Plastic Free July: 12 Cosy Ways to Create a More Sustainable Home

As we bid adieu to "Plastic Free July", I felt it was the perfect time to reflect on our daily habits and find ways to reduce our plastic footprint. At Little Batch Wax Co., we believe that sustainability and coziness go hand in hand. Let's explore 12 warm and inviting ways to make your home more plastic-free, creating a space that's not only eco-friendly but also a place you love to be.

1. Switch to Natural All-Purpose Cleaner - Make your own all-purpose spray with Dr. Bronners liquid soap. Simply mix 1/4 cup liquid with 1 litre of water in a reusable spray bottle.

2. Invest in Glass Storage Containers - Replace plastic tupperware with sleek glass containers. They're not only plastic-free but also make your fridge look organised and inviting. I even found a bunch of beautiful vintage ones at the opp shop.

3. Use a Bamboo Toothbrush - Start and end your day with a sustainable smile. Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as plastic ones but infinitely more eco-friendly.

4. Try Bar Soaps - Ditch plastic bottles and opt for artisanal bar soaps. They often come in lovely scents and look beautiful displayed in a ceramic dish. I love this Wouldn't Know Em - NZ made.

5. Try Shampoo and Conditioner Bars - Continue the plastic-free bathroom trend with shampoo and conditioner bars. They last longer than bottled products and often come in delightful scents.

6. Use Clothe Produce Bags - When shopping, bring along some cotton produce bags. They're washable, reusable, and add a rustic charm to your grocery run!

7. Swap Plastic Scrubbers for Natural Alternatives - Replace plastic kitchen sponges with natural loofahs or coconut coir scrubbers. They're biodegradable and add an organic touch to your sink area. I have had this dish scrubber for years. It's beautiful and works just as well as the first day I bought it.

8. Opt for Reusable Cloth Napkins - Add a pop of character and design to your at-home dining experience with clothe napkins. They're more elegant than paper ones and can be washed and reused countless times. I have found sets of 6 like-new at opp shops in gorgeous colours and patterns.

9. Choose Wooden or Bamboo Utensils - For picnics or casual dining, opt for wooden or bamboo utensils instead of plastic. They're durable, attractive, and compostable at the end of their life.

10. Use a French Press or Pour-Over Coffee - Maker Avoid plastic coffee pods and filters by using a French press or pour-over coffee maker. These methods not only reduce plastic waste but also make your morning ritual more mindful and enjoyable. Bonus: use mason jar coffee mugs. They're extra cosy and fit right into your car cup holder.

11. Light Natural Wax Candles - Of course, we couldn't forget about candles! Choose natural wax candles in glass jars or metal tins. They create a warm ambiance while being eco-friendly. (Our Little Batch candles are perfect for this!) Read why we prefer bio-degradable and sustainable soy wax.

12. Create a Cosy Reading Nook with Second-Hand Books - Put your library card to use and borrow a book to return, or swap with friends! Better yet, make notes and highlight as you read - give it as a gift and it will feel as if you're reading together!

Remember, transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. Start with small changes and gradually incorporate more as you go along. Each plastic item you replace with a sustainable alternative is a step towards a cleaner planet and a cosier home.

This Plastic Free July, let's commit to creating spaces that are not only kind to the environment but also warm, inviting, and uniquely ours. After all, true coziness comes from knowing we're doing our part for the world around us.

What plastic-free swaps have you made in your home? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Pause, Breathe, Live: 3 Reasons To Surrender to a Slower Pace of Life 🌿🕰️

Photography by Kate Holland

It's 6 AM, and your alarm blares to life.

You're instantly bombarded with notifications, a mile-long to-do list, and that nagging feeling that you're already behind. Sound familiar? I've been there too.

For years, I was caught in this whirlwind of constant hustle, broken sleep, and the endless social media scroll that left me feeling... well, empty. But then, I stumbled upon a concept that changed everything - slow living.

It wasn't an overnight transformation, but as I began to embrace this gentler approach to life, I noticed profound shifts in my well-being and happiness. Today, I want to share with you four incredible benefits I've discovered on this journey to a slower, more intentional life.

So grab a cosy blanket, light your favourite candle, and let's explore how slowing down might just be the key to living your best life.

1. Improves Your Health

Slow living can have a profound impact on both your physical and mental well-being. By reducing stress and allowing more time for rest, you give your body and mind the opportunity to recharge. This lifestyle often leads to:

- Better sleep quality

- Reduced anxiety and depression

- Improved digestion (from eating more mindfully)

- Lower blood pressure

Taking time to prepare home-cooked meals, engage in gentle exercise like yoga or walking, and create moments of stillness can all contribute to a healthier you.

2. Saves Money

Embracing slow living often results in more mindful consumption habits. When you step off the treadmill of constant busyness, you may find yourself:

- Cooking at home more often instead of eating out

- Choosing quality items that last longer over cheap, disposable goods

- Finding joy in simple, cost-free activities like reading or spending time in nature

- Reducing impulse purchases by taking time to consider what you truly need

These shifts not only benefit your wallet but also lead to a more satisfying relationship with your possessions and experiences.

3. Forge Stronger Relationships

In the rush of modern life, our relationships often suffer. Slow living encourages us to prioritize meaningful connections. By slowing down, you can:

- Be more present in conversations, truly listening to loved ones

- Create space for regular, unrushed quality time with family and friends

- Develop deeper empathy and understanding for others

- Cultivate a stronger sense of community by engaging more with your local area

Remember, strong relationships are built on time and attention – two things that slow living helps to provide in abundance.

4. Protects the Environment

Adopting a slow living lifestyle often aligns naturally with more eco-friendly practices. When you slow down, you tend to:

- Consume less overall, reducing your carbon footprint

- Choose local, seasonal products, supporting sustainable agriculture

- Opt for environmentally friendly transportation like walking or cycling

- Appreciate and protect nature more, fostering a connection with the environment

These choices, while seemingly small, can collectively make a significant impact on our planet's health.

Embracing slow living doesn't mean your life grinds to a halt. Rather, it's about finding a pace that allows you to live more intentionally, focusing on what truly matters. Whether it's savoring a home-cooked meal by candlelight or taking a leisurely walk in your neighborhood, small steps towards a slower life can yield significant benefits for your health, finances, relationships, and the world around you.

So why not take a moment to pause, light a candle, and consider how you might incorporate elements of slow living into your daily routine? Your mind, body, and the planet will thank you.

Cosy Corner Chronicles: Crafting Your Perfect Reading Retreat

We all need a sanctuary, a little slice of heaven to call our own. Whether you dub it a cosy corner or a reading nook, it's that special spot where you can escape the daily grind and truly unwind. This haven can be nestled inside your home or perched on a shaded back porch - the choice is yours!

Start by picking a sun-kissed corner anywhere in your house. Transform it with a few key elements: a plush rug for comfort, a pillow for support, a side table (I'm partial to vintage pieces), a touch of greenery, and some soft, ambient lighting.

As an avid reader, I've crafted my own little retreat. Picture this: a comfy secondhand chair overlooking our serene pond, surrounded by stacks of my favorite books. A flickering candle sets the mood, and I keep some duck food handy for when our feathered friends pay a visit.

Here are some ideas to make your space uniquely yours:

1. Swap physical books for audiobooks. Imagine sipping coffee in blissful silence, headphones on, eyes closed or simply sitting still.

2. Keep a notepad and pen within reach for those eureka moments.

3. Set a schedule for your me-time. Maybe it's 30 minutes every morning or an hour each Saturday. Communicate this to your family to ensure uninterrupted peace.

4. Activate "Do Not Disturb" on your phone to resist the temptation of checking it.

5. Be selfish with your time here. Read what you want, not what you feel you should. Leave your to-do list at the door.

6. Engage your senses with calming scents. Try our Raglan Weekend blend (vanilla, lime, and coconut) for a tropical escape, or indulge your sweet tooth with Sunday (almond, cinnamon, and vanilla).

So, where's your go-to spot for a little me-time? We'd love to hear about your personal oasis.