Waste Free Living – Carbon Free Family

Reusable Gift Bags Tutorial

December 7, 2022

A few years ago, I sewed a bunch of reusable cloth gift bags in cheerful Christmas patterns and they continue to bring me such joy! I love wrapping presents in these gorgeous bags. I love giving them to people (and am so honored when friends and family want to keep the bag in addition to the gift… in fact, you’ll regularly find me sneaking around and gathering my bags up after gift opening is over at our family gatherings). I love reusing them year after year! AND they’re super easy to make! I swear, they’re a great project for beginner sewers because it doesn’t matter the size, shape, or even if they’re particularly square. The process is three simple steps: cut, sew, enjoy!

Slow Living, Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

The Great Christmas Tree Debate

December 7, 2022

Are you on Team Natural or Team Artificial when it comes to Christmas trees? Have you ever wondered which is more sustainable? Most of us firmly believe that one is “better” than the other, but there’s a really interesting debate about the sustainability aspects of this tradition. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when choosing the type of tree you use to celebrate the holidays.

Waste Free Living

Corn Pudding with leftover Easter ham

April 19, 2022

Let talk about Food Waste: Did you know that if global food waste could be represented as a country, it’s carbon emissions would be the third largest in the world (behind China and the USA). The resources needed to produce the food that becomes lost or wasted has a carbon […]

Waste Free Living

Zero Waste Super Bowl!

February 11, 2022

I might be in it for the snacks and commercials, but I LOVE a good Super Bowl Party! We’ve spent the past couple of years developing a snack spread that minimizes waste and includes everyone’s favorite goodies!

Slow Living, Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

Roasted Red Pepper Curry Soup

September 18, 2021

Let me introduce you to my FAVORITE fall soup: Roasted Red Pepper Curry Soup. It’s easy to make, gluten free, dairy free, and EVERYONE in my family is happy to eat this meal! Sure you can buy roasted red peppers in a glass jar at the grocery store (and glass is definitely better than plastic), but have you ever roasted your own? Now is the time! Carpe diem! They freeze really easily so you can have home-roasted red peppers to cook with all winter.

Slow Living, Waste Free Living

Natural Dyed Easter Eggs

March 24, 2021

Happy spring! Easter is fast approaching and it’s time to color Easter Eggs! This year I got really excited about making my own natural dyes from common food ingredients in my home. These dyes are less waste, low or no cost, and the perfect mix of science experiment + craft project!

Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

Dutch Babies

February 24, 2021

Do you remember the epic amounts of local fruit I froze last summer? Now that it’s the middle of winter and I’ve realized that I’m still not very good at eating local food during the winter months, I’m pivoting my focus to creatively using all of this delicious frozen fruit. I’ve begun modifying many of our favorite recipes, including our perennial breakfast favorite dutch babies, and let me tell you that our new favorite topping is tart cherries!

Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

Low Waste Valentine’s Day

February 11, 2021

I think it’s really important to be able to show my love while staying true to my values and goals. What if gifts really matter to your partner? And how do we navigate the challenging world of the school Valentine’s Day party? For these situations, I offer a few sustainable tweaks to your “traditional” gifts and a tutorial for homemade, low waste Valentines.

Slow Living, Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

2021 Intentions (part 2)

February 8, 2021

Last week, I shared my 2021 Goals in the travel, food and home categories. This week, I’m happy to share with you the rest of my goals… the ones related to goods, services, and self care.

Slow Living, Sustainable Living, Waste Free Living

2021 Intentions (part 1)

February 4, 2021

I like to take my time setting my annual goals, so here I am in early February finally writing them down. My annual goal setting, much like my life, is a slow and reflective process. I like to calculate my environmental footprint, reflect on last years’ progress and this year’s biggest opportunities. I’m excited to take you on a journey of my 2021 intentions.