Category: Organic Skincare,

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

What is Sustainable Self-Care and Why is it Important?

Sustainable self-care bath with epsom salts and extracts
Sustainable self-care bath with epsom salts and botanicals

Self-Care is the most important thing for keeping your physical and mental health in check. By definition, self-care means doing what is good for us – increasing our emotional and physical stamina, improving our self-esteem, and building resilience. It means taking an active role in maintaining our mental and physical wellness, proactively and especially in times of high stress.

 

Taking time out to focus on self-care means focusing on activities that are important in our lives without sacrificing other essential parts of our life.  It means maintaining a positive attitude in spite of personal challenges.  Self-care activities create daily improvements in our lives and have beneficial long-term effects.  That said, not all self-care activities are fun, in fact some can feel boring and many practices can leave us feeling a sense of guilt.  For example, reaching for a plastic bottle of bubble bath to add to a hot bath ritual, can leave us feeling remorseful of the waste we’re creating.

 

Self-care is not a one size fits all and it’s not any easy fix.

 

In order to fully identify the best practices, we each must decide what’s right for ourselves and overcome the belief that self-care is selfish.  It is not a quick fix and doesn’t necessarily happen overnight.  Sometimes it means developing the disciplines of a long-term healthy lifestyle.  Some everyday examples might be watching just one episode of your favourite show on Netflix, versus binging on a whole season.  Or it might be not having a glass of wine with dinner, or only having one – saying no when you don’t want to do something.  Like, waking up early to meditate, journal or exercise before work.

 

Self-care means defining clear boundaries that help ensure our long-term physical, mental and spiritual health.  For those of us that want to keep a sustainable lifestyle, it means taking further steps in planning out and choosing practices that are aligned with our sustainable values.

 

So, how can you practice sustainable self-care, and what are the best sustainable self-care practices out there?

 

Making quality sleep top priority

You may not realize it, but the amount and quality of sleep you get each night can impact the way your immune system functions, your mood and much more!

For example, good quality sleep can have the following benefits to your health:

It can boost your immune system. When you get enough sleep, your body can better fight off infections or viruses like the cold or flu.

 

Help prevent weight gain. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces a hormone called ghrelin, which boosts your appetite. This can lead to extra snacking and junk food cravings, adding to weight gain.

 

Improve your mood. When you get a good night’s rest, you may find yourself more energized and ready to take on the day. Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation can have a significant effect on mood.

 

According to research conducted at University of Pennsylvania subjects who were limited to only 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted.

 

Improve memory. Sleeping improves your ability to remember things, concentrate, process thoughts and stay alert.

 

The Mental Health Foundation shares advice on how to get a good night’s sleep.  They highlight the importance of developing a good night routine, avoiding technology at bedtime and getting the light and temperature right.

 

Getting the right sleep habits in place is a vital cornerstone of your self-care. We find it helpful to calm the mind and get into the right mind space with a soft eye pillow and a calming lavender Wheatbag  placed under the pillow.  Wheatbag Love makes theirs handmade, with all-natural cotton or linen, and scented with lavender or clove, it’s one of our favourite sustainable self-care products.

 

Exercise your way to balance

Exercise brings with it many benefits. Maintaining good physical health decreases your risk of developing certain health conditions, like heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Being physically healthy also helps you to manage life’s challenges and stay healthy across other areas of life, like helping you to stay fit for your job, and protect against fatigue, injury and illness.

 

Additionally, Exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that can improve your mood.  If you exercise regularly, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

 

The trick to making exercise part of your self-care routine is to choose what you enjoy the most.  An excellent option and easy one to introduce into a weekly routine is yoga. Yoga has numerous health benefits and can be practiced whether you’re young or old, fit or unfit. You also don’t need much to get started, except for making yourself a comfortable spot on the floor.  If you don’t have carpet or a rug, you could choose to incorporate a sustainable yoga mat by Second Earth which is sustainably made in Australia with 100% non-toxic, ethically sourced material and carbon neutral delivery.

 

Practice mindful meditation

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing.  Practicing mindful mediation helps you to be more aware of your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions.  There’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodelling the physical structure of your brain.

 

Mindful meditation brings a whole host of benefits from increased focus to reduced stress and better physical health. Your self-care practice should aim to include the deep relaxation and rejuvenation that mindfulness can bring.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

Find a quiet room to sit comfortably.

 

Straighten your upper body—but don’t stiffen.

 

Feel your breath.

 

Notice when your mind wanders, then refocus back to your breath.

 

Be kind about your wandering mind.

 

We find it easier to focus our minds on meditation with the gentle aromas of essential oils in a diffuser or a sustainable natural wax candle like Mojo Candle Co. which have saved over 60,000 wine bottles from going to landfill.

 

Slip into a warming bath

At the top of most people’s self-care ritual is a soothing warm bath at the end of the day, and for good reason! Studies have shown that taking a bath can release endorphins that sooth the body.  According to dermatologist, Dr. Bobby Buka, a warm bath “releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin.”

 

We recommend turning the lights down low, turning on a candle or diffuser and using a Magnesium and Himalayan Bath Salt which can help to relax the muscles, relieve pain in the shoulders, neck, and back.  Additionally this particular Magnesium and Himalayan Bath Salt includes rose petals, lavender and French pink clay which work together to further rejuvenate and sooth the skin.

 

Make time for writing and gratitude

Journaling is another powerful self-care ritual. Writing can help you organise your thoughts, gain awareness and clarity and regain calmness in your life.  Additionally, incorporating gratitude practices into your journaling can also help you to feel more optimistic and positive.

If you find it difficult to begin journaling you could refer to this list of questions to help get you started and keep you motivated.

 

Self-care beauty

Focusing on the wellness of your skin and hair can also be part of your self-care routine. Choose natural, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable body and hair care options or Pure Earth’s Eco-bundle to get you started and help you to feel good about your consumer choices.

 

Sustainable self-care products help you to care for yourself and the world around you.

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

Benefits of Joining Our Zero-Waste Subscription

Natural and Plastic Free Home Care Products
Natural and Plastic Free Home Care Products

Our mission here at Pure Earth is to deliver sustainable excellence in the form of elevated hair, body and home care products with Australian native botanicals.  We have designed our products to give you a feeling of natural connection and confidence and make being environmentally friendly easy! 

 

From our infinitely recyclable aluminium bottles to our chemical-free products, we want to empower you to make choices that are good for you, your family and the planet from the comfort of your home. 

 

Our lives are already hectic enough, and we want to be on the list of things you DO NOT have to worry about.  That’s why we offer a zero-waste subscription option to make it even easier to get your natural and plastic-free goodies in one place.  All you have to do is simply select the products you want, how often you want them, and we’ll do the rest.  The best part is that by choosing your ideal delivery frequency, you can relax and ensure you never run out of a product! 

 

Even better, we have now increased our subscription rate to 20% off to reward those who choose to join our zero-waste service and ditch plastic for good!  And for those who have already subscribed, we have not forgotten about you!  We have gone back and lowered the price of your subscription products so you can also enjoy the full 20% discount.  

 

What are the timeframe options for your subscription?

Monthly: If you and your entire family share the same bottle, this might be your best subscription option.

 

Three Months: A good choice if it’s just you and your partner, but you still go through a lot of product.  Maybe it’s because you have long hair or just really love our body wash, either way we are here for you!

 

Six months: If you are like many of our zero-waste subscribers, you probably don’t wash your hair daily and therefore use a lot less product over time.  If this sounds like you, this is the perfect timeframe.

 

You can always go into your account, update your time frame, or change your products.  In your account, you can even completely cancel your zero-waste subscription and start from scratch!

 

Do you use shampoo more often than conditioner?

 

Everyone’s hair is different, therefore it’s likely you will need shampoo and conditioner in different time frames.  Not a problem!  Just subscribe to each separately.  For example, let us know you want shampoo every three months and conditioner every six months.

 

If there are other options that we can provide, or you need a little help, please never hesitate to contact us.  We’re here to help.

 

How do you return your eco-friendly bottle once it’s finished?

 

Our aluminium bottles are infinitely recyclable.  If you don’t have time to return them, that’s ok!  Simply put them in your recycling bin.  But please remove the pump and place the aluminium cap back on the bottle before putting it into your recycling bin.   If you are an eco-warrior, like us, and want to join the circular-economy revolution by returning your empty bottle to be cleaned, sterilised and reused, you can do that too!  Simply log into your account to order a free shipping label or access the link here.

 

Thanks for supporting the zero-waste movement.  Together we’re eliminating single-use plastics!

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

Natural and Plastic Free Challenge

Pure Earth Natural Hair Care
Photo credit @amandaallas1⁠

So many of us have been guilty of using hair care products with all sorts of synthetic ingredients and adding more plastic to the never-ending plastic waste problem.

 

Not only is non-natural mainstream haircare ultimately preventing you from achieving healthier-looking hair, but it also creates an unhealthy environment for your scalp and hair follicles.

 

At Pure Earth we say no to all sorts of synthetic nasties and we choose plastic-free infinitely recyclable packaging.  We believe in achieving healthier-looking hair, naturally with botanical ingredients that support a healthy scalp and ultimately healthier hair.

 

That’s why we are challenging YOU to take part in our #14PureHairChallenge and detox from synthetic haircare and plastic bottles.

 

In 14 days your hair will start to remove the build-up of synthetic nasties and will start to feel softer, more voluminous and healthier.

 

Plus, you’ll be eliminating your bathroom of plastic and choosing an infinitely recyclable material instead!  It’s about time we switched to healthier haircare and reduced our plastic waste.  Are YOU ready?

 

It can take a little bit of time to adjust to using natural haircare.  You may find that switching to natural hair care creates less bubbles and may feel less silky (at first) but this is because there are no sulphates (harsh detergents which strip the hair of it’s natural oils) and silicones (which give the false illusion of hydration).

 

Instead, Pure Earth uses gentle cleansers and natural ingredients that assist with hydration and nourishment to support a healthier scalp and environment for healthier hair growth.

 

In 14 days your hair will likely get rid of the synthetic build-up and lead to better hair days.  Plus, by making the switch you will be choosing an Australian made, vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable and plastic-free brand that donates 1% of its profit to One Tree Planted.

 

Switching to Pure Earth will give you a feeling of natural connection and confidence.

Confidence in the quality of our products.

Confidence in the future of our Earth.

Confidence in you looking and feeling good and loving what you do.

 

We’re so confident that you’ll love Pure Earth products that we offer a 30 day money back guarantee!

Pure Earth we say no to nasties
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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

7 Steps to Healthier Scalp and Hair

Healthy Scalp for Healthy Hair
Healthy Scalp for naturally Healthy Hair

7 Steps to Healthier Scalp and Hair

 

Firstly, healthy hair starts at the scalp

The hair grows from follicles on the scalp.  If those follicles are being stripped by harsh detergents, like sulphates found in mainstream shampoos, or clogged with product build-up, it can eventually lead to a dry, itchy scalp or under-nourished unhealthy-looking hair.

 

Instead, choosing shampoos with naturally derived ingredients can gently cleans the scalp without stripping it of its natural oil sebum, which is vital for a healthy scalp.

 

Masking the problem

Widely available non-natural hair products contain ingredients like silicones to create the slip needed to detangle and give hair a silky shine and manageability.  These silicones seal the hair cuticle, preventing moisture from getting in.  This is because the silicone “sticks” to the hair surface, creating a plastic-like film, preventing strands from absorbing water or nutrients.

 

Through sealing the hair cuticle, silicones mask the problem, making hair seem smooth and silky, but in reality, it is most likely in need of moisture and hydration.

 

Natural hair products do not contain silicones but instead use naturally derived ingredients that provide hair with the nutrients needed to nourish hair properly.  While it can take a few months to see results, hair will become much healthier in the long run.

 

So now that you know why the scalp is vital for healthy hair and what to avoid, what can you do to achieve healthier hair?

 

Here are 7 easy steps

 

Step 1 – Choose a PH balanced natural shampoo with key botanicals that support an environment for healthy hair

Shampoos that are pH balanced are the optimal cleansers to use because they do not strip too much of the natural oil sebum from the hair and scalp.  Additionally, a PH balanced natural shampoo can help reduce frizz, dryness, maintain the hair’s natural shine and keep the hair’s cuticle sealed.

 

But the PH level alone is not the only thing to look for – choose products that contain these five botanicals, which have been known to support healthy hair growth for centuries. 

 

Gingko Extract – This plant is known to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation. It can help with increasing the blood flow that follicles need to encourage new growth at the root level.

 

Horsetail Extract – This plant is a hugely popular natural solution for promoting hair growth and a healthy scalp. It works by stimulating blood vessels that supply oxygen to hair follicles.  It is known to improve the strength of hair and can help make hair less brittle. 

 

Nettle Extract – This plant is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential for healthy hair growth. It is rich in sulfur, a mineral that helps lengthen your hair follicles in the growth or anagen phase and silica, another mineral that helps shine and strengthen hair strands’ quality.

 

Rosemary Extract – This plant is vitamin-rich, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and one of the most popular and effective herbs for scalp health and hair growth. It can help stimulate the roots, soothe an irritated scalp, condition and moisturise the hair.

 

Lavender Oil – This plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can improve hair’s health. It provides deep nourishment for the hair and can protect it from environmental and heat damage.

 

Step 2 – Wash sparingly

Washing your hair less is not only good for the environment, but it is also good for your scalp and hair.  We have been trained to wash hair too often when in actuality, you can go a few days without a wash and allow the natural oils on the scalp to condition the hair.  

 

And of course, when you do need a wash, choose products with naturally derived ingredients to ensure they are gentle on your scalp and hair.

 

Step 3 – Brush hair before showering  

Hair is in a fragile state when it’s wet.  To avoid breakage and damage, try brushing before you get in the shower with a wide-tooth comb to get rid of any knots and always be gentle.  Start at your ends and gradually work your way up to the roots.

 

Not only is it good for detangling but it also helps in distributing the natural, healthy oils, from the roots of your hair to the ends.

 

Step 4 – Pre-soak then shampoo

Pre-soaking your hair is very important.  If you wet your hair thoroughly, you will need less shampoo, and applying too much shampoo can cause your hair to look dull and is also a waste of product.

 

Pour the shampoo onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and then smooth the shampoo over your hair.  Massage your scalp with your fingertips in a gentle kneading motion.  Then rinse.

 

Step 5 – Apply conditioner

Pour the conditioner onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and then smooth the conditioner over your hair.  Massage your scalp with your fingertips in a gentle kneading motion. 

 

Before rinsing, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner throughout the hair thoroughly.  Then rinse.

Leave the conditioner on the hair for 3 to 5 minutes for extra hydration.

 

Step 6 – Finish the last rinse with cold water

Before stepping out of the shower, do your final rinse with cold water.  Rinsing with cold water can help seal the hair cuticles and give hair a better chance of staying shiny, healthy and frizz-free.

 

Step 7 – Do a natural hair treatment once a week

There are two great natural and sustainable options, depending on your hair type: Aloe Vera or Virgin Coconut Oil.

 

If you tend to have thin or oily hair, an Aloe Vera treatment straight from the plant is a perfect way to hydrate and moisturise the hair.  The enzymes in Aloe Vera can help dissolve dead skin cells and excess sebum on the scalp and assist in treating dandruff.  It can also help in keeping the scalp moisturised and PH balanced. 

 

Extract the thick, gel-like substance from the plant and rub it onto dry hair and scalp.  Let it penetrate the hair follicles on the scalp by leaving it on for 30 minutes.  Then rinse off with water and wash with a natural shampoo.

 

If you tend to have dryer hair, a Virgin Coconut Oil treatment can help soften, add sheen, and help repair dry hair.  Coat dry hair with a glob of Virgin Coconut Oil, avoiding the scalp.  Start applying from the bottom of the hair and work your way up to the middle section of your strands.  Leave it on for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual. 

 

The bottom line

A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair, so paying attention to your scalp is essential.  If you notice any itching, redness, flakiness, irritation, pain, or excessive hair loss and these symptoms bother you, see a dermatologist.  They can help determine if there is an underlying health problem or if you should change your hair care routine.  You can also support a healthy scalp through everyday habits.  This includes using gentle, natural and PH balanced products and being kinder to your hair with less washing, gentle brushing and natural scalp and hair treatments.

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

What are the benefits of Australian native botanicals?

Australian Native Landscape great ocean road, beaches and mountain
Australian Native Landscape great ocean road, beaches and mountain

What are the benefits of Australian native botanicals?

 

First, let’s understand the Australian landscape.  Australia is the oldest continental landmass on Earth. It formed 100 million years ago when it broke away from Gondwana (the ancient supercontinent). Its size gives it a wide variety of landscapes and climates, with deserts in the centre, tropical rainforests in the east, and mountains to the south. Throughout the continent, many native plants evolved, adapted and flourished. As a result, over 24,000 unique botanicals emerged through some of the hottest, driest and most severe climates.

 

Indigenous Australians understood early on the benefits of Australian native botanicals.  Their lives and cultural identity interwove with the natural landscape. For example, aboriginal cultures traditionally used ‘bush medicine’ as part of a holistic approach to healing and wellness and all aspects of tradition tied to the land and its rich and diverse native species. 

 

How does the Australian landscape make native botanicals so special?

 

Australian native species adapted to the most demanding environments. Because of this, they contain more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than other typical flora and fauna and are becoming sought after for their skin and hair care benefits.

 

How can we use these botanicals for hair care? 

 

The plant compounds found in Australian native species could provide rich nutrients to feed the hair and help it fight against dehydration, high temperatures, UV exposure and more.

 

According to Native Extracts, a leader in Australian native cellular extraction, has identified key Australian botanicals with “powerful Phyto-compounds that could promote and lengthen the hair growth cycle.” 

 

The hair growth cycle is comprised of different stages. According to Native Extracts, “External aggravators such as excessive heat and UV radiation, as well as internal processes derived from oxidative stress, hormones or genetics, interfere with the natural cycle…Phyto-compounds hold potential to reverse these damages leading to prolonged growth periods associated with increased density, length and diameter of scalp hair”.

 

According to Native Extracts, these specific compounds are Quercetin, Kaempferol, Procyanidins and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG].  

 

And they could support the following:

Quercetin: Activates hair cells.

Kaempferol: Supports development and maintenance of hair cells, counteracts thinning/weakening.

Procyanidins: Improves hair density and diameter.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG]: Protects hair cells against environmental toxins.

 

So, where can I find these Phyto-compounds in hair care products?

 

More and more hair care companies are adding Australian native botanicals into their formulas, and for good reason.  For companies that want to avoid synthetic ingredients and seek natural compounds beneficial for the hair, Australian native botanicals are essential.  This year Pure Earth launched its first hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo enriched with Lemon Myrtle and Emu Apple, which combined deliver the four Phyto-compounds needed to create the optimum environment for robust and healthy hair.  You can view Pure Earth’s Hydrating Lemon Myrtle and Emu Apple hair care duo here.

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

What is natural shampoo and conditioner? And why is it better?

natural-hair-products

What is ‘natural’?


By ‘natural shampoo’ we mean products that contain plant-based ingredients, is SLS free and Paraben free, and use gentle, non-drying cleansing agents. 


Conventional shampoos and conditioners use SLS and Parabens because they are great cleaning agents, but they can also strip the hair and scalp of everything, including its healthy natural oils.  SLS and Parabens can also be irritating on the skin and scalp and cause dryness or dandruff. 

Using conventional shampoos and conditioners may feel great at first, but give a false sense of healthy hair.  Many typical shampoos and conditioners may also contain different forms of silicones which smooth the hair initially. However, after continuous use, your hair may feel drier and drier and damaged.  The silicone can be damaging because it completely coats the hair and builds a layer that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair.  Eventually, this can dry out the hair.  It may be hard to notice because this coating gives the feeling of silky-smooth hair.


What to look for:

Reading labels is essential when switching to natural shampoo and conditioner. Look for products that contain natural ingredients. It takes time and effort to identify unnatural ingredients, so as a simple general rule of thumb, try to look for a minimal ingredient list with items that are easy to pronounce. Look for ingredients that are naturally derived or made from things found in nature.


What to expect:

The main difference you’ll notice about natural shampoo is that it doesn’t lather up the same way your old shampoo did, since those foaming agents aren’t there. Less foam does not mean it’s not getting your hair clean, or that you need to use more shampoo than usual.

It can take a few days for your scalp and hair to adjust when switching to a natural shampoo. In the beginning, it may feel like your hair is oilier and heavier than usual.  One important trick is to make sure you rinse your hair well, as any residual shampoo can make your hair feel heavier.  In the beginning, your hair may also feel less silky than usual without the silicones, however, over time, your hair will become softer and healthier. After a few washes, your scalp will adjust, and you’ll probably find that your hair’s texture is more well-balanced with less oil at the roots and healthier, moist tips. You may even notice your hair is fuller, as some people may experience better hair growth as a result of switching.

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Organic Skincare, Plastic Free Living Tips Products

Why Every Day Should Be Plastic Free Day

The mass production of plastic has resulted in 8.3 billion metric tons over the last six decades – some of which can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.  Scientists predict that the rate of production will continue to rise – most of it as single-use, which will likely end up in landfills, rivers or oceans as only 9% of it gets recycled. 

 

So, what do we do as a global society to fight plastic waste?

 

Refuse, reuse and recycle.  Refuse any new single-use plastic, reuse items you already have instead of buying new and recycle where possible.  Here are a few more tips to get you started.

 

 Choose reusable cups.  Take a reusable coffee cup and reusable water bottle wherever you go.  Try Keep Cup, which is easy to clean and maintain. You can also do this with takeaway containers.  Many restaurants and cafes are now allowing you to take away your reusable container rather than get a throwaway plastic one.  Make it a habit to place your reusables in your purse, backpack or car first thing in the morning so that you don’t forget it.

 

Avoid pre-packed fruit and vegetables.  Instead of buying pre-packed fruit, buy them loose and reuse a produce bag.  You can also buy a reusable mesh produce bag  Or even better, purchase your fruit and vegetables from your local farmer’s markets or find out which ones are offering weekly mixed fruit and vegetable boxes with delivery options.   

 

Refuse the straw.  Sip don’t suck.  If you do require a straw, try a reusable glass, stainless steel or silicone one.  A silicone option from Everco is excellent for kids because they don’t break and are soft and safer to use.

 

Aim for waste-free lunches.  Use stainless steel containers, glass containers or bamboo containers.  Or use reusable beeswax wraps for sandwiches, wraps, sushi rolls, quiches, etc.  You can even use safe, reusable plastic lunchboxes – the idea is to refuse single-use plastic.

 

Say ‘no’ to packaged snacks.  If you must, buy them in bulk sizes for less packaging, such as potato chips, crackers, cheese etc. and put it into smaller containers for kids. You’ll save money by buying in bulk too!  Or better, learn to make your snacks.  Some great, healthy and easy to make options are bliss balls, muesli bars, veggie muffins and chia pudding with fruit.

 

 Use reusable grocery bags.  At the start of every grocery list, write down ‘grocery bags’ so that you don’t forget them and leave a few in your car.  Or have a special place for them near the door or wherever you keep your car keys.

 

 

Buy a stainless steel razor.  Rather than a disposable razor get a reusable one with disposable blades.  Reusable razors are better quality and can last for decades.

 

 

Choose a biodegradable toothbrush.  For centuries, the basic toothbrush was made from natural materials until the plastic industry took off.  Today, many people are making the switch to bamboo toothbrushes and cutting out a portion of the billions of plastic ones that go to waste every year.

 

 

Buy cleaning products in bulk.  Buy in bulk means less plastic or refill wherever you can.

 

 

Use a wooden comb.  Many bamboo options are lightweight and easy to carry.

 

 

Skip the plastic cleaning brush or scrub.  Buy wooden cleaning brushes and biodegradable sponges or scrubs.  They work just as effective.  Scrubs made from coconut fibres last longer and do not grow mould as quickly as the plastic alternative.

 

 

Buy meat and cheese from the deli.  Check if your local butcher will place meat or cheese into a reusable takeaway container.

 

 

Don’t buy toilet paper wrapped in plastic.  There are a lot of great new plastic-free toilet paper companies that deliver.  Try, Who Gives a Crap.