All Other Sustainable Living Articles

Nice Gift, Mini Footprint: Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts and Decor

Deck the halls with eco-friendly decor this holiday season! Try using recycled and upcycled materials, and make your own for your festive decorations. Introducing festive wreaths, lip balms, potpourri, and homemade hot chocolate mix. What is your favorite? Share your creations with us on socials @floraforgood. Festive Wreaths Add a festive touch to any home by making a sustainable and eco-friendly DIY holiday wreath. Start by gathering a variety of evergreen branches and trimmings, berries, and accent pieces like pine cones, and dried fruit. Use gloves to avoid sticky sap and prickly evergreen needles before you start making a wreath form or creating your own using wire or a flexible branch. If you cannot forage your materials outside check a local garden nursery or craft store. Arrange the largest pieces first and secure them using a floral wire or glue to the wreath frame before adding the smaller seasonal embellishments. Pair the smaller materials with larger greenery stems. Add a ribbon or string for hanging, and your DIY holiday wreath is ready to give! It is a simple and customizable gift, and a great way to show your loved ones that you care. Lip Balm This simple 3 ingredient eco-friendly lip balm is a great gift for the holidays. Using natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax reduces waste and is kinder to the environment than using store-bought lip balms. Plus, your friends and family will love the added touch of a personalized, all-natural handmade gift.You will need 5 tablespoons of organic coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of beeswax, and 10 (or more depending on preference) drops of your favorite essential oils. Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in a glass cup (that is easy to pour into your containers) in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until it is melted. Add essential oils to the melted mixture. Pour the mixture into empty lip balm containers or shallow wide tins. Remember to work over a towel or old rags to prevent wax drip on your countertops. Stovetop Potpourri Create a cozy atmosphere for your loved ones. Stovetop potpourri gifts are a great way to add a touch of natural fragrance to a home while being eco-friendly. To layer the potpourri in your jars start with dried flowers (rose petals), and herbs. Add the spices (cinnamon sticks, whole allspice), and finish by adding the dried orange or lemon slices on the sides of the jar so that it is visible from the outside. Add a recipe tag to make simmering (not boiled) potpourri: place some or all of the potpourri in a pot of water and heat on low, if needed add more water as you go. Homemade hot chocolate mix Warm up with homemade hot chocolate mix, coasters, and recipes. Making your own hot chocolate mix is a fun and easy way to reduce waste and show someone that you care. To make your own hot chocolate mix, simply combine cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk or non-dairy creamer, dry milk powder, and mini chocolate chips (optional) in a bowl. Mix well, and divide the mix into small airtight containers or bags. Add a recipe to use the hot chocolate mix (e.g. "Mix 3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix with 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, ½ cup of ground cinnamon, ¼ cup milk, ¾ cup boiling water") on the gift tags attached on your containers. You just made a personalized and eco-friendly gift that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves hot chocolate.

Sustainable Living in a Few Easy Steps

There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of a sustainable lifestyle. For some people, it might mean reducing their carbon footprint and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. For others, it might mean eating more local and organic foods, or reducing their waste. But there are some common themes that often come up when people talk about sustainable living. Here are a few of them: Reducing your carbon footprint. One of the most common goals of sustainable living is to reduce your carbon footprint. This can be done in a number of ways, such as driving less, using energy-efficient appliances, or using renewable energy sources. Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Eco-friendly living is all about reducing your impact on the environment. This might mean recycling more, composting, using less water, or avoiding single-use plastics. Eating more local and organic foods. Another common goal of sustainable living is to eat more local and organic foods. This means buying food that is grown or produced close to where you live, and avoiding foods that have been shipped long distances. It also means choosing foods that are grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Reducing your waste. Many people who live sustainable lifestyles also strive to reduce their waste. This might mean recycling more, composting, or simply using less stuff overall. Supporting sustainable businesses. When you live a sustainable lifestyle, you often try to support businesses that are also sustainable. This might mean buying from companies that use recycled materials, or that are certified organic or fair trade. Educating others about sustainability. Finally, many people who live sustainable lifestyles also feel a responsibility to educate others about the importance of sustainability. This can be done in a number of ways, such as writing blog posts or articles, giving presentations, or even just talking to people about the issue.

Acacia Wood 101: Everything you need to know

Acacia wood is a hardwood that is native to Australia. It is a popular choice for use in furniture and flooring due to its strength and durability. Acacia wood is also known for its beautiful grain patterns and unique colouration. There are many benefits to using acacia wood. It is an extremely strong and durable wood, making it ideal for furniture and flooring. Acacia wood is also resistant to rot and pests, making it a low-maintenance option. Additionally, acacia wood is a sustainable resource as it is a fast-growing tree. There are a few things to keep in mind when working with acacia wood. First, it is a very hard wood, so it can be difficult to work with. Second, acacia wood is known to cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is important to take precautions when working with it. Acacia wood can be used for a variety of applications. It is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and trim. Acacia wood can also be used for cabinetry, countertops, and other kitchen applications. If you are looking for a beautiful and durable wood for your next project, consider acacia wood. It is a strong and sustainable option that will add value to your home.

How to Dispose Your Halloween Goods Consciously

Halloween is over, so it’s time to start thinking about how to get rid of all those leftover Halloween goods. If you’re like most people, you probably have a few candy wrappers, some old pumpkins, and maybe even a costume or two that you don’t know what to do with. Here are a few tips on how to dispose of Halloween goods consciously: Donate your old Halloween costumes. There are many charities and organizations that accept donated costumes. This is a great way to get rid of old costumes and help others in need. Recycle your candy wrappers. Most candy wrappers can be recycled. Just be sure to check the recycling symbols on the wrappers to make sure they are recyclable. Compost your pumpkins. Pumpkins are great for composting. Just cut them up into small pieces and add them to your compost bin. Donate your leftover candy. There are many organizations that accept donated candy. This is a great way to get rid of candy that you don’t want and help others in need. Sell your Halloween decorations. If you have any Halloween decorations that you no longer want, you can try selling them online or at a garage sale. By following these tips, you can dispose of your Halloween goods consciously and help others in the process.

Deodorizing Your Carpet 101

If you've ever had a smelly carpet, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of the odor. Carpet deodorizers are a great way to keep your carpets smelling fresh and looking new. Not only do they mask odors, but they also absorb and neutralize them.  Freshening up your carpets Eliminating odors Extending the life of your carpets Making your home more inviting However, there are many different types of carpet deodorizers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your needs. Benefits of using a carpet deodorizer include: For example, chemical-based carpet deodorizers can be effective, but they can also be harsh and potentially harmful to your family and pets. All-natural carpet deodorizers offer a safe and effective alternative. Here are some benefits of all-natural carpet deodorizer: They're safe for your family and pets.  All-natural ingredients are gentle and won't cause any harm if your family or pets come into contact with them. They're effective at eliminating odors.  All-natural ingredients are just as effective at eliminating odors as chemical-based products. They're environmentally friendly.  All-natural ingredients are biodegradable and won't pollute the environment. They're affordable. All-natural ingredients are usually less expensive than chemical-based products. If you're looking for a truly all-natural option, you can make your own all-natural carpet deodorizer with ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and vinegar.  But if you’re looking to find an already-made one, check out Good Natured Brand in our marketplace to learn more about our all-natural carpet deodorizer.  If you have questions about carpet deodorizers or you’re not sure which one to choose, feel free to shoot us a message.

How to be a sustainable tourist

The number of tourists worldwide has been on the rise in recent years, and it’s no surprise that sustainable tourism is becoming more and more important. Sustainable tourism is about minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, while still enjoying all the amazing benefits that travel has to offer. Here are a few tips on how to be a sustainable tourist: Do your research Before you even start packing your bags, do some research on your destination. Learn about the local culture and customs, and try to find out what the biggest sustainability issues are. This will help you be more respectful and considerate while you’re traveling. Travel lightly Pack light and only bring the essentials. This will help you save on baggage fees, and it’s also better for the environment. Choose sustainable transportation Whenever possible, choose sustainable transportation options like public transportation or cycling. This will help reduce your carbon footprint. Support local businesses One of the best ways to sustainably travel is to support local businesses. Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and stay in locally owned accommodations. This will help boost the local economy and create less waste. Be responsible with your waste Try to minimize the waste you create while traveling. Bring along a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, and avoid single-use plastics. Be sure to properly dispose of any waste you do create. Be respectful Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s country. Be respectful of the local culture and customs, and avoid anything that could be considered offensive. Give back If you’re able, consider giving back to the community you’re visiting. You could volunteer with a local organization, donate to a worthy cause, or simply leave a positive review online. Sustainable tourism is about being conscious of the impact you have on the environment and local communities when you travel. By following these tips, you can help make a positive difference.

How to Live Sustainably on a Budget

Sustainability is important, but it can be difficult to maintain on a budget. Here are some tips to help you be more sustainable without breaking the bank: Shop secondhand: This is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. There are many online and brick-and-mortar stores that sell secondhand clothing, furniture, and other items. Compost: This is a great way to reduce your food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can compost your kitchen scraps at home or participate in a community composting program. Shop local: Buying local produce and other goods reduces your carbon footprint and supports your local economy. Use less water: You can save water by installing low-flow fixtures, using less water when you wash your dishes or clothes, and watering your plants during the cooler hours of the day. Save energy: You can save energy by unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and keeping your thermostat set to a comfortable temperature. Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your energy bill. Educate yourself about sustainable living: Learning about sustainable living can help you make more informed choices about the products you buy and the way you live. Grow your own food: Growing your own food can help you save money on your grocery bill. Live simply: Living a simpler life can help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment. By following these tips, you can be more sustainable without breaking the bank.

Is Bamboo Truly Sustainable?

The incredibly versatile plant Bamboo is actually more like a grass than a tree, but is it truly sustainable? Dive in with us.

Tips to consume consciously

In a world of ever-growing consumption, it can be difficult to know how to shop in a way that is sustainable and ethical. Here are a few tips on how to consume consciously

What is conscious consumption?

Conscious consumption is not about being perfect – it is about making choices that are in line with our values. By doing so, we can help to create a better world for everyone.