The new year is often a great place to start fresh on intentions for the year. For some, that may look like making their home more sustainable, but that task can sometimes feel insurmountable.
“When I first started [a sustainable lifestyle], I was doing everything at once and it can be really overwhelming,” says Sarah Mayerhofer, the sustainability coordinator of Kanbe’s Markets, a local nonprofit that looks to solve food insecurity. “If you take it section by section and piece by piece, it’s a lot less overwhelming that way.”
Sarah, who has a master’s degree in sustainability leadership, moved in Kansas City from Long Island in March for her job with Kanbe’s Markets. She actually met the founder of the nonprofit through Instagram, where she runs an account dedicated to sustainability, @sastinable.
“These issues are so overwhelming that people feel like they can’t do anything,” says Sarah. “I like to provide actual tips and action. I just think it’s exciting that once people are aware of issues, they make a conscious effort to change their ways. I think sometimes it just takes someone to highlight issues.”
While sometimes it can feel pointless to make sustainable changes at home when just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, Sarah doesn’t feel that way. She enjoys her responsibility with her job redirecting food waste at Kanbe’s and she’s fostered a community both here in Kansas City and on Instagram among other people who feel the same way.
“Our vote really is in our dollar,” says Sarah, “So the companies we support, or the food we’re buying or who we’re voting for is the most powerful part of being an individual when it comes to the environment.”
Setting Up Your Sustainable Home
Introducing more sustainable practices into your home can feel overwhelming. Sarah recommends introducing one thing at a time into your lifestyle. Here are a few great products to start with.
1. Reusable cotton totes or mesh produce bags: Many of us have been using these for years, though pandemic protocol may have you out of practice with them. It’s time to break them out again (though maybe run them through the washer first).
2. Stainless steel razors: Go old school by replacing your disposable razor with a stainless steel one, like this one from LEAF, with recyclable and reusable blades. Just be careful — they can be much sharper than your disposable kind!
3. Bamboo toothbrushes: Ditch your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one, which is made of fast-growing wood. Plus, it’s more aesthetically pleasing, too.
4. Reusable q-tips: Yes, they make silicone q-tips! These are simple items to introduce into your routine, replacing the disposable kind.
5. Bamboo utensils: If you’re ready to ditch flimsy plastic cutlery and don’t love bringing your nice metal silverware into work, bamboo can be a nice lightweight option. Bonus: The wood is naturally antimicrobial!
6. Bar soap: Soap in solid form fell out of trend for many years, but those trying to introduce more sustainable practices love it for its lack of packaging. It’s also easy to find from local makers and often has less harmful chemicals than liquid soap.
Simple Items to Replace in your Home
Reusable food storage: There are some great reusable ways to store food without resorting to plastic wrap or plastic sandwich bags. Glass mason jars are a tried-and-true staple, and silicone plastic bags are great for snacks on the go. Sarah also like these wax food wraps, which are great for wrapping produce and sandwiches.
Solar charger: Introducing a small bit of solar power can be a cool way to experiment with renewable energy in your own home! Sarah places this Grouphug solar charger in a sunny window to charge her phone.
Reusable cotton pads: Disposable cotton balls or wipes can be something you use every single day when removing make-up. Sarah made these cotton pads from old bedsheets, but if you don’t want to make your own, you can find them on Etsy.
Sarah Mayerhofer’s tips for a more sustainable lifestyle
Be less wasteful
If you’re looking to reduce your waste, look at what you toss — are there a few particular items that you throw out often? If you find you throw out a lot of food, you may want to look into creating a compost pile, compost pick up, or ways to reuse your food scraps. You’d be surprised how many solutions you can create.
Be mindful
Changing your mindset on how you approach certain tasks can change a great deal of your life and how much you waste. Be intentional with what you purchase. Is there a glass or aluminum option instead of plastic? Can you refill the soap you ran out of before buying a new container?
Be prepared
Set aside items that you need for your everyday life such as utensils, straws, napkins, or produce bags and leave them in your car or purse. If you make a routine out of restocking your supplies, you will drastically cut down on waste.
Be resourceful
A common misconception of the low-waste/zero-waste world is that it must look a certain way. The best way to reduce your waste is to use what you already have. Reusing instead of recycling is also a great way to prevent buying new products. For example, I wash and sanitize my glass containers and use them as drinking glasses, vases, and storage.
Get more tips from Sarah by following her on Instagram @sastinable
