Being Eco-Friendly Isn’t All or Nothing

It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle. It can feel like there’s far too many things to do, but small swaps can really add up! Below we’ll list a few simple ideas to get you started. Pick one to try out. If it doesn’t work out for you, try another. The important part is not to get discouraged, and do your best to take care of yourself along the way.

1. Reusable Grocery Bags - The best bag to use is the one you already have! Although lots of places sell or give these away. And they’re not just for groceries - use them at markets, shopping for home goods, or thrifting!

   1. Forgot one?

      1. Get a paper one - reuse it for as a grocery bag, wrapping paper for a gift, or to wrap a book for school

      2. Get a plastic one - reuse it as a grocery bag, keep it for storage, or use it for a trash bag

   2. Can you sew? Make your own from old fabric, linens, or a T-shirt

      1. Market Tote from Tendersmile Handmade on YouTube

2. Coffee Cups -

   1. Bring Your Own Cup - It’s possible some additional shops will take personal cups. Check with your local shop

   2. Borrow-A-Cup Program from Okapi Reusables. Find a map of locations here

   3. Purchase or make a reusable sleeve - Knitters, crocheters, and sewists can fairly easily create a reusable and washable sleeve. Makes a great gift too!

      1. Crochet Pattern from @hellohappycrochet on Instagram

   4. Got a paper cup? Bring it home, rinse it out, recycle or compost (as appropriate) the top, cup, and sleeve.

3. Clothing - Any piece of clothing you can purchase second hand keeps that piece out of landfill and sometimes even helps a small business. Plus, you can typically find unique or one of a kind pieces unlike anything available on-the-rack now.

   1. Thrift - We’re biased but recommend visiting Magpie Thrift in Capitol Hill and Shoreline. This is often much cheaper than buying new pieces of quality clothing.

   2. Flea Markets - Seattle has no shortage of great markets full of vintage and upcycled clothing: Punk Rock Flea Market, Fremont Sunday Market

   3. Recycle/donate your old clothing

      1. Companies like Ridwell actually recycle clothing into new materials and items

      2. Magpie Thrift donation profits support Everly! Items they can’t sell go to support community partners.

Remember, it’s not about doing every single thing you possibly can. It’s about doing one or two things when you can while also balancing your physical and mental well-being. The more you integrate small changes into your life, the easier it will be to contribute to larger changes over time.