Start the year off with resolutions that stick, and reduce waste while you're at it! Eleisha and Ali are back from their break to share the ultimate beginner’s guide to low-waste living. Whether you’re new to this lifestyle or need a refresher, this episode breaks down the "5 Rs" of waste reduction and offers actionable tips for making sustainable choices that fit into your daily routine.

Key Takeaways

• The 5 Rs of Low-Waste Living: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.
• Trash audits: Analyze your household waste to pinpoint where you can cut back.
• Upcycling wins: Ali’s DIY yoga bolster shows how repurposing old items can be both functional and chic.
• Composting clarity: It’s not just for food scraps—you can include natural textiles, bamboo toothbrushes, and more.
• Start small: Swap paper towels for cloth rags, shop secondhand, or simply refuse freebies you don’t need.

Links

• World Waste Statistics
• Global Waste Management Outlook
• 2022 EPA Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15
• Join or find a Buy Nothing group: https://buynothingproject.org
• Compost services and tips: EPA Composting Guide
• Refilleries near you: Low-Waste Store Locator
• Learn more about Eleisha’s refillery and shop: mainlineshift.com
• Follow Ali’s viral upcycling tips on social media: @tiny_waste

Join the Conversation

Are you planning to lower your waste this year? Share your progress or tips with us on social media @OneCanHopePodcast!

Join Eleisha and Ali as they explore the holiday tradition of gift wrapping and its surprising environmental impact. From the history of wrapping paper to sustainable alternatives like cloth wraps and reused materials, this episode is full of tips to help you reduce waste without sacrificing the joy of giving.

Key Takeaways

• Wrapping Paper Waste: Discover just how much wrapping paper is used annually and why most of it isn't recyclable.
• The Crumple Test: A simple trick to determine if your wrapping paper can be recycled.
• Sustainable Wrapping Alternatives: From fabric wraps to maps, discover creative and budget-friendly ideas to replace traditional wrapping paper.
• Cloth Wrapping Benefits: Learn how cloth wrapping can reduce waste, be reused for years, and even support sensory needs or arthritis-friendly gifting.
• History of Wrapping: Did you know wrapping paper originated in second-century China? Plus, hear about the Japanese tradition of furoshiki and its modern sustainable revival.

Links

• Wrapping Paper Waste
• Distance to the Moon
• Sundale Research

• Gift Wrap Origins
• Hallmark's Hand in Modern Gift Wrapping
• Recycling Gift Wrap
• Learn more about Eleisha’s refillery and shop: ⁠⁠mainlineshift.com⁠⁠
• Follow Ali’s viral upcycling tips on social media: @tiny_waste

Join the Conversation

How do you wrap your gifts? Share your favorite sustainable wrapping ideas by tagging us on social media: @OneCanHopePodcast.

Reimagine the magic of the holiday season with a sustainable twist! Eleisha and Ali revisit the 12 Days of Christmas, unraveling its bird-heavy gift list with humor and insight, while sharing thoughtful ways to modernize your traditions.

Key Takeaways

• The 12 Days of Sustainability: A tongue-in-cheek look at what’s practical, what’s whimsical, and what needs a modern update from this classic carol.
• Personalized Traditions: Make memories that matter with unique holiday activities, like scavenger hunts and family-made gifts.
• DIY Advent Calendars: Creative ideas for countdown calendars that are fun, personal, and reusable.

• Eco-Friendly Cards: Ideas for reducing the environmental impact of greeting cards without losing the joy of connection.

Links

• Turtle Dove Conservation Efforts

• Methane from Cows

• Check out Eleisha’s refillery and sustainable goods shop: mainlineshift.com
• Follow Ali’s viral upcycling tips on social media: @tiny_waste