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Post by elephantastic on Jan 7, 2018 20:50:11 GMT -6
I make a big effort to buy second hand and check my usual thrift stores if I need something- a new lamp, new set of measuring cups, anything random.
I actually have a list on my phone about things I’m on the hunt for 2nd hand that I add to just like my grocery list. If I’m going to a thrift store I can remind myself that I need a new paper towel holder or whatever and I can keep an eye out. It’s great if I don’t need something right away.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 7, 2018 20:54:58 GMT -6
I compost the lazy way... I keep a bowl in the freezer for scraps. Once the bowl is full I take the frozen stuff outside and dump in a small hole in the backyard that I keep a small piece of plywood over. I probably empty my bowl 1-2x per week. When the hole is full I put some dirt over the top and dig a new one. It takes a long time for me to fill the hole though- it breaks down pretty quick since it’s in the ground already.
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Post by unicornofthesea on Jan 7, 2018 21:07:46 GMT -6
A few things I do off the top of my head: I stopped buying foaming hand soap- I reuse the plastic bottles (mine are from bath and body works originally). I buy Dr Bronners pure Castile soap. Pour about 2 inches into soap container, fill rest of the way with water. I buy the big Dr Bronners soap bottles- some bulk places actually have a place to refill your Dr Bronners bottles but I don’t have one around me sadly. I probably only buy 1-2 bottles/year tho All purpose Cleaning solution is also Dr Bronners with h2o in a spray bottle that I refill as needed. Bathroom cleaning solution is diluted bleach. Stainless Steel and glass cleaner is diluted vinegar. I make laundry detergent- easy and cheap. Let me know if you want the recipe. I use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. I don’t currently do this but I used to make reusable dryer sheets by keeping a jar of clean rags in a mixture of diluted fabric softener— wring one out and toss in dryer with other wet (clean) clothes. Put back in jar when dry with your load. We hardly ever use paper towels. I have a cabinet by the sink with 2 side by side trash cans— one is for clean rags and one is for dirty. Wash as needed (I do mine maybe 1x per week- whenever I do a load of towels). Face clothes/make up remover wipes etc are squares of flannel. Wash and reuse. I make a lot of beauty items- face toner, lotion bars, deodorant. I never use paper plates/plastic at home except our 1x per year Halloween party. Glass straws. Many brands are lifetime warranty against breakage. I have a Travel set of silverware and a stainless Steel straw I keep in my purse to avoid plastic silverware, plastic straws when I’m out and about. This might be #extra and I’ll own it but I’m used to it now- i keep them in a little fabric pouch that is easy to wash as well. Shampoo bars and conditioner bars- no more plastic bottles. I also only use bar soap now (I used to be a bath & body works shower gel queen). I have a razor that only requires the head be replaced rather than tossing the whole thing in the trash. Bamboo toothbrushes- they are compostable/biodegrade. You can also find toothbrushes made out of recycled yogurt cups, etc (they actually sell them at TJs if you have one of those). I really like my bamboo ones but TJs hasn’t gotten on that train yet. Reusable shopping bags for everywhere/everything. I have one that folds up tiny I keep in my purse for when I run into a random store and forget to grab a bag or unexpectedly make a purchase. I’ll add if I think of anything else. Is the dr bronners stuff earth friendly/green? I'm really trying to make the switch to less chemical stuff down the drain when bathing, washing dishes, etc. I use the Yardley soaps which I think are a little better...but I need good shampoo and conditioner, either organic or no sulfates, etc.
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loony
Emerald
Posts: 12,589 Likes: 45,028
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Post by loony on Jan 7, 2018 21:17:19 GMT -6
I wish we could compost easily. Damn bears.
We don't put a lot of food down the disposal because we have roots in the pipes and need $$$$$ to fix it (it also includes 10+k for removing a huge tree).
We use glass containers and a bento box style plastic for DD's lunch.
I was talking to my mom and realized that I haven't bought plastic wrap since we moved into this house almost 5 years ago. We use silicone flower covers for large bowls and just the Pyrex "Tupperware" to store things.
We definitely use more ziplock bags than we should, but still barely.
We freeze soups and leftovers in canning jars, which helps with identifying and storage. We plan "jar soup" a night every couple of weeks.
I also haven't bought a plastic bottle of water (except a few road trips) in 10 years. It was a resolution that really stuck. We have a lot of yeti style, metal straw style and coffee lids for mason jars...like the true hipsters we are.
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Post by unicornofthesea on Jan 7, 2018 21:20:50 GMT -6
Oh... if your kids eat pouches or yogurt tubes, buy reusable ones and fill them yourself. I blend up fruits then use the powdery baby oatmeal to thicken it (so it doesn't shoot out when they squeeze it).
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Post by sheilathetank on Jan 7, 2018 21:50:29 GMT -6
For those of you who don't buy ziplocs or plastic wrap/foil, how do you store your meat?
I buy meat in bulk, wrap in plastic wrap then tin foil and finally into a Ziploc freezer bag. I can usually reuse the ziplocs. It's one of the best ways I've found to prevent freezer burn. I've done vacuum seal bags in the past, but I can't bring myself to reuse the bags with raw meat, and they get pricey.
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Post by unicornsparkles on Jan 7, 2018 22:00:43 GMT -6
For those of you who don't buy ziplocs or plastic wrap/foil, how do you store your meat? I buy meat in bulk, wrap in plastic wrap then tin foil and finally into a Ziploc freezer bag. I can usually reuse the ziplocs. It's one of the best ways I've found to prevent freezer burn. I've done vacuum seal bags in the past, but I can't bring myself to reuse the bags with raw meat, and they get pricey. We have friends who give us deer meat stored in wax paper and then wrapped in butcher paper. Not sure if there’s a ‘best’ way to do this.
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Post by millimeter314 on Jan 7, 2018 22:47:30 GMT -6
I currently have silicone straws, cloth napkins, reusable sanitary napkins, and wool dryer balls in my Amazon cart.
We recycle everything and have to drive our recycling to town every other week/3 weeks. It's a pain and I wish they had it more often since it's always overflowing.
We have reusable shopping bags, I fill reusable pouches with yogurt and applesauce for lunches, and each have our own water bottles. We use one roll of paper towels every few weeks but I'd like to get rid of them all together. I really want to start composting in the spring, too.
My mom doesn't recycle at all and it drives me absolutely insane. They go through so many bottles of water, cans of soda, and cardboard. It makes me cringe every time I'm there and see everything just thrown in the trash.
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emma
Ruby
Posts: 18,827 Likes: 86,503
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Post by emma on Jan 7, 2018 23:24:15 GMT -6
unicornofthesea have you tried the Lush shampoo and conditioner bars? No plastic waist, organic and sulphate free. I love the shampoo bars but I’m still coming round to the conditioner one
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 4:26:05 GMT -6
unicornofthesea Dr Bronners soaps are really concentrated (a tiny bit goes a long way), organic, “100% biodegradable”, vegetable based, no synthetic ingredients. Their bottles are also made out of recycled material. I want to try to make my own shampoo bars but haven’t gotten around to it- I have some recipes saved on Pinterest. I get mine from a local soap company that publishes the ingredient list.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 4:33:42 GMT -6
I love my Thinx period panties. I’ve been using them for 18 months I think. +1 to the reusable pouches- I have these: . Allows me to buy large containers of yogurt and portion them for E. I also make applesauce and freeze. I freeze most things in glass jars (smoothies, applesauce, beans, sauces). I do use freezer bags occasionally but reuse the crap out of them. I’ve used reusable lunch baggies for years. I can’t remember the brand. ETA They are lunchskins. I bought a set in college 7-8 years ago and they still hold up. They are also top rack dishwasher safe. I made some a couple years ago out of laminated cotton fabric.
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Post by chickenonsunday on Jan 8, 2018 6:58:17 GMT -6
I have Woolzies dryer balls in my amazon cart. Thanks ladies! I also got some great ideas from this post for other changes to make.
I need to bring in a set of dishes and silverware to work so I stop using disposable products for my meals.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 7:04:36 GMT -6
If I'm throwing away something that isn't recyclable in my home recycle bin I try to google to see if there is somewhere that takes it.
Examples- My curling iron broke. Best Buy will take curling irons, flat irons or hair dryers. (They also take some old electronics, power cords, etc but I think that is better known).
Goodwill will take old t shirts/textiles even if they are not good enough to sell. They make rags with them I think. They have told me even old socks with holes, thinned out boxers, etc they will take.
SaveOurSoles and PlanetAid take old shoes even if they are worn out and not good enough to sell. Nike has a recycle running shoes program.
I recently got rid of H and I's CD collection. We have the music in a million places on our devices and backed up-- we hadn't looked thru our actual CD collection in the 5 years since I have lived w/ H. Also-- none of our computers have a CD drive anymore! The CD Recycling Center of America will recycle them for free (but I had to pay to ship my CDs to them because there wasn't a center close to me). It cost me approx $37 in shipping but it was hundreds of CDs that won't be in the landfill.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 7:10:08 GMT -6
This one is kind of ridiculous I do admit but it works... I have a shark steam mop/vac. The floor cleaner comes in a plastic bottle that you turn upside down and screw into the mop but it isn't refillable. So... I drilled a hole in the top of the solution bottle and use a funnel to add more Dr Bronners/water mix. I can't fill it all the way up because if I am aggressively mopping it sloshes but it works great! I used to just walk around with a spray bottle and spray the floor as I was steam mopping.
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hawkward
Global Moderator
Loss, Infertility
Posts: 19,638 Likes: 123,092
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Post by hawkward on Jan 8, 2018 7:10:12 GMT -6
elephantastic, that is great to know about the CDs! We have a collection in our garage that has just been sitting there because I didn't want to toss it and they aren't worth the trouble of selling individually.
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Post by chickenonsunday on Jan 8, 2018 7:12:44 GMT -6
SaveOurSoles and PlanetAid take old shoes even if they are worn out and not good enough to sell. Nike has a recycle running shoes program. I need to find a place to take my old running shoes. I retire them after 400 miles of wear and the shoes still look pristine.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 7:16:00 GMT -6
You all are going to regret marygracerich for tagging me in here. I'm trying to read everyone else's posts and then I'm reminded of some other crazy thing I do. Instagram has some good accounts to follow for this- TrashIsForTossers comes to mind. If you look at Zerowaste posters there are always good tips/tricks.
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Post by chickenonsunday on Jan 8, 2018 7:33:23 GMT -6
I want to get away from buying fruit cups and applesauce cups. For my lunch I buy the microwaveable brown rice cups.
I can very easily make brown rice on Monday morning to last me a few days. I just need to start the new habit.
What do you all do for the kids? How long does a larger container of applesauce stay good in the fridge? I'll need to look if Sam's sells the smaller cans of fruit instead of the ginormous restaurant sized cans.
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smilesp
Emerald
Posts: 12,910 Likes: 35,713
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Post by smilesp on Jan 8, 2018 7:38:55 GMT -6
Something we use that I haven’t seen mentioned are Jack n Jill toothbrushes for DS. They’re made from cornstarch and compostable. The blister part of the package is also made from cornstarch also.
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smilesp
Emerald
Posts: 12,910 Likes: 35,713
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Post by smilesp on Jan 8, 2018 7:40:10 GMT -6
I want to get away from buying fruit cups and applesauce cups. For my lunch I buy the microwaveable brown rice cups. I can very easily make brown rice on Monday morning to last me a few days. I just need to start the new habit. What do you all do for the kids? How long does a larger container of applesauce stay good in the fridge? I'll need to look if Sam's sells the smaller cans of fruit instead of the ginormous restaurant sized cans. The package says the applesauce is only good for 10 days after opening but you could always freeze.
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Post by frantastic on Jan 8, 2018 7:45:49 GMT -6
SaveOurSoles and PlanetAid take old shoes even if they are worn out and not good enough to sell. Nike has a recycle running shoes program. I need to find a place to take my old running shoes. I retire them after 400 miles of wear and the shoes still look pristine. Check to see if there are any free stores in your area. This is usually my go-to for good condition shoes.
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Post by GhoatMonket on Jan 8, 2018 7:59:03 GMT -6
I have a garbage disposal but I don't purposely put scraps in it. That shit can still clog. We luckily haven’t had an issue with that. I pretty much put everything except banana peel down it. Garbage disposals are not trash cans. They are not designed for high levels of use and cannot handle fibrous waste like potato peels or celery. Anything greasy or fatty is absolutely causing build up, even if it isn't fully clogged- yet.
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Post by GhoatMonket on Jan 8, 2018 8:00:03 GMT -6
I want to get away from buying fruit cups and applesauce cups. For my lunch I buy the microwaveable brown rice cups. I can very easily make brown rice on Monday morning to last me a few days. I just need to start the new habit. What do you all do for the kids? How long does a larger container of applesauce stay good in the fridge? I'll need to look if Sam's sells the smaller cans of fruit instead of the ginormous restaurant sized cans. The package says the applesauce is only good for 10 days after opening but you could always freeze. Use it until green stuff starts growing. It takes way more than 10 days.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 8:00:45 GMT -6
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 8:17:43 GMT -6
I use an eco coffee cup for take away coffee. I feel like a total hipster, but I don’t allow myself to buy takeaway coffee unless I have it with me. ETA: it’s made of bamboo and is dishwasher safe. I love it so much. Do you have a link? I need to just leave a clean one in my car. I have this cup as well. My ONLY complaint is that it doesn't keep coffee hot as long as some of my other travel mugs. But usually my coffee doesn't last long enough to matter.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 8:19:11 GMT -6
It’s pricey but you can make it yourself even. If that’s your thing. Well I actually have some beeswax pellets and EOS... interesting! I have a link for DIY on pintrest but haven't done it yet- Do report if you do!
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RedLine
Gold
Posts: 687 Likes: 2,613
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Post by RedLine on Jan 8, 2018 8:30:15 GMT -6
I'm not elephantastic, but yeah it's cruelty free, contains no synthetics, certified organic, and biodegradable.
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RedLine
Gold
Posts: 687 Likes: 2,613
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Post by RedLine on Jan 8, 2018 8:37:25 GMT -6
scoutboo it's also certified fair trade which is pretty awesome.
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Post by elephantastic on Jan 8, 2018 9:01:49 GMT -6
I'm not elephantastic , but yeah it's cruelty free, contains no synthetics, certified organic, and biodegradable. scoutboo ^^ Dr. B is the best. From what I've read you can basically dump it out in the yard and it's fine for the environment. Trader Joe's has the best prices if you have one. Whole Foods has more scents (TJs only has peppermint) but it's more expensive because WF.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2018 9:04:11 GMT -6
I want to get away from buying fruit cups and applesauce cups. For my lunch I buy the microwaveable brown rice cups. I can very easily make brown rice on Monday morning to last me a few days. I just need to start the new habit. What do you all do for the kids? How long does a larger container of applesauce stay good in the fridge? I'll need to look if Sam's sells the smaller cans of fruit instead of the ginormous restaurant sized cans. The only cans I’ve seen at my local sams are mandarin oranges. I freeze applesauce in the small round glad containers (ds’s School doesn’t allow glass). I can then reuse hem and refill when he’s done with it.
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