Congatulations with eleven years of given inspiration, worldwide. And thank you for that!
For next year, when your blog turns 12, may I add one of my favourite low waste actions? Learn to mend your clothes, know how to repair holes in your socks and sweaters, use beautiful buttons and pieces of material to personalise your wardrobe. It saves lots of money, plus you will have your own unique, creative wardrobe style.
If in doubt and if available you may like to visit a repair café where they will lovingly teach you how to repair your things, not just textiles. I am one of the volunteers in Groningen, the Netherlands. There are many repair café's worldwide, have a look at https://www.repaircafe.org/en/new-worldwide-website-for-repair-cafe/
Thank you for the kind words, for reading and for the addition. Mending is so satisfying! And thank you for volunteering at your repair café. We need those all over.
Congratulations Anne Marie! Your blog is impactful, informative, stimulating, practical, evidence-based...just wonderful. Thank you for putting your life energy into this resource that so many of us enjoy and learn from. Over the years of reading your blog and applying your approach ("just start with something, give it a try, don't over complicate it and be gentle with yourself") I've started doing some things that I want to share here in case it's helpful to anyone else. Admittedly they're so basic but here it goes (1) if you have a refillery type store near you, they likely sell deodorant that you can put into your own little jar and then use it instead of the usual deodorants that ALL come with some form of plastic. I think the brand in my store is called Routine and the few ounces I bought have lasted me months. It works just fine. If you apply it with the applicator you were born with - your finger you can give yourself a little underarm massage while you do it. (2) I started carrying my own ceramic mug and if they won't put the drink in the mug I just say no thank you and go without a drink for the hour that I am out and have survived. I have yet to encounter another person in the wild who is doing this but I know they're out there. Also I thrifted the nicest metal spoons and forks I could find and have a set in the bag and in the car. No more excuses to use the plastic utensils. (3) Anne Marie, this one's for the people who are still learning how to cook! I'm still processing the impressive/scary powers of AI and am frustrated with how it exploits the work of humans and folks may have different positions about this but let me tell you, that big AI brain knows how to substitute stuff in recipes. I talk to it about making a recipe and then tell it what I have on hand and what I don't and it instantly gives me advice on how to work around it. Has been so helpful with reducing waste. Once again Thank you and congratulations!
I'm glad you've found my tips useful. Thank you very much for reading them. I agree, the finger applicator works so well. Those deodorants from refilleries also don't tend to contain ingredients you wouldn't want to apply. I am happy to hear that you have survived when unable to get your mug filled. We are a brave lot. Substitutions save so much time and money! People sometimes complain that this lifestyle is expensive but I've found the opposite.
This is a really great list and I so appreciate that you emphasize reducing plastic a little at a time and starting with what is fun and easy! I've even inspired my mom to do more, and she was using reusable shopping bags in the 80s!!
Congratulations! Though I don’t intend to ever be “hardcore” I do work on evolving all the time. Your efforts are so inspiring, from bread making to your love of jars! Thank you!
Thank you very much. When I give talks, I always say I figure only about 1 percent of people are going to go hardcore but imagine if 100 percent of us did a little bit! It would make a huge difference.
Love these tips! Buying less and shopping at home first really reminds me of my childhood —smart ways to save cash and cut waste. Your cherry pitter fork hack is genius! Farmers’ markets and containers are on my list now—thanks for the push! Your “show, don’t tell” vibe is spot on—makes me want to try this quietly and see who follows. Great stuff!
I'm so glad you like these tips. I think I'm channeling my grandmothers. My parents grew up during the Depression and couldn't waste a thing. Thank you for reading and enjoy the farmers' market!
I love this post - I love all your writing Anne Marie! And reading this has reminded me how many of your tips I am actually using, and that I am making a tiny difference 😊. Thank you so much!! Tracie xx
Congrats on 11 years! These are all great! #6 spoke to me as I’m an “all or nothing” type of person but by doing the easy stuff I’m making this journey much more realistic.
Congratulations on 11 years. I am not sure when I started following you, but have been inspired to make so many changes based on your blog. You are an inspiration.
Me encontrar em uma pequena parte deste quebra cabeças,me dá muita alegria. É uma luta diária mas que traz uma satisfação enorme! Cada atitude pessoal que você percebe ser autosuficiente, a liberdade e a consciência de estar fazendo algo pelo todo, criam novas descobertas e soluções que nos surpreendem a cada dia. Seria bom não precisar estar alerta o tempo todo mas é muito bom saber que podemos. Obrigada sempre, por suas ideias. Abraço.💚
Thank you for the kind words. This lifestyle also brings me so much joy. Sometimes when I'm tired, and just don't feel like feeding my starter or prepping more tomatoes or brewing kombucha, after I taste the food, I think "I can't not live this way!" Hugs back at you :)
Thank you, Anne Marie, for these essential tips. #s 1&2 are gold. I just finished Comfort of Crows and have been sending it to friends and relatives. Beautiful writing. Important message. Her power of observation is amazing.
Thank you very much Jeff. Renkl's book is brilliant. What a gifted writer. What a gifted family! I didn't want it to end. I have to read her other books now.
Congatulations with eleven years of given inspiration, worldwide. And thank you for that!
For next year, when your blog turns 12, may I add one of my favourite low waste actions? Learn to mend your clothes, know how to repair holes in your socks and sweaters, use beautiful buttons and pieces of material to personalise your wardrobe. It saves lots of money, plus you will have your own unique, creative wardrobe style.
If in doubt and if available you may like to visit a repair café where they will lovingly teach you how to repair your things, not just textiles. I am one of the volunteers in Groningen, the Netherlands. There are many repair café's worldwide, have a look at https://www.repaircafe.org/en/new-worldwide-website-for-repair-cafe/
Thank you for the kind words, for reading and for the addition. Mending is so satisfying! And thank you for volunteering at your repair café. We need those all over.
Ooo yes! I’m up for doing that !
Wow Ann, Congratulations for completing 11 years of hard work and sharing green ideas!!
:)
Thank you very much!
Alright!!
Please send more emails daily,like every week or something
Congratulations Anne Marie! Your blog is impactful, informative, stimulating, practical, evidence-based...just wonderful. Thank you for putting your life energy into this resource that so many of us enjoy and learn from. Over the years of reading your blog and applying your approach ("just start with something, give it a try, don't over complicate it and be gentle with yourself") I've started doing some things that I want to share here in case it's helpful to anyone else. Admittedly they're so basic but here it goes (1) if you have a refillery type store near you, they likely sell deodorant that you can put into your own little jar and then use it instead of the usual deodorants that ALL come with some form of plastic. I think the brand in my store is called Routine and the few ounces I bought have lasted me months. It works just fine. If you apply it with the applicator you were born with - your finger you can give yourself a little underarm massage while you do it. (2) I started carrying my own ceramic mug and if they won't put the drink in the mug I just say no thank you and go without a drink for the hour that I am out and have survived. I have yet to encounter another person in the wild who is doing this but I know they're out there. Also I thrifted the nicest metal spoons and forks I could find and have a set in the bag and in the car. No more excuses to use the plastic utensils. (3) Anne Marie, this one's for the people who are still learning how to cook! I'm still processing the impressive/scary powers of AI and am frustrated with how it exploits the work of humans and folks may have different positions about this but let me tell you, that big AI brain knows how to substitute stuff in recipes. I talk to it about making a recipe and then tell it what I have on hand and what I don't and it instantly gives me advice on how to work around it. Has been so helpful with reducing waste. Once again Thank you and congratulations!
I'm glad you've found my tips useful. Thank you very much for reading them. I agree, the finger applicator works so well. Those deodorants from refilleries also don't tend to contain ingredients you wouldn't want to apply. I am happy to hear that you have survived when unable to get your mug filled. We are a brave lot. Substitutions save so much time and money! People sometimes complain that this lifestyle is expensive but I've found the opposite.
This is a really great list and I so appreciate that you emphasize reducing plastic a little at a time and starting with what is fun and easy! I've even inspired my mom to do more, and she was using reusable shopping bags in the 80s!!
Thanks for liking all my comments!!😊😊
thank you for all you do anne marie! lovely tips!
Thank you for reading. I really appreciate it!
Congratulations! Though I don’t intend to ever be “hardcore” I do work on evolving all the time. Your efforts are so inspiring, from bread making to your love of jars! Thank you!
Thank you very much. When I give talks, I always say I figure only about 1 percent of people are going to go hardcore but imagine if 100 percent of us did a little bit! It would make a huge difference.
Congrats on 11 years. Please keep up the good work and peace be with you. NAncy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
Thank you for the kind words Nancy.
Would love it if you shared some more green ideas!!
I'm always open for topic ideas! What kind of green ideas do you have in mind?
Love these tips! Buying less and shopping at home first really reminds me of my childhood —smart ways to save cash and cut waste. Your cherry pitter fork hack is genius! Farmers’ markets and containers are on my list now—thanks for the push! Your “show, don’t tell” vibe is spot on—makes me want to try this quietly and see who follows. Great stuff!
I'm so glad you like these tips. I think I'm channeling my grandmothers. My parents grew up during the Depression and couldn't waste a thing. Thank you for reading and enjoy the farmers' market!
I love this post - I love all your writing Anne Marie! And reading this has reminded me how many of your tips I am actually using, and that I am making a tiny difference 😊. Thank you so much!! Tracie xx
Thank you very much for reading, Tracie. I appreciate it! All of those small steps really do add up. And they're fun!
Congrats on 11 years! These are all great! #6 spoke to me as I’m an “all or nothing” type of person but by doing the easy stuff I’m making this journey much more realistic.
Thank you! I'm glad you like the list. As a recovering perfectionist, I hear you!
Congratulations on 11 years. I am not sure when I started following you, but have been inspired to make so many changes based on your blog. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for the kind words and for reading. It helps keep me going!
Me encontrar em uma pequena parte deste quebra cabeças,me dá muita alegria. É uma luta diária mas que traz uma satisfação enorme! Cada atitude pessoal que você percebe ser autosuficiente, a liberdade e a consciência de estar fazendo algo pelo todo, criam novas descobertas e soluções que nos surpreendem a cada dia. Seria bom não precisar estar alerta o tempo todo mas é muito bom saber que podemos. Obrigada sempre, por suas ideias. Abraço.💚
Thank you for the kind words. This lifestyle also brings me so much joy. Sometimes when I'm tired, and just don't feel like feeding my starter or prepping more tomatoes or brewing kombucha, after I taste the food, I think "I can't not live this way!" Hugs back at you :)
Exatamente!!! O resultado nos recompensa e nos anima a continuar. 💚
Thank you, Anne Marie, for these essential tips. #s 1&2 are gold. I just finished Comfort of Crows and have been sending it to friends and relatives. Beautiful writing. Important message. Her power of observation is amazing.
Thank you very much Jeff. Renkl's book is brilliant. What a gifted writer. What a gifted family! I didn't want it to end. I have to read her other books now.