Toothpaste Tablets and Second Hand Bargains

Welcome all, it felt like January 2021 would never end this year didn't it?

Thankfully we made it through and the days are getting brighter (I actually saw sunshine the other day) and although the weather has taken a wintery turn, it certainly makes walks more interesting and makes me act like an oversized child.

I made a few sustainable purchases in January and thought I would share my thoughts on them!

Toothpaste Tablets

In my quest to become more sustainable, I purchased some toothpaste tablets to use alongside my bamboo toothbrush as sadly toothpaste tubes cannot be recycled and I wanted to try another alternative so I explored Sustainability Station, a Norwich based shop.

The toothpaste tablets come in a reuseable metal container which contains a months supply and refill packs can easily be reordered.

My first thoughts upon using the tablets were that I needed more than one when brushing my teeth as I found there wasn't quite enough foam, (when using a tablet you pop it in your mouth and gently chew until the tablet softens into a foam) which sadly means I am going through the pack quickly. Another thought on toothpaste tablets is that if not careful, they could accidentally be consumed. I have been using them for several weeks now and am still having to tell myself not to swallow them!

I do enjoy knowing that I am creating zero waste using this option but am not sure if I will purchase again in the future.

Biodegradeable Charcoal Floss

Flossing is important but I was always horrified knowing that normal floss cannot be recycled and so I purchased some charcoal floss. It cost more than I would usally pay for floss, but it comes in a lovely little glass vial which will be perfect for storing nose studs/studs in when finished but I digress.

I have found that due to it being more expensive than normal floss, I am using slightly smaller sections which is fine as the floss is thicker than normal floss so not as much is needed.

I also purchased a locally made clay face mask, eco friendly washing sponges and a replacement bamboo toothbush! I have been using bamboo toothbrushes since 2019 and they work just as well as a plastic toothbrush, once finished with, the brushes are useful for helping to clean shoes.

Homemade Soap

To cut down on plastic usage, we switched to using hand soap and as a treat I decided to purchase some from The Suffolk Soap Company , I purchased a gently scented Sandlewood & Rose petal soap, two medium sized pieces of Honeysuckle and Jasmine soap and two medium sized pieces of Coconut & Expresso soap. I haven't yet tried the Coconut & Expresso soap but I am sure it will smell delicious as the other soaps do. My hands are no longer dry and sore after using these soaps so would definitely recommend.

Second Hand Clothing

This year I have been using Vinted to sell clothing as there are many pieces from my GothGoth days that I no longer use and would rather they go and have a new life with someone else. I have sold a surprising amount but have more to sell so if anyone is looking for Gothic clothes, let me know! One of the things I enjoy about Vinted is that I can use my balance to make purchases which makes me feel slightly less guilty about treating myself. Since my style has moved away from the GothGoth days I have always tried to purchase unique clothing and through Vinted, I found a dress that was both cat themed and unique...

Although we cannot presently go out and get dressed up, this dress just makes me feel happy and I adore the different cats, the back is also Renaissance themed!

I have always loved the idea of owning a brightly coloured fluffy jacket and spent a long while searching for something suitable but the prices were extortionate despite being secondhand.

However, I finally found a wonderful secondhand jacket which is fluffy, warm and although not bright, it is a beautiful shade of green and quite frankly it makes me feel fabulous!

I have cut down on purchasing clothing and the only clothes I have bought this year have been secondhand which is a theme I am planning on continuing throughtout the future.

I would highly recommend checking out The Suffolk Soap Company and Sustainability Station, both good shops with lovely selections of sustainable items perfect for gifts for other people and yourselves!