Month: February 2021

bookmark_borderHow to Use Nutritional Yeast in Your Plant Based Diet!

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Hey earth muffins! I’ve been a vegetarian for over a year now. With this diet shift, I had to learn about some new things to add to my grocery list. One of these things is nutritional yeast. This yellow powdery substance is an ingredient in a bunch of plant based recipes. Plus, it tastes super delicious! For those who have never heard of it or don’t use nutritional yeast often, I thought I would share a post today about it; let’s jump into this essential “how to use nutritional yeast” guide! 👩‍🍳

A picture of a hand holding a container of nutritional yeast

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Well, it is (obviously) a form of yeast. It is yellow and powdery and has a cheesy/nutty flavor when added into recipes. It is popular in plant based diets because it is rich with nutrients that might be lacking in vegetarian and vegan dishes. But, even if you aren’t on a fully plant based diet, using nutritional yeast can still benefit your diet!

According to WebMD, nutritional yeast is full of:
-Thiamine (B1)
-Riboflavin (B2)
-Pyridoxine (B6)
-Potassium
-Zinc
-All nine amino acids, making it a complete protein like those in animal products

Because nutritional yeast is also gluten and dairy free, it is great for people who have food sensitivities or allergies!

Where Can I Buy It?

At any grocery store! Bragg (known for their apple cider vinegar) sells it in containers that remind me of those green parmesan cheese ones… But other brands sell it as well. I personally buy it from the bulk bins at my local health food store. Shopping in bulk is a great way to reduce your waste at the grocery store, especially if you bring your own bags with you. The price per ounce (or pound or whatever measurement your store uses) might seem a bit high, but remember – it is super light so it is not expensive at all. I filled up a bag for $4 and it has lasted me a super long time! 😊

A picture of spoonful of nutritional yeast

How to Use Nutritional Yeast

There are so many ways you can use nutritional yeast in the kitchen. Obviously, you can use it in recipes that call for the ingredient. I have found that coating tofu in a mixture of nutritional yeast and corn starch before putting it in the air fryer is a great way to get the tofu extra crispy! I also recently made a delicous tofu scramble, where I used tofu, nutritional yeast, and turmeric to make “fake” scrambled eggs – so tasty! A lot of vegetarian or vegan reipes on Pinterest use this ingredient as a substitute for other things, so it is definitely a great staple to have on hand in your pantry. If you are interested in a post fully devoted to my favorite nutritional yeast recipes, let me know!

I also like to just sprinkled it in dishes, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it. This is perfect for things like mac n’ cheese, soup, or a sauce because you don’t even notice a change in taste! If I am having a rice bowl or roasted vegetables, I will add a sprinkle on top with my other spices just to get some extra nutrients in my meal. Because it has a cheesy flavor, you can think of using it like sprinkled cheese! 😍

How to Store Your Nutritional Yeast

If you buy it in a container, then just pop that into your pantry. When I buy it in bulk, I very carefully pour it from the reusable bag into a mason jar and then pop that into my pantry as well. I have heard of some people who store it in the fridge, but that isn’t necessary. When in the pantry, it should last for about two years! If you notice that it has started to turn a darker color or taste sour, then you should toss in the compost and buy more.

Overall, nutritional yeast is an awesome ingredient that I wish I knew more about before becoming a vegetarian. It has so many great nutrients in it AND the flavor is delicous. I definitely love cooking with it! Have you ever tried nutritional yeast?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderNatissy Reusable Paper Towels Review! An Easy Sustainable Swap

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Hey earth muffins! I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. I am officially done with busy season at work, so I am happy to have much more time to blog again. 🎉 For today’s post, I wanted to write a review of the Natissy reusable paper towels (affiliate link). If you are following me on Instagram, you would have seen that my parents bought me a few sustainable products for Christmas… Including these! I had been wanting to try out reusable paper towels, so I was excited that they gifted them to me. 😊 Swapping out your paper towels for reusable ones is such a great sustainable swap; let’s jump right into the Natissy paper towels review!

A picture of a roll of Natissy reusable paper towels sitting on the kitchen counter

What I Love About Natissy Reusable Paper Towels

First of all, it is awesome that I am preventing waste. Paper towels are single use items that seem to be in everyone’s home – such a waste! Before I had Natissy, I would use a huge stack of rags/washcloths whenever I needed to clean or wipe up a mess. This is obviously an easy thing to do, as most people have old cloth lying around too. Instead of tossing the paper towel into the trash, just wash with your clothes and reuse. Amazing and eco-friendly! Plus, so easy to start doing!

I also love that they can be rolled onto the wooden stand for convenience. They look exactly like a roll of typical paper towels! When my boyfriend and I moved in together over the summer, he refused to stop using paper towels. (Just an example of living with someone who isn’t as eco-friendly as you!) I still haven’t gotten him to budge on that (yet), so I store the Natissy stand right next to his paper towels. I am hopeful that he will realize just how easy it is to grab a Natissy towel from the stand instead of reaching for the single use item!

A picture of Natissy reusable paper towels next to typical paper towel at the kitchen sink

The fabric is 100% cotton, which makes the towels super absorbent. I was worried that they would get messed up in the washing machine, but I haven’t had any trouble so far. After washing, I hang them on a drying rack so that I don’t need to put them through the dryer. This saves energy as well. 😊 The washing machines in my apartment complex are a bit rough during the cycles, so I have found that the towels can wrinkle… Nothing an iron can’t fix! But, let’s be honest, I usually just leave them a little wrinkled because they are just paper towels after all. 😁

What To Improve On

The first thing I don’t like about this product is that you can’t remove the wooden dowel from the stand. Instead of being able to roll the towels anywhere, this limits you to doing it on the edge of a surface (see video below). This isn’t a huge issue, but I’ve seen other versions of “unpaper” towels that have removable dowels. I personally think that would be the better option.

Just like any sustainable review I do on this blog, I also wanted to bring up the price. On Amazon, a set of the stand and towels costs $44 (affiliate link). I personally don’t think I would buy these if I wasn’t gifted them by my parents; my box of rags/washcloths did the trick and it cost me $0! Many products advertise themselves as “zero waste” and “sustainable”, but it is sometimes better to just use what you already have. Sure, the Natissy stand looks great in my kitchen. But, you might want to opt for the less pretty (and cheaper) version.

Lastly, if you are using these towels to pick up dark liquids, they can stain. I haven’t had too many issues with this, but one towel is slightly darker now… This is just from the fact that the towels are a light color. I personally don’t care if my rags/washcloths/paper towels are stained. It just shows that they are being put to good use around your home! However, if that does bother you, then I would pick a brand of reusables that comes in darker shades.

Overall, I think reusuable paper towels are awesome! You don’t need to buy specific “unpaper” towels, like Natissy, if you already have other options at home. But, making the swap away from paper towels is a great way to reduce the waste in your kitchen! 🌎 ❤️

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Have a Zero Waste Mardi Gras (and Lent)!

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Hey earth muffins, happy Fat Tuesday! 😊 I can’t believe Lent starts tomorrow… Easter and spring are just around the corner! As a practicing Catholic, I’ve always loved to challenge myself during Lent to improve my life in some way. I gave up YouTube a few years ago, stopped going on social media another time – there are so many ways to push yourself! Fat Tuesday is a time to celebrate before Lent begins, so I thought it would be fun to share ways to have a zero waste Mardi Gras. I’ve never been one to party hard on this day, but there are still so many ways to enjoy the holiday! 🎉

A picture of Mardi Gras masks

~Avoid plastic party favors/beads!

Mister Corona is still (unfortunately) an issue, so most Mardi Gras parties, parades, etc. have been cancelled or moved online. But, if you find your housemates or family having a party to celebrate, avoid any type of plastic party favor. I think this goes for any party, as favors tend to get used for a few hours and then chucked in the trash. Plus, do you really need a plastic bead necklace to remember the memories you have?

~If you are drinking anything, choose glass (or metal cans).

I think it goes without saying that glass should be your first choice when it comes to purchasing beverages. Metal cans can usually be recycled curbside or returned to stores, but glass is always the best alternative. Avoid plastic containers as much as you can!

~Find a local shop to buy your Paczki

A picture of two paczki donuts and a glass of milk

Have you ever had a Paczki? These are a staple when celebrating a Polish Mardi Gras… Even if you aren’t Polish, these delicious donuts are usually only around for Fat Tuesday; make sure you get them before they are sold out. Word from the wise: pre-ordering is the way to go! 😊 I have personally found that the best paczki are made by local bakeries and donut shops. Many donut chains like Tim Hortons will make “paczki” on Mardi Gras, but they usually just taste like their typical filled donuts. A real paczki doesn’t taste exactly like a donut – plus, you can find some more unique (and traditional) filling flavors at local shops. Ask your local shop to only use a cardboard box when packaging, then compost or recycle it!

~Reduce your food waste – compost if needed!

Just as the name implies, Fat Tuesday is often about eating a lot of food; some people take the name a little too literally. I guess maybe they are preparing for the fasting on Ash Wednesday? Regardless if you decide to eat a lot or not, make sure you are consciously trying to cut back on food waste! I’ve written a post all about my top tips for reducing food waste at home, so give that a read if you haven’t already! A zero waste Mardi Gras should be one where there isn’t extra wasted food lying around. If you do find yourself with extra paczki, make sure you 1) give it to someone who will eat it or 2) compost it! I can honestly say the best decision I made in 2020 was to start composting in my apartment – I’ve saved SO much waste from going to the landfill!

~Think of an eco challenge for yourself this Lent!

Sure, Lent is a religious thing but I’ve always tried to do extra “challenges” to improve my daily life as well. If you are feeling up for it, try to think of an eco-friendly goal you would like to do from Mardi Gras to Easter. This could be decluttering, adopting a few new eco swaps, or volunteering for our planet! My boyfriend and I have decided to do a (modified) “Less is More” challenge. Every day of Lent we will be picking one new item to donate. I’ve decluttered a lot since my eco journey began. But, it will be awesome to pass on more items to someone who will use it more.

A picture of zero waste shopping with jars and loose vegetables

~Try not to eat meat the WHOLE Lenten season

Most Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent. (As a vegetarian, this is definitely not something I need to worry about this year haha.) If you still eat meat, an awesome Lent goal could be to stop eating meat the whole 30 days! The meat industry is horrible for the planet; this is a great way to reduce your impact on the earth for a month or so. Plus, if you have been thinking about becoming a vegetarian, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try! Who knows, you might absolutely love it and make the switch completely. 😍 All in all, there are so many ways to make your Mardi Gras zero waste. Here’s to the upcoming growth we shall see during this Lenten season!

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderReview: Native Deodorant in Cucumber Mint, with a PLASTIC FREE Tube!

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Hey earth muffins! It’s your girl coming at you with another review today! 😍 I personally have had a love-hate relationship with natural deodorants since I started my eco journey. If you have been following me for some time, you have seen me review deodorants from Pretty Frank before. In the world of natural deodorants, there are so many different kinds to choose from. Baking soda, zinc, why are there so many options? I’ve never found the “perfect” one yet, so when I saw that Native came out with a plastic free natural deodorant, I scooped it up right away. Let’s jump into my Native deodorant review! 🎉

A picture of plastic free Native deodorant in Cucumber melon

What I’m Loving About Native Deodorant

Obviously the first thing I need to mention is that this deodorant is plastic free – amazing! Some natural deodorants (like Tom’s of Maine) still come in plastic containers, so it is difficult to buy them because I feel bad about the plastic. I think it is extremely innovative (and awesome!) that Native was able to create a deodorant container that very closely resembles a “typical” one… But avoid all plastic in the process! I love to support sustainable companies, so I am super happy about the plastic free line that Native carries. However, not all Native deodorants are plastic-free so make sure you carefully look at what you are buying!

One thing that usually turns people off to natural deodorant is that it isn’t an antiperspirant… Which means you will still sweat. In addition, if you are making the switch from aluminum deodorant to natural, you might experience an armpit detox… Never fear, I have a list of tips to make this process nice and easy! I’ve found that, out of all the natural kinds I have tried, this brand keeps me from sweating the most. While I will obviously experience some dampness if I am hot or working out, I don’t notice this happening much. Plus, the deodorant works amazing! I purchased the Cucumber Melon scent after hearing one of my favorite sustainable influencers talk about how it is her favorite; and it smells so good! The Native plastic free line has 5 different scents, but I might just have to stick to this one when I’m repurchasing. 😊

A picture of the top of plastic free Native deodorant

With this natural deodorant coming in its own tube, I LOVE that I don’t have to stick my fingers in a jar to apply it every morning. Instead of a plastic roller at the bottom to push up the product as you use it, this innovative design has a cardboard piece that can be pushed up. It reminds me of those push up pops I used to eat as a kid! 😂 Not having to get my fingers dirty to apply my deodorant in the morning is super helpful in making my morning routine quicker and easier. Perfect for busy work days!

The last positive I will mention about this product is that the plastic free Native deodorants are basically the SAME price as the plastic Native ones. 🎉 In a world where we often see upcharges for sustainable products, I love that I can opt for the eco-friendly verison without spending more money. At Target and on their online store, the difference is only $1. I hope this gets other people to try the plastic free version too!

What Could Be Improved On

This Native deodorant review wouldn’t be complete without a few negatives… I think the first thing to mention is that the paper “push up pop” can sometimes be finicky. I’ve found that you sometimes need to hold it in place as you apply your deodorant. This isn’t a huge issue for me, but it is different than applying your “typical” deodorant.

A picture of the push up part of plastic free Native deodorant

Again, I always like to briefly mention the price. It is $12.99 at Target or $11 if you subscribe on the Native website for a new stick every 3 months… Seems pretty pricey to some. But, I think it is so important to stop using aluminum deodorants – it is so bad for you! If you stop using the cheap, aluminum filled brands, then why not spend that extra dollar to get a plastic free version? I’ve personally seen more expensive natural ones, so I think the price is worth it. 😊

Last but not least, I don’t like that they don’t sell the plastic free version on Amazon. While I try to limit my Amazon purchasing (because shop small and local as much as you can y’all!), I know that many people rely on it for a lot of their shopping. So, by not having the plastic free version on there, you are limiting access to people who might want to give it a try. As someone who loves this product, I highly suggest trying it out! Thanks for reading my Native deodorant review! 😍 What deodorant are you currently using?

Plastic free Native deodorant review pinterest pin
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Celebrate a Zero Waste Valentine’s Day

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Hey earth muffins! It is crazy to think that Valentine’s Day is almost here! 😍 I love spoiling my friends and family with candy and cards, and it is the first year my boyfriend and I have been together on actual Valentine’s Day (thanks a lot long distance). Plus, February 15th marks the end of my busy season at work… So, I’ve been counting down the days to this holiday! 😊 In the spirit of sustainability, I thought now would be the perfect time to share some ways you can celebrate while still being kind to the planet. Here is my list on how you can celebrate a zero waste Valentine’s Day. Let’s get started!

Bake some zero waste goodies!

A picture of two hands holding a heart cookie

You need some kind of tasty treat for Valentine’s Day. It’s basically a proven fact of life. How can you celebrate a day of love without treating your stomach to something sugary? There are plenty of options to do some zero waste baking. Make your favorite cookie recipe. I personally love to make heart sugar cookies with adorable sprinkles. 🍪 Attempt making homemade truffles or chocolate bars. I tried this over Christmas and it wasn’t too difficult (but it does take some time). Or treat yourself (and your loved ones) to candy from the bulk bins! While you are baking, make sure to think about how you can reduce any food waste. I personally like to compost any leftovers!

Have a romantic movie marathon

It seems like during this pandemic my boyfriend and I have been watching a lot of TV/movies… But, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to put on your favorite rom coms! If I would have to pick, I think my favorites would be:

–10 Things I Hate About You
–The Princess Bride
–A Cinderella Story
(affiliate links)

I personally would throw a few Disney movies in a romantic movie marathon as well. 😉 I suggust:

–Tangled (the lantern scene will forever be my favorite scene of any movie!)
–The Princess and the Frog (watch this for the romance of Ray and Evangeline… This is the only Disney movie that has ever made me cry)

Once you have indulged yourself in some romantic movies, you can totally get a little freaky. 😚 (It is Valentine’s Day after all.)

Make homemade Valentines!

A picture of a bunch of homemade valentines cards

Who doesn’t love getting a card in the mail? In the spirit of spreading kindness and cheer on this day, I suggest making a bunch of valentines. Use whatever craft supplies you have around the house – get creative! You can give these to your partner, friends, family, neighbors, even yourself! I personally think this is a great time to support Cards for Hospitalized Kids too. This organization accepts cards for any holiday and distributes them to kids in the hospital. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I made a batch of valentines this year…. I urge you to do the same! 😍 Give a little love to those who truly need it most!

Have a stay at home date night

Most couples head out for Valentine’s Day, but, due to Mister Corona, that is not going to be the case this year. I say embrace it – recreate what you would have done! Put on your fanciest dress, do your hair, throw on some makeup. Order food from your favorite local establishment (support small business!), pour some wine, turn on some smooth jazz, and have a great dinner in. You don’t need a date for this either; treat yourself to an amazing meal because you deserve it!

Celebrate your love by having some deep conversations

Valentine’s Day is a great day to reflect on your relationship with your partner. Deep conversations can sometimes be difficult to start, but they are so worth it! You should always be growing as a couple, so take time to talk about what could improve in your relationship. I’ve always found setting goals to be super helpful, so I encourage you all to do the same. 🙂 If you aren’t in a relationship, you can still have deep conversations with yourself. Think about where you want to be in life and make a plan on how to get there! A zero waste Valentine’s Day is not complete without a little self love. ❤️ How will you be celebrating this year?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Volunteer to Save the Planet (Even During a Pandemic!)

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Hey earth muffins! Do you volunteer?? I think any sort of volunteering is a great way to “walk the talk” when it comes to a green, low-waste lifestyle. It is one thing to share eco tips on a blog or Instagram account; but, it is even better to get out there and do the work yourself! 😊 Not only does it help Mother Earth, but, after volunteering, I promise you will feel amazing about yourself and your hard work. Even in the midst of a pandemic where some opportunities have been shut down, there is always something you can do. Here are my top suggestions on how to volunteer in 2021 – get excited to help the earth! 🌎❤️

A picture of a man volunteering at a beach clean up

Check out your local river clean up options!

The city I live in does a massive river clean up each year. Due to Mister Corona, this year it took shape as a “come when you can” event that lasted multiple weeks. Instead of one day of hard work, the work was split up by volunteers who could come when they had time. I think this is an amazing option, as it still helps the river but allows volunteers to avoid spreading germs. If you live near any large rivers, lakes, or waterways, see if there are any local events coming up near you! While it is February (and many places are just ice right now), most organizations will set the date for clean ups many months in advance. This is the perfect opportunity to get it on your calendar now so that there is no way you will miss it! 😊

Volunteer for your own clean up!

Who said you need to volunteer with another organization? Especially if you are scared to catch any germs being around others, this might be the better option. Pick something rewarding:

~ Carry a trash bag with you on a walk and pick up litter in your neighborhood. Some people enjoy “plogging“, which is picking up trash as you do your daily jog. 😍
~ Gear up and clean out a pond or river or beach or park. Pick a place you love to spend time at and make it better for its other patrons!

I personally love this option because it is totally up to you on what to clean up.

Do some gardening at a community garden.

While this might be unrealistic for those of us with freezing cold weather right now, your community might still have gardens in greenhouses! Or, check out local composting services and see if you can be any help to them. Gardening is such a great way to be one with the earth, and it feels great to dig around in some dirt every once in awhile. 🐛 If you can’t find any community gardens near you, try making some plans for growing your own garden when the weather is warm again! This will allow you to 1) grow your own food and 2) share the excess with those around you.

A picture of two hands planting a plant in a garden

Go out and take some photos for your local parks!

Did you know that many nature organizations are always looking for photos to include in their advertising? I would do some research of local orgs and email/call to see if this is something they would be interested in. Then, take some cool shots in your favorite places and send them over! Not only is it awesome if your photo is used, but it helps save nonprofits money that they would have spent otherwise. Now they can use that money towards something good for the planet!

Volunteer by planting some trees 🌳

Look up tree planting in your community – you might find some awesome groups that do this often! If you don’t want to actually plant the tree yourself, consider saving some money aside or starting a fundraiser for an organization that does the actual planting. For those who really don’t want to put in any effort, switch your search engine to Ecosia! The ad revenue from using this browser goes to planting trees all over the world – already 117 million trees have been planted just by people doing what they usually do on Google. 😍 Such an easy way to make a difference!

Spread the word about sustainable living!

The last “how to volunteer” suggestion I can give is to share and preach sustainable living everywhere you go! As I mentioned in my post about why you should go green in 2021, one person CAN make an impact… So just imagine if that one person turns into two and then four, etc. Just talking to people about simple sustainable swaps can go a long way; or you could make an eco-Insta page or start a blog like Life of an Earth Muffin. 😊 Your voice is powerful – make it heard!

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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