Is your home happy? Is it sufficiently cared for? 

Stay with me here. I don’t know about you, but this is the longest I’ve been in my house. Not lived or owned, mind you, but have been INSIDE my house. I think it’s fair to say that the last year has fundamentally changed our relationship with our homes. Our homes are more than a place to hang your hat at night; they’ve become schools, offices, movie theaters, libraries, you name it.

So, is your home happy?  

For me, a happy home is a sustainable one; a place that values function and form; a space that’s hardworking and inviting at the same time. A happy home is a work in progress, a journey made up of small steps with no specific destination at the end. A healthy home considers sustainability and conveniences and uses better products to support YOU. A happy and healthy home houses a happy and healthy human.

Here’s how I’m making my home happier and healthier, and by extension doing the same for me. Mind you, these aren’t changes that can or should be completed overnight. These changes require a mindset shift and consideration, but I’ve found they are worth it in the end. Put in the work now, and your home and future you will thank you.

• Stop using single-use plastics. I’m a massive proponent of glass containers. Over the last few years, I’ve been slowly swapping out flimsy plastic storage containers for sturdy glass ones. I’ve gotten rid of plastic wrap and purchased wax food covers and haven’t looked back once. Even snacks for the kids have gotten an upgrade with Grove Collaborative’s Reusable Bags. Beyond Plastic is Grove’s five-year plan to solve the single-use plastic problem for home and personal care products. By 2025, Grove will be plastic-free, including everything they make and sell.
  
  What heavy-duty plastic containers I do have are perfect for storing bulk items. Which leads me to…

• Buy products in bulk. Shopping in bulk has genuinely paid off, not only when quarantined in my home but also in terms of having kids in general. I cannot have enough dry cereal or rice with these kids. By buying in bulk, not only can you avoid extra packaging but you can often save money too. Bulk purchasing not only applies to dry goods or pantry staples but also to general household needs, such as cleaning supplies.  

• Ship in bulk. I’m slowly weaning myself off Amazon; we no longer use Prime for shipping (just for the movie selection). My first choice is to purchase locally, but if I’m ordering from a website that involves shipping, I reach out to friends to go in on an order to ship multiple items in bulk. Less separate shipping, a quick (and safe) hello with a friend, and money saved in the process. Grove purchases credits to fund projects that reduce pollution, such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency retrofits to counteract our shipping emissions.

• Add greenery to your home. This is my new favorite way to make my space happier and healthier. Maybe it’s the anxiety release I get from gardening outside, but I’m obsessed with plants, how to care for them, and how to decorate with them. My plant corner in my home is my meditation spot. Not only do I get so much mental and emotional joy caring for these plants but the plants also release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. This not only freshens up the air but also eliminates harmful toxins. Houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxins in 24 hours. 

• Embrace aromatherapy. Scent is such an intense way to evoke a specific emotional response. While I’m no expert, I’ve got a few favorite scents that I use when I need to recharge or relax. 

• Up your soap game. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how to properly wash your hands. And if you are going to be washing your hands all the time, you should purchase the good stuff. Grove’s Hydrating Hand Soap – Washes Away Germs & Moisturizes Hands and is plastic-free to boot! 

• Work smarter, not harder. Set timers for lights, unplug appliances when they are not in use, and utilize recurring shipments. Grove’s recurring shipments have been a game changer for me. There is no need to add to your mental load by remembering to pick up laundry detergent or soap. 

• Compost. Our outdoor compost is frozen, but I’ve got a little countertop composter that we use regularly. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty this spring with the mineral-rich soil for my plants. 

• Lastly, support green resources. Never underestimate your purchasing power. By doing a little bit of research, you can support green resources, Certified B Corps, and companies that champion sustainability.

Remember, creating a healthy home isn’t a sprint but a marathon. You don’t have to incorporate all of these to be successful. Small changes add up and can make a significant impact over time. 

Start out small and learn more about Grove, a Certified B Corp. New customers will receive a free starter kit with their first order.

Editor’s Note: This post was sponsored by Grove. The compensation we receive in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight is used to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post, and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.

While compensation was received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue to develop dynamic unsponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.