My Zero Waste House Tour

This is a mini-tour. If it's ever not raining on a weekend, I'd like to add a video tour to this post too. I also wanted to take some time and chat with you about life. This blog is very "How-to" and very informative. I don't feel like I have many opportunities to just talk. 

Today we're going to talk. This post is a little more about me. It's a little more behind the scenes and a little less zero waste. This home tour also happens to be my engagement photo session, with some (less glamorous) photos I snapped peppered in. You'll clearly be able to tell which is which - don't worry. Thanks to Allison for taking some wonderful shots. 

This shoot is really special to me because we'll probably be downsizing to a 350 sq ft tiny-ish home. I am very excited to document the journey. But, this was the first place that felt like ours. I love this place. I love our stuff. It was all carefully selected and retrieved. 99% of it is second hand and it took A LONG time to get to this point.

It's our little home and each piece has a story and is special in some way. I finally feel like our house is complete, and now it's time to move. But, such is life, and this isn't the story I want to tell. 

I want to tell you our story. FYI - it's gross. Not like ewwwww gross. Like, that's so cute I want to vomit, gross. Cool? Cool. 

The year was 1588. Yes, 1588. 

I was a fishmonger/wannabe pirate and he was the town beggar. And, yes that is a Globe Theatre replicate behind us. 

We lived in actor housing and our rooms were across the hall from each other. We met at a toga party and fell in love on the shire. The shire is what the cast called the faire grounds.

He's from Maine and I'm from Arkansas. Being from two different places, you wouldn't expect us to have the same favorite restaurant. But, we totally do. It's this obscure chain called Mellow Mushroom. 

Mellow Mushroom was the first pizza joint where I could get vegan cheese. *Life Changing* After we found that out, we googled the nearest Mellow Mushroom. The closest one was 3 hours away in Washington D.C. 

So, we did what any sane person would do.... we jumped in the car and got dinner at Mellow Mushroom. 

We traveled quite a bit while performing. We've kind of been all over the map. We went to D.C., NYC, Ocean City, Gettysburg, Lititz (coolest small town in America), Philly, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Little Rock, Las Vegas, and then finally California. 

While performing, things went from casual to not so casual. Justin asked me to come with him to California after our contract was up. My parents thought I was crazy, but I said yes. 

After our contract was up we drove around a little bit. We visited his mom in Florida, and then we visited my mom in Arkansas. 

In Arkansas, we plotted our big move out west! By big move, I mean whatever fit in our cars. We drove 24 hours straight from Little Rock to Vegas. IT WAS AWFUL. 

AWFUL. 

My mom, as a surprise, gave us a hundred dollar bill to blow when we got there, and it wound up being counterfeit. Our room flooded as soon as we got there, and it took forever before we could get into our new room. The whole trip was a mess, but it was still so much fun because it was an adventure. 

After two nights in Vegas, we hauled out to California. No jobs, no place to live, pretty much nothing but each other. 

Eventually, we found a place to stay, we found good jobs. We got a dog. I started a personal project called Going Zero Waste. Justin went back to school. We got engaged, and we're getting married in May! 

My life went in several directions I never saw coming, but I'm so happy. This has been such a crazy adventure, and I'm ready for the next chapter whatever that may be. 

I can promise you there will be a wedding update coming, a video tour of my home, and probably a lot of posts about downsizing. Definitely a 900 sq. ft. before and a 350 sq. ft. after post! 

I would love to hear if there are any posts or videos you'd like to see on the blog? 

15 Simple Swaps for a Zero Waste Bathroom

The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house but man-oh-man can it be wasteful! The average woman puts on 12 products in the morning before she leaves the house, but we typically have a lot more in our cabinets, under our sinks, and in the shower.

I’ve found one of the best ways for me to reduce my waste is to implement a one-in-one-out rule. So, I can’t actually bring in a new product until I run out of an old product.

This post was sponsored and some of the links down below are affiliate links for more information see my disclosure policy.

I don’t know why, but when ever I started running low on an item, I would immediately run to the store to buy a new one and typically wind up picking a few extra things. This resulted in me having an ever growing expanse of beauty items. Most of these items were never even used or only used once.

If you’re wanting to reduce your waste in the bathroom, I would definitely start with making sure that you will actually need and use what you bring into your home.

If you’re looking for more tips on implementing the practice of waiting check out my post Why I Wait 30 Days Before Making a Purchase. I ran a whole minimalism series to help others really think through their purchases because we can sometimes consume pretty mindlessly.

lotion:

Winter is wrapping up and boy am I ready for warm weather. I’m ready for dry skin to be a thing of the past. I don’t make all of my products, I only make a few of them. The ones that I really, really like. Ones that are effective and don’t take too long to make!

All my DIYs have to meet my rules of personal sustainability.

Lotion has been one of the easiest switches I've made. It's easy to make and works better than any of the store bought stuff I've tried. I use it on my body and face. Here’s the recipe for my non-greasy, homemade zero waste lotion. 

floss:

I wrote a great blog post on zero waste flossing options. I use a combination of water pikking and using silk floss. I've used both dental lace silk floss and flosspot silk floss. Both are great!

razor: 

Swap your plastic disposable razor for a safety razor. Safety razors are made of stainless steel which means they can be recycled at the end of their life, but they’ll probably never even get to that point because they are very

Using a safety razor can be tricky - get my tips on using a safety razor. 

But, just because you want to swap to a sustainable razor doesn’t mean you have to give up on style! This rose gold safety razor is drool worthy!

I found it on Eco Roots a small sustainable and plastic free store in Colorado. They have a nice curated selection of zero waste bathroom supplies.

hair brush:

You probably have a plastic hair brush or comb. When the time comes, whyy not switch to a wooden hair brush or comb? A wooden brush or comb does a much better job of pulling oil from the root to tip so you might be able to go an extra day without washing. 

dry shampoo:

Dry shampoo is my saving grace in the morning. Need an extra 15 minutes of sleep? This is what you need! It works great in dark or light hair. You can get my recipe for zero waste dry shampoo for both light and dark hair.

multi-tasking soap bar: 

Do you need a separate soap bars for everything or can you use an all-in-one? I make one that works great for face, hair, body, and skin. It's soothing, gentle, and it lathers exceptionally well for a shave soap.

As a bonus, It's only two ingredients! Get my recipe for a homemade, zero waste four-in-one soap bar. 

If you don't want to make your own, I totally get it, you have tons of options. Check out my post on zero waste hair care. You can also check with a local soap maker or grab a homemade soap bar like this one and this one. 

conditioner:

Swap out traditional conditioner for ACV. Mix one to two tablespoons in a large cup of water. Use a spray bottle to spritz in your hair or just pour over your head. Let it soak in for a couple of minutes and then rinse. 

You can also use diluted ACV for toner as well. Using ACV is great to balance your pH especially after using a soap bar. 

mouthwash:

Mouthwash could be a place to streamline, but I find that toothpowder doesn't leave your breath smelling very minty fresh. Mouthwash is a great addition to a morning routine.

This homemade, zero waste mouth wash is super soothing for gums and refreshing.

periods:

Switching to eco-friendly menstrual products has been one of the best swaps that I’ve made! There are so many different ways to have a zero waste period so there’s bound to be one that works for you.

Not only are these swaps better for the environment, but they’re also great for your wallet. You can swap to cloth pads, a menstrual cup, or thinx period panties (my personal fav!).

For more information check out my blog post How to Have a Zero Waste Period.

lip balm: 

Lip balm is a very simple swap. It's so easy to make and I like to make a big batch that lasts for months.

I have two recipes, and favorite recipe contains beeswax and is featured in a video below. It leaves your lips looking glossy and nourished.

If beeswax is not your jam then check out my recipe for homemade vegan, zero waste lip balm. This recipe does melt when it's warmer out, so try not to keep it in your pocket. 

toilet paper:

You all know how I feel about my bidet attachment. I love it! It has shrunk our toilet paper usage by 60%! That's a lot of reducing. But, even after reducing that much, we can still make better choices like tree-free TP or 100% recycled.

For more information read the full post on zero waste toilet paper.

toothbrush:

Swap your plastic toothbrush for a compostable bamboo toothbrush.

Every plastic toothbrush ever created is still around! Isn't that crazy? I was able to be apart of an awesome short film illustrating that with Brush with Bamboo. You can see the post/video here. 

toothpowder:

I worked with a dentist on this toothpowder. Check out my blog post zero waste toothpowder for the recipe. The last thing I would want is to cause irreversible harm to my teeth. Health is my number one priority zero waste or not.

After all, I started this zero waste journey due to reclaiming my health. Check out this blog post to read more about my story and how I ended my chronic pain.

This toothpowder is mild and non-abrasive. However, teeth are highly individual. If you have soft teeth, you may need fluoride to prevent cavities. It's very personal. Justin still uses Tom's of Maine toothpaste, you can read that post here. 

And, you can read all about my six-month check up here. 

cosmetics: 

Cosmetics can be pretty tricky to make. By far the most difficult thing I've DIY'd is mascara, but I’ve given up on trying to make my own cosmetics because I don’t think it’s a good use of my time. Thankfully there are a lot of eco-friendly beauty companies out there. Check out these 10 Zero Waste Green Make-Up Brands.

deodorant: 

Switching to a natural deodorant has been super important to me. I have a few recipes on the blog and a few new ones in my book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste.

One of my favorites DIY deodorants is super simple to make with just two ingredients. It’s an all-natural homemade roll-on deodorant.

I also really like this one that I like to call Extra Strength Zero Waste Deodorant that’s stored in an old deodorant tube that works just like store-bought!

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I'm working on makeup remover, another face scrub, another face mask, and a couple other bathroom DIYs. Is there anything you'd like to see me make? What are some of your favorite zero waste bathroom swaps? 

This post may contain affiliate linking you can read more on my disclosure page.

101 Easy Eco Friendly, Zero Waste Tips

I thought it would be a lot of fun to compose over 100 easy tips for going zero waste that you could implement relatively quickly. You might not be able to implement all of the today, but you can definitely get a jump start on a lot! 

A lot of these things are SUPER easy to do, it just takes a little bit of commitment. Obviously, you don't have to do everything on this list. Going zero waste is a journey, and a lot of times there is more than one option.

There is no one correct way to do something. Rather there is a multitude of ways ranging from best to better to not so good. Weigh all of your options and be a conscious consumer. Reducing your consumption is the most important thing you can do.

But, in the meantime, pick a couple of things and give something new a try! You have to start somewhere. And, don't let only being able to do a little prevent you from doing anything. All the little things add up to massive impact! 

If you want a practical guide for reducing your waste where there’s even more tips and information be sure to check out my book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste!

Every day we have a choice to make this world a little wasteful. What can you do today?

1. Ask for no straw in your drink order when out.

2. Don't leave your house without a full reusable water bottle.

3. Ditch tissues for handkerchiefs.

4. Pick up a lonely banana.

5. Always say no thank you to free promotional items. They tend to be cheap and break easily.

6. Get a library card to support your local sharing economy.

7. Donate unused items in good condition to support the second-hand market.

8. Think second-hand first when purchasing something.

9. Try elderberry syrup if you feel a cold coming on instead of immediately reaching for a plastic pill bottle.

10. Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush.

11. Turn old sheets and towels into handkerchiefs, rags, napkins, and cloth produce bags.

12. Build a zero waste kit and put in the trunk of your car or carry it with you when you'll be out so you'll always be prepared. It doesn't have to be large just a few items!

13. Wash clothes when they are actually dirty, instead of after only one wear.

14. Open a window to cool down your home or air it out.

15. Try to avoid palm oil.

16. Buy food without packaging or minimal packaging.

17. Instead of buying something when you're having a bad day, do something. I.e. go on a walk, take a yoga class, meet up with a friend.

18. Repurpose stale bread.

19. Make dry shampoo to stretch between washes.

20. Surround yourself with items that serve multiple purposes to streamline and cut excess junk.

21. Commit to bringing your reusable bags to the store. If you don't have them, turn around and go get them! After forgetting them once, you won't do it again.

22. Try canning to preserve food.

23. Use bar soap instead of liquid soap, it tends to come with less packaging.

24. Swap disposable pads and tampons for cloth pads or a menstrual cup.

25. Change light bulbs to LEDs.

26. Be mindful when using technology.

27. Bring reusable produce bags for fruits and veggies.

28. Put on a sweater and socks before turning up the heat.

29. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

30. Don't buy anything impulsively!

31. Try making your own lotion.

32. Check out your farmers market.

33. Make your own face mask from stuff in your pantry.

34. Try cloth diapering.

35. Get some houseplants at a local nursery to purify your air, don't forget to return the little plastic pots!

36. Get rid of pests naturally.

37. Meal plan to avoid food waste.

38. Unplug electronics when not in use.

39. Try making tooth powder to avoid unrecyclable toothpaste tubes.

40. Buy more locally made goods.

41. Repair something when it breaks.

42. If you're looking for a specialty item, like camping gear or an extra table for a party, ask a friend if you can borrow one before making a purchase.

43. Plant a small garden.

44. Learn how to freeze your food without plastic so it doesn't go to waste.

45. Make your own febreze spray to freshen your room for pennies!

46. Start a backyard compost.

47. Swap little plastic chapstick tubes for DIY lip balm.

48. Surround yourself with tools and items that are meant to last a lifetime. Try to only buy objects once.

49. Try your hand at an easy all-purpose cleaning spray.

50. Look into collecting rainwater or a greywater system.

51. Store your food properly to make it last longer.

52. Find your local cobbler to repair tired shoes.

53. Know where everything you buy comes from whether it be food, clothing, or other household goods

54. Ask for no plastic and reused packaging materials for online orders.

55. Pack your lunch instead of eating out every day.

56. Reduce your meat consumption. If you're not ready to go vegetarian start small: try Meatless Monday, weekday vegetarian, or even weekday vegan.

57. Learn to regrow kitchen scraps.

58. Line dry a load instead of using the dryer.

59. Try homemade mouthwash.

60. Ditch plastic shower loofahs for a real loofah or a bamboo bath brush.

61. Ask for a real mug at the coffee shop when staying in.

62. Always run a full dishwasher or load of clothes.

63. Most sunscreen causes coral bleaching, go coral friendly!

64. Bring your own container for to-go food and leftovers.

65. Ditch paper towels and use tea towels and rags.

66. Beware of greenwashing, always do your research.

67. Make your own deodorant.

68. If it's a 30 minute or less walk, get outside instead of driving.

69. Vote with your dollars for a sustainable future.

70. Bring your own to-go cup when getting coffee on the run.

71. Look into tree-free TP.

72. Learn how to repair a button or hem to extend the life of your clothing.

73. Look into rechargeable batteries instead of disposables.

74. Serve dinner with cloth napkins.

75. Eat more vegetables and legumes.

76. Keep a bucket in the shower to water plants or flush the toilet.

77. Wrap presents in newsprint or not at all!

78. Swap cotton rounds for reusable rounds.

79. Focus on experiences rather than things.

80. Switch from a plastic disposable razor to a metal safety razor.

81. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can.

82. Make homemade gifts to give to friends and family.

83. Try Wheatless Wednesdays to cut back on intensive grain farming.

84. Avoid junk mail by placing a sticker on your box or going to dmachoice.org

85. Keep a stocked pantry to avoid getting takeout on busy nights.

86. Learn where to properly dispose of items like gift cards, old cell phones, batteries and unusable cords can be turned in at best buy etc.

87. Find your local tailor to help with clothing repairs.

88. Ask yourself if you truly need it before making any purchases.

89. Go paperless for all your bills!

90. Swap don't shop! Host a clothing swap with friends.

91. Pick up litter when you're out and dispose of it properly.

92. Make your morning cup of coffee with a french press or pour over with a reusable filter to avoid extra waste.

93. Ditch plastic q-tips for plastic-free or reusable.

94. Ditch sponges in lieu of compostable scrubs or brushes.

95. Try to shrink the amount you recycle. Zero waste is about recycling less not more.

96. Use both sides of the paper!

97. Avoid receipts when out, ask if one has to be printed. Sometimes they do, but not always!

98. Take public transit if available or carpool.

99. Join a community garden.

100. Swap tea bags for loose leaf tea in a reusable strainer.

101. Make my favorite zero waste switch: look at installing a bidet attachment.

If you liked this post be sure to check out my book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste!

Are there any zero waste tips I left out? What would add to the list or tell someone who's just starting the zero waste journey? 

This post may contain affiliate linking you can read more on my disclosure page.