We all did our bit to stay safe and stay at home, so this naturally meant fewer and more mindful trips out to get those essential items, which might a good habit worth keeping. Here at HealthPost, we’ve been thinking of ways that we can further help our customers, to not only save you a trip to the shops, but to help save on spending unnecessarily and to reduce our environmental waste too.
We’ve put some simple swaps together so you can buy once and buy well.
1. Swap: Standard laundry powder for That Red House Soapberries.
That Red House Soapberries are your new eco-friendly laundry staple! Originating from the Sapindus mukorossi tree, soapberries are a natural and bio-degradable alternative to your standard laundry detergent. The dried shell of the soapberry is full of naturally occurring anti-bacterial compounds called saponins, which work to remove dirt and grime from clothes and surfaces. Better yet, they’re 100% organic, hypoallergenic and waste free, meaning you can just throw them into the compost when you’re finished with them. To use, simply add 5 soapberries to the cotton bag provided and pop into the washing machine with your clothes. The same soapberries can be used for up to 5 washes, making them an eco-friendly and cost effective choice. Even better: you can use soapberries for all sorts of cleaning around the home, like these 11 ways to use soapberries for home cleaning.
2. Swap: Pads and tampons for the Lunette Menstrual Cup.
Available in two different sizes, the Lunette Menstrual Cup is easy to use, convenient and lasts for up to 10 years. Made from soft, BPA-free medical grade silicon, the Lunette not only saves us at least 12 extra trips to the store a year, but it’s an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads which end up in landfill or sadly, sometimes the ocean. By just using one cup, you can replace over 250 pads or tampons a year – or around 10,000 over your lifetime. Still not into cups but want to reduce sanitary waste? Check out all the options here.
3. Swap: Plastic razors for SustainaBLAH razors.
Ditch the disposables and opt for SustainaBLAH’s sleek, stylish, and of course sustainable razors. Plastic-free and zero waste, SustainaBLAH’s reusable razors are made from platinum stainless steel and are available in three different colours – rose gold, minimalist silver and charcoal grey. Made to last, you’ll love this eco-friendly addition to your bathroom.
4. Swap: Plastic pegs for CaliWoods Stainless Steel Pegs.
Tired of having plastic pegs fall apart on you? CaliWoods Stainless Steel Pegs give you Marine grade 316 Stainless steel for pegs that last! With a 10-year guarantee, they are great for our coastal island living as they resist salt degradation so won’t rust.
5. Swap: Store bought kombucha for The Mad Millie Kombucha Kit.
No more paying top dollar for a single bottle of Kombucha. Mad Millie Kombucha Kit has everything you need to make your own brew… forever! Rich in probiotics, Kombucha is a fermented sweetened tea made with a live culture called a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts). Easy to make, this is the ultimate reusable that keeps on giving, with every batch of Kombucha growing a SCOBY that can be given away to friends and family.
6. Swap: Pads and tampons for AWWA Period and Pee Proof Underwear.
If menstrual cups aren’t your thing, AWWA’s period proof underwear mean you can still reduce your monthly waste, and save money too. With super slim, absorbent fabric, AWWA uses the latest technology to draw away moisture from the skin, keeping you dry, comfortable and leak free. Absorbing up to 2 pads or tampons worth of flow, they are perfect for teens, sports, sleeping, or those with an unreliable pelvic floor. Cleaning is as simple as rinsing and throwing in the wash.
7. Swap: Paper towels for Florence Anneko Dish Cloths.
Never use a paper towel again! These new Florence Anneko Dish Cloths can absorb 15 times their own weight and outlast 16 sheets of paper towels. Made with 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, they can be reused after a quick wash in the washing machine and once they’ve lived their best cleaning life, can be thrown in the compost. The dyes are water based, so no nasties will be entering your compost heap as these biodegrade. Having these on-hand is great for any mess or mis-hap!
8. Swap: Face wipes for Black Chicken Muslin Face Cloths.
Gently remove the day's make up and any impurities with these 100% cotton reusable face cloths. Super light-weight and soft on the skin, these cloths can be used time and time again, and are the perfect accessory to your natural skincare routine. Simply use with your favourite cleanser to remove make up and wash between uses. Works best with the luxurious Cleanse My Face oil cleanser, that is perfect for blemish prone skin.
Along with reusable items, one of the easiest and most simple ways to reduce our environmental impact is to switch to multi-purpose and space saving products. Better for the budget, and the environment too. For some easy multi-purpose household swaps, check out our article here.