TEN ECO-FRIENDLY BASIC ESSENTIALS THAT ARE CHEAPER AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS

If there is one thing we can all agree on these days, it’s that this virus has caught us all by surprise.

The lock downs, the collapse of hospitals, the loss of human life… No one imagined this a month ago and it still looks like we have a long way to go to get to the other side.

And if this was not already enough, we have to add to that the economic uncertainty that you may be experiencing at the moment.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SIMPLER AND GREENER WAY OF LIFE

We know it is not easy to think about being eco-friendly and zero waste when your job is hanging in the balance and you don’t know whether or when you are going to get paid.

However, we also believe that this crisis is an opportunity to re-evaluate your needs and to try out a simpler way of life, respecting the planet and our fellow human beings.

This is why we wanted to write today’s post.

We want to help you to rethink your way of life and to show you some solutions that you can afford no matter what your financial situation. So that together, we can continue to build a more socially and environmentally responsible world.

Whilst thinking about this, we reached the conclusion that the best thing we can do is to share with you a list of the cheapest and most effective basic green essentials that we sell in our e-shop.

Because most of the time, change comes from the little things.

TEN ECO-FRIENDLY BASIC ESSENTIALS THAT ARE CHEAPER AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN NORMAL STAPLES

1. Marseille Olive Soap Block – From €1.80

The Marseille olive oil soap is one of our favourite eco-friendly products. It is cheap, it has that old traditional soap smell. It is responsibly manufactured in France. It is zero waste and it can be used for a number of household jobs: as shower gel, as a stain remover, as an insecticide, as laundry detergent… If you would like to know how to use it and to see a recipe that will help you to leave your clothes clean and bright, read this article.

Our customers recommend it:

“The best purchase I have made in my life, it can be used for everything. It lasts, has a neutral perfume and it works”.

2. Wooden Dishwashing Brush– €2.95

This little wooden brush is a best-seller at Sinplástico. It is natural, responsible and it leaves the dishes squeaky clean (especially the pots and pans). Not just that, it also lasts and lasts if you look after it correctly. To give you an idea, the person who helps us out with our website content just got rid of hers, after having used it for 2 years.

Our customers recommend it:

“I am super happy with this brush, now I can’t use anything else. And it’s great that you can change the brush-head”.

3. Esparto grass scourer y luffa washing-up scourer – €0.50 and €2.95 respectively

If using a wooden brush to wash the dishes is not your thing, then you should get to know these natural esparto and luffa scourers. They are totally natural, biodegradable and responsibly grown in Spain. They clean perfectly, they don’t release microplastics and their price is unbeatable.

Our customers recommend them:

“It takes a little getting use to them, but it (the esparto scourer) truly does clean very well and it doesn’t scratch. I haven’t gone back to the classic scourer of old. With this and my handy brush, I have everything I need.”

4. Double-sided vegetable fibre nail brush – €2.40 each.

If you are looking for a green, well-priced alternative to clean your nails after working in your vegetable patch, doing some DIY at home or making play-doh with your toddlers, this is the brush for you. Vegan and responsibly made from wood and natural Tampico fibres, it is biodegradable and compostable whilst it provides an effective clean without damaging your skin, or that of your children. In addition, you can also use it to remove stubborn stains from your clothes.

Our customers recommend it:

“Great, it cleans very well without being harsh”.

5. Reusable washable organic cotton cloths – €2.40 each.

Suitable for the baby nappy-change table, just dampen it in a solution of neutral soap and water. They can also be used to remove make-up and for personal hygiene and skincare. These cloths/wipes can be used however you like and they last for ages. They are reusable, made from organic cotton in Spain by a women’s cooperative.

Our customers recommend them:

“They are fabulous, very soft and gentle”.

6. Biodegradable kitchen sponges – €3.50/4 units.

These biodegradable cotton and cellulose kitchen sponges are less than 90 cents each, they last for months and don’t smell. The advantage of using these, over the synthetic kitchen sponges, is that they do not release microplastics that end up in our oceans and in the food chain. To keep them working at their best and to disinfect them simply wash them in your machine on a hot water cycle.

Our customers recommend them:

“The best kitchen sponge I have ever tried! They absorb very well, they are easy to clean, dry straight away and they are long-lasting!”.

7. Organic marigold soap for babies – €7.45

The value for money of this soap is unquestionable. It is 100% natural with a marigold base hand-made in Spain. It is perfect for washing your baby’s skin and hair because it doesn’t dry their skin out, in fact it leaves it moisturised and smelling glorious. The cherry on top, is that one bar of this soap costs less than €5 and it lasts a lot longer than the regular baby shampoos and gels,that also contain dozens of toxic chemicals. To give you an idea of what to expect, Marion’s soap bar lasted her six months when she had her first daughter.

Our customers recommend it:

“(The Marigold soap) is gentle on the skin and lasts a long time. We use it for washing our hands, face and body”.

8. Reusable Safety Razor– €10.90

One single razor can last you a lifetime. Whether if its for the daily shave, or for other hair removal needs, this reusable razor will be your faithful side-kick for years and you will only have to change its blades every now and then. But this will also not cost you the world: a pack of 10 blades costs just over €1. Say goodbye to expenses and plastic waste and say hello to a close shave and easy hair removal plastic-free.

Our customers recommend it:

“This was my first time using this type of razor and I am very happy with the results. Also, the size of the razor makes it perfect for travelling”.

9. Lamazuna Menstrual Cup – €26.30

Even though this is the most expensive product on our list, this menstrual cup soon pays for itself. It is the only item you will need during your period for the next 10 years, its expected lifespan. Forget about wasting heaps of money on tampons and disposable pads, that generate waste, and forget about leaks. If that were not already enough to convince you, they are made in France from high quality medical grade silicone, derived from silica not petroleum.

Our customers recommend it:

“A definite before and after moment. I forget that I am wearing it and I also bleed a lot less than with tampons. It also lasts a lot longer once in position, I only removed it 3 times a day and it wasn’t even half full. Definitely one of the best buys I have made this year”.

10. Reusable sanitary pads and liners – From €11.00 to €15.00

If you suffer from a weak bladder or if you feel more comfortable using pads and panty liners, why not make the change to fabric ones? They offer a considerable saving over time, you should have your money back within a few months and start saving before the year end. They are easy to wash, are much more breathable than the disposable type, they save on waste and are hand-made from organic cotton in Asturias, Spain.

Our customers recommend them:

“This is the first time I have bought them and the truth is that I am happy with them, they are comfortable and one doesn’t feel the irritation one can notice with plastic liners”.

Now you can see that there are many alternatives to enable you to live a plastic-free life that is simple and responsible, no matter what you financial situation is.

So, if you feel motivated to try one or some of these options, remember that whilst we are in lock down and as compensation for any possible delays in your order getting to you, we offer you free delivery for all orders over €29.

We want to know what you think

How are you feeling in the thick of this crisis?,

Do you agree that there may be opportunities to learn how to live life differently?

We would love to read your thoughts in the comments.