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7 Environmentally Friendly Ways to Reduce Waste in our Home

10.21.2021 by hope // Leave a Comment

Ways to Become More Environmentally Conscious

We are told that we need to be more environmentally conscious, but some habits are hard to break. Or are they? Here I share seven environmentally friendly ways we have reduced waste in our home over and some surprising results.

It’s Been a Journey

No good or real change happens quickly. This is definitely true for our household. I’ve always thought of myself as considerate but never a tree hugger or environmentalist. However, as we have moved further and further into this life of homesteading, it has kind of creeped up on me. I’ve been referred to as ‘crunchy’ and I am not offended.

Most of the changes we have made were initially for personal physical benefit. Seeing the cumulative effect now, though, I realize the benefits are actually more financial and environment than I realized.

The quick list:

  1. cloth napkins to replace paper
  2. wash cloths and tea towels to replace paper towels
  3. washable mop head to replace throw away head
  4. cloth or reusable shopping bags to replace plastic
  5. wool balls to replace dryer sheets
  6. cotton face pads to replace disposable ones
  7. washable doggy diapers for when dog is in heat
folded cloth napkins in front of pumpkins

Use Cloth Napkins Instead of Paper

Early in our married life, we made the switch from paper napkins to cloth napkins. I think the main reason at the time was simply that it felt more luxurious. We were college students with very few ‘fine’ things in our life, but cloth napkins was something that I decided was worth the splurge.

We didn’t start off with more than probably four or six. But by adding a couple at a time adds up over time. Before you know it, you can go several days without having to wash them. Messy foods like tacos or boiled shrimp are much better handled with a a cloth napkin. I do recommend not purchasing white or light colors if you plan to seriously use them.

I’ve also found that I prefer natural fibers over synthetic blends. They tend to be more absorbent and over time, they become quite soft.

rolled tea towels in basket

Replace Paper Towels with Wash Cloths/ Tea Towels

Making a small investment into tea towels and wash cloths for my kitchen allowed me to stop purchasing paper towels. This was probably the biggest and most difficult transition we made. I grew up in a large family with paper towels readily available and we used them for everything from cleaning up spills to cleaning windows to covering food items that we were warming in the microwave.

So there was an adjustment period for us. We did eventually become a more natural feeling. What probably helped the most is seeing the difference in our grocery bill. It is amazing to think of how many items we purchase weekly that just go directly into the trash can.

washable mop head being placed in washer

Replace that Throw Away Mop Head with a Washable One

We actually have two different types of mops with heads that can be washed between uses. One is great for hardwood and laminate floors. The system is called Bona and it comes with a duster head and mop head. Both attach with a velcro and can be thrown in the washer. The mop head is not submerged, but rather used with a spray on solution. There are several different solutions available for hardwoods, laminate or tile floors. To be completely honest, we purchased the system initially for a rental house. We were attempting to help direct the tenant in how to care for the floors and had heard good things about Bona products. Since that time, though, I have tried to transition to more natural cleaning products, but I still like the mop and washable mop head.

The second system that we use often is the O’Cedar mop and bucket. The head of the mop pops off and can be washed as well. Additional mop heads can be purchased for a back up, but they are quite durable. The bucket that comes with this system is a great and sturdy hands free spinning device.

cloth grocery bags on countertop

Replace Throw Away Plastic Shopping Bags with Reusable Ones

The concept of bringing shopping bags to the grocery store was a difficult one for me to remember initially. It’s just hard to make the shift when stores still offer the traditional bags for free. Spending time living in a culture where there was no option to have free throw away bags finally made that transition to a permanent practice. Just as with cloth napkins, slowly purchasing and acquiring bags over time, made the investment a little easier to absorb. It doesn’t take long to end up with far more bags than you’ll ever need. One trick to work on is establishing a routine of emptying the bags once you return home and immediately putting them back in your car or near your door so that you have them with you the next time you are shopping.

three wool dryer balls next to laundry detergent

Use Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Throw Away Dryer Sheets

This was another difficult adjustment for me, or at least mentally. I used to LOVE the fresh smell of dryer sheets, especially the Snuggle brand sheets. I also didn’t believe it was possible for a couple of fuzzy balls in my dryer to eliminate static cling. I was wrong though and happy to admit it. I believe the wool balls do just as good a job as the Snuggle sheets. I initially ordered mine from a pricey network marketing company and paid a pretty penny for them. I have since found nice sets of wool balls on Amazon for about 1/5 of the price I paid for that initial set of three.

I use my as is, but if you do what to have some scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to them. I’ve tried adding lavender and enjoyed it. However, I am also very happy to use them plain.

Try Washable Cotton Face Pads

Transitioning to cotton face pads has been a recent move for us. Both Michael and I use them on a daily basis so I was not sure how he would like them. But the price was reasonable, so I thought I would just give it a try. We both like them and they wash up well. We just keep them in a class container. Once we have used them, we put them into a mesh bag for washing. We easily recouped our cost after a couple of months of not having to purchase the disposable pads.

Dog in washable doggie diaper

Use Washable Doggy Diapers Instead of Disposable

We have a two year old female Labrador retriever that keeps us on our toes. We decided that since she is an inside dog, we would try doggy diapers with her. We knew others who had tried the disposable type, but decided to look for a one time purchase and invest in washable ones. We found these on Amazon that we have loved. Provided I remember to take them off before releasing her out the back door, they work perfectly.

Benefits Continue to Surprise

While all of these actions are environmentally friendly, in that we are reducing our household waste, we have also seen some other sweet benefits.

  • financial savings – For most of the items listed here, the cost for swapping out washable/reusable items, was basically recover in the matter of a few months. Now, we save approximately $20-30 per month on average by not spending money on throw away items
  • reduced waste removal cost – We not only are saving money by not having to purchase them, we are also not having to pay for waste removal of those items.
  • fewer toxins – Most of the items we formerly used were paper. I didn’t realize it at the time but there were a good many toxins in those items. We are benefiting now from less exposure on a daily basis.
  • efficiency – Not only are paper products more costly over time, they are also less efficient. When cleaning up a spill, you can handle the entire job with one cloth verses multiple paper towels. Plus, I am no longer spending time shopping for them.

I am always looking for new ways to cut down on waste and save money, so hit me with your tried and true actions!

Categories // Uncategorized

Are there really health benefits of homesteading?

10.19.2021 by hope // Leave a Comment

When healthy living is your goal, homesteading offers great benefits.

We’ve all been there. That point where we decide we need to live healthier. Then when we start researching how to do that, EVERYONE has a program to sell us. Right? Well, I’m not selling anything. I’m just sharing how our move to homestead over the past year has resulted in much better health for us.

We’ve not arrived at perfection, but the journey is satisfying and interesting. Trust me when I say that I never imagined myself being a ‘country girl’ or living a farm life, but here I am…with 68 chickens and on round two of raising meat pigs. My work clothes consist of muck boots, long pants, tank tops and work gloves. I’ve come a long way and I couldn’t be happier.

Benefits of Homesteading

Outsiders may think we are crazy but there are loads of benefits from homesteading. Here I will share six that are both physical and mental. I believe that everyone can find one or two that resonate with them.

1. Growing your own food brings a sense of peace.

Making food choices today can be confusing. Labels like ‘natural’, ‘cage free’, ‘hormone free’ and ‘organic’ can be both confusing and deceptive since labeling is anything but clear and honest. One way to know exactly what is in your food is to simply grow it or raise it yourself. There is a lot of peace that comes from knowing that we are feeding our family truly free range chicken that has not been fed genetically modified feed and raised their entire live in a factory or that our vegetables are fresh and local with no pesticides.

2. Homesteading provides an abundance of exercise.

Prepping and maintaining a garden, building fences and shelters and regular feeding of animals are just a few of the activities that will keep you moving…constantly. For us, this has definitely been an increase in physical activity and as a result both my husband and I have seen increased physical strength as well as some weight loss (or at least rearrangment). We’re making additional changes, but I’ll share about that in a different post.

If you struggle making time for daily exercise because you feel like you need to be doing something ‘productive’, well, homesteading allows you to get lost of exercise while caring for animals, structures and the land which are already on the ‘to do list’. It’s still a good idea to supplement to cover weak areas not addressed, but chores go a long way in providing physical activity plus a sense of accomplishment.

3. Homesteading provides plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

Physically being outside at least twice a day (and much more if you are full time homesteading), provides lots of exposure to fresh air and sunshine. So, vitamin D is plentiful. For those of us who spend a significant amount of time behind a screen, it is reassuring that we can get that daily recommended dose of the the good stuff just by taking care of daily chores. There’s no need for a spray tan or self tanner. Homesteaders keep a healthy glow year round.

4. Mental health benefits from caring for animals are priceless.

Putting the focus on the needs of livestock each morning keeps us from being so focused on ‘me’. Providing for an animal’s needs each day and appreciating that they will also meet your needs in time serves to keep us grounded and filled with gratitude.

There is also a sweet calm that comes from holding baby chicks, petting rabbits and hosing down pigs. It’s a therapy all to itself. It also keeps us grounded in the fact that we are responsible for these creatures. That’s a unique role God gave us in the Garden of Eden. It’s no wonder it feels so natural and soothing.

5. Working outdoors keeps us in tune with the seasons.

The time we spend outdoors planting, weeding, and harvesting along with watching our animals birth more livestock keeps us connected to the uniqueness of each season.

  • box of baby chicks
  • baby pigs on grass
  • farm eggs in wood bowl

Spring brings the excitement of new birth, new growth and new beginnings. There is a freshness that carries over into our personal lives and homes as well.

Summer brings a bit of a break and a short time of relaxation while crops grow and pigs nap. It is the perfect time to kick back for a moment and enjoy barbecues and creeks. Evenings spent chasing fire flies are memories that last.

Fall brings the harvest and the job of putting away the bounty. It’s often the time of all hands on deck and there is nothing like having the joy of sharing this knowledge with new learners, be they adults or children. Then there is also the welcome break of cooler temps and a new scent in the air. In the U.S., this all culminates in the family gathering of Thanksgiving.

Winter is the time for really slowing down, finding rest and researching to make our plans for the upcoming spring season. What will we plant? What will we raise? What new ventures will we tackle? It’s a time for recovery and preparation.

6. There is never a moment without learning.

There is never a shortage of tasks to complete, plan or adjust on the homestead. Everyday is a learning experience. We make lots of mistakes, have plenty of regrets and sweat a lot but the joy that comes from all of the challenges and the successes keep us going and smiling.

We might smell, but we are definitely happier and healthier!

Categories // Health, Homesteading, Uncategorized

Keeping my Cool with Technical Support

05.19.2021 by hope // Leave a Comment

Everyday is an opportunity

Yesterday, I lost an hour an hour of my life that I can never get back. You probably have been in my shoes. The frustration of life in a first world country.

wires and phone parts on desk

The scenario

It’s kind of a long story, but I have to share it. Otherwise, you may not see the full picture and realize what a jerk I can be. We are all sinful creatures. Right?

Well, almost two years ago (see I told you this would be long), Michael and I moved our cell phones to a new carrier. We decided to set up a business account so that we could take advantage of counting this as a business expense. Since we are a very small business and only needed three lines, they talked us into ‘a better deal’. We ended up taking on a line for the truck, a line for a desk top phone, another mysterious line and the three cell phone lines we did actually need.

At the time, we were planning a move and decided to hold off on setting up the desktop phone until after we were had made that transition. Well, the move took longer than expected and then we basically forgot about the phone. Over this past weekend, we finally realized that it might actually be helpful to have that line working. Yeah, almost two years of paying for the line for no real reason.

I located the box and pulled out all of the parts. It basically had to be put together. It seemed simple. Power line, connected. Internet line, connected. Receiver cord, connected. And…..”invalid account/no internet connection”.

Hmm….

Let’s try that again. Disconnect everything and reconnect in a different order. Nothing.

So, I go to the company’s website. Super, there’s a video! I watch it and it’s no help. I’ve already done everything like the woman in the video. It’s still not connecting.

Ugh! I hate this, but I’m going to have to call tech support. Does anyone else dread this like I do? It’s like going to the dentist for me. Technology has always caused anxiety for me. I’m the wife that has to get her husband to ‘fix’ her email. I mean, seriously! It used to be really bad.

However, in recent months, I’ve turned over a new leaf and put my big girl pants on. I have begun to tackle technology. I even created this website WITHOUT any help from Michael Stephens. Are you proud of me, Babe? Okay, I digress.

So, I make this phone call and get put through the wringer. I have to prove that I am a legit account admin and I can make decisions and all that. Then we finally get to the reason for my call. I attempt to explain that I have this phone that we have had for nearly two years and I am just now setting it up. The guy, who is clearly not here in Alabama, is struggling to understand my English. He definitely cannot understand while I am just now connecting a phone I have had for two years. Silly American?! However, we work together to try everything written out for him on his troubleshooting cards.

Nothing is working. I move the phone to connect it directly to the router and no success. We go through the steps of resetting the factory settings. Still no connection.

The tipping point

Then the kicker comes when he tells me I need to call and reset my password. He gives me a phone number to call and tells me to go ahead and call from the phone and he will wait for me.

I pause. Squint my eyes and shake my head.

“Wait. You want me to call while you wait?!?” “Yes”

“But I only have the cell phone I am calling you from. The phone I am calling about is not connected.”

“That’s okay. I will wait for you.”

I’m really about to lose it now. I take a deep breathe and say, “You realize that if I call this number right now, I have to hang up on you. Right?” I don’t think that part was spelled out on his prompt cards.

He finally does realize that his suggestion made no sense and went on to suggest that my problem was that I needed to use a WIFI connection to connect the phone. You know, since the direct connection wouldn’t work. (You hear my sarcasm, right?)

black desktop phone on shelf

Clearly, this is not what I wanted to hear and he had nothing else for me. Instead of simply letting me go, he attempted to ask if he had been helpful. I’m sure it was on his prompt cards. Yes, you guessed it. I wanted to scream.

That little voice in my head/heart

It was at this moment that my spirit spoke up and reminded me that this guy in some foreign country was not at fault here. As much as I wanted to place blame on someone else – the cell phone provider, the phone manufacturer, the outsourcing of tech support… This moment was all on me.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17,18

This was a moment for me to slow down and breathe. I did. Then God gave me the grace to say, “I realize that none of this is your fault. You are doing your job the best way you know how to. You can’t control how this phone works or how this system works. I appreciate your efforts to help me. Thank you.”

No amount of sassiness would make that phone work. However, I had an opportunity to be human and to appreciate the efforts of a person living in a foreign country and most likely with far less than I have. He didn’t create the system of outsourcing labor to another country to take advantage of their cheap labor. He also didn’t create the problem I have of purchasing a phone that stayed in a box for two years because I was too busy to set it up.

My frustration is the result of living too fast to take care of the things that need to be taken care of. The most important of which is my own heart and my witness to others.

The challenge

So, I was left with the challenge to apply that passage from James to my heart. I am an American and I live a life that is still too rushed. I am working to slow my roll and see God’s hand at work around me, but I still get caught up in the ugliness of a ‘me first’ culture.

Instead, my desire truly needs to be wisdom that is from above, that is pure and peaceable and gentle. Wisdom that is reasonable and produces good fruit. Man! I have a long way to go, but I’m trying to make a change.

Really, I am.

Help me, Lord, to apply Your Word to my heart and my life. Help to understand and realize daily that my words and even my thoughts, are a witness of what is happening inside me.

Help me become a person who sows and makes peace.

Welcome message on phone

The day after

UPDATE! After a really good quiet time and some time spent outdoors (which makes my heart smile)…I went back for one last try. I moved the internet connection cord AND it’s now working! Of course, I had to call Michael to share my news.

But I got his voicemail. Oh well…I’m still celebrating alone (and with you) 🙂

Categories // Faith, Simple life

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Thanks for stopping by!

woman face shot

Hi there! I’m Hope and the voice of this blog. I’m a Christ and coffee loving wife and mom to two great (and now grown) humans. Join me as my husband  Michael and I journey to leaning up life so that we can focus on the important. Read more here

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Are there really health benefits of homesteading?

When healthy living is your goal, homesteading offers great benefits. We’ve all been there. That point where we decide we need to live healthier. Then when we start researching how to do that, EVERYONE has a program to sell us. Right? Well, I’m not selling anything. I’m just sharing how our move to homestead over […]

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