Blog – Sustainable In The Suburbs

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    How to Use Beeswax Wraps (and Keep Food Fresh Without Plastic)

    Learn how to use beeswax wraps for fresher food, less waste, and a simpler kitchen routine. This plastic-free swap is versatile, reusable, and naturally keeps food fresh longer — helping you save money, cut down on single-use plastics, and prevent food waste at home.

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    Lend What You Have, Borrow What You Need: Rent Instead of Buy for Sustainable Living

    Owning less doesn’t mean going without. LEND-IT.CA makes it easy to rent instead of buy — borrow tools, baby gear, or party supplies when you need them, and earn by listing what you already have. It’s a simple, community-powered way to live more sustainably.

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    Plastic Free July: 31 Easy Swaps to Reduce Plastic Waste

    Avoiding plastic can feel overwhelming, but sustainable living isn’t about perfection. It’s about noticing what you use, making small changes, and doing what you can with what you have. This post shares 31 easy ways to reduce plastic waste at home, at work, and on the go.

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    How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate Action

    Feeling overwhelmed by climate change? This post introduces the Climate Action Venn Diagram — a simple, joyful framework to help you start living more sustainably in a way that aligns with your skills, interests, and capacity. No pressure, no perfection — just a clear starting point that actually fits your life.

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    No Mow May Explained: Skip the Mower, Feed the Bees, and Help the Planet

    No Mow May is a simple way to support pollinators, conserve resources, and rethink the purpose of your lawn. By skipping the mower, even for a month, you’re helping shift suburban norms toward something more sustainable, beautiful, and alive. Let your yard do more this spring!

  • Plastic-Free Pantry: How to Refill Your Own Containers

    Want to reduce waste and create a plastic-free pantry? Refilling your own containers cuts down on single-use packaging and saves money. Learn which containers work best, how to shop efficiently at refill stores, and simple tips to keep your pantry organized, sustainable, and stocked with your favourite essentials.

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    Easy Egg Substitutes for Baking: Budget-Friendly, Plant-Based Alternatives

    Looking for easy, budget-friendly egg substitutes for baking? Flaxseed, aquafaba, mashed banana, and psyllium husk are simple swaps that deliver great results. Whether you’re cutting costs, embracing plant-based baking, or both, these alternatives will keep your favourite recipes delicious while reducing your environmental impact.

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    Soap Nuts for Laundry: A Natural, Non-Toxic Way to Clean Your Clothes

    Soap nuts are a natural, sustainable, and non-toxic alternative to conventional laundry detergent. Gentle on skin and tough on stains, they’re easy to use and compostable when you’re done. Learn how to use soap nuts for laundry and why they’re a simple swap for a greener, cleaner home.

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    Creating a Sustainable Kitchen: 11 Ways to Reuse Food Scraps

    Reusing food scraps is an easy way to cut waste, save money, and get creative in the kitchen! From homemade veggie broth to natural cleaners and even DIY veggie chips, this post shares 11 easy ways to make the most of every last bit. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you!

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    10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money

    Looking to save money and reduce waste in the kitchen? These simple zero-waste swaps will help you cut down on single-use plastics, make the most of your groceries, and keep more cash in your pocket. From reusable wraps to clever food storage tips, these swaps are easy and effective!

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    Buy Canadian: Sustainable Fashion, Eco-Friendly Home Goods, Clean Beauty, and Zero Waste Shops

    That title is certainly a mouthful, but here it is – a very big list of sustainable Canadian brands! Given recent trade tensions, Canadians are rallying around the growing #BuyCanadian movement and I could not be happier about it. Choosing to support Canadian businesses isn’t just a patriotic gesture – voting with your dollar is…

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    Zero Waste Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating love, whether romantic or platonic, for the people who matter most. Instead, it has morphed into a holiday that is more about consumerism and consumption than genuine connection. With all that consumption comes a lot of unnecessary waste, from plastic-wrapped candies and cheap trinkets, to the environmental and ethical…

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    How to Host a Clothing Swap

    We all have clothing we are not wearing. Buying fewer items (of better quality) is one part of the solution, but making the most of what already exists is another. Have you ever considered swapping clothing with your friends?

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    How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (And Why You Should)

    Quitting Amazon isn’t easy, but small changes in our consumption habits can make a big impact! This guide offers 7 practical steps to reducing reliance on Amazon. Start where you can and celebrate every step toward more mindful shopping.

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    How to Clean a Wooden Dish Brush

    Natural dish brushes are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, made from renewable materials like wood and plant fibres. They’re biodegradable, durable, and free from harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for your home and the planet. Here’s how to care for them to make them last for years!

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    How to Knit a Dish Cloth

    Knitting your own reusable cloths is an easy beginner project that can help you learn a new skill and reduce waste at the same time. Already a knitter? You’ll have a stack in no time with this simple pattern.

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    25 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle

    Whether you call them resolutions, intentions, or goals, there is just something in the air this time of year – a collective feeling of reflection and possibility. We feel the itch to make lofty changes that we hope will benefit us, but these often fall by the wayside as January drags on and on and on… This year, why not commit to making small changes to your daily routine to benefit both yourself and the planet?

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    Seasonal Decor – Salt Dough Ornaments

    Salt dough ornaments are a simple, eco-friendly way to decorate for the holidays. Made with pantry staples, they’re customizable, compostable, and perfect for adding a personal, sustainable touch to your seasonal decor.

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    How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting

    If you’re looking for an easy, eco-friendly way to bring a little nature into your holiday decorating, look no further than pine cones! These natural beauties are perfect for everything from wreaths to centrepieces, even my wedding bouquet! They are free, sustainable, and 100% plastic-free. Before you start using them, though, it’s important to know…

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    6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar

    There is something undeniably charming about a gift in a jar. They are simple, thoughtful, and perfect for adding a personal touch! From cozy simmer pots that fill the home with festive scents to delicious treats and comforting beverages, there are countless recipes for a gift in a jar that are sure to delight everyone…

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    Should You Give Secondhand Gifts?

    Explore the benefits of giving secondhand gifts! Learn how thrifted treasures can promote sustainability, save money, and show you care.

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    Gift in a Jar – Cozy Holiday Simmer Pot

    Create a sustainable “gift in a jar” with this all-natural simmer pot recipe for a cozy holiday feeling – perfect for everyone on your list!

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    Gift in a Jar – Gingerbread Cookie Simmer Pot

    Create a cozy holiday vibe with this DIY gingerbread simmer pot! This natural “gift in a jar” fills any home with the warm, inviting scent of gingerbread cookies. Perfect for eco-friendly gift-giving, it’s easy to make, reusable, and sure to spread holiday cheer.

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    Gift in a Jar – Mulling Spices for Hot Apple Cider

    Gift giving doesn’t have to be wasteful! This holiday season, create thoughtful and sustainable presents with homemade mulled apple cider spice jars. Packed with fragrant spices and dried fruits, they’re easy to assemble, low-waste, and sure to spread warmth and cheer to your loved ones. Get the recipe here!

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    Why You Shouldn’t Rake Your Leaves

    Before you grab that rake this fall, consider leaving your leaves where they land! Not only does it save time, but it also creates a thriving habitat for insects, improves soil health, and supports biodiversity. Let nature do the work—your garden, local wildlife, and the environment will thank you!

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    What to Make with Pumpkin Purée – Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

    Nearly 2 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in U.S. landfills each year. Instead of letting yours go to waste, turn them into tasty treats like chocolate pumpkin muffins! Learn how to make pumpkin purée, batch cook, and freeze leftovers for easy, waste-free snacks that help reduce food waste.

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    Meatless Monday – Tofu Souvlaki

    Do you *have to* go vegan to save the planet? No! Even just a few plant-based meals a week makes a big difference. If you are new tofu, this tofu souvlaki recipe is simple and DELICIOUS way to get started. Winner winner, plant-based dinner!

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    Gift in a Jar – Lavender Bath Salts

    Lavender bath salts make a relaxing and thoughtful gift for any occasion. This simple DIY project combines soothing lavender with natural salts to create a calming experience. Whether you’re gifting to friends, family, or yourself, these bath salts offer the perfect way to unwind while embracing a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to self-care.

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    Safe Nesting Materials For Birds

    Looking to attract more birds to your yard this spring? It’s easier than you think. Here are some quick tips (including what NOT to do) to get your started!

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    How to Care for Your Wooden Utensils

    Wooden spoons are the quintessential kitchen tool. My favourite wooden utensil is a spoon that was my grandmother’s, and with good care, it should last for my lifetime too. Try these tips and my DIY wood conditioner recipe to keep yours in good shape for years to come!

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    30 Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Kids

    Stockings are a fun way to create new eco-conscious holiday traditions and begin the shift toward more mindful and low waste gift giving. Rather than plastic dollar store trinkets, fewer (but better quality) items that can be used throughout the year can be much more fun. Here are 30+ eco-friendly stocking stuffer ideas for kids!

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    Gift in a Jar – Holiday Tea Blend

    Consumable gifts are a great low waste option – who doesn’t like food?! Or a free jar? Gifts in jars are inexpensive, but made with intention and given with love. This holiday tea blend, full of warming spices and flavours, is a great gift for teachers, neighbours, friends, and family!

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    Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

    Supporting small businesses is always important, but especially now. When you buy from a local business, you keep money in your community rather than making large corporations even richer. This holiday season, avoid major online retailers and focus instead on quality over quantity from small businesses!

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    How to Create Eco-Friendly Holiday Traditions

    Embracing the rhythms of winter is key to creating eco-conscious holiday traditions. Rather than getting carried away by the holiday rush, use this time as an opportunity to create the kind of holiday season you truly want – one focused on the magic of family and togetherness instead of stuff.

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    The Best Tofurky Roast Recipe for a Vegan Holiday Dinner

    No matter where you are in your plant-based journey, the holidays can be tricky! Bringing something you can eat and everyone can share is a great way to navigate mixed gatherings. This recipe for the classic Tofurky holiday roast is a sure crowd pleaser for your holiday table!

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    3 Ways to Have a Zero Waste Period

    Switching to reusables for your period is a great way to reduce waste, save money, and learn more about your body. Click through for a round up of the top 3 ways to have a zero waste period!

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    How To Do A Trash Audit (With Kids!)

    Looking for something to get you started going zero waste with kids? A household trash audit is a great place to start! Get a clear picture of what you are throwing away each week and brainstorm ways to reduce it together. Click through for instructions and a free worksheet!

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    How to Have a Zero Waste Period – Period Underwear

    Switching to reusables for your period is a great way to reduce waste, save money, and learn more about your body. Click through for an in depth look at reusable period underwear, including how to choose, use, and clean them.

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    How to Have a Zero Waste Period – Cloth Pads

    Switching to reusables for your period is a great way to reduce waste, save money, and learn more about your body. Click through for an in depth look at reusable cloth pads, including how to choose, use, and clean them.

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    How to Have a Zero Waste Period – Menstrual Cups

    Switching to reusables for your period is a great way to reduce waste, save money, and learn more about your body. Click through for an in depth look at menstrual cups and why I love mine!

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    4 Ways to Have a Green Holiday Season

    The holiday season has so many opportunities to be green beyond eco-friendly gifts, wrapping, or decorations. Work some of these broader themes into your holiday break to start the new year off with a sustainable mindset.

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    What is the Most Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree?

    All things holiday-related are up for examination when you decide to shift to a low waste lifestyle, and Christmas trees are no exception. So what kind of Christmas tree is the most environmentally friendly? The answer might surprise you!

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    Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas

    Switch to eco-friendly gift wrapping alternatives to reduce waste and save money this holiday season! Check out these 5 different options for recyclable and reusable gift wrapping alternatives.

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    Seasonal Decor – Dried Orange Slices

    Dried orange slices are the perfect eco-friendly holiday decoration. Follow this quick and easy tutorial to make your own!

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    How to Prevent Food Waste with Kids

    Preventing food waste with kids can be challenging, but it is also an amazing opportunity to learn about how food grows, food systems, food justice, and sustainable habits together. Check out these 3 learning activities and tons of tips on how to prevent food waste with kids.

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    What to Do with Your Pumpkin After Halloween

    Wondering what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween? Learn how to reduce food waste and give it a second life through cooking or composting.

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    Seasonal Decor – How to Make a Trash Pumpkin

    Hello October! Around this time last year, my friend Ellen took the world on a journey in her Instagram stories when she documented her creation of a trash pumpkin. Yes – a pumpkin made of garbage. While I prefer holiday decor to be natural materials (think gourds, pumpkins, leaves, pine cones, evergreen boughs, dried orange…

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    Preserving the Harvest – How to Dry Chili Peppers

    Dehydrating can be an easy way to store food for another season, and you don’t always need a fancy machine or have to run your oven all day to do it. Air drying is quick, easy, and best of all FREE!

  • Yes, We Still Use Toilet Paper!

    Here’s a bulk purchase you may not have considered…toilet paper. While I would love to get the whole family on board with using family cloth in addition our bidet attachment, they just aren’t there yet. We have eliminated paper towels, but toilet paper is a bridge too far…for now.

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    How to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch

    Packing school lunches doesn’t have to mean endless plastic bags and wrappers. With a little planning and the right tools, you can send your kids with healthy, waste-free meals that save money and cut down on clutter. Here’s how to make zero waste lunches simple and doable.

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Low Waste Laundry

    Laundry is the chore than never ends, isn’t it? It takes a lot of energy (literally and figuratively), but adapting your routine for low waste living is more sustainable for both your lifestyle and the planet. Included in this guide are all options that I have tried and/or currently do. Find what works for you!

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    An Almost Zero Waste Wedding

    Having recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, I thought I would share some of the things we did to have a (nearly) zero waste wedding ceremony way back in 2010. With small, backyard weddings gaining in popularity (especially during Covid), approaching the day with a low waste mindset has never been easier. This is not…

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    50 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable

    The zero waste movement can be hyper-focused on plastic and personal trash, but for most of us, fitting a year’s worth of trash into a mason jar is simply impossible. Not to worry! There are SO MANY things you can do that have nothing to do with packaging – here are 50 ideas to get you started today.

  • A (Nearly) Zero Waste Dog

    We adopted our sweet girl in June of 2019 from a great locally-based rescue called Save Our Scruff. She is a Belgian Malinois cross from a shelter in Mexico and the snuggliest dog of all time. Jazz is a member of our family and of course we try to keep it low waste with her…

  • How to Drive Less in the Suburbs

    Suburbs were designed with cars in mind. Roads, parking lots, driveways, and 2-car+ garages on homes all prioritize cars over people. Living car-free seems like only something someone living in a city with a great transit system (and probably no kids) can do. But what if we shifted our mindset from going completely car-less to…

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    Sustainable Decluttering – An Eco-Friendly Approach to Letting Things Go

    It’s that time of year again, when we realize we may have overdone it and are faced with holiday debt and even more stuff. Decluttering becomes a main topic of conversation in January for a reason – it is now part of the buying cycle. Instead, let’s shut off the consumerism tap and be mindful of the water we are using, so to speak. The metaphorical sink is overflowing and there is simply too much stuff. Here are 7 ways to actively declutter the eco-friendly way!

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    Gift in a Jar – Oat Bars

    Looking for an easy, thoughtful, and delicious gift? These DIY oat bars in a jar are perfect for friends, family, or teachers! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty, homemade gift that’s both sustainable and budget-friendly.

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    Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids

    The holiday season presents a challenge when shifting to a low waste lifestyle with kids. Older children in particular have developed expectations about receiving gifts and are around peers with different experiences. Now is a good time to model giving eco-friendly gifts with intention and showing that the meaning of gifts can (and should) go beyond the physical item.

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    25 Healthy Snacks for Zero Waste School Lunches

    Snacks are the KEY to a litterless school lunch. Here are 25 quick and easy options, even if you don’t have a bulk store nearby.

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    10 Tips for Going Zero Waste with Kids

    A common refrain is that a low waste lifestyle with kids is too hard, but says who? It doesn’t have to be that way! Check out these 10 tips for how to go zero waste with kids.

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    Defining Clutter

    There is a push and pull relationship between zero waste and minimalism – for me anyway. I started this post back in January, when everyone was watching Tidying Up and I was feeling the itch to tackle the stuff that is everywhere…again. I struggle with competing feelings of wanting to let go of items I…

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    Thrift Shopping for Kids

    Thrift shopping for kids is a fantastic way to score stylish, budget-friendly clothing and toys. Not only do you save money, but you also contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing waste. Join the “secondhand first” movement and discover how thrifting is both fun and eco-friendly for your family!

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    Compost Soup – How to Make Vegetable Broth from Scraps

    Making vegetable broth from scraps is an easy low waste swap and a great way to reduce food waste! Click through for stove top and Instant Pot direction to make this liquid gold.

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    How to Have a Zero Waste Birthday Party for Kids

    Is a zero waste birthday party for kids really possible? Yes, with the caveat that there is no such thing as zero waste. As with many things, we have come to realize over the last few years that we can only control our waste output. Instead, we quietly lead by example with our actions in…

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    Choose Your Own Adventure – Becoming a Zero Waste Family

    Moving toward a low waste lifestyle requires major changes, both in mindset and habits. We have to look at the way we are doing things, consider our values and priorities, examine and select alternative methods, and make it the new normal. These things take both time and work. There are so many zero waste tips…

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    Zero Waste Halloween Roundup

    Halloween is a scary time these days. Ghouls, ghosts, and witches have been replaced by sugar, palm oil, and plastic. But have no fear! A low waste Halloween is possible. Whether you have kids of your own, kids in your life, or love being a kid yourself on Halloween, you can lower your ecological footprint…

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    where to begin?

    I am not sure where to begin with this blog. Struggling with perfection and wanting to say everything all at once. It feels a lot like when I first leaned into the zero waste lifestyle – wanting everything to be perfect and beautiful for Instagram, and fit all our waste into a mason jar right…