bookmark_borderHow to Recycle Davids Natural Toothpaste METAL Tube

Hey earth muffins! Back in January, I wrote a review post about Davids Natural Toothpaste. This product comes in a metal tube (affiliate link), which is incredible for us eco-friendly folks! Plus, the toothpaste itself is awesome; my teeth feel clean and look so white from the baking soda. 😊 My first tube of this toothpaste ran out a few weeks ago, so I thought I would share how to recycle it. You obviously can’t just throw the tube in the recycle bin with leftover paste inside… So this post will take you through all the steps to recycle your Davids natural toothpaste correctly. Let’s jump right into it!

A picture of a finished tube of Davids natural toothpaste

Can it all be recycled?

The tube is metal which can be recycled at most recycling centers. However, make sure you know your local recycling center rules! “Wishcycling” something that can’t actually be processed by the site can cause problems for the whole batch of recycling… Definitely a no-no when trying to recycle properly! So, make sure you know what your local center accepts.

According to the Davids natural toothpaste website, the toothpaste cap is made from Symbol #2 plastic. Again, this may or may not be accepted by your local recycling center. It is recyclable where I live, which allowed me to recycle both the tube and cap! 🎉 Like I mentioned in the review post, the toothpaste also comes with a metal key that rolls up the tube and ensures you get everything out of it. This is made of the same metal as the tube, which means you will probably be able to recycle it as well. However, I decided to keep mine; it seems like it will be useful for other products too!

How to Recycle Your Davids Natural Toothpaste Tube

Step 1: Unroll the tube of toothpaste and take off the key. Take some scissors and cut off both ends of the tube. At the top of the tube near the cap, try to cut as close to the top as possible.

A picture of Davids toothpaste, where to cut when recycling

Step 2: Cut a long slit up the length of the toothpaste tube. Be careful! The tube is metal, so you don’t want to cut yourself by accident. Once you have made the cut, carefully open up the metal to reveal the extra toothpaste inside.

A picture of Davids toothpaste tube cut open with toothpaste still inside

Step 3: Once it has been cut open, you should have four pieces: the long metal piece, the bottom sliver, the top part, and the plastic cap. Wash all of these pieces out in the sink. My kitchen sink has a spray attachment, which was super helpful for getting in those hard to reach areas! Make sure you get all of the toothpaste off, as dirty metal can also contaminate a recycling batch.

A picture of Davids toothpaste cut open and cleaned

Step 4: Now that the tube is clean, I placed the small bottom sliver into the large metal piece and folded it in half again. This will make sure the bottom piece gets recognized as metal at the recycling plant. Lastly, place everything into the recycling bin and bust out your next tube of Davids natural toothpaste (affiliate link). Congrats, you successfully recycled!

Overall Thoughts

I was so excited to find this toothpaste in metal. Sure, it takes a few minutes to get it ready for the recycling bin; but, it is amazing that a product like this exists! 🌎 ❤️ I will definitely continue to buy it because it allows me to reduce my landfill waste and opt for something much more eco-friendly. Plus, the toothpaste itself works really well too! Overall, I hope you all make the swap and use this post as a guide to recycle the tube correctly. Thanks for reading!

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Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderSmart Ways to Save Energy at Home While Living a Healthy & More Sustainable Lifestyle

There are many ways to save energy while living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. From small things to huge investments, conserving energy is an excellent way to help the environment and save money on energy bills. Here are some of the best ways to save energy in your home:

A picture of energy on the top of a house

Insulate Your House

Did you know that the difference between the exterior and interior temperature affects the air conditioner and the electricity bill? The cold breeze you want to enjoy in your house will cost you more because most of it finds its way outside. Make sure that your home is well insulated to save money on energy bills and reduce your impact! Additionally, check your air conditioning ducts to see if they are faulty, blocked, or disconnected. A faulty duct cannot move cool air through your home as excellently as it is supposed to do. This means that you will pay more for air that is escaping. I suggest getting the system fixed by professionals such as 24 Hour AC Repair.

Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Consider replacing the most energy-intensive appliances with better, efficient energy models. This will help you cut your energy cost by almost half! If you decide to buy an appliance, try to compare the cost of buying to its annual functioning cost. Remember that energy-efficient appliances might have a higher purchase price, but their operating costs are usually lower. Also, when purchasing these energy-efficient appliances, check for energy star labels. This is a guarantee that the product will consume less energy when in use than when on standby!

Use LED Lights

LED lights have the potential to change the future of global lighting. Most LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent lighting. Buying LED lights can be costly; however, the energy efficiency and high durability tend to make up for the extra costs. Make sure that you replace the old incandescent bulbs with LED to save energy.

Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water!

Today, detergents work the same way in both hot and cold water. And by just switching from hot to cold and reducing the average loads per week, you will be able to cut on energy costs. You can use hot water only when you want to disinfect your clothes; however, I have found that using tap cold makes your clothing last longer too.

Use Natural Light

Instead of turning on the lights during the day, open your curtains and use sunlight! Such an easy way to save energy. Alternatively, you can make the most out of the sunlight using bright décor ideas, like tactically placing mirrors on the wall. Additionally, whenever you leave a room, make sure that you turn off the lights. Make this a habit, and you can save a lot of money on your monthly energy bills.

Try Solar Power

Using solar-powered systems can significantly reduce your energy bills and save you money. Having solar panels means that your home will be using the sun to provide electricity at all times, except during rainy seasons. You will only have to pay for electricity when the sun is not shining or during thunderstorms.

The Bottom Line

There are many other ways of saving energy at home. For instance, you can install energy-efficient windows, use a smart meter, unplug unused devices and spend less time in the shower. The above energy-saving tips will help you save money on energy bills, increase your property’s value, and protect the environment, hence reducing your carbon footprint. Give it a try!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderWhy I Love My Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket: A Review!

Hey earth muffins! Today I have another sustainable product review for you all. Bearaby, an eco-friendly weighted blanket company, was kind enough to send me one of their blankets to test out. This “Tree Napper” blanket not only has an adorable name, but is also such a great weighted blanket! Before I get into the Bearaby review, I want to quickly discuss some benefits. Weighted blankets are totally underrated in my opinion; I definitely want to share my thoughts with you all! 😊

A picture of a Bearaby Tree Napper weighted blanket on the couch

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

According to the Bearaby weighted blanket guide, using a “heavy” blanket increases melatonin and serotonin while reducing cortisol. Melatonin helps us sleep; serotonin is nicknamed the “happy hormone”. Cortisol is our main stress hormone, which can cause us anything from low energy to anxiety depending on how much is in our body. With increased levels of these “good” hormones and decreased cortisol, the result is less stress, better sleep, and more joy. Other benefits range from alleviating anxiety to supporting the elderly as they sleep!

I’ve personally heard many great things about weighted blankets for anxiety and insomnia before I heard about Bearaby. I have shared my personal experiences with anxiety on this blog from time to time, so I was excited to try out a blanket that could ease my mind at night! If you are interested in learning more about weighted blankets outside of this Bearaby review, I highly suggest checking out their guide, as they cover many details for anyone interested.

What I Love About My Bearaby Blanket

A picture of a Bearaby weighted blanket in its cloth bag packaging

Obviously, I love that this is a sustainable company! I specifically picked their cooling weighted blanket because it is made of a material called Tencel. This biodegradable fabric is awesome – I will be discussing more about it in the section below. Like other reviews, you all know I love to talk about packaging… And Bearaby’s did not disappoint! The blanket itself came in a huge cardboard box which I was able to recycle. Inside the box it is wrapped in a cloth bag that can be used to transport it around later (especially when moving). The blanket was tied up like a cute cinnamon roll – they used a scrap piece of fabric to secure it together. So great that plastic was avoided!

The weight is also perfect in my Tree Napper. Bearaby recommends that you pick a blanket that is 10% your body weight. I weigh 115 pounds, but the lowest weight you can get is 15 pounds. When I got it, I was a bit concerned that it would feel too heavy… But it doesn’t at all! I typically sleep on my back (like a vampire as my boyfriend says), so adding an extra blanket was no problem. I’d like to also note that the weight is evenly distributed and didn’t get moved around in the washing machine. I can assume cheaper quality blankets have issues with the weight getting messed up.

A picture of a Bearaby weighted blanket rolled up

How Bearaby’s Tree Napper Blanket Helps Me Sleep

This Tree Napper blanket keeps me the perfect temperature. I feel like people assume a weighted blanket makes you hotter in bed. But, I have found it keeps me at a great body heat. This specific Bearaby blanket is designed for cooling at night, so if you are a hot sleeper I would suggest trying this one out! 😴 I personally would rather be colder than hot, so it is perfect for me!

The best part about my Bearaby blanket is that it helps my anxiety. I’ve always been an anxious person; I tend to wake up in the morning with my mind racing with work to-dos. Since I started using the Tree Napper, my mind isn’t racing as much in the mornings. While I still have certain days where it does happen, I’m amazed that a blanket can help with my anxiety! Definitely had to mention that in this Bearaby review.

What is Tencel?

A picture of Bearaby Tencel fabric

Like I mentioned above, I love this blanket because it is made from a material called Tencel. According to the material description on Bearaby,

“Made from natural eucalyptus fibers, TENCEL™ Lyocell is silky soft, with a lustrous sheen and smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel. Made from sustainably grown Eucalyptus pulp using no irrigation or chemical fertilizers, Tencel is 100% biodegradable and the most sustainable fabric on earth. It’s more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen.”

https://bearaby.com/products/tree-napper

In my own research, Good on You labels it as “good” on the sustainability scale because it requires less energy and water than cotton. It is also white when produced, which requires less dye in the production process. Overall, I love that this blanket is ethical and sustainable!

Things To Improve On

A Bearaby review post would not be complete without me mentioning the price. As I say in many of my sustainable product reviews, it is pricier than the average product. The Tree Napper costs $269, which can seem high when shopping around for weighted blankets. However, this is a high quality product that is made with biodegradable materials. They have slighly cheaper blankets ($249) and ones for kids that are only $149. I’m always willing to pay a little bit more for a product that is made by a company that truly cares about the planet… But I just had to mention the price for those who are a bit more budget conscious!

I think it is also good to mention that a weighted blanket, in general, can be hard to wash. My apartment complex only has top-loading washing machines with agitators in the middle. Even on the permanent press cycle, the blanket still managed to get itself wrapped around the pole – it took me quite some time to remove it from the washer! 😆 While not the fault of Bearaby at all, just be warned that a weighted blanket can be a challenge in the laundry room.

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Overall, I absolutely love my Tree Napper weighted blanket! The Tencel fabric is sustainable and awesome, and I love that it helps me with my anxiety. While it is on the pricier side, I always suggest paying more for a product that will last. Much better than buying cheaply made items that will end up in the landfill after a few years. I am excited to continue using this product and highly recommend you all check out Bearaby as well! Have you ever tried a weighted blanket? Thanks for checking out my Bearaby review!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderWill the Startling COVID Pandemic Stop the Sustainability Movement?

Hey earth muffins! It is hard to believe that the pandemic has been going on for over a year now. With Mister Corona impacting everyone’s lives, we saw many changes to our world. Some good: less car traffic, more working from home, spending time with family in lockdown, getting the chance to evaluate what we want our lives to be. Others were not so good: increased takeout waste, single use masks and other pandemic gear, stores increasing the amount of single use plastics on their products. With these changes, it is hard not to think about how the eco movement will be impacted once the pandemic is over. Will COVID stop the sustainability movement?

A mask thrown on the ground after the pandemic

Why The Eco Movement is Here to Stay

For many earth muffins, it has been difficult to be as eco-friendly during the pandemic. Bulk stores aren’t open or do not allow reusables. Grocery stores don’t allow reusable bags. There is an increase is plastics (and single-use plastic) in packaging for products and takeout. However, I do not think the pandemic will stop the sustainability movement.

Those who cared about the sustainability movement before will care after.

Firstly, people who were dedicated before the pandemic will go back to their eco ways after it. The pandemic is only a short term roadblock. I personally think that many of these people, myself included, will be more eco-friendly after. I will be more passionate after the pandemic because I realize how much I miss using my reusables! Even in terms of avoiding germs, it seems a lot better to be the only person to touch my reusable bag versus many people touching the plastic/paper bag during checkout. If you take a look at my list of top sustainability influencers, no one has stopped caring about the planet because of the pandemic!

New folks will be joining the cause!

I am also hopeful that our time in lockdown has introduced new people to the eco movement. The increase in single use items (from utensils to masks) has made it obvious that we are trashing our planet. How often do you see a mask lying on the side of the road? In my walks around the city, I see quite a few. I am hoping other people take notice of the influx in single use items… And want to reduce their impact. Sounds like a new earth muffin to me!

A couple on the couch watching Netflix

In addition, many of us have been spending a lot of time in lockdown. With all this free time, many people are watching Netflix, reading, and spending time online. I am hopeful that people have stumbled upon an eco documentary or one of my favorite books on sustainability or articles about pollution online. Plus, when people are bored they often find things to get angry, annoyed, or opinionated about… Maybe the sustainability movement will be this new topic for some folks!

It helped identify the companies that actually care about the sustainability movement.

As I discussed in my post about greenwashing, many companies pretend to care about the planet. Once the pandemic hit, many brands quickly switched back to their old ways. While they might have done this in fear to stay afloat, it definitely shows that they don’t care enough about the planet to stick with their sustainable goals in a world crisis. This reduces the amount of greenwashing research you have to do when deciding if you want to support the company or not. It is important to support companies that still care about Mother Earth during the pandemic.

To summarize, I do not think the COVID pandemic will stop the progress we have made in the sustainability movement. There have definitely been challenges from single use masks to increased plastic on foods that don’t need it. But, those who cared about the sustainability movement will continue to care (even more so) once the pandemic has settled down. With extra time to discover and learn, we might have some new earth muffins too! Lastly, the pandemic has helped us identify which companies to support after; the eco movement isn’t going anywhere!

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Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA WorldFinds Haul and Review: Remarkable Fair Trade Spring Jewelry

Hey earth muffins! It is super exciting that spring is finally here! 🌷 Warm weather and sunshine means busting out my capris and spring accessories for the changing season. When the cold, sweater weather goes away, I like to start wearing jewelry I haven’t been wearing for a few months. Scrolling through Instagram, I recently came across a brand called WorldFinds. Their pieces are gorgeous and perfect for spring! I was recently gifted a few of their items, so I wanted to share my spring jewelry haul and WorldFinds review with you all today. Plus, I have a discount code to save you money!

What is WorldFinds?

I am excited to be working with this brand because they value three things: people, the planet, and purpose. Their jewelry creates work for 700 artisans in India; each purchase provides food and education for the artisan’s family as they earn a living wage in safe working conditions. WorldFinds is also eco-friendly, which is perfect for us earth muffins! Jewelry is created from a material called “Kantha”, which is repurposed, recycled fabric from furniture factories and saris. I personally love that each piece of jewelry is different because of this – every single piece will be unique and just for you! 😊 Lastly, I love that this brand empowers women. It is woman-owned and empowers its artisans through fair trade. I think this company has amazing values and acts on their beliefs. If you are interested in buying from their website, make sure to use the code “earthmuffin25” to get 25% your order! 🎉

My Package of WorldFinds Spring Jewelry!

A picture of a WorldFinds box, with jewelry wrapped in tissue paper

Before jumping into the haul, this WorldFinds review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the packaging. First off, it came in a cardboard box which I was able to recycle. The pieces are wrapped up in adorable tissue paper and each one comes in a reusable jewelry bag. Instead of stuffing the remaining space with something like packing peanuts, the box was filled with brown paper. I have set the cute tissue paper and this brown paper aside and will use it for wrapping gifts for family and friends. Yay for reusing packing materials!

Each jewelry piece was attached to its tag with a piece of brown string instead of plastic – such a great swap! I love to see companies finding alternatives to plastic, so this made me quite happy. The tags describe how to take care of your jewelry and also include a picture of the artisan that made your pieces. It gives a nice personal touch to your fair trade jewelry!

A picture of a WorldFinds artisan tag, showcasing the artisan who made the jewelry

The Classic Kantha Necklace – $24

The first item I was gifted is their classic Kantha necklace. This necklace is a strand of colorful beads with a cute little tassel on the chain extender. I love how it is such a statement piece! Once the pandemic is over, I can see myself wearing this to work with a monochromatic top and a black pencil skirt.

A picture of a girl wearing a classic Kantha Worldfinds necklace

I also love that this necklace is versatile. Because it has a chain extender, you can wear it at any length. If you aren’t feeling a necklace, you can also style this as a bracelet or anklet. I personally love to wear anklets when I’m wearing my Birkenstocks; so you will definitely see me rocking this gorgeous piece all spring and summer!

Dream Kantha Connection Bracelet – $15

I love a good bracelet, and this one is special because it reminds me to dream! WorldFinds has two bracelet collections that I absolutely love. This Dream one is part of the Kantha Connection collection, where each of the 12 bracelets is a different color to channel different energies. From “Growth” to “Creativity”, these bracelets remind you of these things. I personally chose the Dream bracelet to remind myself to think big, perserve, and accomplish amazing things whenever I wear it. The Cause Connection collection allows you to support 12 different charities by buying a bracelet to “Restore” or “Teach”. 15% of the bracelet sales are donated to the charity each bracelet is assigned, which is a great way to give back and get a gorgeous spring piece of jewelry.

A picture of a WorldFinds dream bracelet from their Kantha Connection collection

This bracelet is super cute! The beads are on a stretchy cord which allows you to easily take it on or off. I personally love that it is on a stretchy cord because I have a small wrist. It is sometimes a struggle for me to find a bracelet that doesn’t dangle and annoy me. 😅 I’m also a huge fan of the colors on my Kantha beads, which I had to mention in this WorldFinds review. I have quite a few navy pieces in my closet, so I will get a lot of use from this bracelet!

Mini Kantha Hoops – $18

A picture of WorldFinds mini hoop earrings

The last piece in this WorldFinds review are these adorable mini hoops. My relationship with earrings has evolved over the years. In high school, I used to wear a ton of different types, but when I went off to college I exclusively wore diamond studs or no earrings at all. I mentioned this back in 2019 in my low waste jewelry collection post. I am hoping to ease myself back into wearing more styles this spring and summer; so, I thought these hoops would be the perfect place to start! I think they are such a perfect size for my ear. I’ve found that some hoops only look good with a certain hairstyle, but I can definitely wear these will my hair up or down. The Kantha colors are super vibrant and perfect for spring… I might just have to wear these to Easter dinner this year!

Overall Thoughts on this WorldFinds Review

I think this company has great, affordable pieces that support both artisans and the planet. How could you not check out their website?! Plus, if you use the code “earthmuffin25” you will receive 25% off your order – such a steal for fair trade products! I will for sure be wearing these pieces all spring long. The necklace will most likely be worn as an anklet until I actually go back to the office to work. My ears will (finally) see earrings that aren’t just studs, and I hope to remind myself to dream whenever I wear my new bracelet. I am such a supporter of reusing and repurposing, so I love these Kantha pieces! 😍 Will you be purchasing anything from WorldFinds?

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Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA New Addition to my Plant Family – Moss Amigos Review!

Hey earth muffins! If you follow my Instagram, you have seen that I bought myself a Moss Amigo back in February. This was a Christmas gift to myself, as these marimo moss balls are so cute! During the holiday, I went home for a month or so to be with family. My boyfriend was given the responsibility to take care of my plants… And he killed 3 of them (an unfortunate incident with our radiator). 🙄 RIP Harold, Petunia, and Patricia. Because this little guy has been in my plant family for a while, it’s the perfect time for a post about him. Let’s jump right into this Moss Amigos review!

A picture of a Moss Amigos moss ball in a glass jar on a window sill

What I Love About my Moss Amigo

The first thing I like about my moss ball is that he adds a bit of “flavor” to my plant shelf. All of my other plants are in pots and planters, including the DIY planter I upcycled; he is unique in his adorable glass jar. I’ve never had a plant that grows in water before too, so it adds a new vibe to the greenery in my apartment! Plus, you can add whatever you want to the bottom of the jar. You can buy different rocks and gems on the website, but you could totally customize this with seashells you find at the beach, etc. He looks adorable sitting on my window sill! 😍

I also love that I am supporting a small business! While this brand isn’t necessarily “sustainable”, I was happy to support it after randomly finding their page on my Instagram. I believe the brand went semi-viral on TikTok a couple of months after I received mine in the mail. Glad I didn’t have to wait when they were swamped with orders!

Taking care of a Moss Amigos is also super easy. While my other plants don’t require a lot of effort, this moss ball is easier still. All you need to do is keep it in a place with indirect sun and then change the water every 2 or 3 weeks. I’ve been replacing the water every 2 weeks, but I probably could wait longer. The water hasn’t gotten cloudy or anything like that, which means my moss ball is thriving! According to the Moss Amigos website, if taken care of properly these algae can last over 200 years!!

It is also easy to tell if your moss ball isn’t doing well. If they are getting too much sun, the ball will get specs of white. If it turns slightly brown, it isn’t getting enough sun. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher what is going wrong in a plant when it starts to change color. It is really helpful (especially for someone who isn’t the best with plants) to know exactly what the discoloration means. Definitely a positive in this Moss Amigos review!

A picture of a Moss Amigos with a cowboy hat on

Other Things I Like!

I also like that you can buy hats for your moss ball! If you need to put it in direct sun for some reason, just pop its cowboy hat on to give it some shade. Or, just put on the hat for a photo shoot… Which is definitely something I have done. 😅 I think it is freaking adorable that one of my plants has a custom hat. It adds such a cute touch!

Lastly, the fact that this is a moss ball gives you a lot of creative freedom with the name. I love looking at the Moss Amigos story on Instagram because they share stories from people with the names they give their plant. While Bob Moss was a close contender, I decided to name my little guy Mosstin Ames. Yes, after the classic A Cinderella Story character. 😊

What Could Be Better with my Moss Amigos

As I mentioned above, this company isn’t really “sustainable”… But I can’t have a Moss Amigos review on this blog without mentioning packaging. This little guy came packaged in a cardboard box; but, there were plenty of plastics inside (including the pouch Mosstin was wrapped in!). I can’t knock this too much because the brand isn’t trying to be that eco-friendly, but I thought I would still bring it up.

While I think the hats are adorable, you can also argue that they are wasteful and unnecessary. I do agree that, in theory, they can be wasteful. But, if you keep your Moss Amigo for as long as it lives, then that hat will be useful that whole time as well. I personally get very attached to my plants, so I know Mosstin and his hat will be a feature in my apartment/home for many years to come!

The rise in popularity of marimo moss balls is also creating an issue with zebra mussels. This invasive species is attaching itself to moss balls and getting taken all over the world as companies don’t take care to get their moss balls from high quality sources. Moss Amigos discussed this on their Instagram and take extra care that their algae balls are sourced in high quality, mussel-free environments. While this is good, the trend of buying these balls is creating a new niche for cheaper, low quality balls that potentially have invasive species inside… So be careful if you buy marimo moss from other companies!

Summary of my Thoughts

All in all, I absolutely love Mosstin! He is cute, easy to take care of, and looks absolutely amazing in his hat. He adds a lot of character to the plants in my apartment, and I love supporting a small brand. The company could definitely improve their packaging to make it more eco-friendly, and I hate that an invasive species is hitching a ride on some marimo balls. If you are on the market for a moss ball, I suggest checking out Moss Amigos! 😍

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Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Have a More Sustainable Wedding

Hey earth muffins! The wedding industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. But, as with any big industry or event, it can also end up not being great for the environment. In between the food waste, things such as favors being left behind, and all the people traveling from around the country (or even the world) to attend your wedding, it can have a pretty big impact on the global footprint. A study found that a single wedding can produce as many emissions as five people would in an entire year – which is an awful lot for just one single day! In order to have the best day of your life (because after all, that is what weddings are all about!) but get rid of some of the guilt, there are some things you can do to make your wedding day that bit more eco-friendly. Here are some top ways to make your wedding more sustainable.

A picure of a man and woman kissing at their wedding

1. Think carefully about your favors.

Wedding favors are something that everyone gives out but can actually be pretty wasteful. Most favors tend to be left behind at the end of the wedding or create extra plastic waste. In order to avoid this, it is a good idea to think of favors that can be consumed at the time or something that is eco-friendly. One example of eco-friendly favors includes giving out little plants or seeds that can be planted. You could also give out shots or food in glass jars which prevents over-production of plastic and can be recycled or used again. I personally have a massive mason jar collection, so I’d love the memories associated with a special person’s wedding every time I use that jar.

2. Choose a venue that is committed to being sustainable

When choosing your venue, speak to them and see if they have a commitment to sustainability. Make sure to do your research into if they care about things such as recycling, the air quality of the building (you could suggest DUCTZ air duct cleaning), and if they have a commitment to reducing food and water waste. Remember to avoid any greenwashing as much as possible and do your own research on the venue too! Some hotels suggest guests put their towels in the bath if they want them to be cleaned, otherwise, they won’t clean them. Using a towel more than once can greatly reduce water waste! Venues might also grow their own food on-site or compost food waste, which showcase their commitment to the environment too.

3. Use eco-friendly confetti

Confetti is another wedding staple that can end up being bad for the environment. Traditional confetti is usually made out of microplastics and can have metallic elements which are made of metal. These materials can wash down drains or be blown into the air and left in the countryside which can cause damage to all sorts of wildlife. Birds, sea creatures, and animals can all be harmed if they ingest this type of confetti. Because of this, one of the best types of confetti you can use is to stamp confetti from leaves or dried flower petals. Plus, just imagine the cute pictures!

4. Encourage shared transport

With a wedding, you have multiple people all traveling to the same destination which isn’t great for Mother Earth. Instead, why not look into shared transport? You could hire a minivan or a coach and then everyone can travel up together. This can end up being more cost-effective and also means there are a lot fewer cars on the road all heading to the same place. It will also be a fun way for you to all get-together and catch up and get excited about the upcoming wedding!

5. See if you can get items second hand

There are many websites where people will sell items that they have used in their wedding but don’t need anymore. After all, once your big day has happened, it is unlikely you’re going to need 12 centerpieces again in a hurry! Second-hand items prevent them from being wasted and give them a second life. It is much better for the environment and you are likely to grab a bargain with them too! Check out sites such as eBay, Facebook marketplace, or even borrowing from a friend. This doesn’t just apply to decorations; you could also use a family wedding dress as well! Getting an already made gown tailored to your liking is much cheaper than buying a new one. Plus, you will get exactly what you want and have a unique dress that no one else has.

These are just a few simple ways that you can have a more sustainable wedding. By doing so, you will reduce the carbon footprint that weddings can bring while enjoying your “best day ever”. Do you have any tips for a more sustainable wedding?

bookmark_borderWhere To Donate Your Stuff After Decluttering

Hey earth muffins! During Lent, one of the things I have been doing is participating in a “Less is More” challenge. If you haven’t seen the Netflix documentary, this challenge involves decluttering 1 item on day 1, 2 items on day 2, etc. Because I recently went through a huge decluttering, I decided to modify this challenge to 1 item per day. But I’ve noticed that I will often declutter multiple items on certain days! As the “decluttering box” in my living room gets full of more stuff, I thought I would share my tips for donating after a huge decluttering. Where to donate your stuff is a great question to ask, so I hope this post helps you make the most impact with the items you have decluttered from your life! 😊

A picture of a box of donations with hands putting in a pile of jeans

Where is the Best Place to Donate my Items?

Firstly, it is important to not just take a huge load of items to one thrift store. Secondhand stores are always overwhelmed with people doing this; this results in slow processing of the items or things being thrown in the trash. Instead of just giving everything to one place, I strongly urge you to split up the items. This will allocate the resources to whoever needs them the most! It will also ensure the items actually get used, not buried on the back shelf of a Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Can you sell it?

If you have any items that you feel are valuable (and you have the time), try to sell them. I would suggest Facebook Marketplace to help out your local area, but you could also try other selling apps or even Ebay. I’ve written a whole post about how to score the best deals on Facebook Marketplace. On the selling side, make sure your prices are fair and that you are quick to respond to interested buyers. Nothing is worse than someone who doesn’t message back when you want to buy their item! 😬

Think of family and friends first!

After a decluttering, ask around and see if any family or friends are interested in anything. Especially for decorations and artwork, some people might be interested if they liked certain pieces in your home. You could also just set aside items for people without asking first. Have a friend expecting? Make a care package of some baby items you were looking to get rid of!

Post on a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group before throwing out.

I’ve noticed that I often find some questionable items when I declutter that might need to be tossed in the trash instead of donating. Before you do that though, I suggest posting it on the Buy Nothing Facebook group in your area. I’ve actually been quite surprised what people are interested in on these groups! Some people are in need and will take anything, and others will take “messed up” items for craft projects or hobbies. You could also post on Freecycle if you don’t have a Facebook account. If you find that no one wants your item, make sure you trash it so the place you donate to doesn’t have to!

For gender or age specific items, donate to shelters in your area.

There are many women shelters that are always looking for clothing, toiletries, etc. You might even have shelters specifically for children and/or teens that would love some of your decluttered items. Do a quick Google search to see if you have any shelters near you. If so, see what items they are looking for. There is usually a list on their website, but you could also call to confirm that your donations would be accepted/used.

A picture of a pile of wooden toys

See if your local Ronald McDonald house will accept old toys!

I suggest calling your local Ronald McDonald house or children’s hospital with their current rules about donations, as the pandemic could have affected them. It is awesome to donate toys, games, stuffed animals, etc. to places where they are needed instead of a random thrift store in your area.

Donate to a church drive or church-wide yard sale.

My church always has some sort of drive going on whether it be hats and gloves or toiletries for the homeless. See if any drives at your church align with some items you have decluttered! I’ve also seen churches do yard sale fundraisers where donated items are sold to raise money for the church or a mission. Save some of your items for this event if your church is hosting an event like this as well!

Other Places to Donate

Obviously, you can still donate to a thrift store if you have exhausted all of your other options. Clothes are usually good to donate, but make sure they are in good condition! If they aren’t, repurpose or throw them away yourself as we wouldn’t want to partake in any wishful donating! 😊 If you know a certain store has good turnover of home goods, donate those items there. The same goes for clothes. The goal is to get the items in the hands of another person who will use it! I hope this “where to donate your stuff” post was helpful… Where do you like to donate?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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