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Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Spring Cleaning the Green Way: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products & Decluttering Tips

March 13, 2025 0

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to refresh your home with a good deep spring cleaning! This is one of my favorite times of year to “spring clean.” I could have been a professional organizer in another lifetime, I LOVE it that much! But before you reach for conventional cleaning products filled with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and plastic packaging for your spring cleaning projects, consider a more sustainable approach.

A green spring cleaning routine is not only better for the planet but also healthier for your home and family. In this guide, we’ll cover eco-friendly cleaning products, zero-waste alternatives, and simple decluttering tips to help you welcome spring the sustainable way!

🌿 Step 1: Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Many traditional cleaning supplies contain toxic ingredients that pollute indoor air and waterways. Swap them out for natural, biodegradable alternatives that clean effectively without harming your health or the environment.

🧼 Best Non-Toxic Cleaning Brands

✔️ Blueland Cleaning Essentials Kit – We use ALL things Blueland in our home! This plastic-free cleaning system comes with reusable glass bottles and tablet-based refills for everything from all-purpose spray to dish soap. Just add water and clean without waste!

✔️ Branch Basics Concentrate – A plant-based, fragrance-free cleaner that replaces nearly every cleaning product in your home—just dilute it to create a non-toxic spray for surfaces, glass, and even laundry!

✔️ Grove Collaborative Reusable Glass Spray Bottles – Ditch plastic bottles for these durable, refillable glass alternatives that work with any DIY or store-bought natural cleaner.

✔️ Ecover Zero Dish Soap – A fragrance-free, plant-based dish soap that cuts grease without polluting waterways. It comes in a 100% recycled plastic bottle too!

✔️ Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub – This plastic-free, non-toxic scrub is perfect for deep cleaning sinks, bathtubs, and countertops without harsh chemicals.

✔️ Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent – A biodegradable, non-toxic detergent that’s safe for sensitive skin and free from synthetic fragrances and dyes.

🌱 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes

Want to make your own cleaning products? Try these simple DIY formulas:

  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. (Avoid vinegar on granite or marble!)
  • Glass Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a spray bottle. Shake well before use!
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet, add vinegar, let it fizz, then scrub and flush!

📦 Step 2: Declutter Sustainably

Spring cleaning isn’t just about wiping down surfaces—it’s also a great time to declutter your home and let go of what no longer serves you. But instead of tossing everything in the trash, try these eco-friendly decluttering tips.

♻️ Sustainable Decluttering Strategies

✔️ Donate Gently Used Items – Give clothing, books, and household items a second life by donating to local shelters, thrift stores, or charities like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Dress for Success.

✔️ Sell Unwanted Items Online – Apps like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and ThredUp make it easy to resell clothing, furniture, and home goods.

✔️ Repurpose & Upcycle – Before throwing something away, consider if it can be reused, repainted, or repurposed into something new!

✔️ Recycle Electronics Properly – Don’t toss old electronics in the trash! Take them to a local e-waste recycling center or retailers like Best Buy and Staples, which offer free electronic recycling programs.

✔️ Organize Sustainably – Use bamboo storage bins, glass jars, and fabric baskets instead of plastic containers.

🧺 Best Eco-Friendly Storage & Organization Products

✔️ Open Spaces Storage Bins – Minimalist, durable storage bins made from recycled plastic.

✔️ Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps – A sustainable alternative to plastic wrap, perfect for storing food in the fridge.

✔️ Stasher Silicone Bags – Reusable, dishwasher-safe bags that replace single-use plastic sandwich bags.

✔️ The Home Edit Bamboo Drawer Dividers – Stylish, eco-friendly organizers made from sustainable bamboo.

🧹 Step 3: Improve Indoor Air Quality

Spring cleaning isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about the air you breathe! Many home products release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), contributing to indoor pollution. Try these natural ways to freshen up your home:

✔️ Swap Synthetic Air Fresheners for Essential Oils – Instead of artificial sprays, diffuse lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus essential oils for a clean, natural scent.

✔️ Use Beeswax Candles Instead of Paraffin – Bee Organic Beeswax Candles purify the air while adding a warm glow to your space.

✔️ Invest in Houseplants – Plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants naturally filter indoor air.

✔️ Open the Windows! – The easiest (and cheapest) way to let in fresh air and reduce toxins in your home.

🌸 Make Spring Cleaning a Green Tradition!

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home, minimize waste, and adopt healthier, more sustainable habits. By swapping out toxic products for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, decluttering responsibly, and improving indoor air quality, you can create a cleaner, greener space for your family.

🌿 What are your favorite eco-friendly cleaning hacks? Drop your go-to green cleaning tips in the comments below!

Raising Eco-Conscious Kids: Fun Ways to Teach Sustainability

March 12, 2025 0

As parents, we all want to raise kind, responsible, and thoughtful eco-conscious kids who care about the world around them (I’m so happy to say that I raised one of those kiddos!). Want to hear something wild? I started this blog 16 years ago when Eben was only 7! Now, he’s almost 24 and working on his Masters Degree! WHAT!?!?

One of the best ways to do this is by teaching them sustainability—helping them understand how their actions impact the planet and empowering them to make greener choices.

But sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming for kids! In fact, the best way to teach eco-conscious habits is through fun, hands-on activities that make green living feel exciting and natural. 🌎

Here are some simple, engaging ways to teach your kids about sustainability while creating meaningful habits that will last a lifetime.

🌱 1. Grow a Garden Together

Nothing connects kids to nature like getting their hands in the soil! Planting a garden teaches them where food comes from and how to care for living things. Plus, growing their own vegetables, herbs, or flowers helps them appreciate nature’s cycles and reduce food waste.

🌿 Try This:
✔️ Let your child choose a plant to grow—easy ones include cherry tomatoes, basil, and carrots.
✔️ Decorate garden markers with painted rocks or wooden signs.
✔️ Teach them how to compost kitchen scraps and use the compost to feed the garden.

🌍 Eco-Lesson: Plants need water, sunlight, and care to thrive—just like our planet! Taking care of plants helps kids develop responsibility and mindfulness toward nature.

💚 Helpful Resources:
🌱 Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Growing Kit – A fun way to grow food indoors!
🌻 Seed Savers Exchange – Heirloom, non-GMO seeds for your garden.

♻️ 2. Make Recycling & Upcycling a Game

Kids love sorting and organizing, so turning recycling into a game is a great way to get them excited about reducing waste.

♻️ Try This:
✔️ Set up labeled recycling bins and challenge kids to sort items correctly.
✔️ Create an upcycling craft station where they can turn old jars, cardboard boxes, and fabric scraps into art projects.
✔️ Play a “Recycling Detective” game—have kids find items around the house that can be repurposed instead of thrown away.

🌍 Eco-Lesson: Recycling helps keep materials out of landfills, and reusing items in creative ways reduces waste even more!

💚 Helpful Resources:
♻️ TerraCycle Zero-Waste Boxes – Recycle hard-to-recycle items with your kids.
🎨 Green Kid Crafts Subscription Box – Monthly eco-friendly craft kits made from upcycled materials.

🍎 3. Pack a Zero-Waste Lunch

Teaching kids about sustainability starts with daily habits, and packing a plastic-free, zero-waste lunch is a great way to make eco-conscious choices a routine.

🥪 Try This:
✔️ Use stainless steel or silicone lunch containers instead of plastic baggies.
✔️ Pack reusable water bottles and utensils to cut down on single-use plastics.
✔️ Encourage kids to help plan their lunch menu using local, organic ingredients when possible.

🌍 Eco-Lesson: Every small swap—like using a reusable snack bag instead of a plastic one—adds up to a big impact over time!

💚 Helpful Resources:
🥪 ECOLunchbox Stainless Steel Containers – Durable, plastic-free lunch solutions. FUN FACT! ECOlunchbox has been a client of my digital marketing agency for over 10 years!
🚰 Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle – A reusable water bottle that keeps drinks cold all day.

🚶‍♂️ 4. Go on a “Green Adventure

Kids love exploring the outdoors, and nature is the best classroom for teaching sustainability.

🌿 Try This:
✔️ Take a hike or nature walk, and bring a “trash treasure bag” to collect litter.
✔️ Visit a farmers’ market and teach kids about local, organic food.
✔️ Plan a no-tech day outdoors—camp in the backyard, build a fort with natural materials, or have a picnic with all compostable or reusable items.

🌍 Eco-Lesson: Nature is beautiful and valuable—it’s up to us to take care of it!

💚 Helpful Resources:
🎒 Keep>Going First Aid Mini Kit – A sustainable, compact first-aid kit for outdoor adventures. (Watch for a blog coming up on this green goody!
🌱 National Wildlife Federation Nature Guidebooks – Fun guides to help kids identify birds, insects, and plants.

📚 5. Read Books About Sustainability

Reading is a great way to start conversations about sustainability with kids. There are many beautiful, inspiring books that teach them about nature, climate change, and protecting the planet.

📖 Try This:
✔️ Read one eco-themed book per week, then discuss simple ways to apply the lessons.
✔️ Create a “Green Library” in your home with books about the environment.
✔️ Let kids write and illustrate their own book about how they can help the Earth!

🌍 Eco-Lesson: Stories help kids connect with nature and feel inspired to take action.

💚 Great Books for Eco-Conscious Kids:
📗 The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – A classic story about protecting trees.
📙 What a Waste by Jess French – A fun look at how we can reduce waste.
📘 The Watcher by Jeanette Winter – A biography of Jane Goodall’s work with animals.

🌎 Raising Eco-Conscious Kids Starts with Small, Fun Changes

Raising eco-conscious kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping them understand their connection to the world around them and making sustainable choices second nature.

By turning green habits into fun activities, kids will naturally develop a love for the planet and feel empowered to make a difference.

💬 How do you teach sustainability to your kids? Share your favorite eco-friendly activities in the comments! 🌿

Sustainable Gardening 101: How to Grow Your Own Organic Vegetables and Herbs

March 11, 2025 0

Mr. Sweet Greens (Jayson) and I are deep in it! Deep in what, you ask? Sustainable Gardening! There’s nothing quite like growing your own organic vegetables and herbs—not only does it provide fresh, chemical-free food for your family, but it also helps reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and support biodiversity. Plus, there’s something deeply rewarding about stepping outside and harvesting ingredients straight from your garden!

Sustainable gardening goes beyond just growing plants—it’s about working with nature, conserving resources, and making eco-friendly choices at every step. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a raised garden bed, or just a few pots on a balcony, this guide will help you create a thriving organic garden while keeping sustainability at the forefront.

🌱 Step 1: Plan Your Sustainable Garden

Before planting, take a moment to plan your garden thoughtfully. This will help you maximize space, conserve resources, and create a low-maintenance, high-yield garden.

Choose the Right Location

☀️ Sunlight – Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
💨 Wind Protection – Strong winds can dry out plants and damage delicate seedlings. Use natural barriers like shrubs, trellises, or fences for protection.
💦 Water Access – Place your garden near a water source to make irrigation easier and prevent water waste.

Opt for Raised Beds or Container Gardening

  • Mr. Sweet Greens built ours for a massive garden that we are putting in here at Clementine Cabin! (Photos coming soon!)
  • Vego Garden Raised Beds – These durable, metal raised beds are long-lasting and perfect for reducing soil erosion.
  • Fabric Grow Bags – A great alternative to plastic pots, these breathable grow bags promote strong root growth and reduce overwatering.

Raised beds and containers improve soil drainage, prevent weeds, and make gardening easier for beginners!

🌿 Step 2: Build Healthy, Organic Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any sustainable garden. Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, nourish your soil naturally with compost, organic amendments, and regenerative techniques.

Create Your Own Compost

Composting reduces food waste and enriches soil with nutrients. Start a compost bin or pile with:
✔️ Green materials – Vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings.
✔️ Brown materials – Dried leaves, cardboard, shredded newspaper.
✔️ Aeration – Turn the pile regularly to speed up decomposition.

Best Compost Bin Options:
♻️ We have an Aerobin Composter that we LOVE! It’s on sale right now too!
♻️ FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter – A compact, easy-to-use compost tumbler for beginners.
♻️ Worm Factory 360 Worm Composter – A vermicomposting system that turns food scraps into nutrient-rich worm castings.

🌼 Step 3: Choose the Best Organic Vegetables & Herbs

Not all plants are beginner-friendly! If you’re new to gardening, start with hardy, low-maintenance crops.

Best Organic Vegetables for Beginners

🥕 Carrots – Thrive in loose, well-drained soil.
🥬 Lettuce & Spinach – Quick-growing, great for containers.
🍅 Cherry Tomatoes – High-yield and easy to care for.
🥒 Cucumbers – Fast-growing and perfect for vertical gardening.
🌽 Zucchini & Squash – High-producers with minimal effort.

Best Herbs for Beginners

🌿 Basil – Loves warmth and full sun.
🌿 Mint – Thrives in containers (keeps it from spreading too much!).
🌿 Thyme – Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
🌿 Cilantro – Prefers cool weather; grows well in partial shade.
🌿 Rosemary – Hardy and thrives year-round in many climates.

Look for certified organic, non-GMO seeds to ensure your garden is free from synthetic pesticides and harmful chemicals.

Where to Buy Organic Seeds:
🌱 Seed Savers Exchange – Heirloom, non-GMO seeds that support biodiversity.
🌱 Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – High-quality, organic vegetable and herb seeds.
🌱 Johnny’s Selected Seeds – Trusted source for organic and heirloom varieties.

💧 Step 4: Water Efficiently

Conserving water is a key part of sustainable gardening. Instead of overwatering, follow these eco-friendly irrigation tips:

✔️ Water Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening – Reduces evaporation.
✔️ Use a Rain Barrel – Oatey Rainwater Collection System captures rainwater for free, eco-friendly irrigation.
✔️ Try Drip Irrigation – Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste.
✔️ Mulch to Retain Moisture – Use straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

🐝 Step 5: Encourage Pollinators & Natural Pest Control

A truly sustainable garden works with nature instead of against it! Encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping pests under control without harmful pesticides.

Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers

🐝 Hostas & Zinnas – Attracts hummingbirds and are adorable.
🐝 Lavender – Attracts bees and smells amazing.
🐝 Marigolds – Repel pests and bring color to your garden.
🐝 Sunflowers – A favorite for bees and butterflies.

Bee’s Wrap Pollinator Wildflower Seed Pack – Grow your own bee-friendly flower garden to support biodiversity.

Natural Pest Control Methods

🐞 Release Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs and praying mantises eat garden pests.
🐞 Use Neem Oil Spray – Organic Neem Oil naturally repels aphids and fungi.
🐞 Companion Planting – Basil repels mosquitoes, while marigolds keep aphids away.

🍽️ Step 6: Harvest & Enjoy Your Homegrown Food

The best part of gardening? Enjoying your harvest! Here are a few ways to make the most of your homegrown produce:

✔️ Use Fresh Herbs Daily – Add homegrown basil, mint, and rosemary to your meals.
✔️ Preserve the Bounty – Try freezing, drying, or fermenting vegetables to enjoy them year-round.
✔️ Make Your Own Tea – Dry chamomile, mint, or lavender for homemade herbal tea.

Sustainable gardening isn’t just about growing food—it’s about building a deeper connection to nature and living in harmony with the earth.

🌍 Grow Green & Make a Difference

Sustainable gardening is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying fresh, organic food right from your backyard. By using compost, water-efficient techniques, organic seeds, and pollinator-friendly plants, you can create a thriving, eco-conscious garden that benefits both your family and the planet.

Are you growing your own vegetables and herbs this season? Share your gardening tips in the comments! 🌿💚

New Clean Beauty Must-Haves: Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist and Strawberry Lip Balm

March 10, 2025 0

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for high-quality, clean beauty products that actually work. I recently tried Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist and Strawberry Lip Balm, and I have to say—I’m obsessed! Not only do they deliver on hydration and nourishment, but they’re also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a huge win in my book. Let’s dive into what makes these products must-haves in any skincare routine.

🌹 Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist: A Refreshing Skin Boost

One of my favorite skincare steps is a good facial mist. Whether I’m starting my day, refreshing my makeup, or just giving my skin a mid-day pick-me-up, a hydrating mist is a staple in my routine.

Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist is a perfect blend of botanical goodness and lightweight hydration. The rose water soothes and tones, while the coconut water provides deep hydration—leaving my skin feeling refreshed and glowing. It’s especially great for those days when my skin needs an extra boost of moisture without feeling greasy or heavy.

Why I Love It:
✔ Ultra-hydrating without feeling sticky
✔ Soothing & refreshing—perfect for all skin types
✔ Vegan & cruelty-free (because beauty should be kind!)
✔ Smells divine 🌸

I love spritzing it on in the morning after cleansing, and it’s also a fantastic mid-day refresher, especially if I’ve been sitting in front of a screen for too long.

🍓 Strawberry Lip Balm: Smooth, Soft, and Oh-So-Nourishing

Let’s talk about lips! I’m super picky about lip balms because I can’t stand anything too waxy, sticky, or drying. Thankfully, Skinovo’s Strawberry Lip Balm is the perfect balance of moisture, smoothness, and just the right amount of shine.

From the moment I applied it, I noticed how silky it felt on my lips. It keeps them hydrated for hours without constant reapplication, and the strawberry scent is just enough to be sweet without being overpowering. Plus, it’s completely vegan and cruelty-free, so I know I’m using something that aligns with my values.

Why I Love It:
✔ Deeply nourishing & long-lasting hydration
✔ Non-sticky & smooth texture
✔ Delicious strawberry scent 🍓
✔ Vegan & cruelty-free

This little balm has officially earned a permanent spot in my bag—I never leave home without it!

Clean Beauty That Delivers

Skinovo is quickly becoming one of my favorite skincare brands. Their commitment to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty is something I truly appreciate, and the quality of their products speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a hydrating mist that refreshes and a lip balm that keeps your lips soft and smooth, I highly recommend checking these out.

Have you tried Skinovo products yet? Let me know your favorites in the comments!

St. Patrick’s Day Organic Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Fun, Healthy Treat for Kids

March 10, 2025 1

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun, festive, and colorful treat? This holiday is full of whimsy, from four-leaf clovers and mischievous leprechauns to rainbows and pots of gold. If you’re looking for a creative way to bring a little magic into your home, these organic rainbow cookies are the perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

Not only are they fun to make with kids, but they’re also packed with natural ingredients and vibrant colors made from vegetable-based food dyes. Plus, they pair perfectly with a warm mug of cocoa or milk!

How to Make Organic Rainbow Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups organic flour
  • 3/4 cup organic butter
  • 3 ounces organic cream cheese
  • 1 cup organic sugar
  • 1 organic egg
  • 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon organic baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Natural vegetable food colorants (for vibrant, chemical-free colors)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Beat the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 4: Color the Dough

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Add a few drops of natural vegetable colorants to each dough ball and knead gently until the colors are well distributed. (I aimed for yellow, red, blue, and green, though my blue turned into a turquoise—still fun and festive!)

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough balls in a moist towel and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a richer flavor).

Step 6: Shape the Rainbow

Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized pieces from each dough ball and roll them into long logs. Arrange them in a rainbow shape, pressing gently so they hold together. Trim any excess.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rainbow-shaped cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra festive touch, serve them on the rim of a mug filled with warm cocoa or milk.

Why You’ll Love These Organic Rainbow Cookies

✔ Kid-Friendly & Fun – A great activity to enjoy with little ones!
✔ Festive & Whimsical – Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
✔ Organic & Natural – Made with wholesome ingredients and natural food colorants.
✔ Deliciously Buttery & Soft – A melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience!

Make this St. Patrick’s Day extra special with these colorful, organic rainbow cookies. Whether you’re celebrating with your family or hosting a festive gathering, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around! 🌈🍀

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