Eco Friendly Bathing Habits by Liza Seavers

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Swap shower gels for natural soap bars

Avoid soap containing unsustainable palm oil or those wrapped in plastic. Only Natural have beautiful, naturally fragranced unwrapped soaps from ‘Faith in Nature’ and also from an Irish owned company ‘Palm Free Irish Soap’. By opting for packageless or minimally packaged products the need for recycling is reduced. Obviously recyclable packaging is better than un-recyclables but the recycling process still puts a significant strain on the environment. Some cosmetic companies offer a refill service where you can top up your container at a discounted rate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”11178″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Try Shampoo Bars

Shampoo bars are also a greener option worth trying. Palm Free Irish Soaps have a bar called ‘Thyme Travel’. I love the fresh, natural scent of this bar. To use simply rub on dampened hair and work up a lather then wash out. The makers of this bar recommend rinsing with apple cider vinegar as a great natural conditioner and then treating the hair to a drop of argan oil. Friends of mine have tried this and they love it, unfortunately my hair is too fine but my husband tried the product and is now fully a converted shampoo bar devotee.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Avoid Microbeads like the Plague!

Some shower gels or facial cleansers contain microbeads which are tiny balls made of plastic, used to exfoliate the skin. These little pollutants make their way down the plug hole, into our water systems and are often found in fish which is then ingested by humans who caused the problem in the first place. And so the cycle builds and continues. Ireland is hopefully going to introduce a microbeads ban by the end of 2018.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”12099″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Conserve Water and Energy by Showering ‘Navy Style’

The navy shower involves hopping into the shower, thoroughly soaking your hair and body, switching the water off, lathering up your shampoo, scrubbing your body and then switching the water back on for a rinse. The total time your water will be in use is around 2 minutes and will use approximately 3 gallons, saving you water and electricity. According to the EPA, a typical shower takes around 8 minutes and uses up to 20 gallons. You can also brush your teeth during the lathering stage, saving you water at the sink. If you want to be even more prudent you can collect the water used by showering by plugging up the bath. The water can then be used to wash floors, the car, top up the washing machine or water the garden, provided you’re using ecological products.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Avoid Bubble Bath and Bath Bombs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”12106″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Swap synthetic bath products for Epsom Salts and essential oils. Try making your own bath salts by combining the following.

1 cup Epsom Salts
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup sea salt
8-10 drops essential oils

Add ½ a cup of your homemade salts to the bath. Try making you own blends of whichever essential oils you are drawn to. Your Limbic System (the body’s emotional centre) is guided by your sense of smell. An example of a relaxing blend is lavender and cedarwood.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Avoid Plastic Bath Accessories

Instead of plastic ‘shower puffs’ opt for natural loofahs or bamboo exfoliating pads and sponges. These products create a good lather and are quick and easy to use. They are also biodegradable and inexpensive to buy. Avoid plastic bath toys for children as they often retain moisture and breed mould and bacteria, try natural rubber, cotton or wooden toys instead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”12100″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]