fairdare
  • blog
  • Fairdare
  • ethical brands
  • zero-waste
  • zero-waste meals
  • about

gateway zero-waste switches that everyone needs to make

12/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Scientists have warned that this is the last decade we have to make the biggest impact on climate change. Governments can make change happen very quickly. When we moved to London, there was suddenly a charge for each plastic bag used at the grocery store. The bags were on a pedestal on the conveyor belt which delivered the double whammy of cost + humiliation, when used. It took no time for us to invest in + remember to bring reusable bags. In the United States, we know that we cannot wait for government to mandate change. 

Every human will need to find motivation to take action. There are those of us who are a little bit further along on our personal journeys toward zero-waste who can encourage others to join us. What we need are simple enough switches to help others feel that joining in is possible. These are just a few of the bare minimum actions we all need to be taking right now. It is my hope that they will act as gateway habits that open doors to so many more thoughts + hopefully spur further action.


--When we start bringing our own bags to the grocery store, we realize that we can remember them (keep them in the car or 1-3 in the daily carry bag). We just might start to notice that we can skip the produce bags or choose the toilet paper that doesn't come wrapped in plastic. (Most of us will not need to purchase new reusable bags, because we have a few laying around the house.)

--When we start carrying our own water bottle around, we won't get desperate for a bottled drink. We might decide to skip the straw next time we have a drink at a restaurant. (Most of us have a reusable water bottle laying around or could ask a friend for one of their excess ones...but if not...a spaghetti sauce jar works too.)  :)

--When we choose to buy something in bulk rather than in a plastic bag, we might see all the good stuff offered in bulk + start to eat more whole foods. We might skip the middle aisles altogether. (Bring empty spaghetti sauce or pickle or peanut butter or salsa jars from home ...or use a muslin bag that's laying around the house.)

--When we skip the straw at a restaurant, we might start to choose restaurants offering reusable plates, cups + utensils. (Drinking straight out of a cup works great.)  :)

--When we start to compost, we will begin to educate ourselves about what things are compostable + keep them out of the landfill. We'll gain a whole new connection to farmers + the weather + the food we eat. We might even have a desire to grow some of our own food (herbs, peppers, tomatoes, or strawberries for example). (Save compost in a reusable container in the freezer + bring it to a store or farmer's market or compost site.)

--When we rethink fast food as food that we can hold in our hands rather than highly packaged food we get from a drive-through, we just might make some healthier choices or start preparing food at home that was purchased in bulk. (Hold a bagel or apple or cookie in your hand, pay + eat...or keep a scarf or bandana in a pocket or purse to wrap it in.)

--When we go to the farmer's market, we meet the people who planted + tended + watered + harvested + transported our food. We might start to realize the true cost of food...and where it's grown...and the energy it takes to transport it...and we might focus more on local, in-season, whole foods with which to nourish our bodies + the bodies of those we love. We might also see the vital connection between the weather + our food supply + the livelihoods of those who grow it. (Grab the reusable bags, because there is a lot of plastic at the farmer's market that can be avoided.)

--When we get out in nature for a walk or hike or swim or to go camping, we drink in the magnificence of our planet. We might start to value the oceans + mountains + prairies. We might see the detriment of microplastics + fracking + mountaintop removal coal mining + carbon emissions. We might start to drive less + to hang dry our clothes + to choose natural fibers rather than polyester + to lobby for mass transit, solar + wind power. We might start to vote for candidates who protect our wild lands + promote carbon taxes.

Our planet sustains life! In order to sustain our planet, every human must create less waste. When we just begin...with one small step, it creates ripples of awareness + understanding that lead to more + more action. Take the first step + encourage it in those around you. It's necessary + urgent. Every action counts.

Love,
Jane
0 Comments

an event for everyone

12/25/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood.
They had set night watches over their sheep.
Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them.
They were terrified.
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid.
I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
​Luke 2:8-14

1 Comment

zero-waste practice :: reusing beeswax

12/23/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Today seemed like a good day to round up the spent candles, melt the leftover beeswax, remove spent wicks, melt more beeswax, set some new wicks + fill those jars up again. This time I decided that the clear glass jar (shown in my makeshift double boiler) would be a good one to use for melting + pouring the wax. It held one of my spent candles, so I had to melt the wax in it anyway. The rim stayed cool enough that I could carefully handle it without bulky potholders. I will keep + reuse the jar + therefore won't have the messy job of cleaning wax out of another vessel each time.

I had a couple of scented spent candles to refill. The wax of each of these was melted separately along with new beeswax. The new candle will have a more subtle scent than before, but will retain some scent. I've found that mixing soy wax + beeswax works just fine. I also find that I often like the more subtle scents even better. 

Beeswax is an amazing material that smells great, burns cleaner than non-beeswax candles, and can be melted into new candles over + over again. Nature does it again!  :)

Love,
Jane
0 Comments

weekend reads + such

12/22/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lots of family's thoughts on values-driven holidays.
A reminder that we are teaching "Christmas".  :)

No need to feel guilty about celebrating the holidays with gusto! But also...there is still time to rethink (+ return) something.  :)

Lots of love + wishes for a meaningful, relaxing, exciting, joyous, light, holiday full of love + laughter + gratitude + good food + dear ones! You are loved + appreciated!
Jane
0 Comments

spiritual

12/20/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
The difference between happiness + joy
can be equated to the difference between
a human emotion connected to circumstances
+ one that has a spiritual way of engaging with the world.
​~Brene Brown (a beautiful read)
0 Comments

this year's simple wardrobe plan

12/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
It's difficult to find a consensus on how many pieces of clothing the average American buys each year, but it seems to be somewhere between 55-70! A study in the UK showed that women wear a piece of clothing an average of seven times. And the average yearly amount of clothing waste that each American is expected to send to the landfill is 81 pounds. I don't often mention these numbers, because they are everywhere and they set the bar very, very low. After finishing the post that follows, however, I wanted a little perspective...because talking about numbers always makes me uncomfortable. Adding any number of pieces to one's wardrobe reeks of privilege. The comparisons should not just be made to the average American...but to the average garment worker. The numbers for how many pieces of clothing the average garment worker adds to his or her wardrobe are just not available. I'm just saying that up front.

One of the ways that I approached my fairdare commitment at the beginning of 2019 was by taking a look at my wardrobe as a whole + making a list of three pieces that I imagined adding (or switching out) for each season. There was also a list of things to consider selling, gifting or donating during each season. This plan was an attempt to take control of my desire, keep my wardrobe simple, plan ahead, save money + maintain focus. 

A few of my observations about this exercise ::
-considering my wardrobe as a whole (rather than solely by season) was very helpful
-but considering what I will wear season by season is important too  :)

-three well-chosen pieces per season did not feel too restrictive
-planning these purchases ahead of time alleviated the guilt of spending money on them...I felt more in control of my spending
-each piece felt necessary +/or useful...which made them feel special
-choosing versatile pieces is great...but many of my pieces are not multi-seasonal 
-I am a sort of serial uniform wearer
-as long as I have an option or two for dressier occasions in each type of weather, I'm set
-I still "shopped" a lot...looking for the perfect piece (I'd really like to have some go-to pieces, but women's brands don't often do consistent pieces from season to season)
-plans don't always work out (one of the pieces that I really thought would come through for me had such wonky measurements from website to actual garment...that I had to abandon the plan)  :(
-preferences change (I really don't know if I want to wear pants or dresses or jumpsuits from year to year...it's ok for style to evolve back + forth...that's where variety comes into the small wardrobe...and I don't think that it would be bad to have a few of each of these on standby from year to year)
-while I love the idea of a handmade pieces, I love the ability to try on + return pieces that don't suit (for a $refund$) even better in many cases. (I do, however, have a few tried + true sewing patterns that I will make over + over)
-I think that I probably bought smarter pieces + fewer pieces than I would have if I hadn't made the plan
-my simple wardrobe stayed simple

This post isn't to assert the right amount of pieces to add or have in a wardrobe. Many will think that these numbers are excessive + others will think they are unrealistically paltry. I will simply say that this exercise furthered my understanding of enough.

My main take-away? I will definitely be making a list for 2020!

Love,
Jane
0 Comments

habits for a new decade

12/17/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
One decade is about to take its final bow + another is on the horizon. Something I'd always like to be able to say is that the decade past was full of personal growth...and the one to come offers so much more to discover + embrace. Time has taught me that choosing to be a lifelong learner is life-affirming. One year...one day at a time...we keep moving forward, and it can be helpful to have some direction.

The new year is such a great time to renew a commitment, reach for a new level of skill, or open oneself up in a new way. I often wait until the last minute to try to come up with a sort of focus for the year to come. This year, I'm trying to be a little bit more proactive + thought I'd share a few habits that might be options to consider embracing + learning from:

-curb the production of microfibers moving through the air + seas :: make some thoughtful switches :: kindly share thoughts + actions with fellow consumers :: let brands know your thoughts :: (one brand taking action)

-take the fairdare :: get dressed with consideration for others + our shared planet :: make a commitment that pushes forward or stretches creativity

-make less waste :: live abundantly while sending as little as possible to the landfill to be preserved forever :: make one switch at a time or address one area at a time :: keep making progress

-get out of debt :: make + stick to a budget :: downsize spending :: celebrate victories

-tune in to "enough" :: live with joy + gratitude while not withholding resources from others :: buy less :: cultivate generosity :: try buying nothing or replacements only for periods of time

-practice self-compassion :: listen to + appreciate our bodies + feelings + intuition + souls while acting to optimize wellness

-enhance connection :: recognize + cultivate connection with fellow humans, nature + faith

-serve :: learn to recognize opportunities to partner with + assist while holding all with open hands + joyful, compassionate generosity :: elevate others :: be mindful of humility

-be curious :: offer a spirit that is teachable + open + ready to listen + learn :: study + experiment

-cultivate gratitude :: recognize both everyday + extraordinary beauty + the love that is its origin

In choosing a focus for the year to come, it might be helpful to think about what we value in life + how our current habits align with those values. We could also consider how our personal goals + actions affect others. We want to be healthy + whole humans...and we want to leave a viable planet full of love + peace for those who come after us. I hope that the habits I tend + sharpen with discipline + attention enhance my own existence...but also contribute to the greater good.

The decade before us is such a crucial one for our planet. Our personal mindsets + action are so important...but collective action is also necessary. Let's keep talking with those who need a little bit more encouragement. Let's speak truth to power. Let's vote with ballots + with our dollars. Let's encourage each other + move forward together!

Love,
​Jane
0 Comments

weekend reads + such

12/14/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
"We sought not merely to improve the world, but to remake it." The Water Dancer was a good read. I tried not to listen too closely to this interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates before reading it + enjoyed it again afterwards.  :) 

​Self-built.
Yes, there is something we can do.
We're actually paying more to store our stuff than we are to store ourselves.
I'm much more grateful for the items I own.
There were no safety features.
Person of the year.

Enjoy the weekend, friends!
Much love,
Jane
0 Comments

habit

12/13/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
When joy is a habit,
love is a reflex.
~Bob Goff
0 Comments

zero-waste gift wrap

12/11/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
In addition to a few other methods of zero-waste gift wrapping, this year we are adding one more.
Picture
My plan (for a few years) has been to naturally dye some cotton bandanas to use as gift wrap. I'm not sure I will get around to dyeing them before Christmas this year...but that won't stop me from using them as is. I bought some 27 inch bandanas (larger than usual) in order to have the option of wrapping a larger variety of gifts. They are cotton, so that they will take dye. 
Picture
We'll label our gifts by punching a hole in some scrap paper cut into various shapes + decorated as desired. I have a number of small safety pins that will attach tag to gift. The tags can be kept + reused or recycled. Pins + bandanas can be used again + again.
Picture
These bandanas can be used to wrap gifts in so many ways. They could also be useful throughout the year as generous napkins or to bring unwrapped bread home from the bakery. I like the patterns on bandanas, but floursack towels or scarves or pieces of vintage tablecloth or cloth napkins would work well for wrapping as well. A piece of fabric from the fabric store or the good parts of an old sheet could be ripped into large squares.

In any case, it gives me a thrill to gather up the detritus of a good celebration + not to have to take anything out to the trash or the recycling.


Love,
​Jane
1 Comment
<<Previous
    Picture
    on a journey toward zero-waste, simplicity, + compassion :: daring to choose fair one choice at a time
    substack
    Picture
    Picture


    categories

    All
    Fair Brands
    Fairdare
    Garden
    Made
    Reads
    Simple Budget
    Simple Holidays
    Simple Home
    Simple Wardrobe
    Simply Said
    Sustainable Self
    Wanderings
    Yum
    Zero Waste

    archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    all images by jane unless otherwise noted. copyright 2024.
Proudly powered by Weebly