Low VOC Paint ROCKS! Well, I suppose it actually rolls, but you get the idea.

I've wanted to paint my bedroom for the entire 4.5 years I have lived in my house. For many reasons it hadn't come to be until yesterday, not the least of which was choosing paint. I'm glad I waited until I knew enough to ask for low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint.

That "new paint" smell we have come to associate with a fresh interior? Not a good thing. Indoor air quality is as big an issue as outdoors. Paint is a major contributor to indoor air pollution. Thankfully, there are choices available in most colors, and you can use something that is easier on you and the planet.

I have to say, good vibes from planet-sparing or no, my highest recommendation goes to the complete and utter lack of "paint smell". The entire time we were painting I was struck with how nice it was to be able to breathe without the stifling odor.

The room is gorgeous, there is no stink and the planet suffers less - triple win!

Simple Human Compost +!

I know one cannot shop one's self out of a climate crisis, but I do have to admit that there are some purchases that turn out to be good investments for the lighter-impact tool-kit. Several months ago we were faced with needing to get a dog-proof composting solution. We were also looking for something that would be easier to use than the separate bucket we were currently using so we could see if we could increase our overall composting.

The perfect solution to our problem is depicted on the left. The Simple Human Butterfly Recycler is a gorgeous solution to a very practical problem. We choose to use one bucket for garbage and one for composting. Our family challenge is to see if we can fill the compost side before we fill the garbage side. We have absolutely seen a dramatic increase in our composting! Our recycling is still under the sink, but even though it hasn't changed, we seen that go up too. Something about having it be ridiculously simple to divert an item from the general waste stream - as easy as adjusting your hand by an inch before you drop the item - is too perfect to fail.

Whatever your solution, I encourage you to think through the practicality issues surrounding your personal waste stream and see if you can't help The City in it's goal of banning food from the garbage. If you have questions, I can't say enough good things about the people at Sunset Scavenger. I've contacted them several times throughout the last year with questions, and I have always found them to be outstandingly helpful and friendly.

Happy composting!