- shampoo/conditioner – currently investigating
- razors
- bath oil
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
- dental floss
- facial cleanser
- moisturizer
- lipstick
- antiperspirant
- hydrogen peroxide
- calamine lotion
- antibiotic cream
- hair product
- lip balm
- Vaseline
- medication/vitamins
- brush/comb
- saline solution
- q-tips
- hair dryer
In going over this list I became overwhelmed and dejected. It’s too much. We’re too dependent on plastic. I’m too dependent on plastic. But, look at this stuff. I mean are you really going to stop flossing your teeth? What about your hair brush? At least those don’t get discarded every couple of weeks. But even if I focus exclusively on the disposables it’s still a crazy big list. I’m not sure how safely I can shave my knees with a straight razor. I could use the stuff that melts one’s hair off, but that comes in a plastic container. This makes me feel so petty, but I have a feeling that I’m not alone. I don’t think people are going to sacrifice personal hygiene in favor of cutting down on plastic effluent. I’m going to present this list to friends and see what suggestions they might have.
I started my deconstruct at the top of the list with shampoo
I discovered five brands of eco-friendly home and personal product lines and not one of them makes a shampoo. Some make “bodywash.” No thanks, I want shampoo. I found lots of recipes for homemade shampoo, but they all called for castile liquid soap and that comes in plastic… Granted I can get a one gallon container, which is better than trashing lots of little bottles, but I can buy shampoo by the gallon too. Can’t I go to some general store where they could ladle it out of a big wooden tub?
Lastly, there are shampoo bars.
One of my favorite contenders is: Gear Head shampoo bars. They’re sold at Whole Foods among other retailers. I’m going to try some, BUT it comes wrapped in plastic, albeit plastic smaller than a shampoo bottle. I think I’m still going to try homemade shampoo. For anyone who wants to join me, here is a link to a number of shampoo recipes. The tea tree oil is really helpful for dry skin and an itchy scalp.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Shampoo/
MyTrashYourTrash 