5 Great Videos on Going Zero Waste

I have some thoughts that will make their way into a different post dedicated to the subject of the definition of zero waste, but I think it’s important to share with those who may not be familiar with the lifestyle that the words “zero waste” (or on social media #zerowaste) have come to represent a shorthand for all kinds of people and families trying to:

  • Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot (compost)
  • Reduce trash/garbage/waste
  • Live plastic free
  • Live with less plastic
  • Move towards the goal of “zero” waste
  • Live eco-friendly without disposable, single-use items
  • Limit their production of garbage or trash
  • Limit anything disposable (including items that can be recycled)

Simply put: Zero-waste living means aiming to reduce landfill-bound trash to the bare minimum.

Here are a few videos I’ve found on “going zero waste” – great if you’d like a bit of an overview on what zero waste looks like in the real world. 

Continue reading “5 Great Videos on Going Zero Waste”

thredUP baby childrens kids consignment review

Meredith Tested: thredUP

I just placed an order with thredUp and thought I’d share my experience. First, I’ve mentioned thredUP before. I love the concept – it’s like going to a great consignment store but you go through the merchandise online instead of searching through racks. I like supporting local shops, but shopping online is a convenient, nice option. Especially if you’re looking for a specific item or … Continue reading Meredith Tested: thredUP

Meredith Tested: Vapour Organic Beauty Foundation

A while ago I was on the hunt for the much-applauded Vapour concealer stick but as my color was out of stock*, I opted for the Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation (stick) instead. I’ve been testing this out for about a year and here’s what I think. First, this foundation is pricey at $40 (website now says $44, I might have an older version … Continue reading Meredith Tested: Vapour Organic Beauty Foundation

Cloth diapering and cloth wipes

Meredith Tested: Cloth Baby Wipes

Let’s get right to the good stuff: get my #1 recommended cloth wipes here. *

My daughter has been cloth diapered since she was a few days old. I was hooked when that first cloth diaper caught an epic and disgusting newborn poo with no leaks – after days of experiencing “diaper blow-out” and leaks galore the few times we used disposables. Anyway, there are lots of great resources online about cloth diapering. So many it can be overwhelming, I know! 14 months in, I’m still really happy with our cloth diapers and they continue to impress me. Long story short, I like that cloth diapers are better for my daughter’s health, better for the environment, less expensive (WAY less if you use them for multiple kids), more effective (see story re: poo explosion above), and so adorable.

There are LOTS of great resources on cloth diapers (my top resources listed below, btw), but I haven’t found a lot of great resources on cloth wipes* and cloth wipes solutions (aka, how to get your wipes wet). So, here you go! My formerly top-secret recommendation for where to buy reusable cloth wipes, and my DIY wipes solution.

How to use cloth wipes with cloth diapers or for reusable tissues, paper towels, napkins and more!

Continue reading “Meredith Tested: Cloth Baby Wipes”

My family has been living “zero waste” for a week and…

After living this “zero waste” lifestyle for a whole week (though I was sick for 5/7 of it, ugh) … here’s what’s up: Reusable containers to hold bulk ingredients makes mise en place (schmancy culinary term for setting out all your sh*t before you cook it) look really nice. It’s nice to look at and it just makes you feel nice. Some things are more … Continue reading My family has been living “zero waste” for a week and…

Green Living Giveaway! {Closed}

{This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been notified. Thanks to everyone for entering!} Over the past few years I’ve gotten serious about healthy eating, paying attention to the potentially harmful ingredients all around me from makeup and skincare to plastic food containers. I started buying fewer high-quality clothing and other goods that will last versus lots of fast fashion or disposable items. … Continue reading Green Living Giveaway! {Closed}

Meredith Tested Blog Most Popular Posts 2015

Happy New Year and Top Posts of 2015

2015 was amazing – it’s too amazing to try and think about all the amazingness. Like thinking of the stars in the galaxy. Whoa, man! Slow down – too much awesome! Lets look back at Meredith Tested favorites in 2015. I’m so appreciative of every reader, commenter, reply on Twitter, like on Instagram! Thank you so much! Drugstore Finds: Non-toxic Beauty and Skincare (Look for a … Continue reading Happy New Year and Top Posts of 2015

Zero Waste 2016: Starting with Myself

In 2016 I am committed to attempting a zero-waste lifestyle or zero waste home. Inspired by many before me (Beth Terry of My Plastic Free Life, Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home, Lauren Singer of Trash is for Tossers) and motivated by heartbreaking images of piles upon piles of unnecessary waste washing up on beaches, killing birds and other wildlife, and, before that, cluttering our homes. In the … Continue reading Zero Waste 2016: Starting with Myself

Stock Your Cabinets: Common Ingredients for Do-It-Yourself Recipes

Avoid DIY-ntimidation by stocking your pantry with a few simple ingredients. Start with one or two and build from there. While I’ve dabbled with some different DIY beauty and skincare recipes, here are the ingredients I come back to over and over again to use mostly on their own and sometimes in combination. …You might already have a lot of these in your cabinets, score! Coconut … Continue reading Stock Your Cabinets: Common Ingredients for Do-It-Yourself Recipes