01/03/2023
5x fresh without plastic in the bathroom
This blog based on Soul Stores' blog.
Plastic is generally a "sustainable" invention due to its long lifespan. But that is also the same problem. Immense amounts of floating (micro)plastic cause pollution on a large scale of our oceans. It is time for change. What can you do? In this article, we share tips for reducing plastic in your life to a minimum.
Plastic is generally a "sustainable" invention due to its long lifespan. But that is also the same problem. Immense amounts of floating (micro)plastic cause pollution on a large scale of our oceans. It is time for change. What can you do? In this article, we share tips for reducing plastic in your life to a minimum.
Just a piece of soap
A big culprit in the bathroom is mainly plastic bottles of shower gel, conditioner, shampoo, and you name it. It would make a big difference if we could ditch these. Good news. You can, only you have to get used to it. For both shower gel and shampoo, there are soap bars you can use as a substitute. Still can't get used to rubbing a block of soap on your scalp? Then a natural shampoo, without chemicals, might be more for you. If you really want to do it right, opt for a shampoo in a bottle made of glass or in a tube made of sugarcane. We at Lekker favour an old-fashioned bar of soap. Tip: do make sure the water can drain, then you'll do much longer with your soap.
Switch to a toothbrush made of bamboo
The 'regular' plastic toothbrush has a relatively short lifespan and can therefore be considered disposable. A nice alternative is the bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo is a plant that grows tremendously fast and requires relatively few resources. No dyes or chemicals are used in its production. The wooden frame of the bamboo toothbrush is completely biodegradable. The bristles of the brushes are often made of nylon. Another alternative is a toothbrush made of natural bristles, but this is often made of boar bristles and not suitable for vegans. If you really want to do it right, you can remove the nylon bristles with pliers. The frame can go in the green waste. So not a bad idea as an alternative to the plastic variety. Nowadays, there are many choices (think: soft, medium or hard), and there are even bamboo toothbrushes for children. Do you prefer to brush electrically? Then chances are you already have an electric brush in your bathroom at the moment. When it reaches its lifespan and you buy a new one again, you can opt for a sustainable variant.
Also check your kitchen cabinets
Make your own scrub
We once sold this scrub ourselves n a glass jam jar, but you can easily make it yourself: mix a tablespoon of coffee (used coffee is more sustainable but you have to use it up within 2 days).with a teaspoon of olive oil and scrub away. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon.
A flannel or biodegradable sponge
For optimal natural facial cleansing, you can also use a Konjac sponge. You might have seen them before: small round sponges in different colours. The 100% biodegradable sponges are made from the Konjac root - a plant native to Asia. The sponge has a natural moisturising effect and removes dead skin cells. An addition of, for example, green clay or charcoal provides colour and each suits a different skin type, while the white sponge is suitable for any skin. Of course, you can also just swap your plastic fluffy for an old-fashioned flannel.
We once sold this scrub ourselves n a glass jam jar, but you can easily make it yourself: mix a tablespoon of coffee (used coffee is more sustainable but you have to use it up within 2 days).with a teaspoon of olive oil and scrub away. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon.
A flannel or biodegradable sponge
For optimal natural facial cleansing, you can also use a Konjac sponge. You might have seen them before: small round sponges in different colours. The 100% biodegradable sponges are made from the Konjac root - a plant native to Asia. The sponge has a natural moisturising effect and removes dead skin cells. An addition of, for example, green clay or charcoal provides colour and each suits a different skin type, while the white sponge is suitable for any skin. Of course, you can also just swap your plastic fluffy for an old-fashioned flannel.
Washable cotton pads
Washable cotton pads are a stroke of genius if you ask us. Because you can wash them, you never have to buy disposable cotton pads wrapped in plastic again. The pads - often made of bamboo or cotton - are immensely soft; even after a few washes. And nail polish remover also works fine on them. Often your purchase comes with a laundry bag, so the cotton wool pads do not get lost in the washing machine. You can also buy beautiful bamboo storage containers to keep the cotton wool in.
Plastic-free basics
There is now a plastic-free version of almost every product. We will help you on your way with a fine deodorant, lip balm and sunscreen.
This guest blog was written by Talita Kalloe.
Washable cotton pads are a stroke of genius if you ask us. Because you can wash them, you never have to buy disposable cotton pads wrapped in plastic again. The pads - often made of bamboo or cotton - are immensely soft; even after a few washes. And nail polish remover also works fine on them. Often your purchase comes with a laundry bag, so the cotton wool pads do not get lost in the washing machine. You can also buy beautiful bamboo storage containers to keep the cotton wool in.
Plastic-free basics
There is now a plastic-free version of almost every product. We will help you on your way with a fine deodorant, lip balm and sunscreen.
This guest blog was written by Talita Kalloe.