There are several ways you can begin to live more sustainably. Remember, you set the example. If you recycle and put an emphasis on serving the planet, so will your children. Make it fun and keep it simple. Here are a few ways you can live sustainably with your family.
IN THE KITCHEN
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD.
You don’t need a large property to grow some of your own food, this is a real misconception. I personally love this teared garden. It allows me to plant all types of herbs for cooking. Lots of towns offer community gardens! As you take inventory of where you live, remember that all you need is some dirt, water, and light. The conditions do not have to be ideal or perfect. We live in Vegas, trust me it’s possible! Just start!
DITCH THE PAPER TOWELS.
Never buy them again. Stock up on cloth rags and dishcloths ( The cute ones we use – Paperless Towels )
BUY IN BULK
Rice, rolled oats, olive oil, coconut oil, and honey in bulk and reuse your glass containers. Once you get in the habit, this is easy.
DITCH THE MICROWAVE
While convenient, use stove top instead.
MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD
#1 they are WAY healthier #2 you get to decide what to put in them.
I either use a blender, practice Baby-Led-Weaning, or use The BEABA
Check out one of Grant’s favorite BLW Superfood Muffins
MAKE USE OF YOUR LEFTOVERS
Did you know that over 40% of our food goes to waste? That’s almost half! One way to avoid this is buying less, having a family meal plan, and buying the staples in bulk.
IN THE BATHROOM
USE BAMBOO BRUSHES
I personally like Gondola Brushes. Use promo code: ‘savetheplanet’ to save 10% off
This is a new one I haven’t heard of but will totally start! :
PUT A 5- GALLOW BUCKET IN YOUR SHOWER TO CATCH GRAY WATER
Use it to water your indoor plants and outdoor garden
SKIP THE SHAMPOO
KEEP SHOWERS SHORT
USE A DIVA CUP
IN THE BEDROOMS
HAVE SEX OFTEN
It makes your marriage more sustainable. 🙂
CHOOSE A NON-HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL
(like a diaphragm/IUD over the Pill), if you can. I personally use the Daysy. Check out Taking Charge of Your Fertility if this is over interst to you. YES, you can have no hormonal birth control. Natural is the only way in my book!
Better for your body and the fish.
WEAR ESSENTIAL OILS INSTEAD OF PERFUMES
The “natural” fragrances in perfumes are toxic to humans and the environment.
GET BOOKS FROM THE LIBRARY OR GOODWILL INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW.
I personally like the field trip of going to the library.
GIVE AND RECEIVE HAND-ME-DOWNS
THE YARD
INSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON YOUR ROOK
RAISE CHICKENS!!
Totally a goal of ours!
COMPOST
GETTING AROUND
Have your kids walk, bike, or scooter to school. They can do it. Even in the rain.
TRANSITION TO A ONE CAR FAMILY
Shane and I are so grateful we did this!
OTHER ASPECTS OF LIVE
BRING YOUR OWN BAG TO THE STORE
I know. You do this already. But don’t forget how important it is!!!
BRING YOUR OWN GLASS CONTAINER FOR LEFTOVERS
I bet you don’t do this one yet!
GO DIAPER FREE OR USE CLOTH DIAPERS
We do both! Only use a few cloth diapers a day and no poopy diapers anymore! Grant is almost a year old and does his “serious business” on the toilet!! Check out go diaper free for more details on how you can practice infant potty “offering.” We have been offering Grant the toilet since he was about 1 month old and I am so glad I started him young!!!!
RINSE AND REUSE BIRTHDAY CANDLES
If you must get a gift, wrap gifts in old maps, newspaper, or calendar pages. Never buy wrapping paper again. Plus how cool and trendy are you now?!
I hope you enjoyed these tips. If you have any ways you live sustainably with your family, I would love to hear them. Don’t forget to follow me or reach out on IG!!! -> @plantingseedsmamma
