Hi!
April is here, which means it's time to focus on Earth Month (and Earth Day - April 22.) I've been thinking a lot about small eco-friendly changes I've incorporated into our routine, that actually stick, and wanted to share a few that have been game-changers in my own home.
Not Paper Towels (Yes, That's What They're Called!)
A while back, I started using "Not Paper Towels" and wow—why did I wait so long? These reusable cloth towels have completely replaced the paper versions in my kitchen, and they're surprisingly versatile:
- Wiping counters (they actually clean better than paper!)
- Cleaning up spills (super absorbent)
- Drying produce after washing
- Using as napkins for everyday meals
- Dusting surfaces around the house
I've grabbed some from
Geometry with fun patterns that actually make me
want to use them (full disclosure—some of the patterns are mine—and there are loads of artists to choose from!) The best part? Just toss them in the wash and reuse! My paper towel consumption has dropped by like 80%, and I'm not exaggerating.
Textile Recycling That Actually Works
Another eco-switch I've made: I'm now using
Retold Recycling for all those textiles that are too worn, stained, or dated to donate. You know the ones—old socks with holes, that t-shirt you've had since college that's basically transparent now, or those jeans that are beyond repair.
Instead of them ending up in a landfill, Retold will recycle them properly. They send you a bag, you fill it up, and ship it back. Done! No more guilt about tossing fabric items.
Countertop Compost Bins
Not everyone has a backyard for a traditional compost pile, but that doesn't mean you can't join the composting revolution! Here's an option that works brilliantly in limited spaces:
This
cute little container sits right on your kitchen counter (or under your sink), collecting food scraps until you're ready to dispose of them. Just toss in your coffee grounds, eggshells, fruit peels, and veggie scraps throughout the day! When your bin is full, there are a number of ways to dispose of your scraps that will feed the soil and prep it for growing plants of all kinds. Here in the Borough of State College, we're fortunate to have
curb side pick up of compost and yard waste on our garbage day. I know that's not true everywhere, so here are some additional ways to dispose of your compost scraps.
-
Community Compost Programs: Many cities now have drop-off locations at farmers markets, community gardens, or designated collection points where residents can empty their countertop bins weekly.
-
Subscription Services: Companies like CompostNow, Litterless, or local services will provide regular pickup of food scraps directly from homes, even in urban areas.
-
Neighborhood Garden: Residents might arrange to contribute their scraps to a neighbor's compost pile or community garden compost system.
-
Apartment Building Programs: Some progressive apartment buildings and condos now maintain communal compost systems for residents.
-
Blend and Bury Method: For those with even a few potted plants, they can blend small amounts of food scraps with water and bury this mixture in their planters (away from plant roots).
Quick question — What's one small eco-friendly switch you've made that actually stuck? Hit reply and let me know—I'm collecting ideas for a future newsletter and would love to feature YOUR wisdom!
(Here are some photos that bring to mind the beauty of Mother Earth. These are props I used in a recent photo shoot. More on that later!)
. . .these birch trays made in Sweden are made from responsibly forested trees and are dishwasher safe! Coming soon the to shop.
