A Small Step

I've been writing about small steps, how to be brave and take action, blah blah blah (as my son would say when I wax poetic.  Or when I lecture.)  

Looking at these first bunch of posts I realize that I need to balance thinking and action.  In my writing and in my life. Of course.

Although, maybe the thinking is what enables action and so it's reasonable that right now I'm still in the think/talk phase?  Or maybe I'm justifying... actually what does it matter?  It's time for action.  

Small steps!




Betcha thought I was going to stop there.  Wouldn't that be funny?  A call to action with no action. :)

Here it is.  Yesterday I made my own laundry detergent.  Ta Da!!! 

I've been seeing ads for all kinds of eco-strips and water-free laundry detergents lately (thank you FaceBook algorithm that notices I'm a middle aged homemaker!)  These ads are reminding me that every bottle of liquid laundry detergent I buy comes in a heavy duty plastic jug that I will discard when it is empty - and that's not cool. Not to mention the enormous energy consumption of transporting all that heavy (water) and soap to my grocery store from wherever it's made.  

I am a pretty frugal person, so I've mostly ignored these ads, but I guess my brain was working at the problem. Obviously it's a great idea, and effective advertising for sure!  I wasn't biting on the purchase of the new strips (lightweight and also effective, I'm told, with only paper to discard!) but I found myself tracking down a recipe for homemade laundry detergent. 

In the end I needed Borax and Washing Soda (both come in a paper box from the grocery store) and a bar of Laundry Soap (which came in a plastic sleeve, one layer only)  I'm thinking the 10 gallons of detergent cost me about 5 dollars. !!!  Plus the time it took to grate and melt and mix the stuff.  

Now we'll see how well it works!  I'll keep you posted. 

What's your most recent (or upcoming) small step? Share in the comments, please!

Comments

  1. LeanneMarch 25, 2021 at 9:16 PM

    Laundry detergent has been one of my recent small steps too.

    I also like to think that, every morning when I check on my new seedlings sprouting, I'm taking another small step towards sustainability. Perhaps my small contribution of herbs and cucumbers in my urban backyard leads to an appreciation of slow food and local food in my family and neighbours. Maybe I'll be brave and step up to help lead a local community garden initiative...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandy PlettMarch 26, 2021 at 6:18 AM

    Yes! Be brave, Leanne! I'm excited to hear how that goes!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AlvieraMarch 27, 2021 at 9:37 PM

    These are little steps I have taken recently. After a certain letter in the local paper, I have made a more conscious effort again with not taking plastic bags at the store, rather having reusable ones ready. I also started using vinegar with a bit of Dawn for a cleaning solution. I would like to use homemade laundry soap as well. I have been thinking about it, but didn’t voice my intentions in time for last month’s shopping, so I do have some bought to use. I’d love to have your recipe though, so we won’t keep buying those big, plastic jugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy PlettMarch 28, 2021 at 3:42 PM

      I know the kid who wrote that letter! :) Today I went to the grocery store and didn't have a bag. Urgh! I was determined not to take a plastic bag but ended up with a very awkward carry out the car. I'm laughing at myself now, but I can see how long it takes to change habits, and this is just a small thing. And I've been thinking about bags for years! It's a good reminder to be patient with myself (and others) on habit changes around bigger things too.

      You can just have some of my detergent - bring me your empty jug when it's ready for a refill!

      Delete
    2. JoanneApril 3, 2021 at 3:20 PM

      Sandy! I’m pretty sure there’s a Baroness sketch that would be helpful in showing you how to carry your groceries on your person...

      Delete
    3. AlvieraApril 4, 2021 at 9:56 PM

      Yes, will save the jug and bring it. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. Sandy PlettApril 4, 2021 at 6:59 AM

    Oh yes! It's here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r-8TFk6u2o

    ReplyDelete

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