Completely Easy Ways to Make Your Home Earth Friendly

I have been making a conscious effort to reduce waste and make our household "more green". In the past this seemed like an overwhelming task. Since I have begun the process I realize little steps snowball into a big wonderful fluffy snowball. As families we have the power to cast the vote by the purchases we make. The more sustainable we buy the sooner it will be more accessible. It feels good to have that kind of power. Since doing this I have seen multiple benefits I did not expect. I see my daughters being educated by our choices and doing their part. As an interior designer I notice everything. I like things to look pretty. Most sustainable products are lovely and really add to your lunch box, shelf or counter-top in a beautiful way. Little things like opening your lunch to see a reusable napkin or bag can have a impact on your day and lifestyle. I have also noticed since everything is reusable it saves us money which always feels amazing right?!

Here are thirteen small easy and completely doable changes I have made. I could have added thirteen more...like I said it's a snowball. I now notice everything wasteful. Especially how much plastic use there is. Here are my favorite things all of them can be found with a few clicks on Amazon. I recommend supporting your small and local business for some of these products. Even if you just start with reusable plastic bags it makes a massive difference. 

Reusable Freezer and Ziplock Bags

As a Mom of two girls I'm constantly packing snacks and lunches. We have used a reusable bento lunch tin for years, but sometimes you just need a bag. These reusable bags work so great. I use them for so much more than I thought and the wash up like a champ!

 Image via @thislittlemiggy //reusable bags via full circle home

Stainless Steel Straws

So many plastic straws end up in our oceans. This one is a change with lots of impact. Next time your at a restaurant say "no straw please". We are a big smoothie making family and we love sipping those with these straws. I keep the them on hand in our kitchen drawer. I keep a stash in my purse to use at restaurants in lieu of their plastic straw. 

via amazon

Beezwax Food Wraps

Beeswax wraps have multiple benefits. We have replaced plastic cling wrap by using these. We use them to cover containers in the fridge, wrap fruit and sandwiches. They rinse up very well.

via amazon

Dryer Balls

These are my favorite. Dryer sheets have a lot of chemicals that are not good for us or the planet. These reusable dryers balls get out the static, fluff our clothes and look pretty in a canister on your laundry shelf. They are a win, win, win!

via food 52

Reusable Amber Glass Containers

So many of our bath and cleaning products come in plastic that cannot be recycled. By using refillable amber glass for your bath and cleaning products you can make a lasting change. Then the trick is to not refill the bottles with something that comes from a giant plastic jug that get throw in the garbage. You can find refillable soaps in compost friendly packaging. You can also visit your local bulk store that has bins where you can refill your products in a reusable container. Whole Foods is one of these stores, but search your area for options. You can also research ways to make your own cleaning products to put in the containers.  

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

You can opt for no packing on your shampoo and conditioner. This I have not tried yet, but have heard great things. As soon as I run out of shampoo I'm going to give it go.

via basin

Bento Lunch Container

This one is a no brainer. If you haven't switch to a bento container for you lunch your missing out. I love following this company Planet Box on instagram simply to get their beautiful and fun lunch ideas. 

via planet box

Stainless Steel Tumbler and Straw

I'm not much for drinking out of a water bottle. I love my stainless reusable tumbler with a straw. It keeps my ice water cold and I bring it everywhere from the gym to the store. Begone with plastic water bottle waste that is one of the worst things for our planet.

via amazon

Bulk Bin Containers

Eliminate the food you purchase in plastic containers and opt for shopping at a bulk bin store in your area. Bring your own bag and refill pastas, beans, nuts, cereal and baking essentials. The earth will thank you and your pantry will be a show stopper. My hope is to see more store popping up like this. Whole Food is one of them and you can get deals there with your Amazon Prime account.

via the container store

Discard Organic Waste

Keep a pretty compost pale on your counter to discard food scraps and keep it out of landfills. Instead this compost will be used to grow more food in gardens. This is truly giving back to the earth. Minnesota locals can do this free. Sign up here to get your free organics bin. 

via food 52

Refill Laundry Canisters

We use to use a lot of liquid laundry soap that comes in a hug plastic container. I have since switched to a powder detergent to in a cardboard box which is easier to recycle than the plastic jug. If you a liquid detergent lover you can refill a spout container at your local bulk store. I also love this because it adds to the laundry shelf pretty factor. Once again win win!

image via mindy gayer design

Produce Bags

Instead of grabbing more plastic for your produce opt for reusable produce bags. These also come in handy for nuts and pastas coming out of a bulk bin. 

via amazon

Cloth Napkins

In our house we were in a bad habit of grabbing paper towel after paper towel to use as a napkin. I have now tried to start pulling out cloth napkins at every meal instead of just special occasions. It's less waste and makes the meal more enjoyable even if we are just having PB & J. 

via west elm

The list of things could go on and on. Once you start it's really actually fun. The main thing is to  start with something small. Small goes a long way. I think you will find in the process your home looks pretty, you feel less guilt and planet earth is feeling good too. 

Do you need help making your house more of a home? Tell me about it. I will create a custom interior design that is mailed right to your door or inbox. The best part is I will work with what you have, your personal style and most importantly your budget. 

Start your custom Decorator in a Box today! click here

​With Annie Pauza's guidance, you can affordably transform your space into a place that reflects your style and personality. As an online interior decorating service, Decorator in a Box lets you maintain control through the do-some-of-it-for-me process, and gives you everything that you need to bring an expert aesthetic to your home.

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