So, a few things have changed, since my last post on this subject; I've been doing more research and came across some more startling facts and information.
Since 'Being Green' is the in thing now, I noticed there are a lot more natural alternatives for several mainstream products and brands... even Clorox is jumping in on a line of natural cleansers. This makes choice shopping a breeze for vegans and long time natural activists (a.k.a Hippies & the Boho types). This step also changes the significant price increase that natural products are known for, since these new products target a broader base of buyers.
The thing that I find ironic is, it took the world coming into a nature crisis before people started jumping the wagon on being more earth friendly. I find this thought hilarious in a sarcastic sort of way. I mean, after all the pollution, cancers and diseases that have reached an all time peak; now is when they want to hit the laboratory to start finding how to make rubber foam out of soy. Nature has always been such a wonderful and vast source for every need for healthy bodies and homes, and if a lot more time, funding and 'give a damn' was put into alternative research, there would be a bigger spectrum of products on the market today that wouldn't impose so many health risks to our body and the planet.
Anyway mini vent over. So majority of the changes I have made in my previous post haven't changed much if at all, except that I haven't 100% nixed the microwave yet (although I am rarely using it now). Also I never did order that Royal Kaydin Bar Soap (although I still may in the future), and I no longer use Lavilin Deodorant Cream.
Based on my recent discoveries, I also have what I call my 'No-No' list. It's a conscious ingredient list that is programmed into my head to go into alert mode when I am shopping. I now consciously read labels on my hair and skin care products, quickly scanning through for the 'No-No' ingredients to surface from the sea of long jumbled letters. Sulphates are still on the top of the list but I have now added:
- Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffins or any type of Petroleum derivative (Carcinogen): Read on it HERE
- Parabens of any sort (Methyl, Proply etc) (Cancer causing preservatives)
- Alum, or any type of Aluminum derivative (Safer then aluminum, but still cases traces of it)
- Talc (Linked to breast cancer in women): Read HERE For All 3.
- Crafty new names for Animal Proteins or By-Products (Vegan No-No)
- Certain Silicones, especially if the product is heavy laden with them, and how may are water soluble or not. (Dries out hair & skin; some may be petroleum derivatives also)
(Pictured: Bath & Body Works Glycerine Soaps in Totally Tropical & Peony, Arm & Hammer/J/A/S/O/N Deodorants & J&J Cornstarch Baby Powder, which I used to replace the talc version)For my bath soap, I fell in love with Glycerin Bars, particularly those from Bath & Body Works. Glycerin leaves my skin very very clean (squeaky clean) and they lather very well. It's a pity that the same day I discovered their array of fruity blissful scents, was during the sale when they were being discontinued (having them on sale for a $1 a bar from their usual $3.50). Isn't that so like Bath & Body Works, discontinuing their best products?! I have now resulted to buying them on eBay and scoping out their sales for a few stray bars. J/A/S/O/N Tea Tree Liquid Soap has also been my liquid body wash (and Dial Bar) replacer, for now. Tea Tree oil has long been known for it anti-microbial properties as well as it's strong pungent odor. Thankfully this liquid soap's scent is soft and fresh. I also fell in love with Dr. Bronners 18 in 1 Liquid Castile Soaps (The almond one). The scent is delicious and it also leaves my skin very squeaky clean. My hair LOVES this as a shampoo as well.
(Dr.Bronners Castile Soap In Almond & J/A/S/O/N Tea Tree Body Wash)I have also taken my 'greeness' to my laundry care. It wasn't something I gave a second thought to, but I started using it in PA at Andria's house. Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent cleansing agents are supposed to be 100% derived from plants. The fragrance is very crisp and fresh and the price is actually the same or little bit less then the Tide I used to use. I noticed I also don't have the itches when I wear fresh laundered clothes any more. This is a detergent I wouldn't feel bad about using if I wear camping in the woods and had to hand wash a few clothes.
And last but not least... *dum da da dum!* My DIVA Cup.
Who would have thought, right? I think this is the most conventional product out there. Up until 3 weeks ago, I had no idea there were menstrual alternatives. I thought it was either a pad, tampon or the shot to get rid of your period altogether. Upon discovering a thread on a online community I am a member of, I realized there are cloth pads & liners, seas sponges and cups!
WOAH! I know I am so late with this but I had to learn more. After all, being on my rag is one of the few things I am always seeking to make easier in some way.
The posts on cloth pads were a bit off putting... and still are. I'm really not cool with having to clean and store those things in a cold water container under the sink until wash day. But I am open to cloth liners and may get a few very soon as back up when I am using the cup.
When my mother was younger she used cloth pads, and she was shocked when I showed her the threads online where people still use those things. They have come a long way from when she used them though. All different prints sizes and materials... and you no longer have to fold them. Turns out disposable pads and tampons add their huge share to landfills and waste dumps & sewers (to those who flush theirs) right along with disposable diapers. From a health perspective, I've just learned tampons and pads also also loaded with chemical based fillers, and are also bleached. I read that some women have allergic reactions to them. But my attention went to menstrual cups, and after doing some brief research all of last week, I know currently own my own.
WHY HADN'T I DISCOVERED THIS SOONER?
It's so innovative yet it's been around since the 1930's. You just fold it, slide it in, it pops open and collects the flow. After a bit of trial and error, I know I will NEVER, EVER go back to disposables again. Not only do I not have to worry about emptying it for no more then twice a day (no risk for TSS like tamps either), its very low maintenance and I feel more freer then anything. It's also less messy then wearing a pad and believe it or not, my usual cramps and discomfort where a significant minimum on my first day (which some ladies have attested to!).
So these are my updated changes, and so far I am really happy with them. Research and learning about alternatives never stops for me and there will probably be a part 3 to this is the next few months again. And once again I hope this information can prove beneficial to someone.
Till later!
-SHADOW
PS: Next Post I will be updating on my experience with the Diva. She is my new best friend.
Great... I just started trying Lavilin tonight. Rats!