Friday

"Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud"

-Maya Angelou

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Easy ways you can be more sustainable

• Is bamboo the future of eco-friendly home goods?

• This toilet paper is an upgrade for you and the planet

• How to manage eco-anxiety

…And more! ❤️

Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable (Without the Stress)

Going green doesn’t have to mean overhauling your life. In fact, the best way to be more sustainable is to start small—little changes add up over time. Bonus: Many eco-friendly habits actually save money and make life simpler.

For starters, be mindful of energy use. Unplug devices when they’re not in use, switch to cold water for laundry, and hang clothes to dry when possible. It’s a win-win—lower bills and a lower carbon footprint. And when shopping, bring your own bags, opt for secondhand finds, and skip plastic produce bags (you’re washing those veggies anyway!).

At home, small swaps make a big impact. Replace paper towels with washable cloths, try a bamboo toothbrush, and invest in refillable cleaning products. Cooking at home more often reduces food waste (and takeout costs) while planning meals around in-season produce supports local farms.

Finally, rethink waste. Say no to single-use plastics, repair instead of replacing, and recycle the right way (wishful recycling doesn’t count!). Even unsubscribing from junk mail makes a difference. Sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices, one step at a time.

Sustainable Self-Care: Why Bamboo is the Future

Sponsored by Honeycomb

When it comes to self-care, what’s good for you should be good for the planet, too. That’s where bamboo comes in. Stronger than steel (really!) yet soft enough for luxurious fabrics, bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials out there. It grows fast, needs minimal water, and naturally resists pests—no harmful pesticides required.

Swapping out everyday home goods for bamboo alternatives is an easy way to go green without changing your routine. Think ultra-soft bamboo towels, durable kitchen utensils, and even biodegradable toothbrushes. Unlike plastic, bamboo products break down naturally, so they won’t clog landfills for centuries. Plus, they tend to last longer than their plastic counterparts.

Even better, bamboo fabric is naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, making it a great choice for bedding and clothing. If you’ve never tried bamboo sheets, prepare for the softest sleep of your life. Sustainability that feels like a luxury? That’s a self-care win.

This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — making it a practical and sustainable option to save forests.

Even better? Code NTS30 will give new customers 30% off their first order for the next 24 hours.

Get started here.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Climate Stress is Real—Here’s How to Handle It

If news about the planet’s future leaves you feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Eco-anxiety—worry about climate change and its impacts—is becoming more common. While concern is understandable, constant stress won’t help the planet or your well-being. The key? Channeling worry into action and finding ways to stay grounded.

First, give yourself grace. It’s natural to care about the world around you, and worrying about climate change doesn’t mean you have to fix everything alone. Focus on what’s within your control—small daily choices add up, like using less plastic, supporting sustainable brands, or voting for eco-friendly policies.

Finding community can also help. Joining local environmental groups or even talking with friends about shared concerns can make a difference. When you take action together, the weight feels lighter. And don’t forget the power of nature itself—spending time outside can help restore a sense of balance and remind you why your efforts matter.

Finally, be mindful of what you consume—both in food and in the news. Doomscrolling won’t solve anything, but learning about climate progress and solutions can keep you motivated. You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders, just do what you can, when you can.

A Note From Us

In the time it takes to read today’s edition, an estimated 93 trees will be cut down to meet toilet paper demand. Honeycomb is helping to change that with luxury, three-ply tissue made from sustainable bamboo. It’s biodegradable, plastic-free, and will be delivered straight to you.

New customers can use code NTS30 for 30% off your first shipment. Expires tonight.

Try Bamboo Here.

Wellness Round-Up

Poll Results: Have You Set Goals For 2025?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 ✅ Yes, I always like to set goals for the year (46%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 📝 Not yet but I plan to! (20%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 👎 I don't think I will (33%)

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False?: True – Turning off the tap while brushing can save up to 4 gallons of water per minute! Small habits make a big difference.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making mindful choices that add up. Self-care and caring for the planet go hand in hand, and the best part? The more we prioritize both, the better we feel—inside and out.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!