Sara Snow's Fresh Living

1. Embrace a natural lifestyle for personal and environmental health

"Choosing to live more sustainably isn't one-size-fits-all and it's not all-or-nothing. It's about a series of small steps and changes toward greater health and harmony."

Start with small changes. Adopting a natural lifestyle doesn't require a complete overhaul of your life overnight. Begin by making conscious choices in your daily routine, such as using non-toxic cleaning products, choosing organic foods when possible, and reducing energy consumption. These small steps can lead to significant improvements in both personal health and environmental impact.

Balance is key. While striving for a more natural lifestyle, it's important to find a balance that works for you and your family. This may mean incorporating some conventional products alongside natural alternatives, or gradually transitioning to more sustainable practices over time. The goal is to create lasting, positive changes that you can maintain in the long run.

Education and awareness. Take the time to educate yourself about the impact of your choices on both your health and the environment. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and inspire others to adopt more sustainable practices. Share your experiences and learning with friends and family, creating a ripple effect of positive change in your community.

2. Transform your kitchen with organic, local, and sustainable food choices

"The average American meal travels around fifteen hundred miles to get to the table."

Choose local and organic. Prioritize locally grown and organic produce to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation and support sustainable farming practices. Visit farmers' markets, join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, or grow your own fruits and vegetables to ensure fresh, nutritious food while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Read labels and avoid harmful ingredients. Become an informed consumer by carefully reading food labels and avoiding products containing harmful additives such as:

• High-fructose corn syrup
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Trans fats
• Genetically modified (GM) ingredients

Reduce waste and conserve resources. Implement strategies to minimize food waste and conserve energy in the kitchen:

• Plan meals and shop with a list to avoid overbuying
• Use reusable containers and bags instead of disposable plastics
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances
• Compost food scraps to reduce landfill waste

3. Create a toxin-free bathroom environment and conserve water

"We spend a lot more time in the bathroom than one might think, so it's a great place to take some basic conservation measures."

Eliminate harmful products. Replace conventional personal care products with natural alternatives free from toxic ingredients such as:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Synthetic fragrances
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Look for products certified by trusted organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or made with organic ingredients.

Conserve water. Implement water-saving strategies in your bathroom routine:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly
• Take shorter showers or use a shower timer
• Use a dual-flush toilet or place a water displacement device in the tank

Choose eco-friendly materials. When renovating or replacing bathroom fixtures, opt for sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, or reclaimed wood. Consider installing a greywater system to reuse water from sinks and showers for irrigation or toilet flushing.

4. Design a healthy, eco-friendly bedroom for better sleep and intimacy

"Where the kitchen may be the soul of a home, the bedroom is the heart."

Create a toxin-free sleep environment. Invest in organic bedding materials and a non-toxic mattress to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals during sleep. Choose:

• Organic cotton, wool, or latex mattresses
• Natural fiber sheets and blankets
• Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints for walls

Optimize for better sleep. Design your bedroom to promote restful sleep and relaxation:

• Keep electronics out of the bedroom or use blue light filters
• Install blackout curtains or shades to block out light pollution
• Maintain a cool temperature (around 65°F) for optimal sleep

Embrace natural intimacy. Choose eco-friendly and body-safe products for intimate moments:

• Organic lubricants and massage oils
• Phthalate-free sex toys
• Natural condoms and contraceptives

5. Nurture a non-toxic nursery for your baby's well-being

"Babies sleep on average anywhere from fourteen to eighteen hours a day, much of that time spent breathing in the nursery's air."

Choose safe materials. Opt for non-toxic, sustainable materials when furnishing and decorating your nursery:

• Solid wood cribs and furniture with non-toxic finishes
• Organic cotton or wool mattresses and bedding
• Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and sealants

Avoid harmful chemicals. Be vigilant about avoiding toxic substances in baby products:

• Phthalates in plastic toys and teethers
• Flame retardants in mattresses and furniture
• Formaldehyde in pressed wood products

Create a healthy environment. Implement strategies to maintain clean air and a safe space for your baby:

• Use air-purifying plants like spider plants or peace lilies
• Ensure proper ventilation and air circulation
• Opt for natural cleaning products and air fresheners

6. Establish an eco-conscious home office and reduce digital waste

"The average person disposes of (either in the dump or through recycling) twenty-five thousand cans in their lifetime; recycling just one of those cans saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours."

Reduce paper waste. Minimize paper consumption and opt for digital alternatives when possible:

• Use digital documents and e-signatures
• Print double-sided when necessary
• Recycle or repurpose used paper

Choose energy-efficient electronics. Invest in energy-saving devices and practices:

• ENERGY STAR certified computers and printers
• LED desk lamps and natural lighting
• Power strips with automatic shut-off features

Manage digital waste. Implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of digital activities:

• Regularly clean out email inboxes and delete unnecessary files
• Use cloud storage to reduce the need for physical storage devices
• Properly recycle or donate old electronics

7. Maintain a sustainable yard and practice responsible pet ownership

"Grow only those foods that your family enjoys eating. If you grow what you like to eat, you're more likely to tend it and to cook with it."

Create an eco-friendly landscape. Design a yard that supports local ecosystems and requires minimal resources:

• Plant native species that require less water and maintenance
• Use organic fertilizers and pest control methods
• Install a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation

Practice natural lawn care. Maintain a healthy lawn without harmful chemicals:

• Mow at a higher setting to promote deeper root growth
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer
• Use organic compost to enrich soil

Care for pets responsibly. Choose eco-friendly pet products and practices:

• Feed pets organic, sustainably-sourced food
• Use biodegradable waste bags and litter
• Opt for natural flea and tick prevention methods

8. Adopt green transportation habits to reduce your carbon footprint

"By driving to and from work at non-rush-hour times, you'll consume less fuel, release less greenhouse gas emissions, and save yourself precious time."

Choose alternative transportation. Reduce reliance on personal vehicles by exploring options such as:

• Public transit (buses, trains, or subways)
• Carpooling or ridesharing
• Biking or walking for short distances

Optimize vehicle efficiency. If driving is necessary, implement strategies to maximize fuel efficiency:

• Maintain proper tire pressure
• Remove excess weight from the vehicle
• Use cruise control on highways

Consider eco-friendly vehicles. When purchasing a new vehicle, explore options with lower environmental impact:

• Hybrid or electric vehicles
• Fuel-efficient models
• Car-sharing programs for occasional use

9. Implement a comprehensive recycling and composting system

"Composting can reduce yard waste by as much as 75 percent, and like recycling, it's a fun chore to involve the kids in."

Establish a recycling station. Create a dedicated space for sorting recyclables:

• Separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metal
• Clear labels and instructions for proper sorting
• Regularly scheduled trips to recycling centers or curbside pickup

Start composting. Set up a composting system to reduce organic waste:

• Choose between indoor or outdoor composting methods
• Learn which materials are compostable and which to avoid
• Use finished compost to enrich garden soil

Reduce overall waste. Implement strategies to minimize waste production:

• Choose products with minimal packaging
• Opt for reusable items over disposables
• Donate or repurpose items instead of discarding them

10. Cultivate a connection with nature through gardening and outdoor activities

"One of the best lessons you can teach your children is where food comes from, so that they grow up understanding that a tomato doesn't come from a can on a grocery store shelf, but from a vine that grew and ripened its fruit in the sun."

Start a garden. Begin growing your own food, even in small spaces:

• Container gardening for herbs and small vegetables
• Vertical gardens for maximizing space
• Community garden plots for larger-scale growing

Engage in outdoor activities. Foster a connection with nature through regular outdoor experiences:

• Family hikes or nature walks
• Birdwatching or wildlife observation
• Outdoor sports and recreation

Educate and inspire. Share knowledge about the natural world with others:

• Participate in local environmental education programs
• Volunteer for conservation projects
• Organize nature-based activities for children and community members

Last updated: July 26, 2024