We are lucky that there are already lots of plastic-free alternatives for keeping ourselves clean. It is just a matter of trying them and finding the ones that work for you. Often plastic-free alternatives use far less chemicals, so it is better for us as well as for the environment.
Cosmetics - There are loads of DIY makeup options using household items - have a look on Pinterest for your exact needs but most things are “makeable”! If you’d like to buy makeup, click here for a great article.
Dental floss - Silk dental floss in glass jars is available to buy online from AnythingButPlastic.co.uk. Charcoal dental floss from Georganics is also available and is made with bamboo fibres.
Deodorant - There are a variety of solid deodorants such as Fitpit, sold in Happy Earth Place and Lush sell deodorant bars. Or you can make your own - there are recipes online.
Feminine hygiene - You can buy Mooncups, Fleur cups and others online. Moonsponges are also an option. There are a range of washable sanitary pads in various sizes from various sellers who will deliver. Earthwise Girls is one company who do a full range of options, and Cheeky wipes do great sanitary pads.
Hair Conditioner - Lush and Happy Earth Place sell conditioner bars. AnythingButPlastic.co.uk sells Neem, Jojoba and Argon Oil conditioner bars and do home delivery.
For a natural alternative, diluted apple cider vinegar (available in most supermarkets) is a popular solution - look online for details.
Moisturiser - Coconut oil is useful for cooking, as a moisturiser, as a conditioner and in toothpaste. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties making a great treatment for dry skin and scratches and is available in glass jars with metal lids from most supermarkets. Some companies sell moisturising bars which are wrapped in paper - Lush does a facial serum bar.
Toilet paper - Cheeky Panda sells toilet paper and kitchen towels and delivers to you in a cardboard box. Half their profits go towards building toilets in the third world.
Toothpaste - Toothpaste tablets (Denttabs) are available from Happy Earth Place and Anythingbutplastic.co.uk. Lush also have their own toothpaste tablets.
Toothbrushes - Bamboo toothbrushes are available from Happy Earth Place, Pillars of Hercules, Anythingbutplastic.co.uk or other online outlets.
Nappies and wipes - There are many washable, reusable nappy and wipe options. Join Fife Real Nappy Library or Perth Nappies and Slings to try different nappies to find out what suits you and your baby, and to get advice. There are a variety of groups on facebook for buying and selling secondhand nappies and wipes. Cheeky wipes is a great online shop that sells washable wipes, or you can make your own by cutting up old cotton clothes.
Razors - There are a variety of safety razors available online. Take care when recycling and handling razor blades. Friendly Soap sell shaving bars.
Shampoo bars - Shampoo bars are available from Lush and Happy Earth Place. Happy Earth Place also do liquid shampoo refills.
Soap bars - Friendly Soap are a well-known large manufacturer of natural soaps. They are stocked by Pillar of Hercules and Happy Earth Place. There are various natural soap makers in Fife including Superfly Soaps who are one of our 'Plastic-Free Champion' businesses. Use these as an alternative to liquid handwash and shower gels.
