I thought that in honor of Earth Day I would share the little things that you and your family can do to help make a big difference and start on your green living journey.Use Natural Cleaning Products
Did you know that you can clean most of your home with just vinegar? I make my own cleaners with staples like vinegar, baking soda, salt, and essential oils. Simple, cheap, and good for the environment (especially if you have the house closed up!).
Use An Indoor Compost Bin
Not only will it reduce the amount of garbage that your family produces, it will help you create nutrient dense soil for your yard!
Depending upon how much space you have, you can empty it every day or every couple of days.
Plant A Garden
Even if it’s just herbs for now, you’ll save money, eliminate packaging waste (you won’t have to invest in the dried variety anymore!), and have a beautiful addition to your yard.
And you’ll have amazing flavor to add to your food!
Feeling brave? Add fruits and veggies such as cucumbers, peppers, squash, beans, tomatoes, and anything else that catches your fancy.
Invest in Fruit Trees
Wherever you live, there’s going to be some variety of fruit tree that does well. Live in Washington? Plant some apple trees or even prunes. In the south? Enjoy lemons, oranges, and even bananas!
Yes, fruit trees take some time to mature, but believe me, they’re worth the investment once they start producing. And you are in control of how they’re cared for. Better than organic, wouldn’t you say?
Watch Your Water
Consider investing in a Shower Timer to help you shorten your showers and conserve water (and reduce your water bill)!
To save even more, only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full.
Get A Clothesline
It’s spring: line dry your clothes! It’s FREE (Well, except for the initial investment in a good quality clothesline. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find one at around $10.00 that will do the job.), and good for the earth. Besides, if you have kids, they can help!
Get a workout in by hanging loads one at a time and doing squats to pick up each piece of laundry. Up the ante by adding toe raises as you hang everything!
Reusable Bags
No one needs more plastic (especially Mother Earth!). I personally love the Flip & Tumble 24-7 Bag and their Reusable Produce Bags.
and their 
.I always get compliments when I’m out at the grocery store or farmer’s market. Need something to keep your items cold? Trader Joe’s has awesome insulated bags that hold a ton.
Find A Farmer’s Market
The produce is more likely to be organic, healthful, AND you’re putting your money into your local economy-not to mention that the produce will be in season, which means it will have SO much more flavor and be nutrient dense.
Participate in Meatless Monday
Make a commitment to take part in Meatless Mondays by trying a new recipe each week. Repeat the ones you love! My current favorite cookbooks:
Cloth Diaper
Softbums Organic One-Size Cloth Diaper Basics Pack includes a waterproof shell, three inserts and a doubler for overnight.
includes a waterproof shell, three inserts and a doubler for overnight.For a full stash, remember that you’ll likely need around 6 shells and 30 inserts/doublers. Yes, it’s an investment, but think about how much you spend on disposable diapers each month!
If you’re looking to save even more money, consider purchasing prefolds and one-size covers, like Flips.
Either way, you’ll have an infant to potty training diapering system that will save you thousands.
Make Your Own Baby Food
I use and love the Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker.
Let me say that again: LOVE it!
Think about all of the jars and plastic containers that you toss into the trash or recycle each week. It takes me less than 30 minutes ONCE A WEEK to make a week’s worth of food for Smalls. AND it’s stored in the fridge, which frees up my pantry space!
Don’t want to invest in yet another kitten appliance? Use the food processor or your blender. Easy peasy.
Buy In Bulk
For your pantry staples, purchase in bulk (Check out Kootsac for reusable bulk bags). You can get most of your flours, sugars, grains, beans, even coffee in bulk.
Store your finds in glass jars to keep them fresh. Label your jars with cute reusable Chalk Labels. When the jar is empty, just wash and repurpose!
Can, Dehydrate, & Juice
Do you want to really make a difference? Consider purchasing a Food Dehydrator and Juicer, or look into a canning kit. Again, you’ll save on packaging, and get the very best nutrients available!
and 
, or look into a canning kit. Again, you’ll save on packaging, and get the very best nutrients available!Plus, if you’ve got a garden, this is a great way to use up all of the fruits and veggies you can’t eat right away.
Find A Coop
Lastly, if you’re already shopping organic markets, inquire about coops. They’re a great way to get local, seasonal produce at a good price (I get mine weekly, and it’s a TON of food!!).
My coop box generally contains greens, fruits, and staple veggies like carrots, celery, tomatoes, and the like. You can also look into coops for bulk purchases and even staples like soaps.
