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Borrow, swap, rent: 10 things you probably don’t need to own
These days, buying something is almost too easy. Need a thing? A few taps, one quick checkout, and it’s on your doorstep tomorrow. But a lot of what we buy only gets used once in a while — and could just as easily be borrowed, shared, swapped, repaired, or rented instead. Finding alternatives to buying new isn’t about deprivation. It’s about saving money, reducing waste, and making better use of the things already around us. In many cases, it can also create more connection with neighbors, friends, and community. Here are some everyday things we often rush to buy — even though there are simpler and more sustainable ways to…
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Beeswax wraps: A practical guide + LOONMOON review
A practical swap: Are beeswax wraps worth it? The problem: The hidden cost of convenience Plastic wrap is one of those kitchen staples most of us use without a second thought—until we start noticing just how often it shows up. Cover a bowl, wrap a sandwich, store some leftovers – it adds up quickly. And unfortunately plastic wrap is hard to recycle thanks to food residue and its thin, clingy design, so most of it ends up in landfill. Beyond the waste, there’s also growing awareness around plastics and microplastics—not just in the environment, but in our food and bodies—which makes those small, everyday choices feel a bit more important.…
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9 surprising ways everyday life impacts the environment
We all like to think we’ve got a pretty good handle on how our everyday choices affect the environment. It often feels simple: some things are “good,” others are “bad.” Reusable bags? Good. Plastic? Bad. Eating plant-based? Better. Driving? Worse. But it’s not always that straightforward. Some choices that feel eco-friendly can come with hidden environmental costs, while other small, overlooked actions can actually make a bigger difference than we realize. That gap between what we think helps and what actually does is worth investigating so that we can continue to positively impact the world around us. Surprising things that may have a net harmful effect on the environment Surprising…
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20 Budget-friendly Easter activities to do with kids
Easter is a time my family and I always enjoy celebrating together. Over the years we’ve tried many fun Easter activities for kids, from dyeing eggs to baking special holiday treats. As my kids are getting older, some of our traditions have changed, but we still love finding simple ways to celebrate the season and spend time together. I especially enjoy activities that are low-waste, budget-friendly, and easy to do at home. Many of the best Easter memories come from simple traditions like baking, crafting, decorating eggs, and getting outside in the spring sunshine. In this list, I’m sharing a few Easter activities our family already loves, along with some…
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44 Ways to Give your Loved One the Gift of Time this Valentine’s Day
I’m always looking for ways to give gifts that don’t involve a huge amount of “stuff.” It isn’t easy though, because gifts of stuff are often easy–especially when things are always being advertised and wish lists are often being updated. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’ve been thinking of ways to give the give of time instead of the gift of stuff–or at least maybe a bit of both. What is the “gift of time”? There is a basic idea out there that everyone receives love a different way, more specifically in one of five ways: acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, gifts, and quality time. I’ve mentioned the…
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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…
