Trying to do our part to go green at home and save the planet can seem like a monumental task!
But I am a firm believer that small changes can make a BIG impact.
And being conscious of our ecological footprint is something we routinely talk about with our kids. They’re aware of some of the changes we’ve made, and others impact them in ways that go unnoticed.
We started years ago and it has, and continues to be, a slow process. However, it is the compounding effect of those small changes that makes me feel better about the impact our family of four has on the planet.
I wanted to share some of the changes we have made that perhaps resonate with you, or inspire you to make a small change in your house as well.
We are far from perfect, and there is always room for growth, but the changes we have made are creating good habits that hopefully our children will carry into the future.
5 Ways to Go Green at Home
1) Microfiber Towels
This one has definitely been around for a while, but they are seriously the best thing ever. Spills happen, especially with kids. I LOVE grabbing one of these to help clean up the mess, rather than using eight paper towels. From a cleaning perspective, they do a much better job than the paper towel as well. Microfiber towels 2: paper towels: 0. I admit we still purchase paper towels, because they certainly serve their purpose. However, I buy one Costco pack a year now.
2) Reusable Straws 
Reducing the amount of plastic usage in our house was a huge focus for me in the last couple of years. I am not a huge straw user, but my kids LOVE them! I suppose it does make whatever you’re consuming more fun. I bought a pack of various sized metal straws with removable silicone tips. They came with a tiny little brush for cleaning and are dishwasher safe. Win-win!
3) Water Bottles
We have been water bottle advocates even before we had kids. They are simply the best. We do keep a pack of bottled water in the garage for just in case of emergency situations, but on the daily basis the individual water bottle is the best choice and encourages all of us to stay hydrated all day.
4) Recycling/Upcycling
This one can be tricky if you live in an apartment, because it’s not nearly as convenient. However, if you do live in a house, this is an easy habit to implement. My kids are also in the process learning which items can be recycled and which ones are garbage. The visual impact goes a long way for everyone.
Upcycling with kids is also fun for crafts. So many of our giant cardboard boxes become rocket ships or boats before they make their way to the recycling bin. Other items to save for crafts include toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, old crayons, fabric, and plastic bottles!
5) Subscription Soap/Detergent
We just adopted these subscriptions within the last year. There are many companies out there that offer a no plastic reusable option for hand soap and laundry detergent. The cost is a tiny bit higher than if you were purchasing another green friendly product, but it’s delivered to your door and has zero plastic waste. The hand soap is so convenient, because you just drop a tablet into a glass jar, add water, and boom — more hand soap!
These are just some of the items we have used to help transition our household to being greener.
I love taking a bag with us on family walks in the spring, and collecting any trash along the way. I like to think of it as an act of love for our earth that gives us so much. Even the simplest action of turning off a light when you leave a room is a step in the right direction.
Modeling what we can do within reason for our kids is going to help them to continue to think bigger and create awareness for years to come.
For another way to go green at home, give your old clothes a second life! Check out Where to Donate or Sell Gently-Used Items in Fargo & Moorhead.
