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World Wildlife Day 2026: Simple ways to support conservation
Every year on March 3, the world observes World Wildlife Day, a day to remind us that wild animals and plants quietly sustain life as we know it. Established by the United Nations, the date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. That agreement was created to ensure international trade does not push species toward extinction. This year’s theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. Medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and harvest practices are a source of resources for many households around the world, who rely on wild plants, algae…
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Sustainable gardening for beginners
There’s something wonderful about starting a garden in the spring. It’s that feeling of reconnecting with nature, welcoming a new year, and knowing that warmer days are just around the corner — along with fresh, delicious fruits and veggies (without the grocery store price tag!). If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of gardening or assumed you’d need a backyard, fancy tools, or a big budget, good news: you don’t. Gardening can be simple, accessible, and surprisingly affordable. In this post, I want to inspire you to start a small, sustainable garden on a budget – easy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in containers and give you the biggest return…
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How plastic enters our lives and practical ways to reduce it
Years ago, I did a big plastic purge. I cleared out containers, swapped materials, and felt confident that I had reduced the amount of plastic in our home. But lately, I’ve noticed some of it creeping back in. As life got busier, convenience started to take over. Kids grew, routines changed, and plastic slowly found its way back — not always as bags or bottles, but as wrappers, lids, toys, and everyday items I hadn’t questioned in a long time. Going against the grain — like trying to find food without plastic when almost everything is packaged in it — takes time, energy, and often extra money. And for a…
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Don’t toss those cards: Easy ways to upcycle Christmas cards
Every year after the holidays, I find myself with a small stack of Christmas cards that feel way too nice to throw away. If you’ve ever felt the same, learning how to upcycle Christmas cards is such a simple (and satisfying) solution. With their thick paper, beautiful artwork, and thoughtful messages, Christmas cards are perfect for turning into handmade decorations, gift tags, and keepsakes—allowing for them to be enjoyed long after the tree comes down! Why upcycle Christmas cards? Reusing Christmas cards makes sense on multiple levels. From a sustainability standpoint, paper waste is common over during the holidays. While recycling helps, reuse is even better—it conserves resources and keeps…
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DIY Ugly Christmas sweater: Upcycle an old sweater into a holiday classic
Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a holiday staple — bright, goofy, quirky, and proudly over-the-top. But as fun as they are, most people wear them only once or twice before tossing them in the back of the closet… or worse, into the trash. That’s where things get a little less festive. Textile waste is a huge worldwide problem, and novelty garments like holiday sweaters quietly contribute to it every year. Instead of buying another fast-fashion sweater destined for a landfill, the eco-friendly solution is surprisingly fun: make your own. Last year, feeling frugal, my daughter and I created a DIY sweater for her ‘Red, Green, and Bling’ spirit day at…
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5 Eco-friendly Christmas crafts: Upcycled decorations using cardboard
Eco-friendly Christmas crafts make this season of consumption feel more less wasteful and more meaningful. By using materials like cardboard, paper bags, and paper tubes, we can create handmade decorations that are both sustainable and full of charm! Making your own decorations from discarded items around the house is an easy, affordable way to celebrate the holidays while reducing waste and adding something uniquely personal to your home. Whether you’re decorating your home, crafting with kids, or looking to reduce your holiday footprint, these projects bring creativity and sustainability together. Looking for more fun activities to do with kids? Check out past posts here! Why craft with cardboard, paper bags,…
