One thing I haven't written about very much here is my "crunchy" side- the side of me that loves all things natural and organic and wants to do my part to be responsible with our resources.
Ever since Jen posted about The Story of Stuff, I have been thinking about the changes I have made and the changes I want to make in my stuff.
Then, I was challenged today by Megan's post Another Way, in which she resolves to buy used clothing for her children instead of new.
I won't even tell you the amount of money I just spent on clothes for Chloe minutes before reading her post! I have always appreciated when people hand clothes down to me for the kids. But I have never once gone to a store to buy clothes that weren't new. And here is where the snob in me comes out- if there were a really cute consignment boutique or something around here, I could totally see myself shopping there. But not a Goodwill or thrift store. I don't even want to go in one!
Another place my inner snob shows herself?
My haircare products.
I have been wanting to make the switch to shampoo bars in order to save on the packaging. But I have been too scared of having bad hair. I have already made the switch to a natural deodorant from Lush that has no packaging, but ignore all the shampoo bars when I shop there. If I don't see them, they don't exist and I don't have to make the change right?
But just check out the amount of plastic bottles I have out (not counting any hiding in cabinets!)
My shower:
Kids' Bath:
My bath (even though I love Lush bath bombs and bubble bars, I still keep these around):
That's a lot of packaging, ya'll.
So, I sucked it up and went shopping. I know that there are people who use vinegar and baking soda and things like that to wash their hair, but I hate the smell of vinegar. Unless it is a good balsamic and I'm dipping some hot, crusty bread in it. I however, am neither crusty nor hot (although I am working on losing weight and being hot)! And that snob in me protests that if I don't use expensive packaged hair products that you can only buy from a salon, then my hair will most assuredly be crusty. So I bribed myself with some new bath bombs and got two shampoo bars while I was at Lush. I ordered a Godiva bar and an Ultimate Shine bar (If you order two shampoo bars, they give you a free tin to store them in).
Coming soon: The Big Shampoo Bar Test. We'll see how those solid shampoos compare to my favorite Redken All Soft.
If you have time, head over to Jen's place to read about her story of stuff and watch the video.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
My inner snob
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I can't wait to learn the outcome! Like you, I've wanted to switch, but haven't. Didn't want to waste money on something the may end up in the trash.... Now I've found someone else to be the guinnea pig...ha! Wishing you awesome hair days...
~Mattie
Sorry, I'm just not the crunchy save the earth type. I do however accept all forms of hand-me-downs and buy most of my baby gear used. I draw the line at my personal care products.
Christy, sometimes I read your blog and think we are secretly the same person. I, too, have a crunchy side that I don't really discuss on my blog but that is developing more every day. Please let us know how the bars work because I'm a hair/beauty product snob as well and would like to know how they compare. The deodorant thing has been bothering me since I read an article about aluminum content in deodorant but I've been afraid my sweaty pits would out challenge the natural stuff.
Christy, I love getting used clothes for my kids. For me it is a game, it is all about the hunt. I have so much satisfaction finding a great pair of Gymboree pants for $2. Yes, I have gone into the Thrift Store and Salvation Army's. I also go to kids consignment shops and go to ebay. Recently I have not had the time to hunt as much and I have been buying new. Also, as my kids get older they are developing preferences.
But I am a snob about my hair, my coffee, my books, and my wine.
Oh, I loved used book shops too!
Christy how did you know that this is exactly the issue I have been stuggling with?? I looked at those shampoo bars a few days ago and thought "That is such a good idea...but what if they aren't any good for my curly hair??" I think now I will have to bite the bullet and try them! Let me know how it works for you.
And thanks for the link :-) I'm so pleased that my post and The Story of Stuff video have got people thinking about sustainability!
Oh please, everyone! Go watch the movie. It's such an eye-opener. Totally worth 20 minutes of your time. Much better than more writers-still-on-strike reruns.
Anyway, you know I am so looking forward to the Big Shampoo Bar test! I have nearly as many plastic-y bottles in our bathroom. tsk tsk. Can't wait to hear your results!
Our town is really into being 'green'. The city just changed trash services--the new company provided a recycle container that is bigger than their trash can!
We've been amazed at the amount of cardboard, paper and plastic in our daily life.
But, I've never heard of shampoo bars! I need some education :-)
Really interesting post! I haven't seen the video yet, but I have it bookmarked so that I do. Thank you for linking it.
I'm like you with being a snob -- and in all the same ways. Especially clothes, some hair care, shoes, makeup (definitely makeup), wine and restaurants. I just like to shop. But I try to be aware, but I know I have a long long way to go. Great post, Christy.
Oh girl...you gotta love a good clothing deal...get hooked! Old Navy does it for me :) But my favorite is a good yard sale deal.
Now, that being said, I cringed like mad when Ihad to let go of my Biolage. Something in my is convienced that I can not do without my salon shampoo!
I'll go watch the video now...it'll beat the superbowl for sure.
That's my shampoo too!!!! I can't use anything else. I'm actually lost without it. :)
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