My Natural Product Roundup!

This past year I have dedicated time and energy into making more conscious decisions about what I put on my body and in my body. Gradually over time, I have been able to make substitutions for more environmentally friendly, natural, and sustainable options for a lot of the products I use. Today, I wanted to share some of the products I have been enjoying and take note of some things I am still working towards.

I used to be really intimidated when people talked about sustainability and choosing more eco-friendly, natural products, but what I have realized is that it isn’t an all-or-nothing approach. As I finish up with one product, I try to restock it with something of higher quality as I go. Now, looking back, I have transitioned a lot of my products and working on a few more in the near future.

Reflecting now, I think I used the intimidation as an excuse to not try. I am now more committed to making those more conscious choices as it will not only affect my body, but the environment we live in.

A huge discrepancy I have noticed however, is the packaging. Not all natural products come in proper packages. They are either contained in plastic that can’t be properly recycled, excess packaging that is extra waste, or do not offer refill options. I love knowing that I can purchase the product once and be able to refill as my needs change.

Some products I have been using for certain things include:

@the.bare.home for dish soap. I purchased it through Logan and Finley in Toronto. The amazing thing is that I can then go back with my glass jar and refill as I need to. 

@livecleancan for all my hand soap needs! I have purchased this brand at the local drug store, but now purchase through @welldotca so I can avoid extra trips out during the pandemic.

@methodproducts, @seventhgeneration, @attitude_living for most of my cleaning supplies.

@toms_of_maine and trying @the_green_beaver for the first time this week for all my dental needs.

@sadebaron a local, Black-owned, mother-daughter business for my body products. I love that they call it “skinfood”.

@sajewellness for dryer balls, diffuser & oils, and air freshener, in particular the Safe Air product.

@stasherbag for my reusable silicone bags, also purchased from Logan and Finley.

@eminenceorganics for any face products. I won’t put anything else on my face. I swear by their products and have been using them for years!

@consonantlife for quick face wipes which are great post-workout. I also love their HydraExtreme mask. The only other thing besides Eminence products I put on my face!

@loganandfinley for all of my sustainable clothing options. Some of my favourite brands to purchase from there are @miikinc and @toadandcoclothing!

For Christmas I asked for silicon baking sheets, which I use every day! I don’t have a particular brand, but have noticed how much I am saving by not reaching for parchment paper every time I need a baking sheet.

The transition for me has not come quickly, as sometimes it is easy to pick up something out of convenience. I have now created more awareness and make more thoughtful purchases, and feel good about my progress.

Products and brands I want to try next:

Feminine hygiene products are top of this list. I have them sitting in my bathroom waiting to use next :P Stay tuned!

Hair products are also next to transition. I am looking to try the @joyoushealth shampoo and conditioner again. I tried it once, but once it ran out, I opted for the convenient choice when I was at the drug store again. Still a work in progress! Also looking for a curl cream recommendation!

Deodorants are another on my list. I have tried a few in the past but never felt like anything worked well enough for me. I ordered @lafesbodycare spray deodorant to try as I briefly tried it once from a studio I was working at. I always find I sweat extra and chafe under my arms, making it so uncomfortable that I always resort back to my traditional deodorant. I need to stick it out this time!

Laundry detergent is the last thing I want to transition at this time. I need to do more research into this topic, as I don’t really have any specific brands in mind for the time-being.

It takes commitment to transition. It is certainly way more accessible than I ever realized to obtain high-quality and natural products. Once you do it, it becomes that much easier to repeat again and again. I have definitely found that for some products it is trial and error to find the ones that work best for you, so be open to giving a few things a try before landing on the perfect one for you.

Have I missed any brands or products that you use? What are your favourites? I’d love to know so I can learn more myself! 

Yours in self-discovery,

Rachel