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Sustainable Laundry Hacks: Eco-Friendly Detergents & Water-Saving Tips

March 20, 2025 0

Laundry is a necessary part of life, but it’s also a huge contributor to water waste, plastic pollution, and chemical runoff. From single-use plastic detergent bottles to energy-draining washing habits, our laundry routine has a bigger environmental footprint than we realize. The good news? Making your laundry routine a sustainable laundry routine doesn’t have to be difficult!

With a few simple eco-friendly swaps and mindful habits, you can reduce waste, save water, and keep your clothes fresh—all while being kind to the planet. 🌎✨

Here are the best sustainable laundry hacks featuring eco-friendly detergents, plastic-free laundry essentials, and water-saving tips!

♻️ Step 1: Swap to an Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

Most conventional laundry detergents come in plastic jugs, are loaded with harsh chemicals, and contain artificial fragrances that can irritate skin and pollute waterways. Switching to a non-toxic, biodegradable detergent is one of the easiest ways to green your laundry routine.

🌱 Blueland Laundry Tablets – A Zero-Waste Favorite!

My family uses Blueland for our laundry, and it’s been a game-changer! Their plastic-free laundry tablets come in compostable packaging and dissolve completely in water—no waste, no mess.

🌿 Why It’s a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Plastic-free, dissolvable tablets (no bulky plastic jugs!)
✔️ Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free & gentle on skin
✔️ Non-toxic & biodegradable formula
✔️ Cute metal times to store your supplies in!

🧺 How to Use It: Simply drop a Blueland laundry tablet into your washing machine before adding clothes—no measuring, no spills! We also use their Oxi Laundry Booster!

🛑 Step 2: Ditch Dryer Sheets & Switch to Wool Dryer Balls

Conventional dryer sheets may make your laundry smell fresh, but they contain synthetic fragrances, chemicals, and plastic fibers that aren’t biodegradable. Instead, switch to reusable wool dryer balls to soften clothes naturally while reducing drying time!

🐑 LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls – A Must-Have Swap!

LooHoo makes 100% wool dryer balls that replace disposable dryer sheets while helping clothes dry faster, softer, and with fewer wrinkles!

🌿 Why It’s a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Naturally softens fabric & reduces static
✔️ Cuts drying time by up to 25% (saving energy!)
✔️ Reusable for hundreds of loads

🛁 How to Use It: Toss 3-6 wool dryer balls into the dryer with your clothes and enjoy fluffier, fresher laundry—without waste!

🌱 Eco-Friendly Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to your dryer balls for a natural, non-toxic scent boost!

🧺 Step 3: Use Sustainable Laundry Baskets & Organizers

Plastic laundry baskets are prone to breaking and often end up in landfills. Instead, opt for durable, eco-friendly laundry hampers & organizers that are built to last.

📦 Three by Three Storage Solutions – Organize Sustainably!

Three by Three offers beautiful, functional, and sustainable storage solutions perfect for keeping your laundry space clutter-free while reducing plastic use.

🌿 Why It’s a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Minimalist, eco-conscious design
✔️ Made from recycled & sustainable materials
✔️ Perfect for organizing laundry & household essentials
✔️ Products come in fun, color combinations

🌱 Eco-Friendly Tip: Keep a separate bin for air-dry clothing to save energy and extend the life of delicate fabrics!

💧 Step 4: Save Water & Energy with Smarter Washing Habits

Did you know washing clothes accounts for 16% of a household’s total water use? 🤯 Reducing water and energy consumption can lower your environmental footprint and save money on utility bills!

🌊 Easy Ways to Cut Water & Energy Use:

💡 Wash in Cold Water – 90% of the energy used in laundry goes toward heating water. Cold washes clean just as well while preserving fabrics!

⏳ Use the Quick Wash Cycle – A shorter cycle uses less water and electricity without sacrificing cleanliness.

🧺 Only Wash Full Loads – Running half-empty loads wastes water. Wait until you have a full load before running the machine!

🚫 Skip the Dryer When Possible – Air-dry clothes on a rack or outdoor line to save energy and extend fabric life!

🚰 Step 5: Shop for Plastic-Free Laundry Essentials

Beyond detergent and storage, switching to zero-waste laundry accessories can reduce plastic waste and help the planet.

🌎 Fill Good Co. – Your One-Stop Shop for Sustainable Laundry!

If you’re looking for plastic-free, refillable laundry essentials, check out Fill Good Co.. They offer a curated selection of sustainable household products, including:

✔️ Refillable laundry detergents & fabric softeners
✔️ Zero-waste stain removers
✔️ Biodegradable laundry brushes & accessories

🌱 Eco-Friendly Tip: Shop at refill stores like Fill Good Co. to cut down on waste and reuse containers instead of buying new ones!

🌿 Make Laundry Day More Sustainable!

Laundry doesn’t have to be wasteful! By making a few simple swaps, you can create an eco-friendly laundry routine that’s better for your clothes, your skin, and the planet.

✅ Switch to non-toxic, plastic-free detergents like Blueland
✅ Ditch dryer sheets & use LooHoo wool dryer balls
✅ Upgrade to sustainable laundry storage from Three by Three
✅ Buy zero-waste laundry essentials at Fill Good Co.
✅ Wash smarter by using cold water, shorter cycles & air-drying clothes

Ready to go green with your laundry routine? Start with these easy swaps and enjoy cleaner clothes, a healthier home, and a happier planet! 🌍💚

💬 What’s your favorite eco-friendly laundry hack? Drop it in the comments!

Have a Lovely Weekend + A Few Green Things

March 14, 2025 0

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:

🍃 Zero-Waste Lunchbox Inspo: We created a super fun March Madness promo (including photo shoot!) for ECOlunchbox! 🏀Check out our easy, delicious recipes for the Busy Mom MVP, Office Pro MVP, Road Trip Warrior MVP, and Student Champ MVP! Plus, you can grab 30% off the MVP collection while you’re there!

🍃 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!

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! 🌿💚

Go Forth and Forage: A Must-Have Guide for Mushroom Foraging

March 8, 2025 0

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 level—Go 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! There’s something incredibly rewarding about finding, harvesting, and preparing food straight from nature. Mushrooms, in particular, are fascinating—nutritious, 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. That’s 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 experience—wandering 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, I’m 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 lion’s 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:
✔ Easy-to-follow identification guides
✔ Tips for safe and responsible foraging
✔ Culinary preparation advice and recipes
✔ Guidance on medicinal uses, including tinctures and teas

More Than a Mushroom Guide—A Forager’s Handbook

Whitney Johnson’s 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:

🍄 How to locate wild mushrooms (hint: tree identification is key!)
🍄 Understanding mushroom anatomy for better identification
🍄 Foraging gear recommendations—from knives and bags to clothing and boots
🍄 How to use spore prints for accurate species confirmation
🍄 Common mushroom myths debunked
🍄 The ethics of responsible foraging—because sustainability matters!

Meet the Appalachian Forager

If you haven’t come across Whitney Johnson yet, you’re in for a treat! She’s 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, she’s 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 you’re completely new to mushroom foraging or you’ve 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 can’t wait to put Whitney’s wisdom to the test, stepping into the Appalachian forest with a newfound confidence in identifying and harvesting mushrooms safely and ethically. If you’ve ever been curious about foraging, now’s the time to dive in—and this book is the perfect place to start!

📖 Go Forth and Forage is available now—grab your copy and get ready for a season of delicious discoveries!

Have you ever tried foraging for wild mushrooms? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your favorite finds! 🍄✨

Living Naturally and Eco-Friendly: From Skincare to Cleaning House

December 16, 2024 0

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle has never been more important. From our skin care choices to how we clean our homes, small changes to daily habits can have significant effects on both ourselves and the planet. In this blog, we’ll look at practical tips and ideas on incorporating natural practices into everyday life to form cleaner, greener living environments.

Beeswax Is Versatile 

Beeswax, an all-natural and sustainable ingredient, boasts multiple uses in natural skincare and household products. With its waxy texture and unique properties, eco-conscious people have many ways to use natural wax from bees to incorporate sustainable practices into their lifestyle. DIY lip balm or candles can both use beeswax products as a base ingredient. Beeswax offers such benefits that prioritize both personal wellbeing as well as environmental consideration.

Natural Skincare Solutions

Cleanse, Nourish and Protect

When choosing skincare products that will benefit both you and the environment, look for natural and organic ingredients that are gentle on both. Use natural cleansers on your face, plant-based moisturizers to nourish skin from within, and mineral sunscreens as additional layers of defense from UV radiation.

DIY Beauty Treatments

Put your creativity to use in the kitchen and try creating your own natural beauty treatments at home. From homemade face masks using ingredients such as honey, yogurt, and avocado to body scrubs made with sugar and coconut oil, DIY beauty treatments not only give you greater control over what ingredients go into them but can help cut waste due to excessive packaging.

Sustainable Fashion Choices

Consider Secondhand and Vintage 

When it comes to fashion, consider opting for secondhand and vintage clothing as a smart way of saving both money and reducing textile waste by prolonging the life cycle of clothing production. Thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces provide an abundance of unique finds at greatly reduced costs. This can help extend its useful life while simultaneously decreasing textile waste from production processes and lessening environmental impacts associated with the fashion industry.

Consider Sustainable Fabrics

When looking for clothing, opt for brands that prioritize sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled materials, as these tend to offer superior comfort and durability while being eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning

Natural Cleaning Products

Opt for non-chemical cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils for effective home cleaning solutions. You can easily create an all-purpose cleaner by mixing vinegar and water or make an aromatic citrus cleaner by combining lemon peels with vinegar.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Adopting sustainable cleaning practices also involves minimizing waste. Instead of disposable paper towels, try switching to reusable cleaning cloths. Consider refillable containers for cleaning products or purchasing bulk so as to limit packaging waste. Be sure to recycle whenever possible and search out eco-friendly options for items like plastic bottles or packaging materials.

Conclusion

By making intentional choices in our daily lives, we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable world. From using natural skincare from bees wax and sustainable fashion choices, to eco-friendly home cleaning practices, every small step counts towards building an eco-friendlier future. Commit yourself to living more naturally and sustainably.

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