If you have read my first post,
then you know that I intend to share my family’s journey to a more sustainable lifestyle.
But before I begin to tell you about what we are doing,
I think I should better explain what sustainable living means to me.
I think there are varying degrees to sustainable living
and I am just beginning to scratch the surface.
Some days I think I would love to have a cabin in the woods
in the middle of nowhere with an open fire to cook on
and no job except daily survival and living off the land.
But then I go use my indoor restroom and surf on Pinterest
and think maybe the pioneer life is a bit extreme for me.
- {source}
So I am taking baby steps and trying to rely less on mass produced goods
like hormone laced meat, pesticide-al produce, and chemical cleaners.
I love the idea of knowing where my stuff comes from and what is in it.
I am a new Mama and now that I have a perfect little human to care for
I want to use more natural practices.
I think we have gotten so used to buying modified products
that we don’t even think about the possibility of there being better,
natural alternatives available.
(Which are usually cheaper too!)
So for me, moving away from these scary items
and toward more sustainable options begins with a simple question:
“Can I make it myself?”
I try to ask this about even the simplest items.
Like did you know that you can make your own alternative to dryer sheets?
(Look for a post about that!)
When you stop and think about it,
there are so many ways for us to avoid buying goods that harm the earth,
and probably our bodies too.
{source}
The even better part is that most of the time
you can use items that you already have on hand!
So my challenge to you this week
is to really think about what you are buying and using in your home
and pick an item to make yourself.
Leave a comment and share what you made
or you can ask me for suggestions on ways to make a product more green.
I can’t wait to hear your ideas & learn about your Homegrown Hopes! 🙂
Marchalle
Baking soda instead of Comet cleans as good without worrying about contamination in the sinks and bath.
Caitlin
Great tip! I use baking soda for everything from toothpaste to grout cleaner.
Lisa
Today we had to refill the glass cleaner bottles with our homemade version using white vinegar and essential oils. We make our own tomato soup so we do not have to buy canned with a lot of sugar and carbs, so that was homemade today along with bread, an old timey drink called switched bit we call it good girl moonshine.
We love natural alternatives!
Caitlin
Wow you had a crafty day! I love cleaning with vinegar but for the longest time could not get past the smell, until someone suggested essential oil. It really does the trick & you can choose how you want your house to smell, win-win!
Michelle
I love using coconut oil…..it’s great for everything! We even pop our popcorn in it. Wonderful moisturizer.
Caitlin
Yum! I’ll have to try that sometime….or maybe you can make that on our next movie night 😉
Tonya
I use baking soda and water as a shampoo and I use vinegar and water for a conditioner. This works wonders for the hair and scalp without the build up!
Caitlin
Wow, I’ve heard of using baking soda but not vinegar. Does it not leave a smell? haha
Carol
Homemade laundry detergent! Makes a bunch and lasts a long time too!
Caitlin
Great tip Carol!
Paige
I make my own laundry detergent! So much cheaper and lasts a lot longer. You can also soak orange peels and lemon peels in vinegar and use it as a cleaner with baking soda!
I will hAve to try and make some dryer sheets!
Look forward to reading more of your posts. 🙂
Caitlin
The fruit peels are a great idea! I bet it gets rid of the vinegar smell. I will have a post coming up soon about dryer sheets.
Hope you are doing well!
Grandma Barbara
I use plain water and vinegar, about 3 parts water 1 part vinegar to clean windows. Works very well.
Caitlin
Thanks for the tip Grandma! I also use a microfiber cloth and it helps out a lot with streaks.
Kelly
oh essential oils… I’ve recently leaped into this world. AHhhhhMAzing! I will send you some info soon! Muah!! xoxo
Caitlin
Hmm I’m intrigued…
Karrie
Hello Caitlynn,
What a pretty blog you have started here. I love it! Welcome to blogging, you are sure to love it. I love doing stuff homemade and as self-reliant as possible. Looks like you have chickens too – that is awesome. I know I will love following you!
Caitlin
Thanks for the encouragement Karrie! I’m looking forward to where this little blogging adventure leads me 🙂