S/O Greener products rant/raves

[winecat]

aspentosh- I've seen people recommend the stretchy lids here.

[iheartmaui]

If anyone is looking for an alternative to clay cat litter, we have been very impressed with Naturally Fresh walnut litter. We had been using Tidy Cats instant action lightweight or something like that.

They have a few types but this is what we use: www.naturallyfreshlitter.com/multi-cat-cat-litter

[aspentosh]

Jan 6, 2020 10:05:25 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

I just bought HiBar to try based on reviews and doing lots of reading. A lot of people said it was better than Lush, which I hadn't tried. Wondering if I should avoid what didn't work for you (in case HiBar doesn't work).

Updating! I have been using HiBar shampoo and conditioner bars for about a month now (2-3 washes a week, my normal) and it is amazing. I have a dry scalp and fine but plentiful hair and the maintain bars are perfect. The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner does a good job with tangles. I think my hair is softer. Not squeaky or anything! Would definitely recommend.

cc: sometimesrunner

[minzy]

May 19, 2020 6:40:41 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

Jan 6, 2020 10:05:25 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

I just bought HiBar to try based on reviews and doing lots of reading. A lot of people said it was better than Lush, which I hadn't tried. Wondering if I should avoid what didn't work for you (in case HiBar doesn't work).

Updating! I have been using HiBar shampoo and conditioner bars for about a month now (2-3 washes a week, my normal) and it is amazing. I have a dry scalp and fine but plentiful hair and the maintain bars are perfect. The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner does a good job with tangles. I think my hair is softer. Not squeaky or anything! Would definitely recommend.

cc: sometimesrunner

How is the smell? I have been using a Lush shampoo (Seanik) and conditioner (Jungle). The good is that I get a good lather from the shampoo and my hair feels much better than with the previous shampoo bar I had used, and the conditioner seems to work on the tangles front. My problem is that the conditioner in particular smells awful to me. (Specifically it reminds me of the scent of my mother’s stomach contents when her gastric tube would fall out - she had cancer). So... ick. Thinking that is very specific to me, I have taken to conditioning first and then shampooing, but my husband has mentioned more than once that he doesn’t like the smell either. Does anyone have a rec for a bar conditioner that smells good?

[aspentosh]

May 19, 2020 8:17:23 GMT -5 minzy said:

May 19, 2020 6:40:41 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

Updating! I have been using HiBar shampoo and conditioner bars for about a month now (2-3 washes a week, my normal) and it is amazing. I have a dry scalp and fine but plentiful hair and the maintain bars are perfect. The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner does a good job with tangles. I think my hair is softer. Not squeaky or anything! Would definitely recommend.

cc: sometimesrunner

How is the smell? I have been using a Lush shampoo (Seanik) and conditioner (Jungle). The good is that I get a good lather from the shampoo and my hair feels much better than with the previous shampoo bar I had used, and the conditioner seems to work on the tangles front. My problem is that the conditioner in particular smells awful to me. (Specifically it reminds me of the scent of my mother’s stomach contents when her gastric tube would fall out - she had cancer). So... ick. Thinking that is very specific to me, I have taken to conditioning first and then shampooing, but my husband has mentioned more than once that he doesn’t like the smell either. Does anyone have a rec for a bar conditioner that smells good?

I just grabbed my hair and took a big whiff and smelled... nothing? There is no real smell to them, which I prefer, since I am fairly scent sensitive.

From their site, if it helps

What does HiBAR smell like?
We use a blend of essential oils and other plant based ingredients to give HiBAR a gentle citrus aroma. It's just enough to give your shower a refreshing feel, but not so strong that it's going to cling to your hair. NOTE: Because the fragrance is from essential oils, the aroma is strongest when the bar is first removed from the packaging, and will soften as the bar is left out in the open.

Here is the list of our essential oils:

Lime Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Ginger Root Oil 

[sometimesrunner]

May 19, 2020 6:40:41 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

Jan 6, 2020 10:05:25 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

I just bought HiBar to try based on reviews and doing lots of reading. A lot of people said it was better than Lush, which I hadn't tried. Wondering if I should avoid what didn't work for you (in case HiBar doesn't work).

Updating! I have been using HiBar shampoo and conditioner bars for about a month now (2-3 washes a week, my normal) and it is amazing. I have a dry scalp and fine but plentiful hair and the maintain bars are perfect. The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner does a good job with tangles. I think my hair is softer. Not squeaky or anything! Would definitely recommend.

cc: sometimesrunner

Thanks for the update! I think I'm going to pull the trigger! 

[atarianna]

I just want to add that I love my reusable silicone baggies. I use them for cheese blocks, sandwiches, etc. I also bought some food huggers, basically a round cap that you push half cut limes, onions, avocados into and toss in the fridge. I also have the stretchy lids for cans, jars, etc that has saved a lot of plastic wrap.

[onthemove]

I’ve always been a loofa and shower gel person. I try to always get the recycled plastic kind, and I keep them a really long time (let’s just say waaaaay linger than the 4 weeks or whatever it says on the label). However I know no plastic is better than recycled.

Do you use a bar soap and wash cloth? Do you just wash it once a week with your towels? Do you use a regular cotton one?

Or is there another solution?

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

[woowoo]

Jan 8, 2020 10:14:06 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Has anyone tried or looked into that cleaning product they've been advertising on Instagram and FB? It's apparently a reusable spray bottle that you put water and then a packet of salt/baking soda/vinegar into and then this device electrifies it or whatever and then it becomes this industrial strength cleaner that is also super safe for kids/pets/whatever but kills everything?

I'm slightly interested because I hate buying several different cleaners for different parts of my house and if one thing can get the job done that would be great.

I just got my Force of Nature package earlier this week and we've already gone through a bottle, we're using it for EVERYTHING.  I love it, and already bought one for my Mom.  I was concerned it wouldn't work well wiping down my stainless steel appliances but it was streak free.  I won't buy any more cleansers if I can help it. 

[lemoncupcake]

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

I’ve always been a loofa and shower gel person. I try to always get the recycled plastic kind, and I keep them a really long time (let’s just say waaaaay linger than the 4 weeks or whatever it says on the label). However I know no plastic is better than recycled.

Do you use a bar soap and wash cloth? Do you just wash it once a week with your towels? Do you use a regular cotton one?

Or is there another solution?

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

I use bar soap and a regular cotton washcloth - a new one every shower.

[aspentosh]

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

I’ve always been a loofa and shower gel person. I try to always get the recycled plastic kind, and I keep them a really long time (let’s just say waaaaay linger than the 4 weeks or whatever it says on the label). However I know no plastic is better than recycled.

Do you use a bar soap and wash cloth? Do you just wash it once a week with your towels? Do you use a regular cotton one?

Or is there another solution?

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

Re: loofah. H is a loofah person. He haaaaates bar soap. So I invest in a BOIE scrubber for him (recyclable and lasts 6 months) and he's been really happy with it. So if you really can't do a bar soap, that is an option. I now use a bar of a soap without a washcloth. It's fine. 

I'd also love to know a better floss option. Both H and I floss daily and it's so much

[tiramisu]

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

I’ve always been a loofa and shower gel person. I try to always get the recycled plastic kind, and I keep them a really long time (let’s just say waaaaay linger than the 4 weeks or whatever it says on the label). However I know no plastic is better than recycled.

Do you use a bar soap and wash cloth? Do you just wash it once a week with your towels? Do you use a regular cotton one?

Or is there another solution?

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

I used to be all about shower gel and plastic loofahs, but I switched to washcloths to reduce waste and I love them. I use a fresh one every shower and then just wash when I wash my towels (typically every 2 weeks). I thought I would miss the exfoliation, but I really don't and my skin is happy.

[akayf]

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

I’ve always been a loofa and shower gel person. I try to always get the recycled plastic kind, and I keep them a really long time (let’s just say waaaaay linger than the 4 weeks or whatever it says on the label). However I know no plastic is better than recycled.

Do you use a bar soap and wash cloth? Do you just wash it once a week with your towels? Do you use a regular cotton one?

Or is there another solution?

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

Washcloth-I use a clean one everyday. I hang the used/wet one over the shower door to let it dry and toss it in the towel laundry pile/basket once it’s dry. We’ve learned the hard way not to throw soaking wet stuff in the basket -yuck to mildew.

[ska]

YouTuber HotandFlashy posted about a bodywash in a capsule that her Dad helped develop. Earthrx.com Code Angie10 for 10% off. Looks interesting!

[just]

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

Waterpiks are not an alternative to flossing, rather an addition - you'd still need to floss.

[tiramisu]

May 20, 2020 11:46:30 GMT -5 just said:

May 19, 2020 9:26:51 GMT -5 onthemove said:

Also, flossing. Is there a more eco friendly solution than glide? Get a water pic? Flossing is very important for me to keep cavities at bay. Despite eating exactly the same foods as DH he has never had a cavity and I’ve had lots, AND I floss every day, and he never does!

Waterpiks are not an alternative to flossing, rather an addition - you'd still need to floss.

I'm curious about this because I've never heard this before. I've had multiple dentists recommend it as a better alternative to traditional flossing.

[just]

May 20, 2020 12:08:52 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

May 20, 2020 11:46:30 GMT -5 just said:

Waterpiks are not an alternative to flossing, rather an addition - you'd still need to floss.

I'm curious about this because I've never heard this before. I've had multiple dentists recommend it as a better alternative to traditional flossing.

I’m not a dentist ( though I think we have a couple on here that cans advise) so don’t listen to me, listen to the experts.

My dentist said very clearly when I asked that the two processes are different and tradition flossing is required. I also found the following not peer-reviewed sketchy websites that state the same thing (with more on the same google search)

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/dental-floss/faq-20058112

I have heard that WaterPik is better than nothing, and so for those with a reticence to floss, waterpik is considered an alternative.

Also I know that waterpik does say that the ADA approves its usage so ... they probably know more than me.

[tiramisu]

May 20, 2020 12:27:40 GMT -5 just said:

May 20, 2020 12:08:52 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

I'm curious about this because I've never heard this before. I've had multiple dentists recommend it as a better alternative to traditional flossing.

I’m not a dentist ( though I think we have a couple on here that cans advise) so don’t listen to me, listen to the experts.

My dentist said very clearly when I asked that the two processes are different and tradition flossing is required. I also found the following not peer-reviewed sketchy websites that state the same thing (with more on the same google search)

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/dental-floss/faq-20058112

I have heard that WaterPik is better than nothing, and so for those with a reticence to floss, waterpik is considered an alternative.

Also I know that waterpik does say that the ADA approves its usage so ... they probably know more than me.

Thank you! Something new to read about while I'm hopefully bored at work today.

[Deleted]

May 20, 2020 12:08:52 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

May 20, 2020 11:46:30 GMT -5 just said:

Waterpiks are not an alternative to flossing, rather an addition - you'd still need to floss.

I'm curious about this because I've never heard this before. I've had multiple dentists recommend it as a better alternative to traditional flossing.

I’ve been using a WaterPik and my hygienist recommends alternating WP and flossing just to make sure. I think the waterpik is harder to get all of the tiny spaces due to how you hold it and how it fits in your mouth. What it does get, it gets pretty well, but people often miss areas.

[Accountingcat]

Someone asked a few pages ago and I never saw a response....anyone using the Leaf razor or have other razor recs?

[juliachild]

May 20, 2020 16:12:53 GMT -5 Accountingcat said:

Someone asked a few pages ago and I never saw a response....anyone using the Leaf razor or have other razor recs?

I bought the Leaf from Grove and I like. Pretty much works the same as a regular razor.

[tiramisu]

May 20, 2020 13:58:18 GMT -5 @villainv said:

May 20, 2020 12:08:52 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

I'm curious about this because I've never heard this before. I've had multiple dentists recommend it as a better alternative to traditional flossing.

I’ve been using a WaterPik and my hygienist recommends alternating WP and flossing just to make sure. I think the waterpik is harder to get all of the tiny spaces due to how you hold it and how it fits in your mouth. What it does get, it gets pretty well, but people often miss areas.

Thanks! It was recommended to me because there's so little space between my teeth. I was told it would likely do a better job than flossing because the floss has to be pretty much forced through some of the spaces. Good to know I should probably still try to alternate.

[iheartmaui]

For oral care, look into www.getquip.com/. I can't comment on floss but I've had one of their toothbrushes for about 6 weeks now and enjoy it.  There's even a timer.

Also look into bitetoothpastebits.com/ for toothpaste.

[ohgillian]

Since this thread has zombie'd, I'll recommend these cosmetic pads - hemp on one side, bamboo on the other. I liked that they aren't cotton.

www.etsy.com/listing/280153810/facial-rounds-face-wipes-organic-bamboo