Global Climate Strike
The Global Climate Strike begins this week, running from September 20th - 27th.
The strike is powered by young people all around the world who have been speaking out on behalf of our planet and its inhabitants, and fighting for just and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
On the 20th and 27th of this month, our family and our small business will be striking with the youth who’ve organized this week’s events to demand climate justice for all.
We aim to demonstrate to political powers around the world that the urgency of the climate crisis requires a new, swift, impactful, and meaningful response that will serve the health of the planet while also focusing on human rights, equity, and justice.
Find out how you can get involved by clicking here.
Our Fleet of “Company Cars”
I post a fair amount of content on Instagram featuring our family’s fleet of bikes, which we affectionately refer to as our “Company Cars.”
Most of the time I’m simply offering glimpses into our daily routines and lifestyle habits— rarely do I discuss WHY we bike so much and drive so little.
First, I should state outright that pedaling here-and-there as a family like we do is a mix of planning and privilege. This lifestyle works for us because of a myriad of factors that don’t apply to everyone.
Yes, we go out of our way to accommodate the mildly inconvenient realities of biking, such as waking up earlier, carving out more time, bringing changes of clothes, awkwardly carrying bulky cargo, wandering around events or this crowded city with a trio of helmets fastened to our belt loops, etc.
But these are things we are privileged to have the opportunity to do. We are able-bodied, we do not have to commute for work, and we live in an agreeable climate year-round.
In other words, we’re on no pedestal about our bikes > cars mentality. My goal in this blog entry is merely to share why we bike, and what it means to us.
Environmental Benefits
In a recent article from the Climate Fwd: Newsletter offered by The New York Times, we learned that if Americans cut back on their driving habits just 10%, we can have a big and meaningful impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Light-duty vehicles (which are basically the models used for everyday life) account for about 1/5th of our country’s total emissions footprint, and more than 1/3 of all car trips are within 2 miles. If those who are able to do so use public transportation, bikes or simply rely on walking instead, a 10% decrease in driving would prevent about 110 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere.
Family Activity or Solo Relaxation
We’ve found biking— both as a family (with the pups included) and solo— to be such a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. Unlike an errand in the car, a bike ride (with or without an end goal) is a wonderful way to be more engaged within our community and aware of its current state. West and the pups clearly delight in the sights we encounter while out. And when Adam and/or I bike alone or as a couple, it’s a wonderfully refreshing way to get outside and clear our minds.
Health Benefits
I find it extremely hard to allot time in our schedule for working out. We don’t have a nanny or a babysitter or family nearby, nor do we have help with our small business. Because of these realities, it’s tough to find a chunk of time in which we’re available for something other than work, life’s necessities or childcare. (I’m not complaining— just sharing.) Biking has been a great way to stay active and get our heart rates up on a daily basis without having to hire assistance.
Simplicity
In L.A. (and in other cities in which I’ve lived and biked), cycling has a lot of perks. Due to heavy auto traffic, biking is often more time-savvy and efficient than driving on local roads, and there’s always a place to park easily, quickly and for free. Plus it’s a great way to get unplugged. (Yes, we should ALL be unplugged when on the road, but when I look around I see just how many drivers are glued to their smartphones in traffic, and it’s terrifying. As such, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET! I love my Bern, and West and Adam are into their magnetic-clasp Nutcase helmets.)
Off-Season Indoor Gardening in Small Spaces
This blog post is sponsored by Miracle-Gro Twelve. As always, the imagery and words are my own, with the exception of precise product descriptions/specs, and any images with the pups and/or our son were taken as they interacted under adult supervision in their own natural ways.
Having a garden is not something I take for granted. With the exception of my childhood home, this cottage is the first place I’ve ever lived that has its own lil’ patch of earth.
Not a week goes by that I don’t receive messages from readers who express their frustration about not having a yard of their own in which to grow leafy greens. For that exact reason, we decided to try the Miracle-Gro® Twelve™ Indoor Growing System here in our tiny house and share our experience with you.
We stacked two systems together by using the stacking kit and can now grow 8 batches of herbs and leafy greens from seedlings right here inside the house. We documented the process— from start to finish— for readers who are curious about ways in which to grow greenery in small interiors year-round.
The Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System has a 16.5” x 16.5” footprint. When sitting solo, it can pull double duty as end table, measuring about 28” in height.
It’s easy to maximize grow space without using too much precious floor space by stacking two units together vertically like we did here.
A slight modification allows them to link to each other securely, and they can then be attached to the wall for extra balance and safety.
To blend the set-up in with our decor, we topped our dual system with a small number of books, a trailing plant, and a handmade ceramic tray that we prefer to keep high up and beyond our son’s reach.
July 26th, we planted seeds in the provided net cups.
We selected leaf lettuce, nasturtium, Swiss chard, basil, and cilantro to grow in our stacked units.
The system can also grow arugula, kale, romaine + bibb lettuce, parsley, dill, sage, oregano, and thyme.
The plants can grow for up to 2 months, but depending on the variety planted, they can be harvested in as little as four weeks.
We harvested most of ours on August 19th.
Not only could we of course see that it was time to use the lettuce, but the Miracle-Gro Twelve app also alerted us that it was time to harvest.
The app connects to your indoor growing system with Bluetooth wireless technology and allows you to set your growing schedule, change your lighting mode, monitor your water level, and manage your calendar from your smartphone.
This is particularly helpful to use when you want to adjust the timing of the lighting to suit your personal preference within your home.
West is still as into plants as he was at the start of the year. He continues to ask to plant seeds in the system, trim the plants outdoors, and seek out gardening and seasonal books in the children’s section of the library.
He was extremely excited to harvest the plants with his father after patiently watching them grow throughout the month.
We hadn’t intended on including him in any imagery, but he insisted on being there with his kid-safe scissors to cut the lettuce.
He even ate a few bites of the harvest when Adam turned it into a salad for the family— WIN.
Once one plant is removed from the system, it can simply be replaced and start anew while the others continue to grow at their own pace.
This means that there can be a supply of fresh greens and herbs for your kitchen and decor year-round.
The leafy greens grown in the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System ended up yielding more food than we expected, while beautifying our home in the process.
It also turned out to be a wonderful family activity for us to partake in throughout the year.
Through the end of September, 1% of proceeds of the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System sold will be donated to No Kid Hungry to help work towards the goal of ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need, such as school breakfast, and after school meals. Learn more via the official website, here.
Zero Hunger, Zero Waste
America wastes more than 40% of its food. Not only does this contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but it also fails to help the 1 out of every 8 Americans who struggles with hunger. As consumers, we can make a difference in many ways. Even taking small steps— such bringing our own produce bags and choosing flawed produce when shopping for groceries— can create change that leads to a more sustainable future. (See our IGTV video on this topic, created in partnership with Kroger, below.)
Outdoor Movie Night in a Small Garden
On Fridays and Sundays, we typically like to do movie nights as a family here at home.
I’m not a big fan of staying inside huddled around a screen— especially since we live in SoCal, where the weather is usually gorgeous, and something is always in bloom. So this weekend we decided to try outdoor movie night.
It only took a few minutes to set up, and worked wonderfully.
We didn’t need any special furnishings or equipment. We simply placed our vintage, folding outdoor table (which we also use for pop-up dining, crafts, and for offering refreshments outdoors when hosting,) on the back stoop, and topped it with my work iMac.
We’ve been meaning to mail this desktop computer off to a family member, as discussed in this post about our recent home-office modifications, but we haven’t gotten around to it yet. It’s been sitting on the floor of our closet in the meantime, so this was the perfect way to put it to continued use.
We lit a non-toxic mosquito repellent stick nearby, and it kept the bugs at bay. I really like this particular product, because it doesn’t have the overwhelming (often stomach-turning) smell that most other sticks and candles have, and yet it works. We only need 1 to cover our back garden and attached bedroom.
I wore a full-length medium-weight hoodie from Garnet Hill for extra protection from the mosquitos since I can’t sit still for the length of a movie and end up darting around the property. West and Adam curled up under a blanket as it got cooler. (No bug bites!)
Our usual stack of outdoor pillows kept us cozy on our custom couch, which was made from reclaimed materials by Tumbleweed & Dandelion here in Venice.
We watched episodes of “Sarah & Duck” and ate popcorn and veggies. To serve the snacks, we used our PlanetBox and shared a stainless steel insulated cup that works just as well for pre-schoolers as it does for adults.
Desktop computer or not, we’ll be doing this far more often now that we now how simple and delightful it can be.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.9)
Our 9th episode of Tiny Takeaways offers the tiniest and simplest tip of all, but I still think it’s one worth sharing: Consider utilizing the outside of your compact kitchen’s refrigerator. Every space is different— maybe your fridge isn’t magnetized, or perhaps you barely have room to open the door or access the sides or top, in which case this episode might not apply to you. But when I think back on all the tiny kitchens I had in the past, I wish I’d thought to save precious surface and drawer inches by using low-cost items such as clever magnets and wire baskets. In our 8+ years in this cottage we’ve stored so many items on the exterior of our fridge: timers, reusable coffee filters, aprons, herbs, bottle openers, spice racks, new user guides, table brushes, chalk boards, produce bags, candles, and multi-use clips. This is not an earth-shattering hack, but that’s not our intent anyway. Our intent is to demonstrate that you don’t necessarily need a bigger space, because with some creativity, you can enhance function and character WITHOUT increasing your footprint.
For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Transforming a Tiny Play Space for $30
The other day we stopped by a craft store to pick up a specific item for our son. While running through the aisles chasing after him, I spotted a simple market/lemonade stand for $30. I jumped at the rare impulse purchase.
I appreciated the simple, unfinished, all cardboard design for what it offered, and also for the room it provided for customization and creativity.
With some crayons, toys, books and goods from around the house, as well as a mix of real and faux produce and plants we already had on-hand for West, it was easy and entertaining to completely transform our main room (and the stoops) for hours of play and learning.
We used the scraps of cardboard from the packaging to make little notes and cash for the stand. West’s existing sorting bowls and their corresponding wooden chips became perfect coins.
It was tempting to buy a wooden cash register set, but Adam and I agreed that manufactured toy money was definitely on the list of items we can do without.
The stand has been great for unstructured enjoyment, but it has also been a practical outlet for communicating some lessons and addressing habits that we think are important.
We use mesh produce bags, we express gratitude, we discuss where food comes from and how it’s grown, and we talk about flawed produce and why it’s crucial to not waste it.
We’ve also enjoyed pulling some small florals and herbs up from the garden and giving those to one another. (And then our next activity is usually to plant a couple seeds, or tend to the soil.)
For us, this was $30 so well spent. (And we haven’t even gotten to the lemonade side of the stand…)
Shifting Pace
Recently I decided to change the services offered by my company— mainly the behind-the-scenes one-on-one decor gigs, which I rarely share online. I did this because those jobs produce far too much waste for my comfort, they consume more time than we currently have available, they induce a level of stress that I feel is disproportionate to the subject matter, and yet they only account for a sliver of my company’s income. So I’m currently phasing out those responsibilities, and will have them behind me by the end of the month.
In the transition phase, I’m taking time to inspect my world at a less-frenzied pace.
I’m focusing on what I treasure most about my business, my personal life, and my home environment.
I’ve been able to work from home for the majority this week, as I’m spending less and less time rushing about LA.
In the moments in between business and playing with West, I catch glimpses of tiny visuals that ignite such pops of happiness within me. Perhaps they’ll resonate with readers, perhaps not. But I’m sharing them anyway (below) as a simple display of gratitude for this tiny life.
Above: West’s stickers and fingerprints throughout the Cottage.
Above: A miniature acorn, moss and macrame air plant holder from Big Red Sun, crafted by a young maker.
Above: A repurposed apple juice jug filled with laundry detergent, almost ready for a refill at ReContained.
Above: A handmade combo cutlery + activity to-go roll for West.
Above: A simple folding laundry rack in use, reminding us it’s still summer while drying up wet spots earned from feeding the plants with leftover water from West’s gardening table.
Above: Items used daily mixed with retired work equipment, all suspended from our bedroom wall.
Above: Pillows designed by a friend, making the Cottage main room look oh so stylish.
Above: My hat, adored on both sides with pins that display the message that we value people and the planet over profit.
Above: My incredible husband Adam working increasingly with my small business— a sight that brings me joy, comfort, and a touch of pride.
Above: West’s chalkboard, still bearing scribbles from the last game we created together.
Above: Leftover flowers from a recent shoot sitting next to an X’s and O’s board game crafted lovingly by Timberchild.
Above: My comfy white Rothy’s—made from single-use plastics— which I can get as dirty as I want in the canoe, on the bike or in the garden, since they’re machine-washable.
Looking and Feeling Less Tired
This post was sponsored by Dermstore and NuFace. As always, the words, opinions and images are my own (with the exception of precise product descriptions). Any images featuring the pups were taken as they behaved in their own natural ways.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m not entirely comfortable discussing appearance. All too frequently women are told that we need to prioritize beauty, and invest in maintaining (or recapturing) our youth at nearly every age, and I don’t want contribute to that narrative.
At 38, I love my age, and I’m more confident than ever in my skin. But that doesn’t mean that I’m always thrilled with my appearance.
I have no desire to look like I’m in my 20s. And I have no desire to erase the lines on my face that are, to me, reminders of a life filled with so much joy and laughter. But I would prefer to not always appear so damn TIRED.
Don’t get me wrong— tired is okay. Tired is real. I AM tired. Who isn’t? Our current world is a weighty one, and the strain of it all clings to our bodies… Yet I’ll admit that it would be nice to look in the mirror and appear as though I’ve at least slept through the night.
Before beginning NuFace treatments.
Personally I don’t want to start getting injectables, nor do I want to slather myself in makeup and creams. (That’s just ME. I’m not judging others.) So my recent plan to tackle the mask of anxiety-induced fatigue has been to drink far more water, process stress from work in a new and less reactive way, and use the NuFace “Trinity” from Dermstore for 5-15 minutes every day.
The FDA-cleared NuFace is a compact electronic device that uses gentle microcurrent to stimulate and tone the face and reduce wrinkles, which is exactly what I want— a noticeable boost that enhances definition and projects vitality, without fundamentally altering my natural appearance.
The difference after a single use is apparent— so much so that I treated one side of my face and compared it to the untreated side and could clearly observe the tightening effects.
But after a few weeks of regular use, I could see a more lasting impact, particularly on one side of my face, which has always looked a bit swollen in contrast to the other half. I’m not sure why— perhaps it’s uneven muscle development, or a decades-old jaw issue. Or maybe it’s just the way I was born.
Whatever the reason, the asymmetry was something I targeted in my toning sessions. I can tell from subsequent photoshoots that my skin has indeed tightened up, contouring the puffy spots, and resulting in a more even look overall.
After 3-4 weeks of use
NuFace makes a few different devices, but I like that the handheld “Trinity” can be used with 3 unique attachments (available from Dermstore) for improved and varying results, keeping the number of devices and chargers required to a minimum.
Having shared that, I admittedly did also get the “Fix,” which is a marker-sized device that targets fine lines.
I brought the “Fix” on my recent Hawaii trip, and it reminded me to take better care of my skin in general while delighting in the summer sun.
I use both of the above with the NuFace Gel Primer, a product that ensures optimal conductivity during microcurrent treatment, minimizing the sensation of the treatment while replenishing dry skin. The gel turns the tiny, occasional tiny tapping sensation from the devices into the lightest, entirely pain-free touch.
Another benefit from using the “Trinity” was that it became a great excuse to get away from my phone and computer and relax for a bit during the day.
For me, this tiny ritual has encouraged me to carve our more time for the simplest things that make me feel less overwhelmed throughout the week, like stretching, basic breathwork, and monitoring my water intake.
Living tiny helps reduce my anxiety in multiple ways, but still… I’m growing a small single-income business, nurturing a family, navigating a crowded and expensive city, figuring out ways to get more active in the social and environmental issues of our time, and operating a home with my husband. We are so incredibly lucky to experience this existence, but that doesn’t mean that it’s stress-free.
I’m now keeping in mind that I’m not nearly as helpful to my loved ones or clients when I feel sapped of life. As such, I’m actively working to reenergize myself— both inside and out.
1 week into treatments. I specifically targeted the side of my face visible in this photo, hoping to reduce the slightly swollen/puffy look above my jawline.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.8)
This is the 8th installment of our mini video series, Tiny Takeaways. In this episode, we’re demonstrating some of the many ways in which a single, simple, compact room can be transformed throughout the day. Why this topic? Because in an era of climate crisis, we believe it’s important to share true to life examples of how living in (and with) a smaller footprint as a family is not only doable, but delightful.
For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Small Home-Office Modifications
Our tiny home-office has been the full-time workspace for my small business since we moved into the Cottage 8+ years ago. (See our short video about streamlining a compact home-office here.)
My convertible sitting/standing desk is located in our main room, which is connected to the kitchen through an open floor-plan. This area also serves as our living room, a playroom, a pop-up dining room, West’s sleep space, and a guest room.
Lately I’ve disliked having my back turned to West as I face the iMac while working. So a few months ago I decided to test going without my large desktop computer. I backed up my files and put the machine in our only closet. I figured if I could conduct my creative business as effectively from a laptop and iPad that I could pass the iMac on to a family member who needs a newer device.
It’s been an adjustment, but I’ve preferred the versatility of working on my laptop. It makes me feel more mobile, and less tethered to one spot as West and Adam dart around the house throughout the day.
The absence of the desktop computer also helps the small space feel less office-like, which is nice for West, who enjoys playing with his trucks on the desk, and tinkering with toys beneath it.
I’ve enveloped my workspace with my son’s activities and books, making it a more friendly space for ALL of us during the day. I added a 3-tiered basket to one side of the lift-desk, and it contains repurposed pouches and boxes that hold various toys and puzzles. On the back of my chair I’ve added small hooks to suspend West’s backpack and my handbag.
In terms of office supply storage, everything has remained the same. I keep most items in a single drawer in our sofa’s built-in end table. A small number of paper files that we need to keep in hard-copy format are worked into our built-in bookshelf in the bedroom, or stored in a vintage wicker picnic basket under the bed.
It is, of course, a challenge to accomplish a full-time work load from home with a child playing and chatting mere inches away. But Adam and West often seek and create adventures outside of the house while I plug away at my to-do list. Plus I can easily work remotely at a hotel lounge or coffee shop if the need arises.
I’ve enjoyed updating my work surface with practical handmade items that are not only pieces of art, but also functional tools.
Driftwood brushes, a ceramic paint palette, bristle pens, and small batch leather folios sit in a slim wooden shelf that keeps everything nice and neat, but also on display.
I’ve taken such pleasure in implementing these minimal updates as our business has transformed, and as our son has grown. They’re modifications that we’ve made based on how we use our little home, and the ways in which we move within it. In being patient and observing our shifting habits and needs (and sitting in them for some time before acting), we’ve been able to reduce waste by avoiding decisions and purchases made in anticipation of the next phase of life. Instead, we’ve found such joy in letting time unfold, and embracing what we need when we truly need it.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.7)
This is the 7th installment of our mini video series, Tiny Takeaways. In this episode, we’re continuing to highlight some easy, space-saving swaps that might make your home or apartment a bit more eco-friendly. For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Laundry as a Family Activity
There’s no getting around the chore of laundry— even in a tiny house. This is especially true for residences that with young children, pets who shed, a full-time office, and a slew of reusable/washable goods in lieu of disposable single-use supplies. (🙋🏻)
In order to make laundry feel like more of a game and less like an obligation, we’ve made washing and drying into a family activity at the cottage.
We take our vintage children’s chair out beside the bistro table set, pair it with an old restaurant bus tub (left over from our wedding), and add some water and a soap bar to then hand-wash a few garments with West.
We end up tossing everything in the washing machine, of course. But we’re constantly reevaluating and exploring ways in which to reduce our environmental footprint during the laundry process.
We only do full loads (rather than small or partial washes), and run most of them on cold, since 90% of energy used during a typical wash cycle is used for heating the water. *
We share an old, stacked washer + dryer with the neighboring tiny house. Despite the notable uptick in the loads of wash that result from practices like using reusable wipes, cloth diapers and washable toiletry supplies, our water consumption hasn’t increased drastically enough for us to see a marked difference in our utlity bills. (The only time we do see a difference is when we’re trying to get establish “large” sections of new plants. Even many of the drought-tolerant ones need more water than usual when settling in and taking root.)
Whenever possible, we try to dry everything on an all-natural folding rack, which can fit indoors easily, as well as out.
We also have a few makeshift clotheslines (made of twine and held up by tacks) strung about the garden where we can suspend additional items. West enjoys putting the linens out on the rack and lines, as well as picking them back up once they’re dry.
When we need to use the dryer, we’ve begun to add all-natural, hypoallergenic dryer balls, which can last for 1000 loads, and cut back on drying time by 25%, thus saving time and energy while softening clothes and reducing wrinkles. (We never use dryer sheets, as they’re usually filled with toxic ingredients that are routinely tested on animals.)
This whole process has become one of our go-to summer activities. And, oddly enough, we’re into it.
Source: Give a Sh*t by Ashlee Piper
Reducing Air Travel
In summers past, Adam and I would always take at least one trip away via plane. The summer after West was born we journeyed back to to Belcastel. Last year we met up with our family in Idaho. This year, however, Adam and I agreed to ease up on air travel, as we’re monitoring our collective carbon footprint as both a family and a business. Flying less often is such a simple way to significantly cut back our negative impact on the planet, as a single cross-country flight here in the US represents about 1/18th of a person’s annual carbon emissions.* Plus, we live in a tourist destination— we might as well stay home and enjoy it!
Then, unexpectedly, a friend of mine called and invited me to join her in Hawaii for an August mini-break. For a few personal reasons, I decided to go. As a result, I began exploring the ways in which I can lessen my impact both from and during the trip. (goop recently published an article entitled How to Travel Responsibly in an Era of Climate Change, and it’s definitely worth reading.)
We opted to fly Alaska Air, which has been ranked by the International Council on Clean Transportation as the most fuel efficient carrier in the United States for 7 years in a row. They burn 12-13% less fuel (and emit 12-13% less CO2) than the average US carrier, and are investing in alternative, sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, Alaska Airlines has the most comprehensive inflight recycling programs of any U.S. airline. (They even compost their coffee grounds from inflight travel.)
Learning about Alaska Air’s sustainability efforts at a Create & Cultivate event with Jaclyn R . Johnson.
Earlier this month, The Guardian published an article about offsetting carbon emissions, and how to navigate the options. After reading it, I purchased a carbon offset for 5500 miles (slightly more than the equivalent of the round trip journey) by contributing to Alaska’s verified nonprofit partner, Carbonfund.org Foundation.
Additional actions help, such as flying coach, packing light, bringing a reusable coffee/water bottle to fill after security, shutting the window shades when instructed by flight attendants, and flying direct whenever possible.
My handbag necessities for home or travel, including a Nimble wireless charging kit (made from a sustainable blend of recycled water bottles & organic hemp), bamboo cutlery, reusable bottles, stainless steel to-go food containers, and more.
A trip such as this is — to quote Katrina Fischer Kuh — “a privilege paired with responsibility—responsibility to cognize the full human and environmental impacts of climate change, responsibility to shrink your own environmental footprint, and responsibility to push for better environmental policies.”
*Source: The New York Times
Lower Waste Days in LA
This post was sponsored by Garnet Hill. The words an opinions expressed are my own. As always, any imagery showing West and/or the pups was taken as they interacted in their own natural ways.
An individual’s journey to a more eco-friendly existence doesn’t have to be completed overnight. It doesn’t need to be traversed flawlessly in a straight line, and no one is fast-tracked to the high road by shaming others or one-upping our peers. The transition is about caring and trying. Really trying. Both when the eyes of others are upon us, and when they’re not.
For me, this journey began when Adam, StanLee and I moved into our tiny home, as small space living is inherently more environmentally friendly. But, looking back, we certainly amassed a regrettable amount of waste in the years that followed. It wasn’t until after out son was born that we became far more aware of our footprint, and our role in the climate crisis.
Since then, we’ve been working towards the goal of as low waste of as lifestyle as is reasonably possible here in our live/work family home in Los Angeles.
Dropping off beverage bottles for return and reuse at Erewhon Natural Food Market.
Refilling our own glass containers with household and beauty products at Recontained.
We still have much to learn and accomplish. But we’ve shifted our habits enough to enjoy a marked change in our spending, health, spare time, energy consumption, and material waste.
Biking to the library to borrow books, rather than driving to buy our own copies. On a daily basis, we swap the car for our bikes whenever it feels safe to do so. Whether we’re traveling solo or with our son and pups, we pedal our way through our errands.
There are always times of exception: client purchases, hospital visits, the occasional new toy for our son, props for brand shoots, and sporadic deliveries in packaging that can be greatly improved upon. But we are attempting to eliminate those instances, or offset their impact through other actions.
Giving the cottage plants a bath with the leftover water from West’s activity table.
Across all categories, we’ve realized the importance of versatility when it comes to any item we acquire. Whether it's new or vintage, for the house or for our wardrobe, we now understand the value of having pieces that are timeless in style, versatile in function, and durable in construction. When considering new purchases, we'll ask ourselves several questions— one of which pertains to versatility. (Can that new bistro table we're considering for the garden be easily carried and fit inside the house or on the porch so we don’t need multiples? Yes! Can we adapt our existing glassware with a few add-on accessories to make it suitable for our young son so he doesn’t need his own set of cups? Yes! Can these bath towels also be used at the beach and even as curtains and tablecloths? Yes!)
These sorts of adaptable goods save us money and space, while lessening our waste.
No one in our family regularly gets new articles of clothing— even little West, who is growing quickly as children his age do. We share a single compact closet, which is also where we keep West’s permanent collection of board and picture books, as well as our bedding. While the space is not overstuffed, there's admittedly very little room to spare. So when we add something to the closet, we give TWO pieces away to family, friends or non-profits. (I wrote in greater depth about this topic in a recent post entitled Remaining Clutter-Free for the Long Run.
If we add something new to our shared closet, we donate at least two pieces to help us avoid over-accumulation. We reuse product packaging in art projects with West, and refill the bags or boxes with giveaway items for friends and/or local non-profits.
Nearly everything that earns a place in our wardrobe has to be an item that can work year-round, and be dressed up or down.
When it comes to recreation, we usually chose to stay local and enjoy our neighborhood and community resources. We take our son to nearby playgrounds, rather than buying or building one in our own (tiny) yard. We bring a small selection of toys and crafting supplies with us when we're out so we’re less likely to make impulse purchases or require new packs of crayons, etc. As a healthy way of unwinding at the end of the day, we paddle through the neighborhood in our hand-me-down canoe.
This month, I treated myself to a few items from Garnet Hill:
A simple, solid maxi dress that can be dressed up for work or down for beachside strolls
A crinkled, double-gauze shirt-dress to be worn as-is, with leggings, or over jeans
An unfussy A-line knit dress that is suitable from day to night.
We bring our own reusable drinkware, bags and utensils wherever we go.
Each piece is made with Tencel™ and/or organic cotton.
Adam and I recently discovered that— for whatever reason— Tencel™ doesn’t attract or hold nearly as much pet hair as some fabrics, and yet it is still breathable, flexible and absorbent. We have two rescue beagles, one of whom sheds more than any dog I’ve ever met, so this is hugely helpful. A strong, easy-care fabric, TENCEL™ is made of natural cellulose derived from sustainably harvested wood pulp from renewable tree farms. This modern and eco-friendly fabric is buttery-soft, smooth and elegant. It pairs well with other fabrics, like organic cotton.
Walking to our closest farmers market to buy in-season, regional produce from local growers.
Garnet Hill’s organic cotton is made with fibers farmed without harmful pesticides, GMOs or chemical defoliants, which is not only better for your skin but also for the land on which the cotton is grown.
If florals are being sold in plastic sleeves, I remove them on-site so the vendor can reuse them.
We bring our coffee thermoses with us on our errands, just in case we decide to buy a sip while on-the-go.
During transitions between seasons, I usually layer my outfits with linen— one of the oldest and strongest natural textile fibers. It is breathable, has naturally-occurring antibacterial properties, is comfortable in fluctuating weather, has excellent color fastness, and — in my opinion — gets more beautiful over time.
These pieces have worked well for our lifestyle. Whether I’m biking through our errands, reading with West at the library, playing with the pups in the garden, visiting clients, or attending events, I’ve appreciated the comfort and versatility of them all. I plan to wear them year-round, and for years to come.
Less Shopping, More Time
There’s something unrelentingly frenetic about the pace of family life in a major city. Between traffic, crowds, and prices, simply putting a foot out the door can feel like stepping into a whirlwind.
However, since curtailing our dependency on disposable / single-use items, Adam and I have realized that we rarely have to go shopping, which means we have reduced those frenzied family missions to an absolute minimum.
Once we no longer needed to replenish our stock of cleaning goods, household supplies and toiletries— and since we reprogrammed ourselves to stop bringing new items into our home— there became significantly fewer errands to run. (This is, of course, partially achievable through online shopping, but the carbon footprint of packing + shipping are far too taxing on the environment to warrant frequent deliveries.)
Other than our regular trips to the market or to pick up canister refills for our Sodastream, we usually only leave when we are meeting people, working, or creating lil’ field trips for our son and dogs. In other words, less shopping us has given us the magical gift of more time.
Lil’ apple basket by Olli Ella
That’s not to say that I ever feel caught up on business, or that we have found time for things like traditional workouts or lengthy catch-up sessions with our friends. For us, the reality of running our own business and raising a family with no hired help for either is that we are always behind on something. (I imagine that most people feel this way.) But, when it comes to time with our son, we feel like we’re squeezing in every moment possible— and we don’t have to drive him all over the city for this-and-that while we’re at it.
This leaves time for impromptu explorations on foot or by bike within our local community, and opportunities for countless imaginary games in our tiny home and garden.
Here’s to reduced waste, less stuff, and more adventure.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep. 6)
This is the 6th installment of our mini video series, Tiny Takeaways. In this episode, we’re highlighting some easy, space-saving swaps to make your home or apartment a bit more eco-friendly. For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Recent Features Roundup
Every now and then we like to select a few features from the Cottage that were published by other outlets, and share them via our own blog as well. Our early summer roundup includes stories from goop, Hunker, Domino, Create & Cultivate, and Olli Ella.
Click the links below to explore!
HUNKER HOME: 5 Small-Space Organization Lessons We Learned From Whitney Leigh Morris
GOOP: Low Waste Living - How to do Things Small with a Big Impact (IG Stories feature*)
CREATE & CULTIVATE: Even CEO's need Their 8 Hours a Night
OLLI ELLA: Sustainable Small Space Styling
* Screenshots from IG Stories feature below.
Video: Tiny Takeaways (Ep.5)
This is the fifth installment of our mini video series, Tiny Takeaways. In this episode, we’re highlighting some easy ways to maximize outdoor spaces! For 200+ more tips for making the most of your compact home or apartment, explore our lil’ book: Small Space Style.
Where to Donate After Decluttering
My previous blog post was dedicated to the topic of how to keep homes, apartments, and/or offices decluttered for the long-haul. Once you’ve simplified your space, you’ll likely have a number of items left over to donate.
A simple Google search of nearby non-profits can provide you with a list of organizations within your community that might be able to put the goods to use. Just give them a quick call or send them an email to inquire what they need. For those in the LA area, I’ve provided a brief round-up of diverse organizations that accept a myriad of donations, outlined below.
The RightWay Foundation
The RightWay Foundation works with current or emancipated foster youth to move from a point of pain and disappointment to a point of power, productivity, and self-sufficiency.
(323) 903-5021
info@therightwayfoundation.org
Items Needed:
Toiletries
Grooming + Beauty Products
Interview/Workplace Attire, including Bags + Accessories + Shoes
Diapers, Toys and Books (for the young children of the former foster youth)
Mail or Drop-Off:
3650 West Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. #195
Los Angeles, CA, 90008
(If dropping off, please call (323) 903-5021 in advance.)
L.A. Shares
L.A. SHARES is a nonprofit materials reuse program, which takes donations from the local business community and individuals of reusable goods and materials (both new and used) and then redistributes these items FREE-OF-CHARGE to nonprofits and schools in the City of Los Angeles.
(213) 485-1097
donate@lashares.com
Items Needed:
Office Furniture
Office Supplies
Office Equipment and Electronics
Sports Gym and Athletic Equipment
Musical Equipment
(Click here for a list of items that L.A. Shares cannot accept.)
Pick-Up:
Click here for easy steps to begin donation process and schedule pick-up
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution that provides pediatric health care and helps our patients more than half a million times each year in a setting designed just for their needs.
323-361-2308
DonorRelations@chla.usc.edu
Items Needed:
CHLA’s patients and families appreciate donated items, including those on their toy wish list and book wish list . You can also donate your vehicle and other miscellaneous items to benefit CHLA. Click here for a complete list of items that the hospital can and cannot use, and to browse drop-off locations.
S.P.Y. (Safe Place for Youth)
Safe Place for Youth’s mission is to inspire, nurture, and empower the resilient human spirit of homeless youth by providing immediate and lasting solutions, one young person at a time.
310.902.2283
info@safeplaceforyouth.org
Items Needed:
New underwear
New or good condition Men's clothing
Gloves
New sleeping bags
Drop-Off:
Monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM or Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2469 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Hav-A-Sole
Hav A Sole’s mission is to provide the homeless and at risk youth population with quality footwear to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent disease, while fostering a sense of community along the way.
info@havasole.com
Items Accepted:
New + good condition footwear.
Mail Donations to:
10736 Jefferson Blvd. #636
Culver City, CA 90230
Downtown Women’s Center
The Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) is the only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women. Their mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy. Your donations directly benefit women experiencing homelessness and are an important boost to our programs.
Items Needed:
Clothing & Accessories
Emergency Items
Household Items
Personal Hygiene Items & Toiletries
Arts and Enrichment Activities
Vehicle Donations
(Unable to Accept: Razors, tampons, cribs, strollers, toys, clothing, mattresses, televisions, old computer monitors, large furniture, soiled or broken items, and most food donations.)
Drop-Off
442 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Friday - Tuesday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.