Tag: review

bookmark_borderGenusee Sunglasses Review: The Amazing Eyewear with a Circular Economy!

Posted on

Hey earth muffins! When the summer sun starts shining extra bright, it is important to bust out your sunglasses to protect your eyes. 😎 I personally wear them any time I am outside during these warmer months or driving somewhere in my car. This summer, don’t just head to a local store to purchase a pair of cheaply made sunglasses… Instead, invest in a pair that is eco-friendly that will last you many years! In this post, I want to share a company that creates awesome eyewear that is both sustainable and fashionable for the summer months. Genusee sent me a pair of sunglasses to try out, and I am so excited to share this Genusee sunglasses review with you all!

What I Love About the Sustainability of Genusee Sunglasses!

First off, I obviously love this brand because it is sustainable (or I wouldn’t be sharing it with you all!). The company is based in Flint, Michigan, which is infamously known for the Flint Water Crisis. During the height of this crisis, the city of Flint used more than 20 million water bottles a day! This is a great example on how all plastics aren’t “bad” – just imagine how many plastic water bottles were used out of necessity. Instead of producing eyewear using new materials, Genusee prioritizes the use of pre-exisiting materials in their supply chain. This means each pair of sunglasses are upcycled from 15 plastic water bottles from the crisis; that is just incredible! Not only are the glasses made of recycled materials, their suppliers are all located in (or near) Flint as well. This supports local businesses in Michigan as well as reduces carbon emissions during transportation.

Genusee also has a circular economy for their eyewear. Once you are finished using your sunglasses, they actually buy them back from you – and give you a credit towards purchasing your next pair! 😊 After receiving your glasses, they evaluate the quality of them and decide between three things: recycling the material back into the supply chain, refurbishing them and reselling at a value, or donating to people in need. This Buy-Back Program is everything you would want for a closed loop system. I am so excited to know that my glasses will be responsibly put back into rotation instead of sitting in a landfill for thousands of years! 🌎 ❤️

What is Great About My Sunglasses

When picking out my glasses, it was hard for me to pick what color I wanted… Because there are so many great options to choose from! I like that the frames of the sunglasses are all the same shape (called the Roeper frames), but there is still a lot of variation. A color of the frame (such as Black) has many different colored lens to choose from. From vibrant mirror lens to Water Warrier Green frames, there is something for everyone in terms of color! After pondering what color to get, I settled on Classic Black frames with brown lens… Boring, I know, but I love a nice pair of neutral sunglasses!

I also love how these sunglasses fit. They aren’t super large and oversized like some can be, and I think the frames would look good on many different face shapes. Similar to other eyewear brands, Genusee has the option to virtually try on glasses before you purchase them. Definitely take advantage of this feature! It is helpful to see how the frames will look (hint hint: they are going to look super cute!). Plus, it can help you decide between colors as well.

Other Things I Admire About this Brand

Their sunglasses are amazing, but the company also does some pretty awesome things for Flint, Michigan as well. Like I mentioned above, the Flint Water Crisis was devastating. Genusee works with the MADE Institute in Flint to employ returning citizens/displaced workers. While there are 5 colleges in Flint, over 88% of the city’s population does not have a college degree. Genusee knows that sunglasses can be manufactured with a basic understanding of the machines used; so, they strive to creating living wage jobs to help support more Flint workers. On top of this, 1% of their profits are donated to the Community Fund of Greater Flint. These donations help the Flint Promise & Child Health and Development Fund to combat the effects of exposure to lead in drinking water. Definitely another reason to support this brand!

What Could Be Better

This Genusee sunglasses review would not be complete if I didn’t talk about price. When I review sustainable products, I always remind my fellow earth muffins that eco-friendly products are often on the pricier side. These sunglasses are no different. Each pair will cost you around $100. This is much higher than those cheap-o glasses you can find at Walmart (that break after two uses though)… But it is actually in line or cheaper than other high-end sunglasses! So, I would suggest supporting this circular economy instead of buying your next pair of Ray-Ban shades!

Pin now to read later!

Final Thoughts on this Genusee Sunglasses Review!

Overall, Genusee is a brand I would highly recommend checking out. Their circular economy is honestly what every company should strive for. I have never been more proud to share this company with you all! The sunglasses are amazing quality and come in colors for any taste. Plus, this brand actually cares about Flint and is doing its part to help those impacted by the Flint Water Crisis. While the price can be considered high, just compare it to a Ray-Ban and realize that these sunglasses are SO much better in terms of sustainability and social impact. The Genusee goal is simple: to do good for people and the planet using design and collaboration to be the change we want to see. Are you going to support this awesome company this summer? What sunglasses are you currently rocking?

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

bookmark_borderLUSH Montalbano Shampoo Bar Review: An Easy Plastic-Free Swap

Posted on

Hey earth muffins! One of the easiest swaps you can make during Plastic Free July is to start using shampoo bars. Instead of plastic bottled shampoo, these bars come with absolutely no packaging! I’ve tried many different shampoo bars over the years. Personally, I really like the bars from Lush; but, many brands are starting to offer these as an alternative to bottles. 🧼 This is the third shampoo bar I have tried from Lush, so I thought it was fitting to write a review for you all. Let’s get into my Montalbano shampoo bar review!

A picture of the Montalbano shampoo bar from Lush

What I Love About the Montalbano Shampoo Bar

Obviously the first thing I love about this shampoo bar is that it is sustainable! There are so many good reasons to choose bar products over bottled, especially since it often means there is no plastic packaging involved. Lush sells these shampoo bars with no packaging in the store. If you have to order them online, they are shipped with water-dissolvable packing peanuts. It is so much fun to watch them dissolve in the sink! If you are looking to reduce some of your plastic in the bathroom during Plastic Free July, swapping to a shampoo bar is a great idea!

I absolutely love the color of the Montalbano shampoo bar. It is bright yellow, which adds a great pop of color in my shower. I appreciate that this color also doesn’t transfer to my tub when I use the product. When using certain shampoo bars (namely the Jumping Juniper bar from Lush), the color will stain the tub a bright color. While this can easily be removed with some scrubbing when I clean the bathroom, I enjoy that this bar doesn’t leave a bright yellow mark in my shower!

This Montalbano shampoo bar review would be incomplete if I didn’t mention the smell – it is amazing! The shampoo bar has a nice lemon citrus scent, but it isn’t overpowering. When I was using the Honey I Washed my Hair bar, the scent of toffee/honey was super strong in the bathroom. While it smelled really good, I personally am one for more subtle scents. According to the Lush website, there is also rosemary in the shampoo bar. But, you don’t really get much of that when smelling the bar. Citrus is definitely the overwhelming scent!

The Montalbano bar is meant to boost shine, add subtle volume, and cleanse your scalp. I think it definitely does those things! My hair feels super soft after using this shampoo, and it definitely has been adding some extra volume to my naturally curly hair. I recently got my first post-pandemic haircut, and I chopped off a ton of my hair. This shampoo bar has been great in keeping it healthy! In terms of cleansing, I have psoriasis on my scalp which often results in extra grease…. I think this shampoo does a nice job of reducing grease too.

A picture of the Montalbano shampoo bar from Lush

What Could Be Better with this Shampoo Bar

The first con to this Montalbano shampoo bar review would have to be the big chunks of dried citrus in the bar. On each side, there are big dried pieces for decoration. While it looks pretty, it just seems like a waste to me. Those dried citrus pieces could be used for something else! Plus, it makes it more difficult to lather up with the bar. Once the pieces fall off, it seems like they could also clog your shower drain. I personally have been saving them to put in the compost bin! 😊

Along with the dried pieces of citrus, the bar itself isn’t as smooth as other Lush shampoos I’ve tried. I’m not sure what gives it a rough texture, but it is definitely not as smooth. I typically like to lather up the bar in my hands before applying to my hair. But, the texture of the bar makes it easier to just lather in my hair directly. Not a huge con to this product, but I wanted to mention it!

Lastly, to close out this Montalbano shampoo bar review, I noticed more dandruff than usual when I first started using this bar. As mentioned above, it is supposed to cleanse the scalp; so, it was probably just doing its job with my psoriasis! But, I wanted to mention it just in case you are prone to having dandruff already. You might want to opt for a different bar.

Pin now to read later!

Final Thoughts on the Montalbano Shampoo Bar

Overall, I think the Montalbano is a good shampoo bar to try! Lush has a really nice selection of shampoo bars to choose from. Especially during Plastic Free July, there is no reason to not try out a package free option. This bar smells great, looks pretty in the shower, and works! While there are huge chunks of dried citrus on it, don’t let that deter you from trying it out. What shampoo bar have you been using lately??

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

bookmark_borderTatteco Review: Amazing Sustainable Temporary Tattoos!

Posted on

Hey earth muffins! This year, my boyfriend and I got into the show Ink Master. This competition follows tattoo artists as they compete to win the title of the season’s “Ink Master”. I’ve always thought that small, minimalist tattoos are super cute; but, as someone who absolutely hates needles, I’ll definitely never get a real tattoo. 😬 There are companies out there who make long lasting temporary tattoos (like Inkbox)… However, these create a lot of waste. When I found out Tatteco makes sustainable temporary tattoos, I knew I just had to try them out. I hope you enjoy my Tatteco review!

A picture of a dinosaur temporary tattoo from Tatteco

What I Love About Tatteco Temporary Tattoos

For starters, they value sustainability! 🎉 If you remember putting on temporary tattoos as a kid, they would come with a layer of plastic over the design that you remove to apply the tattoo. To avoid this single use plastic, Tatteco uses paperboard instead. As the paperboard is 100% recyclable, it is a much more eco-friendly solution. Plus, the tattoos are made with non-toxic ink, which is another awesome bonus! In terms of sustainable shipping, the tattoos came with minimal packaging as well. Instead of a bubble mailer or box, they were shipped in an envelope in an adorable recyclable postcard. So awesome to see the sustainability value carried throughout the brand!

A picture of the Tatteco packaging

I also have to mention the numerous design options in this Tatteco review. There are so many to choose from! Even if you aren’t into tattoos, I bet you will be able to find something you like. From lettering to book/film inspired to your favorite celebrity’s ink, it is hard to decide on just a few to try out! After combing through the website for an hour or so, I decided on a mixed set of dinosaurs, some cute earths, two stars, and the words “Carpe Diem”. Each set comes with 3 to 4 tattoos of the same design, which allows for multiple wears!

A picture of my haul of Tatteco tattoo designs

What I Like About My Tatteco Tattoos

Like all temporary tattoos, I found that they are simple to apply. Once you decide where you want it, peel off the top paperboard piece. Place the tattoo on your body and press a damp cloth on the back of the paperboard for about 30 seconds. Make sure to evenly apply this damp cloth – wouldn’t want a part of the design to not transfer to your skin! Slowly peel away the paperboard to reveal your tattoo. Ta-da! Quick, easy, and needle free.

These tattoos also last quite a bit of time! The website says they will stay on for 3-5 days, but I have found that they last much longer if you put them in a place that isn’t rubbed by clothes or scrubbed frequently (like your hands). Plus, they don’t feel sticky to the touch after being put on. I remember temporary tattoos as a kid always being itchy and feeling gross when you touched them… These feel like they are actually part of your skin for a few days! If you are thinking about getting a real tattoo, I would suggest getting a temporary one to test out if you like the design/placement. Definitely fills my need for a “tattoo” without getting stabbed numerous times! 😅

Final Tatteco Review Thoughts!

Pin now to read later!

While there aren’t any cons to these tattoos (in my opinion), I wanted to close out this Tatteco review by mentioning the price. For a set of 3 tattoos, it will cost you $4.99. For 4 tattoos, it is a dollar higher. Honestly, I think this is a great price for an eco-friendly temporary tattoo! However, I am sure you can find crappy, plastic temporary tattoos at other stores for less. So, I figured it was important to mention the price tag in this post. However, I think the price tag is totally worth it. The brand actually cares about sustainability and acts on that value in their tattoos and packaging. They are easy to apply, last a long time, and there are SO many designs to choose from. I will definitely be supporting Tatteco again! Have you ventured into the temporary tattoo space yet?

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

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

Posted on

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.

Pin now to read later!

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 ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

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

Posted on

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! 😍

Moss amigos review pinterest pin
Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

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

Posted on

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! 🌎 ❤️

Soyabella nut milk maker review Pinterest pin
Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

bookmark_borderNatissy Reusable Paper Towels Review! An Easy Sustainable Swap

Posted on

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! 🌎 ❤️

Natissy reusable paper towel review pinterest pin
Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️

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

Posted on

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?

Plastic free Native deodorant review pinterest pin
Pin now to read later!

Love,
Jenna ♥

➡️ Subscribe to never miss a post! ⬅️