Every year, we look back and pick the best things we wrote in the past 12 months. 

Well... it's been a year. And not a particularly productive year. Between quarantining, election efforts, and a new baby (see: major sleep deprivation), I haven't had the bandwidth I wish I had to keep up as well as I have other years. I know we all feel that a bit. I am grateful to come out of this year healthy and safe, but I do have trouble not giving myself a hard time for things left undone (and so many posts left unfinished). 

That said, I was pleasantly surprised at our year, what did get published, and how it definitely reflects some of our most pressing concerns. I was worried I wouldn't even have 10 posts to choose from, but I had forgotten some gems from way back in January and February. 

Let's dive in! If you haven't checked out these posts, it is well worth your time! 

10. 100 Etsy Shops We Love

If you are going to buy something new, let it be from a maker, not a corporate machine. More and more people are looking to support jobs in America and not by imported things. Etsy creates a fun and streamlined way to support lots of makers and get some of the coolest stuff out there. This is our list of favorite Etsy shops after 5 years of browsing and making lists! I love this list so much. 

9. 7 Vegetarian Carrot Recipes that Even Meat Eaters will Love

I love a good vegetarian recipe round up, and they didn't get done this year, but I did find a few gems at the very beginning of the year. Check this one out if you are looking for new vegetarian ideas for 2021. 

8. 101 Books to Read to your Kid Before Kindergarten

This one doesn't have a ton to do with the environment, but it was super fun to write. I love children's books, and I spend a weirdly large amount of time thinking about the books I put in front of my kids. These are all awesome. 

7. An Outdoor Project Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

I think creativity and time outside are my two favorite antidotes to consumerism. This art project is simple, fun, and combines the two. If you are looking for a fun project to try with your kids, this is always a winner. 

6. The Best Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids

This is the first blog post I ever made with the help of my son, so I am so proud of it. It was so fun to show my 6 year old some of my ideas from over the years and hear his thoughts on what makes a really cool gift (spoiler alert- it's hot wheels. In his world, all the best things are hot wheels). I think I will return to this post myself year after year when brand new toys and plastic stuff seem really tempting. There are just so many better things out there. 

5. 50 Vegetarian Meals Even Picky Kids Will Love

The biggest personal change most of us can make is to eat less meat. Like way, way less meat. It can be hard to change set habits, and even harder when kids are involved. So, I wracked my brain thinking of as many vegetarian switches I could come up with, so you can start Meatless Mondays, Vegetarian Lunches, or giving up meat completely. Trust me, someday your kids will thank you. 

4. Everything You Need to Know About Ethical Maternity Clothes

I kicked off 2020 megapregnant, and after three times, I have maternity clothes figured out. This post put all of my pregnancy clothes knowledge in one place. Believe it or not, there are good options out there, so check out this post for ideas. 

3. 100 Online Shops to Try Instead of Amazon

I don't shy away from an Amazon link because if someone is going to shop at Amazon, better they pick the more ethical option. That said, Amazon has become a major problem- it squashes local businesses and has truly terrible environmental and labor practices. So, before you buy on Amazon, here are 100 other shops to try. 

2. Where to Donate Food

It looks like we will end 2020 much as it has been all year- with many of our neighbors in tragic crisis and at risk of going hungry. Food banks have been an absolute lifeline in 2020, but it's important to know what kinds of food donations are actually helpful. This post is one of my most popular all year, because I know many people are looking to help others stay fed. 

1. 8 Way to Help the Environment While Social Distancing

It was a crazy year, and so many of those little habits that have made up our lives have changed. It created some set backs for living a more environmentally-conscientious life, but it has also created brand new opportunities to face down the problem. Early on, when sweet naive Barbara thought it would be a month or two of quarantine, I brainstormed ideas on how to make the most of this time. They still apply, and there is still time to do some good in the midst of all the terribleness. 

Check out these posts if you missed them, and thank you for reading this blog! Even more so, thanks for taking positive steps in your own lives and TELLING ME ABOUT THEM. It completely makes my day to hear about your secondhand finds, your vegetarian recipes, and your reusable sponge. Seriously. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for all of us.