May 14th, 2008
So far during my little adventure into greener female products we’ve only looked at disposables products;
Really though, you don’t even have to go there. You can use reusable pads and cups. I discussed this before in an extreme green post here, but not in-depth.
Here are some non-disposable options:
You can also find plenty of other reusable options on Etsy and other site. Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite not listed above.
Why reusable:
Why not is a better question. Do you realize how many pads and tampons you’ll go through in your life. Even with disposables that are more earth friendly that’s still plenty of trash and plenty of money out the door. You can save resources, time, and money by going with reusable options.
Need a $ shock: Disposable Pad or Tampon Cost Pad Calculator
I haven’t used too many reusable - why? Because they flipping last forever. At least the ones I have. In eight some odd years I’ve bought new exactly twice, and only twice because I bought two different kinds. That’s a huge monetary savings. Plus I’ve thrown away a considerable small amount of trash compared to other women who continually use disposables. I’ve used the reusable pads for travel even, although that honestly is more work, so I don’t always.
What I’ve tried:
Luna Pads - average flow: I liked Luna Pads for postpartum use because these suckers really work (and you know how the flow goes after childbirth). That said, I’m not a fan of them as everyday monthly pads. They’re a little thick for my liking. You can tell they’re there (way more than other pads.) Still, here’s the thing; I bought mine about eight years ago and when I checked out the website today, it appears they’re making their pads thinner. So maybe they’re less bulky now-a-days.
You can use these without changing the whole set-up each time. They come with liners and just the liner can be changed vs. the whole pad, which cuts down on laundry.
Pros: Hold up great. Wash and wash and dry them and they’ll still be in great shape. Also I like all the design choices and they also now offer organic. I’m not sure they had organic eight years ago. They don’t leak and wash right up. They come in all types of flow sizes, including panties, and liners.
Cons: As noted, bulkier than normal pads and other cloth pads. But this is questionable.
Here’s the newest image of the average pads - which really do look thinner than the ones I own.
Glad Rags:
I LOVE Glad Rags. The only thing I don’t like is that mine aren’t organic ( I can’t remember if they didn’t have them in organic 8 years ago, or if the place I got them didn’t carry them, but mine are basic cotton). I’d get organic if I were you.
Glad Rags are super easy and not bulky. Although, I have light to average flow, so if you have heavy they might be bulkier, because of how they work. You can use each wrap around pad (snap-shut) with one insert or two - so if you have a heavy flow and use two, it might get bulkier.
Pros: Last, and last, and last. I’m just now thinking about replacing my original nine pads. But more because I want the organic ones; overall they likely have a couple years use left in them. I’ve seriously washed these pads hundreds of times and the fabric is still in top notch shape and the snaps on every single one works. Comfortable, not bulky. Work well with no leaks (of course that will vary depending on flow). Wash well. Glad Rags notes that you should soak your pads after use, and I used to, but frankly, I got lazy, and quit. Yet, they still come clean - so good for lazy folks may be a pro. If I had white, I’d soak them each time though, to make sure they don’t stain. (I have violet).
Cons: Hmmm, cons. You know, there are very few cons. The thing I like least about them is that if you dry them in a dryer (I sometimes toss them in with towels), then don’t snatch them out right away, they come out a little too wrinkled, and don’t lay as flat. Overall though, I can’t think of any serious cons.
Below are regular cotton - they come in a ton of colors. And the white you see are the organic cotton, which also come in a variety of colors now.
As for other reusable pads, I haven’t used them, because there’s been no need to buy any more. I also haven’t ever used things like the Diva Cup or the Keeper because honestly, I can see myself making a huge mess with them, and more importantly I’m simply partial to pads.
However, I know women who have used and loved both the Keeper and Diva Cup. The only cons I’ve heard have been leaks once in a while and that there’s a learning curve with ease of use - but that doesn’t sound so bad to me. Still, I’m not comfortable really commenting since I haven’t used them.
If you have please feel free to contact me if you’d like to write a review here (either anonymously or not - if you have a blog we’ll let you link to it in your review) OR simply leave a comment. Honestly, I just don’t want to pay for one just to do a review here, so unless some of you have used them, reviews are out. Sorry.
I’ll be back this week with a round up of all the products we’ve looked at in the last two weeks.
Questions for you: Have you used reusable options for that time of the month - or are you considering it? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: conventional cotton, conventional female products, Disposable Maxi Pads, disposable tampons, diva cup, FDA, glad rags, green sanitary napkins, green tampons, greener tampon, insecticides, keeper, landfills, luna pads, organic cotton, pesticides, plastic tampon applicators, Reusable Female Items, reusable-pads, tampons on beachesShare This
By Jennifer -- 0 comments
May 13th, 2008
If you’re planning to use candles at your wedding (as most of you will), then go with candles made from a renewable resource like beeswax or soy.
Beeswax and soy candles are non-toxic and cleaning burning. Most of them also feature pure cotton wicks that never contain lead, unlike some imported paraffin candles. Plus, both soy and beeswax candles burn longer than most paraffin candles.
And these eco-friendly candles are surprisingly affordable. Many marketed unity candles cost $30 or more, but who says you have to go with those?
I like these hand-rolled beeswax Unity Candles from Jamerson’s Crafts. They come wrapped in handmade paper.
For some great beeswax color options, check out Bee Hive Candles. You can pair them up with matching tapers.
For some rustic soy pillars, visit Lizzie Candles.
Are you planning on using beeswax or soy candles at your wedding or in your home?
Images from top via Jamerson’s Crafts, Bee Hive Candles and Lizzie Candles and Soap.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: beeswax pillar, beeswax taper, beeswax unity candle, beeswax wedding candles, soy pillar, soy unity candles, soy wedding candles, wedding candlesShare This
By Peggy -- 2 comments
May 13th, 2008
Lucky day. As I mentioned in my Paper Towel Challenge Update, I’m adding to my dish towel collection to make sure I’m always stocked up.
I didn’t expect to find organic dish towels at Target, but there they were. They had both organic mop towels and flour sack towels. I chose a 4-pack of the organic mop towels for $6.99. They’re sold under the Target Home brand.
Here’s some more info on the towels: They contain 100% organically grown cotton fiber and eco-friendly dyes. The packaging is printed with vegetable-based ink on 80% post-consumer recycled paper.
And they’re soft and seemingly durable. I’ll let you know how they hold up after several uses.
Have you found any nice organic dish towels?
Image via Peggy Rowland.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: bar mop towels, organic cotton cloth, organic dish towels, organic kitchen products, organic kitchen towel, organic towels, target dish towelsShare This
By Peggy -- 4 comments
May 12th, 2008
Greener wedding favors should be made with eco sense (i.e. organic) or be something people will use and use; not just toss. Here are a few ideas…
Plantable Petal Cones Kit (for holding flower petals, lavender grains, rice, etc.) from Favor Creative
“The Perfect Pair” Cookie Cutters from the knot wedding shop
Organic Chocolate Bar Wedding Favors from Endangered Species Chocolate
Redwood, Pine, or Spruce trees from the Arbor Day Foundation - each plant ready tree comes in a recyclable container that converts into a bird feeder. You can also personalize your messages on the tree container.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: earth friendly wedding, eco cake, eco party favors, eco wedding favors, eco-wedding, Green Wedding, green wedding favors, organic weddingShare This
By Jennifer -- 8 comments
May 12th, 2008
Last week, we started the Paper Towel Challenge at Tree Hugging Family. If you missed that post, please visit it.
I’ll let you know how I’m doing in just a bit, but first, let’s talk about you! Joining our challenge so far are the following readers:
DramaMama, Kisha, Jodi, Nix and Linette
If I left your name off, it’s just because I thought you were commenting and not joining the challenge. If I’m wrong, let me know! Likewise, if I shouldn’t have your name here. Feel free in join in at any time, or just silently follow along without commenting — whatever suits you.
Please let us know if you came up with anything interesting on your list of paper towel uses last week. Also, what uses are you giving up? Do you have a roll goal in mind (use only X rolls a week, etc).
So, what did I use my paper towels for in the past week, and how many did I use? And what does it have to do with angel food cake? Read More
Tags: lower use of paper towels, paper towel challenge, paper towel usage, save money on paper towels, stop buying paper towels, use fewer paper towels, use less paper towelsShare This
By Peggy -- 4 comments
May 12th, 2008
The upcoming dog days of summer are difficult enough without trying to figure out how to best dispose of your dog’s poop when out on walks. Just in time for summer, we have a great solution for you, and it doesn’t involve a plastic bag.
No more feeling warm, squishy dog poop through plastic bags! With the ergonomic Skooperbox, made with 100% recycled paper, you can execute a convenient, no-touch poop scooping on your next walk at the dog park.
After all, you aren’t supposed to leave that stuff out there for someone else to step on.
Another great thing about the Skooperbox is that it completely biodegrades in about one month. You can also attach it to your dog’s leash for hands-free transport. I’ll show you some detailed instructions in just a bit, but first, let’s talk about the contest.
Paw Luxury, an eco-friendly pet shopping site, is sponsoring this contest to give away five boxes of Skooperbox (30 count).
The winners may choose which size they want: medium or large. The contest is a perfect risk-free way to try this new earth-friendly dog poop disposal system. The problem with using plastic bags for this task is that you’re mummifying doggie poo in a bag that isn’t going to break down in the landfill. It’s better to take any plastic bags you may have to recycling.
Paw Luxury is a global company, so this is going to be a really fun contest that’s open to anyone, anywhere. (Except me and Jennifer, of course.) Please see complete details on how to enter at the end of this post. Read More
Tags: dog poop, eco-living or the everyday dog, green dog contest, green dog products, Paw Luxury, scooping dog poop, skooperbox, skooperbox contest, win free scooperboxShare This
By Peggy -- 3 comments
May 12th, 2008
One of our green sins in the poll has taken a strong lead…
That’s right, clearly the sin of, “I leave unused appliances and chargers plugged in all day” is something many of us do. All appliances from your chargers to your lamp suck up energy even when they’re turned off, so long as they’re plugged in.
I don’t unplug everything. The things I don’t unplug include the TV, because it’s got some funky, “If you unplug me you’ll have to reprogram me” deal going on, and I’m not TV savvy enough to figure out why. I also don’t unplug my computer. I turn it off of course, when I’m not on it - when is that again? But I don’t unplug it.
I actually only own three appliances; my beloved coffee pot, the toaster, and blender, and then two chargers. We don’t even have alarm clocks, and we only own two lamps, so it’s easy for me to remember to unplug everything. Oh, wait we have a popcorn popper too, but that’s almost never plugged in.
If you don’t live all crazy sparse like me, and you own appliances and many chargers, I’ve got a tip that might help you to remember to unplug them.
Steps:
- Choose 3 appliances for the week. Why three? It’s an easy start. Also, if I can unplug three so can you.
- Grab one of the following: Duct tape, clear tape AND recycled colored paper, or colored sticky notes. Why you should not have sticky notes is a whole other green issue, but I’ll let it slide for the sake of this small step.
- Grab a thick black marker.
- Wrap a piece of duct tape around the cord of each appliance (where you can see it please). Close to the appliance, not the wall, is a good bet.
- Write PLEASE UNPLUG ME! on the tape with your marker.
If you’re using clear tape and paper or stickies, do the same.
Visual cues work for all sorts of things; they’ll work for this. Really. When I’m stressed I’ve been known to write “Chill out” on my hand in ink, and it never fails. Visual cues rock.
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. This is a pretty big sin, in that a bunch of us do it, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing more posts on getting unplugged before the month is over.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: energy use, Green Home, save electricity, Save Money, save resources, unplug appliances, unplug powerShare This
By Jennifer -- 1 comment
May 12th, 2008
It’s the second week of May here at Tree Hugging Family. Here’s what’s been happening this last week.
Contest fun:
We’re right at the start of our summer fun contest - your kids can win some great green toys! Also watch for a new contest launch later today! This one is for pet owners… oooo what could it be???
Our major events this month:
Our Paper Towel Challenge - have you joined yet? If not there’s still time to get on board, this challenge will be happening all May. So far many of you have joined in, but there’s always room for more.
Green wedding month has been going pretty well!:
Other cool stuff:
Green product reviews & product suggestions:
Stuff for the kids!
Don’t forget that you can subscribe to Tree Hugging Family by RSS or sign up for posts by email by filling out the quick box in the sidebar. As always you can contact Peggy or Jennifer, with questions about living green, post ideas, or tell us about products you’d love for us to review.
[graphic from stock.xchng]
Share This
By Jennifer -- 0 comments
May 11th, 2008
These are fresh face scrubs - meaning you make it, you use it or lose it. I suppose you could refrigerate for a bit, but not more than a day or so.
Both of these work on all skin types except ultra sensitive. If you have very sensitive skin you can omit part of the scrubby ingredients (i.e. almonds or bran) but try a little on your arm before using.
Almond, Apricot, & Honey Face Scrub
You need:
- 1/2 organic apricot at room temperature
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 tablespoon Honey
- Optional - a teaspoon of dried lavender
To make:
Put everything in a blender and blend together. Scrub onto face and rinse with warm water. Usually there’s a little left-over, so scrub your elbows while your at it. This scrub leaves a fantastic smell lingering.
Green Tea, Almond, & Bran Scrub
You need:
- 1/2 cup hot strongly brewed organic green tea
- 1/4 cup coarse wheat bran (you can find this in the bulk grocery section)
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
Optional:
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
To make:
Mix the bran and almonds into the hot green tea until a nice paste forms. Cool. Add essential oils. If you want to make this into a whole body scrub use 3/4 cup green tea, and double the almonds and bran. Also add about 1/4 cup rich olive oil. The oil will separate the scrub some, but not too much. For a full body scrub you can add more essential oils too.
Before making read: Homemade Beauty Products – Safety 101
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
[images via stock.xchng]
Tags: Alternative Medicine, beauty product safety, Complementary Medicine, essential oil, essential oil buying tips, essential oil safety, flower and herbal safety, Flowers, Herb Research Foundation, Herbs, Holistic Aromatherapy, homemade beauty product, homemade beauty product safety, homemade products, homemade sugar scrub, oilsShare This
By Jennifer -- 1 comment
May 11th, 2008
So, I need new bags, and as mentioned, hate shopping. I really do. I like, actually love, to look at products - clothes, baby stuff, green stuff, etc, but when you get right down to it, I hate to buy stuff.
I do however need new bags. I have some reusable grocery bags but they’re seriously old and dieing. Also, I want some produce bags. I’ve never had reusable produce bags; I just toss veggies and fruits into my cart all helter skelter style. Frankly, it’s hard to manage, and I’m sort of sick of grocery clerks giving me dirty looks.
My issue is I need a big set. Cedar and I don’t go on little trips to the grocery store normally. We tend to shop once biggie style, so we don’t have to return to the store again for a while except for fresh produce. SO one nice reusable bag won’t cut it. We need at least four, but preferable a larger set. Six might be ideal.
In any case reusable produce bags were easy to find. I like these best, and they’re cheaper if you buy more.
[Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags via reusablebags.com]
It’s the large grocery bags I’m having issue with. I found some different options I like. I actually like the Mikado Pouch set from Envirosax for $37.95 the best but unfortunately they seem to be out of stock of almost every single item I like. It’s weird I wonder if they’re going out of business. Still, I’ve been looking around to see if another online store has it (no luck).
Too bad though; look:
Pretty right (except the red). I wish they wouldn’t post stuff that’s not available. Since Envirosax is out of these, plus linen, plus organics, I stared looking elsewhere.
My second favorite is this set from Green Concept. Pros: Beautiful and nice size. Cons: Only a set of four and not machine washable. However, right now the entire set is on sale for $18.99 so really I could buy two. The set comes with these four bags.
ACME Dual Handled Lightweight Hemp Tote Reusable Shopping Bag Set from reusablebags.com. I like this set. It’s not so artsy beautiful, but a nice color, machine washable, and each tote has long and short handles. Cons are the set only comes with 4 bags, but maybe I could buy two more separately. Cost: $39.60. Another pro is the set comes with free items - Evert-Fresh Green Bags - 10 Pack (which I don’t want) and 4 Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags (which I do want).
Last I found these bags but it’s an Australian shop, Ecoezi so not sure if it’s worth the energy to ship. Also, the site doesn’t say what material they use or what they look like opened? Weird. I like that you get 10 bags though and that they’re machine washable. If you’re in Australia, this seems like a good deal.
In any case, I’m hoping to get some new bags asap. I don’t know if any of these choices are perfect. I’m leaning toward the hemp totes though. I may look around and find some other choices before I decide.
What do you think of the bags above? Or do you have a better suggestion?
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008
Tags: grocery bags, grocery tote, hemp bag, no plastic bags, recycled bags, reusable bags, Reusable grocery bags, reuse bags, Shop GreenShare This
By Jennifer -- 20 comments
Recent Comments