Eat, Recycle, Repeat

Yes, it did. I failed once. I bought a mechanical pencil because I wanted it. Before I would have said I “needed” it for new kanji study, but that just isn’t true. One thing about this experiment is that it helped me recognize my true wants and needs, and also the reasons, justifications, or excuses [...]

Throughout most of Japan, houses do not have central air conditioning or central heat. The same goes for schools. While this isn’t always the MOST comfortable, I’ve learned that we can tolerate a lot more than we think. Actually, the idea of convenience is SO prevalent in our culture, most of the time we don’t [...]

Ok, as promised last week, here is what I have wasted in October: I count the herbs because, even though I didn’t buy them, I didn’t take care of them for quite some time and neglect = waste in my world. Last week’s tip to avoid food waste? FREEZE IT. This weeks tip? If you [...]

I’ve mentioned how I absolutely can not stand food waste, and linked to some excellent resources to help you avoid it. But perhaps all the articles and common sense won’t have as much impact as this. I’m starting a new experiment. I will photograph all the food that I waste each month, tally how much [...]

Knowing where your food comes from is a complex and worthwhile topic that deserves more smarts and coherence then I can sustain this evening! It’s too humid to do anything but eat pumpkin ice cream sundaes for dinner (oh have I got a recipe for you guys!) and thank the lord you’re not out in [...]

Green tip? Life tip? One and the same? Isn’t that the whole point Kate??? So this tip has no stats about how much money or energy you will save, but I’ll leave  that to the magazines and books and smart people. I can tell you that the lack of clutter in my life is real, [...]

This week, not for the first time, but for the first time intentionally – I upended a beverage all over my floor. My consistent penchant for knocking over all sorts of beverages – infused water, tea, carbonated water, what have you – has left my 30 year old wood floors looking rather, ahem, aged. So [...]

Added bonus – my five favorite things are available at a local business too! This is my favorite store, period. It’s called Just Act Natural and it is located in lovely downtown Appleton, WI. The owners, J.C. and Dianne, are my inspiration for easy, green living. I love going in and checking out the fun [...]

Like most things, I jumped in headfirst last week in introducing my “Shop with a Cause” idea. That usually happens when I am super excited or feel strongly about something. I thought I’d take a post and introduce the mentality behind my idea before diving any further.I have several rules for myself  regarding shopping. I [...]

Over the next few weeks I’ll be covering a theme I like to call “Shop with a Cause”. It’s about supporting local businesses, companies, and products that work for you, your health, and are sustainable or provide opportunities for others to lift themselves up. I’m all for donating to a good cause (here are many [...]