Earlier in the week, I shared with you ingredients to avoid when purchasing personal care products. There are also many things you can do to green your personal care regimen. Green Chic touches on many areas, I want to share my favorites with you. I thought these were the simpler things that you can do and reasons why you should.
* Green your toothbrush:
50 million pounds of toothbrushes are thrown away annually. Minimize your impact by using a toothbrush that's not made from virgin plastic. Choose either a toothbrush that is made from 100% recycled #5 plastic like Recycline's Preserve Toothbrush or throw less away by using a toothbrush that has a permanent handle and replaceable head, like Eco-Dent. Also try to choose a floss that comes in a recycleable package or compostable flossers. (Which are my son's favorite, fun to use and even more fun to put in our composter.)
* Green your razor:
2 billion, yes that's billion, disposable razors are thrown away annually. Choose a razor with a reusable handle and changeable heads and if possible choose one with a recycleable handle like Preserve's Triple Razor. It's package doubles as a reusable travel case and can be returned for recycling using their postage paid label.
* Green your tampons:
Typical tampons are made from non organic cotton & rayon, which is derived from wood pulp in an energy intensive process that wastes about 2/3 of the wood material. The tampons are then bleached with chlorine that releases dioxins. (This is not healthy for us or the environment.) Not to mention many have plastic applicators that are not recycleable. There are companies making organic cotton tampons with applicators like Natracare or an applicator free product like Seventh Generation. If you are adventurous, you can try washable products or a Diva Cup.
What other ways do you green your personal care products?
(Don't forget to leave your green tips for a chance to win Green Chic-Saving the Earth in style.)
Photo Courtesy of powerbooktranceEnjoy. xo.
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap and shampoo -- especially if the bar soap is hand-made locally. It costs less to ship, doesn't have as much packaging, and you can take it in your carry-on bag on airplanes. I love homemade bar soap. It feels so luxurious.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI agree. This is a great idea, especially for travel. xo.