tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post6433736995843241588..comments2024-02-14T02:31:57.678-08:00Comments on Life Less Plastic: What I'm Doing to Be Mostly Plastic-FreeJeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11704564414066998644noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-27939107209309819222012-08-22T09:25:49.890-07:002012-08-22T09:25:49.890-07:00I just discovered another product for doing laundr...I just discovered another product for doing laundry off another blog, Crunchy Betty. We will be giving a try with cloth diapers even! They are called soap nuts, and can be bought at http://econutssoap.com/. The company does seem to strive to use very little plastic, the nuts come in cardboard and the liquid detergent comes in aluminum containers. I guess better than shrink-wrap or giant plastic jugs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09633673680336505649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-74959758111660572282012-02-15T11:09:32.649-08:002012-02-15T11:09:32.649-08:00Don't worry about the safety razor thing! I...Don't worry about the safety razor thing! I've been using one for a little over a year now and I prefer it. You do have to be careful because it is easier to cut yourself though. It makes a great smooth shave every time. I actually went to an antique shop and bought one cheap and I found a box of original blades in another antique place. You can also get blade sharpeners for them. My husband bought me an old shaving mug with a boar bristle brush and everything... It is definately a unique experience shaving now!<br /><br />I also have been making my deodorant. I searched for so long for one that had ingredients that I was happy with and that didn't have a plastic container... I gave up and just started making my own. I was really skeptical at first but honestly I love it. It works better than the store bought kind. I just mix equal parts of baking soda and corn starch (or arrow root powder). It is not an antiperspirant but it does stop you from stinking. I can be sweating and not smell a thing. It is wonderful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-36886671943387854982011-06-28T01:56:53.666-07:002011-06-28T01:56:53.666-07:00Great job less plastic
you have spurned me into...Great job less plastic <br /> you have spurned me into action.<br /> I had been thinking just today about the plastic bags in the produce section. I've used cloth bags for some time now without thinking about the produce bags. I'll stick some of the bags I have into the cloth bags to use for apples, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-89215623136695283712011-04-30T12:02:59.659-07:002011-04-30T12:02:59.659-07:00Stop eating Raisin Bran haha. My nutritionist says...Stop eating Raisin Bran haha. My nutritionist says that one of its ingredients is used in making plastic! If I wasn't so lazy I'd look it up for you.Native American Arthttp://www.nativeamericanartwork.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-39107218015352225482011-03-06T14:34:26.245-08:002011-03-06T14:34:26.245-08:00Homemade laundry soap recipe:
1 cup grated soap (I...Homemade laundry soap recipe:<br />1 cup grated soap (I make soap, so I use my own, but fels napa works well)<br />1 cup Washing Soda (not baking soda, should be available in most grocery stores)<br />1 cup Borax<br />Low sudsing, so great for front loading machines. I have a top loader and I use 3 Tbl. For front loading machines use 1 -2 Tbl. This stuff really works, I use it exclusivly. We live on a cattle ranch and my husbands clothes get really dirty. Good luck :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06462498169940530453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-25764130648605826992011-03-01T07:02:48.977-08:002011-03-01T07:02:48.977-08:00Great website. I'm not giving up my soda, coc...Great website. I'm not giving up my soda, coca cola can be bought in glass bottles and so can Fentman's http://www.drinkfentimans.com/<br /><br />There's appletise and J20. I'm all for reducing plastics but I like my juice. <br /><br />Great blog, will be following. I'm just starting out reducing plastics so I'll learn from you.Yvonnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17285760067611376470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-68022650261141915762011-02-25T11:37:11.051-08:002011-02-25T11:37:11.051-08:00I also meant to add that you can use baking soda a...I also meant to add that you can use baking soda and apple cider vinegar as shampoo and conditioner. That's my current project and we shall see how it goes. But I have read countless blogs (which are listed on mine) of how it worked out really well for other people.Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04207662423102092519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-19686025842966179222011-02-25T11:34:07.842-08:002011-02-25T11:34:07.842-08:00I love people that are original and follow their c...I love people that are original and follow their convictions. You are totally cool. I have started a blog of "adventures", meaning strange challenges such as not using shampoo, doing the Whole30, and trying to reduce my environmental impact by 90% next year. I am now going to try to follow your footsteps for one of my next challenges :) <br /><br />A few tips if you haven't already heard: be careful to wash your cloth bags between grocery store trips. I have read that bacteria from raw food can spread easily on the surface and contaminate your future purchases. <br /><br />I have seen makeup from Physician's Formula that is cased in a bamboo container. <br /><br />Thanks again for your ideas! I love it.Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04207662423102092519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-32570831172455623822011-01-26T00:19:19.207-08:002011-01-26T00:19:19.207-08:00Try switching to cloth instead of toilet paper and...Try switching to cloth instead of toilet paper and avoid the paper wrappers as well as plastic. If you go to Etsy and search for cloth wipes you'll find plenty of them, or you can use wash cloths or old towels. I sell them in my Etsy store. They also do good in place of paper towels. Instead of paper and plastic pads, use cloth menstrual pads. I use them as well as selling them. People who use cloth pads report less cramping as well as lighter and shorter periods.Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12631147253931042678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-26752863221611015832011-01-26T00:16:40.506-08:002011-01-26T00:16:40.506-08:00If you want to avoid the paper and plastic, try us...If you want to avoid the paper and plastic, try using family cloths instead of paper towels and toilet paper. You can cut up old towels or buy flannel and cut it into 4 by 6 inch pieces and use it to wipe with; use a peri bottle or other squeeze bottle to spray off solid waste and then blot with the fabric. Lots of times we use cloth diapers on our babies but insist on wiping with paper ourselves. Also, using cloth menstrual pads saves a lot of waste that is at least partially plastic. I've been using cloth pads for quite a while and even sell some in my Etsy store. I also sell wipes for babies and family cloth.Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12631147253931042678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-6216888169675927512011-01-17T22:06:05.625-08:002011-01-17T22:06:05.625-08:00I just found your blog and I love it! I read thro...I just found your blog and I love it! I read through all the plastics you gave up! My husband and I are working towards new "green" ways of living this year! <br />-Melanie www.givebacktoday.blogspot.comGive Back Todayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08410510018984377239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-87287885455693316102010-12-31T21:19:37.035-08:002010-12-31T21:19:37.035-08:00Used to use disposable razors but now, safety razo...Used to use disposable razors but now, safety razors and straight razors work best for me. Plus, in my own little way, I am also helping the environmentSafety razorhttp://www.fendrihan.com/shaving-safety-razors-c-116_117.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-91521098657491115512010-12-13T04:47:34.056-08:002010-12-13T04:47:34.056-08:00For your "canned tomatoes problem": Buy ...For your "canned tomatoes problem": Buy fresh tomatoes and freeze them for future use. You just have to peel them before use (pass them trough very hot water).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-64562619965598408882010-12-06T11:45:09.115-08:002010-12-06T11:45:09.115-08:00I'm thinking of doing the same thing! I'm ...I'm thinking of doing the same thing! I'm about 50% there. <br /><br />I second LUSH shampoo bars. I've been using them for years. And I clean EVERYTHING (my hands, the toilet, dishes...) with Dr. Brommers—I love it!elizabethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06838906630595862828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-12817045279320998952010-11-19T17:41:04.857-08:002010-11-19T17:41:04.857-08:00At our home we got rid of toilet paper and install...At our home we got rid of toilet paper and installed bidets. They cost about $30-$40 each and are attached to our toilet seats. Not only is this better for the environment but actually cleans better, is more hygienic, saves money, and helps when cleaning the toilet. Fancier units run in the hundreds of dollars.Edwinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-50089507848045098172010-09-17T15:05:26.918-07:002010-09-17T15:05:26.918-07:00Im currently experimenting with home made deodoran...Im currently experimenting with home made deodorant made from baking soda, tea tree oil and witch hazel. It acts as a deodorant quite well, as well as an antibacterial to kill the stink at its source and the witch hazel is a pseudo-antipersperant as it gently constricts the pores(not clogs though). <br /><br />I also make my own bulk soap with hemp seed oil to cut down on packaging. I don't see why this can't be done with things like make up, though I don't know the logistics of it.<br /><br />I confess Im crazy about pop though and I've been buying glass bottle pop and recycling the bottles for charity refund, but I think the lid has a sealer liner in plastic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-9306351032383615102010-08-31T10:04:09.692-07:002010-08-31T10:04:09.692-07:00check out LUSH for cosmetic stuff (including shamp...check out LUSH for cosmetic stuff (including shampoo)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971958565037445400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-7949711702155357972010-08-09T15:05:21.688-07:002010-08-09T15:05:21.688-07:00Nice effort with avoiding plastic usage, i applaud...Nice effort with avoiding plastic usage, i applaud you. I buy a lot of bulk food, but you shuld be aware that most of the stuff you see in the big barrels at your store have actually been decanted by the stocker from plastic containers. For example, my grocer routinely cuts open bags of M&Ms to stock the M&M barrel. they also routinely receive large wuantities of bulk foods in plastic containers, some of which is a much heavier grade then you will find used in the individually wrapped products. I don't know how we will ever get aorund this, but keep in mind by buying bulk, you are supporting the decanting process they use to stock the bulk barrels.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16914481019194286482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-18266083360921658652010-08-06T13:55:18.191-07:002010-08-06T13:55:18.191-07:00Maybe some one already mentioned this, but in case...Maybe some one already mentioned this, but in case they haven't, you can use baking soda as deodorant. it totally works but do a skin patch test first to make sure it won't irritate you.jamiesutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06843846878312758415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-51746838800626389452010-07-13T20:10:23.585-07:002010-07-13T20:10:23.585-07:00Thank you so much for sharing this information wit...Thank you so much for sharing this information with the world...nice to know there are many others out there doing what they can to use little or no plastic in an effort to be kinder to our beloved planet.<br />Jacqueline Milner, Earth Matters<br />http://cornwallfreenews.com/category/opinion-editorial-letters-to-the-editor-op-ed/jacqueline-milner-earth-matters-environmentalist/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-18312580789090157362010-06-22T18:14:20.058-07:002010-06-22T18:14:20.058-07:00Just wanted to point out that #22 just got easier!...Just wanted to point out that #22 just got easier! I was at whole foods last week (buying Dr. Bronners and Castor Oil for my skin care) and at check out they had the greastest little set of bamboo utensils that come in their own cloth carrying kit that can attach to anything with a carabiner clip! Thought it sounded perfect for your needs and would be easy to keep in the car or bag for those meals on the run. I applaud the ideal you're working for and love the tips.<br /><br />Lizliterarius<br />http://makinglifeup.blogspot.comLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15032874153723488284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-54191942417207516242010-06-09T04:05:20.635-07:002010-06-09T04:05:20.635-07:00- If you ever come to London, there's a shop c...- If you ever come to London, there's a shop called Unpackaged that doesn't have plastic bags etc and you bring your own and can buy all sorts of things without package !<br /><br />Should be something similar in america as well . . ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-13823733062419153742010-05-20T10:14:38.554-07:002010-05-20T10:14:38.554-07:00I admire the desire to use less plastic, but I don...I admire the desire to use less plastic, but I don't know about showering less often to conserve water. The body accumulates odors very quickly (and not just from sweat!). In order to maintain the same standard of cleanliness, one would need to wash clothes more regularly (or wear them with odors), and washing them uses water. So, what's the point? I'm not going to go around with odors in my nether regions!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-35815614635202345712009-09-21T17:21:58.089-07:002009-09-21T17:21:58.089-07:00What an inspiring story! I recently took on the ze...What an inspiring story! I recently took on the zero waste week challenge & then turned it into a 4 week challenge to reduce how much waste my family produces. After 2 weeks our 13 gall. garbage is only half full.<br /><br />Your tips & ideas are great. I would have never thought to bring my own container for deli cheese!<br /><br />Can't wait to read more!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09891973866125952802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766882701166934144.post-86409310833462752982009-09-01T05:40:55.815-07:002009-09-01T05:40:55.815-07:00Hi,
I, too, am glad to see I'm not the only o...Hi,<br /><br />I, too, am glad to see I'm not the only one trying to cut back and eliminate so much plastic in my life. I have to try the Dr. Bronner's on dishes - never thought to do that. Great tip!<br /><br />Right now I need dishwasher soap, but trying to find a natural one with a neutral ph that doesn't come in plastic. <br /><br />And also you can brush your teeth effectively with soap. Bar soap only. Been doing it for years. You can even get a mint natural soap - I like that best. Supposed to clean better than toothpaste and be better for your gums, also.Celestehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796062495603011787noreply@blogger.com