The coolest new zero waste swaps - all the things we've tried, loved and hated lately
There have been some really cool drops in the zero waste world lately, and we just had to spill. Here's what we're loving, trying and hating at the moment...
Genevieve's Picks
Loving:
Meet Lia pregnancy tests - the world's first biodegradable pregnancy test! Obviously I had to order. I think this is so cool especially given how rarely we see innovations in the realm of women's health. The wrapper is still lined with plastic to keep it dry and effective, but the test itself is so lightweight and compostable that you can flush it down the toilet. It weighs the same as 4 squares of toilet paper!
Self tanner drops from Isle of Paradise - So I hadn't used self tanner since I was in high school but I'm finally embracing the fact that I live in Seattle and if I want a healthy glow in the winter, I'm on my own :) What I love is that they come in glass bottles and it's super concentrated - you mix the drops into any lotion and apply. It's so easy and it comes in 3 undertones to match different skintones. The more drops you add, the deeper the tan.
Want to try:
Lash serum by Typology - it's base is castor oil which Adrienne swears by, but it adds in an active ingredient of pea peptides for added strength. Comes in a glass bottle and can be used on brows too. It's fragrance free which is really important to me. And honestly, I just really trust French beauty brands with science and safety - the EU has such higher standards for toxins that are banned!
Liver juice and probiotics by Organic Olivia - I've been following Olivia forever and she is super inspiring with her daily walks and her amazing podcast. Liver Juice looks amazing for detoxing the body and balancing hormones, and the probiotics look sooo cool for gut health which is what drives mood, energy, mental acuity, memory, all of it. I'll keep y'all posted!
From the shop:
Bamboo hair towel - Marimar introduced me to these and I'm obsessed now. I leave my conditioner in after I shower, apply some orange marmalade and wrap it up until it's slightly dry. Something about the bamboo towel dries my curls for better volume. Sometimes I'll still put it in a big messy bun to get my curls going but it starts the drying process and protects it from any frizz.
Rosewater toner - it's my ride or die. First thing in the morning or whenever I want to feel refreshed, I just spritz a little rose toner. It's actually really nice when you're feeling dehydrated or if you've just had a good cry. Picks you right up and smells so so good. I keep a travel size in my desk drawer.
Hated:
Zero waste mascaras, I've tried quite a few in little glass jars or tins and they all seem to run no matter what. I finally found a low-ish waste option I love - the refillable mascara by Kjaer Weis. You keep the metal tube for life and they have these slim refills that come with clean ingredients and stay on all day. One refill lasted me about six months of everyday use. Also, and this is weird, but for my mini wedding last summer I bought magnetic eyelashes which can be reused up to 25x because there's no glue, only magnetic eyeliner. I loved the concept, because you can wear them to special events for years to come.
Kayley's Picks
Loving:
Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE my reusable Baggu bags. They come in so many funky patterns, sizes and materials and fold up into a tiny pouch, so naturally I keep at least 3 on me at all times. You never know when you’ll need a bag! Also — so much cuter than any store provided bag.
Want to try:
Dieux reusable eye masks - Genevieve and Marimar have been raving about these but they keep selling out. They're made of silicone, so they last forever, and they help your skincare products absorb a little deeper. Plus, they're so cute!
Patch compostable bandages - they work just like regular bandaids, except these ones don't stick around forever. Totally biodegradable!
From the shop:
Argan oil - soothes my dry fried hair.
Reusable facial rounds - I use them with microcellular water water instead of buying disposable make-up remover wipes
Dryer balls - I love putting a few drops of essential oil on them before throwing them in the dryer, makes my clothes smell so yummy
Athena's Picks
Loving:
Kitsch shampoo bars - This week I’m actually trying out the Kitsch clarifying shampoo for the first time! It’s day 1, but so far my hair’s feeling clean and voluminous, which I love! Trying out a new shampoo bar can be nerve wracking, as everyone’s hair is unique and responds differently… while I’m happy I’m really loving this one so far, it’s helpful to have a plan in case it’s a miss for you. Whenever I hit a dud, I love passing it off to my boyfriend (lol sorry, Winston) or using it as body wash/ shaving soap.
Hair ties - Our biodegradable hair ties are my favorite things ever. hands down the best hair tie i’ve ever owned. I STILL have not stretched out or snapped even one. they’re indestructible
Want to try:
Hello Tushy Bidet - I’ve been really wanting a bidet! Seems so fun. I‘ve been eyeing the one from Tushy that Rachel has - i like that one bc it’s sleek and discreet design! looks simple and not overwhelming.
Stasher bags - if I had a dishwasher I’d get a whole set in a heartbeat. especially in the colors we have - I love the lime green one especially.
Rachel's Picks
Loving:
Menstrual cups - They seem super intimidating, and I definitely was hesitant to try it but once you get used to it you will never look back! I've been using my menstrual cup for a few years now, and with proper cleaning, they can be used indefinitely! They are also pretty comfortable to wear, sometimes I forget I'm on my period, which is lovely! ;)
Want to try:
Bite whitening paste - I just ordered the whitening paste from Bite and I am so excited to try it! I love that it comes in a glass jar with a compostable applicator, and that it's safe for sensitive teeth. I stopped using whitening strips years ago because my teeth were always really sensitive for a couple days after whitening, not to mention I wasn't fond of the plastic that it used. Bite is also a great brand for toothpaste tablets and other oral care products, so I am confident their whitening gel will be lovely!
From the shop:
Laundry powder - Our lemon lavender clove laundry powder is one of my all time favorite products we carry. For my washer, I only have to use one tablespoon of powder per load, sometimes I even use half of that because it is so concentrated. The scent is lovely + I've found it stays on my clothes longer than liquid detergents! Meliora is a great brand in general, I'd highly recommend anything they make!
Stasher bags - I use a million stashers every time I go camping and they're almost too easy to clean with a dishwasher
Raw elements tinted moisturizer - The tinted moisturizer by Raw Elements is my favorite low-waste and reef-safe sunscreen that I've tried! It is so smooth, and sinks in pretty quickly. A little goes a long way, and be sure to reapply as you need. I love the size of the sunscreen too, it's perfect for traveling, and a tin lasts me a whole summer if not longer!
Adrienne's Picks
Loving:
Castor Oil - I mix it in with my regular moisturizer and it manages to hydrate my stubbornly dry skin, especially when I'm having an eczema flare up. Bonus points because castor oil has also been making my lashes longer, I just massage a tiny bit onto them at night - love it!
Want to try:
Menstrual cups - I'm still working up the nerve and then I forget about it entirely until it's cramp city and the grump in me cannot be bothered. Buuut, I've heard nothing but good things, so I'm determined to give it a shot soon! : )
Marrakech's Picks
Loving:
Herbaland Peach Gummies - I love candy, but have always felt really guilty when buying candy in plastic. But alas, I still have major sweet tooth. The peach gummies from Herbaland taste great, are vegan, and minimize waste--what's not to love? You can get them in bulk or in compostable packets. I'm really obsessed.
Pela Cases - I freakin' LOVE Pela phone cases. The fact that they're compostable, a conversation starter, and made with super attractive designs is amazing. They also still have some of their Pride Month collection cases available and they're amazing and meaningful - I want the one that wishes folks a queer day. A great company and product.
Mason Jar Drink Lid - I started using a mason jar drink lid about 6ish year ago and I haven't stopped. They're so nice to use and have around. You can bring a half-gallon of iced chai around with a regular lid that seals it so it doesn't get everywhere in your pack BUT then can pop on a lid and slide a straw into the mouth piece and enjoy your beverage!
Leaf Razor - This razor has gotten me the nicest shave of my whole life. A great product that lasts forever and is really so freaking worth it. Like seriously- I've never used a better razor than this one.
Hated:
Cream Deodorant - Scooping & rubbing it on my underarms was not my jam. I was not into the feeling of rubbing cream under my pits and then having the residue on my fingers. Once cardboard tubes/others came into the scene I was pumped!!
Want to try:
Humankind Deodorant - (I haven't been able to use this product yet, but I recently ordered a refillable deodorant case from byHumankind--I got the scent Rosemary-Mint super excited to try it out.)
PS - Marimar is on vacation, but we haven't forgotten hers - we'll share more soon. Let us know what you're loving / hating / wanting to try!