1. deodorant 

I’ve swapped my aerosol and roll on deodorant and anti perspirant for plastic free tins from Earth Conscious. These tins contain a natural deodorant mix made from 100% natural ingredients (no yucky chemicals). I’m currently using the ‘Mint’ formula which contains a mix of peppermint and spearmint essential oils. I promise you it doesn’t feel like you’re putting toothpaste on under your arms! There’s a wide range of other scents to choose from, including Lemon and Orange, Grapefruit and Lemon, Lavender and Teatree, Jasmine and Rose, Lemon and Rosemary or unscented. It’s taken a while to get used to using my fingers to apply the balm but there are now plastic free sticks available. I’ve found the balms in the tins go such a long way though. I love how Earth Conscious donates money from their deodorant sales to the Marine Conservation Society, which is a UK based charity who help to protect our seas, shores and wildlife.

2. Soap bars  

One swap that has been easy, is to stop buying plastic filled bottles of shower gel and switch to bars of soap. There are so many wonderful smelling bars to choose from these days, I especially love buying from small businesses, even better if they are local to me! I love the Cole and Co collection of soaps available and Soap daze’s soaps on a rope.

3. Refillable conditioner

Shampoo soap bars are often featured, but what about conditioner? Yes you can get conditoner bars but they are not as widely available as the shampoo ones. I am lucky enough to have two shops in Cardiff where I can refill my own container with hair conditioner. This is a great way to save on multiple plastic shampoo bottles.

If you don’t have any bulk buy stores near you then why not consider buying larger qualities yourself. Brands such as Faith in nature offer 5 litre size bottles for around £10 per litre (don’t forget to add on the pump dispenser!) 

4. Coconut oil make-up remover

I was really sceptical about this one, then one day I ran out of my usual make-up removable  so thought I’d give the coconut oil a shot...it worked a treat! Even on eye make-up! I just take a marble size amount of coconut oil and warm in the palm of my hand. Then apply and rub gently all over my face, particularly on my eyelashes. I then take a Cheeky wipes square reusable cloth soaked and rung out in warm water and wipe away! Which leads me on to plastic free change number 5...

 5. Reusable make-up remover wipes

It takes 10,000 litres to produce a kilo of cotton (source: Theworldcounts.com) as well as hazardous pesticides used which pollute the environment and result in unsafe drinking water for surrounding communities. All to produce throwaway, single use cotton wool pads!

There is also the plastic packaging that the pads and balls come in, this didn’t sit right with me. 

At the end of last year I started using reusable cotton pads, same size as ‘normal’ ones, you just keep them in a mesh bag and throw the dirties in with your usual wash. Then my friend Emma over at Not my first Rodeo reminded me of Cheeky Wipes. I was already using them for kids faces so why not mine? So nowadays I use their washable square cotton terry wipes. 

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