Big Changes, Small Wins

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I finally landed a job! 🎉 I haven’t started yet—still waiting on background checks—but I got the offer letter, which means I can finally breathe a little easier. These past two weeks have been a whirlwind in my house.

My husband headed off to Oklahoma for work for at least a year. The kids and I are used to him working out of state, but this is the farthest he’s been since he deployed to Iraq when they were all under three. At least this time, I don’t have to worry about him being in danger and all the kids are out of diapers. 

Before my offer came through, Javy and I started going to a job assistance class together. I loved the extra time with him. Javy has an intellectual disability, which makes seeing things through his perspective… well, let’s just say he always keeps me guessing (and smiling).

Jacob and I also helped my husband with the long drive to Oklahoma. To be fair, Jacob did most of the helping—I mostly slept—but I was there for moral support! We love road trips, and this one came with an unexpected eco-friendly surprise. The Hampton by Hilton we stayed at didn’t have those tiny plastic toiletry bottles. Instead, they had refillable full-size bottles mounted on the wall. Such a smart move! Less waste, less plastic—definitely a win for the planet.

Back at home, I finally caved and bought a bidet. Total game changer, people. Yes, the water is very cold (consider yourself warned), but the amount of toilet paper I’ll save makes it worth it. I even invested in cloth wipes for drying off—link coming below. Don’t worry, my daughter already checked: yes, we’ll still buy regular toilet paper. The difference now is that since we’ll use less, I can afford to switch to the bamboo kind I mentioned in a past post. Win-win.

Scrolling through Facebook the other day, I stumbled on an image that really resonated with me. It said: Even if climate change were a hoax (it’s not), taking action still means clean air, clean water, healthy food, and restored habitats. That’s the heart of what I’m trying to do at home—small steps, one at a time.

I remember growing up near Baltimore and actually seeing the smog hanging in the air. Government regulations helped reduce it, and today it’s so much better. That’s proof that action works. We can all do better in our own homes too. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Just start small. One change a week. One swap a month. It adds up.

I don't get paid for these recommendations, maybe one day. 

Cloth wipes I LOVE: https://a.co/d/8hWcoTQ --wash before use, this helps to fluff them up too. 

Bidet I bought: https://a.co/d/9gEKzcQ

Cloth toilet paper that I didn't care for (too thin), BUT I will use for runny noses: https://a.co/d/f2JuIoU

A Rollercoaster Week: From Setbacks to New Motivation

In true ADHD fashion, I completely forgot to post on Sunday. Honestly, I had a rough weekend. On Saturday, I got the news that I didn’t land the job I mentioned in my last post. I spent most of that day pretty bummed out, but by Sunday morning I woke up with a new sense of urgency to focus on my business. I ended up down a Mel Robbins YouTube rabbit hole, and let me tell you—it lit a fire under me to get moving again.

Of course, reality is reality, and until Eco Sloth Refillery LLC is up and running, I still need a paycheck. Funny enough, my stepson is also job-hunting, so we signed up for a program that helps people get jobs. We’ll be going four days a week for four hours at a time, learning interviewing skills, polishing resumes, and eventually attending a job fair with employers who are hiring. It’s actually been a lot more motivating than I expected—talking about goals and work you actually enjoy has me thinking even more about how to build a business I love.

Speaking of motivation, I have some really exciting news—I got accepted into a program for veteran entrepreneurs! It kicks off September 4th and runs once a week for seven weeks. I’m so excited to learn how to start this business the right way and build something sustainable (literally and figuratively).

On a more personal note, there’s some big change coming for our family. My husband is headed to Oklahoma for a long work assignment—likely about two years. That means it’s going to be me and the kids holding down the fort here in Florida. He’ll come home when he can, but with an 18-hour drive between us, it won’t be as often as before.

Now onto a swap story: bamboo toilet paper. It worked just fine, and I loved that it came wrapped in paper instead of plastic, but wow—it was pricey compared to my usual brand. Honestly, I think the real solution might be finally trying a bidet. From what I’ve read, it cuts way down on toilet paper use. Some people even go full “unpaper” toilet paper with a bidet, but let’s be real—I don’t think I can convince my whole family to get on board with that. That might be a solo swap just for me.

One swap that has stuck? Zero-waste laundry sheets. I wasn’t sold on the scent at first, but I added a little essential oil to the pack, and it’s much better. My husband—who’s been less than thrilled about this whole zero-waste lifestyle—folded his laundry the other night and said, “They’re definitely doable.” That’s basically a five-star review coming from him, so I’m calling it a win.

So yeah, last week had its low points, but this week I’m moving forward with a lot more motivation and excitement for what’s ahead.

Eco Tip of the Week: If you’re curious about a bidet but not ready to commit to a full installation, start small. There are affordable, easy-to-install bidet attachments that hook right onto your existing toilet. You’ll drastically cut down on toilet paper use, save money in the long run, and give the planet a break.

Another week and still unemployed....but there is hope

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Another Sunday, and I’m still on the job hunt—but I have a good feeling this week is going to bring a change. Tomorrow, I have a second interview with a BBQ place in town. Now, it’s been almost 30 years since I worked in food service, and I swore “never again,” but this one has a twist. The position is for a Community Ambassador, which means not all my time will be stuck inside the restaurant. If I land the job, I’ll share more details next week.

A couple of perks stood out right away: it’s only nine minutes from my house (no more highway commuting!), and the hours are actually human—open at 11am, closed by 9pm. No early mornings, no closing shifts that stretch past midnight. This will give me more time to work on Eco Sloth Refillery LLC. 

I also did a quick trial shift on Friday, just to get a feel for the place, and something big jumped out at me: they don’t recycle glass bottles or cans. They do recycle cardboard, which is good, but oh boy… if I get this job, fixing that will be near the top of my to-do list. Composting would be a dream too, though I know that’ll be a tougher sell.

On the home front, this week’s swap was to bamboo toilet paper and bamboo toothbrushes. I tried the toothbrush first—super soft bristles and a smaller head than I’m used to. Honestly, not my favorite as an adult, but I think it’d be great for kids. The toilet paper, though, was a win. We tried the Betterway brand. My husband thought it was a little rough, but I liked that I needed to use less than regular TP. Big family = lots of toilet paper, so that’s a big deal. It’s pricier than the standard stuff, but the packaging is plastic-free, and bamboo grows so much faster than trees—it’s basically nature’s overachiever. Trust me, I have a bamboo invasion trying to take over my fence!

I also experimented with making my own dry shampoo this week. I followed a simple recipe: baking soda + cornstarch + cocoa powder (for dark hair) + a few drops of essential oil. I poured it into a spice jar with a shaker lid, and while it’s messier than the spray versions, it worked decently well. I’ll keep testing recipes until I find the perfect one, but for now, it’s a fun, cheap, and waste-free option.

🌱 Eco Tip of the Week: Save your glass jars! Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, wash them out and reuse them for leftovers, homemade scrubs, or even as little planters. It’s an easy swap that keeps waste out of the recycling stream and saves you money on storage containers. Your family may look at you like you are nuts for saving "trash", but it will be worth it in the end. 

Small Swaps for a Greener Home (and a Happier Planet)

Switching to eco-friendly products can feel expensive, but sometimes it’s just about choosing items in more sustainable packaging. This week, I made a simple change: instead of buying cat litter in a plastic container, I picked one packaged in a recyclable cardboard box. It was an easy swap that didn’t cost more, and when it’s empty, I can toss it right in the recycling bin.

You can do the same thing with a lot of everyday products. Take body wash, for example. Instead of the usual plastic bottle, I’ve started looking at bar soap. There are so many varieties and price points out there. Honestly, I’d never bought bar soap for my home until I tried solid shampoo last week. I always thought bar soap was kind of gross—especially when it got soggy—and I wasn’t thrilled at the idea of people rubbing it directly on their skin without a washcloth.

Then I discovered soap saver bags. They keep bars from turning to mush, make them easier to lather, and give each family member their own soap and bag. If someone wants to go “direct to skin,” that’s their choice, and it’s not shared. Bonus: bar soap lasts longer than bottled body wash, so you save money while cutting down on plastic waste.

My next swap is going to be compostable trash bags. I’ll admit, I’m nervous. My family creates a lot of trash—less than we used to since we started recycling and composting—but still a lot. My kids have a habit of cramming as much as possible into the kitchen trash can, so I’m worried the bags might tear. We’ll see how it goes.

I’m also trying plastic-free laundry detergent and fabric softener this week. This will be a tough change for my husband, who loves Gain and Snuggle. But all those plastic bottles add up, and I’m ready to make the switch. I’m buying laundry sheets, fabric softener sheets, and even recycled toilet paper. This toilet paper is 3-ply, so I’m hoping we’ll use less—because we go through a lot. It’s pricier than the store-brand I usually buy, but it’s better for the planet. And no, we’re not ready for cloth toilet “paper.” That’s one swap I don’t think my family would agree to anytime soon (especially without a bidet!).

On the business front, things are moving forward with Eco Sloth Refillery LLC. The LLC paperwork and tax ID are done, and I’m setting up the website and picking products. I’m a little stuck in the process, so I may need to get some extra help—but I’ll get there. I plan on selling versions of all the eco-friendly products listed above on my website and in-person, so keep an eye out! 

What about you? What swaps are you trying in your home? Share them in the comments below or on the blog’s Facebook page—I’d love to hear your ideas. Blog's FB page

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Eco-Friendly Tip of the Day: Before buying a new eco-friendly product, see if there’s a similar version in recyclable or compostable packaging. Sometimes the most sustainable choice is simply changing the container, not the product itself.

Big news!

Here's a little life update mixed with exciting news and, as always, some sustainable tips!

I'm still on the job hunt, having applied to over 200 positions through LinkedIn and Indeed. Thankfully, it's all digital these days—can you imagine having to fill out hundreds of paper applications and driving around town like we used to? Yikes!

On a brighter note, my husband’s work contract in Georgia ended, and he's finally back home with us for a while. It’s great to have him here again.

Now, here's something I haven't shared much about yet—my stepson, Javy. He’s 28, has an intellectual disability, and recently came to live with us due to some personal family circumstances. Javy is one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet, constantly checking on me throughout the day (he worries I'm upset, but honestly, it’s just my resting B-face!). Unfortunately, his disability makes holding a traditional job challenging, as misunderstandings with coworkers often leave him feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Javy’s struggles inspired me to finally chase a long-held dream: starting my own business. It’s called Eco Sloth Refillery, where customers can refill their own containers with household essentials like shampoo, body wash, and hand soap. We’ll also carry sustainable products like dryer balls and compostable toothbrushes. Our goal is to start small—farmers' markets, pop-up events, and even a local delivery service—with plans for a website and store down the road.

The real beauty of this business idea is creating a supportive work environment for Javy. Together, we'll be our own bosses, understanding each other’s strengths and challenges, aiming for happiness and fulfillment more than wealth (though I won’t say no if it comes knocking!).

I’ll keep you posted on our journey—wish us luck!

Eco-Friendly Tip of the Day: Try switching to solid shampoo and conditioner bars. I recently made the swap and was surprised at how healthy and soft my hair feels! Plus, the packaging says one conditioner bar can replace five bottles—talk about reducing plastic waste! Just a heads up: sniff before you buy if possible, so you find a scent you love. I tried one recently and while I love the outcome, the smell leaves a lot to be desired. I'll post a picture below. 

July Zoomed By… and I’m Still Hustling

Holy cow—did anyone else blink and miss July? I swear it was just the 4th, and now people (my son Aiden) are already whispering about Christmas. 😳

On the job front, I’m still searching for the right fit. If you're local to Oviedo, FL and hear of anything in customer service, non-profits, sustainability, or medical scheduling, please send it my way! I’m also open to volunteer work if it helps me get a foot in the door. Last Friday was a busy one—I had three interviews (two in person and one video). Can I just say… video interviews are not my jam. Sure, it saves time for everyone, but I’d so much rather talk to a real, live human than record myself talking into the void. 🫠

While I’ve been home, I’ve been cooking up something exciting—a sustainable business idea. I’m not ready to share all the details yet (mostly because I tend to jump in headfirst when I’m excited, and I’m trying to be more strategic this time 😅). The business plan is ready, and now I’m working on funding. If you’ve got a long-lost billionaire aunt who wants to adopt a 47-year-old, I’m available!

💧 This Month’s Sustainable Swap: SodaStream

One swap I made a while back that’s truly stuck is using a SodaStream with refillable bottles. Total game-changer! I used to buy way too many bottles of bubbly water (and sodas), and with three of us in the house loving fizzy drinks, we were easily going through six bottles a day. That’s a lot of plastic and a lot of money. A bubbly water recipe that I made up is: about 1/4 cup lite pineapple juice, bubbly water, coconut flavoring and cherry flavoring. Mix them together and pour over ice. So GOOD! 

Now? We make it at home, flavor it ourselves, and reuse the same bottles. Less waste, more savings. 💚 Win-win.

💡 Sustainability Fact of the Week:

🚿 You could save 16 gallons of water per person, per day by showering instead of taking a bath. (Source: Phila Gov)

I’ve been a fast-shower kind of girl ever since Army training. Long, hot baths sound lovely… but a quick shower is faster, cleaner, and eco-friendlier. How about you—team bath or team shower?

Let me know what swaps you’ve been trying lately! 👇 I love hearing your wins (and fails—because let’s be real, we all have them). Until next time—slow down, breathe deep, and do your best. That’s enough. 

Mid-July Check-In: Job Interviews, Sustainable Swaps, and Keeping Cool

Hey friends! I know it’s been a minute since my last post—thanks for sticking with me. Life has been a little hectic lately. I’ve been deep in job hunting mode and taking LinkedIn Learning classes to beef up my resume. It’s been a slow grind, but I’m finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I have two interviews lined up this week (maybe even a third!), and there’s one I really have my heart set on. I had a great phone interview today, and I’ve got an in-person one on Friday. I’m feeling hopeful, so send some good vibes my way!

Now, how’s your July sustainability challenge going? What have you swapped so far? One of my recent swaps was switching from a plastic hairbrush to one made of wheat straw. If I’m being totally honest, I’m not in love with it—the bristles just aren’t strong enough for my hair. I’ve seen some made from bamboo, so I might try one of those once I’m working again. I also swapped out my old plastic cutting boards for ones made of wheat straw. Again… not a fan. I learned afterward that while wheat straw is slightly better than plastic, it’s not a huge improvement. That was a little disappointing, but hey—live and learn. I’m now looking into bamboo, glass, or even steel cutting boards, though those are pricier. If you’ve found a great sustainable cutting board, let me know!

There are definitely a few things I’m not willing to swap—at least not right now. Don’t judge me, but I’m keeping my air conditioning on full blast. I live in Florida, which should be enough explanation, but I’m also in the middle of perimenopause, and the hot flashes are no joke. Between the humidity and the internal furnace that is my body these days, I need all the cool air I can get. That said, I have tried to make my house more efficient by hanging up thicker curtains in the living room, which faces the sun most of the day. It helps a little, though that room is still the hottest. Back when I worked night shifts, I even put aluminum foil on the bedroom windows to block the heat—desperate times, y’all.

💡 Cool recycling fact: Did you know that recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours? It’s one of the most efficient materials to recycle—and unlike plastic, aluminum can be recycled infinitely without losing quality. So if you’re sipping a soda, be sure to toss that can in the recycling bin!

Thanks for catching up with me! I’d love to hear what swaps you’ve made this month—successes or flops. Drop a comment or message me with your thoughts and tips. I’ll be back soon with (hopefully!) some exciting job news and more sustainable updates.

Until next time,
Evelyn