Earth Day Home Improvement AND
What really gets people to act more sustainably?
BY LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press
NEW YORK — Lauren Click
founded a nonprofit a few years ago o ering free composting education to schools around the country. Today, 112 schools participate, yet she can’t get her boyfriend to properly separate his trash at home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Adults have more set behaviors than young kids. I try to model a behavior and hopefully he does it,” said Click, executive director of her Let’s Go Compost organization. “But it’s also like, I’m not his parent. I’m not going to berate him every day or ruin my relationship over this. I just fish a bunch of stu out of the trash.”
Her e orts, which she calls 50-50 e ective with her partner, point to an important question in the field of environmental psychology: What’s the best approach when looking to influence colleagues, friends and family to live more sustainably? What’s the worst?
Researchers say Click is on the right track. Modeling can work, though as with other approaches, it depends on who the sender is, how the message is framed and who it’s intended for.
Here’s a look at some of the issues and strategies involved in making people more aware of their role in climate change, which is caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline, coal and gas, and encouraging them to cut waste and protect the natural world.
Peer pressure is at play
Magnus Bergquist is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. His research focuses on how to persuade people to adopt more eco-friendly behavior. In a recent study reviewing studies in his area, Bergquist homed in on the influence of others.
“What we found was the most effective strategy for changing behavior is social norms, pointing to what other people are doing or people’s perception of other people’s approval or disapproval,” he said.
“But interestingly, when we ask people about the e ectiveness of di erent interventions, people tend to say that social norms are among the least e ective ones,” Bergquist added.
The bottom line: Humans are generally social animals, which isn’t a surprise. But most people underestimate how much they’re influenced by social norms, and campaigns are often based on strategies that are less e ective, he said.
Financial incentives also work, to a degree
While Click is unlikely to pay o her boyfriend to do better, Bergquist said financial incentives or disincentives are the second most e ective strategy (behind social norms) in getting people to take more sustainable steps in their lives.
That covers everything from bonus cash in a community or o ce to tax benefits, he said. But there’s a caveat.
When people change their behavior because of financial incentives or disincentives, “some studies show that it crowds out people’s moral compass,” he said. “They will do it for the money. They won’t do it for the sake of the question as such.”
Example: A popular way to promote pro-environmental behavior is holding a contest for something like conserving energy or riding your bike to work.
“Ride your bike and a get a prize,” Bergquist explained. “What we see over and over again is that’s e ective in the short term. When the prize or the contest is removed, people tend to go back.”
Education is good, but not enough by itself
Norah Hippolyte is the business manager for St. Mary Magda-
len Parish in socially progressive Berkeley, California. She supplies table goods for workers and a wide range of group gatherings, from funerals and community dinners to functions for the parish’s school. For several years, she’s been trying to wean everyone onto compostable plates, cups, bowls and utensils.
“So I buy the stuff. I make sure people are aware I’ve got it in the closet, that that’s where I keep everything. I say, use this stuff. Make sure you let me know when people start to run low,” she said. “But people choose not to use what’s there. They’re using their own things, and it’s all regular plastic.”
She tries to get them to rinse and recycle, or clean what’s cleanable so it can be used again.
“When I started working in Berkeley, I figured everybody had this whole recycle thing down. Nooooo,” Hippolyte said. “Not only did I have to learn, I have to now try and teach people, OK, this bin is for this, this and this. That bin is for
this. Sorting is the biggest issue.”
Hippolyte’s experience doesn’t surprise Bergquist. “I always want to mention education — trying to inform people or educate people about issues — because that tends to be ineffective alone,” he said.
Bergquist says those who have been talking themselves to death or shoveling facts into the faces of reluctant folks should add some other motivation.
For example, when Sarah Davies was trying to convince her 16-yearold son to give up single-use plastics, she switched strategies.
“He truly believed he can use plastic as much as he likes and then put it into the recycling bin,” said Davies, who heads up communications for Earthday.org, organizers of the April 22 Earth Day. “What finally made the difference was me explaining that when he’s drinking from a single-use plastic bottle, be it water or soda, he’s also drinking potentially 240,000 nano particles of plastics. That shocked him.” Bergquist noted that a couple of
experiments have indicated that people pay more attention to negative information than positive information.
“So instead of saying many people are pro-environmental, you can say people are avoiding environmentally harmful products,” he said. “It’s the avoidance.”
It’s a small but potentially valuable tweak, Bergquist said. Take straws.
“Instead of saying people are using paper straws, you might say most people are avoiding plastic straws. You don’t have to explain. People will find an explanation,” he said.
Other expert tips for persuasion include picking your battles; starting small, focusing on one habit; appealing to the person’s interest in other benefits, like saving money or being more efficient; keeping it easy; and not forcing the issue.
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible
Some tips to help encourage others to take eco-friendly steps in daily life
BY LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press
NEW YORK — How do you get those around you to recycle, drive less, use less plastic and otherwise live more sustainably?
“Getting the people we live with to adopt more sustainable habits can be tricky, especially if they’re not already on board,” said Silvia de Denaro Vieira in San Francisco. She’s the co-founder of the home management app Coexist, which helps families collaborate at home. In addition to leading by example, she has these suggestions: Pick your battles and start small. “Focus on pointing out one habit — like composting, reducing single-use plastics or taking public transit — and build up from there,” she said. Frame sustainability around the other person’s priorities. “If they don’t care about sustainability, focus on what they do care about. Many eco-friendly choices also save money, cut down on clutter or make daily life more e cient. For example, meal planning reduces food waste and saves money.” Make it easy. “Small shifts like keeping reusable bags in the car or setting up a simple recycling system can make sustainable choices feel automatic rather than like extra work.” Respect the other person’s boundaries. “If someone is resistant to a particular habit, it helps to take a step back and focus on what’s working rather than forcing the issue. Sustainability is a long game.”
and
WAYNE PARRY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
A plastic beverage bottle appears on the sand in Sandy Hook, N.J., on Feb. 6, 2022.
MICHAEL PROBST, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Plastic waste is stored in a recycling centre in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 27, 2024.
Drought-resistant plants and trees
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A beautiful landscape adds considerable aesthetic appeal to a property and an awe-inspiring lawn and garden can greatly improve resale value. In fact, the American Society of Landscape Architects claims landscaping can increase a home’s resale value by as much as 20%, a contention that supports the notion that a lush landscape is something buyers want and are willing to pay for.
Maintaining a lush landscape is no small task, but that job is notably easier when homeowners pick the right plants. The right plant for a property depends on where a home is located, but it’s worth noting that drought-resistant plants and trees may be especially worthy investments. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 54% of the contiguous United States experienced moderate or exceptional drought over the first 10 months of 2024.
The NASA Earth Observatory notes that even the southeastern United States, where Hurricane Helene struck and dropped considerable rainfall in the final days of September, was a ected by drought, experiencing no precipitation in the month after that devastating storm struck.
When planning a landscape renovation, homeowners must take variables such as climate into consideration, particularly if their end goal is a lush, awe-inspiring lawn and garden. With that in mind, the following are some drought-resistant plants and trees homeowners may want
to consider adding to their landscapes.
Trees
The National Arbor Day Foundation notes that drought-tolerant trees are ideal as summer temperatures rise in many parts of the world. Drought-tolerant trees can survive in dry conditions, and they also provide great shade that allows people to enjoy their yards even when temperatures rise. The ADF notes that the following are some drought-resistant trees homeowners can consider:
Eastern redcedar
Bur oak
Northern red oak
Kentucky co eetree
Hackberry
Scots pine
Northern catalpa
London planetree
Shumard oak
Live oak
Plants
Trees add ample aesthetic appeal to a property, but colorful plants also help to create a stunning setting. Homeowners concerned about drought can consider these plants that various garden experts note are tolerant of dry conditions.
Aster
Beardtongue
Black-eyed Susan Bugleweed
Catmint Lantana Lavender
Purple coneflower
Russian sage
Stonecrop
Homeowners are urged to work with local lawn and garden professionals when picking trees and plants for their properties. Such individuals can provide insight about species that are accustomed to local conditions and capable of thriving in them even when precipitation is low.
How to prepare outdoor spaces for Memorial Day entertaining
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Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to entertain. For many, the weekend marks the first outdoor entertaining opportunity of the year, which is certainly something to look forward to.
As outdoor entertaining season begins, homeowners can take these steps to prepare their outdoor living spaces for the first big backyard get-together of the year. Break out the power washer. Pressure washing is an important component of spring home cleanup. The warmer temperatures of spring allow water from power washing to dry more quickly, which can decrease the chances that mold and mildew will grow on surfaces like siding. A freshly power washed home also makes for a welcoming entertaining space. A power washer also can be used on outdoor entertaining spaces to remove dirt and debris that built up over the winter. Just make sure to read manufacturer instructions before using a power washer to clean paving stones, decks and outdoor furniture. Inspect outdoor furniture. Now is a good time to inspect outdoor furniture if the task was not performed in late fall or early winter before items were moved into the garage or placed in storage. Check to make sure furnishings are still safe to use, addressing any issues before guests come over for a Memorial Day weekend gathering. Wash cushions for outdoor furniture and replace any that might be showing their age. Clean the grill. A thorough cleaning of the grill also is in order prior to summer entertaining season. Many homeowners do little or no grilling during winter, so now is the time to give grilling surfaces and the interior of the grill a deep cleaning. Check for leaks if using a gas grill, and scrub
the interior of any grease that accumulated last season. Many grilling experts advise lighting a grill and letting it burn for roughly 20 minutes prior to putting any foods on the grates for the first time. Such a strategy allows residual fluids like soap, vinegar and de-greasing products used when cleaning the grill to burn o before food is placed on the grates. Inspect the landscaping, too. It’s not just seating areas like patios and decks that need some investigation prior to outdoor entertaining season. Take a walk around the landscape and make sure there’s no potentially dangerous spots where people could be injured when playing backyard games. Fill in any holes with soil and fresh grass seed, and inspect trees to see if any branches need to be pruned. Summer entertaining season begins each Memorial Day weekend. Homeowners can take various steps to ensure their outdoor entertaining spaces are comfortable and safe.
Attract winged friends with these bird feeders
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Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene.
Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home.
Bird feeders are particularly important in colder climates and during wintertime when food may be scarce. Keeping birds well fed helps them survive over winter and continue to repopulate in the spring. Bird feeding isn’t all for the birds, either. Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, argues that feeding birds also is a benefit to humans because it stimulates compassion for the animals.
The type of bird feeder a person places in the yard determines which species may be drawn to the property. The following are various types of feeders to consider.
Suet feeders
Suet cakes are high-energy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. They are particularly beneficial in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat for energy. These cage-like feeders snap around the rectangular suet cake and hang from a pole or tree.
Ground feeder
Ground feeders are simple screen-bottomed trays that sit several inches o of the ground or on a deck to help keep seeds and grain from coming in contact with droppings. Ground
feeders are a favorite of juncos, sparrows, goldfinches, and cardinals, among others.
Sugar water feeder
These feeders come in different shapes, from tubes to round dishes, and are magnets to hummingbirds. They typically have red coloring to be more attractive to those highspeed flyers.
Nyjer bird feeder
Small birds like goldfinches love to dine on nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black thistle seeds. These feeders are tubeshaped mesh socks designed to hold this specific seed. The small feeding ports prevent seed waste and cater to the small beaks of finches.
Hopper bird feeder
These are the feeders many people think of when they envision bird feeders. Hopper bird feeders hold a large amount of seed and often have a roof or a design that mimics a house or
barn. The covered design helps to keep seeds dry and might be the best hanging feeder for people who live in areas with a lot of rain. Hoppers will attract blue jays, grackles, cardinals, and blackbirds.
Tube feeders
Tube feeders will attract an array of birds. They are cylindrical in shape with various ports to enable birds to perch and feed.
Window and smart bird feeders
These types of bird feeders attach to windows to allow homeowners to view the birds up close. Smart varieties have cameras on the
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Bird feeders provide enjoyment for bird watchers and nutritious food various species.
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Power washing a deck prior to outdoor entertaining season can make it a more welcoming space for guests.
A spring lawn revitalization strategy
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New growth is a hallmark of spring, whether it plays out in the birth of birds and bunnies or with the returned buds on trees and plant stalks. While most greenery rebounds naturally, lawns may need a little extra TLC in order to return to their once lush, green glory.
Revitalizing a lawn in spring is a multifaceted process but can be well worth the reward when green grass adds to a beautiful landscape and functional yard. Here is how to get started when the weather warms, courtesy of The Farmer’s Almanac and The Home Depot.
n Clean up debris. Spend a few hours raking up leaves from the lawn and removing any other winter debris like twigs so that air can reach the grass below. Also remove any thatch that has developed.
n Test the soil. Take a sample of the soil to determine its pH level and nutrient needs. Then you can make adjustments to set a strong foundation for the lawn to grow.
n Do some weeding. Pull out any weeds that have poked through early on and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent additional weeds from taking over.
n Start the aeration process. A core aerator punches holes into the soil. This enables air and water to penetrate through to the roots.
n Overseed the lawn. Apply grass seeds over the lawn, paying special attention to any bare or thin areas so that the seed will fill in the lawn.
n Water consistently. It is important to water the lawn deeply and consistently, especially when the weather is dry, to help promote strong root development.
n Time fertilizer correctly. Apply a spring fertilizer around three weeks after the lawn starts to turn green or after the first two or three mowings. If fertilizer is applied too early it can feed weeds instead of the grass and result in fertilizer runoff.
n Mow to an appropriate height. Begin to mow when the ground is dry enough and the grass is long enough to need cutting. Leave some length to the lawn; otherwise, sunlight will reach the soil and encourage weed seeds to germinate.
With a little elbow grease at the start of spring, homeowners can establish strong and healthy lawns.
Wise watering strategies to help a lawn thrive
A number of factors can affect how well a garden or lawn takes root. Watering is a key element of any landscape care strategy, and one that homeowners should educate themselves about if they want to maintain a lush, healthy lawn throughout spring and summer.
Homeowners hoping to keep their lawns lush and green throughout summer can learn some effective watering strategies to achieve that goal.
Check the irrigation system
Water Sense, an EPA Partnership Program, advises following four steps at the start of spring: inspect, connect, direct, and select for clock
timer-controlled irrigation systems. Make sure the system doesn’t have any clogged, broken or missing sprinkler heads. Examine points where the sprinkler heads attach to pipes or hoses to make sure there are no leaks. The EPA says even a leak as small as the tip of a pen can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month. Adjust the sprinkler heads so that they only hit the landscape elements rather than sidewalks or driveways. Align the watering schedule with the seasons.
Invest in an impact sprinkler
An impact sprinkler on a tri -
pod can be an effective option for those without built-in irrigation systems.
These sprinklers rotate in circles to help deliver an even spray of water that mimics rainfall. It’s easy to adjust their spray pattern and a sprinkler on a tripod can spray over the top of bushes and flower gardens.
Drip irrigation systems are superior
According to Rainbird.com, drip irrigation tubing and emitters slowly distribute water to the right spots of a landscape. They can be placed at ground level or buried
underground. Water soaks directly to the roots, minimizing water loss from runoff and evaporation. Some research suggests drip irrigation can effectively cover 25% more area than the average sprinkler system. It also tends to deliver more than 95% water efficiency.
Skip the schedule
Watering a lawn or garden should not be ruled by a schedule, but other factors that will determine when water is needed, suggests Family Handyman. Daytime temperatures, wind conditions, soil type, lawn type, and recent rainfall will determine how much water the landscape really needs.
Overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering. For those with underground watering systems, water sensors can trigger the system to turn on rather than a time on a clock.
Avoid midday watering The sun is hottest in the middle of the day. Watering during this time means that much of the water will be lost to evaporation before it can get to thirsty lawns and plants. It pays to be smart about watering.
Homeowners also can consider rain collection barrels to offset municipal or well water usage and be more eco-conscious about their watering efforts.
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Revitalizing a lawn in spring is a multifaceted process but can be well worth the reward when green grass adds to a beautiful landscape and functional yard.
How to celebrate Earth Day as a family
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Protecting the planet is a yearround responsibility, and that obligation is emphasized each April 22 when the world celebrates Earth Day. In 1969, an oil spill in California killed thousands of sea animals and contributed to significant ocean pollution. This environmental disaster inspired Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes to establish Earth Day in 1970 as a global event to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Every year around a billion people are motivated to protect the planet for Earth Day. Families can work together to do their part in protecting the environment. Here are some ways families can commemorate Earth Day together.
Clean up the neighborhood
Families can work together to make their neighborhoods cleaner. Litter in streets or parks can end up in waterways after being carried into storm drains by rain or wind, according to the Marine Debris Program. A 2016 report from the United Nations found that nearly 50% of cetacean and seabird species have ingested litter. Picking up litter from local neighborhoods is a relatively easy way for families to do their part on Earth Day.
Walk and bike more
Families can learn about their carbon footprints and how their lifestyle choices a ect the environment. One way to cut down on carbon emissions is to walk or bike to school and to skip the car whenever possible.
Visit a local park or wildlife habitat
Families can experience the beauty of nature and be reminded about humankind’s responsibility to protect habitats and wildlife at a park, sanctuary or wildlife area. When visiting, it’s important to stick to trails and remain mindful of leaving no trace behind.
Create reusable bags
Individuals can turn old T-shirts and other clothing into reusable cloth shopping bags. There are nosew project instructions online that o er tips about how to repurpose old clothing that is no longer worn into something Earth-friendly.
Come celebrate the Ogden Nature Center’s 50th Anniversary and Earth Day! FREE admission! FREE Dessert (while supplies last)
earth-friendly exhibitors, birdhouse exhibit, green goods, green gurus, demonstrations, nature art posters, entertainment & food trucks, craft & fun activities, explore the trails
Embrace locally grown foods
Families can plan meals together that feature in-season foods purchased at a local organic farmer’s market.
Plant more greenery It doesn’t have to be a tree, but families can visit a garden center to purchase seeds, seedlings or full-grown shrubbery to enhance their landscapes
Earth Day is a time when families can work together to help protect and preserve the planet.
with more Earth-friendly plants. CO2METER, a carbon dioxide monitoring website, says plants and trees, combined with oceans, remove about 45% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities each year. A typical hardwood tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of CO2 per year.
A brief history of Earth Day
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Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.
Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes.
Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together in the name of protecting the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change.
One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.
The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org.
The goal is a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment a growing body of research indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems. Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight is ongoing.
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Families can experience the beauty of nature and be reminded about humankind’s responsibility to protect habitats and wildlife at a park, sanctuary or wildlife area.
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The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970.
How to get over ‘house shame’ and
BY LEANNE ITALIE
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Robbie Randolph is a real estate agent and interior designer for the rich, yet even he’s not immune from the anxiety of “house shame.”
That’s the judged, bullied, defeated feeling you can get when Pinterest-perfect syndrome takes over, either in our own minds thanks to social media or fed by the side eye of a friend with impeccable digs.
House shame can make you reluctant to invite people over, and in some cases lead to isolation and despair.
“House shaming is actually how designers kind of get business,” Randolph said. “A client will go over to another home that’s professionally designed and they’ll be like, ‘Oh my gosh, my house isn’t that nice.’ They then seek out an interior designer.”
Randolph, in Greenville, South Carolina, said interior designers themselves are just as vulnerable. So are exhausted parents with young children, people who just don’t love to clean, those who can’t a ord home updates, or folks who really have a lot of books and/or love collectibles.
“I’ll do an Instagram post of an amazing, immaculately decorated house and I go, ‘Wow, my house stinks,’” said Randolph. “And everyone walks into my home and tells me how amazing it is. At the end of the day, I’m still human and I still get trapped by the devil of comparison.”
Remembering one’s humanity in a world where true perfection is elusive goes a long way, he and other experts noted.
The scary side of house shame
Not wanting to entertain at home can simply mean spending time together elsewhere, in restaurants, at the theater or in the homes of others, for instance. But it can also bring on hoarding or other traumatizing behaviors like losing the will to clean.
“I have a friend who refuses to have people over because she’s so ashamed of her house,” Randolph said. His friend didn’t have the money or the will to fix up the house after her abusive husband moved out.
“I think house shaming is about comparison, but it can also be about a person’s own struggles,” he said.
Speaking of Martha Stewart ...
Barbara Fight was a TV producer for Martha Stewart for 12 years before going into
home organizing in New York. She said house shame got way worse with the rise of social media and its idealized depictions of homes most people can’t a ord or otherwise will never have.
But there are lots of easy, inexpensive ways people can help themselves feel better about their living spaces if they so choose.
The issue is often just too much stu . She sees a lot of homes with row upon overlapping row of framed photos in ancient (not in a good way) frames. She suggests paring them down to the bare minimum and stashing the rest in a decorative box that can be pulled out for perusal.
Like Randolph, Fight has seen it all: People overloaded with things they’ve inherited from dead relatives. A young woman who wouldn’t bring her fiancé to her parents’ house, “because it’s such a mess.”
Fight suggests: “Take away a third of what’s out.” One client, she said, “had this long, narrow, beautiful table in her living room just filled with stu . It was the first thing you saw when you walked in. I said to her, ‘It’s going to take me 15 minutes to make this look Instagram-worthy.’ About five pieces stayed on there. About 10 things were thrown out, and we found a di erent place for the rest.”
Does changing your home feel overwhelming?
Jamila Musayeva is the author of “The Art of Entertaining at Home” and hosts a lifestyle YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers. She’s also an etiquette coach.
“A home doesn’t have to be perfect to be welcoming,” she said. “It simply has to feel cared for. If you’re worried about how your space might be perceived, start by focusing on what you can control.”
That could mean freshening up an entrance with a lit candle and a small flower arrangement to shift the mood for guests.
“Think ahead about the rooms your guests will actually see. Give those areas some attention rather than overwhelming yourself with the whole house. A clean bathroom with a fresh hand towel, good lighting in the living room and somewhere cozy to sit go much further than expensive décor,” Musayeva said.
Where the memories are made
Wendy Trunz, co-owner of the Long Island home organizing company Jane’s Addiction Organization, said she grew up in the smallest house in her family’s circle of friends and family. Now, with a husband and two kids, she lives in the smallest house among her neighbors and loved ones.
“My mom’s door was always open. Their table always had an extra seat. You just knocked and came in, and my mom just believed the more the merrier, this is where the memories are made and don’t mind the mess. And there’s something great about that,” she said.
Trunz notes that along with social media, the COVID pandemic contributed to house shame by sending millions of people home.
“Even now, five years later, we’re going in and people are still not eating at their dining room tables and not having people over,” she said. “Their husband is still sitting there working and it’s covered with stuff. We come in and clear that table and they call us in tears because for the first time they ate as a family around their dining room table again and not at the counter. It’s amazing. It’s amazing.”
Trunz had a easy solution for a client who had a stuffed front hall closet and felt she couldn’t accommodate the coats of guests.
“We just bought them a rolling rack, as if it’s a fancy thing. Nobody’s going to open the closet,” she said.
And if someone does house-shame you, there’s another easy solution, she said. One of her best friends is a teacher who invited teacher friends over for a meal and made her favorite tuna fish, choosing to focus on the magic of gathering rather than the toil of preparation.
“And one person in the group kept pointing out the fact that she only had one bathroom, and how did she live like that. I asked my friend, ‘What are you going to do about that?’ And she said, ‘You just decide not to have that person over.’ It can be that simple.”
Grant Magdanz, who uses Instagram to chronicle Los Angeles life living with his grandmother, has racked up about half a million likes for a video he posted last September showing off their decades-old furniture, mismatched cups and cluttered dining table.
“Not everyone’s life is themed, curated and made for social media,” a scroll on the video said. “In fact, most people’s aren’t. And we’re happy all the same.”
ANNIE NG , AP ILLUSTRATION
