Life Hacks
I consider myself an environmentalist: when I have the time & money
Buy Once
Things to buy once and never again!
Easy
Stuff that saves you money, the environment & time
Lil' Effort
Stuff the saves you money, the environment, time & asks for a little effort from you
Life Change!
Stuff the saves you money, the environment, time & asks a life change.
* Flight/Travel Tips at the end *
Buy Once
Things to buy once and never again!
Easy
Stuff that saves you money, the environment & time
Lil' Effort
Stuff the saves you money, the environment, time & asks for a little effort from you
Life Change!
Stuff the saves you money, the environment, time & asks a life change.
* Flight/Travel Tips at the end *
Buy ONCE (and never again):
Shower Curtain: buy machine-washable shower curtain that you like, I own 2 and cycle back and forth
Metal Foot File: wash, re-use
Bathmat(s): buy washable ones
Coffee at home - find a coffee maker with a 'permanent filter' so you wash and re-use, no more buying filters, French Press (especially the all metal ones, the glass ones might break)...
Re-usable Q-Tip - wash, never re-buy LastSwab, I've used for 3+ years and love it
Wool Dryer Balls - leave them in the dryer, they help moves things around and dry faster, so less energy used. I have used mine for 1+ year
Re-usable Straw - leave in your bag or car, easy to wash, re-use https://rainhydration.com/. I also have a couple wide straws I use at home for smoothies and Boba Tea! I have used mine for 2+ years
Dish Scrubber - chain link scrub for dishes, if it gets grimmy just boil in a small pot of water for 10 seconds and like new! OR roll up those woven plastic fruit bags. I have used the chain for 3+ years and the plastic scrub for 2+ years and put it in the dishwasher to clean with my sponge from time to time.
Tea Light Candles - recharge-able tea lights (I got the multi-color with remote!) This is debatable but works in my life
Batteries - Rechargeable Batteries, photographers & myself recommend Eneloop, can also be found in camera stores & Costco. I have used mine for 10+ years
Lighter - USB rechargeable lighter for candles, cigarettes, anything else you smoke... I have used mine for 3+ years
Re-Write-able Notebook - pages make of stone, re-write-able, picture the pages and save in an app instead of paper and storing on a bookshelf (I use Elfin Book $15). I have used mine for 4+ years.
Have a Period? - THINX underwear or Diva Cup are great! I used Thinx, ask me about it I'm happy to chat. I've used mine for 2+ years
Baking/Cooking Mats - instead of foil, wash and reuse these. Silpats are the brand I use
Shower Curtain: buy machine-washable shower curtain that you like, I own 2 and cycle back and forth
Metal Foot File: wash, re-use
Bathmat(s): buy washable ones
Coffee at home - find a coffee maker with a 'permanent filter' so you wash and re-use, no more buying filters, French Press (especially the all metal ones, the glass ones might break)...
Re-usable Q-Tip - wash, never re-buy LastSwab, I've used for 3+ years and love it
Wool Dryer Balls - leave them in the dryer, they help moves things around and dry faster, so less energy used. I have used mine for 1+ year
Re-usable Straw - leave in your bag or car, easy to wash, re-use https://rainhydration.com/. I also have a couple wide straws I use at home for smoothies and Boba Tea! I have used mine for 2+ years
Dish Scrubber - chain link scrub for dishes, if it gets grimmy just boil in a small pot of water for 10 seconds and like new! OR roll up those woven plastic fruit bags. I have used the chain for 3+ years and the plastic scrub for 2+ years and put it in the dishwasher to clean with my sponge from time to time.
Tea Light Candles - recharge-able tea lights (I got the multi-color with remote!) This is debatable but works in my life
Batteries - Rechargeable Batteries, photographers & myself recommend Eneloop, can also be found in camera stores & Costco. I have used mine for 10+ years
Lighter - USB rechargeable lighter for candles, cigarettes, anything else you smoke... I have used mine for 3+ years
Re-Write-able Notebook - pages make of stone, re-write-able, picture the pages and save in an app instead of paper and storing on a bookshelf (I use Elfin Book $15). I have used mine for 4+ years.
Have a Period? - THINX underwear or Diva Cup are great! I used Thinx, ask me about it I'm happy to chat. I've used mine for 2+ years
Baking/Cooking Mats - instead of foil, wash and reuse these. Silpats are the brand I use
Easy
Money - think of your money like voting when you send it and where you want to vote a 'Yes' to
Recycle - paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic. Remember to clean the item before putting it in a bin
Re-Use Bags - leave a couple by the door, in your car, in your purse and USE them. For me 'in-site = I-use'
Toothbrush - buy bamboo handle toothbrushes
Toilet Paper - buy recycled toilet paper, bamboo toilet paper: https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ or bamboo & BIPOC owned: https://reelpaper.com/ and buy in bulk... maybe it's time for a bidet, start thinking about it ;) Yep I have one.
Hair - Wash Hair 2-3 times a week (yes this is for most everyone)
Veggies - avoid Styrofoam/plastic packaging when possible & bring your own bag to put them in
Soap - Bar soap instead of liquid soap (for body and hands)
Candles - avoid candles in holder/container (that you will likely get rid of afterwards)
When you can afford it:
- No Plastic - buy the glass/metal container instead of the plastic container, for EVERYTHING!
- Eggs - buy the fancy cage-free, veggie-fed eggs
Money - think of your money like voting when you send it and where you want to vote a 'Yes' to
Recycle - paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic. Remember to clean the item before putting it in a bin
Re-Use Bags - leave a couple by the door, in your car, in your purse and USE them. For me 'in-site = I-use'
Toothbrush - buy bamboo handle toothbrushes
Toilet Paper - buy recycled toilet paper, bamboo toilet paper: https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ or bamboo & BIPOC owned: https://reelpaper.com/ and buy in bulk... maybe it's time for a bidet, start thinking about it ;) Yep I have one.
Hair - Wash Hair 2-3 times a week (yes this is for most everyone)
Veggies - avoid Styrofoam/plastic packaging when possible & bring your own bag to put them in
Soap - Bar soap instead of liquid soap (for body and hands)
Candles - avoid candles in holder/container (that you will likely get rid of afterwards)
When you can afford it:
- No Plastic - buy the glass/metal container instead of the plastic container, for EVERYTHING!
- Eggs - buy the fancy cage-free, veggie-fed eggs
Level Lil' Effort
in Life
Buy used - Thrift stores, Craigslist, Free-cycle, BuyNothingProject.org using fb groups... and more
Avoid Chain 99 cent stores when possible
Buy in your Neighborhood - local, and close to you, avoid shipping if possible
Clothing Swap - good hang and keeps you out of stores that aren't 'needed'
Plants - they are good to have around I find Bamboo, Spider Plants, Pathos & Aloe to be the easiest to keep
Put a Cup/Straw/Spork/Napkin... in your bag for the day to use in life
Phone Charging - take cell out of the case when charging, battery will last longer
Search Engine that PLANTS TREES - https://www.ecosia.org/
in Kitchen
Clean - with Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt, Lemons... many recipes online.
All Purpose Spray: 1/2 Vinegar & 1/2 Water (great for counters)
Cloths: instead of paper towels, make sure you have enough so the convenience factor is there.
Cask Iron - use a cask iron pan, no soap to wash, faster cooking, tasty! They live before and past you, so get one used.
Compost - put a tub in your freezer (note: no smell) to collect & dump at local compost space (farmers' market, or of course in the weekly city pick up, community garden... ALL nonmeat food scraps go in, paper napkins, pizza boxes, egg shells, banana peels... COVID19: in NYC city pick up is closed but community gardens are accepting. Ask me about Brooklyn spots.
Veggie/Fruit Bags - re-use the ones from the grocery store, shoe bags are also a good size for this, also not everything needs a bag.
Dish washer: in the detergent slot add 2-3 drops of dish soap, fill 2/3 of the slot with Baking Soda and 1/3 Salt. I've been doing this for 2+ years. Dropps are also great I hear.
Bar Dish Soap: they work really well, I have been using 2+ years. No plastic & uses less resources to transport
Re-Use Foil: when you can if you use it
Re-Use Plastic Baggies: when you can if you use them. I hand wash, air dry, fold, use. I trash if they were used for Meat, Dairy or Chemicals.
in Laundry
Washing Detergent - use powder instead of liquid, laundry sheets or 2 ingredients mixed. Liquid is heavy to transport.
Line Dry - folding wracks are great and good for helping your clothes last longer.
Dryer Sheets - get compost-able ones, or decide if you even need them.
Re-Wear - wear your clothes again before washing when it makes sense to you
in Bathroom
Hairbrush - bamboo brush, avoid plastic, wash it with shampoo a couple times a year and it feels like NEW
Hair bans - cut old tights to make hair bans that are gentle on your hair, OR pick up hair bans on the street, throw them in the washing machine with your clothes and use!
Body scrub - used coffee grounds, sugar, salt, and/or a fabric scrub you can machine wash
Body Wash - use soap over liquids (no plastic and uses less resources to transport)
Bar Shampoo/Conditioner - no plastic container & uses less resources to transport
Lotion - use Coconut/Almond... Oil. Maybe also try a body brush in between using oil.
Eye make up remover - Coconut Oil (only around eyes for my skin & very small amount)
Face toner - in spray bottle: 1/3 apple cider vinegar & 2/3 water /OR/ 1/2 Rose water & 1/2 water
Safety Blade - replace only the blades, no more plastic
Handkerchief - start by using one at home to sneeze/blow your nose with and machine wash
Bidet - this item cleans you better, feels refreshing, you will use LESS toilet paper. Mine has pressure and temperature control, Home Depot $60 USD. I have been uses at home for 1+ year, ask me about it! Also since toilet paper is only used to dry yourself I also started use small cut towels for 1+ year, ask me about it!
in Life
Buy used - Thrift stores, Craigslist, Free-cycle, BuyNothingProject.org using fb groups... and more
Avoid Chain 99 cent stores when possible
Buy in your Neighborhood - local, and close to you, avoid shipping if possible
Clothing Swap - good hang and keeps you out of stores that aren't 'needed'
Plants - they are good to have around I find Bamboo, Spider Plants, Pathos & Aloe to be the easiest to keep
Put a Cup/Straw/Spork/Napkin... in your bag for the day to use in life
Phone Charging - take cell out of the case when charging, battery will last longer
Search Engine that PLANTS TREES - https://www.ecosia.org/
in Kitchen
Clean - with Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt, Lemons... many recipes online.
All Purpose Spray: 1/2 Vinegar & 1/2 Water (great for counters)
Cloths: instead of paper towels, make sure you have enough so the convenience factor is there.
Cask Iron - use a cask iron pan, no soap to wash, faster cooking, tasty! They live before and past you, so get one used.
Compost - put a tub in your freezer (note: no smell) to collect & dump at local compost space (farmers' market, or of course in the weekly city pick up, community garden... ALL nonmeat food scraps go in, paper napkins, pizza boxes, egg shells, banana peels... COVID19: in NYC city pick up is closed but community gardens are accepting. Ask me about Brooklyn spots.
Veggie/Fruit Bags - re-use the ones from the grocery store, shoe bags are also a good size for this, also not everything needs a bag.
Dish washer: in the detergent slot add 2-3 drops of dish soap, fill 2/3 of the slot with Baking Soda and 1/3 Salt. I've been doing this for 2+ years. Dropps are also great I hear.
Bar Dish Soap: they work really well, I have been using 2+ years. No plastic & uses less resources to transport
Re-Use Foil: when you can if you use it
Re-Use Plastic Baggies: when you can if you use them. I hand wash, air dry, fold, use. I trash if they were used for Meat, Dairy or Chemicals.
in Laundry
Washing Detergent - use powder instead of liquid, laundry sheets or 2 ingredients mixed. Liquid is heavy to transport.
Line Dry - folding wracks are great and good for helping your clothes last longer.
Dryer Sheets - get compost-able ones, or decide if you even need them.
Re-Wear - wear your clothes again before washing when it makes sense to you
in Bathroom
Hairbrush - bamboo brush, avoid plastic, wash it with shampoo a couple times a year and it feels like NEW
Hair bans - cut old tights to make hair bans that are gentle on your hair, OR pick up hair bans on the street, throw them in the washing machine with your clothes and use!
Body scrub - used coffee grounds, sugar, salt, and/or a fabric scrub you can machine wash
Body Wash - use soap over liquids (no plastic and uses less resources to transport)
Bar Shampoo/Conditioner - no plastic container & uses less resources to transport
Lotion - use Coconut/Almond... Oil. Maybe also try a body brush in between using oil.
Eye make up remover - Coconut Oil (only around eyes for my skin & very small amount)
Face toner - in spray bottle: 1/3 apple cider vinegar & 2/3 water /OR/ 1/2 Rose water & 1/2 water
Safety Blade - replace only the blades, no more plastic
Handkerchief - start by using one at home to sneeze/blow your nose with and machine wash
Bidet - this item cleans you better, feels refreshing, you will use LESS toilet paper. Mine has pressure and temperature control, Home Depot $60 USD. I have been uses at home for 1+ year, ask me about it! Also since toilet paper is only used to dry yourself I also started use small cut towels for 1+ year, ask me about it!
Life Changers
Plastic - avoid whenever possible 1st Metal, 2nd Glass, 3rd Plastic (if possible)
Bamboo - is a great option for most things as it is easy to grow in bulk and compost-able
Compost-able - look for compost-able instead of 'biodegradable'
Bike/Walk - do it
Fix it - get things fixed or repaired
Get Items Second Hand - MOST items can be found on sale second hand. Help those items not going into the trash. Including electronics, kitchenware, furniture, jewelry...
Bulk Store - research if there is a bulk store in your neighborhood to support, and look out for where no container options are in store near you.
Eggs - find a place with chickens to get your eggs from directly if possible
Bread - make it or get directly from a bakery (bring a bag for the bread)
Plant Based Milks - Oat Milk, yum! Try it out, it's now made creamy and can be frothed for your coffee too. I also make my own, ask me about it.
Oatly Ice Cream - it's creamy! And feels light in my body. Ask me about it.
CSA - see if you can support a local farmer by getting your produce from them directly. About CSA options.
Plastic - avoid whenever possible 1st Metal, 2nd Glass, 3rd Plastic (if possible)
Bamboo - is a great option for most things as it is easy to grow in bulk and compost-able
Compost-able - look for compost-able instead of 'biodegradable'
Bike/Walk - do it
Fix it - get things fixed or repaired
Get Items Second Hand - MOST items can be found on sale second hand. Help those items not going into the trash. Including electronics, kitchenware, furniture, jewelry...
Bulk Store - research if there is a bulk store in your neighborhood to support, and look out for where no container options are in store near you.
Eggs - find a place with chickens to get your eggs from directly if possible
Bread - make it or get directly from a bakery (bring a bag for the bread)
Plant Based Milks - Oat Milk, yum! Try it out, it's now made creamy and can be frothed for your coffee too. I also make my own, ask me about it.
Oatly Ice Cream - it's creamy! And feels light in my body. Ask me about it.
CSA - see if you can support a local farmer by getting your produce from them directly. About CSA options.
Flight/Travel Tips
Carry-on:
Headphones - bring your own and don't take the ones on the plane
Socks - take shoes off and put on clean socks during the flight (it's fancy)
Re-Use-able Water Bottle - empty before security, refill the whole way, don't take the plastic cups of water
Wide mouth jar/cup - ask them to fill your cup with the drinks/coffee/wine they serve. I have ALWAYS gotten positive reactions from this request all over the world from cafes to airports and on the airplane.
Packing:
Checked/Carry-On - I rarely check unless I am bringing back gifts/alcohol home
Clothes - Roll to pack, pick stuff that dries quickly
Tops/Bottoms - make sure the clothes can go mostly with each other
Sorting - if you use bags to sort stuff go for clear or mesh so you can see it easily
Gifts
Give food/drink or bring some back to share with friends, avoid souvenirs from places they didn't go to
Carry-on:
Headphones - bring your own and don't take the ones on the plane
Socks - take shoes off and put on clean socks during the flight (it's fancy)
Re-Use-able Water Bottle - empty before security, refill the whole way, don't take the plastic cups of water
Wide mouth jar/cup - ask them to fill your cup with the drinks/coffee/wine they serve. I have ALWAYS gotten positive reactions from this request all over the world from cafes to airports and on the airplane.
Packing:
Checked/Carry-On - I rarely check unless I am bringing back gifts/alcohol home
Clothes - Roll to pack, pick stuff that dries quickly
Tops/Bottoms - make sure the clothes can go mostly with each other
Sorting - if you use bags to sort stuff go for clear or mesh so you can see it easily
Gifts
Give food/drink or bring some back to share with friends, avoid souvenirs from places they didn't go to