This quote resonates with local lifestyle boutique owners and is what inspires them as they source eco friendly brands for their store.  I have been shopping at Mortise & Tenon for quite some time now and every time I go I am more inspired than the last, which to be honest, is hard to do.  More often than not, I am overcome with guilt when I think of all the things I am not doing to reduce our carbon footprint.  Walking into Mortise & Tenon feels different.  Their gentle encouragement and amazing products have made it easy for me, and many others, to incorporate small, everyday changes that I believe really will make a difference.  They are located at 2415 11th Avenue here in Regina.  They have an online store which is beautifully laid out, but if you’re in the city I encourage you to grab a coffee (in a keep cup, of course) and peruse the store.  They have SO many great gift ideas and unique items- it truly is one of my favourite places to shop!

I have recycled and understood the importance of it for a long time, let’s be honest, we all have.  But, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I fully understood the importance of REDUCING.  Once I did some research and began to understand the whole eco friendly world a little more, I began to shift my focus from recycling to reducing.  Yes, both are VERY important.  I am not here to tell you not to recycle… oh lord, please continue to recycle all things that can be.   I AM here however, to hopefully inspire you to make a few small changes that will help you to reduce your waste.

On Earth Day, I posted an Instagram photo where I shared 6 simple lifestyle changes I have made.   You can check it out by clicking here.  I was overwhelmed with the positive reaction to it and it had me feeling even more inspired.  I know there are so many of you who are making changes and want to do even more!

With that in mind,  I thought I would share a few items that I got from Mortise & Tenon that I USE, and love with the hopes it will inspire you to try a few of the items as well! I know it can be overwhelming at first so I’ve given you a little break down of why I personally love them:

(re) Zip Leakproof Reusable Storage Bags– I have used many reusable zip lock bag and these are by far my favourite! They are dish washer safe, never leak, and they dry quickly.  I love the Colibra ones as well, but I like the fact that you can dry these instantly and reuse them right away.

Metal Straws– Obviously, they are good for the environment and I swear things just taste better when you drink them out of a metal straw… weird? I know.

Dryer Balls– This is a newer item to my house but I swear I will never go back.  They dry my clothes in half the time and also keep my sheets from forming a gigantic ball when I dry them… again, its a win win.

Bees Wax Wrap– The only problem is have with this is that I never seem to have enough.  I am still growing my collection but I hope to be able to eliminate plastic wrap completely.

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Go Mug– I have a Yeti one and yes, they are expensive (mine was a gift) but trust me when I tell you they are worth it- especially if you’re a teacher or a mama!  Hot coffee is the best coffee and this mug keeps it hotttt!

Reusable Shopping Bags– I will admit, until getting these particular bags, I was terrible for not remembering to bring reusable bags.  For me, it isn’t habit to bring them, as much as I wish it was, it just isn’t.  Therefore, I need bags that fit into my purse and are always just there.  These Baggu bags do just that.  They are large and hold a tonne of stuff.   I typically only use one each time I go shopping #singleliving but they fold up into a flat small rectangle that fit perfectly into my purse.  In fact, I fit TWO into my small purse.  They are super durable and have a tonne of super cute patterns.

Silicone Baking Mat– I got mine from Costco a while ago, I haven’t seen them there lately.  Don’t you hate how they do that!?! Anyways, I found a set of three on Amazon… thank God for Amazon!

Reusable Produce Bags– I am super weird and I just don’t put my produce into plastic bags. I just throw them in my basket free style… YOLO!  But, I am guilty of buying green beans, bean sprouts, or snap peas that come in a plastic bag… BOOOOO.  You’ll be happy to know I just placed an order for these reusable produce bags!

Dryer Balls– I just made the switch to wool dryer balls a few months ago and I’m hooked! I put essential oils on them, Sweet Sheets from Saje is my favourite and they smell amazing! Don’t worry, the oils don’t stain your clothes!  These balls (and the oils) make your clothes smell fabulous and also cut down the drying time therefore preserving energy!

Makeup Cloth- I have been using these for years, honestly even before I was trying to be more conscious of my carbon footprint.  They are better for your skin than the chemical filled wipes, are cheaper in the long run, and they just work great!

Metal or Bamboo Straws– I much prefer a metal straw but I know a lot of people don’t, so if that’s you, bamboo!  I bought this pack from Amazon as well (gotta love Prime) and I keep one in my purse, one at school, one in my car, and a few at home, LOL!  They are everywhere but hey, no excuse to use a plastic one!

Bees Wax “Plastic” Wrap & Reusable “Ziplock” bags–  Both of these were super easy transitions. The problem, if you want to call it that, is I find I never have enough.  I will admit I haven’t 100% eliminated Ziplock’s and plastic wrap but I use WAY less than I used to.  I am still growing my collection of these products which will hopefully allow me to completely eliminate plastic wrap and ziplocks!

Metal Water Bottle– Over the years I have accumulated a few of these.  I like to keep one at school on my desk, one in my car for my workouts, and one at home.  I find having one in each of those places works best for me.  I am a very forgetful person and hauling one around with me just doesn’t seem to work.  This system seems work for me so I’m sticking with it!

Smoothie Tumbler–  If you haven’t read my Green Smoothie Blog post yet, you definitely should because I swear it is the most delicious green smoothie ever!  If you have, you will know I have a smoothie pretty much every morning on my drive to work.  So of course, I need a cute REUSABLE tumbler!  Here are a few of my favourite. I prefer a metal one so if I don’t finish it on the drive it stays cold and I can enjoy it throughout my morning!

Well, there you have it!  I know I have a LONG way to go but it’s a start.  I hope this post inspires you to find even just one way to reduce!  Every change, little or big, is making an impact!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
-Dr. Seuss

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