
Planting Seeds in the New Year
By Dawna Matthews For the last few weeks, we have focused on celebrating holidays, surrounding ourselves with loved ones, and bringing closure to the year as we make room for

By Dawna Matthews For the last few weeks, we have focused on celebrating holidays, surrounding ourselves with loved ones, and bringing closure to the year as we make room for

By Shannon Thompson It is true. Our culture increasingly emphasizes consumerism over connection, and overindulgence often replaces the enjoyment of simple and sustainable pleasures. And yet, every year, most of

By Fredrica Syren Due to cost, more and more of our foods are becoming genetically modified these days. However, we really don’t know what the long-term effects of these foods

By Carolyn Fallon The holiday season is upon us and many families are enjoying their time together. While it is important to create great memories with family and friends, and

By Fredrica Syren I bet you all are preparing for New Years Eve festivities by now but if you looking for something festive to eat for tomorrow breakfast to celebrate

By Julie Zeff One of my favorite things about this time of year is today – December 31st – New Year’s Eve – a new beginning full of endless possibility is right on

By Fredrica Syren My heart sank when I heard of yet another massacre when innocent people were killed at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, on Friday. “How does this keep happening

The celebrations have begun for us a little early when two kids woke up all excited. Today we celebrate our Swedish Christmas and tomorrow the American. So much fun to

By Kim Robson “Raw milk” is simply milk that has not been pasteurized, homogenized, irradiated, or frozen; neither has it been treated with additives, chemicals, or UV light. Raw milk

My heart and prayers goes out to all the families affected by the horrible tragedy at the Connecticut Elementary school. What has the world come to when we no longer

Don’t forget about the giveaway of What to Expect When Expecting and What to Expect The First Year. All you have to do is post a comment with an explanation why

By Fredrica Syren I still remember when was pregnant with my first child six years ago because it was such an amazing and exciting time. My body was doing these
Apr 16
🌱 Delicious meals, zero waste!
From chia pudding for breakfast, lentil bolognese-style pasta for lunch, to leftover vegan pumpkin chili for dinner—small swaps make every meal count.
What’s your favorite way to use leftovers? You can find all these recipes and more on my YouTube channel. Try them with your family!
#zerowaste #mealprepideas #eatingclean #zerowastecooking #thezerowastefamily ...
Apr 15
One of my all-time favorite plastic-free swaps in the kitchen 🌿
Switching to block dish soap + a wooden dish brush has been such a simple change, but it makes a big impact. No more plastic bottles, no more squeezing out too much soap—just a clean, minimalist setup that actually looks beautiful by the sink.
The block soap lasts forever, cuts through grease like a dream, and the wooden brush is durable, compostable, and feels way nicer to use than a plastic sponge.
Small swaps like this remind me that sustainable living doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be practical, aesthetic, and really satisfying.
Have you tried this swap yet? ♻️
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#PlasticFreeLiving #SustainableKitchen #EcoFriendlySwaps #ZeroWasteHome #lowwasteliving ...
Apr 14
Nature’s sweetest zero-waste syrup 🌼
Boil fresh dandelions, sugar, and lemon, strain, and use on your favorite desserts or drinks.
Comment below if you’d try this recipe!
#easyrecipe #syrup #naturalsugar #plantbased #thezerowastefamily ...
Apr 13
Think you need a rural farm to harvest your own food?
Think again. I am growing a massive potato supply for my family right here in the city, using nothing but two raised beds on my patio.
If you have a balcony, a small deck, or even just a sunny doorstep, you have a potato farm. Here is how I make it happen in the middle of the urban hustle:
1. The Chitting Phase
Before they hit the dirt, I let my seed potatoes sit in egg cartons on my windowsill for a few weeks until they sprout eyes. It is a great science project for the kids.
2. Maximize Your Square Footage
In the city, space is gold. I use raised beds, but 5-gallon buckets or grow bags work just as well. Just make sure they have drainage holes. Plant them about 4 inches deep with the sprouts facing the sky.
3. The Hilling Trick
As the green stems grow up, I keep adding more soil around the base. This forces the plant to grow more potatoes upward in the container instead of just deep in the ground.
4. Low Maintenance, High Reward
Potatoes are the ultimate set it and forget it city crop. Just keep them watered. When the flowers bloom, you are close. When the leaves turn yellow and die back, it is treasure hunt time.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of digging through the soil on a city patio and pulling out a dinner’s worth of fresh, organic spuds.
No grocery store trip required.
Stop waiting for ”enough space” and start planting where you are.
#CityGardening #UrbanHomestead #PatioToPlate #SmallSpaceGardening GrowYourOwnFood PotatoPatch CityFarmer RaisedBedGardening SelfSufficientLiving ...
Apr 9
Busy families, this one’s for you! 💚
5 easy zero-waste swaps: reusable bags, reusable bottles, cloth napkins, glass containers, and composting scraps.
Share this with a friend who loves simple eco-tips! ...
Apr 8
Our little secret to staying (mostly) zero waste on the go 🚗♻️
When we had a car, we always kept a “zero waste car kit” in the trunk—and honestly, it was a game changer for our family. No more last-minute plastic bags or single-use panic buys when we were out and about
Inside our kit:
🛍️ Reusable shopping bags
🥤 Water bottles for everyone
🥡 Containers for leftovers (or unexpected takeout!)
🥤 Reusable straws + a small cleaning brush
🍴 Napkins + cutlery
🌱 A container for compost scraps
It was such a simple habit, but it made choosing the low-waste option the easy option—whether we were grocery shopping, grabbing snacks, or heading out on a day trip 💚
Zero waste doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be prepared ✨
What would you add to your car kit?
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#zerowaste #lowwasteliving #sustainablefamily #ecofriendlyliving #reuserevolutio ...
Apr 7
What if living sustainably could also save you money? 🌎💰
Over the past 14 years, I’ve learned how to reduce waste in everyday life—from meals and DIY recipes to travel, parties, and raising kids with less waste. In this book, I share practical tips to help you save thousands while simplifying your home.
Get your copy today on my website or Amazon and make zero waste simple for your family!
#diyrecipe #liveclean #sustainableliving #zerowaste #thezerowastefamily ...
Apr 5
Many everyday items in our homes—especially in the kitchen—can contain harmful chemicals.
While it’s impossible to avoid everything, small changes can make a big difference. By reducing your exposure, you also lower the risk of the “cocktail effect,” where multiple chemicals interact and impact your health.
The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once.
Start simple. Start small.
#zerowaste #lowtoxliving #sustainableliving #healthylifestyle #nontoxic ecofriendly simpleliving ...
Apr 3
Easter baking: COMPLETE.
The kids demanded their favorite butter crackers and honestly… I was not going to argue.
Heart-shaped? Round? Yes to both. Brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with salt straight out of the oven? Absolutely non-negotiable.
These disappear faster than Easter eggs at a hunt — consider yourself warned.
Happy Easter, everyone!
#EasterBaking #ButterCrackers #BakingWithKids #EasterVibes #HomemadeIsAlwaysBetter ...
Apr 2
I used to buy clothes like they were going out of style. (Because fast fashion literally makes sure they do.)
Hauls. Sales. “Treat yourself” moments that left me with a bursting wardrobe and nothing to wear.
Sound familiar?
At some point I looked at my closet and felt… heavy. Not just from the clutter, but from knowing the real cost of all those cheap buys — the water wasted, the workers underpaid, the planet quietly paying the price.
So I stopped. Slowly, imperfectly, but intentionally. ✨
Now I thrift before I shop. I ask “will I wear this 30 times?” before I buy. I rewear outfits proudly. And honestly? I feel more like myself than I ever did chasing trends.
You don’t have to overhaul your whole wardrobe overnight. Just start with one different choice. Then another. That’s how it happened for me — and it changed everything.
Your style can be beautiful and kind to the world. 🌿
Drop a 🙋 if you’re on this journey too — I’d love to cheer you on!
#SlowFashion #SustainableStyle #FashionRevolution #ThriftFirst #ConsciousCloset ...
Mar 31
Less waste, more impact 💚
Which small change have you made at home that helps the planet? Let us know! ...
Mar 30
Easy, low-waste Easter craft! All you need: recycled paper strips, glue, and a little creativity. Layer them over any shape (we did an egg) to create a fun, textured design. Simple, sustainable, and perfect for kids 🎨 Watch the full video on my YouTube for the step-by-step ...
Let’s stay in touch so we can take this journey together!