I’m going to get straight to the point because most people skip this part anyway. (Don’t worry, I don’t take offense. I do the same thing)

I’m about to launch my youngest baby bird out of the nest and into the wild world of college dorm life. I want her dorm room to be a cozy, healthy haven that screams “responsible eco-warrior” instead of “science experiment of cheap plastics and weird smells.” Let’s be real, moving into a dorm can be expensive, but you don’t have to sell a kidney to make it greener. I’ve spent years obsessively researching non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives (some might call it a hobby, my kids call it a personality trait).

And because I love saving the planet and a good deal, here are three money-saving tips to keep in mind:

1. Shop from within your house:

You’ll be amazed by what you already have lying around, no need to buy new when home shopping saves you time and money.

2. Embrace pre-loved items:

Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local Buy Nothing groups. Many dorm essentials are barely used and begging for a second life.

3. Hunt for student discounts:

Stores love students. Think Target, Apple, North Face, Nike, Levi’s and don’t forget to stalk Amazon for price drops.

In my efforts to make mindful purchases:

• I look for products Made in the USA if possible
• I chose products with thousands of really great reviews
• I try to find products that are plastic-less (or plastic-free)
• At times, I choose a more expensive item because it’s likely to be better constructed, ensuring its longevity. ***Bonus – I can easily sell or donate it when I no longer need it.

Below is my hand-picked list of eco-friendly dorm items to help your college kid (and mine) stay healthy, save money, and maybe even make Mother Earth just a little less cranky. Let’s do this!

Bedding & Towels

When it comes to bedding, options like Oeko-Tex certified, organic, or bamboo materials can be excellent choices. I really try to make sure my kids’ bedding is free of toxins since they spend so much time sleeping and hanging out in their beds.

• These sheets at Target or these sheets at Amazon because they were super soft and fit perfectly over the mattress topper. Definitely get 2 sets (just in case they spill something and can’t do laundry right away).
• Pillowcases – 2 sets
• Blanket/Comforter/Duvet Cover: This is all preference. My daughter wanted a blanket but some love a duvet cover so you can easily wash it. This one has really lasted.
• Mattress Topper: I did a three-day deep dive on this one. Super important to me since college kids spend so much time in their beds. I chose this one because my younger child would also would use it, and it has great resale value. My kid had some back issues and this was perfect. Plus, her friends loved hanging out in her bed because it was so comfortable. ***Because I got this topper, I didn’t bother buying a separate mattress cover since it already had one. This was the only thing my college kid used before putting on the sheet which saved me money only buying one thing.
• Cheaper Mattress Topper: BUT if that topper is too pricey, I did a ton of research, and everyone loved this option too, it was my second choice.
• Coop Pillows: These are a bit pricey, but I keep pillows for YEARS, so I’d rather invest in good ones. I have these all over my house, I love them so much. You can adjust the fill to make them as big or as flat as you like.
• Towels: I like this set because you get 2 washcloths, 2 hand towels (my daughter uses those at the gym) and 2 towels. She has 2 sets which is more than enough.

Dorm Room

• Woozoo Fan: This is a MUST for those of you whose kids have absolutely no air conditioning and it’s 95 degrees.
• Surge Protector and Extra Surge Protector: You probably only need one, but my husband insisted she take 2. ***A flat plug is great for behind a desk or bed and definitely want to have some USB ports.
• French Press Coffee Maker: My kid is a bit of a coffee snob and wanted the French Press. It’s the best French Press that’s not glass. I loved it so much I bought a large one for myself
• Stainless Steel refillable K-Cups: If you kid absolutely insists on a single serve coffee maker, at least use these stainless steel refillable K-cups.
• Electric Tea Kettle
• Jewelry Organizer
• Apple Air Tags for Backpack and Keys
• Desk Lamp with Bonuses: When a lamp that is just a light isn’t “cool” enough
• Boot Tray (best thing we ever got). We got a large one so everyone in the room could share it and they only needed one by the door. Keeps them from dragging rain, snow and mud into the room.
• Tool Kit (the whole floor loved my daughter – she was the only one with tools). Again, you can create your own tool bag if you have extras.
• ** (Option 2) Thor’s Hammer Tool Kit if you need to make a statement while literally saving the planet. This is not just for boys, my husband carries this around in his truck and my daughters are both “borrowing” it.
• We bought the Zero Water 10-cup and it’s been working great, also here’s a great guide for choosing a water pitcher.
• Air Purifier
• Veno Moving Bags: These are a double win. We used them to move her into her room and then she used them for storage under her bed
• Lightweight Vacuum (another item that was popular with the kids on my daughter’s floor)
• Easy to use, but still cool Alarm Clock
• Reusable Cloths to clean spills/wipe surfaces (these are the ones I use at home too)
• Ice Maker

First Aid Kit

Here is a great complete kit, but if you want to make your own kit, here’s some ideas

• Adhesive Bandages
• Antibiotic Ointment (like Neosporin)
• Ice Pack
• Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen
• Cold Medicine
• Bandages and Scissor
• Essential Oils if that’s your thing
• Heating Pad
• Feminine Care Products

Laundry

• Earth Breeze and Clearalif laundry Sheets: Just check with your college first because some don’t allow laundry sheets. But if they do, I highly recommend them. They’re easier to carry and better for the environment and your health. I’ve used both of these and they work great.
• Wool Dryer Balls: Skip dryer sheets and use these instead
• Bag/Basket/Hamper: this depends upon where the laundry room is located. Some like backpacks if they have stairs but we had an elevator so my daughter wanted this one on wheels
• Collapsible Dryer Rack
• Non-slip Hangers: We love these and just ordered more
• Shower Shoes
• Hanging Shower Caddy/Toiletry Bag
• Shower Caddy (if you don’t want a hanging version)
• Blow Dryer: BUY 2 – one for your daughter and one for YOU

Miscellaneous

• Wearable blanket: This one seemed silly, but she uses it like every day
• Emergency car tire inflator: For students with cars
• Bike tire pump: For students with bicycles
• Sewing Kit
• Reusable coffee/tea mug
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Lock Box for Valuables and Medications
• Overnight Travel Bag for Trips HOME
• Backpack
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: They’re expensive but my daughter swears by them
• Noise Reduction Earplugs: my daughter absolutely loves these

Remember, don’t stress.

I know you’re striving to create a comfortable and inspiring space for your kids, one that also mirrors their individuality, but they may not actually “need” as much as you think. If you’re not sure your kid is going to “need” something, you can always wait and get it to them later. Here’s to an enriching, unforgettable, and eco-conscious college adventure!

Affiliate Disclosure:

I have affiliate marketing relationships which may result in my earning a small commission from purchases resulting from links posted. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases when using my link. These commissions help cover my expenses including my website www.livingcleananddirty.com which is another helpful resource to living your “greenest” healthiest life.

The post Empty your nest without emptying your wallet appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Health Benefits
Alright, let’s talk about the health benefits. The Mediterranean diet has been praised for its heart-healthy qualities, thanks to its emphasis on olive oil, fish, whole grains, and fresh produce. On the other hand, the Vegan diet, with its focus on plant-based foods, has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. So, who’s the winner here? Drumroll, please…it’s the Vegan diet! Jeff Bridges would be proud of this plant-powered victory as “The Dude” is a Vegan.

Environmental Impact
Now, let’s consider the environmental impact. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, which reduces carbon footprints. However, the Vegan diet takes it a step further by excluding animal products, which significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. So, who’s the winner in this category? It’s none other than the Vegan diet, which is why “Dr. Strange” actor Benedict Cumberbatch doesn’t find being vegan strange at all.

Culinary Delights
Ah, the joy of food! The Mediterranean diet spoils us with its array of vibrant flavors, from fresh herbs to succulent seafood. But let’s not underestimate the creativity and versatility of the Vegan diet, where plant-based ingredients shine in all their glory. It’s a tough call, but in this category, we’ll give a nod to the Mediterranean diet. “Roseanne” star John Goodman credits the Mediterranean Diet for his recent 200 pound weight loss.

Ease of Adherence
Now, let’s talk about ease of adherence. The Mediterranean diet allows for flexibility, making it easier for most people to incorporate into their lifestyles. On the other hand, the Vegan diet requires more commitment and careful attention to ensure proper nutrient intake. In this category, the Mediterranean diet takes the crown, making adhering to it as smooth as silk. TV host and professional chef Rachel Ray is a follower of the Mediterranean Diet, so there must be something to it.

Recipe Resources
Alright, we’re in the final round, folks! Both diets offer a plethora of delicious recipes to tantalize your taste buds. For the Mediterranean diet, check out websites like The Mediterranean Dish and Olive Tomato for a treasure trove of Mediterranean delights. But, and this is a big but, for the Vegan diet, we have our winner, and it’s none other than my queen of plant-based goodness, Minimalist Baker and Nora Cooks. While I believe that the top spot on the internet is a little website called Living Clean & Dirty, I definitely have to tip my chef’s hat to these cooking sites and more. Definitely helpful resources for everyone from master chefs to beginner cooks.

So we’ve seen a number of positives for either choice. They both have their merits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and goals. So who’s the real winner? We all are, these “non-traditional” food journeys have never been so readily accessible as they are now. Generations before us have followed similar paths but it was definitely more of a challenge than it is now.

Easy Teriyaki Tofu from Nora Cooks

Greek Stewed Octopus in Tomato Sauce and Pasta from Olive Tomato

Remember, whether you’re diving into the depths of the Mediterranean or embracing the plant-powered revolution, what matters most is finding a sustainable and enjoyable way of eating that nourishes your body and soul. So go forth, explore new flavors, and let your taste buds dance with joy.

And before we wrap up, I can’t forget to mention one of my recent articles “Dirty Santa, Clean Earth: Navigating Eco-Friendly Holidays Like a Pro”. If you’ve never considered a penis-scarf as a gift, then you might want to check it out.

Now, go forth and whip up some culinary magic! And remember, no diet is perfect and very few worthwhile culinary adventures are ready to go right out of the box. You need to make it work for you. There are tons of benefits to be found in either choice, so either path is a winner in my book. So cheers to good food and good laughs!

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic dietary changes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay weird, my friends.

The post Battle of the Diets: Mediterranean vs Vegan appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

1. Memory Jar: Have you ever looked through your photo roll and realized you had forgotten all the awesome things you did this past year? Here is a fun thing to do with your family that costs no money. We keep a jar on the kitchen table (just pick a place you see everyday so you don’t forget it) and every time someone feels inclined to share a moment (good or bad) they write it down on a piece of paper and add it to the jar. It’s like a time capsule without having to dig a hole in the backyard. We’re always dropping fun dinner receipts, playbills and concert tickets in there too. Then on New Year’s Eve we dump out the papers and read them out loud. When you’re done reminiscing, you decide what’s next. You can keep the strips of paper in a box and reopen the box 10 years later, you can test out your scrapbooking skills, or even compost the paper. It’s a fun way to remember all the moments, big and small, that you share as a family and then the very next day you can start all over again. I love it so much I wrote a whole blog post about it that you can read HERE.
2. Clean Your Closet: I’m a huge fan of Joshua Becker and his website, becomingminimalist.com, and one idea I tried last year was on January 1st to turn all my hangers in my closet in the opposite direction. Throughout the year as I wear it I put it back on the hanger in a different direction. At the end of each season (unfortunately we’re down to two from the original four) I can see all the clothes I don’t wear and reassess for the following year. What do you do with all the clothes that don’t make the cut? Here are a few ideas. This way everything hanging in my closet is actually what I wear, and that’s how I managed to say goodbye to my cargo pants, shoulder pads and fitted vests.
3. Make 1 Eco-Friendly Change: The easiest way to go a little greener is to pick something you do every day and change just one thing. It’s not overwhelming and sometimes one change can work like a domino effect and lead to others. Sometimes it doesn’t and that’s ok too. Then you know you’re at least doing one thing to help the planet (and yourself). So what’s one thing you do every single day? It usually starts in the bathroom so here are my Top 5 Ways to Go Green and Save Money in Your Bathroom or Top 5 Ways to Go Green and Save Money in Your Shower.
4. Get Moving: Forget the “I’m joining a gym” New Year’s Resolution because no one goes. I shudder to think of how many gym memberships I bought in year’s past only to face the age old choice of “Do I go to the gym or to White Castle?”. My answer usually rhymed with “night hassle” so my hat’s off to those who made the healthy choice (I made the same resolution every damn year – Lucille Roberts, NY Sports Club, Sky Fitness, they all got my money but not my time). So from now on, start a revolution, not a resolution. Making real change in your life doesn’t have to be hard, just set goals that are realistic and achievable. So I have a revolution for you, it’s free and you can do it anywhere. Just start walking. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight (or help you achieve it), strengthen your bones, increase your energy levels, improve your mood, help you sleep, improve your balance, strengthen your immune system and reduce stress.So yeah…it helps you with a few things. When I first started my walking revolution I wanted to do 10,000 steps a day, which sucked because when I started keeping track I realized I was only really doing 2,000 a day. Small changes to reach 10,000 were key. I started parking farther away from stores, running up and down my steps, pacing while on the phone, dancing while cooking dinner – anything to add movement. When I felt confident of my new routine I splurged, bought a FitBit (and you can too) and joined a group of friends in a weekly competition. It has completely changed my life and the best part, my friends and I are all getting healthy together. And like sex, the faster and more frequently you do it the greater the benefits, but usually with less mess.
5. Learn Something New Every Day: I’m a follower of Jim Kwik. I listen to his podcast, read his book Limitless and even took one of his reading courses which changed the way I thought about reading. His idea is that if an author takes years of their life to research a topic, become an expert, and then write a book about it and I can take one week to read that book I’ve just learned all that information in a very short amount of time. Time is our most precious resource because you can never get it back. Do I binge watch mindless TV? Yup! Do I read sappy romance novels? Hello, every single Nicholas Sparks book with a box of tissues. BUT I also really like to read (if I find a book I’m into I can’t put it down). In the last 15 years I’ve put reading low on my to do list and now that my kids are older and I have a little more me time, I vowed to read a book a week. That was my 2022 goal. Did I fall short of my goal? Yup, I only read 23 books, but I read more last year than I read the year before. That means I cried a little more (Nicholas Sparks released Dreamland), I read a young adult book with my daughter so we would have our own book club, I learned about ways to keep my dogs healthy, I reread a classic (Slaughterhouse Five), learned about our planet (thank you Neil deGrasse Tyson), read a bunch of books on investing and even read books to research a book I plan to write…and honestly, I read some of these books while walking on the treadmill. All in all, not bad for failing at my yearly goal. But the best part is I will be instituting “Ellen’s 52 in 2023 Book Revolution”, this is my year to read a book a week. And for those of you who just can’t find the time to sit down uninterrupted (or semi-interrupted) with a book, fear not…there’s an app for that. You can listen to audio books, watch YouTube videos (subscribe to my channel), have a documentary playing in the background while you’re working around the house, watch a TED Talk, pick up a new hobby or language, listen to a podcast, the ways to learn are endless.

I should have titled this article “The Last 5” but that sounds a bit more like the ending to Thelma and Louise and that’s not the vibe I’m going for. I’m always interested in learning how people plan on bringing in the new year (#5 – learn something new every day), so don’t be shy. Let me know what your 2023 revolution looks like and how you’re going to kick the new year right in the ass.

The post Goodbye 2022…Helloooooooo 2023 appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Well, have you heard the one that starts with “A woman walks into a room…”? Because if I’m the woman, then half the time I have no idea why I walked into the room in the first place. I’m a smart girl, drink plenty of water, eat right, get my rest and keep my stress low, but dammit my memory is CRAP!

Pick a room in my house and I’ve actually whispered aloud “why did I come in here” at least a dozen times in each of them.

20 years ago I blamed it on Mommy-Brain, but I think now there’s another “M” at play.

Mumps? Measles? Mad Cow disease?

Nope, according to the calendar I have arrived at Menopause station. All aboard…next stops are  vaginal dryness, night sweats and wait for it…memory problems.

Let’s put all the other symptoms to the side for now and focus on the hunk of Swiss Cheese I now refer to as my memory.  I actually stop in the middle of doing stuff because I can’t remember why I started doing it in the first place. Sometimes I will be mid-sentence and then all of a sudden it’s gone. And as far as people’s names go, I would definitely have an easier time if everyone in my life wore nametags or just responded warmly to “Hey…you”

You know how your phone fills up with pictures, videos, test messages until things stop working correctly until you start deleting and making some space? I’m convinced my brain also has a tiny little memory card that can hold only a certain number of things and then it drops one to add one.

• If I remember your name, I’ll forget my address.
• If I remember to do the laundry, I’ll forget to pick the kids up at school.
• If I remember to stop at the store for bread, I risk forgetting to take my pants off before I start peeing.

You get the idea…it’s awful. Why do women have to get it? I know men have something similar but for crying out loud it says MEN right in the name!!!

Since I can’t remember what I ate for lunch, it’s not a stretch to figure that I’m not going to remember all the day-to-day experiences I had with my family this past year. Even in the year of Covid, we still managed to laugh, to cry and even had an adventure or two.  I never want to forget family movie nights watching “old” movies like Sixteen Candles, Protocol, Jaws, Rocky Horror Picture Show, or my favorite Alien (a little slow but still holds up and Sigourney Weaver is a total bad ass at any age, although my girls knew her as the Ghostbusters lady – another family movie night classic). We visited Old Westbury Gardens for their Shimmering Solstice light show. I bought a Tesla, we went to a wedding and I grew closer to a cousin I barely knew. This was also the year I experienced my older daughter’s first driving lesson (part of me wouldn’t mind forgetting that). I watched my husband receive 2 Emmy’s for his incredible work in television. And who wouldn’t want to forget the look on my older daughter’s face during her first driving lesson. I, on the other hand, have been trying very hard to forget it.

I want to remember all of it, the good and the bad. Menopause may have given me sore boobs and taken away my ability to have a good night’s sleep but my memories are off limits.  My hubby is constantly telling me we need to back up our phones so we don’t lose anything, so I decided to take that a step further. So before my Hard Drive became a Floppy Disk I came up with a plan.

Enter the memory jar. When I first read about this idea, my post menopausal brain did a happy dance. This is the perfect way to fill in all the blank spaces and a fun thing to do with my family that costs no money. The value is in the experience, not the purchases my dear readers.

We keep a jar on the kitchen table (it’s a thick glass square jar that I think held flowers at my wedding 20 years ago. But with my memory, I may have shoplifted it from Home Goods last week…who knows?) and every time someone feels inclined to share a moment (good or bad) they write it down on a piece of paper and add it to the jar. It’s like a time capsule but without all the burial dirt, thanks to our dogs Han and Leia there is never a shortage of dirt in the house already.

Then on New Year’s Eve we dump out the papers and read them out loud. It’s fun because even the rest of my family who aren’t in menopause forget about this stuff too. So whether you are reading this in January, July or November it’s never too late to start backing up your memories and preparing a fun surprise for the whole family on New Year’s Eve. When you’re done reminiscing keep the strips of paper in a box, scrapbook, display it all in a shadow box, shred it, or compost the paper. It’s a fun way to remember all the moments, big and small, that you share as a family and then the next New Year’s Day you start again.

If your family is like mine they embraced the idea right from the start.

• “Do we have to. I hate to write.”
• “Why do I have to do this? I remember everything just fine.”
• “I don’t have menopause. This is stupid.”

But it never fails, after we read through the whole jar they are singing a different tune.

• “This was so much fun, I’m glad we did this.”
• “Thanks mom, that was a great idea.”
• “I don’t have menopause. This is stupid, but I guess it was fun.”

I hold back my “I told you so” and my “I knew you would have fun” and just silently gloat like a good mom. Getting older isn’t awesome, I’m still HOT but it just comes in flashes now and I may find myself in the garage holding a spatula and a bottle of nail polish trying to figure out what the original plan was. Our memories and experiences are how we document this journey and in many ways it’s the best part. Looking back at those experiences with my family and reliving them as we prepare for a brand new year is my favorite “M”…Magnificent.

The post Was I writing about menopause? I can’t remember. appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Let me introduce you to AirThreds, while you say goodbye to those cardboard disposable filters wrapped in plastic which end up folded up in your garbage can after a few months.

The video really explains it all but here’s the deal…imagine a washable mesh pillowcase wrapped around a solid frame that replaces your existing air filter. BOOM! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

If you’re like me and have pets, a husband who likes running the air conditioning year round, or just want to save some money and breathe cleaner air then I can’t recommend this enough.  They come in all shapes and sizes, their customer service is outstanding and they can be cleaned with either a vacuum or dropped into the laundry. When properly maintained one AirThreds filter will last as long as 36 of the cardboard kind.

Yes, these are obviously cool (pun intended). It’s been a few weeks but I’m already a fan (pun intended). Saving money and the environment is HOT! (ok, that was a reach).

Follow me for updates on this and many other Earth-saving products and projects. And as a BONUS, use the coupon code ECO20 and get 20% off your purchase from AirThreds. Be one of the cool kids (ugh, you already used that one) and check out AirThreds. Do it for your family, your planet, and your wallet.

AirThreds provided me with their product to facilitate this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. 

The post Don’t be an airhead…check out AirThreds appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

My version of the perfect Mother’s Day doesn’t involve fancy dinners, chocolates or extravagant gifts. It’s sleeping late, not cooking a single meal (or doing the dishes), and celebrating the original mother, Mother Earth, by spending the day outside in the garden.

Misspelled cards and Picasso-esque drawings from my kids over the years will always have a special place in my heart, but as my girls are now in their teens (please pray for me, or at the very least send wine), the gift of spending time with them is just as precious. While not as Earthy-Crunchy as I am, at least not yet, my girls have definitely embraced some of my eco-friendly ways and joined me on my journey.

I’ve become a newly self-proclaimed minimalist, I have a new kitchen goal, and I’m no longer driving a hybrid. Is your interest piqued? Well, you’ll have to keep watching as I’ll get to those stories in future articles, but for now let me present my gift from one mom to another.

Let yourself be a bit selfish this Mother’s Day. We’ve earned it, ladies, and we keep earning it every day whether you’re changing diapers, need your own diaper changed, or you’re somewhere in between. I’ll admit there are some pretty terrific store-bought gifts out there, but if you’re a regular reader of mine then you shouldn’t be surprised that I’m giving you my TOP 10 FREE things you can do right now to save money and save Mama Earth.

1 – Next to my kitchen sink is a pitcher. Don’t go out and buy one. Trust me, you’ve got something right now that’s collecting dust and will work perfectly. A big glass, a vase, a water pitcher, a bowl your kids made you for a past Mother’s Day, or even that goldfish bowl you bought even though the poor guy only made it two days. Really anything that will hold water. Throughout the day there’s so much extra water I never use. The water my kids didn’t drink, water left in a measuring cup or pot, or even ice that fell on the floor. Instead of pouring it down the drain, I dump it in my pitcher and when it’s full I use it to water my plants. Save money on your water bill and don’t let perfectly good water go to waste.

2 – Become that weird person who demands everyone take their shoes off at the front door. I swear every time someone asked me to do it I’d roll my eyes (behind their back. I’m not that rude) while taking off my shoes. Yep, now you can roll your eyes at me. Not tracking dirt and debris into the house helps reduce indoor toxins and keeps your floors cleaner. Between my two kids, my two dogs and my hubby, there’s a lot of outdoors that ends up indoors. I used to go through vacuum bags like potato chips at a Grateful Dead concert, so this one’s a no-brainer. Less dirt, less vacuuming, less money spent. Win, win, win.

3 – Join me in My Year of Clear. Confused? That’s what I called it when I woke up and decided to keep only the things I love, use or are sentimental. Everything else goes. Not to the landfill of course. Don’t be ridiculous. All that stuff you’re saving “just in case?” Let me be your blunt friend. I know you have the best intentions, but you’re never going to use it. If you haven’t touched it in a year, you probably don’t need it. Sell it on eBay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and make a few bucks, or donate it to a local thrift store that supports a nonprofit. Your trash really can become someone else’s treasure, and you’ll have a little extra room to dance around your newly decluttered house.

4 – Did you know your clothes get just as clean using cold water? Yep. You’ll save money on your energy bill, your clothes will stay looking newer longer and you’ll help the planet. BAM. All in one. And if you want to take it one eco-step further, check out THIS ARTICLE and see how I ditched laundry detergent and now my clothes (and my washer and dryer) have never smelled better.

5 – This Mother’s Day I’ve set a huge personal goal for myself. Read one book a week. If you’re a reader like me, there’s no way I’m buying all those books to read once and then stick on a shelf like some strange literary trophy. My local library always has enough to keep me entertained, and they even print on the receipt how much money you’ve saved by borrowing instead of buying.

6 – “Turn the goddamn lights off!” Ahhhh…this brings me back. If I had a dollar for every time my dad yelled that at me, I could probably buy a small island. Like Staten Island. Turning off the lights inside the house is easy enough, but it seems like some of my neighbors grew up in a very different household because they leave their outside lights on all night. Now far be it from me to judge. If you’re one of them, I totally get it. (Nope…I’m silently judging you.) If you feel like you need to leave them on, at least invest in a timer. It’ll save energy and money. Unless, of course, you own the electric company. Then I guess carry on.

7 – Did you know you can turn the heat off in your dishwasher? Many even have an air-dry option that lets your dishes dry naturally. I always run mine at night, so if they take a little longer to dry it doesn’t matter.

8 – I have a neighbor I absolutely adore, but he’s a neat freak. Every Saturday he unrolls his garden hose and washes his driveway. Especially in the spring. If he grabbed a broom instead, he’d finish faster, save money on his water bill and conserve the wet stuff. (Note to self: Send sidewalk chalk to his kids and tell them to draw Mom a Happy Mother’s Day message on the driveway.)

9 – Saving water is probably the easiest thing you can do right now to help both your wallet and the planet. Take a shower instead of a bath. Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. And always try to shower with a buddy. (In my case, my hubby.) And remember…a Retriever can be Golden, a Willy Wonka ticket can be Golden, and Rose, Dorothy, Blanche and Sophia should always be Golden. But I’d recommend keeping the Golden out of your shower for two.

10 – If you’re not using rooms in your house, close the heating and cooling vents to help reduce your energy costs and improve efficiency.

So to all the mothers, grandmothers and hard-working ladies out there, enjoy your day. Do something nice for yourself and for the Earth. Check back often for more helpful ideas and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.

That’s it for me today. I’m off to do some gardening and maybe, if my hubby plays his cards right, there’ll be a shower for two in his future.

The post Make it a MOM-entous day appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Water, it’s kind of a big deal. But what’s really in it, is it safe?

Millions of people around the world suffer from illnesses spread by polluted water.  I’ve seen enough of those heart-wrenching commercials about a small village in a country thousands of miles away with no access to clean drinking water. The stories are awful and my gratitude goes out to those who volunteer to do their part in improving the quality of life for perfect strangers.

You might say, “but that’s on the other side of the world, that wouldn’t happen here.” I’ll bet there was a time when the residents of Flint, Michigan said the same thing.  Ever since I first read about Flint’s water crisis in 2014 I haven’t looked at my water the same.  Over the years I bought a whole house water filter, a filtered instant hot spout on my sink and even a filtered water pitcher which sits on my counter.  Because like dad always said “If you’re going to do something, then take it to the extreme”.

Recently I reached out to my local water company to ask the tough questions

• Is my water safe?
• If I don’t just take your word for it is there a publicly available report I could read?
• Where did I leave my other green dangly earing?

Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Their representative told me our water is incredibly clean and perfectly fine to drink and he provided me with a report that may or may not have been in English. I recognized a lot of the letters and numbers but when you put them all together it was like a word salad, and not the kind you would toss.  Let’s just say my chemistry knowledge to this day still rivals that of Gene from high school, meaning I really didn’t understand most of it.

So next stop …the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) where I learned I had 30 total contaminants in my water and 5 exceed their guidelines. But what does that mean? I know it’s not crystal clean water that came from a babbling brook in Maine (why they babble I have no idea) but am I the next Flint, Michigan?  I was pretty sure the water company wasn’t going to tell me “Oh, your water is garbage, you should probably keep your mouth closed when you shower”. I needed to get impartial answers from someone with nothing to gain.  At this point the Wikipedia side of my brain had kicked in and I spent many a sleepless night wondering what sort of physical damage our water could be doing to do my family.  Now don’t get me wrong, emotional damage is just part of good parenting, but physical is where I draw the line.

Well thanks to the good folks at envirotestkits.com I can put my worries to rest.  They sent me an awesome water quality test kit so I could get the answers I so desperately needed.  So check out the video and see how we did. And if you happen to see a green dangly earing in the background anywhere let me know.

Envirotestkits.com provided me with a SafeHome water quality test kit to facilitate this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Editor’s note (2026): This review reflects the information available when it was originally published. Water quality standards, testing methods, and recommendations continue to evolve, so always check your local water utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report and current independent resources if you’re evaluating your own drinking water.

The post Take care of your largest organ appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I beg of you don’t say goodbye, can’t we give our love another try?
Come on, baby, let’s start anew, ’cause breaking up is hard to do

Wiser words have never been spoken, so much so, that even the Partridge Family delivered the same message in full Partridge regalia at a carnival in the 1972 episode “Nag, Nag, Nag” (look it up).  Gloria Estefan, Clay Aiken, Carole King and so many others have preached about the ‘hard-to-do-ness’ of breakups but sadly I don’t think any of them were trying to break up with plastic like I am.

So if you remember all the way back to my last post about Earth Day and my impending war on all things plastic.  I talked about how my vitamins and my weird former co-worker Steve both came in plastic containers and those 2 things are both very bad. Well, I’m here to remind you I’m still fighting the good fight against plastic.  You don’t realize just how much plastic we use in our daily lives from toothbrushes to phone cases, garbage cans to car bumpers, dog toys to eyeglasses, and what I’m talking about today…kitchen gadgets and food storage.

I think the easiest way to kick plastic to the curb (in my blue recycle bin of course) is by going old-school, and when we start talking old-school then we have to start with “Hell-on-Wheels Helen”. My Grandma Helen grew her own food, sewed her own clothes and bought a car before she even got a driver’s license. She was never in a car accident but they say she caused more than a few, so take that advice with a grain of salt.  She was the Chuck Norris of grandmas.  Legend has it that she once had an underwater breath-holding contest with a fish…and won.  When she sliced onions, the onions would cry.  The flu still gets Grandma Helen shots each year.  Basically, she was a bad ass before women were supposed to be bad asses.

I’m pretty sure she would get a kick out of my Year of Clear. She was a real no bullshit lady and I like to think I get all my good qualities from her.  She was the boss of her house and not only could OG Helen start a fire with an ice cube and beat the sun in a staring contest but she knew that when it came to the kitchen, glass was where it was at. She stored everything in glass and it made a ton of sense, it was completely see-through, you could go directly from the fridge to the oven and so long as you don’t chuck it at your husband (allegedly) it will last for years.  Plastic wasn’t an option back then and even if it was I don’t think Helen would have had any of it. Sure plastic might be lighter and cheaper but glass is more durable, non-porous and won’t warp over time. Legend has it that Helen could dribble a bowling ball and win at connect four in three moves, so she would tell you plastic didn’t belong anywhere near her kitchen.

She wasn’t around for the rise in popularity of stainless steel straws, silicone storage bags and biodegradable sponges, but if she was I know she would be a fan.  Maybe she would’ve started Living Clean and Dirty. Maybe we need to think a little more about what touches our food. Maybe we need to simplify things. Maybe the Boogeyman still checks under his bed for Grandma Helen.  My point is…maybe we all just need a little more Old School in our lives.

So I don’t want to “Nag, Nag, Nag” (Jesus, just look it up!) but in honor of OG (Original Grandma) Helen here are my top 5 Old School meets New School tips for breaking up with plastic in the kitchen. And feel free to share any of your favorite plastic break-up tips, or 8×10 glossies of David Cassidy for that matter.

1.   Sponges: “Sponge-worthy” jokes aside, if you’ve ever use a loofa in the shower you’ll know it’s a great way to clean your body. Why shouldn’t your dishes, pots and pans be treated with the same TLC. Not only is Scrufah biodegradable, compostable, non- toxic and of course plastic free (the packaging has NO plastic too) it works really well on scrubbing off those tough messes after sitting in the sink all night. To clean my counters I love, love, love Skoy Cloths. They’re biodegradable, chlorine-free, unbleached, washable in either your washer or dishwasher and the best part is they last a really, really, really long time. The website says it can last for months and is the equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels but mine have lasted YEARS and I barely buy paper towels.

2.   Storage Containers: Taking a page out of Grandma Helen’s book, I switched to all glass containers. I have a ton of Mason Jars which are awesome, but sometimes it’s more convenient to have shallower storage. There are plenty of companies that sell glass containers BUT the lids are plastic and they suck, so lose-lose. They warp in my dishwasher and are difficult to wash by hand. They crack and split apart so you never get a good seal, and much like a Dutch Oven, if you don’t have a good seal then what’s the point. So basically the bottom part is great and the top half is useless (much like most of my old boyfriends). Thankfully I came across a company called Nummy. Nummyware is glass stackable storage containers that come in different sizes, are dishwasher/oven/microwave/freezer safe. They come with a bamboo lid that is 100% biodegradable, BPA free, phthalate free with a food grade silicone seal that is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.  Check out Nummylife here.

3.   Grow my own food: No plastic containers, no BPA filled receipts, no plastic wrap, no plastic produce bags. Just go outside (in the winter it’s inside) and cut, wash and use. Want great tips on how to grow your own garden. Check out this blogpost for more info. **Pro-Tip!! You can GROW SCALLIONS IN WATER INSIDE YOUR HOUSE from store bought scallions. Check it out here!

4.   Stainless Steel Straws: I would ditch using straws completely but I love drinking lemon water, which is basically lemonade’s cool older cousin. Some say if you drink this daily the acid in the lemon can ruin the enamel on your teeth. Others say to just to rinse your mouth with water after drinking the lemon water and you’ll be fine.  Still others will say that if you drink it from a straw then your pearly whites will be safe.  Legend has it that life gave my Grandma Helen lemons and she used them to make lemonade, 2 grenades, a motorcycle and an entire bottle of bourbon.  So basically no one knows what the real answer is.  I play it safe and drink my morning lemon water with a straw. I love turtles WAY too much to ever use a plastic straw, paper straws are gross, so that’s why I go with stainless steel. I bought 4 and use them over and over and over again. I even carry one in my purse when I go out which embarrasses the crap out of my kids. (grenades, motorcycle and bourbon not included)

5.   Silicone Storage Bags: My kids hate it when I take our used ziplock plastic bags, wash them and reuse them. My hubby actually says THIS is the last straw (not even stainless) and too much for even him to watch. I’m not using those bags once and throwing them away and thankfully I’m not the only one with this problem. We use non-toxic, dishwasher and microwavable silicone bags. They come in all sizes and colors so you can freeze, store or use them to carry around food. You can check some out here and here.

The post The Legend of Grandma Helen and the War on Plastic appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Here’s one source of plastic I never really thought about until recently…my daily vitamins. Yep, even the mayor of Awesome-town takes her vitamins. I try to stay on top of my Vitamin C, Vitamin D and probiotics. (When my hubby talks about me getting my Vitamin D, he means something completely different…and sadly, it isn’t a daily supplement.)

Much like this weird guy Steve I used to work with, most vitamins come in plastic containers. Please don’t ask how I know Steve came in a plastic container. Some questions are better left unanswered.

Fortunately, I found a win-win with Truvani. It’s a company I already trusted, but what really caught my attention was that their vitamins come in glass jars instead of plastic. It’s a small change, but those little choices add up over time. Saving the planet doesn’t always mean installing solar panels or buying an electric car. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing the glass jar instead of the plastic one.

So this Earth Day I’m saying no to plastic, hell no to Steve, and yes to Mother Earth.

💰 Save Money. 🌎 Save the Earth. 😀 Save Yourself.

The post Plastic ain’t Fantastic appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

1…Wash Your Hands: Come on people! I never in a million years thought I’d have to add this to my list but here we are. I read one article that found 4 out of 5 people in the world don’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. So PLEASE after you pee, after you poop, after you go out and lick subway poles, you need to wash your hands. With soap. For 20 seconds and lots of rubbing. Plenty of friction, like your hands are two high school kids dry humping each other. Sing Happy Birthday two times, the alphabet song, I Touch Myself by the Divinyls, whatever you like just wash your damn hands.

2…Self-Quarantine: If you’re sick stay home. This is another idea I never thought I’d have to add to my list but then I read about that guy who tested positive, felt sick and decided to take a plane to Florida, land of the old people, and I realized people really do need reminding. Don’t get on a plane, don’t go to work, don’t go to the movies. Relax, drink fluids and binge watch Breaking Bad or Schitt’s Creek. Skip any Nicolas Cage movies…we have enough problems already.

3…Social Distancing: Sounds like some cool new app right? It means stay the hell away from people. Hang out with your family, the dog or yourself. Give your liver a rest and no bar hopping. If the weather is nice go outside. Fresh air and the sun will do you some good and when you do meet your friends outdoors no touching. Make pretend you’re meeting the Queen, bow and curtsey. If that’s just too weird for you air high 5 each other, do the bump, wave or just stick your hand up in the universal hi position. In times like these, no one is gonna get offended.

4…Sleep: At some point in every parent’s life they’ve looked at their kids at night and thought, “Go the Fuck to Sleep”. If sleep deprivation suppresses your immune system, then getting a good night sleep helps keeps you healthy. I had sleepovers with my BFF growing up and we’d stay up late and she got sick. Every single time so go the fuck to sleep.

5…Drink Fluids: Sorry not alcohol. Yup, there are other fluids besides wine. I know…I had to look it up too.

6…Exercise: Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, and many studies suggest it supports a healthy immune system. Some believe the deep breathing flushes out your lungs, some say it helps to balance your stress hormones, some say it changes your cells, whatever the reasons it works BUT if you work out TOO intensely it does the opposite. Like everything else in life – moderation.

7…Eat Healthy: Lots of fruits and veggies. When you go food shopping stick to the outside aisles and don’t buy a lot from the middle of the supermarket. That’s all your processed food. Did you know that red bell peppers have twice as much Vitamin C as citrus? Here’s some great immune boosting foods besides red bell peppers: garlic, citrus, broccoli, ginger, spinach, kale, mushrooms and green tea.

8…You should get your vitamins from food whenever possible. Some people also choose supplements like Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc or Echinacea. Whether they help depends on the person and the evidence is mixed, so talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.

9…Meditation, yoga or deep breathing. FIFO has always helped me and you can read about it HERE.

10…Reduce Stress. When you’re stressed you release hormones that screw up your immune system. Find your de-stresser. Work out and you can combine this idea with number 6. My hubby likes to keep himself busy and do projects around the house, my way to stay calm is mediating, you gotta find your thing.

What To Stock Up On:

Prescriptions/Medications You Take

Medicine to take when you have the flu like acetaminophen, or if you’re like my mom…bourbon.

Bonus: Some people also enjoy using essential oils. I like them, even if it’s just because they make the house smell nice. If you have pets, make sure any oils you diffuse are safe for them.

Another Bonus: Sex helps too, there has to be some benefit to all of us working from home now.

The post Say “No Thanks” to the Coronavirus appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.