There’s no doubt that the waste generated by packaging materials is a tremendous problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging made up about 82.2 million tons, or 28.1%, of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018. Of that, just 37% was recycled. Worse still, plastic makes up an increasing share of packaging waste, … Continue reading Exactly How to Shop from Bulk Bins for Low-Waste Groceries
Even though 2020 was a dumpster fire of a year, I actually accomplished quite a few of the sustainable living goals that have been on my to-do list for some time. This was mainly because I’ve barely stepped out of the house since early March and had far more free time than usual, but I’m … Continue reading Sustainability Accomplishments of 2020 and Goals for 2021
During what feels like another lifetime, I went to winery that served water in glasses made from upcycled wine bottles. I thought this was the coolest idea ever, and I wanted to try making my own. I promptly bought a glass cutting kit and began hoarding empty wine bottles like they were made of gold. … Continue reading How to Upcycle Wine Bottles into Drinking Glasses
The holidays are coming, and at this time of year, I love to give the gift of experiences, rather than things. We all undoubtedly have too much stuff, and I don’t want to burden my friends and family even more stuff (especially if I’m not 100% sure it’s something they want or need), just because … Continue reading Experiential Gift Guide
Growing up, my family didn’t compost, and I didn’t know anyone who did. Trash went in the trashcan, and recyclables went in the recycling bin. That was it. In fact, it was a long time before I learned what composting was, and why it’s so important. Now that I’m a composting convert, it genuinely blows … Continue reading 8 Reasons to Start Composting
I can’t compost because… I live in an apartment. I don’t have a backyard/garden. I have a phobia of worms. It will make my house stink. It will attract pests. It requires buying too much equipment. Have you ever said or thought any of these things? I once believed every one of these to be … Continue reading How to Compost Indoors, in an Apartment
I was lucky enough to spend some time in gorgeous Sun Valley, Idaho last weekend, and since it was Plastic Free July, I did my best to avoid plastic, and waste in general. I wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot easier than avoiding plastic in Las Vegas! Here’s how I did. On the Plane … Continue reading Plastic Free Travel: Sun Valley, Idaho
Since my recent trip to Las Vegas for a friend’s bachelorette party coincided with Plastic Free July, I thought I’d challenge myself to eliminate plastic waste as much as possible during the trip. Las Vegas certainly isn’t the most eco-friendly of cities, but sometimes you have to abide by other people’s wishes and make the … Continue reading Plastic Free July Travel Edition: Las Vegas
There comes a point when you realize that less is more. Just because something is convenient, or cheap, or even free, it doesn't mean you need that thing, and it doesn't mean that owning that thing will make your life any better. Here are some things I've let go of, with no regrets to speak … Continue reading 7 Things I Stopped Buying, Thanks to Minimalism and Zero Waste
One thing that really shocked me in my journey into sustainable living was learning that the water I consume every day is not necessarily safe to drink. I mean, I know not to drink tap water while traveling in Africa, for example, but this is America. And, well, everyone drinks tap water here. And if … Continue reading My Search for the Best Water Filter
The Better Planet Project 