Comments on: Plastic-Free Progress Report: Sarah Schmiechen

By: metal inserts

metal inserts — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:00:34 +0000

The great concept is presented in this blog i really liked it, metal caps are often used in the water bottles are of plastic or any others, there will be a metal inside in it.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 02:55:07 +0000

I’ve been reading this book, Healing Remedies, that has some recipes for hair coloring. I haven’t tried them, but it sounds like they would work.

By: withConfidence

withConfidence — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:08:22 +0000

I make my almond milk with a Vitamix blender, 1 cup previously soaked (supposedly raw) almonds, 3 cups water blend, strain in a “nut milk bag.” I don’t recommend the paint strainer method some people suggest! If you like sweet than a pitted date (bulk or farmers market) and a bit of vanilla extract. No steaming needed and I think it tastes better – just make sure your nuts smell fresh and not rancid! That said I’m not sure if steamed almond milk lasts in the fridge longer. We have to be careful not to leave ours out of the fridge at all, and in the fridge it’s good for a week. I don’t have kids (yet) but I’m attracted to the “elimination communication” method myself. Acne – nothing works for me but avoiding all (really all) processed foods – short of that nothing provides more than minimal support. Deodorant I want to try the recipe from a website I saw with coconut oil but I haven’t run out of my old stuff yet. You can also get shampoo in bulk at Rainbow Grocery – I’m not sure about where else though.

By: Sarah S

Sarah S — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:59:54 +0000

Thanks Megan!

By: Sarah S

Sarah S — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:59:34 +0000

Maybe I ought to start that myself Emily! I’ll check it out, thanks!

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:05:10 +0000

In the San Francisco Bay Area we have a compostable diaper service called Earth Baby. You use paper disposable diapers (the brand is Naty) and they work as well as conventional disposable diapers. The diaper service picks the dirty diapers at the end of the week, drops off new diapers and wipes, and takes the dirty ones to their composting facility. You might want to contact Earth Baby and see how they got started with their business – maybe you can convince an entrepreneur in your area to start a composting diaper service business!

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

I think this is a really great idea to post people’s successes. I always think about doing the Plastic Challenge but I don’t always have the time to take pictures and write every week so I haven’t. But I have made a lot of similar changes as you Sarah and its great to see someone else is having the same difficulties (i.e. deodorant/antiperspirants, shampoo). Plus this helps me out because I am going to use some of the advice on the posts! I have been trying out different types of shampoo bars and often times I find they dry out my hair. So what I’ve been doing is using shampoo bars for a few days and then regular shampoo for a day or two. It isn’t ideal but I’m hoping I’ll eventually find a shampoo bar that works for me and it makes my bottle of shampoo last much longer. Keep up the good work Sarah!

By: Katie Ostrich

Katie Ostrich — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:19:49 +0000

I had a friend get me on the toxic free band wagon and the biggest hurdle is just finding what works for you, so I’m always happy to share if it means other people won’t have to go through as much trial and error.

By: Ottoline

Ottoline — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:15:48 +0000

I too was loath to give up anti-perspirant, until I was persuaded to try a deodorant crystal. The crystal has been far more effective than my old plastic-encased anti-perspirant was, and it lasts forever (I’ve been using the same one for three years and have scarcely made a dent in it). It also comes in a little chamois bag with no additional packaging. As for shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, I buy these in bulk, re-filling my containers at our local co-op. I too use Eco-Dent floss, which comes in a card container, though the spindle is plastic. I use the wooden Environmental Toothbrushes with compostable bristles, which I have to order from Acorn in Canada, as there is no local source for them; and tooth powder purchased in bulk, although it is just as easy to make your own. MAC cosmetics take their packaging back and recycle it (not perfect, but better than the alteratives). As for haircolor, like you, I am just not ready to go grey. I color my hair about three times a year and felt very guilty about it, but there are salons that mix their own natural hair colorings – no plastic packaging involved. Henna also works well, and may be purchased in bulk, though is rather labour-intensive (I find that I have to leave it on for at least six hours). My shaver is a rechargeable electric one that I have had for almost 25 years. Cake soap and bog roll wrapped in paper (I have been unable to source unwrapped bog roll) I buy by the case – dead cheap. It helps to have a member-owned co-op nearby. My local Whole Foods and New Seasons seem as unconcerned about plastic packaging as Safeway does, so I never shop at either.

By: Sarah S

Sarah S — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:29:15 +0000

@noteasy2begreen Lots of love for the homemade nut milk! Sounds easy enough.