How I made my home more Eco-friendly

I was raised in Vermont. A compost bin sat next to the woodshed and there was never a time we didn’t recycle. I’ve always strived to be Eco-conscious but with the ever-growing Great Pacific Garbage Patch and increase in micro-plastic in our oceans, I’ve doubled down on my efforts to have a more Eco-friendly, plastic free home. How you ask?

Step 1: Commit to transitioning from household cleaning products sold in single-use plastic bottles to a system of environmentally sustainable products with refillable glass bottles; not only good for you but good for the planet. There are several companies specializing in developing “green” cleaners made with all-natural products with refills that are packaged in recyclable “milk carton” type material to reduces our plastic waste to almost zero. I went with Clean Cult. Using their three step process, you can order a customized starter kit to suit your households needs, open and start using your new household cleaning products, and set up a refill schedule to be shipped to you without even having to tell them you’re running low. Couldn’t get much easier. The starter kit is delivered in fully-loaded glass bottles in either off-white or mosaic colors that contain lavender scented hand soap, lemon-grass scented dish soap, orange zest scented all purpose cleaner, 100% biodegradable lemon-grass dishwasher tablets, unscented biodegradable laundry tablets, wool dryer balls (lasting up to 1,000 dry cycles), and a lemon-grass scented natural bar soap made with sensitive skin in mind. If you have five bathrooms you can order 5 hand soap dispensers or if you have a kitchen and mother-in-law with a small kitchen you can order 2 sets of dish soap and all-purpose cleaners. I know people can be skeptical about all natural, plant-based cleaners. But I’m here to tell you that the signature, coconut-powered formula created by Clean Cult is the real deal. My dishes are left squeaky clean, my clothes are clean and fresh, and my house perpetually smells like a delicious mix of lavender, lemon-grass and orange zest.

Step 2: Transform your bathroom into bar heaven, soap bars to be specific. That’s right folks, I no longer have any plastic bottles in my shower. My friend Brittany (i.e. the OG Brittany) recommended Hi-Bar products and it was the best recommendation. It doesn’t matter what your hair type is, they have something for everyone: check out the “Find your HiBAR” to learn how to mix and match their products for your specific hair type. As a bonus, you can order a subscription tailored to your showering habits, their products arrive in compostable packaging, shipped in recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging to reduce plastic waste, and you can now avoid those pesky “3 oz. liquid limits for air travel”. After a little research, I was able to find a locally made facial bar soap made by Herbivoire Botanicals. Although some of their products are on the pricier side for skin care products, it’s well worth the expense with oodles of options depending on your skin type. Their products are created using natural ingredients: plant-based food-grade cold-pressed oils, steam distilled therapeutic-grade essential oils, GMO-free soy wax, and packaged in recyclable packaging. I’m currently only use the mineral-rich Cambrian Blue Clay which helps revitalize skin by improving the overall appearance of tone and texture, soothes and uplifts the senses with a blend of Lavender and Litsea oils to balance skin. Now I know what you’re thinking; what about tooth paste, shaving options and body wash. Well, it took some getting used to, but I’ve switched to toothpaste tablets by Well Earth Goods. Not only does this option get rid of the plastic toothpaste tubes, but the toothpaste tablet refills are shipped in biodegradable packaging. I found a handmade, PNW locally sourced bar soap at PCC to replace my bottled body wash.  Camamu, located in Portland, promotes its mission to create 100% natural skin care products through artisanal techniques. They carry a wide variety of products from bar body soaps, to shampoo and conditioner, men’s products, and even some specialty products for your favorite four-legged furry friend. I know we’re all used to the lather created by aerosolized shave creams, but as with everything else, I chose to switch to the Peppermint Shave Bar made by Rocky Mountain Soap Co. They use all natural, simple ingredients with a sustainability goal of becoming a zero-waste company. I replaced traditional “cotton balls” with reusable, washable bamboo pads; Q-tips were replaced by a gifted silicone reusable, washable swab (thanks Sio); and, although I was intimidated by the thought of a straight edged razor, I purchased a double edge safety razor with a bamboo handle. You don’t have to commit to all of these changes at once, but committing over time to reduce the amount single-use plastic products is a step in the right direction.

Step 3: Commit to bringing your reusable grocery bags (thanks mom and dad) with you every time you go to the grocery store. And I’m not just talking about the bag you pack all your groceries into, but also bringing reusable cotton produce bags. Yes, they weigh more than those single-use plastic bags, but you’re doing the environment a favor by limiting the number of bags going into the landfill. There are also cotton spice bag options for refilling your spice jars from the bulk section. 

Step 4: Use glass containers in your kitchen to store leftovers and packing lunches. Glass containers are more durable and there is less of a risk for potential exposure to chemicals commonly found in plastic Tupperware. 

Step 5: Understand your communities recycling, food waste and trash options. Although I wish recycling, composting and garbage were universally easy, I’m also a realist and understand that not every city or county are made equal. I have learned over the years that using the designated bins for their intended purpose is all about effort. It’s not always easy, but it is the right thing to do. I challenge everyone to “think globally, act locally”, don’t just throw something in the first available “waste container” because it’s the closest bin. The environment we all cherish so much and enjoy is counting on us to do better. Personal side note: I travel to the San Juan Islands often, and I’ve been known to “pack out” my compost and bring it home with me in a container because I couldn’t in good conscience throw my food scraps in the trash. 

This post is dedicated to all my friends and family to who have made the commitment to decrease the impact they have on the environment. Shout out to Natalie for asking me to write this post!!