Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar

After decades of my sensitive skin reacting badly to any soap products, and having dry hair requiring twice as much conditioner as shampoo, I was particularly nervous about finding a more ecological alternative. Especially as I feared that this would dry my hair further.

The Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar from Living Naturally was the first Bar Shampoo that I have ever tried. This particular soap is advertised as being great for “Nourishing & Moisturising. Suitable for all hair/skin types, especially for dry or lack luster hair/skin or inflamed sore skin” with the added appeal of being:

SLS Free
Palm Oil Free
Organic

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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3 Comments

September 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

The Faith in Nature Coconut soap bar is a popular choice for anyone seeking a natural, plastic‑free alternative to shower gel. This review explores whether it lives up to its eco‑friendly, vegan, and low‑waste claims for everyday use.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. Using Faith in Nature Coconut soap, I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! Estimated reading time: 2 minutes This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found Faith in Nature Coconut soap on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the Faith in Nature Coconut soap itself is very good. 100% Natural Fragrance With Essential Oils Free from Parabens and SLS Ingredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin. Overall, Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a popular choice for those seeking a gentle, ethical product. Key Takeaways Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a natural, plastic-free alternative to shower gel, praised for its gentle formulation and pleasant scent. The soap lathers well, does not dry out the skin, and is suitable for everyday use without causing allergic reactions. Available at various retailers, including Oxfam, but often found plastic-wrapped on Amazon, leading to concerns about sustainability. It features 100% natural…

3 Comments

August 19, 2023

Ethical Living

LEDs – The Future is Bright!

This is not something new, for me, but given the energy and cost savings, I thought I would post about this. Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is a topic that is getting more attention as people focus on efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, more experts agree that Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is a key area for future home upgrades.

LEDs are the most efficient type of bulb. They have great claimed longevity, give instant light, and work in low temperatures. Therefore, they are “The future of home lighting”, and many consumers now believe that Lightbulbs: The Future Is LED is more than just a marketing phrase.

They use very little energy
Last longer than other bulbs
Provide instant light – no “warming up” time

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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1 Comment

August 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

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.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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2 Comments

July 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Brand Review: Ecover

Ecover is often promoted as an eco‑friendly household cleaning brand—but how sustainable is it really? This Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly? will help you understand what makes the brand stand out.

In this Ecover brand review, we take a closer look at its credentials and try to answer the question raised in the Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly?

I have been using the Ecover range of cleaning products for well over a decade now. While they never completely replaced my trusty powder laundry detergent (I sometimes felt clothes weren’t quite as clean as I wanted), they did replace my fabric conditioner and several other household cleaning products that I used regularly.

Ecover describes its approach as a holistic one, with people and planet kept firmly in mind. They state that they have strict standards for ingredient selection and assess more than a dozen attributes for each ingredient, including biodegradability, skin and eye irritation, and aquatic toxicity. On paper, this all sounds very reassuring and is discussed further within this Ecover Brand Review: Is Ecover Really Eco‑Friendly?

However, as with many “eco” brands, Ecover falls into what I think of as a starting point. In this Ecover brand review, I see their products as a starting point on a low‑waste or zero‑waste journey rather than a final destination..

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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June 19, 2023

Ethical Living

Shopping Plastic Free

Shopping plastic free is one of the most practical and powerful ways to reduce your environmental impact. From excessive food packaging to single‑use items designed to be thrown away, plastic has become deeply embedded in everyday shopping — often without us realising. The good news? With a few mindful swaps and better choices, shopping without plastic is far more achievable than it first appears.

Whether you’re just starting your zero waste journey or looking to reduce plastic even further, learning how to shop plastic free can help cut waste, save money, and support more sustainable brands. This guide breaks down simple, realistic tips for plastic‑free shopping, including easy alternatives, what to look out for in shops, and how to avoid common low‑waste pitfalls — without striving for perfection.

Small changes add up, and every plastic‑free choice you make genuinely matters.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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3 Comments

May 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

For those who sew: Gütermann Recycled Sewing Thread

Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 20pk – Basics

As an avid sewer – and I know that I am not alone here – I take pride in repairing and upcycling items in order to lower my carbon footprint. I also know Gütermann to be one of the best brands of sewing thread in the world! I have recently discovered Gütermann Sew-all Thread rPET. Not only can they be implemented for a variety of fabrics and stitches, but they are made from 100 % recycled polyester!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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April 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Lavandi Shampoo & Conditioning bars

Lavandi were kind enough to provide me with some of their Shampoo & Conditioning Bars for testing. I distributed these between myself ( Elderflower) and a friend (Joe) tried the Dandelion.

What I liked most is the fact that Lavandi are based in Northwich, Cheshire, where I live! Lavandi have seen the need for change and have created a range of recipes that are all-natural.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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0 Comments

April 19, 2023

Brand Reviews

Product Review: Organic Lip Balm – Living Naturally

A lovely organic lip balm cardamom lavender, available from Living Naturally. I really like this – and the packaging! The lip balm is smooth, light and (most importantly) soothed and repaired my dry, cracked lips this winter!

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

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1 Comment

April 19, 2023

Ethical Living

The Milk Dilemma

After an extensive amount of research, and much frustration I have come to the conclusion that I (personally) have very little choice but to continue to buy the 4 pints / 2.272 litre plastic bottles of milk from the supermarket. This is all part of the milk dilemma many of us face when shopping for milk. In short, the milk dilemma truly affects a lot of people, not just me.

Choosing milk isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In fact, the milk dilemma complicates matters for those trying to choose the most sustainable option. This article explores the environmental impact of dairy milk versus plant‑based alternatives, helping readers understand the sustainability, ethical considerations, and climate implications behind one of our everyday food choices.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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1 Comment

March 26, 2023

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