August 2019 - Life of an Earth Muffin

My Tips for Scoring on Facebook Marketplace!

Posted on August 26, 2019January 16, 2024

Hey earth muffins! As many of you already know, I recently moved into an apartment for grad school… While I wrote an exhaustive list of everything to pack in a recent post, I surprisingly did not have everything on that list when I moved in. 🤔 Moving to campus this early is awesome because many students are just about to move out, which means Facebook Marketplace gets a lot more listings! My roommate and I were able to find some great deals on Marketplace (including a super nice dining room table for only $45!), so I wanted to share my top tips for scoring big with you all today! 🎉

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1. Only start looking when you are able to pick up/purchase – When I knew we were looking for certain pieces of furniture, I started looking on Facebook a week or so before we were set to move in. People will definitely not wait for you to pick things up and will just sell to someone else, so don’t even bother looking until you are able to get in the car and go get the goods.

2. Keep watching the “Recently Added” feed – People post things all throughout the day, so make sure you never miss a listing that you will be interested in!

3. Jump fast with offers– If you are even remotely interested in the listing, contact the seller as soon as possible! Getting some clarifying information will allow you to make a decision before the item is either sold or you buy it. If you know that you would like to buy it, immediately message the seller and ask them when they would like you to pick it up so that they don’t sell it to someone else!

4. Be wary of making counter offers – Items that are extremely popular, low-priced, or recently listed will sell quickly, so don’t even bother trying to get a discount… The seller will just give it to someone who is willing to pay full price! However, if the item has been on Facebook Marketplace for awhile feel free to do some negotiating!

5. If you message a seller and decide not to purchase, let them know! – This makes the selling process so much easier, so don’t be a ghost 👻

6. Don’t buy everything – There are definitely some amazing deals on Facebook Marketplace (I saw some lady selling a 50 piece Tupperware set for $5!!), but that doesn’t mean you should purchase it all. Especially if you are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, take care to think if a) you really need the item and if b) the item is built to last.

7. Make sure to clean everything – Just like I mentioned in my tips for thrift shopping post, wash/clean the items you purchase right away. These items are still secondhand and can be from someone’s basement, so make sure there is no dirt or dust before you bring it into your home. 😊

What have you bought off Facebook Marketplace?

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to Zero Waste Your Period ❣️

Posted on August 21, 2019August 5, 2024

Hey earth muffins! While my “How to Zero Waste Your [insert room here]” series was originally supposed to only focus on certain rooms of the home, I really wanted to write about periods today (don’t ask me why 😆). I have tackled everything from the laundry room to the kitchen in my “How to Zero Waste Your —” series, but periods happen every single month for 50% of the population… That is a lot of waste that can be avoided! Here are some great ways for you to mitigate your own waste during that time of the month:

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1. Menstrual cups – After going through the pros and cons of a menstrual cup here on Life of an Earth Muffin, I decided to purchase a Lena cup for Plastic Free July. If you read my Waste Audit at the end of the challenge, you will know that I struggled to get the cup to work for me… But menstrual cups are definitely one of the best options for a zero waste period! I am continuing to try out this cup, and I am extremely hopeful that I will be able to make the switch eventually. 😊

2. Reusable pads – Just like reusable diapers for babies, these cloth pads can be washed and washed again and again. 👍 Disposable pads are often filled with chemicals, which can make your period smell unpleasant (it isn’t actually supposed to smell ladies!). You can purchase these reusable pads on many websites, but Amazon and Etsy both have a bunch of options for cheap prices.

3. Herbal remedies – Medicines like Midol and Tylenol can be helpful during your period, but these lead to plastic waste. Try to incorporate more natural ways to reduce menstrual cramps – like these herbal remedies from Our Blue Ridge House. A DIY heating pad made from an old sock filled with rice is another great way to reduce period pain.

4. Period panties – While these are more expensive than the other options (as you will need to purchase a few pairs to last for your period), you might want to make the investment. 🤔 I don’t know if I would personally like to “free bleed”, but it definitely would give you the freedom to not have to worry about your period during that time of the month!

5. Reusable tampon applicators – This is obviously not completely zero waste as you would need to still use tampons, but reducing the plastic of an applicator per each tampon is definitely a win! 🎉 This is similar to a menstrual cup as you would need to wash/sanitize it after each use to keep it bacteria free.

How do you try to reduce your waste on your period?

Love,
Jenna ♥

10 Things I Don’t Buy Anymore ft. Low Waste Living

Posted on August 7, 2019July 30, 2024

Hey earth muffins! Ever since starting my journey towards living low/zero waste I have been making a lot of changes in my life. 😃 This has been an amazing experience for me, and it has definitely changed my life for the better. Today I wanted to share with you all some things that I have stopped buying “cold-turkey” because of this journey. Here are the things I don’t buy anymore! 🎉

A picture of a plant with the words Things I Don't Buy Anymore over it

1. Paper towels – As I’ve mentioned in both my How to Zero Waste Your Cleaning Supplies and How to Zero Waste Your Kitchen posts, I have replaced paper towels with rags and washcloths. This change was one of the first ones I made, as my mom gave me a ton of old washcloths that she was going to get rid of. 👌

2. Ziploc bags – The news is full of horror stories about plastic grocery bags, but Ziploc bags are used almost as much. Why do you need to use three bags for one packed lunch? To get around this I use Tupperware, reusable sandwich bags, and mason jars!

3. Plastic wrap – Instead of this disposable wrap try using Tupperware instead! I haven’t even thought about using plastic wrap since I stopped using it, which shows just how unnecessary it is. Pyrex makes some great containers (both glass and plastic), and you can also buy (or make!) some beeswax wrap. 😊

4. Q-tips – I used to use two Q-tips every night after I showered… And you aren’t really even supposed to use those to clean your ears! I briefly mentioned ear picks in my very first Living a Lower Waste Lifestyle 101, and I definitely recommend checking them out. Such a great alternative!

5. Clothes that aren’t second hand – I shouldn’t say I NEVER buy new clothes, but it is a very very rare occurrence. Thrift shopping is a new hobby of mine, and it is actually much easier than people think. Check out my top tips if you are new to the thrifting game!

6. Laundry detergent – I don’t buy laundry detergent after getting myself an EcoEgg instead. This little device lasts for over 200 washes(!!) before the pellets need to be replaced. Saves on plastic, is all-natural, and makes my clothes so clean!

Buy on Amazon for only $20!

7. Dryer sheets – I found myself some dryer balls at TJMaxx as I was starting my journey to sustainable living, and I love the fact that I don’t find the dryer sheets in random arm/leg holes because of all the static. 😝

8. Disposable toothbrushes – I guess I never really used disposable toothbrushes unless I was traveling due to the fact that I love my electric toothbrush… But now I just bring my electric one when I travel too!

9. Plastic water bottles – I have mentioned this is multiple Plastic Free July posts, but you should NEVER use plastic water bottles unless the water is unsafe to drink. End of story.

10. Snack foods – After falling in love with shopping in the bulk bins, there is really no reason to buy individually packaged snack foods. This has probably been the hardest switch for me as I love the junk foods that I have been eating for years, but I am slowly replacing all of them!