Hello, Eco Friends! šæ The weekend is here, and I couldnāt be more excited to slow down, make homemade pizza, and cozy up with a movie. Spring is just around the corner, and Iām already dreaming of sunshine, garden-fresh greens, and eco-friendly outdoor adventures. But for now, itās still a bit chillyāso weāre embracing the indoor vibes!
Eben is home this week for spring break! š Heās been busy doing observation hours for his Masterās degree, so weāve only been catching up over dinner. Tonight, weāre 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 youāit 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:
š A Fun Read: Go Forth and Forgage ā Iām loving this guide to foraging over 50 of the most common edible and medicinal North American mushrooms. If youāve ever wanted to learn more about wild mushrooms (or dream of foraging your own food), this book is a must! š
š DIY Green Cleaning Hack: Forget store-bought spraysāthis 3-ingredient, all-natural cleaner will leave your home sparkling and toxin-free. (Hint: it involves lemon essential oil!)
š The Perfect Pretzel Sandwich: Weāve worked with Smart School House for years, and weāre obsessed with this Pretzel Sandwich recipe! š„Ø Who knew pretzels could be the perfect base for a next-level sandwich?
š 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 donāt forget to take a deep breath of that fresh, crisp air.
xo, Sweet Greens šæ
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! Thereās nothing quite like growing your own organic vegetables and herbsānot 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, thereās something deeply rewarding about stepping outside and harvesting ingredients straight from your garden!
Sustainable gardening goes beyond just growing plantsāitās 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.
š± 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
āļø Sunlight ā Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. šØ Wind Protection ā Strong winds can dry out plants and damage delicate seedlings. Use natural barriers like shrubs, trellises, or fences for protection. š¦ Water Access ā 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 ā These durable, metal raised beds are long-lasting and perfect for reducing soil erosion.
Fabric Grow Bags ā 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!
šæ 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: āļø Green materials ā Vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings. āļø Brown materials ā Dried leaves, cardboard, shredded newspaper. āļø Aeration ā Turn the pile regularly to speed up decomposition.
Best Compost Bin Options: ā»ļø We have an Aerobin Composter that we LOVE! It’s on sale right now too! ā»ļø FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter ā A compact, easy-to-use compost tumbler for beginners. ā»ļø Worm Factory 360 Worm Composter ā A vermicomposting system that turns food scraps into nutrient-rich worm castings.
š¼ 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
š„ Carrots ā Thrive in loose, well-drained soil. š„¬ Lettuce & Spinach ā Quick-growing, great for containers. š Cherry Tomatoes ā High-yield and easy to care for. š„ Cucumbers ā Fast-growing and perfect for vertical gardening. š½ Zucchini & Squash ā High-producers with minimal effort.
Best Herbs for Beginners
šæ Basil ā Loves warmth and full sun. šæ Mint ā Thrives in containers (keeps it from spreading too much!). šæ Thyme ā Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. šæ Cilantro ā Prefers cool weather; grows well in partial shade. šæ Rosemary ā 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:
āļø Water Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening ā Reduces evaporation. āļø Use a Rain Barrel ā Oatey Rainwater Collection System captures rainwater for free, eco-friendly irrigation. āļø Try Drip Irrigation ā Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste. āļø Mulch to Retain Moisture ā Use straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
š 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
š Hostas & Zinnas – Attracts hummingbirds and are adorable. š Lavender ā Attracts bees and smells amazing. š Marigolds ā Repel pests and bring color to your garden. š Sunflowers ā A favorite for bees and butterflies.
š Release Beneficial Insects ā Ladybugs and praying mantises eat garden pests. š Use Neem Oil Spray ā Organic Neem Oil naturally repels aphids and fungi. š Companion Planting ā Basil repels mosquitoes, while marigolds keep aphids away.
š½ļø 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:
āļø Use Fresh Herbs Daily ā Add homegrown basil, mint, and rosemary to your meals. āļø Preserve the Bounty ā Try freezing, drying, or fermenting vegetables to enjoy them year-round. āļø Make Your Own Tea ā Dry chamomile, mint, or lavender for homemade herbal tea.
Sustainable gardening isnāt just about growing foodāitās about building a deeper connection to nature and living in harmony with the earth.
š 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! šæš
If you’re like me, youāre always on the lookout for high-quality, clean beauty products that actually work. I recently tried Skinovoās Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist and Strawberry Lip Balm, and I have to sayāIām obsessed! Not only do they deliver on hydration and nourishment, but theyāre also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a huge win in my book. Letās dive into what makes these products must-haves in any skincare routine.
š¹ Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist: A Refreshing Skin Boost
One of my favorite skincare steps is a good facial mist. Whether Iām 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.
Skinovoās 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 hydrationāleaving my skin feeling refreshed and glowing. Itās especially great for those days when my skin needs an extra boost of moisture without feeling greasy or heavy.
Why I Love It: ā Ultra-hydrating without feeling sticky ā Soothing & refreshingāperfect for all skin types ā Vegan & cruelty-free (because beauty should be kind!) ā Smells divine šø
I love spritzing it on in the morning after cleansing, and itās also a fantastic mid-day refresher, especially if Iāve been sitting in front of a screen for too long.
š Strawberry Lip Balm: Smooth, Soft, and Oh-So-Nourishing
Letās talk about lips! Iām super picky about lip balms because I canāt stand anything too waxy, sticky, or drying. Thankfully, Skinovoās 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, itās completely vegan and cruelty-free, so I know Iām using something that aligns with my values.
This little balm has officially earned a permanent spot in my bagāI 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 youāre 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!
Spring is elusive here in the Appalachian forest. I’m excited for spring adventures being in full bloom! Living in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, I love exploring the woods. Still, this year, I have a new guide in hand to take my mushroom foraging skills to the next levelāGo Forth and Forage: A Guide to Foraging Over 50 of the Most Common Edible & Medicinal North American Mushrooms by Whitney Johnson (a.k.a. the Appalachian Forager).
Foraging for wild foods has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! Thereās something incredibly rewarding about finding, harvesting, and preparing food straight from nature. Mushrooms, in particular, are fascinatingānutritious, delicious, and abundant in the right seasons. But for beginners and experienced foragers alike, the challenge has always been how to confidently and safely identify the right species. Thatās where this book comes in.
A Personal Foraging First in the Rockies
The first time I ever went mushroom foraging, I was living in Colorado. A Russian friend took us deep into the Rocky Mountains and introduced us to the world of wild mushrooms, teaching us how to identify which ones were safe to eat and which to leave untouched. It was an unforgettable experienceāwandering through alpine meadows and dense pine forests, filling our baskets with chanterelles and boletes. That adventure sparked a lifelong curiosity about foraging, and now, living in the Appalachian Mountains, Iām eager to expand my knowledge and put it to use in a whole new landscape.
A Season-by-Season Mushroom Foraging Guide
One of the standout features of Go Forth and Forage is how it walks readers through the process of mushroom hunting in all four seasons. From morels and woodears in spring, to black trumpets, chicken of the woods, and boletes in summer, and lionās mane, oyster, and enoki mushrooms in fall and winter, this book is packed with detailed identification cues, full-color photos, and responsible harvesting tips to ensure you can forage safely and ethically.
Each mushroom profile includes: ā Easy-to-follow identification guides ā Tips for safe and responsible foraging ā Culinary preparation advice and recipes ā Guidance on medicinal uses, including tinctures and teas
More Than a Mushroom GuideāA Foragerās Handbook
Whitney Johnsonās signature down-to-earth and folksy tone makes Go Forth and Forage not just a reference book, but an enjoyable read that feels like learning from a trusted friend. Beyond identification, she dives into the skills every successful forager needs, including:
š How to locate wild mushrooms (hint: tree identification is key!) š Understanding mushroom anatomy for better identification š Foraging gear recommendationsāfrom knives and bags to clothing and boots š How to use spore prints for accurate species confirmation š Common mushroom myths debunked š The ethics of responsible foragingābecause sustainability matters!
Meet the Appalachian Forager
If you havenāt come across Whitney Johnson yet, youāre in for a treat! Sheās built an incredible online community with nearly 2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (@appalachian_forager), where she shares educational and quirky videos about foraging, Appalachian culture, and self-sufficiency. A proud Appalachian through and through, sheās not only a foraging expert, but also a wildcrafter, gardener, and cook who loves sharing her deep-rooted connection to the land.
Why This Book is a Must-Read for Aspiring and Seasoned Foragers
Whether youāre completely new to mushroom foraging or youāve been exploring the woods for years, Go Forth and Forage is an invaluable resource that belongs on your bookshelf (or better yet, in your foraging bag!). The book strikes the perfect balance between science, tradition, and practicality, making it an essential guide for anyone eager to explore the wild world of mushrooms.
This spring, I canāt wait to put Whitneyās wisdom to the test, stepping into the Appalachian forest with a newfound confidence in identifying and harvesting mushrooms safely and ethically. If youāve ever been curious about foraging, nowās the time to dive ināand this book is the perfect place to start!
Our lungs are essential for sustaining life, yet they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Beyond traditional advice, there are many natural ways to support lung function and stay alert to early signs of trouble. Hereās how you can take charge of your lung health naturally while staying informed about potential issues.
1. Engage in Outdoor Activities for Cleaner Air
One way to naturally support your lung health is by spending time outdoors in fresh air. Activities like hiking, gardening, or even walking through parks can help improve lung function by exposing your lungs to cleaner air compared to the indoor environment, especially in urban settings.
Outdoor Activity Tips:
Choose a route that avoids heavily trafficked areas to minimize exposure to pollutants.
Consider morning or evening walks, as air quality tends to be better during these times.
Incorporate stretches or light yoga in the park to combine movement with fresh air exposure.
2. Strengthen Your Lungs with Cold Exposure
Cold exposure, such as taking cold showers or practicing cold water immersion, can stimulate your respiratory system. The cold air forces your body to take deeper, slower breaths, strengthening the lungs over time. This process not only builds resilience in the respiratory system but also helps in improving circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
How to Incorporate Cold Exposure:
Start with a cold shower at the end of your usual warm shower. Gradually reduce the temperature to build tolerance.
Try immersing your face in cold water for short bursts to stimulate your breathing muscles.
3. Use Essential Oils for Respiratory Support
Certain essential oils have properties that support the respiratory system by promoting airflow and easing congestion. Oils like frankincense, lavender, and chamomile have been used for centuries to support lung health and reduce inflammation. These oils can be diffused in your home or diluted and applied to the chest area for relief from congestion or respiratory discomfort.
Essential Oils for Lung Health:
Eucalyptus oil: Known for its ability to clear airways and promote better breathing.
Peppermint oil: Helps open the airways and reduce lung congestion.
Lavender oil: Calms inflammation and helps improve the quality of your sleep, which is essential for lung recovery.
4. Support Your Lungs with Fermented Foods
Fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, contain probiotics that can have a beneficial effect on your gut and respiratory system. Research has shown that the health of the gut microbiome is closely linked to lung health. By promoting a healthy gut, you can enhance your immune system and reduce inflammation, which is crucial for lung health.
Fermented Foods to Try:
Kimchi: A spicy, fermented cabbage that supports gut health and boosts immunity.
Kefir: A fermented dairy product that helps balance bacteria in the gut, which can indirectly support lung health.
Miso: Rich in probiotics, miso soup can be a soothing addition to your diet.
5. Boost Lung Health with Proper Posture
Your posture plays a significant role in lung health. Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can compress the lungs and reduce their capacity to take in air. Maintaining proper posture allows the lungs to expand fully, facilitating better airflow and oxygenation. Whether youāre sitting or standing, keeping your spine aligned helps improve your lung function and overall respiratory efficiency.
Posture Tips for Healthy Lungs:
Practice standing tall with your shoulders back to allow your lungs to expand freely.
Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine to keep your chest open and reduce tension in the upper body.
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your back supported to avoid compressing your diaphragm.
6. Stay Informed About Subtle Warning Signs
Feeling unusually tired after light activity or experiencing a mild, consistent chest discomfort that doesnāt go away could indicate a respiratory problem. Monitoring these less obvious symptoms and seeking medical advice when necessary can help you detect issues before they progress. It’s important to stay vigilant about potential lung health issues, and if you’re concerned about more serious conditions, such as lung cancer, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with understanding lung cancer warning signs.
Subtle Signs to Watch For:
Unexplained fatigue: Feeling constantly tired or winded after minimal physical activity.
Mild chest discomfort: A persistent sensation of tightness or pressure in the chest could be an early warning sign.
Change in voice: A hoarse or weak voice that doesnāt seem to resolve may point to an issue with the respiratory system.
7. Nurture Your Mental Health to Support Breathing
Lung health is not just physical; mental well-being plays an important role too. Stress and anxiety can interfere with normal breathing patterns. Mental relaxation helps to lower inflammation, which benefits the respiratory system.
Stress-Reducing Practices:
Mindfulness meditation: Reduces stress and encourages deeper, more effective breathing.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Helps release tension from the body, allowing for improved lung expansion.
Visualization exercises: Focus on breathing in fresh, clean air and exhaling tension to support lung health.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy lungs requires more than just avoiding harmful habits; it involves a holistic approach that includes mindful practices, smart dietary choices, and regular movement. By incorporating activities like outdoor exercise, cold exposure, and fermented foods into your routine, you can support your lungs naturally.
