~ Grocery Bags ~

One of the easiest things we can do is use reusable totes for our groceries. I hate to admit it but when California started charging for each bag used at the grocery store, I grumbled a bit, (okay, I maybe even rolled my eyes). It was one more thing for me to remember to do in my already busy schedule  . . . remember to bring reusable grocery bags with me when I go grocery shopping . . . it’s been a few years now and I’ve gotten the hang of it. Writing about it now, I feel guilty admitting that I was annoyed at the time.  I occasionally get in the grocery store and realize I forgot them in my car, but most of the time I do remember them and I feel good because it’s an easy thing to do to cut down on the plastic bag problem. {Learn more about the impact plastic has on our environment at Mother Earth News.}

This set of three large collapsible boxes with reinforced bottoms by Planet E would be perfect for those trips to Costco! Available on Amazon.com Set of Three for $21.99

~ Cleaning Products ~

I’ve been a fan of Seventh Generation products for a long time now. Their products are environmentally friendly, made from renewable plant-based ingredients and they actually work! It’s a good feeling knowing that the cleaning products used in our homes are safe for ourselves, our families and our pets. In addition, it makes me feel good to know I’m supporting a company that is mindful about corporate responsibility.  Seventh Generation products start around $3.99 and can be found at VitaCost.com and Target.com

~ Lawn & Garden Care ~

Composting is a great way to kick things up a notch in your garden and reduce or eliminate the need for harmful chemicals and it’s easier than you might think! Simply toss food scraps such as egg shells, vegetable peels, and other organic food material in a countertop composting bin like this one by Natural Home  available on ThriveMarket.com for $24.99, then transfer to an exterior compost bin such as this one by FreeGarden Earth available from The Home Depot $124.64

Check out this Composting Made Easy article from HGTV to help you get started. Also these videos about lawn care practices give tips to reduce pesticide and nutrient risks to human health, pets and the environment. I've been gardening for a long time and I learned a few new things from these videos! https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/lawn-and-garden#pratices

~ Pets ~

    When my now 14 year old German Shepherd, Hanno, became extremely ill eight years ago and was prescribed a harsh medication, I googled it to find out more. I started crying because for most pets that were given this particular prescription, the outcome was not good. I decided to switch to a holistic veterinarian, took him off commercial dog food and began cooking for him- it was literally life changing for him! (shout out to Dr. Tyneway and her staff!) Since then, I try to be careful not only about the food he eats, cleaning products and laundry detergents I use, but also his shampoo and toys. 

Hanno is a fan of Pure + Good Lavender & Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner. This line is bio-degradable, free of chemicals, detergents, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, mineral oils and preservatives. $17.95

He also LOVES to play ball! These glow balls by Healthy Spot not only glow in the dark, they float, are made from 100% recyclable rubber, non-toxic and dishwasher safe! $4.95

~ Interior Design ~

Last but not least, does your home have flat panel, plain slab doors? Have you been trying to decide what to do with them? Do you buy the hollow core, stamped out, four or six panel doors from your local home improvement store and hire someone to cut the door to fit / hang the door, paint it and install the hardware? The truth is, most of us are pretty much over the stamped out doors that we've seen in tract houses for decades now. Or do you spend the big bucks and buy quality new doors and pay someone to install them? Either way, your old doors will more than likely end up in the landfill, so in honor of Earth Day, consider this: You can recycle / upcycle the doors you already have for a fraction of the cost and you will LOVE the way they look!

Our raised door moulding kits allow you to keep the doors you already have. Check out our video to see how easy it is to install our door moulding kits on any slab door- hollow, solid or metal! Your doors will look WAY better than the stamped out doors from your local big box store! Two Panel Door Moulding Kit from $59.99 !!!

If you have bi-fold doors, check out our four panel door kit. One kit will transform two doors! (2 panels each)

Making simple changes to our everyday routine will have a positive impact on our health, our loved ones and our planet!

Happy Earth Day 2018!