Category: Product Review

bookmark_borderWhy I Love My Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket: A Review!

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Hey earth muffins! Today I have another sustainable product review for you all. Bearaby, an eco-friendly weighted blanket company, was kind enough to send me one of their blankets to test out. This “Tree Napper” blanket not only has an adorable name, but is also such a great weighted blanket! Before I get into the Bearaby review, I want to quickly discuss some benefits. Weighted blankets are totally underrated in my opinion; I definitely want to share my thoughts with you all! 😊

A picture of a Bearaby Tree Napper weighted blanket on the couch

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

According to the Bearaby weighted blanket guide, using a “heavy” blanket increases melatonin and serotonin while reducing cortisol. Melatonin helps us sleep; serotonin is nicknamed the “happy hormone”. Cortisol is our main stress hormone, which can cause us anything from low energy to anxiety depending on how much is in our body. With increased levels of these “good” hormones and decreased cortisol, the result is less stress, better sleep, and more joy. Other benefits range from alleviating anxiety to supporting the elderly as they sleep!

I’ve personally heard many great things about weighted blankets for anxiety and insomnia before I heard about Bearaby. I have shared my personal experiences with anxiety on this blog from time to time, so I was excited to try out a blanket that could ease my mind at night! If you are interested in learning more about weighted blankets outside of this Bearaby review, I highly suggest checking out their guide, as they cover many details for anyone interested.

What I Love About My Bearaby Blanket

A picture of a Bearaby weighted blanket in its cloth bag packaging

Obviously, I love that this is a sustainable company! I specifically picked their cooling weighted blanket because it is made of a material called Tencel. This biodegradable fabric is awesome – I will be discussing more about it in the section below. Like other reviews, you all know I love to talk about packaging… And Bearaby’s did not disappoint! The blanket itself came in a huge cardboard box which I was able to recycle. Inside the box it is wrapped in a cloth bag that can be used to transport it around later (especially when moving). The blanket was tied up like a cute cinnamon roll – they used a scrap piece of fabric to secure it together. So great that plastic was avoided!

The weight is also perfect in my Tree Napper. Bearaby recommends that you pick a blanket that is 10% your body weight. I weigh 115 pounds, but the lowest weight you can get is 15 pounds. When I got it, I was a bit concerned that it would feel too heavy… But it doesn’t at all! I typically sleep on my back (like a vampire as my boyfriend says), so adding an extra blanket was no problem. I’d like to also note that the weight is evenly distributed and didn’t get moved around in the washing machine. I can assume cheaper quality blankets have issues with the weight getting messed up.

A picture of a Bearaby weighted blanket rolled up

How Bearaby’s Tree Napper Blanket Helps Me Sleep

This Tree Napper blanket keeps me the perfect temperature. I feel like people assume a weighted blanket makes you hotter in bed. But, I have found it keeps me at a great body heat. This specific Bearaby blanket is designed for cooling at night, so if you are a hot sleeper I would suggest trying this one out! 😴 I personally would rather be colder than hot, so it is perfect for me!

The best part about my Bearaby blanket is that it helps my anxiety. I’ve always been an anxious person; I tend to wake up in the morning with my mind racing with work to-dos. Since I started using the Tree Napper, my mind isn’t racing as much in the mornings. While I still have certain days where it does happen, I’m amazed that a blanket can help with my anxiety! Definitely had to mention that in this Bearaby review.

What is Tencel?

A picture of Bearaby Tencel fabric

Like I mentioned above, I love this blanket because it is made from a material called Tencel. According to the material description on Bearaby,

“Made from natural eucalyptus fibers, TENCEL™ Lyocell is silky soft, with a lustrous sheen and smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel. Made from sustainably grown Eucalyptus pulp using no irrigation or chemical fertilizers, Tencel is 100% biodegradable and the most sustainable fabric on earth. It’s more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen.”

https://bearaby.com/products/tree-napper

In my own research, Good on You labels it as “good” on the sustainability scale because it requires less energy and water than cotton. It is also white when produced, which requires less dye in the production process. Overall, I love that this blanket is ethical and sustainable!

Things To Improve On

A Bearaby review post would not be complete without me mentioning the price. As I say in many of my sustainable product reviews, it is pricier than the average product. The Tree Napper costs $269, which can seem high when shopping around for weighted blankets. However, this is a high quality product that is made with biodegradable materials. They have slighly cheaper blankets ($249) and ones for kids that are only $149. I’m always willing to pay a little bit more for a product that is made by a company that truly cares about the planet… But I just had to mention the price for those who are a bit more budget conscious!

I think it is also good to mention that a weighted blanket, in general, can be hard to wash. My apartment complex only has top-loading washing machines with agitators in the middle. Even on the permanent press cycle, the blanket still managed to get itself wrapped around the pole – it took me quite some time to remove it from the washer! 😆 While not the fault of Bearaby at all, just be warned that a weighted blanket can be a challenge in the laundry room.

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Overall, I absolutely love my Tree Napper weighted blanket! The Tencel fabric is sustainable and awesome, and I love that it helps me with my anxiety. While it is on the pricier side, I always suggest paying more for a product that will last. Much better than buying cheaply made items that will end up in the landfill after a few years. I am excited to continue using this product and highly recommend you all check out Bearaby as well! Have you ever tried a weighted blanket? Thanks for checking out my Bearaby review!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA WorldFinds Haul and Review: Remarkable Fair Trade Spring Jewelry

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Hey earth muffins! It is super exciting that spring is finally here! 🌷 Warm weather and sunshine means busting out my capris and spring accessories for the changing season. When the cold, sweater weather goes away, I like to start wearing jewelry I haven’t been wearing for a few months. Scrolling through Instagram, I recently came across a brand called WorldFinds. Their pieces are gorgeous and perfect for spring! I was recently gifted a few of their items, so I wanted to share my spring jewelry haul and WorldFinds review with you all today. Plus, I have a discount code to save you money!

What is WorldFinds?

I am excited to be working with this brand because they value three things: people, the planet, and purpose. Their jewelry creates work for 700 artisans in India; each purchase provides food and education for the artisan’s family as they earn a living wage in safe working conditions. WorldFinds is also eco-friendly, which is perfect for us earth muffins! Jewelry is created from a material called “Kantha”, which is repurposed, recycled fabric from furniture factories and saris. I personally love that each piece of jewelry is different because of this – every single piece will be unique and just for you! 😊 Lastly, I love that this brand empowers women. It is woman-owned and empowers its artisans through fair trade. I think this company has amazing values and acts on their beliefs. If you are interested in buying from their website, make sure to use the code “earthmuffin25” to get 25% your order! 🎉

My Package of WorldFinds Spring Jewelry!

A picture of a WorldFinds box, with jewelry wrapped in tissue paper

Before jumping into the haul, this WorldFinds review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the packaging. First off, it came in a cardboard box which I was able to recycle. The pieces are wrapped up in adorable tissue paper and each one comes in a reusable jewelry bag. Instead of stuffing the remaining space with something like packing peanuts, the box was filled with brown paper. I have set the cute tissue paper and this brown paper aside and will use it for wrapping gifts for family and friends. Yay for reusing packing materials!

Each jewelry piece was attached to its tag with a piece of brown string instead of plastic – such a great swap! I love to see companies finding alternatives to plastic, so this made me quite happy. The tags describe how to take care of your jewelry and also include a picture of the artisan that made your pieces. It gives a nice personal touch to your fair trade jewelry!

A picture of a WorldFinds artisan tag, showcasing the artisan who made the jewelry

The Classic Kantha Necklace – $24

The first item I was gifted is their classic Kantha necklace. This necklace is a strand of colorful beads with a cute little tassel on the chain extender. I love how it is such a statement piece! Once the pandemic is over, I can see myself wearing this to work with a monochromatic top and a black pencil skirt.

A picture of a girl wearing a classic Kantha Worldfinds necklace

I also love that this necklace is versatile. Because it has a chain extender, you can wear it at any length. If you aren’t feeling a necklace, you can also style this as a bracelet or anklet. I personally love to wear anklets when I’m wearing my Birkenstocks; so you will definitely see me rocking this gorgeous piece all spring and summer!

Dream Kantha Connection Bracelet – $15

I love a good bracelet, and this one is special because it reminds me to dream! WorldFinds has two bracelet collections that I absolutely love. This Dream one is part of the Kantha Connection collection, where each of the 12 bracelets is a different color to channel different energies. From “Growth” to “Creativity”, these bracelets remind you of these things. I personally chose the Dream bracelet to remind myself to think big, perserve, and accomplish amazing things whenever I wear it. The Cause Connection collection allows you to support 12 different charities by buying a bracelet to “Restore” or “Teach”. 15% of the bracelet sales are donated to the charity each bracelet is assigned, which is a great way to give back and get a gorgeous spring piece of jewelry.

A picture of a WorldFinds dream bracelet from their Kantha Connection collection

This bracelet is super cute! The beads are on a stretchy cord which allows you to easily take it on or off. I personally love that it is on a stretchy cord because I have a small wrist. It is sometimes a struggle for me to find a bracelet that doesn’t dangle and annoy me. 😅 I’m also a huge fan of the colors on my Kantha beads, which I had to mention in this WorldFinds review. I have quite a few navy pieces in my closet, so I will get a lot of use from this bracelet!

Mini Kantha Hoops – $18

A picture of WorldFinds mini hoop earrings

The last piece in this WorldFinds review are these adorable mini hoops. My relationship with earrings has evolved over the years. In high school, I used to wear a ton of different types, but when I went off to college I exclusively wore diamond studs or no earrings at all. I mentioned this back in 2019 in my low waste jewelry collection post. I am hoping to ease myself back into wearing more styles this spring and summer; so, I thought these hoops would be the perfect place to start! I think they are such a perfect size for my ear. I’ve found that some hoops only look good with a certain hairstyle, but I can definitely wear these will my hair up or down. The Kantha colors are super vibrant and perfect for spring… I might just have to wear these to Easter dinner this year!

Overall Thoughts on this WorldFinds Review

I think this company has great, affordable pieces that support both artisans and the planet. How could you not check out their website?! Plus, if you use the code “earthmuffin25” you will receive 25% off your order – such a steal for fair trade products! I will for sure be wearing these pieces all spring long. The necklace will most likely be worn as an anklet until I actually go back to the office to work. My ears will (finally) see earrings that aren’t just studs, and I hope to remind myself to dream whenever I wear my new bracelet. I am such a supporter of reusing and repurposing, so I love these Kantha pieces! 😍 Will you be purchasing anything from WorldFinds?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA New Addition to my Plant Family – Moss Amigos Review!

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Hey earth muffins! If you follow my Instagram, you have seen that I bought myself a Moss Amigo back in February. This was a Christmas gift to myself, as these marimo moss balls are so cute! During the holiday, I went home for a month or so to be with family. My boyfriend was given the responsibility to take care of my plants… And he killed 3 of them (an unfortunate incident with our radiator). 🙄 RIP Harold, Petunia, and Patricia. Because this little guy has been in my plant family for a while, it’s the perfect time for a post about him. Let’s jump right into this Moss Amigos review!

A picture of a Moss Amigos moss ball in a glass jar on a window sill

What I Love About my Moss Amigo

The first thing I like about my moss ball is that he adds a bit of “flavor” to my plant shelf. All of my other plants are in pots and planters, including the DIY planter I upcycled; he is unique in his adorable glass jar. I’ve never had a plant that grows in water before too, so it adds a new vibe to the greenery in my apartment! Plus, you can add whatever you want to the bottom of the jar. You can buy different rocks and gems on the website, but you could totally customize this with seashells you find at the beach, etc. He looks adorable sitting on my window sill! 😍

I also love that I am supporting a small business! While this brand isn’t necessarily “sustainable”, I was happy to support it after randomly finding their page on my Instagram. I believe the brand went semi-viral on TikTok a couple of months after I received mine in the mail. Glad I didn’t have to wait when they were swamped with orders!

Taking care of a Moss Amigos is also super easy. While my other plants don’t require a lot of effort, this moss ball is easier still. All you need to do is keep it in a place with indirect sun and then change the water every 2 or 3 weeks. I’ve been replacing the water every 2 weeks, but I probably could wait longer. The water hasn’t gotten cloudy or anything like that, which means my moss ball is thriving! According to the Moss Amigos website, if taken care of properly these algae can last over 200 years!!

It is also easy to tell if your moss ball isn’t doing well. If they are getting too much sun, the ball will get specs of white. If it turns slightly brown, it isn’t getting enough sun. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher what is going wrong in a plant when it starts to change color. It is really helpful (especially for someone who isn’t the best with plants) to know exactly what the discoloration means. Definitely a positive in this Moss Amigos review!

A picture of a Moss Amigos with a cowboy hat on

Other Things I Like!

I also like that you can buy hats for your moss ball! If you need to put it in direct sun for some reason, just pop its cowboy hat on to give it some shade. Or, just put on the hat for a photo shoot… Which is definitely something I have done. 😅 I think it is freaking adorable that one of my plants has a custom hat. It adds such a cute touch!

Lastly, the fact that this is a moss ball gives you a lot of creative freedom with the name. I love looking at the Moss Amigos story on Instagram because they share stories from people with the names they give their plant. While Bob Moss was a close contender, I decided to name my little guy Mosstin Ames. Yes, after the classic A Cinderella Story character. 😊

What Could Be Better with my Moss Amigos

As I mentioned above, this company isn’t really “sustainable”… But I can’t have a Moss Amigos review on this blog without mentioning packaging. This little guy came packaged in a cardboard box; but, there were plenty of plastics inside (including the pouch Mosstin was wrapped in!). I can’t knock this too much because the brand isn’t trying to be that eco-friendly, but I thought I would still bring it up.

While I think the hats are adorable, you can also argue that they are wasteful and unnecessary. I do agree that, in theory, they can be wasteful. But, if you keep your Moss Amigo for as long as it lives, then that hat will be useful that whole time as well. I personally get very attached to my plants, so I know Mosstin and his hat will be a feature in my apartment/home for many years to come!

The rise in popularity of marimo moss balls is also creating an issue with zebra mussels. This invasive species is attaching itself to moss balls and getting taken all over the world as companies don’t take care to get their moss balls from high quality sources. Moss Amigos discussed this on their Instagram and take extra care that their algae balls are sourced in high quality, mussel-free environments. While this is good, the trend of buying these balls is creating a new niche for cheaper, low quality balls that potentially have invasive species inside… So be careful if you buy marimo moss from other companies!

Summary of my Thoughts

All in all, I absolutely love Mosstin! He is cute, easy to take care of, and looks absolutely amazing in his hat. He adds a lot of character to the plants in my apartment, and I love supporting a small brand. The company could definitely improve their packaging to make it more eco-friendly, and I hate that an invasive species is hitching a ride on some marimo balls. If you are on the market for a moss ball, I suggest checking out Moss Amigos! 😍

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderSoyabella Review & My Best Recipes for Delicous Non-Dairy Milk

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Hey earth muffins! For Christmas this year, my parents bought me a few sustainable gifts. I recently reviewed the Natissy reusable paper towels, so I thought I would share my thoughts on another gift: the Soyabella nut milk maker (affiliate link)! Milk is one of those things that creates a large environmental impact. Because of that, I have been trying to swap out dairy milk for other alternatives. Many nut and seed milks do not come in glass; so, making your own is the better option! This Soyabella allows me to make my own nut milk, which is so awesome! Let’s get into my Soyabella nut milk maker review!

A picture of the Soyabella nut milk maker on a kitchen counter

What I Love About My Soyabella Nut Milk Maker

When I originally moved this summer, I thought I would just buy my milk in glass because that is an option at my local health food store. However, they stopped allowing you to bring back the glass bottles because of Mister Corona. 😕 Plus, I felt like there were other options that didn’t involve cows polluting up the atmosphere. Like I mentioned above, nut milks usually come in a plastic/cardboard container. I love that this machine skips the packaging altogether! I can buy the ingredients I need in the bulk bins and pour the milk into glass jars I already have in my pantry. A win-win!

I love that you can make as much milk as you need in this machine. I find that making 0.8 Liters is enough to last me a week, depending on how much cereal I have for breakfast. If your particular nut/seed milk won’t last a full week, you can make less milk. Or, you can make even more milk if your whole family will be drinking it. I love the range of production!

The Soyabella (affiliate link) is also super easy to use. There is a detachable metal container on the inside where you put your almonds, oats, seeds, etc. Pour in some water, put on the top, and press a button a few times. Ta-da! Fresh milk. The machine is specifically made for making soy milk, so there is a whole separate button for heating up the soy beans to cook them and then turning that into milk. I just use the “Mill” button for my milks, but once I can find some bulk soy beans I definitely want to try making soy milk too!

Before my parents bought this for me, I had the Almond Cow on my eco wishlist, which I shared a few months ago. The Almond Cow retails at $200, while this machine is only $100. (As you all know, this Soyabella review wouldn’t be complete without talking about price!) I love that there is this range in nut milk makers so that it is accessible to all income levels. While I don’t know if the Almond Cow works better, I haven’t found any issues with my Soyabella!

What Could Be Improved in the Soyabella Nut Milk Maker

So far, I haven’t found anything that I don’t like about this gadget! The only thing I could think of when writing this Soyabella review is the way the inside container gets locked into place… Once you fill it up with your nuts/seeds, you have to twist left to lock it into place. For some reason, this is not natural to me, as I usually have to twist things right (“righty tighty” haha). This is an extremely minor detail, so I don’t think it should deter anyone from trying out this product!

My Favorite Soyabella Milk Recipes

A glass jar of almond milk, made in the Soyabella nut milk maker

Almond Milk

Before sharing this recipe, it is important to note that almond milk isn’t that great for the environment either. It is much better than dairy, but compared to other options (such as oat milk and seed milk) it still has a negative impact on the environment… But, then again, most products have some negative impact. However, I have found that most people can easily make the switch from dairy to almond milk. So, it is a good recipe to try in your Soyabella.

-1 cup almonds. Soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-0.8 Liter of water. There is a 0.8 fill line in the Soyabella
-Dash of maple syrup to sweeten, optional

1. Place the almonds and maple syrup into the metal Soyabella container. Lock into place.
2. Press the “Mill” button which will run the blade for about 10 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times, depending on how thick you want the milk.
3. Pour into a mason jar and store in the fridge – it will last about 6-7 days! Before each use, make sure to shake the container!

Pumpkin Seed Milk

Just as a disclaimer, this milk should be a green/gray color. 😄 Perfect for celebrating a zero waste St. Patrick’s Day! Use the same directions as above, using pumpkin seeds in place of almonds:

-1 cup raw pumpkin seed. You can soak them overnight if you want!
-3 cups water
-Dash of maple syrup (or agave nectar) to sweeten, optional
-Dash of salt

There you have it, my Soyabella nut milk maker review (affiliate link)! I use this machine every weekend to make new milk for the upcoming week – I absolutely love it! If you drink almond milk or any dairy alternative, I highly suggest trying to make it yourself with this machine. Nothing is more better for you than what you make at home! 🌎 ❤️

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderNatissy Reusable Paper Towels Review! An Easy Sustainable Swap

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Hey earth muffins! I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. I am officially done with busy season at work, so I am happy to have much more time to blog again. 🎉 For today’s post, I wanted to write a review of the Natissy reusable paper towels (affiliate link). If you are following me on Instagram, you would have seen that my parents bought me a few sustainable products for Christmas… Including these! I had been wanting to try out reusable paper towels, so I was excited that they gifted them to me. 😊 Swapping out your paper towels for reusable ones is such a great sustainable swap; let’s jump right into the Natissy paper towels review!

A picture of a roll of Natissy reusable paper towels sitting on the kitchen counter

What I Love About Natissy Reusable Paper Towels

First of all, it is awesome that I am preventing waste. Paper towels are single use items that seem to be in everyone’s home – such a waste! Before I had Natissy, I would use a huge stack of rags/washcloths whenever I needed to clean or wipe up a mess. This is obviously an easy thing to do, as most people have old cloth lying around too. Instead of tossing the paper towel into the trash, just wash with your clothes and reuse. Amazing and eco-friendly! Plus, so easy to start doing!

I also love that they can be rolled onto the wooden stand for convenience. They look exactly like a roll of typical paper towels! When my boyfriend and I moved in together over the summer, he refused to stop using paper towels. (Just an example of living with someone who isn’t as eco-friendly as you!) I still haven’t gotten him to budge on that (yet), so I store the Natissy stand right next to his paper towels. I am hopeful that he will realize just how easy it is to grab a Natissy towel from the stand instead of reaching for the single use item!

A picture of Natissy reusable paper towels next to typical paper towel at the kitchen sink

The fabric is 100% cotton, which makes the towels super absorbent. I was worried that they would get messed up in the washing machine, but I haven’t had any trouble so far. After washing, I hang them on a drying rack so that I don’t need to put them through the dryer. This saves energy as well. 😊 The washing machines in my apartment complex are a bit rough during the cycles, so I have found that the towels can wrinkle… Nothing an iron can’t fix! But, let’s be honest, I usually just leave them a little wrinkled because they are just paper towels after all. 😁

What To Improve On

The first thing I don’t like about this product is that you can’t remove the wooden dowel from the stand. Instead of being able to roll the towels anywhere, this limits you to doing it on the edge of a surface (see video below). This isn’t a huge issue, but I’ve seen other versions of “unpaper” towels that have removable dowels. I personally think that would be the better option.

Just like any sustainable review I do on this blog, I also wanted to bring up the price. On Amazon, a set of the stand and towels costs $44 (affiliate link). I personally don’t think I would buy these if I wasn’t gifted them by my parents; my box of rags/washcloths did the trick and it cost me $0! Many products advertise themselves as “zero waste” and “sustainable”, but it is sometimes better to just use what you already have. Sure, the Natissy stand looks great in my kitchen. But, you might want to opt for the less pretty (and cheaper) version.

Lastly, if you are using these towels to pick up dark liquids, they can stain. I haven’t had too many issues with this, but one towel is slightly darker now… This is just from the fact that the towels are a light color. I personally don’t care if my rags/washcloths/paper towels are stained. It just shows that they are being put to good use around your home! However, if that does bother you, then I would pick a brand of reusables that comes in darker shades.

Overall, I think reusuable paper towels are awesome! You don’t need to buy specific “unpaper” towels, like Natissy, if you already have other options at home. But, making the swap away from paper towels is a great way to reduce the waste in your kitchen! 🌎 ❤️

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderReview: Native Deodorant in Cucumber Mint, with a PLASTIC FREE Tube!

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Hey earth muffins! It’s your girl coming at you with another review today! 😍 I personally have had a love-hate relationship with natural deodorants since I started my eco journey. If you have been following me for some time, you have seen me review deodorants from Pretty Frank before. In the world of natural deodorants, there are so many different kinds to choose from. Baking soda, zinc, why are there so many options? I’ve never found the “perfect” one yet, so when I saw that Native came out with a plastic free natural deodorant, I scooped it up right away. Let’s jump into my Native deodorant review! 🎉

A picture of plastic free Native deodorant in Cucumber melon

What I’m Loving About Native Deodorant

Obviously the first thing I need to mention is that this deodorant is plastic free – amazing! Some natural deodorants (like Tom’s of Maine) still come in plastic containers, so it is difficult to buy them because I feel bad about the plastic. I think it is extremely innovative (and awesome!) that Native was able to create a deodorant container that very closely resembles a “typical” one… But avoid all plastic in the process! I love to support sustainable companies, so I am super happy about the plastic free line that Native carries. However, not all Native deodorants are plastic-free so make sure you carefully look at what you are buying!

One thing that usually turns people off to natural deodorant is that it isn’t an antiperspirant… Which means you will still sweat. In addition, if you are making the switch from aluminum deodorant to natural, you might experience an armpit detox… Never fear, I have a list of tips to make this process nice and easy! I’ve found that, out of all the natural kinds I have tried, this brand keeps me from sweating the most. While I will obviously experience some dampness if I am hot or working out, I don’t notice this happening much. Plus, the deodorant works amazing! I purchased the Cucumber Melon scent after hearing one of my favorite sustainable influencers talk about how it is her favorite; and it smells so good! The Native plastic free line has 5 different scents, but I might just have to stick to this one when I’m repurchasing. 😊

A picture of the top of plastic free Native deodorant

With this natural deodorant coming in its own tube, I LOVE that I don’t have to stick my fingers in a jar to apply it every morning. Instead of a plastic roller at the bottom to push up the product as you use it, this innovative design has a cardboard piece that can be pushed up. It reminds me of those push up pops I used to eat as a kid! 😂 Not having to get my fingers dirty to apply my deodorant in the morning is super helpful in making my morning routine quicker and easier. Perfect for busy work days!

The last positive I will mention about this product is that the plastic free Native deodorants are basically the SAME price as the plastic Native ones. 🎉 In a world where we often see upcharges for sustainable products, I love that I can opt for the eco-friendly verison without spending more money. At Target and on their online store, the difference is only $1. I hope this gets other people to try the plastic free version too!

What Could Be Improved On

This Native deodorant review wouldn’t be complete without a few negatives… I think the first thing to mention is that the paper “push up pop” can sometimes be finicky. I’ve found that you sometimes need to hold it in place as you apply your deodorant. This isn’t a huge issue for me, but it is different than applying your “typical” deodorant.

A picture of the push up part of plastic free Native deodorant

Again, I always like to briefly mention the price. It is $12.99 at Target or $11 if you subscribe on the Native website for a new stick every 3 months… Seems pretty pricey to some. But, I think it is so important to stop using aluminum deodorants – it is so bad for you! If you stop using the cheap, aluminum filled brands, then why not spend that extra dollar to get a plastic free version? I’ve personally seen more expensive natural ones, so I think the price is worth it. 😊

Last but not least, I don’t like that they don’t sell the plastic free version on Amazon. While I try to limit my Amazon purchasing (because shop small and local as much as you can y’all!), I know that many people rely on it for a lot of their shopping. So, by not having the plastic free version on there, you are limiting access to people who might want to give it a try. As someone who loves this product, I highly suggest trying it out! Thanks for reading my Native deodorant review! 😍 What deodorant are you currently using?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderDavids Natural Toothpaste Review – With A Pioneering, METAL Tube

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Hey earth muffins! A few weeks ago my (last) plastic toothpaste tube was running low. Just like I have been doing with many of my items, once it ran out I was going to replace it with a more sustainable option. In terms of toothpaste, most of the sustainable options are to purchase toothpaste tablets. However, I was wandering around the dental aisle at Target and saw this product. Davids Natural Toothpaste comes in a metal tube that can be recycled (affiliate link)! 😍 I was intrigued, as I’ve never seen toothpaste in metal before…. After trying out this product for a month now, I thought I would share my thoughts. Let’s get right into it!

A picture of a tube of Davids natural toothpaste

What I Love About Davids Natural Toothpaste

First off, I obviously love that Davids toothpaste is a sustainable product (affiliate link). I am proud to say that my dental routine is now fully low waste! 🎉 I use an old electric toothbrush from many years ago (the heads are recyclable by the company), my floss is the amazing compostable floss from Dental Lace, and now my toothpaste can be recycled! The packaging of this toothpaste is a gorgeous cardboard box that can be recycled as well. I personally love how simple the design is on the cover, as it reminds me of a past decade.

I think the paste itself does a wonderful job of cleaning my teeth. It is a subtle grey color (as they don’t dye it to look a certain way). The paste is a tad thinner compared to brands like Crest; I personally love this consistency, as I find that whatever they put in other brands makes it clump up in my mouth as I brush. Davids toothpaste doesn’t do this, so it is easier to brush everything. The toothpaste foams up too and makes my teeth feel extra clean! 🦷

A picture of a box of Davids natural toothpaste

Another great things about this product is the subtle flavoring. I’ve mentioned this in other reviews, as I hate when something has an extremely overpowering scent/flavor. Davids toothpaste has a nice subtle flavor. I went with the Spearmint option, but you can also buy Peppermint, Charcoal, and Citrus.

Going alongside the flavoring, I love that this toothpaste isn’t full of sugar. I was surprised to find out that many toothpastes contain a lot of sugar, as it “helps the flavor taste better”. However, that seems kinda counterproductive… In my last Crest tube, I actually could taste too much sugar, which I really hated. So I love that this brand doesn’t have barely any!

What I’m Struggling With

While I think Davids natural toothpaste is an amazing option, there are other (possibly better) sustainable options (affiliate link). If you purchase toothpaste tabs, you won’t even have to recycle anything. The glass bottle they come in can just be reused around your house! Also, each tube of Davids toothpaste comes with a metal key to help you roll as you use the product. I definitely wish there was an option to opt out, as I would just reuse one key. Good thing the keys are recyclable as well!

Another downside to this product is that you have to clean the tube before you can recycle it. This makes sense, as I mentioned in a recent recycling post that you MUST clean everything before it can be recycled… However, I think this will deter people from actually recycling the tube. I’m sure many will toss it in uncleaned or just toss it in the trash because they are too lazy to take the time to clean it. I plan on writing a full post on how to clean the tube to provide helpful tips, so look forward to that in the future! 😊

Lastly, like in many of my sustainable reviews, I do have to mention the price. For $10, it might seem ridiculous to buy this… But, many toothpaste tabs are even more expensive! You have to think about the fact that you are paying more to support a company that is trying to do its part. What are your thoughts – will you try Davids natural toothpaste (affiliate link)?

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA Review of the Lena Menstrual Cup

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Hey earth muffins! If you have been following me on this blog or on Instagram, you will know that I have been trying out a menstrual cup for a few months. Now that I’ve had some time to use the Lena cup, I thought I would share a full review of this sustainable period product. I bought my Lena cup on Amazon for about $25 (affiliate link). It comes in two different sizes but because my flow isn’t super heavy, I went with the small version. I’ve been using this cup for 5 months now, so let’s jump right into the Lena menstrual cup review! 😊

A picture of the Lena menstrual cup

What I Love About the Lena Cup

Obviously I love that it is sustainable! There are multiple ways to zero waste your period from reusable pads to period underwear. I have never been a tampon girl, so I’d probably be the most comfortable with reusable pads. But, I don’t have my own laundry in my apartment right now; so, I would definitely feel uncomfortable washing reusable pads in the shared space. Maybe when I move next I will give them a try! Menstrual cups are awesome because it saves you from throwing anything away during your period. 😍 One cup will last you many years and can stay in your body for up to 12 hours – so amazing to think about all the pads/tampons you won’t have to use!

Because I wasn’t a tampon girl, I was scared that a menstrual cup would be hard to use… But it isn’t! Sure, it might take a few cycles to get used to, but it is definitely something you can learn. I’ve also been surprised by how many resources are out there on YouTube, blogs, etc. Any question you have will be answered if you look hard enough. 😊 If you are new to using a menstrual cup, make sure to check out my post on tips for inserting and removing one!

A menstrual cup in the C-fold

What I Like about my Lena Cup!

I love that the Lena cup is made of medical grade silicone because it saves my body from being exposed to the chemicals that are typically in other period products. It blows my mind that companies are able to put nasty things in items that 50% of the population uses… Especially when they come in such close contact to our most sensitive areas! I haven’t noticed any differences (other than there being no period smells), but I’m positive my body is better off now!

The Lena cup is super easy to clean – all you have to do is boil it! I will typically let it sit in boiling water for a good 5 minutes before each cycle. The cup I got is pink; I haven’t had any trouble with staining or things like that. Even after 5 months it still looks like when I first bought it!

What I’m Struggling With

If I’m being honest, I am currently looking for another menstrual cup to try out. While I love the benefits of using the Lena cup, I have found that the silicone is quite hard for me. This makes it a bit uncomfortable when it is in. It will sometimes push on my bladder and make it feel like I need to go to the bathroom. Plus, sometimes it will make it hard to go to the bathroom altogether. Even worse, it sometimes gives me more cramps which is definitely not ideal.

Going into the menstrual cup world, I knew that the first one I tried might not be the best one for my body. Put A Cup in It has a great chart that shows the different levels of “firmness” of menstrual cups. The Lena cup gets a 4 on the scale.

Menstrual cup firmness chart

Because I don’t enjoy the hardness of the silicone, I think I will be trying out the Organicup next (affiliate link). This cup has great reviews and is rated a 2 on the firmness scale. Plus, it will give me an opportunity to share another review with you all! I’m hoping that a less stiff silicone will make the menstrual cup feel better in my body, because there is just no reason why you shouldn’t start to zero waste your period! 😊

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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