Use Less Shampoo and Soap

[bokeefe1226]

I used shampoo still when I shaved my head. Does that make me a bad person lol?

[Bgrnx]

If you are using shampoo, I would reccommend using Trader Joes brand. They make a variety of eco-friendly kinds and they are very reasonable! They don't test on animals, use less-harsh chemicals, and better bottles for recycling. Try them!

[thegreenlivingplace]

I would like to add that maybe rather than buying regular soap or shampoo, please look at buying products that are 100% organig. Not just products that have a few organic additives but products that are certified to USDA National Organic Program standards.

These type products are made with our enviroment in mind. They are 100% bio-degradable. My personel favorite is Dr Bonner's castle products.

[Dr Eco]

And you always mold the old soap remains to the new one..

[thegreenlivingplace]

I have been using Castile Soap instead of shampoo and conditioner for some time now and I love it. I use an olive oil based and have no need of a conditioner.

Castile soap isn't a brand but a type of soap made exclusively from vegetable oil rather than animal fat or synthetic substances. The purists feel it should be made from olive oil but there's a wide variety of castile variants that use oil from plants such as coconut and jojoba.The simple nature of the soap means less enviromental impact due to a reduced waste stream during manufacture and also faster biodegradability.

While castile soaps can have additional synthetic ingredients, usually you'll find if it's marketed under that name, it's a fairly natural sort of product.

[jessxxx]

actually you guys can make you own concoction at home! you can use baking soda and water as a shampoo and apple cider vinegar and essential oils (or even tea bags) as a conditioner!
here are the measurements and directions:
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 1 cup of warm water.* Pour into a squeeze bottle or old shampoo bottle.

2. Massage the mixture directly onto your scalp, using your fingertips to gently scrub and work the mixture evenly over your scalp.
Let it sit for a minute or two before thoroughly rinsing. It is best to use cooler water to rinse.

4. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to mask the smell of the vinegar. Pour the mixture into a glass bottle.

5. Pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over your hair, starting with the ends and working throughout the hair.

6. Let it sit for a minute or two before thoroughly rinsing. It is best to use cooler water to rinse.

* For those with thicker or curly hair, a bit more baking soda might be needed. Those with thin or fine hair might need less. Adjustments can be made accordingly.

taken from: A Green and Healthy Beauty Secret: Going Shampoo-Free

[roystonparera]

Most of us use way more shampoo and soap than we need. Try using smaller portions. Shampoo is a hair care product used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, but we want to use less shampoo and shop, that is good for our skin as well as good for our hair also.

[Joycefpgmom]

That is an awesome idea about using less shampoo. I never thought of that.. thank you

[thegreendiva]

Good tip- but how about skipping the liquid shampoo altogether? I find a solid shampoo bar not only saves on packaging but also lasts ages (I have a bar from Lush that I got in 2006! and will still last till the end of this year). I find they lather well, and a little research means you can find ones without SLS too.

My mum would freak if I shaved my head- apparently it's not ladylike...

[ecofriendlysites]

I'm surprised that no one has suggested this yet... but you don't need to shampoo every day. You can cut down on the amount you use by shampooing less often.