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. This post is my honest Georganics Natural Toothpowder review after using the product. In fact, this Georganics Natural Toothpowder review aims to share my experience in detail.

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!). If you are looking for a detailed Georganics Natural Toothpowder review, this should help you decide.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Wind farm at sunset
Photo by Rawfilm on unsplash

My carbon footprint & why I can’t do nearly enough

The truth of it is that, for Joe Bloggs and I, aiming for zero waste is truly difficult – alone the fact that I have not managed to source all the items I need for MY everyday life without plastic is both frustrating and deeply saddening. The question of carbon footprint personal responsibility is something I think about a lot.

Some issues arise due to my disability / health and others due to low/reduced income (2020 was difficult for most businesses thanks to COVID-19), and yet more because I ordered something which is eco / zero waste / compositable etc., but it turns out it has travelled the world in order to arrive at my doorstep.

I am also not in a position to change some things at this time, e.g. gas usage due to cost and feasibility. Even without a car, without taking a bus, without buying products wrapped in plastic, I managed to STILL leave a significant footprint on this planet.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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Weigh of the World Chocolates
Cocoa Loco Chocolates at Weigh of the World

Product Review: Cocoa Loco Chocolates

Cocoa Loco Dark Chocolate Ginger

Chocolate is one of the world’s favourite foods (it’s definitely mine!), so I was absolutely delighted when my friend, Sarah, treated me to some Cocoa Loco Dark Chocolate Ginger (OMG LOVE ginger!) from my local zero waste shop a few weeks back! In fact, trying Cocoa Loco chocolates for the first time was a real treat.

That was it…. I was hooked! Since then I have continued to treat myself to these when I have been into the shop…. and then the Dark Chocolate Mango…. mmmmm REALLY love this chocolate! By the way, chocolates from Cocoa Loco are available in so many delicious varieties to choose from.

There’s something to suit everyone with white chocolate, milk and dark options – the dark ones are suitable for vegans. Weigh of the World have also got a number of other flavours, including Chilli, Raspberry…. and bars! With so much choice, it’s easy to see why Cocoa Loco chocolates are loved by many.

Cocoa Loco Organic Chocolate Bars

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Product Review: Dingbats* Notebook

I had never heard of Dingbats* until Christmas Day 2020 when my best friend (sharing my love of notebooks/bullet journals, and knowing that I was working towards a Zero Waste Life – and blogging in the process), gave me a Dingbats* notebook as a gift.  

In the pocket, at the back of the notebook, was a small leaflet, which briefly detailed their product ranges and highlighted key features (discussed below). I tried them, following the link on the leaflet to find out more, then my love affair with Dingbats* began… in fact, 3 months later I ordered a further 5 journals, as well as some lovely dual-tipped pens!! 

Why? What makes Dingbats* different/better than the Moleskine notebooks, which I have used for decades?

If you’re trying to live more sustainably but refuse to give up beautiful stationery, Dingbats* notebooks might just be your perfect middle ground.

What truly sets Dingbats* apart is sustainability.
It isn’t an afterthought.
It’s built into every part of the product lifecycle.

In this Dingbats notebooks review, I share my long‑term experience using their journals as part of a zero waste lifestyle.

Read on & add the Zero Waste Llama discount code – LLAMA10 – for a 10% discount on your first order!

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

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Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene
Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene

Home Made Sanitary Towels (& where to buy materials)

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products a few years ago, I have now been producing my own Sanitary Towels for some time – both for me and my friends! You’ll remember from my previous post regarding making these, that, not only have these been much more comfy to wear than those purchased, but my homemade ones have proven to be strong, absorbent and easily washed!

Compared to the brand of disposable pads I used prior, I would never go back…. No irritation and excellent absorbency!

In this post I wish to expand a little more into the eco fabrics/materials you can use and where to buy them in the UK.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


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Sanitary Towels
Home made sanitary towels / menstrual pads, by Cathrene

Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products back in March last year, I decided to take things one step further and start producing my own reusable sanitary towels. What began as a small experiment has turned into one of the most comfortable, durable, and environmentally friendly swaps I’ve made.

Not only have my homemade pads proven to be far more comfortable than many shop-bought alternatives, they’ve also stood the test of time far better. A year on, my original two handmade pads (one day and one night) still look and feel amazing, while some branded reusable options have noticeably degraded.

Compared to disposable pads, there’s simply no contest – no irritation, excellent absorbency, and zero waste. I honestly wouldn’t go back.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Product Review: Salt of the Earth

This product intrigued me – not only is it plastic free, but it also consists of the subject of my PhD: Salt! This is my Salt of the Earth deodorant review.

Salt of the Earth crystal deodorants work by leaving an invisible layer of mineral salt on the skin which work to inhibit the growth of odour causing bacteria. This is a good product if you wish to avoid plastic packaging!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Northwich Pop-Up Shop to Watch: Waste Away – Plastic Free Life

I first came across Waste Away at the Northwich Artisan Market some months ago, and I honestly couldn’t have been more excited. FINALLY — a local Northwich business offering genuinely ethical, plastic-free alternatives that align perfectly with my zero waste ethos.

If you’re trying to reduce your plastic consumption or live a more low-waste lifestyle, Waste Away is exactly the kind of small business worth supporting.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Sunrise at Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sunrise at Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Travel & Tourism: Post-Brexit, Post-COVID and Pro-Sustainability

If you’re looking to fly less and do your bit with learning how to be eco-friendly, why not test the waters closer to home? It’s also worth considering how the landscape of travel and tourism after Brexit and COVID has influenced our holiday choices. Despite the fact that the UK is home to a surprisingly diverse range of landscapes, its natural beauty has traditionally been overlooked in favour of holidays abroad – especially in warmer climates. In fact, travel and tourism after Brexit and COVID has led many to re-evaluate where they spend their holidays.

With a plethora of environmentally friendly attractions, sustainable places to stay and zero-waste restaurants on our doorstep, the UK has everything you need for a wonderful getaway, with much reduced carbon footprint. Moreover, tourism and travel across Britain post-Brexit and post-COVID has encouraged people to seek out these alternatives.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Northwich’s new Eco Store “Weigh of the World”

I had waited with great anticipation for our new Eco Store, Weigh of the World, in Northwich to open. THIS was a game changer for me! Local, and brilliant!

They are a zero waste shop – this means that they provide customers with the ability to refill food and cleaning products into their own containers. This allows people to buy as little or as much as they want and reduce packaging. They also sell toiletries and other everyday items that can be reused. As a result, they help people move away from single-use, throwaway items. Most important to me is their commitment to being there for people who have dramatically changed their lifestyles towards zero waste. More so, they are there for the people who just want to make small changes. Everyone has their own path!

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