A Green Family

All Articles

17 articles

An overflowing outdoor trash bin, illustrating the least eco-friendly way to dispose of food waste
kitchenwaste

How to Use Your Garbage Disposal the Eco-Friendly Way

A practical guide to using your kitchen garbage disposal responsibly, what's safe to grind, and how it stacks up against composting and the trash.

A glass milk bottle, a plastic jug, and a paper carton side by side on a kitchen counter
kitchenshopping

Carton, Plastic, or Glass: Which Milk Container Is Actually Better for the Planet?

We assumed glass was the obvious answer. The research says it's more complicated than that — and the real winner depends entirely on where you live.

A box of old electronics and cables ready for recycling
recyclingwaste

Where to Recycle Old Electronics and Batteries (A Family's Practical Guide)

Old phones, laptops, dead batteries, tangled cables — most of this shouldn't go in the trash. Here's where it actually goes, and how to make sure your data goes with it.

A pile of styrofoam packaging, plastic bags, and bubble wrap on a kitchen floor
recyclingwaste

What to Do With the Stuff Your Recycling Bin Won't Take

Styrofoam, plastic bags, old electronics, bubble wrap — your curbside bin rejects all of it. Here's where these things actually go, and how to get them there without losing your mind.

A glass spray bottle, a bar of castile soap, and a box of baking soda on a kitchen counter
homekitchen

How to Clean Your Home With Three Ingredients Instead of Thirty

Most cleaning products do the same job. Here's the small set of things that actually work — and how we went from a cabinet full of bottles to almost nothing.

An electric car plugged in at a home charger in a driveway
transportenergy

An Honest Family Guide to Going Electric (From a Family With One EV and One That Isn't)

We have two cars. One is electric. One isn't. Here's what we've actually learned — the real costs, the real convenience, and why we haven't made the second switch yet.

A bamboo toothbrush, shampoo bar, and safety razor on a bathroom shelf
homebathroom

The Plastic-Free Bathroom: What We Switched, What We Didn't, and What Actually Works

The bathroom generates more single-use plastic than almost any other room. Here's what we replaced, what surprised us, and where we gave up trying.

Clothes hanging on a line outdoors in sunlight
homeenergy

The Greenest Way to Do Laundry (Without Buying Anything New)

Small changes to how your family does laundry can cut energy use by up to 90%. Here's exactly what to change and in what order.

A rail of colourful, well-kept children's clothing
kidsshopping

Fast Fashion for Kids: Why It's the Worst Category — And What to Do Instead

Children's clothing is the most wasteful corner of the fashion industry. Kids outgrow clothes in months, quality has dropped dramatically, and most of it ends up in landfill. Here's a better system.

Glass jars, aluminium cans, and plastic bottles lined up on a kitchen counter
shoppingrecycling

Glass vs. Cans vs. Plastic: Which Packaging Is Actually Better for the Planet?

The answer isn't what most people expect. Here's an honest breakdown of the environmental footprint of each — and what it means for your weekly shop.

A family sorting items into recycling bins at home
wasterecycling

The Truth About Recycling (And What Actually Happens to Your Bin)

Most families are recycling wrong — not because they're careless, but because the system is confusing by design. Here's what actually gets recycled and what doesn't.

A compact herb garden on a kitchen windowsill with basil, cilantro, and parsley
gardenkitchen

Grow Your Own Herb Cube: Fresh Seasonings Without the Plastic

A small herb garden on your windowsill replaces dozens of plastic-packaged herb bunches per year — and the food tastes better too.

A rack of neatly organised secondhand children's clothing
shoppingkids

Secondhand vs. New: When Buying Used Is Always Better (And When It's Not)

Buying secondhand is one of the most powerful green choices a family can make — but not for everything. Here's a clear guide to what's worth hunting for used.

A stack of folded cloth napkins and dish towels on a kitchen counter
homekitchen

Paper Towels vs. Cloth: The Real Numbers After One Year

The average family spends $180 a year on paper towels. A set of cloth alternatives costs $25 and lasts a decade. Here's how to make the switch painlessly.

A kitchen counter with glass jars, reusable bags, and fresh produce
kitchenplastic-free Featured

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic in Your Kitchen

Simple swaps any family can make this week to dramatically cut single-use plastic — no expensive overhaul required.

A family putting fruit scraps into a compost bin in the garden
gardenwaste Featured

The Family Composting Guide for Beginners

Everything you need to start composting at home — even if you have a small yard, kids who think it's gross, and no idea where to begin.

A backpack, wooden pencils, reusable lunch box, and notebook on a desk
kidsshopping Featured

Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Supplies That Kids Actually Love

A practical, budget-conscious guide to swapping traditional school supplies for sustainable alternatives — without the eye rolls.