Thinking Sustainably Archives

Taking Shorter Showers and Other Easy Ways to Save Water at Home

Making an impact on global water consumption concerns starts with small steps at home, such as taking shorter showers. Here's how you can save more water.

The Nature Conservancy, Tom's of Maine, and You: Restoring Nature Together

Learn how The Nature Conservancy has worked with Tom's of Maine to protect and restore natural waters. You can get involved, too!

4 Cool Science Experiments for Kids That Teach Sustainability

These easy science experiments for kids use materials from around the house to teach sustainability in a fun way.

What Is Ecotourism? Planning a Sustainable Family Vacation

What is ecotourism? It's a way to travel that supports local communities and minimizes your environmental footprint.

DIY Apple-Cinnamon Homemade Potpourri Sachets

Homemade potpourri is a thoughtful gift anyone can enjoy. It's easy and fun to make and only requires items you can find around the house.

3 Road Salt Alternatives That Don't Harm the Environment

Road salt alternatives are gaining popularity for their ability to remove ice without negatively impacting the environment. Try them for yourself!

Eco-Friendly New Year's Resolution Ideas

Try these eco-friendly New Year's resolution ideas for a greener year ahead. There's no better time to make some small, meaningful changes in your routine.

Eco-Friendly Party Ideas for Your New Year's Eve Bash

Get a jump start on your green New Year's resolutions with these easy eco-friendly party ideas you can use on New Year's Eve and beyond.

4 Ways to Upcycle Your Christmas Tree

Upcycle your Christmas tree at the end of the season to keep it out of the landfill and create something valuable you can continue to enjoy.

The Benefits of Bird Watching for Kids

Bird watching for kids is a great activity that allows little ones to enjoy wildlife, the environment, and learning.

The Benefits of a School Garden

The benefits of a school garden are numerous. Find out how you can start growing one at your own school.

The Importance of Trees for Kids: Teaching the Next Generation

The importance of trees for kids is ever-present. Teaching kids about trees is easy with the right information and a creative approach.

Keep Animals Out of the Garden Naturally

Here are the top four pests in home gardens and here's how to keep animals out of the garden naturally.

Reduce Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Say "No, Thanks" to Straws

Plastic pollution in the ocean is harming wildlife and polluting waters. You can help by reducing your plastic usage, especially single-use straws.

Teaching Kids about the Ocean on Your Beach Day

Check out these ideas for teaching kids about the ocean while on your family beach vacation this summer.

Cruelty-Free Products: What to Expect When Making the Switch

Are you unsure if you should buy cruelty-free products? Knowing what to expect when you switch can help you decide.

Compost Problems Stink: Troubleshooting Your Compost Bin

5 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude

These simple ways to practice gratitude can improve your life. Decrease stress and increase optimism through walks, journaling, compliments, and more.

What Can Be Composted? Your Composting Cheat Sheet

Check out this beginner's guide of what can be composted and what can't.

Eco-Friendly Moving Tips for Green Families

How to Make Natural Dyes from Fruits and Vegetables

Learning how to make natural dyes is fun and costs nearly nothing. Plus, you are teaching your kids another way to be eco-friendly.

All About Microbead Pollution and How to Nix Beads from Your Bathroom

Microbead pollution is a problem. What can you do to eliminate beads from your personal care routine?

How to Join or Host a River Cleanup

You can make a difference in your community by participating in a river cleanup.

Residential Stormwater: How You Can Help Limit This Pollutant

Residential stormwater is a big issue for your local stream and its aquatic inhabitants. Here are some tips to reduce your pollution contribution.

Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: A Starter Guide

A sustainable lifestyle requires that we use less, but it is bound by the expectation that we also replace what we use whenever possible.

Why Bike to Work? National Bike Month Is a Great Time to Start

Why bike to work? Here are some of the tremendous benefits of starting a greener commute.

Natural Green Lawn Care Tips to Achieve an Eco-Friendly Backyard

Natural green lawn care produces green, weed-free lawns with the help of your dedication to eco-friendly practices.

What's a Watershed and Why You Should Care

What's a watershed? How can you find out more about your own and how to treat it right?

Tom’s of Maine® Announces Winners of ‘Turn the Tide’ Public Vote

Consumer votes determine additional funding for four projects to help protect waterways in need.

Recycle Tea Bags: 4 Ways to Have a Green Tea Party

Wondering how to recycle tea bags? Here are four ideas for tea drinkers be proactive and use their tea again in a sustainable, healthy way.

Make the Switch to Green Baby Care

Discover how you can save money and the environment by choosing natural baby products or opting to make your own green baby care products at home.

Conserving Water at Home: Green-ify Your Dish Washing Routine

Green-ify how your family does dishes while conserving water at home, using eco-friendly scrubbers, and soap that's good for the earth.

10 Eco-Friendly Car Care and Driving Tips

Eco-friendly car care and driving tips—from how fast to drive with the windows down to how to wash your car without polluting waterways.

Sustainability for Preschoolers: Activities to Teach Your Youngest

How do you teach your youngest about an environmentally friendly lifestyle? Play! These fun ideas teach sustainability for preschoolers and toddlers alike.

Green Travel Tips How to Keep it Green on the Road

When making your holiday plans, consider these green travel tips to decrease your impact on the environment.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe Who Does It Benefit and How to Adopt Your Own

What is a capsule wardrobe, and how can join I this eco-friendly trend? Good question! Instead of donating clothes so often, check out this alternative.

DIY Worm Habitat For Kids The Ultimate Science Experiment

A worm habitat for kids is the perfect way to teach kids about simple, at-home sustainability. Here's what you need, plus a step-by-step to get started.

Bringing Plants Back to Life and Keeping Them Alive

You may not have a green thumb, but with these tips, bringing plants back to life has never been easier.

An Environmentally Friendly Bathroom Is Easier Than You Think 4 Simple Swaps

Don't let the overwhelming thought of going green paralyze you. Make changes one at a time for an environmentally friendly bathroom, kitchen, and home.

How to Conserve Energy at Home

Learn how to conserve energy at home with some quick and inexpensive tips. Kids can always get involved with green family projects like these!

Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Find easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint by starting small and connecting with nature. Goodness for the Earth to share.

Planning a Garden as a Family Why When and How to Get Started

The only thing better than planning a garden is doing it early enough to allow for trial and error. Here's how to get kids in on early spring gardening.

What Is Greywater Living Greener with Grey

What is greywater and how can you use it at your home? Making the most of your family's greywater is like water recycling!

Can I Save Money with Solar Panels Solar Is within Your Reach

If you've ever wondered "Can I save money with solar panels?" this case study will tell you the answer!

Eco-Friendly Snow Removal Ideas for Winter

Let it snow! Learn all about snow removal that's good for the planet, whether it's salt, sand, or another eco-friendly snow removal idea.

How to Start an Indoor Garden

Do you want to know how to start an indoor garden? Follow these tips to have fresh greens and herbs on your dinner table in no time!

An Energy Audit Is Your First Step to a Sustainable Home Makeover

If you want to make your home more energy efficient and save money, an energy audit is the first step you need to take. Find out more here.

Winter Farmers' Market and More: Buying Local Produce in Winter

Eat locally all winter! Use a winter farmers' market, a farm share, and local products at your grocery store to have seasonal produce all year.

The Benefits of Hypoallergenic Plants for Your Home

Hypoallergenic plants can help ease allergy symptoms in the home or office. Try these plants in your home this winter.

At-Home Spa Night Ideas and Recipes for a Relaxing Evening

It's time to focus on you. Plan an at-home spa night ASAP with these helpful tips.

When Beehive Plans Don't Include Trouble: A Beekeeping Recovery Guide

Congratulations on starting a backyard beekeeping operation! Now, include prevention in your beehive plans with these common problems (and their cures).

Zero-Waste Challenge, Day One Confessions

A zero-waste challenge is a great way to teach your family how much trash you create and inspire you to minimize it. Here's what to expect.

Why You Shouldn't Rake Your Leaves This Fall

Learn why you shouldn't rake your leaves, as it keeps them out of the landfill and puts them to work in your yard and gardens.

Backyard Beekeeping Basics: Setting up, Bringing Bees Home, and

Starting a backyard beekeeping venture is often easier and more rewarding than hobbyists expect. Once you have your equipment, here's how to get started.

How to Grow a Certified Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

It only takes a few easy steps to turn your backyard into a certified wildlife habitat. Find out more about it here.

Composting in Small Spaces Makes Big Impact

Learn how composting in small spaces makes a difference, even if you don't own a garden. Here is all you need to know about composting from small quarters.

How to Start Composting at Work or School

Steps and tips for how to start composting at work or your child's school by creating a new composting program.

How You and Your Family Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at the Beach

Reduce your carbon footprint at the beach this summer with these tips and tricks for an environmentally friendly day in the sun.

How to Upcycle Bathing Suits

Learn how to upcycle bathing suits by repurposing the fabric with these ideas.

Thinking About Starting a Bee Farm? Here's What You Need to Get Ready

Honeybees have made headlines both for their tragic disappearance and heroic comeback. Join the story by starting a bee farm of your own. Here's how.

Getting Married? Plan a Green Wedding to Charm and Inspire Guests

So many decisions go into planning a wedding. Why not use each one as a chance to care for the environment? Here's how to plan a beautifully green wedding.

Fruit and Vegetable Scraps Don't Have to Be Waste

Your family's fruit and vegetable scraps can be a great resource if you know how to use them. The next time you have produce waste, try these ideas.

5 Fun and Impactful Earth Day Activities for Families

Honor the planet by doing these fun Earth Day activities as a family, inspiring your kids for a lifetime.

Nontoxic, Outdoor Summer Cleaning Tips to Finalize Your Patio

Tips for deep summer cleaning your outdoor spaces, and everything that comes with them, in a nature way.

Sustainable Camping with Kids: How to Overnight Outdoors for

Getting away from your daily routine and out into the environment benefits the whole family. When camping with kids, include these lessons in conservation.

Living an Eco-Friendly Life at Home and at Work: A Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine employees practice eco-friendly life values at work and at home. Find out how Paul Jessen, brand manager of innovation, does just that.

Green Graduation Party Ideas for Eco-Friendly Young Adults

Don't fall into the trap of wasteful spending this party season. Instead, throw a green graduation party with these smart ideas.

Palm Oil in Tom's of Maine's Bar Soap is Rainforest Alliance Certified

The Palm Oil in Tom's of Maine bar soap is Rainforest Alliance Certified -- it's a popular ingredient due its antioxidents and Vit. E properties

Keeping a Clean Home with a New Baby

Keeping a clean home doesn't have to be hard when you add a baby to your family. Follow these easy steps to keep it stress-free.

Switching to Natural Makeup: The Better Choice for You and the

With so many safe, natural makeup options available, there's always an alternative when trying to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

Spring Yard Cleanup with the Kids for a Sustainable Summer

Get your kids outside by putting them to work doing spring yard cleanup after the winter. With these tips, your family can clean your yard sustainably.

Adopting a Minimalist Wardrobe

Cluttered closet? Here are a few reasons why a minimalist wardrobe might be good for the planet, and your mental well being.

What Can I Compost at Home? Think Beyond the Usual

If you're wondering 'what can I compost besides the usual' here are some ideas! Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich mulch for your garden and beyond.

10 Ways to Upcycle Old T-Shirts

There are several ways to upcycle old T-shirts into interesting artwork, handy tote bags, and more. Try some of these DIY projects today.

Considering Water Supply Protection at Your Family's Home

Water supply protection is just as important as water conservation. Learn about these easy ways your family can better protect your drinking water.

Giving Female Hygiene a Green Makeover

Have you ventured into sustainable female hygiene products? See why and how you can give your monthly visitor a green makeover.

3 Fun Science Experiments You Can Do in Your Own Backyard

Take your homework outdoors with these fun science experiments that can be done with items from your own backyard.

Teaching Kids Proper Electronic Disposal and Recycling Practices

Batteries, health and beauty products, and electronic disposal don't have to be in your landfill bin. Set your family up for recycling success.

Eco-Friendly Cooking Tips for an Energy-Efficient Kitchen

These easy, eco-friendly cooking tips can help you make your kitchen energy efficient without breaking the bank or taking up your time.

Calculating Your Foodometer: How Far Food Travels From Farm to Fork

Spend some quality time with the kids, talking about where the food you eat together is produced, by calculating food miles and your Foodometer.

Making Numbers on Recyclable Items as Easy as 1-2-3

Discover what the numbers on recyclable items mean (and some fun ways to teach your kids about them) this Earth Day.

Nature Crafts for Kids That Teach Sustainability

Teach your family about the importance of recycling while getting artsy with these fun nature crafts for kids.

Put Your Repair Skills to Work Fixing Things Instead of Buying New

Learn how your repair skills can help you waste less resources, save money, and teach your kids valuable life lessons when you have broken household items.

Using Reusable Bags Beyond the Grocery Store

Using reusable bags when you visit the grocery store is now a habit. But you can also keep some in your car and utilize these bags for other purposes.

Choose Environmentally Friendly Clothing for a Stylish Change

Selecting green fabrics and making a few important choices on sourcing your wardrobe will keep your family in environmentally friendly clothing.

Greening Your Baby Feeding Utensils for a Safer Meal

Not all baby feeding utensils are created equal. To make make mealtime safe for the whole family, try these non-toxic silverware options for your baby.

Regrowing Vegetables from Food Scraps

You don't have to just discard your leftover produce scraps. Discover how easy regrowing vegetables is using your food scraps.

Make Homemade Musical Instruments for Sustainable Fun

Making homemade musical instruments is the perfect educational activity for kids. Here are a handful of inspiring ideas to get you started.

How a Homemade Terrarium Teaches Kids about the Environment

A homemade terrarium is a fun family project that teaches kids about sustainability. Here's how to make your own with your kids.

New Year's Resolutions for Children for a Fulfilling Family Tradition

New Year's resolutions for children are a great opportunity to have fun as a family while teaching your children life lessons and persistence.

Hypermiling Tips for Getting the Most from Your Gas Tank

Safe money and do good for the environment by squeezing every ounce of energy from the gas in your tank by hypermiling.

Activities to Teach Composting for Kids

Bring science to life as the leaves drop with a few games and activities focused on composting for kids. Here's how to get started.

Upcycle, Funcycle, and Recycle Old Socks with These Awesome Ideas

Odd socks can seem unusable. Fight the temptation to toss them, and instead put them to work for you with these nine creative ways to recycle old socks.

Recycled Winter Craft Projects: Make a DIY Winter Wonderland

Turn your home into a winter wonderland with these winter craft projects and DIY holiday decorations that also teach sustainability.

5 Easy Steps to a Green Laundry Routine

If you're looking to use less water and make your household chores more eco-friendly, try these easy ways to create a green laundry routine.

How Does a Solar Panel Work? Activities That Teach Kids about Solar

If you have a kid who is interested and invested in the environment, try these simple activities to answer the question "how does a solar panel work?"

Sustainable Transportation Ideas to Start Greening Your Commute

Sustainable transportation is the perfect way to make your commute to work or school more eco-friendly. Use these simple tips to start today.

6 Ways to Green Your Morning Routine

The morning is hectic, but using that time to be more sustainable is actually easy. Try these simple steps to green your morning routine.

No Sew DIY Halloween Costumes

Purchasing Halloween costumes can quickly add up! Try these DIY Halloween Costumes instead.

5 Halloween Crafts That Are Spookily Sustainable

Try these fun DIY Halloween crafts teach kids about sustainability while also embracing the fun of the holiday.

Easy Ways to Reuse Pumpkin Parts

Have some fun and teach your family about wasting less by reusing pumpkin parts. Try these recipes and activities to avoid wasting pumpkins this Halloween.

Shopping Tips for Less Waste

Green shopping tips for less waste at the grocery store. Reduce, reuse and recycle are words that can definitely be used each time you shop.

5 Cool Rainbow Facts for Kids (And How to Make Your Own Suncatcher)

Have your kids ever asked you about rainbows? Do you know what they have to do with their water supply? Here are five awesome rainbow facts for kids.

Why Natural Bug Repellent Is the Better Choice for Your Home

Switching to natural bug repellent is a good way to avoid the toxic chemicals in mainstream bug sprays. Here are some DIY recipes for your home.

How Plants for Kids Teach Them about the Environment

You can garden with plants for kids to create lessons on healthy habits and sustainability while reaping all the tasty benefits once the items grow in.

5 Easy Green Kitchen Product Swaps

Try these simple swaps to create a green kitchen without a lot of work. These tips will make your food preparation and cleaning more sustainable.

Simple Sustainable Landscaping to Make Your Garden Greener

There's no better and easier place to focus on the environment than your own backyard. Try these sustainable landscaping tips to get started.

Make Sustainable Lighting Lessons for Your Kids Super Fun

Make sustainable lighting habits second nature for everyone in your family—even the littlest of green kids—with these simple steps.

Ecycling Gives Electronics a New Purpose

Your kids have access to a handful of electronics every day. When those devices break or become obsolete, consider ecycling them. Here's why and how.

17 Smart Ways to Recycle Coffee Grounds

When you recycle coffee grounds, they're kept out of landfills, a practice which benefits the land and air. Here are 17 ways to reuse old grounds.

5 Fun Recycled Crafts to Teach Kids Sustainability

Your recycling bin is brimming with amazing finds that can be turned into some fun recycled crafts for your kids to enjoy.

4 Ways to Make Your Backyard BBQ More Green

During the summer months, there's nothing better than a backyard BBQ with a group of friends. Next time, go green with these simple tips.

Green Your Back-to-School Shopping List with These Ideas

Here are five tips and ideas to help green your back-to-school shopping list with good-for-the-planet merchandise.

Making Green Crafts with Recycled Craft Materials

Reuse craft supplies to make these fun green crafts while you teach your kids about sustainability.

Thinking about Fruit Picking This Summer? Everything You Need to Know

Fruit picking in summer is a unique experience in that it engages every one of the five senses. Plan your trip right this season with the following tips:

Eco-Friendly Clothing Materials to Help Detox Your Wardrobe

The more you avoid clothing materials made with certain toxins, the happier your family will be. Use these tips to detox your closet.

19 Upcycled Garden Containers to Cut Waste and Grow Goodness

The smartest, most economical pots for your plants aren't pots—they're upcycled garden containers that, in a previous life, had a different purpose.

How to Save Energy at Home While on Vacation

Have you put any thought into what's going on at home while you're away? Try these quick and easy steps with your family to save energy at home.

4 DIY Ways to Repurpose Old Clothes

Repurpose old clothes into grocery bags, pillowcases, and more, and you'll feel good about keeping unnecessary waste out of the landfill.

5 Educational Car Ride Games That Are Fun for the Whole Family

Make your family road trip fun and educational this summer with these entertaining car ride games. Your kids will also learn about sustainability.

Composting 101: All Your Beginner Questions Answered

Everything you need to know to reduce your kitchen waste. Consider this composting 101, as it will answer all your questions if you're new to the process.

Solar System for Kids: How Learning about Space Benefits Earth

Connecting your planet with the rest of the solar system for kids will give them a greater appreciation for how special Earth really is.

When Going Paperless, Make These Spring Cleaning Swaps

Want to green your cleaning routine? It's easier than you think. From going paperless to cutting plastic and harsh ingredients, here are five swaps to make.

5 Ways to Take Shorter Showers and Save Water

A good way to use less water is to take shorter showers. Use these tips to still get an effective shower while conserving water.

How to Teach Kids about Sustainable Transportation Methods

Try these fun activities to teach your kids about the importance of sustainable transportation and its impact on the environment.

Collecting Rainwater to Use in Your Family's Garden

Collecting rainwater will benefit both your garden and your local stream. Get your kids involved with these steps, and they can learn a lot.

6 Ways to Shop Local without Going Out of Your Way

You can't expect to make huge lifestyle changes overnight. Instead, learn to shop local one step at a time. Here's how.

Homemade Gifts from the Garden

Create homemade gifts when you use your homegrown garden to pass the love and hard work onto those around you.

Don't Forget These 8 Places in Your Home When Spring Cleaning

When you're Spring Cleaning it's easy to overlook some places in your home that could benefit from the yearly deep clean. Here are 8 places to remember!

7 Ways to Reduce Grocery Store Waste|

Using canvas bags, shopping at farmers markets, and making a meal plan are just a few ways to reduce grocery store waste and better the environment.

7 Habits of Green Kids at School

Green kids grow up into green adults, but it starts with you. Here's how to help your children create Earth-friendly habits every time they head to class.

5 Green Pet Care Tips for You and Your Dog

Follow these green pet care tips to reduce your dog's carbon paw print. It doesn't take a complete overhaul—just a few small daily habits can do the trick.

Why Eco-Friendly Napkins Are the Right Choice

Eco-friendly napkins are a simple switch your family can make to eliminate waste. If you want to get kids on board with this change, here are some tips.

Eco-Friendly Food Containers and Your Kitchen

Switching up how you pack your lunches and leftovers, specifically with eco-friendly food containers, is an easy way to make your kitchen a little greener.

Teaching Kids to Save Electricity: Make It Fun

Teaching kids to save electricity doesn't have to be a textbook lecture. These five activities will get kids on board with household energy conservation.

Five Green Insulation Options

Blasting the heat increases your carbon footprint. Here are some green insulation alternatives that work just as well—sometimes better than the conventions.

Fun Water Conservation for Kids

Teaching water conservation for kids can be fun, and have a huge impact on the next generation. Get started with these educational activities.

What Is a Locavore and How Do I Become One?

What is a locavore? A locavore is a person who is committed to eating food that has been grown in the region where they live. Here's how to start!

How to Make an Upcycled Terrarium Big Ideas for Tiny Gardens

Combine science, creativity, conservation, and fun in one simple activity: create an upcycled terrarium! Here's how you (and the kids) can get started.