In today’s fast-paced world, small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on both your health and the environment. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, eat more nutritious food, or simply make your home a healthier place to live, making a few simple swaps can help you achieve your goals.

Here are some easy changes to incorporate into your daily life that promote whole wellness.

Swap Refined Sugar for Local Honey or Maple Syrup

Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners are a common addition to many diets, but they’re not the healthiest option. Instead, consider using local honey or pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Local honey may even help with seasonal allergies and offers a dose of antioxidants. Maple syrup is full of minerals like manganese and zinc and is a wholesome, unprocessed alternative to sugar.

Say Goodbye to Plastic Bottles—Go Glass or Stainless Steel

Plastic bottles are not only bad for the environment but also potentially harmful to your health. Chemicals like BPA found in some plastics can leach into your water or food. To make a healthier choice, swap out single-use plastic bottles for glass or stainless steel alternatives. These materials are more sustainable, free from chemicals, and can be reused for years.

Choose Whole Foods Over Processed Snacks

Processed foods are often loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. For a healthier lifestyle, focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and homemade snacks. You’ll not only feel better but also reduce your intake of preservatives and artificial ingredients found in many processed snacks.

Swap Vegetable Oils for Olive Oil

Many people cook with highly refined vegetable oils, which can contain unhealthy trans fats and be stripped of nutrients. For a healthier cooking fat, olive oil is a better choice. It’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a versatile, nutritious option for cooking and dressings.

Switch to Glass or Metal Storage Containers

Plastic storage containers may seem convenient, but they can leach harmful chemicals into your food and contribute to plastic waste. Instead, opt for glass or metal containers for storing food. They’re safer for your health, keep food fresh, and are more sustainable over time.

Natural Cleaning Products Over Harsh Chemicals

The cleaning products we use in our homes can contain harsh chemicals that harm both your health and the environment. By switching to natural cleaning solutions—like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils—you can keep your home sparkling clean without exposure to toxic substances.

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Cook More at Home, Eat Less Fast Food

Cooking at home offers a wide range of benefits: it’s healthier, more cost-effective, and helps you avoid preservatives and excess sugars and salts. Instead of grabbing fast food or takeout, try cooking meals from scratch with fresh ingredients. You’ll be in control of what goes into your food, and your body will thank you for it!

Go Plastic-Free with Utensils and Straws

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste in your life is by swapping out plastic utensils and straws for more sustainable options like wooden, bamboo, or metal alternatives. These materials are durable, reusable, and free from chemicals that can leach into your food and drink.

Opt for a Bamboo Toothbrush

Did you know that plastic toothbrushes can take hundreds of years to decompose? A simple swap to a bamboo toothbrush reduces your plastic waste and gives you a more sustainable way to maintain your oral hygiene. Bamboo is biodegradable and naturally antimicrobial, making it a healthy choice for both you and the planet.

Switch to Natural Deodorants

Conventional deodorants often contain synthetic chemicals and aluminum, which some studies suggest could be harmful to your health. By making the switch to natural deodorants made from ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils, you can avoid these chemicals while still staying fresh.

Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

If you have a bit of space at home, consider starting a small garden. Growing your own herbs and vegetables not only ensures you have fresh, healthy produce on hand, but it also reduces your reliance on store-bought items that come wrapped in plastic. It’s a great way to promote sustainability and save money in the long run!

Choose Organic or Local Produce

Buying organic or locally grown produce supports sustainable farming practices and reduces your exposure to pesticides and chemicals. Plus, local produce is fresher, often tastes better, and helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

Drink More Water, Less Soda

We all know sugary drinks aren’t the best choice for our health. Instead of reaching for soda, opt for water or herbal teas to stay hydrated. Reducing your intake of sugary beverages can help prevent weight gain, improve skin health, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Buy in Bulk to Reduce Packaging Waste

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money while reducing waste. Purchasing grains, legumes, nuts, and other staples in bulk reduces the need for single-use packaging. Simply bring your own reusable bags or containers to stores that allow bulk buying.

Switch to Compostable Trash Bags

Most trash bags are made from plastic, which can take centuries to break down. Consider using compostable bags made from plant-based materials instead. They break down much faster and are a more environmentally-friendly option.

Use a Water Filter

Instead of relying on bottled water, invest in a good-quality water filter for your home. Not only will you reduce plastic waste, but filtered water is often cleaner and healthier than tap water. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to ensure you’re drinking clean water.

Choose Eco-Friendly Personal Care Products

Traditional personal care products like shampoos, soaps, and lotions can contain harmful chemicals. Switch to natural, biodegradable personal care products that are gentle on both your body and the environment. Look for items with minimal packaging and ingredients you can pronounce!

Making simple swaps in your daily life can have a profound effect on your health, your wallet, and the planet. Start with a few changes and gradually incorporate more as you go. Whether it’s switching to natural cleaning products or opting for reusable alternatives, every small step counts toward living a more sustainable and healthier life.

Ready to make a change? Start with one or two swaps today and see how easy it can be to embrace a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle!

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The post One Small Change at a Time: Simple Swaps for a Healthier Lifestyle appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite things about late Summer today. Cooking with what is in season and right outside my door- fresh blackberries. Enjoy this blackberry recipe busting with flavor as you enjoy Blackberry Puff Pies.

My friend Pasha of Pasha is Home has hosted some wonderful blog hops this Summer and I’m so honored to be part of them. Today 10 of us are sharing End of Summer Recipes.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

Read More of Our Summer Blog Hops

• Summer Sunroom Dining in Style
• 5 Ways to Set An Everyday Summer Table
• Summer Ice Cream Party on the Porch
• Easy Summer Dining on the Porch

If you are coming over from my friend Jen’s at Midwest Life and Style I bet you are as eager as I am to try her Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins with Streusel. She always shares the best recipes.

I’m excited to now welcome you to my Wisconsin home. We live way Up North in an area known as The Northwoods about three hours north of Madison. It’s a vacationland paradise all year round as visitors come to enjoy our lakes and forests.

Living in a forest means we get to forage for one of my favorite treats as we head into late Summer- blackberries. Blackberries grow down the edges of our driveway and down along our road and into the woods in abundance. As we get to the end of August and Labor Day weekend they are ripe and ready to pick and enjoy.

There is something extra special about either growing food from our own garden or picking it ourselves as it grows wild in the woods.

One of our favorite blackberry memories is picking them with my grandmother, my kids great grandmother. They called her GeeGee. She came up to visit one Labor Day and joined in on all the fun picking berries and then baking them into a cobbler with the kids.

She passed away over a year ago so having these moments to remember as so special.

There are so many recipes I love to make with blackberries. This is one of my favorites that really let’s you enjoy the full bursting flavor of the berries in a sweet package. They are great to serve for breakfast warm from the oven or as a dessert with ice cream.

You can also make this recipe with other fruits substituted for the blackberries like blueberries, cherries or strawberries.

You can add in some toasted almond slivers or white chocolate chips to change it up too. Pour over whipped cream or a bit of maple syrup to make them even sweeter.

Blackberry Puff Pies

To make one serving use:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 2 Tbsp. of sugar
• 1 Tbsp. of cornstarch
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 pkg. frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 egg- lightly beaten
• sugar to sprinkle

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon and cinnamon to a bowl and stir gently.

Unfold puff pastry on a parchment paper covered baking sheet. Make sure it is thawed, but still cold. Pour blackberry mixture to the middle of the pastry. Add a bit of butter on top of the berries and fold up the edges.

Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little sugar.

Bake for twenty minutes removing when it is bubbly and golden.

Can You Use Blackberries in a Cocktail?

One of the things I love to do is have a self serve bar set up when we are entertaining often with a signature cocktail themed for the evening or season.

A delicious one for late Summer when the blackberries are ripe is a Blackberry Mule.

• Vodka
• Blue Curacao
• Ginger Beer
• Fresh Blackberries
• Mint
• Lime

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You can also use blackberries to make an amazing mojito, gin and tonic or margarita.

What Enhances the Flavors of Blackberries?

Some people find blackberries to be bitter. Adding a little sugar, cinnamon, lemon. Choose recipes that take the bitterness away like pairing them with a savory meat dish like a pork tenderloin, baking them into a cobbler or serve them with cheese on a charcuterie board.

What Tastes Good With Blackberries?

There are so many ways to enjoy blackberries.

• Add them to pancakes
• Top your yogurt parfait or morning granola
• Mix them in with a spinach salad along with walnuts
• Layer them in a panini sandwich of turkey and gouda on fresh sourdough

Find more amazing recipe ideas on my Blackberry Pinterest Board.

Can I freeze blackberries?

It’s a great idea to freeze your blackberries so you can use them in recipes for longer. They have a short growing period and freezing them extends the enjoyment.

When we first noticed our blackberries growing down the driveway we would pick them and eat them as we went. Then we decided that made the fun too short so we intentionally only ate a few and then saved the rest so we would have enough to cook with and freeze for later.

Why Do You Soak Blackberries?

Blackberries are delicate so be careful as you handle them. Gently rinse them and give them a soak in salt water mix of one cup of warm water and one teaspoon of salt to make sure any bugs are out of them.

Thank you so much for visiting! Next up you are headed over to my friend Kylie’s blog, Truemans Treasures. She has wonderful Inspiration for Summer Dinners.

Tasty and Delicious End of Summer Recipes

Take the Tour

Easy Pickled Onions // My Sweet Savannah

A Super Easy Chocolate Chip Dessert Recipe // Pasha is Home

How to Make the Best and Simple Mexican Crock Pot Meal for Your Family // Robyn’s French Nest

How To Make the Best Blueberry Buckle // Cottage in the Mitten

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins With Streusel // Midwest Life and Style

Blackberry Recipe Bursting WIth Flavor // White Arrows Home

My Favorite Summer Dinner Idea // Truemans Treasures

Best Mixed Drink With Rum for Summer // Bricks ‘n Blooms

The Best Summer Shrimp Salad // Peacock Ridge Farm

Maryland Crab Cakes With Homemade Coleslaw // White Lilac Farmhouse

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The post Blackberry Recipe Bursting With Flavor appeared first on White Arrows Home.