Weird sustainability hack: collect pumpkins after Halloween and roast them! Thousands (if not millions) of tons of pumpkins go into landfills every year after spooky season
While I didn’t purchase any for myself, I put out a message on my local buy-nothing group and was amazed at the number of responses - way more than I could ever use. I ended up with eight, which I’m working on processing: roast the flesh, keep the guts for broth, and roast the seeds
Planning on lots of baked goods (breads, muffins, squares etc), soup, pumpkin butter… I think when people think pumpkin they think pie and that’s it. The possibilities are endless!
Visible mending is a decorativeway to fix up an item. Instead of trying to make your mend as invisible as possible, the idea is to make it part of the garment’s design.
Visual mending is not a single technique: it’s more of a mindset. If you’ve got an item you love, it deserves to be mended, and if you’re going to put that love into stitches, why not show them off?
That being said, there are some specific techniques that are popularwith visible menders. Let’s take a look!
Sashiko:
Sashiko is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery that is used to both decorateandreinforcefabric. In visible mending, sashiko is often used to cover up holes with patches or to reinforce thinning fabric. This technique uses a variation on the running stitch.
(Image source) [ID: sashiko stitch diagram: the distance between each stitch is ½ stitch in length.]
Someresourceson sashiko:
SashiCo on YouTube: sashiko livestreams and information on the cultural aspect of sashiko.
(Image source) [ID: three examples of sashiko embroidery on jeans fabric.]
(Image source) [ID: sashiko embroidery with white thread on blue jeans fabric.]
Embroidery:
Regularembroideryis also a popular technique to accentuateyour mends. Check out my embroidery 101 post to learn how to get started. You can embroider patches, or use embroidery to hide or accentuateany stitches you’ve made to fix holes. Embroidery’s also a great way to cover up stains.
(Image source) [ID: colourful embroidery floss covers a worn sleeve edge of a jeans jacket]
(Image source) [ID: colourful flower embroidery surrounds a hole in a pair of dark gray jeans. Fabric with a red and black flower print peaks out of the hole.]
Patches:
There are many ways to add patchesto a garment. My tutorial on patches is a good place to start if you want to make custom-shapedpatches to sew on top of your fabric. You can also sew your patch on the insideof your garment and have it peek out from beneath the hole you’re trying to fix. Fun ideas for this are laceorsuperheroes.
(Image source) [ID: Spiderman peaking out of a rip in a pair of blue jeans.]
(Source) [ID: a red flannel heart-shaped elbow patch on a gray knitted sweater.]
Darning:
Darning is a technique used to repair holes in fabric by using running stitchestoweaveextra fabric over the hole as to fill it up again. While traditionally darning is done in an invisibleway by using the same colour of thread as your fabric, you can also use contrastingcolours to accentuate your fix. Check out this written tutorial on darning by TheSpruceCrafts.
(Image source) [ID: vintage instructions on how to darn a hole.]
(Image source) [ID: four examples of darning on blue fabric with colourful contrasting thread.]
Conclusion:
Visible mending is a creative way to fix up your clothes and give them some personality at the same time.
You should be proudof the fact that you took the time and learned the necessary skills needed to mend your clothes! Show off what you did!
A fun side effect of wearing these obvious mends is that people will notice them. They’ll remember your fixes the next time they’re faced with a hole in their wardrobe, and it will make them more likely to try it for themselves.
These are just a few ways to visibly mend your garments. Want more inspiration? Check out Pinterestorr/Visiblemending on Reddit.
Buying boba at tea houses has got to be one of the biggest ways I use plastic. Between the cups and extra large straws it adds up quickly. Finally they had boba in bulk at my local Asian market after not having it for months. They’re still packaged in plastic but one bag is still less than the waste I’d make from buying it at the tea house. Now I can get back to making them at home in glass with a reusable straw using other ingredients I buy in bulk and plastic free!
The key to a greener future is building a sustainable infrastructure and implementing changes in policy. If that’s something you’re interested in forming jobs like these will be necessary to insight change!
I recently made some liquid soap for myself to refill my soap pumps! I used a soap bar I had been gifted for the holidays that wasn’t something I was interested for in the shower. I grated it on my box grater on one of the finer sides so the soap flakes would be smaller. The smaller ones seem to dissolve better when the hot water is added. I put the flakes in a bowl with a spout and added some boiling water. I mixed it until there wasn’t anymore discernable bits in the mixture. I then poured it into this growler I thrifted recently. Overnight it’ll set into a pourable liquid soap. This way I can refill any of my soap pumps as I need them. If you can’t get liquid refills that aren’t plastic free it’s a great option. You can make as much or little as you want. My favorite part is that you can use any bar soap to make any scent you’d like. This process also gives good perspective into how much water goes into liquid products. Being able to add the water yourself saves money as you are avoiding paying for all the water weight. Has anyone else tried this? I want to try it with a solid conditioner soon as I couldn’t get it to run through my hair effectively. Send me any tips y’all got!
While the easy answer to cleaning up the earth may be “Just recycle!” unfortunately, it is not that simple. Many areas do not have recycling plants available or nearby. In my own neighborhood, to be part of the recycling route, you have to pay a monthly subscription, which not everyone can afford.
Because of this, I have found myself becoming increasingly creative in the ways that I reduce waste. Below are some of my most practical tips.
1.) Containers!
Containers are very easy to reuse–whether its a glass jam jar upcycled into a trendy coffee cup, or an old mayo jar being reused as a craft supply holder, containers are my favorite reusable item. I have washed out plastic ice cream tubs and used them as flour/sugar containers and as planters. Tin cans become cute pencil holders and planters with a coat of exterior paint or a ribbon. I have used vitamin/pill bottles as bathroom organizers for Q-Tips, tweezers, and make up brushes. Cutting a milk jug in half and covering the exterior with a colorful cloth makes a handy sock/underwear organizer. The possibilities are endless!
2.) Paper Goods!
Instead of throwing away paper, look for ways to reuse and donate! Many cat shelters use newspapers for their litter box liners and are glad to take the newspapers off your hands. There are DIY tutorials online about how to make a pet mat with newspapers and fabric, also a great item to donate to shelters! Make sure to call and check with the shelter to see if they need these items before beginning any project, though. Paper can also be reused to make fire starters, beads, decoupage material, and paper mâché. You can shred it and use it as small pet bedding, as well.
3.) Plastic Bags!
It is incredibly sobering to see so many photos of plastic bags in landfills, in oceans, and around the necks of our wildlife. Easy to make and easy to throw away, plastic bags are easily a castaway product that is easier to use and not think about. After seeing my own plastic bag usage, I realized I needed to make a change. I cut plastic bags into loops, connect, and roll them into balls of “Plarn” (plastic yarn). I have been crocheting the plarn into containers and reusable grocery totes. While the prep work is a bit time consuming, making plarn is still a lot of fun, and its the perfect fidget task for me while I watch movies.
4.) Clothes!
Clothes are one of the slower biodegradable items, with the plastics of common day production making breaking down difficult. Instead of tossing out a shirt with a rip in it, or a pair of shorts with a stain, look for ways to repair it first. Sewing a flower over a stain, or using a cute stitch to seam up a tear is a great way to add character and longer life to your clothes. If clothes no longer fit or are too damaged to repair, many thrift stores (or craft clubs!) will accept them. I like to donate clothes to smaller, personally owned thrift shops before large chain shops, but any type of donating keeps clothes out of landfills! If there are no thrift shops that accept donations, churches, benefit clubs, and homeless shelters often accept items into their closets so they can give them to people who need it directly. Sometimes food kitchens will collect clothes so when visitors get a free meal, they can also get a free shirt if they need one.
5.) Electronics!
Electronics are easier to donate, if recycling is not possible, with many pick up locations by large stores or busy areas. If there are no pick up/drop off electronic places, local high schools, trade schools and the like will also accept electronics (working or not) for the students to tinker with. Women’s shelters and assisted living centers also accept (working) electronics, even if they are older. Many occupants need devices or tech related items to help them apply for jobs or learn new skills, and often these places don’t have enough to go around. Depending on what electronic you are trying to dispose of, you could use the frame (like a computer frame) as a cute planter or quirky garden decor, or paint it into an artistic piece.
These are just a few of the tips I have picked up along the way! Happy reusing and recycling, SolarPunks! Let me know what you have reused or how you have recycled it.
I can sit here all day and post little infographics on how best to reduce your waste, but I’m not practicing what I’m preaching if I’m not making serious changes to my diet.
Calling all veggies and vegans!
I need your help, gimme your tips and tricks, reblog this and get your friends to give me tips and tricks, educate more people!
Large cotton rounds for removing heavier makeup and light exfoliation Made from GOTS certified organic cotton and sewn with organic cotton thread~ HotaruOrganic on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotaruOrganic hotaru.organic on instagram
One of the great things about big businesses is their knack for doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint by using renewable energy resources and eliminating waste. You can continue this tradition at home by creating an eco-friendly remote office that will pair productivity with smart choices to help our environment thrive. Let’s look at how we can do just that.
Just saw a post about how rich people pat themselves on the back for using green washed products, (and that buying used should be priority)
which is a great observation
But it also ignored the fact that things wear out, deteriorate, or just shouldn’t be bought used. (Underwear, just one example)
Plus, there are lots of things in everyday life that just gets used up too fast to buy used all the time
So, yes, buying used should be your first choice.
But when it comes to stuff like soap, food, and necessary single use items….
Yes
Buying organic, small, biodegradable, etc. should also be priority for those who can afford it*
*not everything low waste is more expensive.
For example
Soap nuts are biodegradable and work great as laundry detergent. They’re not expensive, use 0 plastic, and don’t require extra time or effort beyond using hot water for your laundry.
And that’s just one example I can think of at the top of my head, there are many swaps you can make in your life that are actually less expensive, if you are willing/able to put in the effort
I am a big fan of estate sales, and let me tell you, you can source just about anything second hand :)
I live on the east coast in the south, so minimalism, zero waste and low waste are essentially foreign concepts. A lot people tend to stock up a lot and have a bunch of things in their homes.
I have gotten really good at shopping estate sales before shopping first hand, if you are interested, I highly suggest you to look up estate sales in your area
There are lots of ways to shop second hand
Estate sales(personal fave)
Yard sales
Facebook marketplace
Craigslist
Free cycle(I don’t live in an area where free cycle is used)
Bunz(again, not accessible in my area)
Charity shops/ thrift shops
Barter and trade(another personal fave, just traded some wheels for insulation that someone had in their attic for 6 years)
You can also
Repurpose things around the house
Dumpster dive (check your rights and your cities rules, but most cities are okay with it. Obvi, locked dumpsters are sadly off limits. I know there is good stuff in the trash, but if something is wet, don’t do it, wet stuff always gets a certain smell :’/)
Make something with stuff you have
Try a trading group(clothes if you know someone else who is your side, a book club where you pass around books)
Ask someone you know if they have xyz that you are looking for
Go without for a bit and see if you really need xyz that you were looking for
Essentially what I’m trying to say is you can find most things already. A lot of stuff that you may want or need already exists, so there is no need to buy first hand 90% of the time
I’m always seeing China sets, candles, decor(please, no more decor! There’s so much of this crap for every season, just get it second hand or craft it!!) Sheets still in the packaging, nice wood furniture, clocks, wood scraps,garden supplies of all types, lonley plants wanting to come home with you, books, China sets(there are so many) kitchen ware and gadgetry
The point is, there’s already so much stuff that’s out there and so much that’s just waiting for a new home, next time you are looking something, try to source it second hand first. It’s always better to use something that is already there than to create demand for something that doesn’t need to be made :)
I hope you have a prosperous day and find some great second hand finds soon!
I had to stop plastic free July due to health issues. I am still trying my best, but please be respectful that not everyone was born with a functional body.
Ways I can still reduce waste
->being mindful of NEW things I bring in. Do I need it? Does this bring value to me? What are the environmental impacts?
->embrace the second hand economy. People love hoarding. You can find a lot of stuff at estate sales and second hand shops. Even craft supplies and home improvement stuff! No need for buying new :)
-> Clothing. Face it, you probably have enough. Personally, I have about 20 items of clothing I wear year round(I would be more than happy to share :) ) you don’t need to be perfect to others, only to yourself. Know yourself and know what you feel good in!
-> stop bringing in random junk that’s a maybe. It’s not worth it and causes mental stress
——–
Places I draw the line
-> medical devices, medical supplies. I need them, sorry they are plastic. It’s not my fault that the system is messed up. I am aware I have a lot of medical waste and I feel guilty about it, but it’s necessary to my survival
-> food to go. I need to eat, like everyone else. I will get Clif bars for going out places(hiking mainly, I feel alive) and sometimes I will get take out from restaurants. Unfortunately, my area has a lot of styrofoam, so I have contributed 2 containers this year, which sucks. I am trying to find ways to use styrofoam though, so I will compile a list of things to do/ways to reuse styrofoam in the future
-> my limited food packaging. I have Celiac’s, so gluten tries to attack me. I unfortunately live in an area where gluten free crap only comes in packaging. I buy large quantities of items, but still, it’s always in plastic. I do not have the convenience of a bulk store and sometimes I just really want to make a cake, you feel me? I am not wasting my quality of life
I promised myself I would no longer hate myself for my slip ups, so here is a good reminder it’s okay to try and fail
I have created waste
7 Clif bars wrappers
2 sour patch kids pouches
4 plastic water bottles(I know I’m the devil, I went somewhere with bad drinking water)
2 salsa bottles
2 dried fruit plastic bag containers(bulk)
Tile spacers(we are redoing our bathroom, it was literally falling apart)
A lot of medical waste(do not feel guilty about your medical waste, this stuff keeps you alive and out of the hospital!)
Gatorade (my lover got too drunk and it was bad. You need to replace electrolytes after vomiting)
Condoms
1 Almond milk tetrapak
I am aware this is a lot of waste, but I don’t want to lie about the waste I have produced. I will continue to be 100% transparent about this plastic free July journey.
So, I know the stereotype zero waster is a cis, white, middle class, woman, but here’s the deal… YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THAT!!!
I feel like “perfect” zero wasters stands in some elitist pedestal, but here’s the deal, perfection isn’t what we need. We need a lot of people practicing zero waste and low waste imperfectly.
I strive for low waste now, because zero waste was not good for my mental health, and I do really well living low waste. Take it easy if you produce trash in the form of plastic packaging. Even though plastic is pretty bad, there are a lot of people also using plastic. Just do not be wasteful! And if something is in plastic, ask yourself if there is an alternative that is attainable to you.
I know cost is a big thing for me. I cannot work due to coronavirus, so I am currently living very frugally. I am greatful I have a garden to get plastic free produce, but that isn’t everyone’s reality. When I shop, my list usually contains the following: bananas, carrots, bell pepper*, tomatoes*, onions*, garlic, spring onion*, broccoli*, berries*, cereal°, almond milk°, coffee°, oats, chips, salsa, pasta, pasta sauce, canned soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, hummus, rice, vegan ice cream.
*i grow these, and am not buying them rn
°for my s/o
This list may look odd, and does fluctuate, and most items don’t have to be purchased regularly. We float a bill that looks like the following for the two of us: 100 dollar Costco run once a month, 25 dollar grocery run(previously weekly, now bi-monthly, if that. So let’s say 200 bucks a month for the both of us. I understand that this may seem like a lot, but we don’t eat out and are working towards reducing our expenses. Recently though, we have been spending a lot less because of my garden, but I understand not everyone has the luxury of tending to a garden.
I’m going to be doing plastic free July on here publicly, 100% realistically, and 100% mentally sustainably for me. I’m not going to lie, I’m only low waste now, but I do what I can. zero waste made my OCD go out of control and is not something I can do, but low waste is, and I believe everyone can reduce their waste :)
Covid 19 has led me and my boyfriend to buy tetrapaks of almond milk(ngl, the convenience is great, even though the package is problematic) and we buy in bulk to avoid trips(so, plastic) and we are imperfect! I do grow some food and we do live 20 miles from a farmers market, so it’s not impossible to get packages free food(my garden is of course the simplest) but the current reality is that I don’t have enough to sustain us and I have plastic.
Thus, I want to show what my plastic free/low plastic July is like. It’s probably not going to be child friendly since we do have sex and use condoms, but I want to show what a normal couples low waste journey looks like :)
There will 100% be plastic waste because I have medical issues and don’t leave the house often, but I’m excited to show you what our realistic low waste life looks like :D
If you have any questions in sustainability, shoot me a question and I will respond. Have a lovely day and see ya tomorrow
It’s good for both your physical and mental wellbeing, and getting strong is one of many benefits gained from participating in exercise. I am sure just about everyone reading this post has heard of an elliptical(elliptihell) or a treadmill or a bike, but I have beef with these. Why? They waste energy. You can practice walking by walking. I know not everyone lives in a good area(I don’t) but maybe your work or someone you know lives in a nice area? Why not go for a walk and breath some fresh air while walking? If you’re in a nice area, why not commute to school by walking? I’m 1.5 miles from my University and walk, it’s a nice way to clear my head both there and back.
Biking is also a nice way to get some wicked strong legs and possibly run errands (put your food or whatever in a backpack or put your reusable bags on the handlebars. Investment in a basket or some saddle bags? These will all add resistance to the exercise)
The point is, you don’t need to go to a gym and use their fancy electronic equipment for working out. Especially not for cardio. Just get out and go if you can and if you can’t, maybe be more mindful of the time you spend at the gym.
