Keep the High Street Shops ALIVE… help them THRIVE!

In November 2019, Eco Store, Weigh of the World, in Northwich opened - THIS was a game changer for me! Local, and a brilliant concept! (you can read my blog post here). In addition to buying my fresh fruit & vegetables from John Griffiths' Green Grocers in Northwich, between the two of these shops, I found that I had 99% of what I needed! However, many small, independent shops, both in Northwich and elsewhere, are experiencing a massive decrease in sales, despite remaining open during the lockdown - people are doing their main shops in supermarkets. Before your supermarket shop, visit your local, small businesses first! Then only go to the supermarket if there is anything which you are unable to obtain! It is more important than ever that we support our local businesses - especially through this time of crisis! Furthermore, buying locally reduces food miles, helps alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions. With that in mind, I have collated a list of independent shops in NORTHWICH who are still open and operating, and what shopping options are available. Independent Northwich Shops Open/Online during Lockdown: Abda's Coffee Shop: Coffee and Tea can be ordered through their Facebook Page.Artisans Online: The Northwich Artisan Market is now online!Crafty Stitches: Online orders are being taken for delivery on FacebookFirthField Pet Stores: Open for business.Ginger & Browns: Pet Supplies at Blakemere - Open for online ordersJohn Griffiths' Greengrocers: 10 Witton St, Northwich -…

0 Comments

Product Review: Kutis Natural Deodorant

My usual deodorant was one of the first items to be replaced – it has just taken me a long time to test out different ones and find one I love. Having not used spray deodorant since the 80’s, preferring a stick, I was looking for something with no plastic packaging. But I also needed something that worked…. and that did not have any (overpowering/”girly”) scent….

Well, I found it! The Kutis Natural Deodorant was one of a few deodorants which I purchased, and have since gone through two, tried four and purchased a multitude of other (gentle) scents to try!

Rating Overview: 10/10
Performance: This works really well
Fragrance: They come in two varieties, vegan and non-vegan, and a variety of Natural Fragrances…. suitable for both sexes.
Usability: Great – pushes easily out of the tube – even with arthritis (mum) or after a hand operation (me)

The Kutis deodorant sticks are made from all natural ingredients and they really work! 

With key ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot powder and coconut oil this deodorant gives you the lasting freshness without all the nasty stuff that can be found in commercial deodorants.

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, trying a new one was daunting. I decided to give the Oil Pulling Mouthwash – Activated Charcoal by Georganics a try (in addition to the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets which I reviewed last month).

Georganics added 1g/100ml of activated charcoal from coconut shells to this blend of virgin organic coconut oil and peppermint essential oil gives it a unique mildly abrasive quality. The highly porous activated charcoal traps bacteria and removes stains, cleansing and whitening teeth naturally. .

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review – Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, moving to “tablet” forms was daunting. I decided to give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets – Thyme – by Georganics a try.

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. The tablets are perfect for travelling as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional mouthwashes avoiding the unnecessary transportation of water (i.e. perfect for hand baggage!).

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Georganics Natural Toothpowder

I was a tad nervous, it must be noted, to try toothpaste powder… but, having used a charcoal (traditional) toothpaste for years now, I decided to give the Natural Toothpowder – Activated Charcoal – by Georganics a go.

Georganics naturally whitening toothpowder, with additional activated charcoal, works by absorbing and polishing away stains and plaque that naturally form on our teeth. It’s a completely safe and fast-effective formula made without the use of any chemicals like peroxides, fluoride compounds or synthetic flavourings. They blend this fine pharmaceutical activated charcoal with high quality mineral powders, all of which food grade so completely safe if accidentally ingested.”, the Activated Charcoal variety seemed a good choice (although it should be noted that there are many other flavours and variations of this product on offer… see below!)

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

I have used Faith in Nature's Coconut Soap for some years - it is lovely to use: very gentle with a good lather and it does not leave my skin dry, and has a lovely smell. I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found it on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the product itself is very good! Additional Attributes 100% Natural FragranceWith Essential OilsFree from Parabens and SLSIngredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin

0 Comments

Product Review: Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner

I bought this coconut conditioner from Faith in Nature before I started on my quest for reducing waste. It is a great conditioner which I have used for over a year, with good results and contains organic coconut oil and is brimming with tropical aromas and natural hydration. Although it comes in a plastic bottle, there is the opportunity to buy 5 litres for refill, however this also comes in plastic bottle… Never the less, it is a wonderful product, and does the job well.

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Solid Shampoo Bars – Bain & Savon

Following on from my previous review (Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar) I tried a few shampoo soaps from the Bain & Savon range, which I obtained from Peace with The Wild, experimenting to see what was most suitable to my hair-type.

Bain & Savon have a variety of options in terms of scents and hair-types:

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Soapnuts Laundry Detergent

This is something I put off trying for years, but as soon as I started my quest to reduce my waste, I bought some, and have been using soapnuts ever since! An eco-friendly alternative to laundry detergent and synthetic soaps, they are natural and non-polluting. But for me, with sensitive skin, which goes blotchy with many conventional laundry detergents (and softeners!), I was particularly nervous about changing from the one I have used for well over 30 years…

I am delighted to say that I am more than pleased with the results! Not skin irritation, clothes are both clean and fresh-smelling when they come out of the washing machine and (best of all) they work out just as cheap as the conventional laundry detergent – I even found I could get more washes out of them than they recommend! AND they take up less space!

(more…)

0 Comments