While we are living through the global corona virus pandemic, and currently experiencing lock-down, we're all being urged to shop as infrequently as possible, and then only for the basics. Loo roll is a basic - a single use item that most of us can't imagine living without. However, it was viewing Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet II series, first aired by the BBC in 2017, which made many of us really think seriously about our impact on the world's oceans and resolve to reduce the amount of plastic we use. Perhaps even stop consuming single use items altogether.
With that in mind, I'm reviewing my own changes in shopping behaviour since Blue Planet pricked my green conscience. This is my personal quest to reduce land-fill in some small way, not by telling you what you should do, but rather to show you alternative products and how I've adapted to using them. Let's start with make-up. Or rather, its removal.
I like make-up. Even home alone at this time, when I'm not seeing anyone other than the dog, I'm still applying a little slap, perhaps because without it my natural Scots pallor makes me look ill! Each night I ritualistically remove it. Where previously I had used two cotton wool pads and plastic bottles of eye-make-up remover, cleanser and toner, I now use only warm water and one of these fleecy wee pads from Danielle Creations. Purchased two years ago at a nearby gift shop, they are still going strong as you can see from the photo on the right taken yesterday. I've also got a turquoise facecloth from the rather disconcertingly named Erase Your Face range for my morning facial ablutions, this time purchased at a local chemist.
Learning of my desire for less plastic in the bathroom, my daughter Eilidh bought me a Ditsy Cloth. Like the Erase Your Face range, the Ditsy Cloth is machine washable and has also survived over two years of regular use.
I was delighted to find more re-usable make-up remover pads at a recently opened plastic-free shop near my home. Bare is a zero waste store based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire which offers a wide range of refillable whole foods, household goods and ethically sourced products. Right up my street! On my first visit I was able to buy basmati rice cheaper than the supermarket, delicious peanut butter churned directly from their fun vending machine as well as these pads to augment the four I rotate regularly.
At the same time as I ditched the cotton wool pads, I chose to swap plastic bottles of shower gel for a good old bar of soap. Whilst at Bare, I also purchased a loofah. Younger me would have run a mile rather than use this scratchy beast but now I rather like the prickly cleansing sensation it creates, whilst of course being vigilant to let it dry out between uses so no nasties build up!
Avoiding excess moisture when not in use is also key to longevity for shampoo bars, another favourite must-have in my plastic-free cleansing armoury. I started again about two years ago at high street chain Lush where the helpful assistant recommended lovely pink Jason and the Argan Oil. Smells gorgeous!
I've since purchased Seanik and Soak and Float, both following discussion with knowledgeable assistants about suitability for my sensitive scalp and fine hair. The bars are dearer than a bottle of shampoo but they last for ages, especially if treated right. Never let them sit soggily in a shower puddle! I also bought a cute tin from Lush which is great for storage and transporting shampoo bars on holiday where, incidentally, they don't need to be declared with other liquid toiletries. A win for your carry-on suitcase! I also cut mine in half as recommended. You don't need to use the whole bar at one time and this extends its life too. My Lush shampoo bars last for months and months.
I have short hair so, naturally, don't use as much product as someone blessed with long, flowing tresses. However, I do wash my hair every day so give my shampoo bars a run for their money. Whilst it may not be deemed desirable to wash one's hair so often, the result of not doing so leaves me looking, first thing in the morning, like the unhappy love child of The Joker and Grandpa from The Munsters - so everyday hair-washing it is!
My daughter Maddy gave me these delicious bars of shampoo and conditioner from Ethnique. Again, I cut the shampoo bar in half and I've been using the section pictured in the dish for over six months now. I don't usually care for fruity scents but that Heali Kiwi is lovely!
As solid shampoo becomes more popular, it also becomes more readily available. Aberdeen maker Surya Luna supplies natural skin and hair care products to independent shops as well as attending local craft markets. I bought a top-to-toe bar from Geek Bothy in Kemnay, along with a cute soap dish to help keep it dry between uses. I loved the fragrance of the Bliss scented bar and the convenience of using one product for both my hair and body.
So - I've dispensed with products in plastic bottles for the shower and in my facial cleansing routine. The cotton pads are gone and my soap dishes are enjoying a renaissance. The latest realm of reusable products I'm trying is feminine hygiene and I recently sent away to Eco Dreams for these pantie liners. I've had them for over a month now and feel happy that another single use regular from my shopping basket is a thing of the past. Goodbye disposable liners! Eco Dreams kindly included a couple of cute re-usable facial pads with my order and I love them too.
For all of us, daily TV and radio bulletins bring news of worldwide illness and huge loss from this terrible virus. Like many people it has made me anxious and unsettled but I'm fortunate that crafts I enjoy like knitting and crochet soothe my restless soul. The knowledge that I've switched to certain re-usable everyday products helps me too as I know I won't run out and cause myself extra stress whilst shopping. I hope I've inspired you to try some out as well.
And the fact that there's now toilet roll back on the shelves? Well, that's one less stress for all of us!
