Eco-friendly home products- rants and raves

[aspentosh]

We had one of these from last year and I got a lot of great info, so thought we could create a new one?

I have been really chipping away at plastic usage and am always on the hunt for other opinions on some products. Let's share our favorites and least favorites.

Last year: pandce.proboards.com/thread/616083/greener-products-rant-raves 

[aspentosh]

Raves:

Bathroom:
Hello HiBar shampoo and conditioner. These are great on my fine but plentiful hair. I use maintain. My hair has never been healthier. One bar lasts me 6+ months of ~4x a week showering.
HoneyMilk body bars are my favorite soap right now. I use with a soapstandle so I can get a better grip and it's great. Bonus- Black owned business.
Bite toothpaste bits. H and I use the mint and @@@@@dd uses the berry. Both love them.
HumanKind mouthwash. We use peppermint and it's a very subtle flavor (I love that because I could never use super flavored stuff.)
I also have HumanKind deodorant but have yet to try it.
Who Gives a Crap TP. SO glad we tried this. We do the regular (not premium) and have been very happy with them.

Kitchen:
Grove hand soap and dish soap. I buy these in a plastic pouch for refills and would love to try a non-plastic version like Blueland tablets.
Stasher bags. These are amazing!!
Russbe gallon bags. Great for bigger items, rolls, etc. We put in freezer regularly and they have been wearing well.
Dropps dishwasher tablets... This is a 50-50 for me. Thinking about another option but they seem pretty polarizing. Anyone have a rec?

Laundry:
Dryer balls. I still deal with static in the winter but it's not a big deal.
Have Tru Earth laundry strips to try out next, so will report back.

Rants:
Did not like Grove daily shower spray for our shower. Didn't work... so would love a non/low-plastic option if someone has one!
Dropps laundry wasn't my favorite, especially for workout gear. It never got rid of the smell.
Hello toothpaste bits. I didn't mind these but prefer Bite. Also love that Bite sends refills in a paper bag vs Hello is always a metal container.

[Deleted]

Rants:
- Hated Who Gives a Crap paper towels. Not absorbent, scratchy, too small. Had to use a lot more as a result.

Raves:
- Those silicone bowl covers. We use them for a lot more than I thought we would. Only criticism is that we need a lot to cover all the sizes we use
- silicon body mitts for showering — cleaner and less waste than shower puffs
- Bentgo Fresh boxes for my kid’s lunch
- Grove microfiber cloths for household cleaning (we like a lot of their cleaning products)

[niemand88f]

Meh: 
Dropps dishwasher pods, leaves some residue but I can get refills at a local bulk store so I'm torn about alternatives that require shipping
Cleancult all purpose cleaner, also leaves residue and I don't feel like it's really cleaning. I do like the bottle and will refill with other cleaners

Raves: 
Shampoo and soap bars - they last so much longer than liquid (I get mine from http://www.wildwaterssoapery.com)
Reusable produce bags 
Silicone bowl covers 
Rags and cloth towels! I greatly reduced my paper towel usage this year. I bought a pack of 6 rolls last week and my goal is to make it last all year

[SusanBAnthony]

Rant: I thought it worked well, but ethique shampoo bars lasted less than a third as long as they said they would, which means they are super expensive on a per use basis. The conditioner is fine though.

[spinnaker5]

This is good for weeds in tight spaces that are hard to pull by hand:

BurnOut organic weed spray

[katfco]

Jan 10, 2021 13:22:33 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Rant: I thought it worked well, but ethique shampoo bars lasted less than a third as long as they said they would, which means they are super expensive on a per use basis. The conditioner is fine though.

Have you tried Lush shampoo bars? I'm not a fan of the conditioner bar--I always feel like there's nothing coming off, but the shampoo bars get REALLY sudsy. 

[kadams767]

I bought some what I believe to be Stasher bag knockoffs at Aldi and they are great and were much cheaper than the options I saw at Target and the like.

[isabel]

Reel is a black owned alternative to who gives a crap. I plan to try it when our current TP stash runs out.

[juliachild]

Rants:
I like some of Grove's products, but it is annoying that it is a subscription service. I don't use products that quickly, and the most eco friendly option is reduce!
All "eco" products that are wrapped in plastic.

Raves:
Stasher bags. I love the standup bag, and this is the first reusable bag that even my H doesn't mind cleaning.
Wood bottle drying stand. perfect for stasher bags and water bottles
Grove walnut scrubbers. These have replaced our plastic sponges. Work just as well.
Bidet. We use so much less tp. And we feel cleaner.
Mrs. Meyers clean day surface scrub. This is a cleaning powder. I use this on bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Same nice scent as other Mrs. Meyers products.

[gardengal]

I am also interested in Blueland or similar pump soap tablets. We’ve switched to solid soap in bathroom but I really like pump in kitchen.

It’s OK
-Lush Jason & the Argan solid shampoo. I like it better than seanik though. I feel like I needed extra conditioner with it
-Ethnique solid conditioner (it’s green). I feel like it’s hard to apply& I have to really rub the bar into my hair. HOWEVER, they have a new bar that you chop up & mix w water & decant into a container (so, it’s from solid to liquid conditioner) that I’ve ordered & am excited to try.
-We tried using soap nuts for laundry. My husband definitely did not like the preplanning invoked as most loads aren’t washed hot. I don’t think they were great for heavily soiled clothes either.

Like it-
-TJs dishwasher powder. It’s in a box. The kind I really liked from method were discontinued & I don’t want any kind that’s got that dissolving plasticy stuff
-Bidet!!!! Total convert.
-Early days yet, but on a whim I ordered Sephora’s solid face soap. So far, so good.
-Also big fan of the silicon lid covers

[SusanBAnthony]

Jan 10, 2021 13:36:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jan 10, 2021 13:22:33 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Rant: I thought it worked well, but ethique shampoo bars lasted less than a third as long as they said they would, which means they are super expensive on a per use basis. The conditioner is fine though.

Have you tried Lush shampoo bars? I'm not a fan of the conditioner bar--I always feel like there's nothing coming off, but the shampoo bars get REALLY sudsy. 

No because when I walk into the store I want to die from the horrible fake perfume smells. I hear people race about them but I can't get past the stink.

[SusanBAnthony]

Jan 10, 2021 19:37:45 GMT -5 gardengal said:

I am also interested in Blueland or similar pump soap tablets. We’ve switched to solid soap in bathroom but I really like pump in kitchen.

It’s OK
-Lush Jason & the Argan solid shampoo. I like it better than seanik though. I feel like I needed extra conditioner with it
-Ethnique solid conditioner (it’s green). I feel like it’s hard to apply& I have to really rub the bar into my hair. HOWEVER, they have a new bar that you chop up & mix w water & decant into a container (so, it’s from solid to liquid conditioner) that I’ve ordered & am excited to try.
-We tried using soap nuts for laundry. My husband definitely did not like the preplanning invoked as most loads aren’t washed hot. I don’t think they were great for heavily soiled clothes either.

Like it-
-TJs dishwasher powder. It’s in a box. The kind I really liked from method were discontinued & I don’t want any kind that’s got that dissolving plasticy stuff
-Bidet!!!! Total convert.
-Early days yet, but on a whim I ordered Sephora’s solid face soap. So far, so good.
-Also big fan of the silicon lid covers

I have the same issue with the ethique bar conditioners. I've tried 4 or 5 and they are all like that. But I think I've just gotten used to it because it doesn't bother me anymore.

[pixy0stix]

My husband has switched from 10 different kinds of body wash (no joke, our shower was overrun with his bottles) to Dr. Sasquatch soap. He really likes it so far. drsquatch.com/

[pixy0stix]

I've switched to soap and solid shampoo/conditioner from here: www.royaltysoaps.com/

[bugmeetsworld]

Raves:
Tushy Bidet
Compost Service - We live in an apartment complex, so we can't set up our own compost bin. We put our compost in a 5 gallon bucket and they pick it up every other week.
Grove Toilet Paper (We also reuse the cardboard boxes it comes in for storage.)
Grove also packs their boxes with brown paper and we've started keeping it to use as wrapping paper.

Rants:
Grove Paper Towels

[onthemove]

Jan 10, 2021 19:37:45 GMT -5 gardengal said:

I am also interested in Blueland or similar pump soap tablets. We’ve switched to solid soap in bathroom but I really like pump in kitchen.

It’s OK
-Lush Jason & the Argan solid shampoo. I like it better than seanik though. I feel like I needed extra conditioner with it
-Ethnique solid conditioner (it’s green). I feel like it’s hard to apply& I have to really rub the bar into my hair. HOWEVER, they have a new bar that you chop up & mix w water & decant into a container (so, it’s from solid to liquid conditioner) that I’ve ordered & am excited to try.
-We tried using soap nuts for laundry. My husband definitely did not like the preplanning invoked as most loads aren’t washed hot. I don’t think they were great for heavily soiled clothes either.

Like it-
-TJs dishwasher powder. It’s in a box. The kind I really liked from method were discontinued & I don’t want any kind that’s got that dissolving plasticy stuff
-Bidet!!!! Total convert.
-Early days yet, but on a whim I ordered Sephora’s solid face soap. So far, so good.
-Also big fan of the silicon lid covers

i like the Blueland hand soap. I prefer to use an old Method bottle though. Their own glass one does not give you as much per pump so I feel like you always need 2 pumps to wash your hands.

Their dish tabs are really good. The laundry ones are ok. They are good enough, but every couple weeks I get one wash where the tab did not dissolve completely. It’s not perfect with sports clothes, for those I have to soak the really stinky stuff overnight in rockin green which does the trick for a while. I have not tried their other cleaning products.

[katfco]

Jan 10, 2021 19:47:37 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Jan 10, 2021 13:36:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Have you tried Lush shampoo bars? I'm not a fan of the conditioner bar--I always feel like there's nothing coming off, but the shampoo bars get REALLY sudsy. 

No because when I walk into the store I want to die from the horrible fake perfume smells. I hear people race about them but I can't get past the stink.

I can’t stand overly fragrant stores, either. The one I went to had a table at the door because of COVID and I didn’t have to worry about that. They also have online ordering

[macmars45]

Raves:

--clean cult--

dishwasher detergent

dish soap

bar soap

liquid hand soap

dryer balls

We exclusively use cleancult for all the above products. Everything works really well. I've been very pleased.

--Locally owned compost business--

My sister told me about them and I love it! They pick up our full 5 gallon bucket and drop off clean empty one every week. It makes me so happy!

[mouse]

I did not like the silicone stretchy covers I got. It’s hard to get a good fit unless it’s just the right size, and by the time you figure out it won’t work, you’ve already gotten it dirty. And the size that fits most things seems to be stretching out.

I did get a lay-flat silicone lid on a whim at ikea that I really like. Much closer to a universal fit, and it clings well. If I see a variety of sizes in that style, I’ll get those.

I started with cloth napkins from a suggestion here, and it’s been a pretty easy transition.

[kadams767]

Jan 10, 2021 20:05:19 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I've switched to soap and solid shampoo/conditioner from here: www.royaltysoaps.com/

Which conditioner do you like?  I have tried and liked several bar shampoos from other brands, but conditioners have all been terrible or hard to find.

[niemand88f]

Jan 10, 2021 21:14:51 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Jan 10, 2021 20:05:19 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I've switched to soap and solid shampoo/conditioner from here: www.royaltysoaps.com/

Which conditioner do you like?  I have tried and liked several bar shampoos from other brands, but conditioners have all been terrible or hard to find.

Have you tried rinsing with diluted apple cider vinegar instead of conditioner? I just use bar shampoo & ACV rinse, no conditioner - I know this doesn't work for everyone though

[RitzyHeifer]

Jan 10, 2021 13:36:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jan 10, 2021 13:22:33 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Rant: I thought it worked well, but ethique shampoo bars lasted less than a third as long as they said they would, which means they are super expensive on a per use basis. The conditioner is fine though.

Have you tried Lush shampoo bars? I'm not a fan of the conditioner bar--I always feel like there's nothing coming off, but the shampoo bars get REALLY sudsy. 

I’ve just started a Love Beauty & Planet shampoo and conditioner bar in one (they do also have a shampoo-only bar, but I haven’t seen a conditioner-only bar). So far so good, results as good as Ethique but can’t comment on longevity. Much lower price though!

[gerder3]

Rants:
I admit I did not love the beeswax wraps... Maybe I am not using them correctly. Any bread/ cheese, etc doesn't store well and dries out

I also don't like the Lunchskins bags. All this to say, Stasher 4life

Raves:
Swag Bags for produce storage. I bought a set and it keeps my greens from wilting for weeks

Trader Joe's Shampoo Bar-I have super fine, thin hair that is sadly also very oily. This helps

Grove TP, dish sponges

Rave-ish-

Stanley travel coffee mug, the inside is lined with ceramic vs stainless, so it doesn't have that gross stale coffee flavor. I don't love the lid...

[gerder3]

Jan 10, 2021 20:05:19 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I've switched to soap and solid shampoo/conditioner from here: www.royaltysoaps.com/

I loooove their soap-making videos on YT. So fun... Her channel + Elly's Everyday are what sparked my interest into making my own bar soaps

[sometimesrunner]

I just ordered the tushy—I’m excited and hope we love it! I’m going to call and see if we can get compost pickup, as well. I have a compost bin, but have yet to successfully make compost. Thanks for the push on both of these!

I’ve been using a Drunk Elephant bar of soap on my face and it’s been great. I don’t have “easy” skin so I’m pleasantly surprised that I like it. I’ve been using a bar of soap on my body as well, but I think I’ll switch to one of the types rec’d here. I ordered a green cleaning book that I’m excited to get. I’ll update once I receive it. It’s by Nancy Burtwistle, one of the Great British Bake Off winners.

[pixy0stix]

Jan 10, 2021 21:14:51 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Jan 10, 2021 20:05:19 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I've switched to soap and solid shampoo/conditioner from here: www.royaltysoaps.com/

Which conditioner do you like?  I have tried and liked several bar shampoos from other brands, but conditioners have all been terrible or hard to find.

I've only tried the rose one. I don't like the smell, it's very "old lady" to me, but the conditioning portion of it is fine.

[af1212]

I would love some help with keeping my silicone things (ziplock bags and little
Muffin cups I use to divide things in a lunchbox mostly) “clean”.

I typically wash them top rack in the dishwasher and prop them up to dry. But over time it’s like they get a greasy, slimy film on them that I can’t get rid of. It’s so gross. Eventually I have to just throw them away which I hate.

I have tried soaking in hot water with some dish soap which seems to help that day but as soon as I wash it again the slime is back.

Any ideas for me?

I use finish detergent if that matters.

[juliachild]

Jan 11, 2021 10:08:47 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I would love some help with keeping my silicone things (ziplock bags and little
Muffin cups I use to divide things in a lunchbox mostly) “clean”.

I typically wash them top rack in the dishwasher and prop them up to dry. But over time it’s like they get a greasy, slimy film on them that I can’t get rid of. It’s so gross. Eventually I have to just throw them away which I hate.

I have tried soaking in hot water with some dish soap which seems to help that day but as soon as I wash it again the slime is back.

Any ideas for me?

I use finish detergent if that matters.

I saw this recently. I haven't tried it myself. www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/13575-how-to-rid-your-silicone-baking-mat-of-sticky-residue

Another rave: small silpats. We use our toast oven much more frequently than our regular oven. As frequent users of parchment paper, I decided to buy two 9x13 silpats. We use them all the time! Love them.

[pixy0stix]

Jan 11, 2021 10:08:47 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I would love some help with keeping my silicone things (ziplock bags and little
Muffin cups I use to divide things in a lunchbox mostly) “clean”.

I typically wash them top rack in the dishwasher and prop them up to dry. But over time it’s like they get a greasy, slimy film on them that I can’t get rid of. It’s so gross. Eventually I have to just throw them away which I hate.

I have tried soaking in hot water with some dish soap which seems to help that day but as soon as I wash it again the slime is back.

Any ideas for me?

I use finish detergent if that matters.

www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-reusable-storage-bags-22949963