October EcoFriendly Products

[pixy0stix]

Maybe we can make this a monthly thing?

Does anyone use biodegradable kitchen trash bags? We're not putting food waste into the trash since I signed up for a curbside composting program, so nothing wet is going in the trash anymore, which was my main worry in switching.


Do not buy - Great Wrap biodegradable cling film - I had read some reviews complaining about how hard it is to get the product off the roll and thought that people may be exaggerating. Oh no, they were not. It's virtually impossible to use, and once off the roll (if you can get it off without tearing), it works about as well as really bad plastic cling film.

[wawa]

I like this as a monthly thing.

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

I need to replace my kitchen hand soap. I've been re-using a random plastic foaming handsoap thing for...years? I was refilling it with a small blob of regular handsoap from a big costco refill bottle and water. Doing it that way the costco refill lasts months and months (I honestly couldn't tell you when we bought the one that's in there now) but its still a plastic bottle. And then the dispenser at the sink was empty when my very aggressive cleaners came in and they apparently threw it away. womp womp.

So...glass? Do people like those tablets I'm sure I'll see advertised on fb after asking this question? what are we into? I really like the foam dispenser.

[scm1011]

I have nothing to add except I switched to laundry detergent sheets after the last thread and love them.

[wawa]

Also re: adventures in compost, my compost tumbler was suddenly FULL of these black waspy looking bugs. (Like, they looked like wasps, but were smaller, black and not at all aggressive) and I was freaking out that I did something wrong.

Googled and turns out they're black soldier flies and totally beneficial. they eat housefly maggots, and their larva are really good composters. They're recommended to pepole to try and GET them to live in your compost if your pile is attracting regular flies. Win!

[pixy0stix]

Oct 4, 2022 8:28:48 GMT -5 wawa said:

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

Correct, nothing biodegrades in the landfill. Although the claims from the bag makers is that they degrade after 2-3 years. My thing is that if it does get exposed, at least it's not another bit of plastic that's floating around?

Thinking about it, I haven't looked into the environmental impacts of the actual making of the bags. sigh...

[aurora]

Oct 4, 2022 8:31:24 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

I have nothing to add except I switched to laundry detergent sheets after the last thread and love them.

I looked for these after the last thread and didn't find them at my grocery store (which has a lot of eco products in general, so I was surprised). Thanks for the reminder to look further.

[genet313]

Oct 3, 2022 21:25:09 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Maybe we can make this a monthly thing?

Does anyone use biodegradable kitchen trash bags? We're not putting food waste into the trash since I signed up for a curbside composting program, so nothing wet is going in the trash anymore, which was my main worry in switching.


Do not buy - Great Wrap biodegradable cling film - I had read some reviews complaining about how hard it is to get the product off the roll and thought that people may be exaggerating. Oh no, they were not. It's virtually impossible to use, and once off the roll (if you can get it off without tearing), it works about as well as really bad plastic cling film.

Bag Ups.

bagups.com/

[redheadbaker]

Stashers re-usable silicone bags (in place of plastic zip-top bags) - GREAT! They are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Unwasted stretchy silicone bowl covers - also great.

[bee20]

I can second the silicone bowl covers, you can also use them on halved produce. These take the place of cling film for me and I'm not sure if you're supposed to put them in the dishwasher but I do, I just stretch them across the rack.

I also don't use bags, I prefer pyrex with lids, they are so much easier to use in the dishwasher than bags.

[SwimDeep]

I would really like to stop using paper towels. I've managed to stop using paper plates, but towels are proving to be more difficult.

I have plenty of cloth towels and rags but I cannot get them clean enough to not stink. I've tried regular detergent with no fabric softener, detergent with vinegar, detergent with color safe bleach. But they still come out of the dryer with a distinct sour smell that transfers to anything I use them on (dishes, counters, etc.).

If I can figure out how to actually clean my towels and rags I'll cut my paper towel usage by at least 90%. So what am I doing wrong? I wash everything in cold water. Should I be using hot? Is it maybe residue in the washer or dryer? Is my nose just super sensitive and I need to get over the stink?

Any suggestions and product recs welcome 🙂

[wawa]

Oct 4, 2022 8:57:47 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Oct 4, 2022 8:28:48 GMT -5 wawa said:

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

Correct, nothing biodegrades in the landfill. Although the claims from the bag makers is that they degrade after 2-3 years. My thing is that if it does get exposed, at least it's not another bit of plastic that's floating around?

Thinking about it, I haven't looked into the environmental impacts of the actual making of the bags. sigh...

yeah, the number of trash bags that end up elsewhere either on their way to the landfill is far from zero.  I'll have to look into options on this. 

[pixy0stix]

Oct 4, 2022 12:03:52 GMT -5 SwimDeep said:

I would really like to stop using paper towels. I've managed to stop using paper plates, but towels are proving to be more difficult.

I have plenty of cloth towels and rags but I cannot get them clean enough to not stink. I've tried regular detergent with no fabric softener, detergent with vinegar, detergent with color safe bleach. But they still come out of the dryer with a distinct sour smell that transfers to anything I use them on (dishes, counters, etc.).

If I can figure out how to actually clean my towels and rags I'll cut my paper towel usage by at least 90%. So what am I doing wrong? I wash everything in cold water. Should I be using hot? Is it maybe residue in the washer or dryer? Is my nose just super sensitive and I need to get over the stink?

Any suggestions and product recs welcome 🙂

How are you storing them before you wash? I toss mine into metal mesh waste basket. That way they dry out and don't fester. If you're putting them into a closed bin where they sit wet for a while, they're going to stink.

I also use this on stuff that gets bacteria stink - www.amazon.com/Bambino-Mio-Miofresh-Laundry-Cleanser/dp/B001HJTTWS/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new

[mskitkat]

Oct 4, 2022 12:03:52 GMT -5 SwimDeep said:

I would really like to stop using paper towels. I've managed to stop using paper plates, but towels are proving to be more difficult.

I have plenty of cloth towels and rags but I cannot get them clean enough to not stink. I've tried regular detergent with no fabric softener, detergent with vinegar, detergent with color safe bleach. But they still come out of the dryer with a distinct sour smell that transfers to anything I use them on (dishes, counters, etc.).

If I can figure out how to actually clean my towels and rags I'll cut my paper towel usage by at least 90%. So what am I doing wrong? I wash everything in cold water. Should I be using hot? Is it maybe residue in the washer or dryer? Is my nose just super sensitive and I need to get over the stink?

Any suggestions and product recs welcome 🙂

Quick chemistry lesson. Vinegar is acidic. Bleach is very basic. Detergents are neutral to basic. Wash first with detergent and NO fabric softener. You only need 1-2 tablespoons of detergent for a HE washer. Then run a separate cycle with either just vinegar or just bleach. No detergents.

Also trash your fabric softener. It’s awful for your clothes.

Brought to you by my full day symposium on laundry and dish detergent formulation that I sat through last week lol.

[wawa]

Oct 4, 2022 12:03:52 GMT -5 SwimDeep said:

I would really like to stop using paper towels. I've managed to stop using paper plates, but towels are proving to be more difficult.

I have plenty of cloth towels and rags but I cannot get them clean enough to not stink. I've tried regular detergent with no fabric softener, detergent with vinegar, detergent with color safe bleach. But they still come out of the dryer with a distinct sour smell that transfers to anything I use them on (dishes, counters, etc.).

If I can figure out how to actually clean my towels and rags I'll cut my paper towel usage by at least 90%. So what am I doing wrong? I wash everything in cold water. Should I be using hot? Is it maybe residue in the washer or dryer? Is my nose just super sensitive and I need to get over the stink?

Any suggestions and product recs welcome 🙂

where are they before they're washed after they've been used, and where are they stored clean?  I've found things get good and stinky if it sits damp, and get stinkier the longer they sit folded without air circulation. Might be able to head some of that off if you can keep things more aired out.

I'd try hot water to start. Definitely no fabric softener (ever). detergent film either on the machine or the fabric can also be a factor, but if nothing else coming out of your washer stinks to you it's probably not the machine. 

If you have the ability to hang things in the sun the sun can basically do the same thing as bleach and oxidize the organics to clear the smell. 

[estrellita]

Oct 4, 2022 8:28:48 GMT -5 wawa said:

I like this as a monthly thing.

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

I need to replace my kitchen hand soap. I've been re-using a random plastic foaming handsoap thing for...years? I was refilling it with a small blob of regular handsoap from a big costco refill bottle and water. Doing it that way the costco refill lasts months and months (I honestly couldn't tell you when we bought the one that's in there now) but its still a plastic bottle. And then the dispenser at the sink was empty when my very aggressive cleaners came in and they apparently threw it away. womp womp.

So...glass? Do people like those tablets I'm sure I'll see advertised on fb after asking this question? what are we into? I really like the foam dispenser.

I just got a glass foaming hand soap dispenser at Target, ever spring brand. So far it works well! I've been using the ever spring refill liquid they have, which isn't ideal packaging, but it cuts down on buying the plastic dispensers all the time. I read you can use castile soap and water but I haven't tried it.

I also got a glass spray bottle and made my own cleaner. I soaked orange peels in vinegar in a jar for 2 weeks, then mixed 1 part of that with 1 part filtered water (our water isn't great, so not sure if tap is sufficient). It smells good!

Does anyone have a recommendation for laundry scent boosters? I bought some Downy scent beads to use (the ones without dyes and such) but would love a more natural alternative. We have some items that smell terrible and I'd really like something to finally get rid of it (we do use vinegar in the rinse cycle, it doesn't help 😩).

[SwimDeep]

pixy0stix and wawa - when they're wet/dirty I drape them over the side of the basket (nylon pop up style so plenty of air circulation). Once they're dry I toss them in.

When they're clean they stay in a kitchen drawer. ...or the clean laundry basket with other things I never get around to folding.

H is the only one who uses fabric softener. It irritates my skin so I don't use it. The other things I wash (my clothes and cat stuff) don't have this stink.

I like the look of that detergent. I think I might try that if washing with just baking soda or vinegar in hot water doesn't work.

[lust2hart]

Oct 4, 2022 12:52:51 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Oct 4, 2022 8:28:48 GMT -5 wawa said:

I like this as a monthly thing.

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

I need to replace my kitchen hand soap. I've been re-using a random plastic foaming handsoap thing for...years? I was refilling it with a small blob of regular handsoap from a big costco refill bottle and water. Doing it that way the costco refill lasts months and months (I honestly couldn't tell you when we bought the one that's in there now) but its still a plastic bottle. And then the dispenser at the sink was empty when my very aggressive cleaners came in and they apparently threw it away. womp womp.

So...glass? Do people like those tablets I'm sure I'll see advertised on fb after asking this question? what are we into? I really like the foam dispenser.

I just got a glass foaming hand soap dispenser at Target, ever spring brand. So far it works well! I've been using the ever spring refill liquid they have, which isn't ideal packaging, but it cuts down on buying the plastic dispensers all the time. I read you can use castile soap and water but I haven't tried it.

I also got a glass spray bottle and made my own cleaner. I soaked orange peels in vinegar in a jar for 2 weeks, then mixed 1 part of that with 1 part filtered water (our water isn't great, so not sure if tap is sufficient). It smells good!

Does anyone have a recommendation for laundry scent boosters? I bought some Downy scent beads to use (the ones without dyes and such) but would love a more natural alternative. We have some items that smell terrible and I'd really like something to finally get rid of it (we do use vinegar in the rinse cycle, it doesn't help 😩).

I've heard of adding a drop or two of essential oil to your wool dryer balls.

[estrellita]

Oct 4, 2022 13:07:26 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

Oct 4, 2022 12:52:51 GMT -5 estrellita said:

I just got a glass foaming hand soap dispenser at Target, ever spring brand. So far it works well! I've been using the ever spring refill liquid they have, which isn't ideal packaging, but it cuts down on buying the plastic dispensers all the time. I read you can use castile soap and water but I haven't tried it.

I also got a glass spray bottle and made my own cleaner. I soaked orange peels in vinegar in a jar for 2 weeks, then mixed 1 part of that with 1 part filtered water (our water isn't great, so not sure if tap is sufficient). It smells good!

Does anyone have a recommendation for laundry scent boosters? I bought some Downy scent beads to use (the ones without dyes and such) but would love a more natural alternative. We have some items that smell terrible and I'd really like something to finally get rid of it (we do use vinegar in the rinse cycle, it doesn't help 😩).

I've heard of adding a drop or two of essential oil to your wool dryer balls.

I've tried switching to dryer balls and I haven't been able to 🙈 Everything gets so staticky in our house! I know I shouldn't use dryer sheets but I haven't found a solution for the static yet!

[mrsd2006]

SwimDeep, have you tried these? I actually cut them in half and replace every couple days. Then I wash and let air dry. No smell and if they start to look yucky, I just trash them.

www.amazon.com/reusable-paper-towels-sweedish-dishtowels-swededishcloths/dp/B07GX6TRQX?th=1

I also use paper bags for the trash- I get them at the grocery store instead of plastic.

estrellita, I use the dryer balls too and a half dryer sheet for the staticky stuff.

[lust2hart]

Oct 4, 2022 13:16:18 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Oct 4, 2022 13:07:26 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

I've heard of adding a drop or two of essential oil to your wool dryer balls.

I've tried switching to dryer balls and I haven't been able to 🙈 Everything gets so staticky in our house! I know I shouldn't use dryer sheets but I haven't found a solution for the static yet!

I had the same problem when I first switched and asked about it on here - I thought maybe I was supposed to do some sort of prep to the balls before using them or something. The general response was that I was probably drying too long and/or on too high of heat. So I played around with my settings and found success using only low heat, for about 2/3 of the time I had previously been running the dryer.

[mala]

SwimDeep, try stripping them periodically. Soak with Dawn, Washing Soda and Borax. Drain the water, wash in the regular machine. If they're really bad you can add some borax and washing soda to the machine too, but don't put dawn in the washer.

I'll add that oxyclean is primarily washing soda, and you can buy a big carboard box of washing soda for less money and no plastic waste.

For those looking for alternatives to dishsoap, there are soapmakers who are making dish soap with 100% coconut oil and 0% superfat, which cleans really well (but can be very harsh on your hands). You can try one of them. The biggest thing to note with soap rather than detergent is that soap is chemically altered by acids, so you'll want to rinse acidic food really well before washing. Also, can't go in the dishwasher, obviously.

[estrellita]

Oct 4, 2022 14:47:38 GMT -5 lust2hart said:

Oct 4, 2022 13:16:18 GMT -5 estrellita said:

I've tried switching to dryer balls and I haven't been able to 🙈 Everything gets so staticky in our house! I know I shouldn't use dryer sheets but I haven't found a solution for the static yet!

I had the same problem when I first switched and asked about it on here - I thought maybe I was supposed to do some sort of prep to the balls before using them or something. The general response was that I was probably drying too long and/or on too high of heat. So I played around with my settings and found success using only low heat, for about 2/3 of the time I had previously been running the dryer.

I usually do medium heat and try to set it to the "eco" setting on the dryer, but a lot of times it leaves things too wet if I have it go for less time. I'll have to play with the settings more and see if I can figure it out!

[mae141]

I want to start filtering my water. Does anyone use a whole home filter? I guess I could just get a filter for the kitchen sink and a separate one for the shower. Will I regret any of these options?

Also, does anyone know anything about the safety of silicone? I avoid plastic as much as I can, but the bright colors of all the silicone products make me nervous.

[heygrey]

Oct 4, 2022 12:52:51 GMT -5 estrellita said:

I just got a glass foaming hand soap dispenser at Target, ever spring brand. So far it works well! I've been using the ever spring refill liquid they have, which isn't ideal packaging, but it cuts down on buying the plastic dispensers all the time. I read you can use castile soap and water but I haven't tried it.

This is what I do! Maybe a finger of castile soap in the bottom and the rest water. It works great. 

[al dente]

I have questions

How do you get smells out of silicone? I have numerous silicone items and they all seem to hold onto a soap smell and leave a faint soap taste on everything. Some have been only hand washed, some put in dishwasher. I've tried vinegar soaks and putting in the sun.

Shoot I had more questions but now forgot!

Also we used compostable trash bags at work and they rip very easily esp with any sort of weight. But yours prob won't be getting as full.

[Bad Dingo]

Oct 4, 2022 8:31:24 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

I have nothing to add except I switched to laundry detergent sheets after the last thread and love them.

Same, so thank you to whomever suggested those!  I also switched to Bite, which I like except I dropped the glass container on the countertop and had to toss the whole lot because they were covered in glass dust.

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2022 1:25:08 GMT -5 al dente said:

I have questions

How do you get smells out of silicone? I have numerous silicone items and they all seem to hold onto a soap smell and leave a faint soap taste on everything. Some have been only hand washed, some put in dishwasher. I've tried vinegar soaks and putting in the sun.

Shoot I had more questions but now forgot!

Also we used compostable trash bags at work and they rip very easily esp with any sort of weight. But yours prob won't be getting as full.

I’ve noticed the same soap taste with our silicone containers.

[dcn]

Oct 4, 2022 8:28:48 GMT -5 wawa said:

I like this as a monthly thing.

I do not use biodegradeable kitchen trash bags. I've been told before that anything biodegradable that'll go to a landfill doesn't matter because things can't biodegrade in there anyway. To which I say, I mean....sure, but we're talking about NEARLY LITERALLY FOREVER for the plastic so, every little bit helps? But I've never really looked into it. What're the actual facts on that?

I need to replace my kitchen hand soap. I've been re-using a random plastic foaming handsoap thing for...years? I was refilling it with a small blob of regular handsoap from a big costco refill bottle and water. Doing it that way the costco refill lasts months and months (I honestly couldn't tell you when we bought the one that's in there now) but its still a plastic bottle. And then the dispenser at the sink was empty when my very aggressive cleaners came in and they apparently threw it away. womp womp.

So...glass? Do people like those tablets I'm sure I'll see advertised on fb after asking this question? what are we into? I really like the foam dispenser.

We switched to the blue land glass bottles and tablets and I have zero complaints. I think any of the tablets would work fine. Haven’t bought hand soap in almost 2 years!

[Jalapeñomel]

I’m working on my classroom. I’m taking a green chemistry course, so I can replace any experiments where I use nitrates and other harmful chemicals with either a micro lab, demo, or different chemicals entirely.

I’m looking for small, glass storage that will
last a while and also take a beating without breaking/cracking. I need all shapes and sizes, from regular square to small vials. They do not need to be heat resistant.

[aspentosh]

Oct 5, 2022 6:25:39 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

Oct 4, 2022 8:31:24 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

I have nothing to add except I switched to laundry detergent sheets after the last thread and love them.

Same, so thank you to whomever suggested those!  I also switched to Bite, which I like except I dropped the glass container on the countertop and had to toss the whole lot because they were covered in glass dust.

Love our Bite tablets. We all use them and have for over a year. So easy to travel with, too.