Green Your Period With Reusable Feminine Products

Go Green in 2014: Week 13

Reusable menstrual products? Gross.

I'm sure that's what you're thinking right now. It's really not as disgusting as  you might think, though.

Because this is such a personal topic, I'll try to keep it professional. I will simply go over a couple of your reusable product options and list the pros and cons of each, as well as some tips for using them. If you're still uncomfortable, feel free to skip out on this post. I promise I won't be offended. In fact, I won't even know.

If you're still here, you're probably interested in learning more, which is a good thing. Disposable pads and tampons are not good for us or for the environment. I'm sure you can guess why they're bad for the environment. But did you know that they contain chemicals that are not at all good to use in such a sensitive area? Not only do they potentially contain "fragrances", which some of us may react to, but also other chemicals that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin.

If you experience skin (or other types of) sensitivities around that "time of the month", you might benefit from switching to reusable feminine products.

Menstrual cup

Until recently, I had never even heard of a menstrual cup. There are many different brands of cups, which are made of soft silicone. They are sort of a replacement for tampons, and are actually safer because they don't contain harmful chemicals. Plus, they catch your flow, rather than absorbing it, eliminating the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using them, though. You definitely need to be comfortable with inserting it, which can take a while to get used to. In fact, even after a few months, I still haven't actually been able to use it for a full day.

I chose the Sckoon cup because it seemed to have the best reviews as far as comfort and not being able to feel it. They cost around $36, which isn't cheap, but it can be used for several years. You have two sizes to choose from: the smaller one is for women who haven't had a vaginal birth, and the other is slightly larger for women who have already given birth vaginally.

How to use a menstrual cup

Before using your cup, you will want to boil it for five minutes to sanitize it. Don't boil it for any longer, though. Mine came with a cloth bag for when I'm not using it.

To use, you will need to fold the cup in half with clean hands, then fold it in half again. Then insert, guiding the cup toward the small of your back. Once it is in position, you can gently twist it to make sure it opens up properly. For more detailed instructions, visit the Sckoon website.

It can be tricky to figure out because you have to keep the cup from opening before it is in place.

Menstrual cups can safely be used for up to 12 hours at a time, although you may need to empty it more frequently. Simply remove, pressing on the bottom of the cup to break the seal, and empty the contents into the toilet. Rinse your cup with hot water before re-inserting. After each cycle, it is a good idea to boil your menstrual cup in water for a few minutes and let it air dry.

Many people have had great success with the menstrual cup. And even though I haven't quite gotten used to it yet, I will definitely give the cup a try again sometime in the future.

Order yours here: SckoonCup UK

Cloth pads

I love using cloth pads, and I can't see myself ever going back to disposables. They are much more comfortable, and they don't contain irritating chemicals. Sure, it's a little more work having to wash them and try to keep them out of sight, where someone might accidentally stumble upon the stained pads. But it's totally worth it. Even though they cost a nice chunk of money initially, they will last many years and save you cash in the long run. Plus, they come in cute patterns (who cares if you're the only one who will see them?!).

Again, I decided to order from Sckoon because they use organic cotton and they seem to be made to last a long time. If you're really ambitious, you could probably make your own cloth pads for super cheap, but that seems like way too much work to me.

At first, I only ordered three pads just to see if I liked them. Then I ordered five more, and eight seems to be the perfect number for me. They come in mini, day, and night sizes, but all mine are the day size, which has worked out well.

How to use cloth pads

To use, simply set the pad on your underwear, and snap the flaps together underneath. The patterned side will be touching your underwear, with the white insert facing up (naturally, you will want to wash the inserts a couple times before the first use). I have found that I can wear a cloth pad longer than a disposable one, because as long as you aren't bleeding heavily through the layers, you can re-fold the insert once or twice before changing to a new pad. This is very handy when you're not in the comfort of your own home. Bonus: They don't make that awkward crinkling noise when you're re-folding or changing them.

After I am done using a cloth pad, I like to rinse the insert (and the pad, if needed) with cold water in the sink. Then I will place it in a bucket of cold water and cover it with a lid while it soaks. I wash all the pads after each cycle.

Order yours here: Sckoon Organic Reusable Cloth Pads

Built-in panty liners

When I placed my order for the cloth pads and menstrual cup, I decided to try Sckoon's underwear with built-in panty liners for light days. They work great, but it's probably unnecessary to spend money on new underwear that are just going to get stained - you might as well save a few pairs of old underwear for this purpose.

These are a little tight around the waist, and a little too high, as well. They do the job, but personally, I would suggest saving your money.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, think about greening your period and making the switch to reusable feminine products.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Whipped Body Butter Recipe for Naturally Smooth Skin

Go Green in 2014: Week 12

If you are anything like me, you probably slather your body and hands with lotion on a daily basis. This winter has been drier than any other, and I found myself using even more lotion than usual. However, regular store-bought products contain chemicals that soak into your pores and into your bloodstream, potentially causing your body harm.

Last summer, I started using BomaSense Face and Body Lotion, which worked fine as an overall body lotion (although it made my face really greasy!). However, as the air got drier, I found that this thin, almost watery lotion didn't work as well, and my skin got really dry and itchy. So, I decided to make my own body butter in an attempt to hydrate my skin more over the winter.

How to make whipped body butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup shea butter
• 1 tsp. vitamin E oil (optional)
• 50 drops essential oil (optional)

Step 1: Heat the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler, stirring occasionally, until they are completely melted.

Step 2: Transfer to a heat safe bowl, then place in the refrigerator until it has completely cooled (it will have hardened again).

Step 3: Add the rest of the ingredients, if desired. For my first batch, I left it without any additional ingredients to see how it would turn out. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Beware! This is messy... I ended up with splatters of body butter on my countertop, backsplash, and refrigerator cabinet.

Step 4: Spoon the mixture into a container of your choice. I used a wide mouth mason jar, which works perfectly for me. I just scoop it out with my hands and rub them together to warm the body butter before applying it to my body.

What's the verdict on the whipped body butter?

For the most part, it works pretty well. It can be very greasy if you use too much, and I personally wouldn't use it on my face, although it could work fine for you. When it touches your skin, it will turn into a runny oil, so be warned!

Whipped body butter, like any moisturizer, works best if applied right after a shower to trap in moisture. Your skin will look shiny, and it will feel oily for a minute, but the body butter absorbs quickly. After using it for about six weeks, my skin feels soft and smooth. Coconut oil and shea butter can be healing for a number of skin conditions. It is even safe to use on babies to heal eczema or diaper rash, although I can't confirm how well it works in these instances.

However, I have found that it doesn't work well as a hand lotion - in my opinion, anyway. It isn't thick and creamy like lotion, and it leaves my hands feeling oily. Maybe it would feel better if I had added some vitamin E oil; next time, I think I will try adding that and some essential oils (shea butter doesn't smell the greatest!). Or, you could try this lotion bar recipe for moisturizing your hands.

Because this recipe doesn't contain water, it will last quite a while. I would try to use it within six months, though. If you can't use it that quickly, try cutting the recipe in half.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, think about tossing the chemical-laden body lotion (or wait until the bottle is empty) and make your own whipped body butter.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Go Green With Your Floor Cleaning

Go Green in 2014: Week 11

By now, you are probably aware of the dangers of using chemical-laden store-bought cleaning products in your home, from the environmental toxicity to personal health hazards. So today, we will go over some ways you can go green with your floor cleaning, from the carpets to the tile and hardwood. I will give you a cheap, easy recipe for making your own carpet deodorizer, a no-rinse recipe for cleaning your hard flooring, and some ideas for DIY Swiffer replacement pads.

Green cleaning for carpeted floors & rugs

It doesn't get any easier than this: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpeting, let sit for fifteen minutes, and vacuum it up. If you would like to add a fresh scent to the deodorizer, mix 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oil with one cup of baking soda. You can adjust these quantities depending on your needs and how strong you would like the scent. I have a plastic container with holes in the cover, which makes it easy to sprinkle the powder on my carpeting. But if you don't have something like this, you can either use a spoon or keep your deodorizer in a mason jar with holes poked in the top.

Green stain remover

Got stains? It's best if you can take care of them right away... Using a clean cloth, blot as much of the moisture from the carpet as you can.

Mix together one part baking soda and one part Borax. Sprinkle it on the stain and use a clean, damp cloth to gently agitate it, then blot. Repeat as needed. For tough stains, add a little water to the mixture to form a paste, then let it sit for ten minutes before gently wiping clean.

Tip: Test the carpet deodorizer and stain remover in an inconspicuous area (like a corner), if possible, to make sure it won't make the situation worse.

Green cleaning for hard floor surfaces

This recipe can be used as a light-duty cleaner for hardwood, laminate, tile, and any other hard flooring in your home. There is no need to rinse.

No-rinse green floor cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup distilled white vinegar
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops each eucalyptus, rosemary oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients in a bucket with one gallon warm water. 
2. Clean your floors and either let air dry or wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

Optionally, you can mix up a big batch of floor cleaner and keep it in an empty container for convenience. I keep mine in a vinegar bottle (I think I may have added some water to help dilute it and fill up the bottle). Do whatever works for you!

There may be times when you need a heavier duty cleaner; see the link below for more green floor cleaning ideas.

Green cleaning: Healthier alternatives to floor cleaners

DIY Swiffer replacement pad ideas

Fun tidbit: Just as I was about to start writing this section, an advertisement for Swiffer sweepers interrupted my music on Pandora radio. :)

Do you have a Swiffer sweeper/mop? I bought one a while back, thinking it would be a great way to clean my floors in a hurry. Well, to be honest, neither their sweeping pads nor their mopping pads hold a whole lot of dirt, and they aren't exactly cheap to replace.

Now, I'm not really into the chemicals in the replacement pads, anyway, so I decided to try making my own green, thrifty alternatives. I saved a ton of money using items I already owned. Maybe you will, too.

You know those old, stretchy chenille socks sitting at the bottom of your sock drawer? They work perfectly as Swiffer replacement pads! Simply dampen them in the DIY floor cleaner above and stretch them over the head of the mop. Clean your floor as usual, replacing with the other sock when needed.

The best part is that you can wash the socks with the rest of your laundry and reuse over and over again.

You could even use the dry socks to sweep the floor, although I prefer to use a regular broom for sweeping.

For more DIY Swiffer replacement pad ideas, visit the link below.

How to make DIY reusable Swiffer mop pads

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Your challenge: This week, consider cleaning your floors with non-toxic ingredients that you already have in the house, such as baking soda and vinegar.

Check out this awesome Pinterest board for ideas: Make your own green cleaning products

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Poll Results: Where do you get your books?

The results are in! Plus, e-book benefits and how you can get them for free...

IntelFreePress / http://www.flickr.com/photos/intelfreepress/

Where do you most frequently acquire books, whether for fun or informational purposes?

This is a question I asked readers in a recent poll, and when it closed, we ended up with 44 "votes". You were allowed to choose more than one answer, so the results may not add up to exactly 100%.

18 people (40%) download books on an e-reader
15 people (34%) buy books brand-new at a store
15 people (34%) buy books used or swap with friends
16 people (36%) borrow books from the library
1 person (2%) answered that they never read books

The results are pretty even across the board. The slight majority of people download books to their e-readers. With e-books becoming more popular (and much more convenient!), it seems this is the way of the future.

Will the print versions become obsolete? I don't believe so. I think there will always be a market for printed books, although the number of printed copies may be on the decline. If anything, authors can potentially earn more money by offering a print AND downloadable version of their works.

At least, I know I have purchased more books now that I have an e-reader, simply because - when I decide I want to read a particular book - it is more convenient than waiting until I am able to go to a bookstore or ordering it online. If that was the case, I probably would end up passing on it altogether.

I rarely buy books brand-new. I do enjoy getting a great deal on printed books at garage sales, thrift stores, and book sales. I will even occasionally swap books with friends. But for the most part, I do most of my reading on my Nexus 7.

What is so great about e-books?

They are green. They take up less space in your house. They are cheaper. And you can get lots of them for free!

How??

 

• Check out books from your local digital library for free. First, open an account with your local library. Then, you will need to download whatever app(s) your library uses. Use your virtual library card to check out any books that your library has available, up to your limit.
• Download free e-books from Amazon using the Kindle app. Amazon has tons of free e-books every day; using the Kindle store, simply search "free ebooks". Even if you don't have a Kindle, you may be able to download the app to your tablet; I am able to with my Google Nexus.
• Join Amazon Prime to borrow books for free. Okay, not completely free. For an annual fee, you can get various perks at Amazon.com - including borrowing one book at a time from the Kindle lending library. The only problem? You have to own a Kindle device to be able to check out free e-books.

Where do you get your books? Have you gotten some really great deals on e-books? If you have any tips, please share below in the comments.

Chemical Free Hair Care: Styling Products

Go Green in 2014: Week 10

Last week, I went over a few ways you can go green with shampooing and conditioning your hair. This week, in Part 2, we'll talk about some green, homemade styling products.

Part 2

Heat protection

It's always a good idea to use a heat protecting spray or serum to help keep your hair from getting damaged. However, most store-bought products contain numerous chemicals that are not good for you or the environment (read more about that in Part 1). Luckily, there's an alternative that works just as well to protect your hair from heat styling: Coconut oil.

You don't need much... Just the smallest amount, warmed between your fingers. Apply the coconut oil to the ends of your hair (Careful: if you use too much and get it too close to your scalp, you could end up with a greasy look). Comb or brush through and style your hair as usual. 

If you cannot find coconut oil locally, you can order good quality oil online:

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Hairspray

This is the green, homemade hair styling product I'm most excited about. It took me a long time to make the switch, but when I learned how easy it is to make my own at home, I couldn't NOT do it. All you need is sugar and water. Here's how to make your own green homemade hairspray:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 4 teaspoons granulated white sugar
• rubbing alcohol or vodka (optional)
• essential oils (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring 1 cup water to a boil. 
2. Dissolve 4 teaspoons sugar in the water. 
3. Let it cool for at least a half hour.
4. Optionally, you can add a couple drops alcohol to preserve it.
5. Add a few drops essential oils for scent if desired.
6. Pour into a fine-mist spray bottle and shake.
7. Shake before each use.

I only had a small spray bottle on hand, so I adjusted the recipe to fit the bottle I had. I'm not sure how long this will keep, so you can either add alcohol to the spray, or keep it in the fridge. If it starts to smell funky, simply whip up a new batch.

Does it work? Yep! I have found that it works just as well as store-bought hairspray for everyday use. For heavy duty wear, I'm not sure how long it lasts, but if you decide to try it for a fancy wedding updo, please share your experience in the comments below.

And no, you won't get bees or any other pests swarming around your head. Commercial hairspray is much sweeter-smelling than this recipe.

More green products

I don't usually do a whole lot with my hair other than curling or straightening it for work, but here are a few other ideas you can use to replace your store-bought hair styling products with greener alternatives:

• Hair gel. I'm not personally a hair gel type of gal, but a while ago, I came across a recipe for homemade gel that also uses only two ingredients: flax seeds and water. Here's how to make flax seed hair gel.
• Texturizing spray. If you crave beach-type waves, try swapping half the sugar in the hairspray recipe above with salt. Spray and scrunch as usual. 
• Pomade. Tame flyaways with a creamy hair pomade made of half coconut oil and half shea butter (or try each of these ingredients on their own). Use sparingly, though - a little goes a long way!
• What are some other hair styling products you have swapped with chemical free versions, or would like to replace? Please share in the comments section below.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider getting rid of one of your hair styling products and make the switch to a chemical free, homemade alternative.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Chemical Free Hair Care Products: Shampoo & Conditioner

Go Green in 2014: Week 9

I'm going to break my green haircare segment into two parts: This week's post will be on chemical-free shampoo and conditioner options, and next week I will cover various ways you can style your hair with non-toxic products, such as hairspray, which is a huge source of indoor pollution.

Part 1

There are numerous ways to replace commercial haircare products with non-toxic ones, and in this post, I am going to share with you a few different natural options for shampooing and conditioning your hair. First, let's discuss why I avoid store-bought shampoo and conditioner - the first two things I dropped in my quest to go "green".

What's wrong with my shampoo and conditioner?

A lot of things. These haircare products contain numerous chemicals that begin their toxic journey by seeping into your pores, entering the bloodstream and, well, you will understand why they are so bad after you take a look at the ingredients list on your bottles of shampoo and conditioner and learn what they are. Next, they run down your body and down the drain, where they continue causing havoc to the environment.

Let's take a look at the typical ingredients in a bottle of shampoo:

Sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate - These ingredients help your shampoo lather, which many people associate with extra cleaning power. Not only is it unnecessary to get your hair clean, but it is an environmental toxin, organ system toxin, allergen, irritant, and more.

METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE

METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE

Methylisothiazolinone - I can't even pronounce it, so why would I want to put in on my skin? This ingredient is an environmental toxin, brain toxin, allergen, and irritant.

Fragrance - This is what makes your shampoo and conditioner smell so good, but it may not be as innocent as it sounds. A cocktail of chemicals, it's simply labeled as "fragrance" on labels because the ingredients are considered a trade secret, so companies don't have to list them. Whatever they are, I am particularly sensitive to shampoo and conditioner with "fragrance" listed on the bottle, so I keep a safe distance from them.

Since I don't have the time to list every harmful ingredient in these haircare products, and you don't have the time to read about them, I'll leave it at that and let you decide for yourself whether you want to continue using store-bought shampoo and conditioner.

(Source)

What are some of my chemical free hair care options?

I have read several stories lately about people who wash their hair once a week or less, and even about people who have quit shampooing altogether. While this isn't my choice, I understand that the more we shampoo our hair, the more we NEED to shampoo our hair. This is especially true when it comes to chemical-laden products that strip our hair of its natural oils, causing our scalp to overcompensate and create even more oil.

BomaSense shampoo and conditioner

When I quit using store-bought hair products, I started using shampoo and conditioner from BomaSense, a company that makes natural products especially for people with chronic disease. It took a while to get used to the runny consistency of the shampoo and the thickness of the conditioner, but I have grown accustomed to it. It took a while for my hair to adjust to the lack of chemicals, and for the first couple months, my hair was pretty oily. It still does get that way occasionally, although I have learned that it helps to shampoo twice and make sure to rinse my hair extra well. I will continue using BomaSense products until they stop making them (or until I forget to order more before running out). 

Dr. Bronner's castile soap

I love Dr. Bronner's because it has so many different uses, including shampoo and body wash. It is even safe to use on your baby. Mix one part the liquid castile soap with 40 parts water - yes, it's that effective! I haven't used it as a shampoo, but my husband has been using Dr. Bronner's as a body wash and hasn't complained yet!

The "no poo" method

The "no poo" method of hairwashing consists of using baking soda as a shampoo and apple cider vinegar as a conditioner. I have read about people who have had great success with it, and others who have dealt with dry, damaged hair from the harshness of the baking soda. I personally am not interested in this method, but it could work for you. Learn more about it here.

Honey washing

If I am ever in need of an alternate shampooing method, I would probably try honey washing, mainly because I already use honey as a facial cleanser and love it (read about how I greened my skincare routine). It is supposed to treat dandruff or a dry scalp, while moisturizing your hair. To wash with honey, mix up each batch as you need it: 1 tablespoon raw honey, 3 tablespoons filtered water, and optionally, a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Simply massage into your wet scalp and rinse well. 

Deep conditioning treatments

There are various ingredients found in the kitchen that you can use to deep condition your hair, although I haven't personally felt the need to do so, and to be honest, I'm a little afraid that it will make my hair really greasy. However, if your hair is dry, damaged, or frizzy, you might benefit from deep conditioning once a week with coconut oil, mayonnaise, avocado, egg whites, and so on. If you have ever tried any of these ingredients to deep condition your hair, be sure to share your experience in the comments below!

veganbaking.net / http://www.flickr.com/photos/vegan-baking/

Disclaimer: I bought all of these products with my own money, and have not received compensation of any kind to review them. All opinions in this article are my own.

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Your challenge: This week, consider washing your hair with a chemical-free method - or wait until your current products are gone, then make the switch.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**