Author: MeredithTested

Vermont based eco-lifestyle and mom blog dedicated to showcasing one family's attempt to simplify through zero waste, minimalism, and slow living.
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The Amazon Shipment That Changed My Life

Here’s a little story about the Amazon.com order that changed my life.

I think it’s safe to say that my husband and I are Amazon super-users. We were quick to adopt their new technologies and offerings. We even tried out the kooky Amazon Dash button for Lara bars. (Oy, that one wasn’t a winner for us for lots of reasons.) We like Amazon Prime Video and regularly buy Kindle ebooks. We’ve been Prime members for years and I really like the fact that lots of different items are available, and typically for a good price. I also like reading reviews about different products large and small.

And we didn’t order so often that we felt like we were drowning in boxes and packaging. Ironically a lot of the items I ordered on Amazon.com were eco-friendly, plastic-free items that I couldn’t find at local stores.

But then we received this box. This one shipment that changed my relationship with Amazon.com forever, and helped guide me towards zero waste.

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What if all red carpet beauty was with organic, non toxic makeup? Academy Awards 2016 // MeredithTested.wordpress.com
Makeup

Get the Oscars 2016 Look … with Green Beauty

Even though I didn’t watch the Oscars this year, I am still totally drawn to the beautiful clothing and makeup showcased on the red carpet. Maybe it’s the theater lover in me, but I just like the whole spectacle. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the evening with organic, natural, non-toxic, green beauty product recommendations to help you achieve the look at … Continue reading Get the Oscars 2016 Look … with Green Beauty

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Meredith's musings

Simple Daily Mantras

There are lots of great tools out there for guided meditation and relaxation. There are literally millions (probably billions) of inspirational and motivational quotes on Pinterest and Tumblr. But sometimes what I need isn’t more motivation or more relaxation. I just need a simple mantra or quote to help me focus on my present. To focus on positive self-talk. Inspirational quotes don’t always have to … Continue reading Simple Daily Mantras

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Product Review

Smartphone Apps for Non-Toxic Product Ratings

Avoiding toxins and unhealthy chemicals? Look in your smartphone for answers! Using apps can be great for beginners trying to use products (makeup and skincare, for example) with fewer potentially-harmful ingredients. It can be frustrating and overwhelming. I know! This whole “being mindful and conscious of my purchases and actions all the time” schtick can get cumbersome sometimes. The truth is, I love reading ingredient … Continue reading Smartphone Apps for Non-Toxic Product Ratings

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Makeup, Meredith's musings, Recipes and Food, Skincare

Greenwashing and feeling duped

Have you ever felt “duped” by a company or product claiming to be green, clean and healthy? In my journey to live a healthy, happy life I have become more mindful and careful about labels and ingredients — in my skincare, makeup, food. But sometimes, if I’m in a rush/tired/generally feeling meh, I make mistakes. Like that time a few years ago when I asked … Continue reading Greenwashing and feeling duped

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Minimalism

Capsule Wardrobe … Wishlist?

I finally built a capsule wardrobe … and now I have a wishlist?! …What? At 30, I really thought I had my “style” nailed down, finally. Years of wearing a uniform I liked but felt a little uninspired by (black dress + scarf, mainly) led me to exploring “colors” in the past few years. I ultimately realized that I just love neutrals and that’s okay. … Continue reading Capsule Wardrobe … Wishlist?

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Uncategorized

Meredith Tested: Organic, green, clean, safe, non-toxic cosmetics

I’m sure my “favorites” will change, especially now that I am on the path towards zero waste, but here’s what I recommend to friends thinking about overhauling their makeup bag in favor of healthier, safer cosmetics. A few notes before I share my picks. There are many wonderful companies out there with clean, eco-friendly products. This is by no means an exhaustive list but I … Continue reading Meredith Tested: Organic, green, clean, safe, non-toxic cosmetics

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Family takes on zero waste challenge for the year ... here's their first month's trash!
Zero Waste

One month of living zero waste

First, check out my post one week in to the zero waste challenge. 

Back to the one month checkup… Overall, we’re in a good groove now. We’re still learning, still tweaking, still finding packageless sources for our favorite foods and other items, but we’re in a habit now. It feels normal. We’ve got a routine. It happened fast in some ways. But slow in others.

Slowly over the month we’ve identified the stores where we can (and like to) buy certain items. And where we can’t buy certain things. We’ve figured out a good system for storage and only have a few things on our wishlist – including more glass containers that we can use for freezer meals.

…And something big enough to fit a whole chicken. 😉

Less waste, less garbage, less plastic, less trash, no disposable or single-use items … But no less joy, happiness, delicious food, or time with family and friends.

It’s true that the “set-up” takes some time. Even in the last week of January we found a new local, humane-raised meat source. And we hope to continue to uncover local sources for some of the things we’re currently having a hard time finding packageless, like butter (we’re still using Kerrygold), yogurt and bacon.

And now, because I’m sure you are curious, here’s what our trash can looks like after 31 days.

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Meredith's musings, Zero Waste

When we voluntarily undertake a difficult challenge

I recently came across this article by Miss Minimalist called “The Joy of One” So if you’re not living out of a backpack, why go to such extremes? Why own just One of an item, when you have plenty of room for two, or three, or ten? For the same reasons you might train for a marathon or go on a meditation retreat. When we … Continue reading When we voluntarily undertake a difficult challenge

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