Three Easy Changes That Help the Environment and Make Me Happy

There is nothing like a tornado ripping through your town to get you thinking…

Well, that tornado got me thinking about climate change. I have been making environmentally friendly changes for a while now but the tornado really made me “stand up and take notice” right after it make me get low and take cover. Ha.

Critics might say that industry needs to make changes, that individuals don’t make much difference. Critics might say it’s up to governments. But I just don’t want to be contributing to environmental harm anymore. I don’t want to argue or finger point. I just want to do what I can.

So here are three simple changes I have made. Feel free to follow suit.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

• Environmental win: fewer plastic bottles
• My win: soft, silky hair

I am now happily using shampoo and conditioner bars! I colour my hair so I usually use a shampoo for colour treated hair. I chose the dry/damaged bar from Re:mind Wellness and it, along with the conditioner are leaving my hair soft and silky. I do occasionally use the conditioner that comes with the colour as a bit of a boost since my hair is long and the ends have been through many colours, blow dries, sunny days and so on. Well in Hand also sells shampoo and conditioner bars. I haven’t tried them but I imagine they are quality bars. I tried one from the Bulk Barn, it was inexpensive but I wasn’t happy with the results. Womp, womp. Ya get what ya pay for.

Homemade/Non-toxic Cleaners

• Environmental win: non- toxic
• My win: no allergic reactions, saving money

I make my own all purpose cleaner by mixing one part vinegar and one part water. I add a tablespoon of a pleasent smelling dish detergent. I limit my use of disinfecting cleaner. After all, I changed diapers and washed my hands with soap and water (albeit thoroughly) It just illustrates that soap and water are very effective cleaners. With Covid, there are certainly places where the use of disinfectant is necessary! But in our home where it is the same people and durning not pandemic times, I don’t feel that all surfaces need to be sanitized. For at home use you can make disinfecting cleaner with vodka, soda and a squeeze of lime. (kidding!) Honestly though, you can make disinfeting cleaner with either rubbing alcohol or vodka. Click here for a recipe. I also use Flanette Magic Powder in the dishwasher. It is biodegradable, vegan, not tested on animals and comes in a refillable container (also from Re:mind Wellness) and it works every bit as well as my previous ones.

Second Hand Clothes

Environmental win: fewer textiles in landfill, less manufacturing

My win: unique clothes, save money, can buy things I would otherwise not afford (see Kooples Blouse above)

I love a deal (as you probably already know) So buying second hand saves money and re-uses clothes that might otherwise end up in landfill. Locally, Livin’ Boutique is fantastic and Claimed Vintage has really unique clothing. Postmark has a huge selection that you can puruse in the comfort of your home. Poshmark Tip** If you “like” and item and wait a day or two, you will likely receive and offer that is dicounted and comes with discounted shipping. Do check the photos and measurements carefully and it is easier to fit tops, dresses and jackets.

Well that’s it for now. Three easy ways to help the environment, there are so many more! Let me know if you’d like more tips like these!

xxxooo,

Callie

If you enjoyed this, you might also like How to Clean When You Don’t Have The Energy. It also has environmentally friendly cleaning tips