sustainable life while doing it can seem like a fantasy. But with a bit of a plan and some simple ideas, it's possible. And upcycling isn’t just great for the environment; it can also help save you money. Gather up old clothes and invest in some new baby items with these simple ways to become a sustainable parent!
Whether you just bought a used couch from a thrift store or you have an old one that you don’t want to get rid of, slipcovers are an excellent option for making an old couch look like new. However, not all slipcovers look great the second you put them on - sometimes you have to work them a bit. That’s why I’ve put together a short guide on how to make slipcovers more presentable.
Bohemian style is a great décor choice if you love vibrant patterns, natural textures and textiles, floral and botanical motifs, tons of plants, and repurposing finds from thrift stores. While I can appreciate the simplicity of minimalism, I enjoy the eclectic vibe that Boho offers. It’s a simple decorating strategy; almost anything goes.
In this age of sustainability and keeping natural resources and a clean
environment in mind, is it possible to redecorate without hurting Mother
Earth? The answer is a resounding yes.
There’s nothing better than a good garage or yard sale. On top of saving money and helping to keep things out of the landfill, you never know what you might you find! That mint condition tennis racket you’ve always wanted (much cheaper than buying it new!), or maybe the perfect lamp for your living room.
There are a couple of items in my closet that have traveled with me between 16 states and countless moves, from South Africa to the UK to Colombia to the US. I’m not inclined to throw out these sentimental items, but you know me - I'm also loathe to just let them sit in the back of my closet.
