5 Easy Eco-Swaps with MightyFix
5-EASY eco-swaps ANYONE can do!
Can you believe how fast this year has gone by? It’s already the middle of October, and I’ve been reflecting on goals I set earlier this year. The biggest one was making eco-swaps in my home to reduce our waste, which is what I want to highlight today.
I want to share a part of my journey with you, and 5 of my favorite swaps I found with the help of MightyNest and their MightyFix subscription box. Keep reading for a special discount code :)
Immediately after signing the lease to our Japanese home, we were put into a trash organizing “crash course” at our realtor’s office. She explained how we needed to separate our trash into 9 categories, showed us how to break down packages, wash them, then put them in their designated bins. It was quite overwhelming and a big adjustment at first!
I am faced with my own waste over, and over, and over again. It’s hard to explain what this experience was like, but when your trash starts piling up because you can only take it out on certain days, and you're managing 9 trash bins… you get desperate to find ways to reduce it. I’m embarrassed it took something like this, as an adult, to realize just how wasteful the life I was living was.
Now.. I don’t want this to come off as I am perfect in any way or an expert, but I truly think the swaps I have found with the help of the MightyFix are easy enough that ANYONE can try them!
Get your first Fix for $3 here!
Funny story: I found out about MightyFix on instagram through one of you! She saw me struggling and overwhelmed with options to swap, and recommended their services. Soon, my mother-in-law gifted us a year of the MightyFix. Once I got my first box, I knew I had to integrate them into my lifestyle and my content.
WHAT IS THE MIGHTYFIX?
The MightyFix is a monthly subscription box that helps you reduce single-use plastic and eliminate toxins from your home! It’s an effortless way to become mindful. They also have a full shop on MightyNest.com where you can add sustainable items to your existing subscription (or shop separately). You can ship everything at once to save on shipping (and reduce waste!), they support small businesses, and most importantly, support your journey in a non-judgemental way.
I feel supported by their team through my journey, and never feel judged. They put emphasis on any small change to seek progress, not perfection. It has made a huge impact on our lives and we use these items every single day.
Let’s talk about my favorite swaps that we discovered through the MightyFix
REPLACE PAPER TOWELS with TIDY DISH CLOTHS! These are amazing and save about 3,000 single-use paper towels each year per person!!
REPLACE DISH SOAP IN A PLASTIC BOTTLE with the MELIORA DISH SOAP BAR. We got this dish soap and a cedar tray in one of our Fixes and prefer it for so many reasons. Not only gets rid of plastic bottles, but supports a small business and lasts much longer.
REPLACE ZIPLOCKS with STASHER SILICONE BAGS. These save so much money and single-use plastic. We use these for snacks, food while camping; I've even bought a larger size and used it to keep my phone safe during messy outdoor activities / weather. You can use these for so many things over and over again. PSST! They are really satisfying to open and close!
REPLACE SPONGES AND PAPER TOWELS with SWEDISH DISHCLOTHS. Not only are the patterns on this aesthetically pleasing, but this swap saves money and is compostable at the end of its life cycle.
REPLACE CHEMICAL CLEANERS with MELIORA ALL PURPOSE CLEANER: another favorite for us that we would not have found without the help of the MightyFix! This is an all-purpose cleaner that is non-toxic. When it runs out, you refill the glass bottle with soap flakes that come in a cardboard container. Another way to get rid of a household plastic item!
You can try the MightyFix for $3 by using this link or code ECOSWAPS at checkout on mightynest.com!
I hope you join me in making small changes in your home, too! It has been a lot of fun, and a great way to make a difference in small ways. Let's end this year with some positive changes, together!
xX, Caitlin
If you’re interested in learning more about my experience with the MightyFix or seeing some of these swaps in action, you can watch a video HERE about easy eco-swaps in my home, and how we are actively trying to reduce our waste in Japan.
WATCH ME!
Atlas at Home
Ladder shelf in the bedroom ; similar style, darker wood - other buying options: 1, 2,
Moon-phase rug - machine washable :))
Living Room Rug - free shipping. If you sign up for emails you get another 10% off.
Office Rug, Geometric white and black - free shipping. If you sign up for emails you get another 10% off.
Fruit stand in the kitchen - ours is old, but this is SO similar!
TV Stand - this has moved 3 times with us. It’s awesome!
How I do my nails for $10
My biggest kept secret to my perfect manicure are THESE NAILS!!! I have been using these for YEARS off-and on, but it wasn’t until moving to Japan that these are how I’ve had to get a manicure. In Japan, a nail salon can run you $70 USD on average for a super basic gel manicure. I LOVE having my nails done, so this has been a beautifully cheap way for me to still have pretty hands. With everyone quarantined and normalizing press-on/glue-on nails, it seems appropriate for me to expose my favorite beauty hack/ secret :)))
If you want a shorter nails, I also like these. Anything from KISS is great!
**Disclaimer (I have to)! I am not a professional. I could be messing up my own nails, lol. I’m just telling you what works for me. You’re responsible for your own research.
Do your nails after you shower or take a bath, while your hands are soft.
After showering, immediately push cuticles back and trim them with tools like these.
Use some type of alcohol / nail polish remover / nail cleaner to make sure there isn’t anything on your nails (like old polish). Be sure they are clean and dry.
While they are clean, shape nails to make sure they are even.
With a fine grain file (there’s one inside the package), file the entire surface of your nail. This adds texture, so when you glue them on, they stay. They do this at the salon before adding gel polish or tips - same idea!
Match the fake nails to your real nail before gluing … set them out in order to stay organized (this step is optional.. you can easily do them as you go! I just find this to help the process go faster).
Put 1-2 drops of glue on the FAKE NAIL near the base (bottom). Glue comes with the nails!
Use the tip of the glue applicator to “paint” and evenly distribute the glue on the inside of the fake nail. You only need most of the glue on the bottom half of the nail - not the tip.
Place the nails on at an angle. Start by lining them up at the nail bed/cuticle area, lay them flat, checking for bubbles.
Use your thumb to press the fake nail firmly, and hold for 5-10 seconds.
Repeat until nails are done.
Uses lotion!
These last me 2-3 weeks!
If you get any superglue stuck on you or around your nail bed: keep Q-tips handy, soak them, and diligently get the glue off. Don’t stress out if they aren’t perfect the first time.. They take practice! Tag me in your pretty manicures!
xX - Caitlin
double cleansing and my oil-based skincare routine
double cleansing and using oil as moisturizers
SKINCARE ROUTINE BELOW!!
* disclaimer * it does not cost you anything to use the links I provided, but I do make a really small commission off anything you purchase through those links. Think of it like… “thanks for the tips, girl! Your next matcha is on me!”
I am not providing this information as a cure-all! I am sharing my personal skincare routine as it has worked for me this way. I hope you see the same results on your skincare journey!
WHAT MY SKIN IS LIKE
My skin craves hydration, but is naturally oily (I classify myself as combination), so I have trouble with moisturizers.
When my skin is dry, it gets really flaky, but the next week it could be oily! Also, when it is oily, for some reason still feels sooooo dry. Ever since I started this oil-based skincare routine, my skin has TOTALLY evened out and is now balanced AF. I really hope this helps you. You shouldn’t be scared to try oils just because you think your skin is oily… sometimes your skin is overproducing oil because the products you’re using aren’t actually working.
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLEANSING?
The use of a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water to break down dirt, oils, SPF. on your skin first. The second step to the cleansing is using a water based facial wash to get a deeper clean.
If this sounds confusing let me break it down to something easier to process (this is how I understood it best). Using an oil to clean your face essentially lifts all the nasty gunk off your skin - makeup, sunscreen, dirt, etc. It separates/ lift these things FROM your skin, this way, when you actually wash your face with a cleanser, the cleanser does it’s intended job - clean your face. How can washing your face once actually get rid of everything it’s been exposed to all day? It can’t. This is why double cleansing, AND using oils to hydrate + fight fine lines have saved my skin.
MY OIL-BASED SKINCARE ROUTINE AT NIGHT
I oil cleanse with this oil , its $9.99.
At the end of they day, with a regular face of makeup on, I use this oil to drench my face + neck. I don’t have a specific amount I use… I just make sure my skin is nice and covered in the product. I gently massage my face and neck, making sure it breaks down all of my makeup.
Once your make up is broken down (literally it will just smear all over your face, lol), start using warm(ish) water to dilute it. You won’t get it all off (oil + water don’t mix ;)
Now we’re going to WASH OUR FACE! I use this face wash (omg, guys it’s SO good, and lasts forever!!!!). You’ll still have oil on your skin when you start to wash your face but that’s totally fine! The oil isn’t hurting your skin. Lather. Rinse. Pat dry.
I use this toner. It is a moisture-replenishing toner that restores natural pH balance as it rejuvenates environmentally stressed skin.
I use a combination of three oils to moisturize my face, neck, and chest (listed below). I mix equal parts of each oil and put them on all at once; I don’t layer them like most skincare routines. I put a few drops of each in my palm, rub my hands together to warm it up, and use my PALMS (not fingers) to press and rub the oil….. everywhere I can.. lol! I cover my face, lips, eyes, eyebrows, neck, chest, and if there’s product leftover, or areas my skin is dry, I put it on my hands and elbows.
OILS I MIX/USE: ALL ARE NONCOMEDOGENIC MEANING THEY WON’T CLOG YOUR PORES (THEY EMULATE NATURAL OILS WE ALREADY HAVE ON OUR SKIN, NOT COMBAT THEM).
THIS JOJOBA OIL $9/99 : look familiar? That’s because this is the same oil you used earlier to cleanse your face!
HYDRATING
NUTRITIOUS: full of Vitamin E and B, antioxidants and minerals to nourish and protect skin. The vitamins also help skin repair and with damage control.
ANTI-AGING: it’s been proven to reduce superficial facial lines with consistent use (I have seen these results myself)
RECOMMENDED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: it’s a really gentle and fast-absorbing oil
ANTI-MICROBIAL: naturally deters microbes, preventing the growth of bacteria on skin ~ helpful with acne and scaring!
THIS ROSEHIP OIL $12.95 :
HYDRATES: contains fatty acids that maintain soft subtle skin. you skin will DRINK THIS UP!
MOISTURIZES: locks in hydration which is an anti-aging property
RICH IN VITAMIN A and C which means it boosts the formation of collagen (this is essential for skin elasticity and firmness).
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
PROTECTS AGAINST SUN DAMAGE (but does not replace sunscreen, yall!)
REDUCE HYPERPIGMENTATION
REDUCES SCARS AND FINE LINES: helps with tissue and cell regeneration in the skin (it has fatty acids and antioxidants)
THIS SQUALANE OIL: $11.95 :
HYDRATING: vibrant and healthier skin
ANTIOXIDANTS FIGHT SKIN DAMAGE
DETOXIFIER
BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
FIGHTS FINE LINES
LIGHTWEIGHT SO IT WON’T CLOG YOUR PORES
PENETRATES SKIN AND PORES AT A CELLULAR LEVEL (BUT NOT HEAVY)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: reduces redness and any swelling
YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR HAIR TO PREVENT BREAKAGE AND INCREASE SHINE
I also take Nutrafol for my hair/skin/ nails!
GO TO BED :)
MORNING ROUTINE
DO NOT WASH YOUR FACE!
This is sooooo important. You just let your skin “eat” overnight. You essentially just fed you skin with a lot of yummy nutrients overnight. Re-washing your face will only un-do what you did. Seriously, don’t wash your face.
Gently splash your face with warm(ish), not hot, water. I just splash my face to get crusties (is this a word??) off.
Mist face with this toner. It is a moisture-replenishing toner that restores natural pH balance as it rejuvenates environmentally stressed skin!
Moisturize with this lotion again.
This is the SPF I use- I AM OBSESSED! It is a tinted mineral SPF that is a mattifying primer (double win)! If you want to see my Japanese sunscreen picks, see this post.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions about this routine, or if I left anything important out! If you like my simple routine, you may want to check out this blog post on my simple, No Makeup, Makeup look!
~ Caitlin
EASY PRODUCT LIST:
NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP
SKIN
This leaves my face clean, but not dry. It always feel moisturized and really fresh, and even skin-tone.
CRUELTY FREE. The first toner I’ve used that doesn’t sting my skin or leave it feel irritated.
CRUELTY-FREE. This is one of the newest products I am using! I am OBSESSED with it. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and ‘awake.’ It combats environmental factors that can damage our skin (like pollution).
CRUELTY FREE. I recently started using this moisturizer after my husband fell in love with it. It encourages cell turnover which is great for combating fine lines and wrinkles!
CRUELTY FREE. If you have combination skin, you should try SUPERGOOP poreless primer with SPF 40! I am so obsessed with this product. It’s slightly tinted so it looks amazing by itself (beach day) or layered under foundation! I’ve been using this for 2 years.
CRUELTY FREE PRODUCT: I love this non-toxic concealer! I tried a lot of different brands before settling on this. It has light-medium coverage, build-able, it doesn’t crease, and is long-lasting. I only put this under my eyes and on trouble or red spots.
BROWS
BROW GEL - THIS HAS CHANGED MY BROW GAME!
I actually got a sample size of this over the holidays and it has changed everything for me. I back-comb this BEFORE applying my brow pencil. My eyebrows look more feathery and natural. The key is to use this BEFORE the brow pencil.
Love this because it’s build-able for natural brows and I loveeeeee the angled tip!
EYES
2 coats, always! Lots of volume + length, but also build-able! I’ve used this mascara for 3 years, and I’ve tried them all! This is the best - no clumps, it’s not sticky, will stay on all day.
“EYELINER”
I use my brow pencil for my eyeliner, too! I like products that have multiple end-uses. You save money and only have to keep up with a few things. It’s brown and will smudge if I want it to (I don’t like a harsh line), but will also be a solid line if that’s what I’m into. it will stay on alllll day, even through a workout.
This is the ONLY eye-shadow pallet I use. Its the perfect balance of warm neutrals for everyday looks.
GO-TO LIPS + CHEEKS
love this for long lasting + travel since it’s like a 2-in-1; I layer with with KOPARI coconut lip gloss love this for every day - especially events since it’s long-lasting.
OR
in TULIP
ALSO OBSESSED WITH THIS LIP PLUMPER IN DOLLY
It’s matte with true brown undertones (not orange), and smells like chocolate!
My entire routine takes less than 6 minutes :) ENJOY!
WATCH ME PUT MY MAKEUP ON HERE :)
Travel Credit Card Tips & Tricks
✅ MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT CARD POINTS
✅ UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE PORTAL
✅ DOUBLE DIP FOR EXTRA POINTS
✅ DON’T DO ANYTHING FOR FREE
Are you interested in getting a travel credit card, but are overwhelmed/ intimidated by ALL the options? Do you currently have a credit card, but aren’t sure if you’re maximizing your points?
I’m going to tell you a few things I've learned this year with my FIRST travel credit card, Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Before we get into tips/hacks, I by no means encourage anyone to get a credit card who doesn’t understand how they work. Here are the top rules of responsible credit card usage that ARE MY BIBLE (I’ll remind you of these at the end)!
NEVER buy anything you can’t pay cash for right then and there. EVER.
It’s simple! If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.
NEVER max out your card.
You only want to keep a balance that is 50% or LESS of your credit limit. If your limit is $2,000, and you spend $2,000, it doesn't look good to the credit card companies. You want to keep some type of balance (but obviously pay it off) without maxing it out.
ALWAYS pay your balance, every month, on time.
This tells the credit card companies that you will borrow their money and pay them back ASAP. This helps your credit, allows you to have higher limits in the future, and avoids interest charges.
NEVER use your credit card to make ends meet.
If the reason you want a credit card is to help you out of a bad situation, this will only make it worse.
Check your credit card statement REGULARLY.
Make sure you are aware of your spending and any fraudulent activities. Credit cards don’t require pin codes, and can be used anywhere.
DO make purchases you ALREADY make.
Make purchases on things that you would be buying ANYWAY. Don’t change your lifestyle by living above your means just because you have new plastic!
Extend your credit limit annually or bi-annually!
It doesn't cost anything or harm you by doing this EVER. If you only get approved for a $2,000 credit limit, in two years it could be extended to +$15,000 if you use it responsibly. My credit limit has tripled in a year because I use it correctly. I have the same spending habits I had a year ago, but my limit keeps extending.
EXAMPLE: Let’s say I only spend $20 on my credit card each month. Last year my limit was $100. I consistently spent and paid off that $20 each month. The next year I ask them to extend my limit. They see I have a good reputation, so they extend my limit to $500, then $1,000 the following year. I’m still only spending $20 a month on my credit card (the gap keeps getting bigger). This practice is crucial when you want to make a big purchase in the future. (see below when we bought our jeep!) Just because the credit limit is there NEVER means you should be using it!
MY FIRST CREDIT CARD: CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED
A year ago I decided to get a credit card, and was overwhelmed with the options (which is why I’m sure you’re here). I did research on the internet, asked co-workers, friends, family; I dug deep, so you don’t have to. I didn’t want anything complicated, with a ton of fees, or a secret interest rate in the fine print. I just wanted something simple, easy, idiot proof (lol), and R-E-W-A-R-D-I-N-G! I’m writing this to tell you that if you are considering an entry-level credit card, Chase Sapphire Preferred is your answer (it was mine!).
They kept it simple, and easy to understand.
Current offerings when you use my referral link: New customers earn 50,000 BONUS points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. — that's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® on top of the points you already get for each purchase.
BENEFITS!
EASY TIPS/ TRICKS to MAXIMIZE POINTS!
💸 TRAVEL: My points are worth 25% more in travel redemption. This means that if I have 25,000 points ( = $500) sitting on my account, and decide to use them towards travel, Chase will recognize the points at 25% more (31,250 points, or $625)! I always use my points for travel because that’s where this Chase Sapphire Preferred is most maximized.
💸 SHOPPING HACK: PAY ATTENTION… Another way to earn extra points for travel/shopping is by purchasing your flights, hotel, shopping online, THROUGH your Chase Sapphire Preferred portal. EXAMPLE: I use a general travel site, I will only get +1 Point per $1 spent. HERE’S THE HACK: by purchasing a flight through my chase portal, I usually get EXTRA points. This goes for almost other shopping you do! Shop on AMAZON? Sears? Do it all through your portal first, to get points on top of points. DOUBLE DIP AND MAXIMIZE THAT ISH! Most people don’t know this feature exists, or take the time to go through the portal :)
Check that out! If I was going to shop at Neiman Marcus, their offering 3 PTS per $1 spent, and Kiehl’s is offering 6 PTS per $1 through the portal. If you’re an online shopper ANYWAY, be sure to check your portal, first. There’s a lot of other familiar stores like ASOS.com and Levi’s, Home Depot, etc.
💸 ALWAYS PAY AT THE RESTAURANT!! Out with a group of friends? EVEN BETTER! I always snatch the bill and make everyone Venmo me :) So many benefits… you get extra dining points, it saves the waitress a headache splitting the checks, AND I get to make sure he/she gets 20% gratuity (gratuity counts towards your points at dining! :)
This can be applied to many things! At this time in life, I’m constantly going on destination birthday trips and bachelorettes. I always offer to book the hotel, concert tickets, restaurants, airbnb’s, etc. so I get the points on these big purchases. There is a sense of responsibility that comes with it (tracking everyone down to pay you), but that little work is worth it when you get kicked back a bunch of points :)
💸 PUT EVERYTHING ON YOUR CREDIT CARD… as long as you can pay cash for it right then and there! Start off by putting your normal, non-negotiable expenses on your credit card. You are already paying for gas, groceries, a gym membership, you might as well be getting credit for it! Anything you have drafting from your debit card, or things you ALREADY spend money on. Keep it simple before going for it (I currently ONLY use my credit card. I refuse to use my debit card for anything. now).
MY FAVORITE ADVICE FROM YOU!
@victoriafrena_
“…I negotiated a credit card fee reduction my second year and Right before m third year I downgraded that credit card to a freedom card which has no cost and opened up the reserve to get even more points”
@traveltartare
“It’s my favorite card so far! Made this trip (traveling for a year around the world) so much better for us!… get into the lounges (at the airport), it’s the BEST! That’s the card I used to get priority pass lounge access! Go to the benefits page on Chase website. It’s instant, quick, and easy.”
@joannabertram : “Shop around for credit cars! I have different cards that give me different different amount of points for different things. EX: I have a credit card I only use for gas bc it gives me 4% back!!! Obviously you… want to have a few & use them to buy what gives you the most points/cash back for that card… Also set up email or text purchase notifications can really help protect agains fraud. REMEMBER: Also, like most things, the right credit card combo is going to be different for different people. IT really depends on what you spend your money on.”
BIG PURCHASES WE USED OUR CREDIT CARD FOR TO MAXIMIZE POINTS WITHOUT BEING IN DEBT
💸 WE PAID FOR OUR WEDDING without being in DEBT. Last year, my husband and I paid cash for our wedding. ZERO DEBT. As soon as we got engaged we started aggressively saving. Once we knew bigger purchases were in the near future, I applied for this credit card. We needed to spend $3,000 in the first 3 months to get back $1000 (promo at the time). We put everything for the wedding on the CC, and paid it off immediately!! This is a strategy we will always practice, and I encourage you to abide by. We were spending the money ANYWAY, so why not get rewarded for it? We EASILY hit our mark, and bought flights to Hawaii with the vouchers we got!
💸 SPONTANEOUSLY BOUGHT PLANE TICKETS TO JAPAN without being in DEBT. I went through the portal on Chase.com, and saw that I had $200 in travel points to use. The points accumulated just by using my credit card for normal purchases at the gas station, grocery store, and my gym membership. The flights were already cheap, but I got a extra points a few ways:
1.) Used my points to get $200 off total purchase
2.) I EARNED points just by purchasing the flights on my CC
3.) I earned EXTRA points by going through the portal instead of a regular airline
4.) I still got my loyalty flyer points through American Airlines
So.. YAAAA, we’re going to JAPAN ON FRIDAY!!
💸 WE USED OUR CREDIT CARD TO PUT A DOWN PAYMENT ON OUR JEEP, then we paid it off immediately (literally swiped my card then paid it off before we walked out of the building) ZERO DEBT. Earlier in the post, I talked about credit limit extensions and how they are important over time. Because I was able to keep extending my limit, we were able to use my credit card to put the down payment of our jeep on it. Had I not practiced good responsibility and loyalty to my Credit Card company, they would have never extended my limit! This was a huge purchase we planned ahead of time; we saved, we didn't use it to make ends meet. We did it because it was strategic, and earned a SH!T ton of points this way… :)
QUESTIONS FROM INSTAGRAM
Does the card you use have an annual fee?
YES! It was waived the first year. Now it is $95 a year. To be honest, using my card regularly for everyday expenses like gas, groceries, bills, gym membership, pays for the annual fee, easily!
What card do you have?
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED (for now :)
What in the heck did you mean when you said double dip?!
Going through the portal to make your purchases! You will get points for the purchases, and additional points for using the portal!
Any negatives to signing up?
I haven’t experienced any!
let’s revisit my (and hopefully one day, YOUR)…
CREDIT CARD BIBLE
NEVER buy anything you can’t pay cash for right then and there. EVER.
NEVER max out your card (this also show’s you’re responsible).
ALWAYS pay your balance, every month, on time.
NEVER use your credit card to make ends meet.
Check your credit card statement REGULARLY.
DO make purchases you ALREADY make.
Extend your credit limit annually or bi-annually!
💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸
Earn 50,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can be rewarded too if you apply here and are approved for the card. Learn more.
MY REFERRAL LINK!!
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6A/PXSTA7J3N0
💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸
See you soon, guys! I’m off to Japan!!
xX, Caitlin
FAV PODCASTS | 9.11.18
I reached out over IG to get your favorite podcast recommendations for a road trip and they were SO good I had to share!
I tagged everyone who helped me survive my 7.5 hour car ride.
I OWE YOU!!
True Crime/ Murder/ Mystery/ Paranormal
WINE AND CRIME ~ @melissateel
SERIAL ~ @hanparey, @lizstout30
CASE FILE ~ @ctarumoto
AND THAT’S WHY WE DRINK ~ @yas_mirza
MY FAVORITE MURDERER ~ @cleangreennfit @khalletd
TEACHER’S PET ~ @ctarumoto
S-TOWN
Personal Journals/ Comedy
COUPLES THERAPY ~ @nikkiash86
BY THE BOOK~ @nikkiash86
ARMCHAIR EXPERT ~ @meredithortiz4 @ctarumoto
DIRTY JOHN ~ @steenabobeana
THIS AMERICAN LIFE ~ @lilyk
JOE ROGAN ~ @sarahjloughman, @hurricanehunter
Business
PLANET MONEY ~ @hurricanehunter
HOW I BUILT THIS ~ @steenabobeana, @ctarumoto
Society/ Culture / Tech
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT ~ @steenabobeana
TED RADIO HOUR ~ @megawing9
REVISIONIST HISTORY ~ @lisathefiesa
RADIO LAB ~ @lifeewithlo
UP FIRST ~ @hurricanehunter
STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ~ @khalletd
Pop Culture/ Comedy
OFF THE VINE ~ @alliejeanfitness
THE MORNING TOAST
GIRLS GOTTA EAT ~ @therealday_z
Health/ Wellness
THE GOOP PODCAST ~ @lilyk
THE HIM & HER PODCAST
Did I miss anything good? Comment below your favorite podcast!!
xX, Caitlin
6 ECO-SWAPS FOR YOUR HOME (EASY!!)
50 percent of the plastic we use, we use just once and throw away.
In no way, shape, or form, do I consider myself to be an expert on recycling, sustainability, or saving the environment. People will never be as careful with their waste as they should be, but if you're willing to make SMALL changes to your daily routine, this list will be useful to you! Let’s keep it simple and start with things we already use everyday.
This list addresses normal things in your life you can easily swap!
You can use this link (no code needed) to get your first months subscription at Mightynest for $3! Or you can go to their site and use code HERATLASFIX to get your first MightyFix for $3. You will get Bee's Wrap as your first Fix. We were gifted a subscription to Mightynest by my mother in law, loved it SO MUCH, I reached out to get you codes, too! Each month they send you a new eco-swap to try! You can also shop their site for any household needs to add to your fix :) We LOVE them!
MICROFIBER TOWELS
Instead of paper towels, we are buying washable rags! By changing your habits to washable rags, you are helping reduce the amount of paper waste and deforestation. Paper towels are quickly disposed of after one use. I also find these clean way better, tbh!
We just got these microfiber hand towels, which are useful for cleaning up liquids, dusting, washing counters, cleaning mirrors, and drying off our hands. I bought them in black so that they look less dirty while cleaning than traditional white.
They sell them in multiple colors which are great for different ended uses (example: black for kitchen, blue for bathroom, red for random household).
BIODEGRADEABLE & METAL STRAWS
A lot of places are banning plastic, including straws (yay!)! I bought disposable paper straws for going out to eat (restaurants do not carry them anymore), and metal straws for the house. Honestly, I don’t like them that much, and have just started asking for NO STRAW. I wanted to include these options incase you really love using a straw and wanted an alternative.
By using biodegradable or reusable straws everyday, you are helping to reduce plastic waste.
LINK: DISPOSABLE PAPER STRAWS (pack of 250)
LINK TO MY FAVORITE: METAL STRAWS
HYDRO FLASK
Hydroflask water bottles are AMAZING. If you haven't heard of them, you might just be living under a rock, lol! I take mine everywhere, and own multiple different sizes/colors.
These keep your drinks hot for 12 hours, and drinks cold for 24 hours (at least). You can use them for home-made or to-go coffee (ask your barista to put your coffee in your hydro flask!), soups for lunch, water for the gym, etc.
I take mine empty to the airport and fill it up once I'm through security so I don't have to spend money on overpriced bottles of water.
Not only are you saving money, but you are saving the amount of waste from plastic water bottles.
LINK: HYDROFLASK
STASHER BAGS
Instead of plastic ziplock bags, try out reusable silicone bags! The obvious… you will be wasting less plastic. One of the benefits is also financial: you will be saving money by not purchasing ziplock bags anymore - whatever your motivation is!! These are great for meal prep, packing lunches, travel.. everything! 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone is safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher and boiling water. Unlike plastic bags, Stasher bags contain no petroleum, no PVC, and no latex (yay!) We have these and are OBSESSED!! I have tried these on amazon, and they were just “okay.” Stasher bags are honestly worth the investment because they are WAY easier to seal closed.
Get your Stasher bags HERE
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL's) use 50-80% less energy, but produce the same amount of light. Although they are initially more expensive, in the long run they cost you less on your energy bills, and last more than 8 times longer than traditional lightbulbs.
Get your CFL's HERE
TRASH DIVIDER
Trash can / recycling bin. One of the things that helped us the most was having trash cans around that are separated already. It makes the separation process seamless. We got ours here in Japan / They came with the house. I have friends who have this bin and they love it!
Here’s another option that’s more wallet friendly.
22 OFFENSIVE FACTS ABOUT PLASTIC POLLUTION
(from ecowatch.com)
In the Los Angeles area alone, 10 metric tons of plastic fragments—like grocery bags, straws and soda bottles—are carried into the Pacific Ocean every day.
Over the last ten years we have produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century.
Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times.
We currently recover only five percent of the plastics we produce.
The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year.
Plastic accounts for around 10 percent of the total waste we generate.
The production of plastic uses around eight percent of the world's oil production (bioplastics are not a good solution as they require food source crops).
Americans throw away 35 billion plastic water bottles every year (source: Brita)
Plastic in the ocean breaks down into such small segments that pieces of plastic from a one liter bottlecould end up on every mile of beach throughout the world.
Annually approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide. More than one million bags are used every minute.
46 percent of plastics float (EPA 2006) and it can drift for years before eventually concentrating in the ocean gyres.
It takes 500-1,000 years for plastic to degrade.
Billions of pounds of plastic can be found in swirling convergences in the oceans making up about 40 percent of the world's ocean surfaces. 80 percent of pollution enters the ocean from the land.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located in the North Pacific Gyre off the coast of California and is the largest ocean garbage site in the world. This floating mass of plastic is twice the size of Texas, with plastic pieces outnumbering sea life six to one.
Plastic constitutes approximately 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean's surface, with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile.
One million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans.
44 percent of all seabird species, 22 percent of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a growing list of fish species have been documented with plastic in or around their bodies.
In samples collected in Lake Erie, 85 percent of the plastic particles were smaller than two-tenths of an inch, and much of that was microscopic. Researchers found 1,500 and 1.7 million of these particles per square mile.
Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated).
Plastic chemicals can be absorbed by the body—93 percent of Americans age six or older test positive for BPA (a plastic chemical).
Some of these compounds found in plastic have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.