Life of an Earth Muffin

My Favorite Sustainable Influencers – Who You Should Be Following

Posted on January 14, 2021November 15, 2021

Hey earth muffins! Regardless if you are new to sustainability or have been immersed in the eco world for years now, eco influencers are great people to follow. Not only can you learn a lot from them, but they will inspire you to continue on your journey towards low waste. Compared to other influencers on YouTube and TikTok, I think sustainable influencers are the people you should be supporting… Because they are actually saving the planet! While I am constantly finding new people to follow, this list is of my current favorite influencers. Let’s jump right in!

Meghan Hughes – YouTuber

A picture of the youtube channel of Meghan Hughes, a sustainable influencer

I first started watching Meghan years ago when she (and her sister Lindsey) were beauty YouTubers. Since then, she has changed into the perfect earth muffin! 😍 She has a main channel where she posts informational content on sustainable living but also a vlog channel where she shares her life on the farm. I love that her vlogs are often longer than 30 minutes, as I can play them when I am working or doing chores around the house. Meghan is relatable, funny, and extremely passionate about the environment. I’ve always enjoyed seeing how other people live in a sustainable manner; she is definitely a person who inspire me to continue this eco journey. 😊 Her mom (@zerowastezen on Instagram) is also a good person to follow too!

ME – Life of an Earth Muffin Blogger

I think it goes without saying that you should be following me on all of my platforms. 😉 I post informational content on this blog twice a week. If you are interested in seeing more about my personal life or what I am up to, I suggest you follow my Instagram where I post at least three times a week! Don’t forget to also check out my Pinterest, as I’ve been pinning a lot more stuff since I spend more time at home. If you aren’t already subscribed, I also have a monthly newsletter.

Stevie – Instagram Queen

A picture of the Instagram page of Stevieyaaaay, a sustainable influencer

Stevie (or @stevieyaaaay on Insta) is an eco activist that shares some amazing content. She is also the founder of Yay for Earth, which creates my absolute favorite face lotion! She shares a lot of great tips about living a green life; I love her Instagram stories too! Her content is raw and real, sharing the ups and downs of living a low waste life. I also love that she created an amazing eco company herself – what a boss! And it makes sense that her products are great because she is so passionate about the environment. Would definitely give her a follow if you haven’t already!

Jessie/Tiny Yellow Bungalow – Pinterest

A picture of the Tiny Yellow Bungalow pinterest page

I found Jessie through her blog/eco shop, Tiny Yellow Bungalow. I personally think that out of all her platforms, her Pinterest page is the best. I’m always on the hunt for sustainable influencers who not only create content but share content of others. Jessie’s boards on Pinterest are amazing! They cover everything from vegan recipes to zero waste baby tips. Such a great resource for an eco-friendly newbie. It is no wonder she has over 15,000 followers on Pinterest… Go get some inspiration from her! 😍

Gittemary – Zero Waste Superstar

A picture of the Gittemary Instagram page, a sustainable influencer

Gittemary is a zero waster from Denmark, and she has built quite a platform for herself! She has a YouTube channel, a blog, an e-book, social media accounts – the list goes on. I think her content is great because everything she shares is focused on sharing the zero waste lifestyle with her audience. It is inspiring to also see how sustainable Scandinavian countries are… I often feel like America is lagging far behind the eco goals of other places. Following foreign sustainable influencers like Gittemary gives me a fresh perspective on why I am being low waste! 😊

Elena Taber – YouTuber

A picture of Elena Taber's youtube account

I saved Elena for last because she is not fully in the environmental space, but I still enjoy the videos she makes about sustainability. She lives in New York, so it is cool to see her vlogs about life in a big city. Even though she is more of a lifestyle YouTuber, I give her credit for trying to share a sustainable message with her followers. It is important to use your platform to change the planet, so it is exciting to see her growth on YouTube! 😊 Who are your favorite influencers at the moments?

Love,
Jenna ♥

Reasons Why I’m a Vegetarian!

Posted on January 12, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! A few months ago I shared that I have been vegetarian for over a year now. Whenever this comes up in my daily life, people often ask why I decided to stop eating meat. As many of you were interested in this diet change, I thought I would write a quick post about the reasons I made the switch! There are many reasons on why you could become a vegetarian, but every person (and their body) is different… Don’t feel like this post is pressuring you to make the switch! 😊 Let’s jump right into the reasons of why I’m vegetarian!

#1 – Environmental Concerns

A picture of a hand holding a clear ball that is reflecting the forest around it to look like planet earth

I first started considering a vegetarian diet when I joined in on the Plastic Free July challenge. There were absolutely no plastic free options in my area, which annoyed me. I was sick of buying meat wrapped in plastic wrap AND on styrofoam boards – so wasteful! Looking at vegetarian protein options, there are more plastic free choices such as bulk bins for beans and lentils, recyclable cans of beans, etc. Not everything avoids plastic though… Tofu is always wrapped in plastic where I live, as well as seitan or tempeh. But, at least there are some options that avoid single use wrappings!

So, after deciding to give the vegetarian diet a try during Plastic Free July, I also did my research about the environmental effects of meat. Let’s just say the meat industry is extremely bad for the planet. I won’t get into a ton of details because there are many articles about this already; but, it is crazy to think that cows and sheep emit 37% of the total methane we produce. 37%!! Going vegetarian can save water, reduce pollution in waterways, avoid destruction of our soil, reduce the use of antibiotics and other drugs, and decrease our emissions (Source). After doing the research, I couldn’t just “forget” about the environmental consequences from eating meat… So the Mother Earth concerns was the main reason I decided to make the switch.

#2 – Animal Cruelty

Another thing that sealed the deal for me was stumbling upon a chicken farm near where I live. I was right in the research phase during Plastic Free July, and my boyfriend and I were taking a drive. We drove past a farm and just seeing how many poor chickens were in that barn (and the sounds they were making) was enough to make me decide I would try out the vegetarian diet. I feel like everyone is taught in school about the horrors of the meat industry, but for some reason it isn’t real until you witness it with your own eyes.

Animals don’t deserve to be treated in such a way: chickens de-beaked and starved of natural light; cows forced to eat corn even though they can’t digest it; piglets taken from their mothers as soon as they are born… Not to mention all the genetic modifications scientists are doing to make chickens bigger and pigs fatter quicker to speed up the slaughter process. I just can’t get behind an unethical industry. If you aren’t aware of the practices in the meat industry, I suggest checking out Diet for a New America by John Robbins (affiliate link). He gave up his Baskin-Robbins fortune because he didn’t believe in the practices of the industry… That tells you something for sure!

#3 – Health

The last thing that made me want to become a vegetarian is the health associated with a plant based diet. After learning about what the poor animals are fed in terms of antibiotics and other drugs, I felt like those move up the food chain into our bodies when we eat meat. The EPA estimates that 95% of pesticide residue in the American diet comes from meat and fish… Which is all cut out by being vegetarian!

On top of that, plant-based diets are one of the commonalities in blue zones. These blue zones are the areas of the world where people live the longest. I’d love to live a longer, happy life! While I’ve seen research that the vegetarian diet prevents against heart disease and cancer, this wasn’t something that made me switch. But it’s a great benefit now that I have! 🙃 In my post about being vegetarian for a year, I mention how great I’ve been feeling since I made the switch. So, health was the last thing that I thought about before I decided to give it a try! I’d love to hear from all of you if you are vegetarian or vegan – what made you switch?

Why I'm vegetarian pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

Which is Better: Dishwasher or Hand Washing?

Posted on January 7, 2021November 15, 2021

Hey earth muffins! Today I want to talk about washing dishes. This might sound boring to some people, but trust me – it is an important eco topic! 🌎 ❤️ Everyone washes their dishes, so it is necessary to think about its impact on the planet. So, if you were like me when I started my eco journey in 2018, you might be asking this question: is the dishwasher or hand washing dishes better for the environment?

A picture of hands putting a dish in the dishwasher

The short answer is this: the dishwasher is better! When looking at the statistics, hand washing dishes used 34,200 gallons of water to a dishwasher’s 16,300 gallons over 10 years (Source). That is a crazy difference! I always thought that hand washing was better because it saved energy… But after giving it some thought this makes total sense in terms of water. In order to take full advantage of using a dishwasher, though, make sure to use these tips to be as eco-friendly as possible when washing your dishes!

1. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.

I think this goes without saying. You will save the most water and utilize resources the best if you only run your dishwasher when it is totally full. My boyfriend and I usually run it every night or every other night, depending on how many pots we have used to cook meals. We put everything in there – pans, pots, mason jars, etc. Saves us work from having to hand wash anything and is the most eco-friendly option!

2. Run the dishwasher with tap/cold water and opt out of dry cycle(s).

Dishwashers are awesome because you can customize the wash cycles. If you can change the temperature, always go for tap cold or cold. This prevents the machine from having to use any energy to warm up the water. Many dishwashers also have more than one dry cycle… Try opting out of multiple dry cycles (or even all dry cycles!) and let your dishes dry naturally. I personally haven’t had an issue with this; leaving the door open for the dishes to dry is a great way to speed up the process too.

3. Use “green” dishwasher detergent!

By using a dishwasher, you have to also buy some sort of detergent to clean your dishes. To be zero waste, avoid all dishwasher detergents in plastic bottles. Opt for ones in recyclable boxes or even try making your own! I personally love the Ecover dishwasher powder (affiliate link). I’ve found that it works better than other green brands (like Seventh Generation), and it comes in a cardboard box. I have been messing around with castile soap to try to use DIY cleaner, but so far I haven’t had any luck… But, choosing an eco detergent is a great first step for all!

4. Buy eco appliances.

If you are replacing your dishwasher at any point (or are buying one because your current residence doesn’t have one), make sure you buy one that has eco cycles! I am actually pretty amazed how most applicances have eco cycles these days… My dishwasher and laundry machines at my apartment complex all have an eco option. It is important to use as little water as possible to not waste such a precious resource. Whether you buy brand new or secondhand, definitely look to see if it has eco modes!

Overall, I hope I’ve convinced you that while it might not seem the best option, running the dishwasher is better for the environment. It wins out in the dishwasher or hand washing battle! 😊 But, make sure you follow the above tips to make sure your dishwashing is as green as possible! Do you have a dishwasher in your home?

Love,
Jenna ♥

A Review of the Lena Menstrual Cup

Posted on January 5, 2021July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! If you have been following me on this blog or on Instagram, you will know that I have been trying out a menstrual cup for a few months. Now that I’ve had some time to use the Lena cup, I thought I would share a full review of this sustainable period product. I bought my Lena cup on Amazon for about $25 (affiliate link). It comes in two different sizes but because my flow isn’t super heavy, I went with the small version. I’ve been using this cup for 5 months now, so let’s jump right into the Lena menstrual cup review! 😊

What I Love About the Lena Cup

Obviously I love that it is sustainable! There are multiple ways to zero waste your period from reusable pads to period underwear. I have never been a tampon girl, so I’d probably be the most comfortable with reusable pads. But, I don’t have my own laundry in my apartment right now; so, I would definitely feel uncomfortable washing reusable pads in the shared space. Maybe when I move next I will give them a try! Menstrual cups are awesome because it saves you from throwing anything away during your period. 😍 One cup will last you many years and can stay in your body for up to 12 hours – so amazing to think about all the pads/tampons you won’t have to use!

Because I wasn’t a tampon girl, I was scared that a menstrual cup would be hard to use… But it isn’t! Sure, it might take a few cycles to get used to, but it is definitely something you can learn. I’ve also been surprised by how many resources are out there on YouTube, blogs, etc. Any question you have will be answered if you look hard enough. 😊 If you are new to using a menstrual cup, make sure to check out my post on tips for inserting and removing one!

What I Like about my Lena Cup!

I love that the Lena cup is made of medical grade silicone because it saves my body from being exposed to the chemicals that are typically in other period products. It blows my mind that companies are able to put nasty things in items that 50% of the population uses… Especially when they come in such close contact to our most sensitive areas! I haven’t noticed any differences (other than there being no period smells), but I’m positive my body is better off now!

The Lena cup is super easy to clean – all you have to do is boil it! I will typically let it sit in boiling water for a good 5 minutes before each cycle. The cup I got is pink; I haven’t had any trouble with staining or things like that. Even after 5 months it still looks like when I first bought it!

What I’m Struggling With

If I’m being honest, I am currently looking for another menstrual cup to try out. While I love the benefits of using the Lena cup, I have found that the silicone is quite hard for me. This makes it a bit uncomfortable when it is in. It will sometimes push on my bladder and make it feel like I need to go to the bathroom. Plus, sometimes it will make it hard to go to the bathroom altogether. Even worse, it sometimes gives me more cramps which is definitely not ideal.

Going into the menstrual cup world, I knew that the first one I tried might not be the best one for my body. Put A Cup in It has a great chart that shows the different levels of “firmness” of menstrual cups. The Lena cup gets a 4 on the scale.

Because I don’t enjoy the hardness of the silicone, I think I will be trying out the Organicup next (affiliate link). This cup has great reviews and is rated a 2 on the firmness scale. Plus, it will give me an opportunity to share another review with you all! I’m hoping that a less stiff silicone will make the menstrual cup feel better in my body, because there is just no reason why you shouldn’t start to zero waste your period! 😊

Lena Menstrual cup review pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

Here’s Why You Should Go Green in 2021!

Posted on December 31, 2020November 15, 2021

Hey earth muffins! Wow, I can’t believe that tomorrow starts a brand new year… 2020 has been a mix of things: bad, good, and downright unbelievable at times. As the new year begins, many people take time to set resolutions. I personally love to think about how I want to improve my life for the upcoming year. 😊 If you haven’t thought about your resolution(s) yet, here are all the reasons you should “go green” in 2021! This is the year to start your eco-journey if you haven’t, so make it your top resolution.

A picture of a neon sign that says Green

One person really can make a difference.

I’ve heard the excuse that “one person can’t make a difference” too many times to count. But, I’ve noticed that the people who say this aren’t actually trying to be sustainable… Which means they really don’t know for sure if one person can make a difference or not! As someone who actively tries to be green, I can definitely say that even my small steps make a difference when looked at collectively. Sure, it might not seem like making simple swaps to zero waste products would have an impact… But just think of all the disposable products I’ve avoided! My consumer behaviors have changed so much so that I barely shop new anymore; I’ve stopped eating meat… I don’t see how these things couldn’t have an impact, even if it is small! If you are one of the people who uses this excuse to rationalize your un-sustainable behaviors, I challenge you to make 2021 the start of being green! I look forward to hearing about how you make a difference on the planet!

I’ve saved SO much money by going low waste.

Think about it: you buy less, you buy secondhand, you buy only what you need, and you don’t buy single use/disposable products. While I might have to spend a bit more at the bulk bins or on a vegetarian meat substitute or a sustainable product (like Yay for Earth lotion), this is immaterial when I look at my money habits overall. Money buys happiness, and after starting my eco journey in 2018, I’ve been able to live my life exactly how I want to. I’m able to save for retirement and put money aside for trips when the pandemic is over; there is no reason why you shouldn’t explore the cost-savings of a low waste lifestyle as well! While the planet should probably be the reason why you go green, you can’t go wrong with saving money too.

I’ve never been healthier!

Throughout my eco journey I’ve learned a lot of scary things, including information about the chemicals, additives, and “other stuff” that is in mainstream packaged foods, makeup, beauty products, etc. I’ve pared down my bathroom items, reduced the amount of packaged food I eat, opted for natural birth control, and take extra care to only expose my body to as natural of products as possible. I think it is safe to say that sustainable companies care about your health and the planet, while Fortune 500 companies typically do not. My body feels better and my mind feels better that I am taking care of Mother Earth. 😍 I totally suggest you reap these benefits of going green in 2021 as well!

A picture of zero waste products on a bathroom counter

It gives you a better outlook on life.

I’ve always been an extremely positive person, but since 2018 I’ve seen myself grow into a new person. After learning about the earth and our consumption patterns, I have a more questioning mind especially when it comes to buying things. I’ve realized that our society has a lot of problems from inequalities to social norms to everything in between… And I’ve learned to do what I want instead of care about what others “expect” me to be/do because of them. Who cares if I don’t shave my legs because I’m a woman? Why does it matter if I have a (sometimes smelly) compost bin under my kitchen sink? Why care about what everyone thinks of you when you don’t like everyone yourself? I feel so good about myself because I am not only being sustainable for me, but for the future generations to come. Going on this eco journey has helped me realize what is important to my life… And it definitely has nothing to do with material goods!

YOU’RE SAVING THE PLANET.

You should go green in 2021 because you literally will play a role in saving our earth. By buying from sustainable companies you are ensuring workers and natural resources are treated fairly; starting a compost bin will save on food waste and reduce methane in the landfill; donating to charities will save the rainforest and/or support your local community – the benefits are endless! Sure, you will be able to save money, feel great, and see improvements in your life… But, going green is so much more than that. Make 2021 the year where you put Mother Earth first! 🌎❤️ I honestly can’t think of a better new year’s resolution.

Why you should go green in 2021 pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to Celebrate a Zero Waste Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2020July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins, happy Christmas Eve to all those who celebrate! 🎄 With Christmas less than a day away, I wanted to share this post to remind you all that the holidays can be sustainable! Especially this year, celebrations will be different. So, take that opportunity to reduce your impact on the planet too! I am lucky that my family (and my own household) has been staying safe in our respective bubbles. This allowed me to still go home for Christmas this year which I am extremely grateful for. Here are some of my top suggestions on how you can celebrate a zero waste Christmas this year! 😊

Wrap your gifts in reusables.

A picture of presents wrapped in reusable fabric gift wraps

You might have seen this picture on my Instagram, but I thought it was worth mentioning in a post too. Instead of using wrapping paper, use fabric wraps! I bought these at Lush and plan on using them every year for the same family member. However, an even better zero waste solution is to use fabrics you already have around the house. Or, hit up your local thrift shop as I always see some pretty adorable printed fabric at mine. Just thinking about all of the single use wrapping paper trash that is created on Christmas makes my head spin; reusables are always a better option! 🎁

Donate to your local community.

Many people won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with their families this year. Instead of large gatherings with lots of food, there might be a small dinner or even dinner for one. If you were supposed to host a large amount of people, donate the food you would have bought to families in need in your community. The pandemic hit everyone – share what you can in the giving season! If you aren’t sure how to donate food, then write a check instead. Most organizations allow you to donate online, which is a great contactless way to give.

Use actual dishes, silverware, and cloth napkins for Christmas dinner!

Like I mentioned in my Thanksgiving post this year, it is so much better for the planet to use reusables at the dinner table. Even if the number of guests only includes your household members, you can still make the dinner nice! I personally will be folding napkins into Christmas trees for our fancy dinner. It is actually super easy to do, and looks adorable! On top of the reusables, think about reducing the meats at your feast. Even if you just swap the meat in one dish for a protein replacement, you will have a better impact on Mother Earth already!

Attend virtual church celebrations.

I used to go to church every week before the pandemic hit. While the churches in my area are actually open (with limited capacity of course), I don’t feel the need to go and spread germs. Watching church livestreams or on YouTube is a great alternative. You can still dress up like you were actually going but then can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your home. The true meaning of Christmas is important to remember, especially during this challenging time for many.

Make a plan for all those cookies and treats.

A picture of a gingerbread christmas cookie

I know my family always goes a little nuts when it comes to baking this time of year… But a zero waste Christmas requires you to have a good plan to reduce your food waste. I’ve written a whole post about how you can avoid throwing away excess food; definitely check it out for some ideas like sharing with your neighbors or even freezing leftovers!

Relax with your loved ones!

Christmas is a time to unwind and chill for a whole day. Who says you even have to change out of your pajamas? Spend some quality time with your family playing board games, drinking low waste hot cocoa, playing outside, or watching your favorite Christmas movies. My family always watches A Christmas Story each year, which is a great tradition that I look forward to. What will you be doing this year to celebrate the holiday?

How to celebrate a zero waste Christmas pinterest pin

Love,
Jenna ♥

My Pela Case Review – A Compostable Phone Case?!

Posted on December 22, 2020July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! When I started my new job back in September, one of the perks of working for the company is that they take over your phone plan. Up until that point, I’d only had one smartphone; I got an iPhone 6 in high school and have had it ever since. Not only have I had the same phone, but I’d also been using the same phone case. Because the company I work for took over my plan, they forced me to upgrade to a new device. I took that opportunity to purchase a Pela phone case! I mentioned that this was on my sustainable products wishlist, and I couldn’t wait to give it a try! 😍 Now that I’ve had a few months to try it out, here is my Pela case review for you all!

What I Love About My Pela Case

Obviously I love that this product is super sustainable. When I started my eco journey back in 2018, this company was one of the first eco-brands I discovered. They make products centered around 4 pillars: community, creativity, consciousness, and courage. Over a BILLION plastic phone cases are sold each year – just think about all of that plastic going to the landfill… The Pela case is plastic-free, compostable, and even certified climate neutral. Pretty awesome for a phone case company!

It is also great that there is still a nice variety of styles and colors. You can get cases with wallet pouches or engraved with designs like bees or sea turtles. Depending on the phone case size, you can also get some printed designs that use Greenguard ink. If you are into crafting, their lastest design in a “stitch case” where you can literally cross stitch your own pattern onto your phone case! 😮 While I thought they all looked awesome, I decided to go for the plain, classic green case.

The phone case feels exactly like any other soft case made of silicone. The case I had been using for years was hard plastic and literally had chunks missing from different falls. 😬 I personally like the feeling of a soft case better, as it feels so smooth when you are holding your phone! Plus, I think the case does a great job of protecting my phone, which is what you are looking for in a good phone case.

I love that you can see the bits and pieces of Flaxstic in the case as well. Flaxstic is what the case is made of, and you can see brightly colored pieces in the case – so cool! Every time I look at the cute specks of color it reminds me that my phone case can be composted and is excellent for the environment! 🌎❤️ Plus, it means your phone case is totally unique… Every single one will be different!

What Could Be Improved On

For my only “negative”, I think it is important to mention that the price is much more expensive than the $8 Amazon case I had on my older phone all of those years. In total, I paid $41.23 for my case. I think this is comparable to many cases though; a lot of brands are in the range of $50-100 for a good case. As I mention in most of my reviews, you might be paying a tiny bit more. BUT, you are paying to support a company that truly cares about the environment! Sure, it isn’t the cheapest phone case on the planet, but at least it won’t have a huge impact on Mother Earth. 😊 Totally worth it in my opinion!

Love,
Jenna ♥

Tips for Getting the BEST Secondhand Holiday Decor

Posted on December 10, 2020November 15, 2021

Hey earth muffins! With the holiday season just around the corner, there are decorations everywhere! I think decorating my apartment is one of my favorite things to do in December. From the tree to cookie plates for Santa, what’s not to love? 🎅 Believe it or not, you don’t have to purchase all of your holiday decor from big-box stores. If you are on an eco journey, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Christmas decorations either. There are plenty of ways to acquire used decor; here are my top tips for getting the best secondhand holiday decor pieces!

A picture of the lights of a Christmas tree

Where to Get the Best Secondhand Pieces

The first place to look is the basements, attics, and storage units of friends and family! It seems like everyone has a small collection of holiday decor hidden somewhere. If they aren’t using it, they might gladly give it to you! The tree I have in my apartment was in my boyfriend’s mom’s storage unit, along with two others that she wasn’t putting up. She already had her favorite tree in the living room, so it was a no-brainer to let us borrow one! 🎄

If they are open where you live, try checking out thrift stores too. Again, people usually have way too much holiday decor; so, it often ends up at the thrift. Most of my local shops have sections dedicated to the next holiday, and I’ve been able to find some really great pieces! I haven’t been able to look for any Christmas decor this year due to Mister Corona, but I’d highly suggest it in a more “normal” year. 😊

I’d also recommend combing through some antique stores. While the decorations may be priced a bit higher than a thrift store, you can probably find some very unique pieces! I personally really like finding old ornaments at antique stores. It is so cool to think about where it came from, and if there are any others like it out there. ❄️

Another great way to get secondhand decor is on Facebook Marketplace. Because it is already the holiday season, the choices might be limited… But, if you look in October (or even earlier) you should be able to find some cool things! I’ve written a whole post about how you can get the best deals on Marketplace, so I recommend checking that post out as well! You could also check out many other resale sites/apps: Ebay, Freecycle, OfferUp, etc.

A picture of the Christmas listings in Grand Rapids

Other Tips for Secondhand Holiday Decor

Secondhand decor is great because it reuses what has already been taken from the planet (in terms of resources). It also prevents things from heading to the landfill! While it is awesome, you could still buy new if the decor piece is sustainable. I personally recommend checking out Etsy to find handmade pieces. That way you can ensure the product is made with eco-friendly materials while supporting a small business. Plus, Etsy offsets the carbon from every order! 😍 I have been sifting through stocking listings recently, as I think hand knitted ones would look amazing in my apartment.

A picture of a knitted Christmas stocking

Lastly, don’t be afraid to make your own holiday decor! Try your hand in salt dough ornaments, make a gingerbread house from scratch, or make paper snowflakes from newspaper/used paper. The ideas are endless! Make sure you are following me on Pinterest, as I often pin my favorite holiday DIY projects. I hope these tips help you get the best secondhand holiday decor pieces – your home is going to look awesome for the holiday season! 🎄

Love,
Jenna ♥