S/O Greener products rant/raves

[onthemove]

I know we had one of these a few months ago, it made me make the swap to recycled paper for TP. After a week of discomfort, my bum is now used to the texture, and is just fine! I though based on the other couple threads (plastics, hacks) people might chime in with some of their green product rants/raves.

I used to make my dishwasher detergent, but went back to the ease of liquid in a bottle. And we use All free and clear from Costco for detergent, so it’s the largest bottle I can buy, but I know it’s still plastic.
And I “need” liquid had soap concentrate for the kitchen. I have bar soap elsewhere in the house, but know for this stage of my family I need at least one liquid.

Any recommendations? Anyone use dropps? I saw reviews that it’s not good in a front loader with cold water. Or cleancult? Is coconut really better/sustainable? I do like that the soaps come in the milk jugs that can be recycled.

[Bernadine]

I’m not thrilled with my dryer balls in the winter- they’re pretty useless against static.

[Deleted]

Anyone have good recommendations for hair color with minimal packaging? I tried Madison Reed for the first time today and while I like their product they use an obscene amount of single-use packaging including single-use plastics, and I just don’t think I can continue to use a product with so much packaging unless I can figure out how to reuse any of it.

[jinkies]

We switched last fall to Who Gives a Crap toilet paper and I really like it. I thought it would be noticeably less comfortable but it's fine.

[tripleshot]

Jan 5, 2020 13:42:14 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I’m not thrilled with my dryer balls in the winter- they’re pretty useless against static.

I read somewhere to put a safety pin in one ball to cut down on the static.  I haven’t tried it yet.

[ruthie7532]

Jan 5, 2020 16:22:57 GMT -5 tripleshot said:

Jan 5, 2020 13:42:14 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I’m not thrilled with my dryer balls in the winter- they’re pretty useless against static.

I read somewhere to put a safety pin in one ball to cut down on the static.  I haven’t tried it yet.

We made a ball out of aluminum foil, and it seems to be doing a great job keeping static down. But,annoyingly, every time I open the dryer door it pops out and rolls away. I suspect that since it’s heavier it always ends up in the lower front.

[seeyalater52]

This is probably a stupid question, but what do people use instead of 500 MILLION COTTON ROUNDS to clean their face and remove makeup, put on toner etc.? I'm not good at this sort of skin care to begin with but in my first few weeks of starting a real routine it feels like I'm constantly using and disposing of cotton. I could probably use some sort of microfiber cloth, but man I'd need a LOT of them because we don't typically do laundry more than once every two weeks and I feel like reusing the same cloths over and over in between washings probably defeats the purpose somewhat (and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

[secretlyevil]

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

This is probably a stupid question, but what do people use instead of 500 MILLION COTTON ROUNDS to clean their face and remove makeup, put on toner etc.? I'm not good at this sort of skin care to begin with but in my first few weeks of starting a real routine it feels like I'm constantly using and disposing of cotton. I could probably use some sort of microfiber cloth, but man I'd need a LOT of them because we don't typically do laundry more than once every two weeks and I feel like reusing the same cloths over and over in between washings probably defeats the purpose somewhat (and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

I switched to reusable bamboo/cotton rounds a few months ago and love them. I haven’t used a disposable cotton ball since. I even travel with them. I do recommend washing/drying them in a lingerie-type bag.

etsy.me/2DJXQl6

etsy.me/2sG4uEz

These are the ones I purchased. I keep them in a jar in the bathroom.

[dutchgirl678]

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

This is probably a stupid question, but what do people use instead of 500 MILLION COTTON ROUNDS to clean their face and remove makeup, put on toner etc.? I'm not good at this sort of skin care to begin with but in my first few weeks of starting a real routine it feels like I'm constantly using and disposing of cotton. I could probably use some sort of microfiber cloth, but man I'd need a LOT of them because we don't typically do laundry more than once every two weeks and I feel like reusing the same cloths over and over in between washings probably defeats the purpose somewhat (and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

A friend of mine just ordered these reusable cotton rounds. Maybe they could work for you?

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J6B6BL6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[seeyalater52]

secretlyevil, dutchgirl678 - thank you both so much! Those look like exactly what I need. I'm particularly obsessed with the rainbow ones! And it solves my issues of not having enough between washing because that is a lot of rounds. Do you find that various oils and foundations and mascara and stuff wash off these ok?

[secretlyevil]

Jan 5, 2020 19:02:28 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

secretlyevil, dutchgirl678 - thank you both so much! Those look like exactly what I need. I'm particularly obsessed with the rainbow ones! And it solves my issues of not having enough between washing because that is a lot of rounds. Do you find that various oils and foundations and mascara and stuff wash off these ok?

I have had a few stained from my mascara but I think if I had sprayed them with stain remover it would have helped. I’m trying to use the mascara stained ones for mascara so as not to stain any others.

ETA: I can go several weeks without washing and not run out. This also might be why some of the ones I used for mascara were stained?

[wanderingback]

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

This is probably a stupid question, but what do people use instead of 500 MILLION COTTON ROUNDS to clean their face and remove makeup, put on toner etc.? I'm not good at this sort of skin care to begin with but in my first few weeks of starting a real routine it feels like I'm constantly using and disposing of cotton. I could probably use some sort of microfiber cloth, but man I'd need a LOT of them because we don't typically do laundry more than once every two weeks and I feel like reusing the same cloths over and over in between washings probably defeats the purpose somewhat (and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

I see you got some recommendations, but just want to chime in for what I do...

For washing my face at night I just use a wash cloth. I change it weekly. I personally think that's fine for skin and have no problems with outbreaks, dryness or anything else that you'd be concerned about. I don't think you need to use a new one every night. I throw washcloths in the wash as needed to make a full load of clothes, typically with towels, sheets, etc. That's the biggest thing I try to do is always make sure loads are full so never washing a small load. 

For toner, I actually just spray a little bit on my hands and pat it on my face quickly. I used to think I needed some sort of cotton, but my skin is doing well. 

I also try to use as little product as possible so that it lasts longer since unfortunately most products come in plastic. I've found that using the toner just in my hand helps it last longer since none of it just gets absorbed straight in to a cotton. 

[secretlyevil]

seeyalater52, I don’t use a cotton round for toners, etc.

[georgeglass]

seeyalater52, my MIL gave me crocheted washcloths and I thought they were super weird, but finally tried them and LOVE them. Soft cotton, but the texture gets everything off my face without being too harsh.

www.etsy.com/listing/255707226/washcloth-all-natural-wash-cloth-cotton?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ShadyCreekFarmNC_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=6105664&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp6HN79jt5gIVJOeGCh1MxQ4yEAQYByABEgIaUvD_BwE

I am currently obsessed with apple cider vinegar (the good stuff with the mother - thrivemarket.com/p/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar-unfiltered?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_smart&utm_campaign=Shopping_Engagement_Smart_Members&utm_content=074305001321&utm_term=na&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvM_Cn9nt5gIVQIFaBR1UggtrEAQYASABEgK6U_D_BwE

I have a weird spot on my hand that is kind of eczema-y? A little scaly and red and itchy... I just wiped ACV on it every day for a week and it's totally gone. I'm interested in using it (diluted) for toner, but haven't done that yet.

[seeyalater52]

Jan 5, 2020 19:10:57 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

This is probably a stupid question, but what do people use instead of 500 MILLION COTTON ROUNDS to clean their face and remove makeup, put on toner etc.? I'm not good at this sort of skin care to begin with but in my first few weeks of starting a real routine it feels like I'm constantly using and disposing of cotton. I could probably use some sort of microfiber cloth, but man I'd need a LOT of them because we don't typically do laundry more than once every two weeks and I feel like reusing the same cloths over and over in between washings probably defeats the purpose somewhat (and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

I see you got some recommendations, but just want to chime in for what I do...

For washing my face at night I just use a wash cloth. I change it weekly. I personally think that's fine for skin and have no problems with outbreaks, dryness or anything else that you'd be concerned about. I don't think you need to use a new one every night. I throw washcloths in the wash as needed to make a full load of clothes, typically with towels, sheets, etc. That's the biggest thing I try to do is always make sure loads are full so never washing a small load. 

For toner, I actually just spray a little bit on my hands and pat it on my face quickly. I used to think I needed some sort of cotton, but my skin is doing well. 

I also try to use as little product as possible so that it lasts longer since unfortunately most products come in plastic. I've found that using the toner just in my hand helps it last longer since none of it just gets absorbed straight in to a cotton. 

Thanks! My face is unfortunately too sensitive to wash with a washcloth (I might give microfiber a try) - I break out in red welts and hives whenever I try, which is why the cotton seemed to be helping (otherwise I just use my hands.) I will try applying toner with my hands, I hadn't tried that. My skin is suuuuuuper finicky so I also wonder if I'll be able to use the same detergent I use for a regular load for anything that is going to touch my face. Even with the kind for sensitive skin it still gives me hives. 

Products coming in plastic is my new pet peeve. I'm trying to buy things in glass whenever I can and also buying larger bottles so they last longer even though it's much more expensive. 

[seeyalater52]

Jan 5, 2020 19:18:14 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

seeyalater52 , my MIL gave me crocheted washcloths and I thought they were super weird, but finally tried them and LOVE them. Soft cotton, but the texture gets everything off my face without being too harsh.

www.etsy.com/listing/255707226/washcloth-all-natural-wash-cloth-cotton?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ShadyCreekFarmNC_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=6105664&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp6HN79jt5gIVJOeGCh1MxQ4yEAQYByABEgIaUvD_BwE

I am currently obsessed with apple cider vinegar (the good stuff with the mother - thrivemarket.com/p/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar-unfiltered?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_smart&utm_campaign=Shopping_Engagement_Smart_Members&utm_content=074305001321&utm_term=na&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvM_Cn9nt5gIVQIFaBR1UggtrEAQYASABEgK6U_D_BwE

I have a weird spot on my hand that is kind of eczema-y? A little scaly and red and itchy... I just wiped ACV on it every day for a week and it's totally gone. I'm interested in using it (diluted) for toner, but haven't done that yet.

This might solve the washcloth issue I was just mentioning in my post to Wandering! Thank you so much! 

[mrsd2006]

Jan 5, 2020 13:42:14 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I’m not thrilled with my dryer balls in the winter- they’re pretty useless against static.

Are they wool? I want to switch when I run out of dryer sheets

[Deleted]

Jan 5, 2020 19:34:08 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

Jan 5, 2020 13:42:14 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I’m not thrilled with my dryer balls in the winter- they’re pretty useless against static.

Are they wool? I want to switch when I run out of dryer sheets

I have wool ones. I don’t have issues with static, but I live in FL and it’s pretty humid here so static isn’t really an issue. I also hang-dry all my workout clothes, which are probably the most static prone.

The wool balls also reduce drying time.

[wanderingback]

Jan 5, 2020 19:21:43 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Jan 5, 2020 19:10:57 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

I see you got some recommendations, but just want to chime in for what I do...

For washing my face at night I just use a wash cloth. I change it weekly. I personally think that's fine for skin and have no problems with outbreaks, dryness or anything else that you'd be concerned about. I don't think you need to use a new one every night. I throw washcloths in the wash as needed to make a full load of clothes, typically with towels, sheets, etc. That's the biggest thing I try to do is always make sure loads are full so never washing a small load. 

For toner, I actually just spray a little bit on my hands and pat it on my face quickly. I used to think I needed some sort of cotton, but my skin is doing well. 

I also try to use as little product as possible so that it lasts longer since unfortunately most products come in plastic. I've found that using the toner just in my hand helps it last longer since none of it just gets absorbed straight in to a cotton. 

Thanks! My face is unfortunately too sensitive to wash with a washcloth (I might give microfiber a try) - I break out in red welts and hives whenever I try, which is why the cotton seemed to be helping (otherwise I just use my hands.) I will try applying toner with my hands, I hadn't tried that. My skin is suuuuuuper finicky so I also wonder if I'll be able to use the same detergent I use for a regular load for anything that is going to touch my face. Even with the kind for sensitive skin it still gives me hives. 

Products coming in plastic is my new pet peeve. I'm trying to buy things in glass whenever I can and also buying larger bottles so they last longer even though it's much more expensive. 

Ahh ok got it! I hope the reusable cottons work for you.
Are you using an oil based cleanser to remove make up?
I'll confess that sometimes when I'm lazy I don't even use a wash cloth and just use my hands. An oil based cleanser does well at removing my make up. In the morning when I shower again for my regular shower with a wash cloth and wipe my face there isn't any make up residue. 
Maybe the skin care junkies will kill me haha. But just another option if you find that the reusable clothes are also irritating to your skin. I switched to an oil based cleanser I think almost 2 years ago and it's definitely been good for my skin. 

[arehopsveggies]

Shouting it from the rooftops because no one I know irl listens to me-
My favorite “green” purchase this year was Thinx. So amazing. I’d used cloth pads for a few years but Thinx are so much better.

I want to try some other brands, including looking for a swimwear option.

But I really wish I’d made this jump years ago. So worth the money for me.

[seeyalater52]

Jan 5, 2020 19:56:54 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jan 5, 2020 19:21:43 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Thanks! My face is unfortunately too sensitive to wash with a washcloth (I might give microfiber a try) - I break out in red welts and hives whenever I try, which is why the cotton seemed to be helping (otherwise I just use my hands.) I will try applying toner with my hands, I hadn't tried that. My skin is suuuuuuper finicky so I also wonder if I'll be able to use the same detergent I use for a regular load for anything that is going to touch my face. Even with the kind for sensitive skin it still gives me hives. 

Products coming in plastic is my new pet peeve. I'm trying to buy things in glass whenever I can and also buying larger bottles so they last longer even though it's much more expensive. 

Ahh ok got it! I hope the reusable cottons work for you.
Are you using an oil based cleanser to remove make up?
I'll confess that sometimes when I'm lazy I don't even use a wash cloth and just use my hands. An oil based cleanser does well at removing my make up. In the morning when I shower again for my regular shower with a wash cloth and wipe my face there isn't any make up residue. 
Maybe the skin care junkies will kill me haha. But just another option if you find that the reusable clothes are also irritating to your skin. I switched to an oil based cleanser I think almost 2 years ago and it's definitely been good for my skin. 

An oil-based cleanser is not a bad idea. I break out super easily so I'm wary of oils because I never can tell what is going to anger my face and clog my pores, but I'm slowly learning more and I bet I could find something that would work. 

[rubytue]

Jan 5, 2020 20:31:40 GMT -5 arehopsveggies said:

Shouting it from the rooftops because no one I know irl listens to me-
My favorite “green” purchase this year was Thinx. So amazing. I’d used cloth pads for a few years but Thinx are so much better.

I want to try some other brands, including looking for a swimwear option.

But I really wish I’d made this jump years ago. So worth the money for me.

Question about thinx... or maybe not a question as much as thinking out loud...

on my heavy days, it’s ridiculous. Like I can overflow a diva in 2 hours. I’ve worn 2 pads and depends for overnights.. would thinx be a good option? 

Also, I tried reusable pads and ended up with my first UTI ever my second month. I suspect The wash didn’t sanitize them enough. This makes me question thinx. 

[secretlyevil]

Jan 5, 2020 20:37:15 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Jan 5, 2020 19:56:54 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Ahh ok got it! I hope the reusable cottons work for you.
Are you using an oil based cleanser to remove make up?
I'll confess that sometimes when I'm lazy I don't even use a wash cloth and just use my hands. An oil based cleanser does well at removing my make up. In the morning when I shower again for my regular shower with a wash cloth and wipe my face there isn't any make up residue. 
Maybe the skin care junkies will kill me haha. But just another option if you find that the reusable clothes are also irritating to your skin. I switched to an oil based cleanser I think almost 2 years ago and it's definitely been good for my skin. 

An oil-based cleanser is not a bad idea. I break out super easily so I'm wary of oils because I never can tell what is going to anger my face and clog my pores, but I'm slowly learning more and I bet I could find something that would work. 

There’s a link in wambam’s post on the makeup board that talks about K-beauty and breakouts. You should take it out.

[goldengirlz]

Jan 5, 2020 19:46:55 GMT -5 @villainv said:

Jan 5, 2020 19:34:08 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

Are they wool? I want to switch when I run out of dryer sheets

I have wool ones. I don’t have issues with static, but I live in FL and it’s pretty humid here so static isn’t really an issue. I also hang-dry all my workout clothes, which are probably the most static prone.

The wool balls also reduce drying time.

I use the wool ones too and love them. Also no problems with static. California isn’t as dry as say, Colorado, but much less humid than most places!

[raangoli]

Jan 5, 2020 20:31:40 GMT -5 arehopsveggies said:

Shouting it from the rooftops because no one I know irl listens to me-
My favorite “green” purchase this year was Thinx. So amazing. I’d used cloth pads for a few years but Thinx are so much better.

I want to try some other brands, including looking for a swimwear option.

But I really wish I’d made this jump years ago. So worth the money for me.

Ive thought about using them and posted on a different board here asking and it was pointed out to me the the company was rather problematic.


www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/2017/3/14/14911228/thinx-miki-agrawal-health-care-branding

But it seems like they have a new CEO now and seem to be turning things around.

[karinothing]

I really wanted to switch to powdered dish detergent but we tried and all silverware started to get a rust colored coating on it..when I went back to liquid it went away. Anyone know why this is? How to fix?

[arehopsveggies]

Jan 5, 2020 20:57:35 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Jan 5, 2020 20:31:40 GMT -5 arehopsveggies said:

Shouting it from the rooftops because no one I know irl listens to me-
My favorite “green” purchase this year was Thinx. So amazing. I’d used cloth pads for a few years but Thinx are so much better.

I want to try some other brands, including looking for a swimwear option.

But I really wish I’d made this jump years ago. So worth the money for me.

Question about thinx... or maybe not a question as much as thinking out loud...

on my heavy days, it’s ridiculous. Like I can overflow a diva in 2 hours. I’ve worn 2 pads and depends for overnights.. would thinx be a good option? 

Also, I tried reusable pads and ended up with my first UTI ever my second month. I suspect The wash didn’t sanitize them enough. This makes me question thinx. 

I’ve had better luck handwashing than machine washing.

Right now I’m having wonky cycles that aren’t super heavy but are also unpredictable. for work I can go hours without a bathroom break. I wore the 4 tampon worth pair all day and it was so nice to not worry. I did change as soon as I got home. If I’m home and not working I often change halfway through the day just because I can.

[nessness]

I tried bar shampoo and it didn't work for me - I gave my hair a month to "transition" before deciding enough was enough. Switching to bar soap in place of liquid hand soap and body wash has been pretty painless though, and I found out that my preferred grocery store, WinCo, sells good packaging-free bar soap.

I just bought the laundry strips that onomatopoeia recommended. I haven't gotten them yet, but they have good reviews and I'm excited to try them!

@@@
I use a ton of products on my biracial daughters' hair, all of which are packaged in plastic of course. I'm thinking about trying to make my own flax gel - I've never bought it because it's pricey, but it seems pretty straightforward to make, and people seem to love it for curly hair. Has anyone tried this before?

[pixy0stix]

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

(and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

Most life cycle studies show that the water consumption of using a reusable option is literally a wash (pun intended). Cotton crops use a shocking amount of water, so it all depends on how much you use in your lifetime. It also depends on where you live and where your water is coming from. All in all, though, with the reusable option you're not putting more stuff into the landfill or creating a need for new cotton. 

[seeyalater52]

Jan 5, 2020 22:57:52 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Jan 5, 2020 18:29:54 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

(and any opinions on whether increasing laundry frequency is better or worse than using disposable cotton rounds?)

Most life cycle studies show that the water consumption of using a reusable option is literally a wash (pun intended). Cotton crops use a shocking amount of water, so it all depends on how much you use in your lifetime. It also depends on where you live and where your water is coming from. All in all, though, with the reusable option you're not putting more stuff into the landfill or creating a need for new cotton. 

Thank you! This is helpful (and I should have guessed you’d know the answer to this question)