Reducing waste this year

We received our second Grove order on Friday and I can now honestly say it’s been the highlight of my month. It technically all started when my sister gifted a few of the Grove basics to me for Christmas. I quickly familiarized myself to their website and felt inspired with the products created with the earth in mind.

Things didn’t actually get nuts until I found myself in a deep hole of dryer balls vs. dryer sheets while planning the Laundry Room project. The realization of how many dryer sheets we go through blew my mind. So I started reassessing the things in my home that I could change to do my part in reducing waste.

Dane and I have done this before and have implemented some pretty good changes. However, there's always new ways to improve.

1. cleaning rags in place of paper towels

This one may seem like a no brainer, but it's one I actually struggle with. A few years ago, Dane and I decided to make this switch. But the truth is, we have four dogs and sometimes messes happen that you just can't justify using a cloth on.

That being said, my intention for this year is to severely cut back on our use of paper towels. I plan to keep them on hand for puppy accidents, but to use cleaning cloths for everything else.

​I've just added these to my stash.
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2. dryer balls instead of dryer sheets

We've used dryer sheets for as long as I can remember. My mom used them, his mom used them, we used them. Ya know?

But in doing a little research, I learned that while you toss a single sheet after each use, dryer balls can be used somewhere around 1000 washes before needing to be tossed! My mind was instantly blown.

In addition, they reduce static and drying time as well as help to reduce wrinkles. The ones I bought also advertise as being biodegradable. This either means the dryer balls are made with biodegradable materials, or the dryer balls themselves are 100% biodegradable.
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3. glass soap dispensers in place of plastic

We have two bathrooms in our home, and two of them already have glass soap dispensers. I bought them because I liked the way they looked, but am now glad that they also help reduce the waste of each plastic soap dispenser -especially now that we're more mindful about washing our hands more often. I’ve added this soap dispenser to our Kitchen.
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4. glass cleaning spray bottles 

I got one glass spray bottle with the All Purpose Concentrate for Christmas from my sister. If I'm honest, it's truly the single item that made me start thinking about reducing waste. While I love the smell of their cleaner, I don't love the streaks it leaves on my countertops. I think that once the cleaner is gone, I'll be experimenting with different refills.
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5. canvas shopping bags

This one is a no brainer. Back when Dane and I were living in the city, there was an Aldi nearby, so that's where we shopped. It kind of held a special spot in our hearts -especially after visiting the Aldi in Luneburg, Germany.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the store, and their 'BYOB -Bring Your Own Bag' encouragement. We have so many canvas bags for grocery shopping. But did you know that if you also BYOB to Target, you get a discount?
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6. Meal planning to reduce food waste

This one really has no product to recommend. Just a simple pen and paper. 

I've never been good about just buying a bunch of stuff at the grocery store and coming up with meals on the fly. I need a system. So I started meal planning. 

Its all about taking inventory each week. This really limits waste because you didn't buy things you thought you needed but didn't. And I'm not talking about going through each cabinet or refrigerator drawer before making your list. If you know you still have chicken in your fridge or freezer, plan a meal that uses chicken. Or if you have leftover lettuce hanging out, plan a meal with a side salad before you have to toss it.

Truthfully, Dane and I have been meal planning like this for years and our grocery bill would blow your mind. This week, we spent under $50. -Keep in mind, we're only feeding two adults and a toddler. 
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7. no more bottled water

For everyday use, we drink out of tumblers. And we don't really buy water bottles unless we're hosting a party or going on a road trip. Road tripping may be a little difficult to do without, but when we're hosting a birthday party or gathering at home, I'm hoping we can just offer glasses and our filtered water. Or even create a signature water drink that goes along with the theme of the party. Water infused with fruit is hydrating and extremely pretty to look at. 

8.resealable food wrap instead of aluminum foil

I don't own these yet, but I'm planning to add them to my Grove order. I think they're a great alternative to aluminum foil and plastic wrap when you need to cover the top of a bowl or wrap up food to go. Be sure to read the How to Use tab -they need special care to last.

​If you're a strong lover of aluminum foil, consider swapping over to the If You Care aluminum foil. It's made from recycled aluminum foil!
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9.Glass pyrex in place of plastic tupperware

Glass food storage options are a great way to reduce your plastic use. Dane and I registered for a few sets when we got married and we use them every single day. They're extremely durable and don't leave stains like some tomato based recipes leave on plastic options.
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10. Silicone baking mats

These mats are a great alternative to aluminum foil and wax paper. We use them any and all times we need to bust out the baking sheets. They clean up so easy, are dishwasher safe, and are super easy to store.