Revolutionize Your Laundry Habits: Sustainable Care, Farmhouse Updates, & Winter Feasts
In this comprehensive guide, inspired by our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into a topic that affects us all: how we approach laundry. The evidence is mounting that many of us, particularly here in the US, are simply doing too much laundry. This isn’t just about a chore; it has far-reaching implications for our finances, the longevity of our beloved garments, and, critically, the health of our planet. It’s time to challenge the common assumption that clothes must be washed after every single wear. Unless you’ve had an unfortunate run-in with spaghetti sauce or embarked on a particularly strenuous activity, many outer garments can be worn multiple times before needing a full wash. Frequent washing isn’t just unnecessary; it accelerates the wear and tear on your clothes, fading colors, weakening fibers, and shortening their overall lifespan. Furthermore, your washing machine also endures more cycles, potentially reducing its efficiency and requiring earlier replacement.
Perhaps the most startling revelation comes from our athletic wear. Those “microfiber” or “quick-dry” fabrics, designed for performance, are unfortunately significant contributors to ocean pollution. Every time these synthetic garments are washed, they release tiny plastic microfibers into the wastewater. These microscopic plastic particles bypass filtration systems and end up in our rivers and oceans, where they are ingested by marine life and enter the food chain, posing a serious environmental threat. Understanding this hidden cost of our laundry habits is a game-changer.
But rest assured, this episode and article aren’t solely dedicated to laundry woes! We also bring you up to speed on exciting progress with our farmhouse updates, sharing the latest transformations and behind-the-scenes details of our ongoing renovation project. For your culinary inspiration, we’ve crafted an easy-to-follow winter dinner menu, packed with delicious “real food” options perfect for chilly evenings. And as always, we share our latest “cool new discoveries,” from captivating audiobooks to inspiring historical fiction, guaranteed to add a little extra joy to your days.
You can effortlessly download this enlightening episode from various popular podcast platforms, ensuring you can listen wherever you are. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, for instant listening, simply use the player embedded below right here on your computer! This page also serves as your go-to resource to check out any links, notes, or captivating photos we referenced throughout the episode. Note for feed reader users: If you’re accessing this content through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post on our website to ensure the player loads correctly.
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Rethinking Laundry: Are You Washing Clothes Too Much?
The core of our discussion revolves around the startling realization that our ingrained laundry habits might be doing more harm than good. For generations, the default has been to wash clothes after every single wear. However, modern research and a growing awareness of environmental impact are challenging this norm. Reducing how often we wash our clothes isn’t just a trend; it’s a practical step towards a more sustainable and economically sensible lifestyle. It extends the life of your garments, saves water and energy, and reduces the release of microplastics into our delicate ecosystems. Consider the quality of materials; natural fibers like wool and linen are often self-cleaning and can be aired out to refresh. Even synthetics, unless visibly dirty or smelly, often don’t require immediate washing. Spot cleaning can be a lifesaver for minor spills, allowing you to wear an item multiple times before it needs a full cycle.
Our conversation in this episode was sparked by a series of incredibly insightful articles that shed light on this crucial topic. These pieces collectively emphasize the benefits of re-evaluating our washing frequency and highlight the environmental consequences of over-washing:
- The Next Big Thing in Fashion is Not Washing Your Clothes: This article champions the idea that extending the time between washes is a significant step towards sustainable fashion, reducing textile waste and resource consumption.
- Levi’s CEO: Don’t Wash Your Jeans: A surprising endorsement from a denim giant, advocating for minimal washing to preserve the integrity, fit, and color of your favorite jeans.
- More Than Ever Our Clothes Are Made of Plastic. Just Washing Them Can Pollute The Oceans: This vital piece details the alarming reality of microfiber pollution, explaining how synthetic fabrics contribute to microplastic accumulation in our oceans with every wash cycle.
Inspired by these eye-opening perspectives, we at An Oregon Cottage are actively adjusting not only the frequency with which we wash our clothes but also making more conscious choices about the materials we purchase. We’re prioritizing natural fibers and durable garments, aiming for a wardrobe that lasts longer and has a gentler environmental footprint. We encourage you to consider these insights too – how about you? Are you ready to embrace a more mindful approach to laundry and make a positive impact on your wallet, your wardrobe, and the planet?
Farmhouse Renovation Updates: Progress on The Project
Beyond laundry, our farmhouse renovation continues to be a source of both challenge and immense satisfaction. We’re thrilled to share the latest developments, showcasing the evolution of our humble cottage into a dream home. The laundry-mudroom area, a crucial entryway and utility space, has seen significant progress. The new windows are now beautifully installed, flooding the space with natural light and dramatically improving its aesthetic and functionality. This marks a major milestone, as this end of the house is now externally complete, allowing us to move forward with the next exciting phase: applying the battens for the classic board-and-batten siding. Of course, paint will eventually follow, tying everything together with a fresh, cohesive look.
In other news, we received some fantastic news regarding a significant structural alteration: the engineering plans for removing the load-bearing wall between our kitchen and the enclosed porch have been approved! We were eagerly awaiting this green light from the county when we recorded the podcast, and it has just come through. This approval means we are now cleared to proceed with the exciting task of installing the necessary beam and walling in the area, a pivotal step towards creating a more open and functional living space. This particular change will dramatically alter the flow and feel of the kitchen, transforming it into a more expansive and inviting heart of the home.
Here’s the eagerly anticipated photo showing the farmhouse kitchen both before and during demolition. As you can see in the ‘before’ picture, there was a window positioned directly over the sink, offering a view into what was then the enclosed porch, which regrettably served as the laundry area. Not exactly the picturesque view one hopes for from their kitchen sink every day, is it? Our goal is to open up this space, bringing in more light and creating a seamless connection between the kitchen and what will become a more integrated part of our living area.
If you caught our 2-year update podcast (or watched the video!), you might recall our discussion about this specific load-bearing wall. For a century, this critical wall had been precariously supported by a remarkably thin 1×6 beam running across the top – you can just barely spot it in the right-hand photo during demolition. This inadequate support system is a testament to older building practices, but it’s something we are diligently rectifying. As per stringent country requirements, this will be replaced with a massive laminated beam, designed to provide superior structural integrity. This new beam will be anchored by robust side posts extending down into cement footings beneath the house, ensuring the foundation is incredibly stable and secure for generations to come.
Another crucial discovery made during demolition was the complete absence of proper headers above both this window and door. This meant there was no adequate structural support to distribute the load above these openings, which is a significant safety concern. Addressing these fundamental structural issues is paramount. By implementing these engineering-approved reinforcements and correcting historical oversights, our aim is to fortify the house, making it significantly more sound, sturdy, and resilient for the next 100 years and beyond. This renovation is not just about aesthetics; it’s about building a safe, lasting legacy.
What’s Cooking: A Real Food One Week Winter Menu
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal to warm the soul. This week, we’re sharing a ‘Real Food’ one-week winter menu designed to be both delicious and manageable, even on busy weeknights. Our focus is on wholesome ingredients, maximizing flavor, and minimizing fuss, ensuring you can enjoy nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This menu incorporates seasonal produce, utilizes leftovers creatively, and offers a delightful variety of flavors to keep your taste buds excited throughout the week.
Real Food One Week Winter Menu: Embrace Cozy & Delicious!
- Monday– Kick off the week with a warm and nourishing bowl of Curried Turkey or Chicken Rice Soup. This aromatic soup is incredibly flavorful and packed with tender meat and rice. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for freshness and a slice of our Easy Artisan Bread, perfect for dipping.
- Tuesday– Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of leftovers! Transform your leftover soup from Monday into a new meal by pairing it with a vibrant Caesar Slaw. This combination offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
- Wednesday– Spice things up mid-week with Cajun Beef on Spiced Potatoes. This dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, boasting a unique blend of spices that provides a comforting warmth. Complement it with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Thursday– Embark on a culinary journey to India with our Vegetarian Indian Curry Sub-Jee Wraps. This flavorful curry is rich in spices and vegetables, perfect for wrapping in warm flatbreads for a light yet satisfying dinner.
- Friday– Celebrate the end of the work week with our elegant yet simple Greek Style Shrimp & Vegetable Orzo. This vibrant dish combines tender shrimp, delicate orzo, and fresh vegetables in a Mediterranean-inspired sauce. Serve with a medley of cut raw vegetables and our creamy pine-nut free hummus for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
- Saturday– Pizza night! Gather the family for homemade pepperoni pizza using this incredibly easy crust recipe and our delicious home-canned pizza sauce. Customizing toppings makes it fun for everyone!
- Sunday– OYO (On Your Own). Sunday is a flexible day for us. This could mean enjoying leftovers, a simple pantry meal, dining out, or a spontaneous culinary adventure. It’s a great way to unwind and reduce cooking pressure at the end of the week.
This is Really Cool! Our Latest Discoveries
Every episode, we love to share those little (or big!) discoveries that have genuinely excited us, bringing a bit of joy, knowledge, or practical value to our lives. This time, our “cool finds” are centered around the wonderful world of books, offering enriching experiences for both the ear and the mind.
Brian’s Discovery: Librivox free audiobooks. For anyone who loves the idea of audiobooks but is looking for a budget-friendly option, Librivox is an absolute treasure. This incredible platform offers a vast collection of public domain books, read by volunteers from around the world. While the narration quality, as Brian notes, can indeed vary from reader to reader, it’s an unparalleled source for accessing classic non-fiction, literature, poetry, and more, all completely free. It’s a fantastic way to explore timeless works you might not otherwise get to, perfect for listening during commutes, while doing chores, or relaxing. You never know when you’ll discover a truly brilliant narration of an enduring classic!
Jami’s Discovery: Lovely War by Julie Berry. This book truly captivated Jami’s heart and mind. “Lovely War” is not just another historical fiction; it’s a beautifully crafted narrative that weaves together mythology, romance, and the harrowing realities of World War I. Julie Berry masterfully tells the intertwined stories of four young lovers, overseen by Greek gods in a celestial court, making for a unique and deeply moving reading experience. Its lyrical prose, compelling characters, and poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of war make it an unforgettable read. Jami wholeheartedly recommends it for anyone who appreciates historical fiction with depth and a touch of magical realism. Also, a quick clarification from Jami: this particular book was featured in her highly anticipated Best Books of 2019 list, rather than the Best of Good Things Lists for 2019. #oops!
Thanks for listening! Connect with An Oregon Cottage
Thank you so much for joining us for this episode of An Oregon Cottage Podcast. Your engagement means the world to us! If you found value in our discussions – whether it was about sustainable laundry, our farmhouse journey, delicious recipes, or inspiring book recommendations – you can truly help us grow our community. A simple yet powerful way to support us is by telling your friends about the podcast. Word-of-mouth is invaluable! Additionally, subscribing on your favorite podcast platform, like iTunes, and leaving us a thoughtful review makes a huge difference. These actions boost our visibility and help other like-minded individuals discover our content and join our growing family of listeners. Your reviews not only encourage us but also guide new listeners to find the information and inspiration they’re looking for.
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