Ultimate Home Sustainability Guide
Doing good stuff for the planet is a huge part of my ethos is an entrepreneur. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of things.
In my corporate years, I studied sustainable design. As a new entrepreneur, I became vegan. I did zero-waste for two months and, at the beginning of last year, I took a plastic-free challenge. You can read about my plastic-free journey here.
After being nomadic for almost 5 years, I moved into my dream home and am going to share with you how I shopped for it with the planet in mind.
PERFECTION IS NOT THE PATH
Firstly, a word of wisdom. You know this. You’re probably some type of perfectionist. It doesn’t help to say, “If I can’t do this perfectly, I won’t do it at all.” Give yourself grace and simply try.
This is my shopping process. Make it your own based on your values. It’s possible to buy everything used. While this is sustainable, it this does not bring me joy. I like new things and I like supporting conscious businesses.
If you’re doing a sustainable overhaul, this is my recommendation.
Plan first.
If you’re doing your whole house or just a room, strategize the items that you want to replace first and make a list.
If you’re going to do a whole room, make a full list of the items that you need.
Note which items you want to buy new or used.
Learn to blend the old and the new.
LOVING THE OLD
Online marketplaces and apps
Use FB marketplace, LetGo or similar apps for large furniture. These pieces will be quite expensive at most vintage or antique stores.
Thrift Stores
Sometimes, I find cool furniture pieces at Goodwill. I usually look for solid wood pieces that I can refinish. Upholstered stuff has way too much old energy for me. Thrift stores have the coolest old dishes, pillow covers, old brass lamps, and random nicknacks. Once again, look for quality.
Vintage/Antique Shops
I like to get a few speciality, high-quality vintage and antique. If you’re spending the money, make sure it’s something that matters to you. I blend my cheaper thrifted stuff with storytelling pieces like old candle holders, brass figurines, handcrafted baskets, funky art, pots, rugs, pillows, etc.
Cleanse the shit out of your old stuff both energetically and physically.
It makes a huge difference.
BLENDING THE NEW
Nothing says abundance to me like crisp white linens, a new mattress, beautiful new cookware and clean home products. Here are all of my favorite finds. As always, do your research to make sure these companies align with your ethos.
Linens
All organic + eco-initiatives
Sheets & Giggles
Eucalyptus sheets and comforters
American Blossom Linens
100% cotton sheets and duvet covers
Buffy Comforter
Comforters and pillows
Coyuchi
Organic cotton bath towels, Turkish towels and floor mats
Mattresses
Saatva
Super lux mattress
Organic cotton, recycled steel springs with a revolutionary bed technology
Avocado Mattress
Middle of the road mattress with all of the green certifications
Organic, hand-tufted and beyond
Tuft & Needle
Most affordable and have some sustainable elements
Still a foam matress, but you can rest easy knowing they do meet some better businesses industry standards
Kitchen
I’ve shopped a variety of brands.
Le Creuset
Buy their 12-inch pan and you’ll never need another one.
Always Pan
I have not used, but have heard great things.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag
These bags are everything.
Beeswrap
Replaces your plastic-wrap
Reusable Paper Towels
Bamboo towels feel great on your hands. Wash them and never use paper towels again.
Home Products
We refill our cleaning products at our local store, The Good Fill. Perhaps there is a zero-waste store near you too!
There’s are some online services for refilling soaps, detergents, etc. Check out Clean Cult. Obviously, you can make and bottle your own cleaning products. As far as brooms, dusters, scrub brushes, opt for the natural kind. I shop the Plastic-Free Shop.
NO SUFFERING
Doing this kind of overhaul can be overwhelming and lead to quick burnout. My number one rule is, “No Suffering.” Take things one step at a time. Start with what feels most essentially.
Obviously, don’t use this mantra to entitle you to laziness or apathy. However, it’s not our job to fix the world. Our job is to infuse the planet with joy and bliss, so that others may want to do the same!
Want to know more about working with me and blending your ethos with your business?
I’d love to support you in one of my programs or private practice.