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Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

5 Easy Ways To Create Zero Waste

May 3, 2017 by Dawn Michelle

Creating zero waste in your life is an incredible earth loving journey.  It does take a serious commitment especially when society isn’t always set up to assist your environmental choices.  If you are new to zero waste, here are 5 super easy ways to start!

1. Use A Double Edge Safety Razor

I’ll admit that double edge safety razors look intimidating.  I ordered one anyway as I was determined to eliminate plastic disposable razors completely.  When I started using it, I noticed that the weight of the razor did most of the work, and using old school razor blades gave the closest shave I’ve ever had!

Now mind you I shave in the direction of hair growth since I have sensitive skin.  I’ve actually always shaved this way because it prevents irritation.  Also razor blades last an extremely long time and they can be recycled.  No disposable razor no matter how many blades it has can compete.  I bought a safety razor for my husband too and he loves it.  I have no intention of returning to disposables.

Last month I ordered a pack of 50 new razor blades for my safety razor for under $8.  Although the initial purchase of this shaver was a small investment for my zero waste efforts compared to what I used to spend in “fancy” disposables, it is actually much less in the end.  I gave half of the razor blades purchased to my husband, and the other 25 will last me a few years.

2. Keep Stainless Steel Travel Utensils With You

I like to keep a set of stainless steel travel utensils in my bag so that I can avoid using plastic disposable utensils unexpectedly while I’m out.  I used to have a set of bamboo travel utensils which I loved and sadly misplaced.  I do keep a stainless steel straw with my set of utensils too.

3. Get An Awesome Stainless Steel Water Bottle

This is one of the easiest ways to minimize waste while avoiding plastic water bottles.  In Los Angeles there are literally water stores where you can fill up reusable gallon containers of delicious filtered water to store at home.  I have also seen and used filtered water stations outside of local grocery stores.

From there I fill up my personal stainless steel water bottle when I’m on the go.  I love my water bottle from Klean Kanteen with a bamboo lid.  I prefer stainless steel over the glass water bottles simply because I’m not afraid it will break if I drop it.  The bamboo lid must be handwashed, but I prefer how it looks.

4. Purchase Secondhand Clothing & Do Clothing Swaps

I’ve created many capsule wardrobes around secondhand clothing.  It is amazing for my wallet, the earth, and developing my personal style.  Buying secondhand keeps clothing that is still in great condition out of landfills.

I have also found that doing clothing swaps with friends to be a great excuse to get together and shop each other’s closet of unloved pieces.  When you can’t find something secondhand consider organic fair trade clothing items from ethical brands which honestly support the workers who make them.

5. Brush With A Bamboo Toothbrush

Just like disposable razors, plastic toothbrushes create a lot of unnecessary waste.  Bamboo toothbrushes are the best solution to traditional plastic toothbrushes.  I’ve been using Brush With Bamboo toothbrushes for a few years now and most recently purchased their awesome bamboo travel case for storage and of course travel.

All Efforts Towards Zero Waste Count

Being mindful of how our daily habits and purchases effect the planet really do create a huge impact.  Every day that you aspire towards zero waste plus those who you inspire to also be mindful creates a major impact.  I am far from my goals of zero waste, yet each positive eco friendly choice is commendable.  After sometime it does become so much easier.

Find more on zero waste here.

One Love!

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

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  1. CG says

    May 3, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    I just got myself a stainless Klean Kanteen for travel and I had no idea such a simple little thing would cause me such joy at airports. Bonus is that they easily attach to hand luggage with a carabiner.

    Reply
    • Research Warrior says

      May 3, 2017 at 11:12 pm

      I have Siggs and I only moderately like them but I agree that taking reusable bottles to the airport is an incredible travel tip – saves so much money!

      Dawn, where in LA do you recommend for refilling water jugs?

      Reply
      • Dawn Michelle says

        May 4, 2017 at 10:56 am

        Hi Research Warrior,
        There are water stores throughout the city. I would do a Google Maps search to find the closest one to you. In all the places I’ve lived so far I have always found one close by. I’ve also seen them outside of grocery stores like Ralph’s.

        Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 4, 2017 at 10:54 am

      Hi CG,
      Klean Kanteen water bottles are amazing quality. It’s often the simple things that do bring the most joy. I hope you’re having a beautiful day!

      Reply
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living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

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