“The world doesn’t need a few people doing zero-waste perfectly. The world needs millions of people doing it imperfectly.” – Anne Marie Bonneau

It’s overwhelming to me to think about the many necessary steps to preserve the state of the environment. The detrimental consumption around the world continues to increase. So, I like to think that many small changes add up to a big impact, just as the quote above illustrates.

Reduce waste, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest. The ideal goal is buying things that are not packaged or packaged in something that is reusable, like glass, or recyclable. This results in consuming less plastic and creating less waste. It’s a bonus if the product is made with compostable and sustainable ingredients and cruelty-free.

Following these guidelines, I’ve tried to implement small changes around the house to make my habits more eco-friendly and low-waste. Finding companies to help me form low-waste habits makes following my values easier. 

Here are 10 household areas you can shift to become more low-waste and eco-friendly.

1. Grocery Bags

You’re likely using reusable grocery bags already! While grocery stores in Austin are able to provide bags, using reusable grocery bags is an easy way to reduce waste. We’ve collected so many reusable bags since it’s a common swag item. Bonus points if you’re using reusable produce bags.

Brand: Your local grocery store will have reusable bags. For reusable produce bags, see PurifYou or the Package Free Shop. 

Cost: 9 bags in a variety of sizes for $30

2. Toilet Paper

What makes this toilet paper eco-friendly? It’s made from 100% recycled paper (less waste) or 100% bamboo (reducing deforestation) and packaged in paper wrapping and boxes instead of plastic. The company – Who Gives A Crap – also donates 50% of its profits to sanitation projects (like providing clean water and toilets) in developing countries. They’ve donated $8 million so far!

Brand: Who Gives A Crap. They provided me with complimentary products to try (love them!) and a discount for you – get $10 off when you use the code “TP4EVA” and purchase through this link.

Cost: $10 off the price of your first subscription order means it costs:

• $28 for 24 recycled rolls ($1.16 a roll)
• $52 for 48 recycled rolls ($1.08 a roll)
• $34 for 24 bamboo rolls ($1.41 a roll)
• $58 for 48 bamboo rolls ($1.21 a roll)

3. Glass Containers

A set of glass containers in a variety of sizes with lids will last for years. Kitchen brands like Pyrex, Rubbermaid, and OXO produce them and they are sold everywhere, so they’re easy to find. Mason jars are also good for storing leftovers, especially liquids. Instead of buying jars, reuse jars from products like spaghetti sauce or pickles. I also recommend saving plastic take-out containers for re-use until they need to be recycled.

Brand: We have a set from Pyrex.

Cost: 7 containers in a variety of sizes for $22

4. Laundry Dryer Balls

Dryer balls have the same effects as dryer sheets – it reduces static cling and softens clothes but without the chemicals in dryer sheets. It is also said to help dry your clothes faster, which means reducing the time your machine is on. If you like the smell of dryer sheets, add a few drops of essential oil to your dryer balls.

Brand: I’m not sure where I got mine but you can find these easily. I’ve seen them stocked at our grocery store and Tru Earth sells dryer balls.

Cost: 4-pack for $22.95

5. Laundry Detergent

One of my favorite swaps is our laundry detergent. Instead of a plastic jug or a bulky box of detergent, we have a box of detergent strips. One strip per load (sometimes two if the clothes are really dirty) is what’s needed and the strip dissolves in the water. We bought in bulk, so we are set for a few years!

Brand: We’ve only tried Tru Earth, but we like it. Blueland sells a powder detergent packaged in compostable paper.

Cost: $104 for 384 loads ($0.27 per load)

6. Dish Sponges

Sponges are typically made from plastic, but there are good alternatives. There are several types of natural fibers that can be used as a sponge, like a loofah. Loofahs are dried vegetables from the luffa plant. Look for plant-based fiber scrubbers with wood handles. Another alternative we use, though not zero-waste, is a washable sponge. These sponges are made with 100% cotton and can be thrown in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Brand: Our luffa sponges were gifted by a friend who grew them in her garden. Luffa Gardens, a U.S. company, offers several loofah products. We get our washable sponges from Marley’s Monsters.

Cost: Pack of 3 washable sponges for $28 from Marley’s Monsters

7. Hand Soap

If your house is like mine, you have a hand soap dispenser at every sink that needs to be refilled every other month or so. We used to buy a big bulk plastic soap jug to refill all of these containers but have found a different type of refill. We fill the containers with water and drop in a soap tablet. (They are foaming soaps.) The soap tablets are also packaged in compostable paper, so it’s zero waste.

Brand: Blueland

Cost: 9 tablets for $14 (about $1.56 per tablet)

8. Dish Soap

We always have things to wash that don’t go in the dishwasher, so dish soap is a necessity. We’ve been using soap powder sprinkled through an old container. The soap comes in compostable paper, so it’s also zero waste. The cleaning process is the same as other dish soap and it foams up when you start scrubbing.

Brand: Blueland

Cost: 48 oz for $24

9. Toothpaste

There are a few companies that sell toothpaste tabs. They look like mints and you crush them in your mouth before brushing. I’m also glad to see toothpaste companies, like Tom’s of Maine, now packaging in recyclable tubes. https://www.tomsofmaine.com/

Brand: Bite or Unpaste Tooth Tabs. I’ve tried both and would use Bite again. I wish you could order only the compostable paper refills instead of having to buy the glass jar, but this only happens with the subscriptions.

Cost: $12 for 62 bits or $30 for 248 bits (Bite) or $8 for 125 tablets (Unpaste Tooth Tabs)

10. Shampoo 

How do we get rid of plastic bottles of shampoo? Shampoo bars! Imagine rubbing a bar of soap in your hair. It might be a slightly slower process than pouring shampoo but the effect is the same. Also, most shampoo bars come in paper packaging, making this alternative zero waste. The bars should last as long as one to three 16oz bottles do. One company estimates about 80-100 washes.

Brand: HiBar and Lush

Cost: $12-14 per bar

Next Steps

If you’re looking for an easy-to-find product with many uses, baking soda can be used as a household cleaner, toothpaste, and more!

I know there are also eco-friendly alternatives for razors and storage bags, among many other ways to make your home low-waste. See this great post for more ideas.

Any zero-waste alternatives you’ve tried and would recommend?

The post 10 Low-Waste Household Products to Help Create Eco-Friendly Habits appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

As I get older, I’ve gotten more passionate about living a more sustainable lifestyle. That means I make sure what I do and the products I use daily have a smaller impact on our environment. Impact is unavoidable in the way we live. For example, we drive cars, which uses fuel, and we shop at grocery stores, which ship products around the world. I can make small changes to help reduce the use of natural resources and hopefully, make our world a safer and healthier place to live for me, others, and future generations.

Slowly, I’m finding ways to incorporate better habits into my life. It takes time, especially when the alternative is more convenient, but I think the long-term effects are worth it.

Here are four ways I’ve changed my habits to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Lessen My Impact

The easiest way to live a more sustainable lifestyle is to lessen my impact. That means buying fewer things from the beginning. For the items I buy, I try to choose brands that are high quality, so they last longer, and that are sustainable, so I know how they are made and the impact that made on the environment. I also use reusable items like water bottles, dryer balls, and food storage containers. When I’m done with items, like appliances or clothes, they’re donated so maybe they get additional use before it makes it into a landfill. Our trash might disappear from our house, but all our waste goes to a landfill where it decomposes and pollutes the environment for a long time.

2. Use Safer Products

One thing I’m working on is finding products that are non-toxic, including make-up and household cleaners. I think this is the best way to make sure my body is as healthy as possible. I put on make-up every day and I like to keep the kitchen squeaky clean, so I need products that are safe to use.

For household cleaners, I’ve tried out a few products, and I like Art of Green because while it’s non-toxic (no harsh chemicals) and 98% naturally derived, it’s still tough on dirt, grease, and grime. I don’t have to settle for a cleaner that doesn’t work as well because I want something that is safe for sensitive skin. The bonus is how it smells! The citrus & white flowers smell good, but the lavender eucalyptus is my favorite!

• The multisurface spray is what I typically use with a rag on all the counters.
• For a quicker clean-up, the cleaning wipes make it convenient.
• The concentrated multisurface cleaner is perfect to refill the spray bottle or if I need to mix a different amount to clean the floors.

Art of Green is also at HEB, which makes it convenient to pick-up while I’m getting groceries. If you want to try Art of Green, here’s a link to a coupon for you.

3. Eat Local

I’m sure you’ve been following along my Local Monthly challenge this year. It’s been an interesting way to learn more about local farms and enjoy the delicious things they produce. I’ve visited farms and shopped at the farmers market at least once a month. It’s a win-win to support local producers! Read more about my project here.

4. Recycle and Compost

Our recycling bin is typically fuller than our garbage bin every week! Austin’s recycling program is fairly easy because all plastic, paper, and other recyclable items are put into the same bin. We frequently recycle mail, sparkling water cans, and packaging from food items.

We haven’t gotten our compost bin yet since we’re trying to time it with the start of our garden and Austin’s composting bins haven’t reached our zip code yet. Instead, we save compost items in our freezer to take to the farmers market. Texas Farmers’ Market allows you to contribute frozen scraps, so we save things like veggie and fruit scraps and eggshells. They turn the compost into soil for local gardens and farms. Read more about the composting program here.

Conclusion

I’m not perfect with all of these but I try my best to make a difference where I can. By being conscious of what I buy, use, and eat, I’m living a more sustainable life for myself and others.

Have you thought about incorporating sustainable habits into your life? What other things do you recommend I try?

This post has been sponsored by Art of Green. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Learn more at https://artofgreen.com.

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Starting in my college years, exercise has been an important part of my life because it makes me feel mentally and physically energized. Some days, it is so hard to find the energy to work out, but I always walk out of class glad I did the work. Getting older has made me more conscious about my health and reminded me that one hour a few times a week is a small price to pay for a healthier body and mind. I also find most work-outs fun, and I love the strength and confidence I get from working out. I’ve visited many studios in the 13 years I’ve lived in Austin, and I want to share my favorite workout studios in Austin to inspire you to try something new.

Before I get into my favorite studios, I want to explain a few of the workout types and what to expect. I’m no fitness expert but I enjoy working out and trying new types of workouts. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Yoga

I love yoga because it always seems to introduce me to new techniques and thoughts. Depending on the level of the class, the pace and types of positions vary. It has a strong focus on breathing, stretching, and postures. Yoga also asks you to be very present. Hot yoga is done in a heated room, which makes your muscles very warm and is said to increase your pulse rate and metabolism. It’s also very, very sweaty, so be sure to bring a towel. You’ll usually need to bring your own yoga mat or rent one for a fee at the studio.

Cycling/Spin

I have a love/hate relationship with cycling. It’s one of the hardest workouts for me but that also means it’s one of the most satisfying. You will definitely get sweaty and increase your heart rate. I’ve always experienced contagious energy and ambition in these classes, and the loud music usually helps with that. Many say it’s a dance party on a bike! For these classes, you’ll be able to rent spin shoes (usually $2-3 each class) that clip into the bike. Some studios will have monitors on your bike to show your power (watts) and speed (RPM) to guide you to your best workout.

Pilates

To tone the body, pilates is a great exercise. You’ll have your own machine or a variety of tools such as a ball or strap if you are on a mat. This exercise helps with flexibility, strength, and posture. Get ready to work out muscles you don’t usually work out! It’s all about the micro-movements and isolation to tone specific muscles.

Barre

Barre workouts are very similar to pilates and use the addition of a ballet barre to help balance as you strengthen your body. Most of the focus is on your legs and core. You’ll experience shaky legs as you work but feel the burn and ride it out!

Rowing

I didn’t know rowing classes existed until recently, and I love them! You learn one series of motions and vary it by speed and strength throughout the workout. It’s a fun and competitive workout. You’ll have a monitor on your machine that shows your power (watts) and speed (RPM), and your instructor will tell you what numbers to aim for. You’ll also use the monitor when rowing for distance (ie. countdown from 200 meters) or time (ie. countdown from two minutes).

Boxing

With boxing, you’ll get a cardio workout and learn specific moves. As a beginner, you’ll practice with and without boxing gloves and repeat the same combinations of moves. It might sound easy but it involves a lot of mind work and you’ll find specific and unexpected muscles sore the next day!

Strength Training

This type of workout has many variations but I categorize it as activities that raise your heart rate very quickly and make you sweaty without many machines, like a bike. You are likely to use dumbbells and sandbags of your weight preference. These can involve high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which includes doing a series of exercises. For example, you may be asked to do a routine of 50 jumping jacks, 10 box jumps, and a quarter-mile run three times in a row in a set amount of time or as many reps as you can of an exercise in 30-second intervals.

While many of the studios below have similar offerings, it’s important to find a place(s) where you feel comfortable and physically challenged. Budget-wise, I’ve included each studio’s unlimited monthly rate (as of March 2020) and visit their websites to see additional rates and packages. Buying an unlimited class membership is beneficial if you are planning to take three or more classes per week.

Here are my favorite workout studios in Austin!

DEFINE Body and Mind
(cycling, barre, yoga)

DEFINE offers a variety of classes and I’ve enjoyed their Body (barre), Mind (yoga), and Revolution (cycling) classes. They also have Bounce (trampoline) classes. Their studios are always bustling with people so you’ll be sure to feel energized.

Locations: 809 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Pricing: $125 (first time) – $199 per month for unlimited classes

Todd Pilates
(pilates, barre)

I’ve taken many classes with THE Todd of Todd Pilates and I love his energy. The instructors are excellent at explaining positions and the work-outs and music will get you energized. While the moves are technical, the workouts are definitely doable. The studio provides everything from the mat to weights so you only need to bring yourself and a water bottle.

Locations (three): 4032 S. Lamar #700, Austin, TX 78704; 9029 Research Blvd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78758; 2000 S. IH 35 Ste M1, Round Rock, TX 78681
Pricing: $50 (first time) or $95 a month for unlimited classes

Ro Fitness
(rowing)

I visited Ro Fitness because someone highly recommended it. I tried it once and I loved it. It is a challenging and fun full-body workout that provides variety through varying time, distance, and speed. I’ve only visited the Tarrytown location, though I hear the downtown location will provide you with a workout with a lake view.

Locations: 74 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78701 and 2425 Exposition Blvd Suite E-1, Austin, TX 78703
Pricing: $150 per month for unlimited classes

CorePower Yoga
(yoga)

CorePower is a yoga-based workout that pushes you beyond the stretching that yoga offers. You’ll be moving a little faster in these classes and may even go into more challenging positions, depending on the level of the class you choose. The rooms are also heated, so get ready to sweat.

Location: 4616 Triangle Avenue, Suites 201 & 202, Austin, TX 78751; 801 W. 5th Street, Retail Unit I, Austin, TX 78703; 3210 Esperanza Crossing, Suite 116, Austin, TX 78758
Pricing: Free intro week; $169 per month for unlimited classes; $199 for a 10-class package

Camp Gladiator
(strength training)

Camp Gladiator is a boot camp that has locations all around town and you can go to as many classes as you like. It is not specifically a studio though they do have classes at their Camp Gladiator Arena. Having done Camp Gladiator for about a year in the past, I would recommend it if your fitness goal is cardio. It’s also a great workout for exercise beginners. I’ve always found the instructors and fellow campers motivating and encouraging. Each camp is a cycle of four weeks that focuses on a different skill each week.

Location: Multiple locations, see website
Pricing: $189 per 4-week camp; $129 for consecutive camps; $69 per month for a 12-month contract

Black Swan Yoga
(yoga, strength training)

Black Swan Yoga is a donation-based ($10-15 per class) yoga studio. The studio is heated so you will get sweaty! I’ve always had a good focus in these yoga classes even though I’m dripping with sweat. If you’re new, try the Beginner or Flow classes. You can see example videos of all their classes on their website. I haven’t tried them yet, but their Hot Onnit classes are strength and conditioning classes.

Locations: 403 Orchard St, Austin TX 78703; 4534 Westgate Blvd, Austin TX 78745; 12636 Research Blvd, Austin TX 78759
Pricing: Donate what you want or enroll in their $88 per month membership

MOD Fitness
(pilates, barre)

I took MOD Fitness classes for a month and liked the toning it gave me. You have your choice of barre, burn, and options in between. Most of the classes are fast-paced and you’ll definitely feel the burn in your legs, core, and arms. The bright studios make it welcoming and energizing.

Locations: 406 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 and 2041 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78704
Pricing: $99 intro month; $170 per month for unlimited classes

LOVE Cycling Studio
(cycling)

I love the energy of this cycling studio. Their instructors are enthusiastic and the music is fun. The lights in the studio add to the atmosphere and the choreography adds to the workout.

Location: 507 Pressler St #900, Austin, TX 78703
Pricing: Intro pack – 3 classes for $50; $210 for a 10-class package; other class and membership packages available

Dancers Shape
(pilates, barre, yoga, cycling)

Classes at Dancers Shape make me feel like a graceful, strong dancer, especially since many of the instructors and students are or once were dancers (or do a great job imitating them). I like the signature Shape class and it’s a great introduction to what they offer. It’s focused on technique and toning. Their cycling class is a great intro to indoor cycling. They have a wide variety of classes to fit your needs.

Locations: 5350 Burnet Rd. Suite 7, Austin, TX 78756
Pricing: $175 per month for unlimited classes

Conclusion

It’s always intimidating trying a new workout studio or workout. Thankfully, I’ve always found that instructors and staff are very supportive of new students and are happy to explain techniques and show you the ropes around the studio. Remember to show up 15 minutes early, work hard and have fun!

I’m always up for trying new workouts and studios. What is your favorite kind of workout? What are your favorite Austin workout studios?

P.S. Looking for more fitness studios? Check out my in-depth post about the best indoor cycling studios in Austin.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post 12 Awesome Workout Studios in Austin to Boost Fitness appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I was excited to attend the 3rd Annual Prevention R3 Summit in Austin last weekend, thanks to my friend Amy. The focus was on R3: refresh, revive and reinvent, and Prevention Magazine did a fantastic job on curating topics and gathering thought leaders to discuss how we can all live a healthy life and make improvements. I really enjoyed the panels relating to food because it’s an area we deal with on a daily basis and can always improve.

Loved the artichokes in the decor at the cooking demo station.

The most important reminder I got from R3 Summit was one I heard in different forms in multiple panels: the best way to be healthy is to EAT WHOLE FOODS, which are the products that don’t need an ingredient list. This will give you the most nutrients and is the best for your body. Try to have a fruit or veggie at each meal and consume one soup or salad every day.

Joan Lunden was the keynote speaker and did a great job at addressing our emotional health. In sharing her story about her career and challenges, she had some thoughtful advice on how to approach life. Here are some of my favorites.

• Every time we share our story, someone learns.
• The successful people go out and make their own success. They find their purpose and joy and act on it.
• Sometimes you have to risk not being great.
• Get out of your environment to grow and understand the world.
• Take each story and make it shine. (Work hard in all that you do.)
• Do anything necessary for the desired end goal. This is what leaders do.

The first step to more nutritious eating is knowing what you’re eating and tricks to eat more nutritiously. I loved the session with Wendy Bazillian and Sarah Toland where they shared these tips.

• Don’t believe all the “healthy” labels (natural, organic) you read, even when you’re shopping at Whole Foods. If you want to be sure you’re getting the ‘best for you’ products, read the ingredients. Avoid “enriched,” “hydrogenated oil,” and artificial colors.
• If the ingredient ends in “ose” (like glucose), it is most likely a form of sugar. Consumers will recognize “sugar” but less likely the other forms, so companies hide these among the ingredients.
• After you grocery shop, mark the current date of your foods. You are more likely to use it up when you see that date.
• Rinsing your canned beans/vegetables will rid 30-40% of the sodium.
• Use glass containers (no BPA) to SEE your food. Entice yourself with good food.
• Put more nutritious foods at eye-level in your refrigerator or pantry.
• We eat 92% of what we serve ourselves. Try giving yourself smaller portions or using smaller dishware.

Moving into a more scientific discussion, the Human Gut (stomach and intestines) Microbiome is somewhat of an unknown as scientists continue to research and discover. Nonetheless, the panel had these things to share with us. So much of how well our body functions is tied to what we eat!

• Healthy gut microbiome leads to a good immune system.
• There’s a correlation of what goes on in your gut and what’s going on with you psychologically.
• Diet is the major shaper of your gut microbiome.
• Probiotics (found in yogurt, fermented foods) are a way to restore balance in your body but prebiotics (found in fruits and vegetables) should be your starting place for a healthy gut.
• Everyone’s microbiome is different and varies in the needed balance of bacteria to have a healthy microbiome. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Here is some thoughtful advice I heard throughout the event.

• Try meditation! It will relieve stress and anxiety, improve brain function, and lower risks of health issues.
• Your body needs a full cleanse a couple of times a year. Juice cleanses are not real cleanses. A cleanse involves removing, restoring and repairing. (There was SO MUCH good information in this session but it’s very scientific and requires a lot of explanation, so I recommend exploring the speaker, Ali Miller’s website to learn more!)
• If you don’t challenge your fitness, you lose your fitness. (This can be applied to most things in life. Strive for more!)
• When you’re striving for improvement, focus on the principles, not the programs. (Sometimes you can get so stuck in failing at a program that you don’t make progress. The thought is kind of like guidelines instead of rules.)
• Health is dynamic. There are goals you can reach but it’s never the end.
• Be in the driver’s seat of your health!
• Simple, small upgrades make a big difference.

Fit in 10 (minutes) Workout with Larysa DiDio

Although I geeked out on all the education discussions (everything above), I also enjoyed everything else the summit had to offer.

• Chefs of Austin restaurant The Bonneville had a fun cooking demonstration using Wild Planet Sockeye Salmon. We got to try the brussels sprout, kale and salmon salad made by Chef Jennifer and the salmon burger by Chef Chris. Both really good!
• We did a 10-minute work-out with trainer Larysa DiDio. I will admit, I did work up a sweat! She mentioned a study that showed even consistent, daily 10-minute work-outs will help you get in shape!
• I got an oral cancer screening done, thanks to Smile Generation. It took about 15 seconds and I’m glad to report no bad news here!
• I found a new favorite snack brand – Go Raw. I tried a bunch of their products and my favorites were the carrot cake sprouted cookies and Pizza Flax Snax.

Chef Jennifer of The Bonneville created this Brussels sprouts and kale salad with salmon – so good!

R3 Summit was a great reminder to think about what you consume. What I eat not only has a big impact on my weight and appearance in a week from now, but the compound results of what I eat has an influence on my future five months and ten years from now. I want to live a long life free of disease and health complications. Eating the best foods and taking time to exercise my body and mind can help me get there. Thanks, Prevention, for the reminder and for an inspirational event!

What is one way you try to live a healthy life?

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