The weekend is here, and after a full week of work, I’m more than ready for a little adventure. Spring is slowly starting to show up here in the mountains—longer days, but the snow keeps creeping in! It’s such a hopeful time of year, and I’m ready for hummingbirds and leaves on our trees!
Eben’s back at school after a great spring break visit (why do I always miss him so much more after having him home for a week!) and now it’s just me and Jayson for the weekend. So we’re planning one of our favorite kinds of day trips—we pick a new town on the map, hop in the car, and see where the day takes us. We usually find a pretty trail to hike, pop into local shops or antique stores (we always find something quirky!), and cap it off with dinner at a restaurant we’ve never tried before. No agenda, no rush—just fresh air, togetherness, and discovery. 💚
Before we unplug and hit the road, here are a few green things to inspire your weekend (and week ahead!):
🍃 SunButter Snack Night Is a Thing Now Did you know SunButter uses way less water than almonds and recycles sunflower seed shells into turkey bedding? I mean—give that spread a gold star, right? This week, we had the best low-waste snack night with homemade energy bites, apple nachos, and even little DIY chocolate cups (yum!). Perfect for a road trip or lazy afternoon. Read the full post here →
🍃 A Tiny Beauty Detox (That Feels So Good) I want to encourage you to switch out your beauty products for cleaner, low-waste options. I shared some of my favorite swaps this week: refillable lip color, solid shampoo bars, and the cutest compostable deodorant that smells like citrus heaven. A little self-care, minus the plastic guilt. It’s a win-win!
🍃 New Find: Spring Seeds with Personality I’m thinking about placing a seed order from Hudson Valley Seed Co. I can’t stop staring at the artwork on their website. The seeds look amazing, but they’re also heirloom, non-GMO, and tell a story. I added their Calendula, Rainbow Chard, and a dreamy Bee Balm mix to my cart so far!
🍃 Quick Green Hack: Freeze Your Veggie Scraps! If you’re not composting (yet!), try this: keep a container in the freezer for onion ends, carrot peels, celery tops, etc. Once it’s full, toss it all into a pot for the best homemade veggie broth. Zero waste and so much flavor.
🍃 Just for Fun: The Most Charming Compost Bin Ever We have this bamboo fiber compost bin from Bamboozle under our kitchen sink. It’s so cute you could leave it out, but I’m a minimal countertop gal! If you’ve been dragging your feet on composting because your bin looks like, well… a bin—this might be your moment.
Wherever your weekend takes you—across town, into the woods, or curled up with tea and a good book—I hope it’s full of fresh air, tiny joys, and green inspiration. Don’t forget to look up, breathe deep, and notice what’s blooming. 🌿
xo, Sweet Greens
P.S. I’ve been sharing more behind-the-scenes over on Instagram—pop over and say hi! I might even post a few snapshots from whatever hidden-gem town we end up in this weekend. 🚗🌄
Your beauty routine should make you feel refreshed and radiant—but many conventional beauty products are filled with toxic ingredients and excessive plastic packaging that harm both our health and the environment. From harmful chemicals in skincare to single-use plastics in cosmetics, the beauty industry creates over 120 billion units of packaging waste every year! It’s time for sustainable beauty!😱♻️
If you’re looking to detox your beauty routine in a way that’s better for your skin AND the planet, this guide will show you how to switch to non-toxic, sustainable beauty products without creating more waste. 🌿✨
💄 1. Read the Ingredients & Ditch Harmful Chemicals
Many beauty products contain questionable ingredients that can be harsh on your skin and harmful to the environment. Look out for these top toxic offenders:
🚨 Ingredients to Avoid: ❌ Parabens (linked to hormone disruption) ❌ Phthalates (often found in fragrances & harmful to reproductive health) ❌ Sulfates (SLS/SLES can strip natural oils & irritate the skin) ❌ Synthetic Fragrances (can contain hidden chemicals) ❌ Plastic Microbeads (pollute oceans & harm marine life)
🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of conventional products with long lists of unpronounceable chemicals, opt for clean beauty brands with organic, plant-based ingredients that nourish your skin without toxins.
💚 Best Non-Toxic Beauty Brands: 🌱 Ilia Beauty – Clean, high-performance makeup. 🌿 OSEA Malibu – Ocean-inspired, toxin-free skincare. 💧 100% Pure – Natural, fruit-pigmented makeup & skincare. 🧴 Pacifica – Incredible collection of clean beauty products.
♻️ 2. Switch to Refillable, Recyclable & Compostable Packaging
Plastic beauty packaging is one of the biggest waste contributors in the industry, with most items ending up in landfills or oceans. One of the easiest ways to detox your beauty routine is by choosing packaging that’s refillable, recyclable, or compostable.
✔️ Ways to Reduce Beauty Packaging Waste: 💄 Look for brands that offer refillable makeup & skincare. 🛍 Recycle empty containers through in-store take-back programs. 🌎 Buy from companies using glass, aluminum, or compostable materials instead of plastic.
🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of single-use plastic deodorant tubes, try a refillable, zero-waste option.
Switching to solid beauty bars is one of the easiest ways to eliminate waste in your beauty routine. Solid products last longer, require less packaging, and are often free from unnecessary preservatives.
✔️ Best Solid Beauty Swaps: 🛁 Shampoo & Conditioner Bars instead of bottled products. 🧼 Facial Cleansing Bars instead of plastic tubes. 🪒 Solid Lotion Bars instead of pump bottles.
🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying liquid shampoo in a plastic bottle, switch to a shampoo bar that lasts twice as long and creates zero waste!
Instead of buying dozens of beauty products, simplify your routine by choosing multi-purpose items that save space, reduce packaging, and streamline your regimen.
✔️ Best Multi-Use Beauty Products: 💄 Tinted Lip & Cheek Balms – One product, multiple uses! 💧 Face Oils That Double as Moisturizers & Hair Treatments. 🧴 All-in-One Cleansing Oils That Remove Makeup & Cleanse Skin. I adore Pacifica’s Melt for You Moisturizing Cleansing Oil
🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying separate highlighters, blushes, and lip tints, choose an all-in-one balm for a natural, effortless glow!
💚 5. Recycle & Dispose of Old Beauty Products Responsibly
Even with the best sustainable swaps, we all have old beauty products that eventually need to be thrown out. Instead of tossing them in the trash, make sure to recycle or properly dispose of them.
✔️ How to Responsibly Dispose of Beauty Products: ♻️ Check your local recycling program for accepted beauty packaging. 🔄 Use beauty take-back programs (like MAC, Kiehl’s, & Lush) to recycle empties. 🚫 Properly dispose of expired products to prevent harmful chemicals from polluting the environment.
🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of throwing out old mascara wands, donate them to wildlife rescue organizations that use them to clean animals! Wands for Wildlife is a great program to check out!
Switching to a low-waste, non-toxic beauty routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By making small, mindful swaps—like choosing refillable packaging, using multi-purpose products, and recycling responsibly—you can create a cleaner, greener beauty routine that’s good for your skin AND the planet.
💬 What’s your favorite sustainable beauty swap? Drop your best zero-waste beauty tips in the comments! 🌎💚
Hello, Eco Friends! 🌿 The weekend is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to slow down, make homemade pizza, and cozy up with a movie. Spring is just around the corner, and I’m already dreaming of sunshine, garden-fresh greens, and eco-friendly outdoor adventures. But for now, it’s still a bit chilly—so we’re embracing the indoor vibes!
Eben is home this week for spring break! 🎉 He’s been busy doing observation hours for his Master’s degree, so we’ve only been catching up over dinner. Tonight, we’re taking it slow with homemade pizzas in our Gozney. I surprised Jayson with it as a holiday gift when we moved to the Banner Elk mountains, and let me tell you—it was so worth it! Living in the mountains means going out for dinner is a trek, and since we love pizza, bread, pretzels (you get it!), the Gozney has been a game-changer for our outdoor space. We use it all the time!
But before I unplug for the weekend (and dig into some pizza!), here are a few green things to inspire your days ahead:
🍃 A Fun Read: Go Forth and Forgage – I’m loving this guide to foraging over 50 of the most common edible and medicinal North American mushrooms. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about wild mushrooms (or dream of foraging your own food), this book is a must! 🍄
🍃 DIY Green Cleaning Hack: Forget store-bought sprays—this 3-ingredient, all-natural cleaner will leave your home sparkling and toxin-free. (Hint: it involves lemon essential oil!)
🍃 The Perfect Pretzel Sandwich: We’ve worked with Smart School House for years, and we’re obsessed with this Pretzel Sandwich recipe! 🥨 Who knew pretzels could be the perfect base for a next-level sandwich?
🍃 How to Raise Eco-Conscious Kids: Want to teach your kids about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way? Here are some fun ways to get started.
Wishing you a restful, nature-filled weekend! Enjoy the little green moments and don’t forget to take a deep breath of that fresh, crisp air.
xo, Sweet Greens 🌿
P.S. Follow along on Instagram (I started it back up!) for more behind-the-scenes from our weekend adventure!
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.
🌼 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.
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.
🐞 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! 🌿💚
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.
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!
