11.03.2016
0800
So I thought I would go over what I have actually stopped buying in lieu of alternative zero waste options. A few people have asked me about what I had to give up when I started my journey to a zero waste lifestyle and majority of the time I knew I was forgetting to mention certain items, so I decided to mke a list of what I gave up.
The items listed with “N/A” indicates that I no longer use it and didn’t find a replacement for it. There’s only one item that repeats and the item is the sage leaves which I use in lieu of candles and the scented bathroom spray. The bathroom and kitchen were the most effected rooms during the change of switching over to zero waste alternatives so this list is one of the more elaborate lists.
This list can give you an idea of what I gave up, but to be honest, I really didn’t have to give up too much. It’s simply a list of items that I simplified and the replacement items are longer lasting and more durable over a longer period of time. If you’re thinking of moving towards this lifestyle, I hope this list helps. If you’re loking for any of the items I listed, take a look at my store on my homepage and skim through the room categories. There, you’ll find the suggestions I recomend for certain areas in your home.
MEDICINE CABINET
- Face wash (Clearsil) —————————> Unpackaged organic soap bars
- Deodorant (Secret Invisible solid) —————-> Deodorant crystal
- Toothpaste (Colgate) ————————–> Baking Soda
- Plastic Toothbrushes ————————-> Recycleable toothbrushes
- Band aids (BAND-AID) ————————> Gauze and paper tape
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) —————-> Bulk honey
- Cotton balls (store brand) ———————-> N/A
- Cotton swabs to clean my ears (Q-tips) ———–> N/A
- Fancy body lotions from (Victoria’s Secret) ——–> Bulk body lotion
- Face lotion (Neutrogena) ———————-> Bulk face lotion
- Rubbing alcohol ——————————> N/A
- Dental Floss (Oral-B SuperFloss Dental Floss) ——> Dental floss (ECO-dent)
- ECO-dent is packaged in paper, with a little bit of plastic packaging
- Bug spray for your body (OFF) ——————-> Citrus essential oil
- Jewelry cleaning liquid (La Sonic Jewelry Cleaner) —> N/A
- Makeup————————————-> Organic makeup
- Body Sunblock ——————————-> ALBA Sport Sunblock
- Face Sunblock ————————> Mineral Fusion Sunscreen Moisturizer
SHOWER
- Shampoo bottles (Pantene Pro-V) —————-> Bulk Hair Shampoo
- Conditioner bottles (Pantene Pro-V) ————–> Bulk Hair Conditioner
- Disposable razors (Gillette) ———————-> Epilator
- Shower Pouf ———————————-> Pumice Stone & Wash rag
SINK
- Tampons (Tampax) —————————> Keeper Moon Cup
- Scented bedroom spray (Bed Bath & Beyond) ——> Sage leaves
- Nail polish (from wherever) ——————–> N/A
- Nail polish remover (store brand) —————-> N/A
- Bathroom cleaning sprays (Scrub/409) ————> Vinegar & Baking Soda
- Toilet Paper (Plastic packaged) ——————> Toilet paper (Paper Packaged)
- Bathroom Hand Soap ————————–> Unpackaged organic soap bars
- Bathroom rags ——————————-> Microfiber cloths
- Candles (to make the bathroom smell nice) ——–> Sage
- Bathroom sink scrub brush ———————> 100% Sisal Fiber Bath Sponge
TOILET
- Toilet cleaner (Scrubbing Bubbles) ————–> Bulk Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap
Design Life Hacks 
I really do! The alternatives make life so simple and easier to maintain. I still forget at times about how little I actually have to purchase because there have been years of conditioning and it seems unnatural to walk up to those check out counters with so little. The GREAT advantage is when I’m in a hurry, I really can get in and get out with everything I need – quickly! The TP was an issue for me too. I actually bought a bidet to try out so I would use less TP. So far it worked. But I agree- TP sans plastic is the way to go 🙂 Good job on the search though!
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Don’t you just love bathroom alternatives?! I love the feeling of not having to go down those aisles at the store anymore, and also kind of liberating not having to support big name companies for deodorant, etc anymore. Great work! I haven’t been able to find TP sans plastic.
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