With spring cleaning in full spring, we're looking beyond just the countertops and turning to the bathtub. And we're not just talking keeping the mildew to a minimum: what about the products we reach for at every shower?
The body wash is all-natural and biodegradable, the facewash is organic... but one thing that's yet to go "green" is the shampoo (we know! We're bad people!). Since we're not ready to go 'poo-less, read on to find out why we'll be switching to a natural choice as soon as the current bottle is empty.
We've made one green move toward sustainable shampoo by using less to cut down on waste, but after reading these few words from Grist, we're ready to take the plunge into an all-natural bathroom cabinet.
Since many widely available shampoos contain chemicals, and some even sport those scary carcinogenic pthalates, Grist recommends turning to an eco-friendly alternative. Not to mention, if you're collecting stray shower drops in a bucket to water the plants, you'll want to make sure that water contains Earth-friendly soaps.
Check out their reviews, and be sure to let us know what you use that leaves your locks feeling fresh.
Image by Marcelo Guerrero via sxc.hu.
I've gone "poo-less"... water only, ACV once a month.
Worked great. Entire post on how to do it, and all the other "eco" methods I tried, except for green shampoos can be found here: Shampooing only with water @ FabulouslyBroke.com
I didn't try eco shampoos because
A) Most of the time, they are filled with nasty chemicals that hide under a green label
B) Fragrances are NOT good for the environment. Seriously. But unfragranced stuff turns people off who are used to smelling like a coconut.
C) It's expensive per ounce vs. chemical shampoos
D) Water only is the greenest, cheapest way to wash your hair (for me).
view FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com's profile
I've used the Avalon (it only had lavender oil as a fragrance) but it was not enough for my oily hair, so I don't think water alone will do it either. If baking soda leaves your hair 'crazy dry,' that may be what I have to try.
view whytephoenix's profile
I gave up on "normal" shampoo & conditioner a few months ago. I tried just water, but I cannot get over the hump of my hair being that greasy. It looks gross and feels gross and doesn't look nice.
Instead of using the Dr. Bonner's liquid I decided to use their bar castile soap and that has been working pretty well. I read somewhere that the first ingredient in shampoo is water, and you use water to wash your hair anyway...
view Marie's profile
I tried Dr. Bronner's once on my hair. It was a catastrophe. It wouldn't rinse and my hair looked matted and dull for DAYS after. I don't know where I went wrong!!! I use Dr. Bronner on my body--it rinses really well and the eucalyptus one keeps my skin super clear. I have tried other green shampoos, but they all leave my hair kind of limp. Any suggestions?
view CaseyB's profile
I am a big fan of Bubble & Bee products (bubbleandbee.com). Their products don't contain any chemicals or preservatives and are made with only plant ingredients that haven't been chemically altered. I think they are probably making the greenest shampoo around. The shampoo does take some getting used to but I don't use conditioner anymore (they send an empty bottle and instructions for making a vinegar rinse for hair) and I don't use styling products. It really does make my hair manegable enough that I don't need them and I am one with baby fine hair who used to use all kinds of products just to keep my hair from playing dead.
I don't think they are using recycled bottles at this point but maybe as they get bigger they will make that switch.
view Calidaho's profile
Burt's Bees. I've only used it for a few weeks but I'm liking it. I wish I could wash my hair less, but I've tried and I turn into a greasy unhappy monster.
view evamae's profile
I have used Aveda (not 100% pure, but not bad) and am currently using Abba. I am either switching to Morocco Hair Method (100% raw vegan) or Intelligent Nutrients (same guy who started Aveda, this one is certified Organic) soon-ish. I rarely shampoo anyways though, so the main switch for me is switching from my copper-blonde Herbatint dye to red henna.
I have also tried Lush solid shampoos. They are not for girls with dry curls.
view Nolann's profile
For now I'm just content with keeping the bunnies safe because well...the smell of my shampoo is wonderful. :) It's Nature's Gate, Herbal Shampoo.
view Lizzykewl's profile
Since I made the switch to baking soda and hair teas, my tresses have never looked more luscious!
Detailed recipes on homemade, cheap, non-toxic, soap-free shampoos, conditioners and deodorants here at:
http://www.SustainableSuppers.com
Enjoy!
view Frugalista's profile