Zero-Waste: Is That A Helpful Term?
The other day, our kids were at school, so my husband and I took a rare walk just the two of us. Like many couples these days, our conversation turned to current events and the upcoming election. We discussed climate change and the need for the United States to re-join the Paris Climate Agreement. HeContinue reading “Zero-Waste: Is That A Helpful Term?”
Products We Use: Crayola
Dear Readers, I am a homeschooling mom of three (thanks, COVID) and I have an embarrassing array of markers, colored pencils, and crayons for my kids to choose from. This is partially because my mom passed on all my childhood art supplies (yes, she saved them) and partially because I love art supplies and, beforeContinue reading “Products We Use: Crayola”
Guest Post! Foraging Fungi in NH Forests
Hannah Kivikoski has been a nature enthusiast and animal lover since childhood. She explored the American outdoors with her mother, driving and camping across the country. Now, with her husband, two sons, one dog, three cats, four chickens, one bunny, and a bucket of worms, she works on introducing nature into her suburban NH neighborhood.Continue reading “Guest Post! Foraging Fungi in NH Forests”
Halloween Costumes that will please your kids and the planet
It’s that time again! I love Halloween. It’s so much fun to watch children transform into the stuff of fairy tales, myths, and yes, even Disney movies and video games. For that one night they get to be whoever they want and, hidden behind masks, traipse from house to house in their neighborhood knocking onContinue reading “Halloween Costumes that will please your kids and the planet”
Build your Eco-Hygge Survival Kit Now!
While I would argue that we never need AC in New Hampshire, heating our houses to at least 55 degrees in the Winter is usually a must so that pipes (and people) don’t freeze. But how can we keep ourselves comfortable and even cozy without turning up the thermostat? The answer, I think, is eco-hygge.Continue reading “Build your Eco-Hygge Survival Kit Now!”
Guest Post! What is your Household Carbon Footprint? And What Can You Do About It?
Today we have a guest post from our friend and fellow Concord resident Jessica Forrest! Jessica has developed tools for companies to measure and reduce their environmental impacts, and has worked with her city of Concord, New Hampshire on carbon footprinting and strategic planning relative to their ambitious 100% renewable energy and emissions reductions goals. Continue reading “Guest Post! What is your Household Carbon Footprint? And What Can You Do About It?”
Scenes From Our Fall Weekend
Before our big nationwide “stay-in” began, I was ironically working on staying home more often and making less plans. I used to be someone who ran around A LOT. I packed our schedule and was always rushing from point a to point b. For me, no plans meant boredom, especially when I had very smallContinue reading “Scenes From Our Fall Weekend”
Green Your Ride
A little known fact about me, which will surprise anyone who met me after college, is that I LOVE to drive. I really love it. I love driving fast, shifting gears, and racing. My first car was a lowered Honda Civic and my first two speeding tickets were for racing other lowered Civics on smallContinue reading “Green Your Ride”
Products We Use: Pact
On GreenLifeNH, I’ve written about the benefits of buying used clothing (especially for my kids who are constantly growing!). However sometimes there are certain items you’d rather not buy used, such as underwear. Enter Pact. I recently purchased a few items from them and have been pleased, however I wasn’t planning to share with youContinue reading “Products We Use: Pact”
Earth Jams for the Kids
Matt Loosigian’s album, Hungry for the Sun, is just the right mix of fun and educational. Kids learn about important environmental topics – recycling, energy use, composting, and habitats – through Matt’s excellent lyrics and classic blues, rock, and reggae music. It is one of the few made-for-kids albums that I actually enjoy listening toContinue reading “Earth Jams for the Kids”
Respect Your Things
The other day, while I listened to Laura Knoy discuss Zero Waste with her guests, the panelists talked about the important Rs – reduce, reuse, refuse and recycle. They also introduced two new ones that I hadn’t heard – repair and rot (compost). Well today I’d like to add one more – respect. My husbandContinue reading “Respect Your Things”
Afternoon Iced Coffee
I don’t know about you, but having two of my three children unexpectedly homeschooling this year has me lagging in the afternoons. While I should probably be doing yoga or meditating in order to pick myself up, those methods are difficult with a one-year-old, five-year-old, and seven-year-old underfoot. So I have reverted to some oldContinue reading “Afternoon Iced Coffee”
A Guide to Eco Hydration
We hear a lot about ethical and sustainable eating, but drinking often takes a back seat. Not today. Let’s focus on how to hydrate sustainably. FOR EVERYDAY HYDRATION, CHOOSE WATER. Water is the easiest, most environmentally-friendly, and healthiest choice for hydration. With a little extra filtration, we can drink it right out of our sinks,Continue reading “A Guide to Eco Hydration”
Celebrate our first FROST with vegan summer pesto
There is frost predicted for the next three mornings. If you (or a neighbor) have tenders fruits or veggies in the garden, you can cover them with an old sheet to protect them. You can also harvest anything ready to come into the house, such as tomatoes, basil, peppers, and zucchinis. I just harvested aContinue reading “Celebrate our first FROST with vegan summer pesto”
Decorating with Nature – Fall Edition
It’s almost Fall and all the stores and online advertisers are trying to sell you a bunch of fake pumpkins, apples, and leaf garlands. They will be offering fall-themed napkins, paper plates, and “fall-scented” candles. Resist the urge! Here is New Hampshire, the outdoors is all we need to decorate our homes. Look no furtherContinue reading “Decorating with Nature – Fall Edition”
A Vegetarian Cookbook for People who like Meat and Potatoes
Do you wish you could be vegetarian, but you don’t know how? Are you worried you will leave the table hungry or dissatisfied? Or are you a vegetarian already, but your partner and kids think you’re crazy when you suggest they try it? Often vegetarian and vegan cookbooks don’t help the matter. They are filledContinue reading “A Vegetarian Cookbook for People who like Meat and Potatoes”
How Bad are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything Review
I love this book! I read it first in 2010 and it has shaped a lot of my decisions since then. I am rereading it now to refresh my memory. The basic premise of the book is obvious from its subtitle. Mike Berners-Lee spent a considerable amount of time researching the carbon footprint of overContinue reading “How Bad are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything Review”
What’s In Your Lunchbox?
School’s returning this week, which means your kids will need some lunch (though I suppose that isn’t different from most other days). Packing a lunch is a necessity if they’re attending in-person, but I know a lot of remote friends who are still filling a lunch-box in the morning because it makes things easier andContinue reading “What’s In Your Lunchbox?”
When Life Gives You Peaches…
In honor of Labor Day, and the end to our lazy days of summer, a light post with an idea about how you can use those last pieces of farm-fresh fruit. A few weeks ago, a good friend came to visit and we went peach picking at Gould Hill Farm. Four people managed to pickContinue reading “When Life Gives You Peaches…”
Think you’re making good climate choices? Take this NY Times Quiz to find out!
Want to cut down on your carbon footprint, but not sure the best way to proceed? Wondering whether you should go vegetarian or switch to a hybrid… it turns out a lot of us (me included) have misconceptions about which of our behaviors are the most carbon intensive. Take this New York Times quiz toContinue reading “Think you’re making good climate choices? Take this NY Times Quiz to find out!”
It’s time to start your 2021 vegetable or pollinator garden!!!
With fall just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your 2021 garden/s. Why now? Why not in the Spring? Because the soil will be frozen in the Spring, if not covered in snow. Planning and creating your 2021 garden bed/s now will make it so much easier to get planting in theContinue reading “It’s time to start your 2021 vegetable or pollinator garden!!!”
Products We Use: Cast Iron Cookware
As an environmentalist, I always ask myself the following questions when I choose to buy something, especially when I am buying something brand new from a store (which doesn’t happen often): What is this product made of? Is it made from natural, renewable material? Is this product made of materials that won’t harm my familyContinue reading “Products We Use: Cast Iron Cookware”
Five Questions with Bret Ingold from Warner Public Market
Visiting Warner Public Market in Warner, is like going back in time. Locally grown food, locally made crafts and goods, and neighbors with friendly smiles greet you inside. Nestled in the heart of downtown Warner, the market has quickly become an important part of the idyllic town, which is easily found right off exit 9Continue reading “Five Questions with Bret Ingold from Warner Public Market”
New Hampshire is in a severe drought. Here are ten things you can do about it!
According to WMUR, many areas of New Hampshire, including Merrimack county, are in a state of moderate to severe drought. With no rain in sight and officials slow to order mandatory water restrictions, it’s time we take matters into our own hands. Here is how you can conserve water at home right now (all quotesContinue reading “New Hampshire is in a severe drought. Here are ten things you can do about it!”
Products We Use: Norwex Dish Cloth
Disposable sponges and dish wands last a short time before they get tossed. This polyester cloth lasts forever, works really well, is made from recycled material and it is dishwasher and washing machine safe. I use it to “wipe” dishes like they did in the old days before putting them into my dishwasher.
Green Your Grill!
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, many take to the outdoors to cook their food on the grill. It is nice to be in the open air, it is a way to escape the heat of the indoor stove during the hot summer months, and there is something primal about cooking over an open fire.Continue reading “Green Your Grill!”
Products We Use: Thinx
A few months ago, I posted a question on Facebook and asked friends what they were doing to change their habits and help the Earth. People listed a few things I had been doing – reducing single-use and paper products, buying more second-hand items, eating less meat – but a good friend messaged me privatelyContinue reading “Products We Use: Thinx”
New Hampshire berries in December!
BERRIES! My family is obsessed. We pick from the beginning of the summer to the end – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. We know where all the local wild berries are and we have our favorite pick-your-own places in two counties. Summer in New Hampshire is wonderful with berries. Until, one day the bushes say toContinue reading “New Hampshire berries in December!”
I take out one 4-gallon trash bag every three weeks – and so can you!!
Taking out the trash does not have to be a daily – or even weekly – chore. In our house, we take out one 4-gallon trash bag (that’s the small, under-the-counter size) every three weeks*. Our trash never stinks and it is never over-flowing. Here’s how: Consume Less! The first and simplest way to avoidContinue reading “I take out one 4-gallon trash bag every three weeks – and so can you!!”
DIY Fabric Softener
The other day, my friend texted me: “Hey question – wondering your thoughts. My towels don’t like city water. They’re so stiff now and uncomfortable. I’m not having any issues with any clothing, just towels. I never use fabric softener and don’t want to (due to chemicals). I have wool dryer balls. Anything you canContinue reading “DIY Fabric Softener”
Small footprint baby
Myth: Babies need lots of stuff! You have just learned the news – a new baby will be joining your family! It’s time to jump in the car and head to Target! Or, better yet, start making that Amazon wish list! Fact: Babies don’t need much and what they do need can easily be foundContinue reading “Small footprint baby”
The Ephemeral Extravagance of a Fresh Tomato
We don’t eat fresh tomatoes for most of the year. From October to June, we get our tomato kicks from salsa, marinara, and tomato soup. We indulge in too much ketchup and we stare longingly at those plastic-enshrined, too-perfect tomatoes in the grocery store. But we resist because a) we know summer tomatoes grown hereContinue reading “The Ephemeral Extravagance of a Fresh Tomato”
Oat Milk 101
Readers, it is silly how EASY and INEXPENSIVE it is to make oat milk. You’ll save money and reduce your waste and it won’t even take you ten minutes! I feel stupid I didn’t start doing it earlier.
Five Questions with Susan Varn
Susan Varn, aside from being my mother and a wonderful human being, is a community member who cares deeply about her impact on the Earth, both near and far. She picks up trash on the side of the road; she reports invasive species sightings; and, when she found out her home’s carbon footprint was aContinue reading “Five Questions with Susan Varn”
Easy Baking Swaps
If you’re like me, you’ve been baking a lot more often now that we’re staying home due to Covid-19. If you’re also like me, you really dislike scrubbing cupcake/muffin tins once your goodies have been eaten and enjoyed. In the past, I used disposable paper liners until I saw a better way. A friend introducedContinue reading “Easy Baking Swaps”
Going Green & Living Clean Quick Start Guide by Rebekah Lara
Available on her website, https://simplygreenrebekah.com/, Rebekah Lara’s e-book is a great resource for those who want to make greener, cleaner life changes, but don’t want to do all the legwork to research and find new products. Set up as a check-list, the guide walks you through swaps* for your bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and cleaning suppliesContinue reading “Going Green & Living Clean Quick Start Guide by Rebekah Lara”
Low-Cost/Free Ways to Make Some Easy Eco-Friendly Changes
I think most people care about saving the Earth, but more pressing concerns – such as budget and convenience -can often interfere. And who can blame them? However I firmly believe that these same people would also be willing to make some changes, if it only slightly altered their budget and was easy to do.Continue reading “Low-Cost/Free Ways to Make Some Easy Eco-Friendly Changes”
Zero Waste Outdoor Activities with Kids
Did you suddenly and unexpectedly find yourself with several small people this Spring and Summer? Did you immediately panic and think – what will I do with these small humans and all this time? Did you, in your panic, look up all sorts of new toys, gadgets, pools, bikes, books, and games and hit, BUYContinue reading “Zero Waste Outdoor Activities with Kids”
Eat your weeds! or When Life gives you purslane, make soup!
We should all try to eat locally. New Hampshire is awash in fresh vegetables this time of year and I hope you are enjoying local lettuce, kale, zucchini, snap peas, and all of the other abundant greens, but did you know there is food right in your backyard you can harvest for free? I’m talkingContinue reading “Eat your weeds! or When Life gives you purslane, make soup!”
Wash Your Hands
While it’s always important to wash your hands, it’s currently more necessary than ever. So what kind of hand soap do you use? From an environmental perspective, package-free bar soap is the most low-waste option. However not everyone likes bar soap and many prefer the liquid version. If you’re in this group, there are aContinue reading “Wash Your Hands”
How Do You Make Your Coffee?
As the sole coffee drinker in my house, it’s wasteful for me to make a large pot of coffee (with a reusable filter) that won’t be fully consumed. When we got married ten years ago, we therefore asked for a Keurig and have been loving it ever since. At first, like many people, I boughtContinue reading “How Do You Make Your Coffee?”
Easy Vegetarian Family Meal Plan
I can’t tell you how many people have told me that they want to go vegetarian, but they can’t imagine what they would eat every night for dinner. Or how many people have worried that their spouse or children would leave home if they chose to leave out the meat. It may seem daunting atContinue reading “Easy Vegetarian Family Meal Plan”
Products We Use: Dropps
A few months ago, my friend suggested I try Dropps dishwasher-detergent and I haven’t looked back. Before Covid-19, I was regularly replenishing my laundry and dish detergent at our local co-op refilling station. However I was unable to locate bulk dishwasher detergent, and therefore used the best I could find. This usually meant Seventh GenerationContinue reading “Products We Use: Dropps”
Living AC Free New Hampshire
Now that the heat of summer is upon us, it is time to make the big choice – how will you stay cool this summer? If your automatic answer is air conditioning, it’s time for some serious soul-searching. Air conditioning is huge waste of electricity and balloons your carbon footprint. Before you install your unitsContinue reading “Living AC Free New Hampshire”
Zero Waste Period
For many women, having their period means a pile of trash each month – used tampon applicators, wrappers, pads, and the boxes they all came in – but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are some wonderful products on the market that keep you clean, healthy, and waste free during your period. InsteadContinue reading “Zero Waste Period”
Do You Carry a Water Bottle?
Sounds simple, but carrying your own water bottle is one way to easily and effectively make a small eco-friendly change. You don’t need me to tell you that water bottles are wasteful – you pay for water that’s free at home, and the single-use plastic will likely avoid the recycling bin. (Even if it hitsContinue reading “Do You Carry a Water Bottle?”
Products We Use: Kidizen
In Hannah’s post about baby fashion, she extols the virtues of hand-me-downs. I couldn’t agree more. However sometimes you’re the first friend in your circle to have children and hand-me-downs are nowhere to be found. You might also have two little girls and want to play around with dressing them. (I speak from experience aboutContinue reading “Products We Use: Kidizen”
Eco Baby Fashion
Listen, I know you’re excited about that new baby and there are so many adorable outfits at Target, but step away for a minute and consider your options. Babies grow out of things really, really fast. Like in a day, sometimes. So buying brand new clothes for baby just doesn’t make sense. Parents in theContinue reading “Eco Baby Fashion”
Covid-19 Grocery Shopping
Just when we it seemed reusable grocery bags were hitting their stride, along comes Covid-19 and the governor’s order to leave them at home. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-bags-idUSKBN219001 So are we back to plastic? NO! We just need to get creative. Many people have been re-packing their groceries into their carts and packing their shopping bags in theContinue reading “Covid-19 Grocery Shopping”
How to Patch Clothing
We’re always being told to reduce, reuse, recycle, but another “r” that doesn’t get as much press is repair. Before cheap clothes made over seas and fast fashion, people took better care of their clothes (and clothes were made better). One way to take care of your clothes is to patch holes. Children, especially, areContinue reading “How to Patch Clothing”
No More Paper Napkins!
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. How should I start? What’s the first change I should make? In my journey, paper napkins were one of the first single-use items that left my house. Cloth napkins took their place on the kitchen table, as seen above. Yes, like with many “green” initiatives, there isContinue reading “No More Paper Napkins!”
Baby Food for Thought
The baby food aisle is well-stocked with all kinds of jars and pouches, but you can save a lot of waste, not to mention time and money, with just a couple baby food tricks. First, no matter how cute the packaging, jarred baby food is nothing more than mushed up food. The same food weContinue reading “Baby Food for Thought”
Not your Grandma’s Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapering has come a long way from safety pins and thin, stained cloths. Now your baby’s diapers are not just easy to use, but fashionable as well. Cloth diapering saves hundreds of plastic bags full of plastic diapers from entering the landfill and saves you money. What’s not to love? So, how do youContinue reading “Not your Grandma’s Cloth Diapers”
Composting!
Food waste and scraps account for about 25% of our landfill. Some people assume that this food will easily decompose into the ground – thus causing no problem – however that is untrue. Landfills are designed to prevent leakage. If extracted, a banana peel that was tossed away ten years ago will therefore likely lookContinue reading “Composting!”
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
