Walking the Talk: How I Live and Work Sustainably Every Day

How I Live and Work Sustainably Every Day

In a world where convenience often takes priority over sustainability, I’ve made it my mission to walk the talk, integrating eco-friendly choices into my daily life and business. Here’s a peek into how my family and I make small, yet impactful, sustainable decisions and how you can do the same.

Daily Choices: Little Actions, Big Impact

At home, we focus on mindful energy and water consumption. We’ve installed low-flow fixtures and toilets, and we’re always conscious of turning off the water during tasks like brushing our teeth or washing dishes. Our energy provider ensures 100% regenerative energy as well. These little adjustments might seem small, but collectively, they save a significant amount of water and energy!

Laundry is another area where we’ve adopted simple sustainability habits—washing in cold water with a clean, eco-friendly detergent is better for our clothes and the environment. And when it comes to household products, cloth napkins and Swedish dishcloths are staples. It’s so easy to switch from disposable to reusable. Trust me, it becomes second nature!

I think my favorite tip is reimagining leftovers! We take food that might be forgotten in the fridge and turn it into something new, reducing waste and inspiring creative meals.

You don’t have to buy new things to live sustainably either. Shopping secondhand through thrift stores or Freecycle, and using what you already have are great ways to live more mindfully. Plus, we love eating seasonally—fresh, local produce from nearby farms (or my backyard when the critters don’t beat me to it!) tastes better and is better for the planet.

Sustainability at Home: Composting & Mindful Consumption

Speaking of my garden, I’m not only growing flowers for natural dyes but also composting. It's not a strict, perfectly managed compost—I'm more of a 'let it do its thing' kind of composter. So much so that this year we had butternut squash and tomatoes surprise us, growing right out of my dye garden! It’s these fun moments that remind me that sustainability doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s about trying and letting nature take its course.

We also practice mindful consumption. Before we buy anything new, we think about how we can repurpose or repair what we already have. This habit has saved us a lot of money and unnecessary waste.

Natural Dyeing: Where Art and Sustainability Meet

My natural dye process is one of the most tangible ways I walk the talk in my business. Commercial dyeing often involves harmful chemicals that can pollute the earth and harm the people who work with them. My process is different. I know every plant used in my dye garden because I’ve sown the seeds, tended to the soil, and watered them mindfully using a drip system. This keeps my water use efficient, ensuring my plants get what they need without waste. Not to mention, the end products are safer for the environment and the people using them!

Business Practices: Sustainability in Every Step

Sustainability is at the core of every decision I make in my business. From the suppliers I choose to the materials and packaging, I evaluate each step through an eco-friendly lens. For example, I avoid unnecessary plastic in my packaging and use recycled or biodegradable materials wherever possible.

Living sustainably isn’t just about the products I sell, but also about how I run my business. It’s about making conscious decisions that align with my values every day, even if it takes a bit more time or effort.

Challenges Along the Way

I won’t lie, there are challenges. Society makes it so easy to opt for quick, less expensive fixes, but those often come at a cost to the planet. I’ve had moments of frustration, especially when living sustainably requires more effort. But, I remind myself that every small change is a step toward a better future for my kids. That keeps me motivated to make the mindful, sometimes harder, choices.

Looking Forward: Personal and Business Goals

I’m always trying to improve! Personally, I want to get better at remembering to bring reusable containers when I eat out and to always have my reusable coffee mug on hand. Professionally, my goal is to expand my educational offerings to help other small businesses integrate sustainability into their daily operations. Sustainability isn’t just the right choice—it’s also easier than many people think, and I want to help them see that.

What are some small sustainable actions you can start today? Whether it’s switching to cloth napkins or being more mindful of your water use, there are countless ways to make a difference!