1. Make a List and Check It Twice:

Before you get caught up in the holiday shopping tornado, plan your attack. Make a list of killer gifts that are not just thoughtful but also Eco-conscious. Have you ever gone food shopping without a list? You know you end up buying tons of stuff you don’t need, but if you keep to a list you’re going to save money and buy only what you use.

2. Support Local Hustles:

Forget the big-box madness. Hit up the local markets, craft fairs, and boutiques. Supporting local businesses helps your community, fellow local humans and shrinks your carbon footprint. Double win! If there’s nothing that interests you locally, check out sellers on Etsy or online small businesses – you still may be shipping items to you but at least you’re supporting small businesses and getting really unique gifts.

3. Choose Products That Are the Real MVPs:

Opt for gifts made from sustainable materials. Think organic, think reusable, think stuff that won’t end up haunting landfills for centuries. Your gifts should be as long-lasting as your Aunt Karen’s fruitcake (but way more desirable). This is where you may spend more money but it will save you money in the long run. Buy quality items that will last.

4. Get Crafty with DIY Magic:

Unleash your inner crafting wizard. DIY gifts are not just about saving cash; they’re about creating something unique and lowering the environmental impact. Plus, it’s a legit excuse to get glitter everywhere. This year I had leftover material from a project that I had no use for so I created throw pillows for my kids. They loved them, and since I’m not a pro and there were seams – my kids said the “imperfections made it more perfect”. My oldest daughter took a knitting class in college (I know, I know, it sounds like the new underwater basket-weaving but she loved it) and now made everyone’s scarves and hats for the holidays. Check out my red penis scarf – it’s my favorite gift!

5. Experiences Over Things:

Gift memories, not just things. Concert tickets, museums, spa days, or a virtual escape room – experiences beat material possessions any day of the week. My daughter cannot tell you what doll or game I bought her for the holidays 5 years ago, but she remembers the ice skating lessons we got for her. We even got the whole family involved that year when her grandma bought her a new pair of ice skates. We celebrated our other daughter’s birthday with a Broadway show and a day in NYC. Less stuff, more memories. It’s the way to go.

6. Wrap It Up, Green Style:

Ditch the boring wrapping paper and get imaginative. Use recycled paper, fabric scraps, or repurpose old newspapers or maps. And hey, reusable gift wraps like scarves or tote bags? Double the gift, zero the waste.

7. Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards:

Send e-cards or pick cards made from recycled materials. Or, how about going digital and sending a video message? Because why waste paper when you can be a video star? My favorite holidays gifts from my kids were when they wrote me letters – years later when I need a little pick-me-up I still read them.

Those are my Lucky 7 Eco-friendly suggestions. Stay tuned because I don’t live on Mars and know that you’re going to buy some stuff for the holidays so watch out for my holiday shopping guide coming to a computer screen near you. Together, we CAN celebrate the season without trashing the planet. Cheers to a dirty, clean holiday season! 🌍🎁 #DirtyCleanHolidays #SustainableCelebrations #LivingCleanAndDirty

The post Dirty Santa, Clean Earth: Navigating Eco-Friendly Holidays Like a Pro appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I’m talking to all you soon-to-be freshmen out there, so listen up! Your parents have been busting their butts trying to turn you into functioning members of society for the past 18-ish years and while our job never ends, it’s now up to you to start making some smart choices on your own. Much like shower fungus (don’t forget your flip-flops) being eco-friendly can be super contagious so if you play your cards right, before you know it you’ll have your whole dorm joining in the fight to save Mother Earth.

So parents, grab a compostable cup of fair-trade coffee and join me as we celebrate the incredible journey your child is about to embark on – a journey filled with eco-conscious choices, sustainable adventures, and a commitment to leaving a positive footprint on this precious planet we call home. And if you don’t have kids or they’re not old enough for college yet, don’t worry – this list is a guide perfect for college kids, grandparents, and anyone just trying to be a little bit greener.

• Sustainable Shopping:

Picture this: No matter what meal plan you end up getting, you could still find yourself doing some shopping for some snacks and pantry items for your room. Do your best to make sustainable choices for your in-person or online shopping cart. Opt for organic, locally sourced produce, and choose products with minimal packaging. Say no to single-use plastics and hello to reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils. Remember, every small step counts!

Real-life example: Meet Sarah, a college freshman who started a trend on campus by organizing a weekly farmers market. She connected local farmers with students, promoting healthy, sustainable eating while supporting the community. Way to go, Sarah!

• Energy-Saving Hacks:

Living on your own means having control over your energy consumption. Embrace the power of energy-saving hacks to keep your carbon footprint in check. Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and make the most of natural light during the day. Opt for energy-efficient dorm-size appliances and use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices. You don’t get an electric bill (unless you’re living off campus) but your making smart choices which will benefit the planet now and your wallet later.

Real-life example: Meet Alex, a freshman who started a dorm competition to see who could reduce their energy consumption the most. By encouraging his fellow students to be mindful of their energy usage, he created a fun and eco-friendly atmosphere in the residence hall. Kudos, Alex!

• Waste Reduction:

College life often means countless coffee runs and late-night study sessions with snacks galore. But all those disposable cups, food containers, and wrappers can add up quickly. Embrace waste reduction by opting for a reusable coffee mug and bringing your own food containers and utensils. Embrace the art of recycling and composting, and encourage your dorm mates to join the eco-warrior squad.

Real-life example: Meet Maya, a freshman who initiated a composting program in her dormitory. With the help of her environmentally conscious peers, she transformed food waste into nutrient-rich compost, which was used in the campus garden. Great work, Maya!

• Sustainable Transportation:

Not everyone lives on campus, so we didn’t forget about you commuters out there. Bid farewell to traffic jams and parking struggles by embracing sustainable transportation options. Dust off your bicycle or invest in a skateboard or scooter for a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate campus. Utilize public transportation whenever possible, and carpool with friends to reduce carbon emissions. Your daily commute can become an adventure for both you and the planet.

Real-life example: Meet Jake, a freshman who started a bike-sharing program on campus, making it easy for students to access bikes for their daily commute. He even organized group rides to explore nearby nature trails, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Way to pedal, Jake!

• Engage and Educate:

One of the most powerful ways to create change is by engaging and educating others. Join environmental clubs, attend sustainability events, and take part in community service projects that focus on eco-conscious initiatives. Share your knowledge, inspire your peers, and together, you can create a greener campus and a brighter future.

Real-life example: Meet Emily, a freshman who organized a “Green Living Week” on campus. She hosted workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions to raise awareness about eco-friendly living. Her dedication to sustainability ignited a passion in many fellow students, leading to long-lasting change. You rock, Emily!

As you embark on your college journey, don’t forget that you have the power to make a difference. By implementing these eco-friendly tips and following the footsteps of these real-life eco-heroes, you’ll not only reduce your environmental impact but also inspire others to join the movement. Embrace the adventure of college life while living clean and green. Together, we can create a sustainable future, one freshman at a time.

Remember, change starts with you!

And if you’re craving more eco-inspiration, be sure to check out LivingCleanandDirty.com for a treasure trove of sustainable living ideas, tips, and delicious planet-friendly recipes.

Pass this onto anyone who has a kid in college or going to college. Stay tuned for future articles on which products will be best for an eco-friendly dorm or join the Facebook group, Eco-Friendly Dorm Essentials & Discounts, moderated by me for ideas and discounts!

Happy eco-friendly college life!

The post The Freshman’s Guide to Living Clean and Green: College Edition appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Yup, they’re all a thing, but if you’re a die hard, dark green eco-warrior like me you don’t care because every day is a celebration of the big blue and green mama. In this house it’s AEAYR (All Earth All Year Round), but this time of the year is definitely my favorite. Spring is springing, the flowers and gardens are blooming, and this is when everyone pays a little extra attention to the Earth.

So without further ado (or “a-dew” if you tend to be a bit punny) it’s time to send out the email with all my favorite companies that are celebrating Mama Earth with some awesome specials and discount, it’s my way to help out the green and save you some green at the same time. Feel free to check out last year’s Earth Day article HERE, which was chock full of companies that in my opinion were very AEAYR-worthy.

This year I’m doing my best to live a more minimalistic life and buying less, and I wanted to share with you 20 ways to celebrate that cost either no money or very little. I am forever grateful for all of you…my amazing, fantastic readers and I try to give you links when I can but since you live all over the world I suggest you use your favorite, trusty search engine to find places near you (Ask Jeeves isn’t going to work for everyone). There’s also a TON of great non-profit organizations that are doing fantastic work so I urged you to go local.

For 2023 I’m taking a more minimalistic path, but it’s still paved a lovely shade of green. Won’t you join me?

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.

1. Donate gently used clothes you don’t wear or have outgrown to a local organization. Many have bins so you can easily drop them off.
2. Participate in a beach/park/town cleanup.
3. Check out your local farmers market, support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Check out your local library and sign up for a card. Libraries have ditched the confusing card catalog and offer so much more now, even online. Mine offers movies, events, and even free tickets to local museums saving me money.
5. This is it! This is the year you’re going to turn off lights when you’re not in the room, turn off the water while brushing your teeth and only run the washing machine and dishwasher when it’s full.
6. Clean out one junk drawer.
7. Get outside and take a walk or ride your bike. Want a great idea to get walking every day? Find a local animal shelter and donate your time to walk a dog. Great way to keep yourself accountable to walking every day and you get time in the great outdoors. And if you’re already a pet-parent then take them on an extra walk, you’ll both appreciate it.
8. Start composting.
9. Plant a small food garden, herb garden or join a community garden. You don’t need a lot of space. I grew herbs in small planters when I lived in an apartment in Brooklyn and I have friends who grow veggies in planters/pots.
10. Pledge to say no to plastic straws. Use stainless steel straws (be sure to keep them clean) for lemony drinks to save the enamel on your teeth.
11. Regrow kitchen scraps. Click HERE to see how.
12. Make a pledge not to buy anything you don’t NEED for a month.
13. Eat less meat. Try Meatless Monday – there’s tons of great recipes. I love everything from Nora Cooks and first tried meatless meals with the help of Lisa Project Vegan.
14. Unplug your electronics when you’re not using them. Phantom electricity is a real thing.
15. Go paperless. Pay your bills online.
16. Sell your unwanted items on Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark.
17. Call catalog companies that you don’t use to stop sending them to you. Click HERE if you live in the US and want to stop junk mail.
18. Sign a petition on the Earth Day website.
19. Lower your heat by 1-2 degrees. Raise your air conditioning by 1-2 degrees. You won’t even notice it.
20. Plant a tree with The Canopy Project for as little as $1.

The post Happy Earth Day 2023 appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

It may be hard to believe but on that day in 1990 I couldn’t have cared less about Earth Day or the environment. I was 20 years old and a student at GWU. I cared about the important things in life like getting tickets to the Richard Marx concert, going to see Pretty Woman in the theater and getting home in time to watch that new show called Twin Peaks. My friends and I happened to find ourselves people watching at the Mall (National, not shopping) on a lovely Sunday afternoon in April. We decided to walk around and ended up joining what turned out to be an Earth Day demonstration because…we were 20 and it was a nice way to kill a few hours before going out looking for adventure.

Fast forward to Earth Day 2022, still no Burt Reynolds (because that would be creepy) but I strut around the house like it’s Ellen Day, although let’s be honest, most days are Ellen Days and I really should strut more. I get dressed up, I prance around my house like I won an award and try to do one really big thing to celebrate . About 11 years ago I got solar panels on my roof, 7 years ago I got a hybrid car, 6 years ago I started a food garden, and last year was my favorite…I brought home Tess (my fully electric Tesla). My whole family’s favorite holiday is Halloween, but Earth Day definitely has a special place in my heart. This is the one day every year that I can do my Snoopy dance and scream at the top of my lungs “if loving the Earth is wrong then I don’t want to be right!”, unfortunately my family believes this is one day too many, but you get the idea.

So while it’s not as sexy as a new car, solar panels or even 1990 Burt Reynolds this past year I’ve been embracing minimalism in all of its forms. I’ve been getting rid of toxic people (if you’re reading this then congratulations, you made the cut), simplifying my life and getting rid of stuff I don’t use or love.

However, this Eco-mama does love a good sale, especially an eco-friendly one.  This year Earth Day falls on a Friday so while Green Friday (yes, it’s a thing, look it up) doesn’t come until November, I think there is room enough on the calendar for another Green Friday. If there are already holidays called Count Your Buttons Day and National Crouton Day then the criteria for adding holidays sounds pretty lax.

While I’m not the shopper I once was (think shopping mall and not National Mall) you can get some amazing Earth Day deals and support Earth loving companies.

Your power is in your wallet. My hubby still thinks his is somewhere else, but we’ll save that debate for another day. The math is simple, If we support more eco-friendly companies and stop buying single use plastic, throw away items and boxed products with more packaging than product then we are sending a message. If you demand more eco-friendly shopping then the market will move in that direction. Never in my life would I have imagined a fully electric pickup truck yet almost every automotive company is in a race to be the first. Ford alone has 200,000 pre-orders for an electric pickup truck so the people have spoken.

My goal here is to show you how to go green while saving some green. And if you’d like to give back then send this article to your friends, families, enemies and neighbors and have them subscribe to my newsletter. Whether you’re a fan of Burt Reynolds, Debbie Reynolds or Ryan Reynolds we all like to save some money and we should all be interested in saving the Earth too.

Enjoy your Earth Day and be especially kind to mother Earth today.  And while you’re at it, it wouldn’t kill you to call your mother, you know how she worries. If for no other reason she will probably get a kick out of a Golden Girls and Burt Reynolds reference and she’ll explain who Debbie Reynolds is.

I listed just some of my favorite companies that are celebrating Mama Earth with some specials and wanted to pass the info onto you. Click on the images and it’ll take you right to their site.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.

The post Happy Earth Day 2022 appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.