Shifting the Mindset: Convenient to Conscious

Every year on April 22, we come together to celebrate Earth Day, a global movement dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and making choices that benefit our planet. While every day is a great day to care for the Earth, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our habits and find new ways to live more sustainably. We believe small changes can make a big difference! Here are some simple, impactful ways to celebrate Earth Day the sustainable way.

Swap Single-Use for Sustainable

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by swapping out disposable products for reusable alternatives. This Earth Day, take a look at your daily routine and identify where you can make a switch:

• Bring your own reusable shopping bags instead of relying on plastic ones.

• Swap plastic water bottles for a refillable glass or stainless-steel bottle.

• Try reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap to store leftovers.

Our refillery makes it easy to embrace reusables by offering package-free, sustainable household and personal care products.

Support Local & Shop Responsibly

Shopping locally not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping, but it also supports small businesses that prioritize sustainability. When you shop at a refillery or eco-conscious store, you help reduce packaging waste and invest in products designed to last.

Some ways to make mindful shopping choices this Earth Day:

• Choose products with minimal or compostable packaging.

• Buy in bulk to reduce single-use plastics.

• Opt for ethically made, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products.

Get Outside & Give Back

Earth Day is a wonderful time to step outside and reconnect with nature. Whether you go for a walk, start a small garden, or volunteer for a cleanup, there are so many ways to give back to the planet.

Join a local tree-planting event or plant a flower in your own backyard to support pollinators.
Organize or participate in a community cleanup—even picking up a few pieces of litter can make a difference.
Spend time in nature, whether it’s a hike, bike ride, or picnic, to appreciate the beauty we’re working to protect.

Every Day is Earth Day

Earth Day is more than just a one-day event—it’s a reminder that our small, everyday actions add up to a healthier planet. Whether it’s refilling your favorite products, supporting local businesses, or spending time outdoors, we can all make a difference.

We’re proud to be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future. Join us this Earth Day and beyond as we continue to make eco-friendly choices that benefit both people and the planet. 

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year? Let us know in the comments! 🌍✨

Spring Into Sustainability: Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for a Greener Season

As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, spring is the perfect time to refresh not only our homes but also our habits. With sustainability at the forefront of mindful living, making small eco-friendly swaps can have a big impact on our planet. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your commitment, here are some easy swaps to help you embrace a greener season.

1. Swap Plastic for Reusables

Spring cleaning isn’t just for decluttering—it’s a great time to rethink single-use plastics. Replace plastic water bottles with a stylish reusable one, swap disposable grocery bags for sturdy totes, and ditch plastic wrap for beeswax wraps. These simple changes reduce waste and keep unnecessary plastic out of landfills.

2. Freshen Up Your Cleaning Routine

Spring cleaning often involves a lot of chemicals, but it doesn’t have to! Opt for eco-friendly, refillable cleaning products or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Microfiber cloths andcompostable sponges are excellent alternatives to wasteful paper towels and synthetic scrubbers.

3. Choose Sustainable Wardrobe Updates

As we transition into warmer weather, it’s tempting to update our wardrobe. Instead of fast fashion, try thrift shopping, clothing swaps, or investing in ethically made, sustainable brands. This not only reduces textile waste but also supports more responsible production practices.

4. Revamp Your Self-Care Routine

Spring is a time of renewal, and your beauty and self-care routine can be refreshed sustainably, too! Look for refillable beauty products, solid shampoo bars, and biodegradable packaging. Support brands that prioritize cruelty-free and non-toxic ingredients.

5. Make the Most of Outdoor Adventures

With warmer days ahead, embrace nature responsibly. Pack your picnics with reusable utensils, cloth napkins, and stainless steel straws. When hiking or heading to the beach, bring a trash bag to pick up any litter and leave no trace behind.

6. Support Local & Sustainable Brands

Spring is the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses. Visit local markets and stores to find seasonal, sustainable products while reducing your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bags to cut down on plastic waste! 

Spring Forward with Sustainability!

Every small step toward sustainability makes a difference. By making mindful swaps, we can welcome spring in a way that benefits both our lives and the planet. Which eco-friendly swap will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to show your love than by choosing thoughtful gifts that are kind to the planet.

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RANA - Quick click for what you can put in your home recycling bins/cans.

 SA Recycling Huntsville - (From their Facebook).."We are a full service scrap metal recycler with locations throughout Southern California, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Phoenix and Las Vegas."

Phoenix Glass Recycling of North Alabama - You can set up an account and have glass pick ups or follow their social media for FREE glass recycling days!

Last Revised 04-05-2024

What happens when a creative and a die-hard business girl come together?? For us, Lemon & Lavender was born!

Brandy's background in education makes her not only creative in bringing new products to life by way of manufacturing, but her love for teaching shines when hosting our workshops!

Brandy is a wife, mom of two (almost grown) boys, and has two sweet pups and a cat. The cat has yet to prove itself committed to the relationship though.

For now, you will almost always find Brandy at the baseball field. Having played when she was younger, she finds herself at home on the field watching her youngest in his now senior year. If she doesn't happen to be at the ballfield, you can almost certainly find her DIY'ing / creating / doing something while she binge watches one of her new favorite shows via her phone.

Shannon's background is business....from corporate to small business, she has worn multiple hats over the years, but her love of numbers is where she is most at home. An introvert by nature, you will almost always find her at a computer, number crunching to make sure all the things work.

Shannon is also a wife and mom of one (although, she claims many kiddos as her own) son. She is also blessed with a sweet daughter-in-law. Shannon and her husband have one last fur-baby who absolutely runs their house.

Shannon also finds time to run a few races here and there....Her most recent was the Disney Princess 10k. Having run approximately 7-9 half marathons over the last 10 years, she hopes to snag a full marathon before her running days (read knees) are done.

So how did the creative and the accountant meet??

Brandy taught Shannon's son English in junior high! (yes, they are that old!!) During those schooling years, their families wound up traveling multiple times to Europe via school-sanctioned trips. And then several years later their paths would cross again leading to 2018 when Brandy and Shannon began tossing around an idea of a store...knowing the only place they could call home would be in Historic Downtown Madison. Their little idea sat on a shelf until December of 2020.

The doors of Lemon & Lavender officially opened at 16 Main St. on February 6, 2021! The next year in March, Brandy and Shannon made a verbal agreement to lease 108 Main St once renovations were complete. After 22 months of waiting, the new location opened its doors on October 7, 2023!

This ride has been a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, heartache and a lot of sweat equity! Brandy and Shannon are honored to be able to provide North Alabama with its first refillery and are committed to continue researching, learning and leading the way to make our area more sustainable and eco-friendly.