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A Less Wasteful Gift Wrapping Guide

Brown paper packages tied up with strings… these are a few of my favorite things!

***Updated for 2019!***

Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy gift giving! So you picked out the perfect, thoughtful, mindful, gift — now what? I, like many others, love seeing beautifully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree. I also love watching the joy on people’s faces as they slowly (or not so slowly) unwrap their gifts. So how can we present beautiful gifts without producing waste that goes to the landfill? Here are your options! 

The Bad
First off — check to make sure your local recycling facility accepts wrapping paper.… // Continue reading.

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2019 Eco-Friendly Clothing Finds

This year was a good one for innovative eco-friendly clothing pieces. And while my first choice will always be thrifting — it’s nice to know that new yet sustainably made pieces are out there in the world. Here are some cool (new-ish to me) finds that might also make great holiday presents!

1. The Upcycled Puffer from Gap (100% recycled fill, shell, lining)
2. The ReNew Hoodie from Everlane (43% recycled polyester, ethically made)
3. Wool Loungers from allbirds (sustainable materials) — can also be worn as slippers indoor!
1. Nike One Tights (83% recycled polyester) — I love Nike leggings for lounging, working out, and traveling.
… // Continue reading.
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Online Thrifting Tips (& 2019 Thrift Favorites!)

As you know, I’m a huge fan of thrifting and purchasing items that are already out in the world and ready for a new home. However, there seems to be the misconception that thrifting means ugly, smelly sweaters or outdated jeans. And, sure, there’s definitely some of that but with a little searching (ESPECIALLY ONLINE), there are some amazing finds on sites like Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay. If you’re new to the thrifting game and don’t have the time or energy to spend hours weeding through your local thrift shop, go the online route! Yes — the items will be more expensive than finding it at a local store but you’ll also be able to find exactly what you’re looking for at a fraction of the time.… // Continue reading.

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My Favorite Zero Waste Snack

Snacks seem to be one of the worst offenders of excess packaging. Most of which can’t even be recycled. So beyond fruit (which, let’s be real, feels a bit too healthy to feel like a treat) and overpriced bulk candy, what’s a low waster to do? Enter popcorn.

Popcorn is mostly healthy (depending on your toppings), can be completely zero waste, quick to make, and delicious. I buy popcorn kernels in bulk, pour a bit into a brown paper bag (reuse until you can’t anymore and then compost it), and microwave for about three minutes. If you’re feeling fancy/making a large quantity/hate microwaves, you can make this on the stovetop with a little bit of coconut or vegetable oil.… // Continue reading.

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Make Your Clothes Last

A huge part of both the zero waste and minimalist lifestyles involve taking care of what you already own so that you aren’t buying things unnecessarily. This is incredibly important especially when it comes to clothing. A few simple steps can help prolong the life of your clothes and prevent items from inevitably ending up in the landfill or getting downcycled.

  • Wash your clothes gently/per label instructions. I almost always wash my clothes with cold water and on a gentle or “casual” cycle. I then dry my clothing on the low setting (or hang to dry in my closet). It takes a bit longer but my clothes take less of a beating this way.
… // Continue reading.