With every new year, there is an increasing number of eco-friendly products and services available to help us match our lifestyle to our values. If you’re looking to delve into fitness this year, there are more ways than ever to implement eco-friendly living into your fitness routine, from the gear you choose to where you decide to work out. 

Choosing a Workout Mat

If you have a workout that uses a mat, look for one made of recycled, renewable, and non-toxic materials. Be wary of mats containing harmful chemicals such as VOCs or PVC. You can find pads and blankets made of handwoven fibers, and mats made of cork or recycled rubber. If possible, you can choose a manufacturer that has committed to zero-waste practices in its facilities. 

In addition to choosing an eco-friendly mat, prolong the lifetime of your mat by keeping it clean and drying/airing it out properly. This can help prevent bacteria and dirt from slowly degrading the mat material over time. You can make your own mat spray by mixing white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil in a glass spray bottle. Choose any oil you like for a personalized scent. 

Choosing Clothing and Shoes

Think about the clothing you select for your activities. Whenever possible, seek clothing made of natural, recycled, and low-impact materials and from brands with a commitment to sustainable practices. Try to avoid synthetic or recycled fibers made of plastic, which can release microplastics into our water sources.

Try to select shoes made sustainably as well. Some companies offer to donate a pair of shoes to charity or plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased. If you buy specialty shoes for a certain sport, invest in a well-made pair, and maintain and clean them regularly so they last as long as possible. Whenever possible, look into repair services for clothing or shoes that can be mended instead of tossed out. Climbing shoes, for example, can be resoled.

Other eco- and budget-friendly options include buying used workout equipment and clothing —look to online consignment stores like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark or stores with used gear sections such as REI.

Exercise with an eco-friendly mindset  — make a positive difference through your choices in gear and clothing! 

The month of February contains many holidays, from fun and obscure days such as National Banana Bread Day to more well-known celebrations like Valentine’s Day and the month-long honoring of Black History. This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 1. Learn about Chinese culture and celebrate this cultural holiday by creating some fun and unique crafts out of eco-friendly materials with your kids!

Chinese Dragon Crafts

In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, wealth, and power. The traditional Dragon Dance was originally a ceremony praying for rain and honoring the dead that later evolved into entertainment.

Celebrate the history of the dragon by creating your own eco-friendly version! You can make a dragon out of common household items such as:

• Egg cartons
• Cardboard tubes 
• Paper bags
• Paper plates
• Paper and popsicle sticks

Chinese Lantern Crafts

The Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations and is meant to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness. 

Make your own Chinese lantern by reusing items that may be found around your home, such as:

• Toilet paper tubes
• Paper
• Chinese takeout boxes (for a non-traditional “lantern”)

More crafts can be found at Red Ted Art. Have a happy Chinese New Year!

Are you holding onto a pair of jeans, shoes, or an item that you probably won’t ever use again? There are many ways to keep belongings out of the landfill, but if you are looking to also make some money, here’s how:

Clothing

Gently used, unstained, and freshly washed clothing and accessories can be taken to a consignment shop. As opposed to a general thrift shop, these shops house your items and offer you store credit or cash if someone purchases them, while also taking a percentage of the payment. There are many options for consigning clothing, ranging from national chain stores to locally-owned shops, and even internet sites such as Poshmark or ThredUp where you can mail in items and sell through an online listing. Many stores return unsold items after a period of time. For the highest chance of sale, choose the right store for your items, such as a children’s clothing-specific store, or a handbag-specific consignment store. 

Sports Equipment

Clean the equipment well, repair any broken parts, and then head over to the internet! Good pictures are key to making your gear stand out above the other listings. Try selling on social media (such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist) or listing on community groups online. For larger items like bicycles or paddleboards, call and ask shops that specialize in selling outdoor/active gear to check if they also have a section where they sell used gear on consignment.

Winter Gear

When the fall season arrives, “ski swap” events are often held in preparation for the upcoming season. Check online community bulletin boards or event calendars and newsletters from ski resort towns. You can bring used gear to the venue several days before and it will be priced for resale when the event opens up to the public. This is like a warehouse sale but is stocked with used items being resold by the community instead of new items. A portion of this sale usually goes to support the local organization or charity hosting the event. 

Specialty Items

Is there an antique lamp collecting dust in the attic, or a designer handbag still like-new? Items of value like these can be listed on re-selling sites online or taken to an antique or high-end consignment shop. Examine items carefully, researching their features and price so you have all the details. Take high-quality photos of the item (follow these tips from Reseller Bible!) and be sure to list all you know that can help verify the item’s authenticity and value. Be well-informed about what you’re selling so you can negotiate the price successfully with the buyer.

If one of your resolutions for the New Year is to have a clutter-free space, you are not alone! Use this guide to help you figure out what to do with the things you do not need — one room at a time!

Bathroom:

• Toiletries (unused)

Shampoo, soap, and other personal care products that are unused can be given away or donated to a nonprofit. 

• Toiletries (used)

Is a family member or friend able to finish the remaining amount? If not, empty contents into the trash and recycle the plastic (usually plastic #2 – HDPE, which is accepted in Stockton’s curbside recycling program). 

• Dried up hair, skincare, or makeup products

Nail polish, makeup, gels and hairsprays can dry up and become unusable. Check to see if your products are considered household hazardous waste or qualify for any recycling programs before disposing of in your garbage.

Bedroom:

• Damaged clothing
  • Is your clothing able to be repaired? If not, clothing beyond the point of repair can be repurposed as cleaning rags. Otherwise, place in garbage. 

• Shoes
  • Donate what is still usable and in good condition; otherwise, check out the Recycling Guide for potential recycling programs that will accept your old footwear!

• Bedding
  • Donate bedding that is still in good condition. Otherwise, use as drop cloths for house projects or cut up to use as cleaning rags.

• Furniture
  • Donate your unwanted furniture that is still in good condition. Otherwise, please dispose properly at a facility near you.

Workspace:

• Office supplies

• Items such as binders and notebooks may be donated to thrift stores or schools. 

• Ink-based supplies

• Test your ink-based supplies such as pens and whiteout and throw out what no longer works. 

• Magazines, newspapers and mail 
• Not sure if you’ll need certain print materials again? Scan or take a picture of the item so you have a reference, then recycle it.

Kitchen:

• Scraped or damaged cookware and dishware
  • Throw out what is no longer safe to use. Otherwise, donate what is still usable and in good condition.

• Food Storage Containers
  • Before disposing what no longer has a matching lid or bottom, see if containers can be repurposed for other uses.

• Pantry
  • Packaged food that has not expired may be donated to a food pantry or used as inspiration for a new recipe.

Nobody wants to open the fridge door to moldy groceries, and yet, it happens more often than we’d like. One study found that the average American household wasted around a third of food purchased — contributing to a loss of resources, unnecessary waste in landfills, and toxic methane emissions.

To prevent food from going to waste, you could always start by buying only what you need. Then, follow these tips to make your groceries last longer:

• Make sure you properly store your food — here are some reusable storage options:

• Glass containers — Glass containers do not contain or release harmful chemicals like some plastic ones do. For freezing leftovers and other food, make sure to get a container with a tight seal that is also freezer-safe!
• Silicone sandwich bags — It’s time to move on from single-use plastic bags. Invest in a reusable silicone bag, like a Stasher bag, that you can use over and over again to not only take your food to-go, but also to store in the fridge and freezer!

• Educate yourself on which foods fare better in the fridge vs. at room temperature.

Not every fruit and vegetable should be refrigerated. Did you know, for example, that tomatoes, onions, and potatoes fare better when stored at room temperature? Here is a handy chart with more information on proper food storage. 

Produce at room temperature should have adequate air circulation; it will spoil faster if kept in plastic packaging (even if perforated). On the contrary, most refrigerated produce should stay sealed to retain moisture and keep fresh longer.

• Be mindful of produce that releases ethylene gas.

Some produce — such as apples and bananas — naturally releases ethylene gas, which causes it to ripen faster and affects other produce so that it also goes bad faster. Such produce should be kept away from other produce that is sensitive to ethylene, such as leafy greens, avocados, and onions. Here’s a handy chart with more information on storing produce based on ethylene.

• Wash produce as you go.

Wash produce right before you use it to reduce bacterial growth and spoilage caused by dampness. Berries can be washed in advance in a vinegar-water solution to help keep away mold — just don’t forget to dry them well! 

• Lastly, get friendly with your freezer.

Got leftover diced onions or sliced fruit? A stick of butter, bread, or meat that is approaching its expiration date? Freeze food you know you won’t be able to eat in time — even fresh herbs can be frozen too!

Zero waste shopping is about to get a whole lot easier now that Loop is about to be launched in Kroger and Walgreens stores throughout the United States!

What is Loop? 

Loop was originally a pilot online shopping service that aimed to reduce packaging waste by selling items in reusable containers. They sold popular name brand items — from groceries to cleaning supplies,beauty and personal care items — and would deliver them straight to your door in durable packaging that can be cleaned, refilled and reused. When you would use up a product, you send the empty container back. Empty containers could be cleaned and refilled up to 100 times.

The pilot phase (Loop’s online store) is now being phased out to now being launched in Kroger and Walgreens stores throughout the United States. To stay in the loop — pun intended! — sign up for their newsletter to learn about any of their upcoming launches, or when Loop will arrive in a store near you.

When it’s cold out, there’s a tendency to bundle up and stay inside. In addition to movie marathons and reading books, here are a few fun ideas to stay entertained indoors with your kids.

• Reuse Paper to Make Snowflakes

Have any old handouts from school? Reuse paper to make snowflakes to hang around the home and get into the winter spirit. 

• Reuse Cardboard and Make a Dome

Does your local furniture store have any big cardboard boxes they are happy to give away? If so, grab a box and turn it into a comfy dome to play in and “protect yourself from the elements.”

Another fun option for indoor play is to create a blanket fort. Stack storage boxes, laundry baskets, a step ladder, or chairs to create a frame for the fort, then drape blankets over the items to create a warm and cozy cave. 

• Make Your Own Playdough

There’s no need to run off to the store when you can make your very own playdough at home. Check out this recipe to start having fun — it will last for a couple of weeks, and because it is made out of natural ingredients, it is also 100% compostable! 

• Time to Layer Up

Turning down the heater by just a few degrees can significantly decrease your bill and electricity usage. Teach kids to layer up by playing a silly game of “who can wear the most clothes?” Start with socks and long underwear, layering summer shorts, pants, and then coats. You can even create a little runway where kids can show off their new outfits. 

• Active Winter Play

Stay warm by taking a winter hike. A simple park or nearby nature trail can transform into a different experience with the season change, making it a new place to explore. Help decrease waste by looking for recycled hiking gear at the local thrift store. If you decide to go hiking in a colder area with snow, a pair of all-season hiking boots can easily become winter boots with a thick pair of socks and boot chains purchased at your local hardware store, taking away the need to buy new shoes. 

No holiday season is complete without our favorite foods. Whether you cherish the memories of gathering around the table with family and friends, bringing annual recipes to life in the kitchen, or visiting specialty vendors, we likely can all relate to the joy evoked by satisfying holiday fare. 

This sensational time of year is an excellent chance to practice shifting your consumption habits to be more environmentally friendly. A planet-based diet, or a diet low on environmental impacts, but not necessarily exclusive to plants, can be a great way to do so. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) science-based report, adopting a planet-based diet can reduce: 

• Food-based greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%
• Wildlife loss by up to 46%
• Agricultural land-use by at least 41%

Delight your friends, family, and community by creating “planet-friendly” dishes that mimic and can perhaps rival the originals. 

Holiday favorites reimagined:

Appetizers: 

• Vegan French Onion Soup
• Christmas Salad 

Main dishes:

• Vegetable Shepard’s Pie 
• Festive Butternut Roast 
• Roasted Cabbage Steaks 
• Vegan Maple Glazed Ham 
• Smoky Southern Style Meatless Loaf 
• Mushroom Gravy

Desserts:

• GingerbreadCookies
• Pear Cranberry Apple Crisp

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas tree — or would it?

Every year, Americans buy tens of millions of Christmas trees, but there could be a more sustainable alternative.

The Truth About Christmas Trees 

It can take over a decade to grow a natural Christmas tree — yet, unfortunately, the majority of Christmas trees are used for a matter of weeks until they are tossed out. Christmas trees require resources like water to grow, maintain, and transport. Some are grown with pesticides that harm soil, water, and environmental and human health.  Moreover, at the end of the season, many trees are improperly disposed of and sent to the landfill, contributing to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

Although artificial Christmas trees can be reused year after year, because they are made of PVC, a plastic that can have harmful health consequences and take over hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, these artificial trees would not be considered sustainable either. For proper disposal instructions for your real or artificial Christmas tree, follow the IWMA’s instructions here.

So, what’s a Christmas tree lover to do? 

Sustainable Christmas Tree Alternatives

• Buy a Live Christmas Tree

Buy a potted Christmas tree and use it year after year. Once a tree gets too big, it can be planted and continue to spread the Christmas spirit year round! Another innovative idea is renting a live Christmas tree — hopefully, this option will become available for more parts of California in the near future.

• Make Any Tree a Christmas Tree

Who knew that any potted tree and even plant can be made into a Christmas tree? Get creative with a plant you already own, like adding ribbons and decor to a fragrant rosemary bush, and presto, you’ve got yourself your own Christmas tree.

• Make Your Own Tree

Christmas is for spending time with family and what better way to spend Christmas than making memories creating your own Christmas tree? See here for inspiration. 

This year, make your Christmas the most sustainable, unforgettable one yet!

Did you know that between Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, Americans throw away 25% more trash — to the tune of 25 million tons of waste? The good news is that you can help say goodbye to this negative holiday trend through the gifts you give. Here are some easy ways to reduce waste while still giving a meaningful gift.

Gift Ideas for Adults

Gift your loved ones a local service such as a massage, dinner at a restaurant, or a spa day. Besides reducing waste, this can feel even more meaningful than a disposable item, while also supporting a local business. Similarly, you can create your own personalized gift certificates for activities like lawn care, help around the house, or going on a favorite outing.

Gift Ideas for Children

Educational gifts are a nice way to engage a child’s curiosity and are typically made to be reused. Gifts like an eco-friendly science experiment kit or beginner gardening kit can cultivate interest for future career paths or teach them valuable skills for life. Also consider toys that are not age-specific and can be reused as kids grow, such as a set of wooden building blocks. Kids may also enjoy an interactive experience, such as a dress-up box with old Halloween costumes, shoes, and accessories found at the local thrift store.

Eco-friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Did you know that many types of wrapping paper cannot be recycled? However, plain brown paper is recyclable, and like the saying goes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication! See if you can reuse brown paper bags from the grocery store, and use twine, dried flowers, or other personal touches in place of purchasing new bows and ribbons.

A container or wrapper that can be reused in a purposeful way can also be as meaningful as the gift itself. For example, a hand-dyed handkerchief or fabric scrap tied around an item makes a beautiful wrapper. Baked goods or perishables can be gifted in a thrifted decorative glass jar, or placed in a canvas tote or reusable shopping bag. 

Eco-friendly Holiday Card Tips

Reinventing your holiday card routine to be eco-friendly can be easy and affordable. Try sending cards made of recycled content paper, cards that aren’t glossy or glittery (which make them non-recyclable), e-cards, or make your own cards from magazine clippings.