My first eco-friendly product swaps
As I am gradually progressing through my zero-waste journey, I am making greener changes to all the products that I am consciously choosing to buy from the stores.
Starting from only the things that I need because the old ones have either finished up, worn out or are not usable at all.
Maximum waste that an average Indian household generates is from the personal care and toiletries category than that of the kitchens.
Following are the product swaps that I am making along the way:
(Follow me to stay tuned for more swaps)
Product Swap # 1: Pumice Stone v/s Foot File.
My first swap because my old foot file had worn out. Will not be throwing it away just yet, will be reusing it during traveling until it totally gives up on me and then will think up an idea to upcycle it.
Buy Pumice Stones HERE.
Product Swap # 2: Sketch Liners v/s Pencil Eye Liners.
Well, I am not giving up makeup so soon, haha! So looking for eco-friendly alternatives! Hence, swapped my almost-dry sketch-pen eyeliners with wooden pencil liners from The Body Shop India @ 50% off at their sale!
Check out their liners HERE. (Search for: The Body Shop Striking Eye Definer)
Major product swap: Sanitary napkins & tampons with a menstrual cup by @wowskinscience and washable cloth pads by @shomotawomen.
As a woman, most of my waste was generated by the sanitary napkins which are very very difficult to decompose in a landfill. I was searching many options for their replacement and was surprised to find many out there. This swap will not only cut down the waste but also money in the long run.
The menstrual cup requires practice to wear but once you get used to it, it is definitely very comfortable and very convenient. It works for 12 hrs at a stretch and you don’t even feel like it’s there inside you.
I got the cloth pads in small size for the last 2 days when the flow has reduced or just as a panty liner. I was surprised at the comfort and the breathability but more than that – the typical odor that those normal pads gave off was not there at all!
This one is definitely not a lazy girl swap though because you will have to wash them immediately after use.
Will be trying out the biodegradable banana fibre pads by #saathipads soon.
Product Swap # 4: Glass Bottle v/s Plastic Bottle.
This Tupperware bottle is the last one standing, the rest are either lost, stolen or given away 😏.
Replacing them with glass bottles bought from @shoppers_stop. Will use the plastic and metal ones for travel only.
Explore more glass bottles here.
Product Swap # 5: Evening Primrose Oil for morning and night skin routine.
I have an oily, acne prone and sensitive skin and given the number of products that I need to apply on a daily basis to keep the breakouts under control is just overwhelming. And of course, they come packaged in plastic and loaded with synthetic chemicals.
And I did some research and found about EPO (evening primrose oil) and its benefits. I was skeptical at first but then about a week later I realized that my skin was behaving itself, the breakouts just didn’t happen and some dry patches just disappeared like magic.
So in love with this discovery! The one I’m currently using is by @natures_absolutes. It comes in a glass bottle with a spray nozzle which makes the application really easy as compared to a dropper. Buy it from Amazon.
I definitely recommend trying this oil if you have oily or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin you can try rosehip oil in the same range. Just take a tiny amount on your palm and dab it on your face with your fingers. Apply thoroughly. It will feel oily for 10 minutes until absorbed.
Product swap #6: Bamboo Toothbrush & Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner.
More than 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year in India. This is the first swap for many zero wasters but I am making sure that my old things are no longer usable before making a swap.
Although my plastic toothbrush and tongue cleaner were not giving up easily as they are built to last forever 😬 so I am going to utilize it during my travels only for the time being.
Brush is from @bambooindia. Tongue cleaner you can find at any medical store or supermarket.
Product Swap # 7 :
Paper tissues with Handkerchief!
Completely banning these plastic packed tissues from my life and also the ones at the restaurant.
Back to good old days when plastic bags and tissues had not invaded our markets. Grandma shall be proud! 💚
Product Swap #8 :
Regular Lipstick w/ Lip & Cheek Crayon by Nykaa.
While searching for replacements for my lipstick, I wanted a wooden crayon with natural or herbal ingredients but couldn’t find any. But kinda happy with this as it doubles up as a lip plus cheek crayon, so I don’t have to search for a blush.
Product Swap #9:
Flimsy & colorful faux leather belts with durable canvas belts.
These are unisex and I share these with my husband. One side effect of fast fashion is that you end up with cheap and non-durable goods which look good but don’t last long.
A belt’s only job is to keep your pants up and it should do that perfectly, shouldn’t it? You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a nice durable canvas belt, trust me it’s an investment.
Go for a neutral shade that matches your style and you are good to go!