Travelling on the road, with a family, has its challenges. Often it is easy to take the easy option and do things the way we have always done them. However, for me, I really want be more conscious of the way my family lives. This includes the pace we move at, our values, how we approach challenges and the resources we use. Living in a small space forces us to zoom in on some of these. I wanted to share a few tips and products that I really love and that have helped my family produce less waste.
Dish Wash cloths
I bought some compostable dish wash cloths which are such a great idea. Given I am composting on the road I just chuck it in the bokashi bin when it’s no longer usable (and believe me I give them a workout). The only downside was the plastic packaging they come in. I have only used the Retro Kitchen ones but there are other brands out there. Again, at $6.95, they aren’t cheap but the earth pays for the other ones that fill up landfill so I would rather pay for it now.
Washing Detergent Strips
I have started using washing detergent strips in order to reduce some weight and bulk in my bathroom cupboard. I normally fill up an old 1kg humus bucket with eco, chemical free washing detergent when I can visit The Source or a similar co-op bulk buy shop.
I have known about the detergent strips for a while now and they are fairly expensive ($1 per load) compared to standard eco laundry powder ($0.31 per load). I am willing to pay a little more for a good product that has less packaging and makes storage easier in the van. I bought mine from Flora and Fauna - 25 strip pack for $25.95 but there are many online stores that sell them. My first test resulted in fresh smelling, clean and soft laundry. I also bought the laundry tonic to go with it (with essential oils). I didn’t realise this was for adding to washes when using soapberries (another option I might explore down the track).
I certainly recommend these washing detergent strips. I now have a less cluttered bathroom cupboard and I am relieved to finally remove those ridiculous plastic scoops you receive with EVERY washing detergent box. Win win!! Give it a try yourselves by clicking on some of the online shops below.
I also use stainless steel pegs and have done so for years now. Not one of them has any rust and they still look brand new. I was so tired of broken pegs and springs and plastic bits all over the lawn and having to buy new pegs all the time. So, I highly recommend these also. There are loads of suppliers online but some eco shops and places like The Source also sell them. They are priced around $20 for 30 pegs and they last forever. Most of us spend more than that on pegs in a few years so I believe they are very well priced.
Stain Remover
Travelling with kids results in loads of dirty, stained clothing - especially when they roll around playing in the dirt. To reduce the need for those stain remover spray bottles I use the good old fashioned Sard Wonder Soap which comes in a paper wrapper. It works a treat and at ~$2.60 a bar it is a cheap option.
Shampoo Bars
I have used a few different brands that I love and there are loads around but some of them just did not work for me. I find them so much easier that bottles of shampoo (and it is another way to eliminate plastic so of course I love it). They come wrapped in tissue paper or in a recyclable tin. However, I chose to wrap mine in beeswax wraps. It is so much easier carrying to the shower block and is mess free. You can buy shampoo/conditioner bars in one so that is even easier – grab your bar, flannel and towel and off you go.
If I can find a co-op that supplies shampoo and conditioner in bulk I refill my containers but I am finding as we travel to more and more remote areas this isn't available.
Shampoo With A Purpose have some lovely shampoo/conditioner in one bars and I have used these. They also claim that one bar equals 6 bottles, so I’m sold. The last one I had lasted me over 3 months (and I use it as body soap too!). They are about $15 each.
Dindi Naturals were the first shampoo bars I tried, and they are amazing (they are the best I have used by far). The ‘flavours’ are delicious, and they made my hair so soft and luxurious. They are expensive so if budget is an issue these are not for you (shampoo bars $16 and conditioner bars $24).
Cooki are a brand I just used the other day. These were great. I have found the shampoo bar stays quite soft if I don't dry it properly before putting the lid on the tin. It seems to disintegrate every time I use it. Each bar is about $15-$16
Online Shops where you can find the products above:
Lets put people and the planet first!
Corrine
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