sakino/content/note/5ff583b9/index.md

category	date	draft	posttype	slug	title
[environment sustainability simple life vegan plastic-free 2]	2021-01-06 09:32:41	false	note	5ff583b9	note

I'm currently reading How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum on Libby. Along with shocking statistics around plastic usage and waste, the book provides how to cut back on plastic in household and suggests eco-friendly (and often vegan friendly) brands. Here is a table from the chapter 5 and our progress to plastic-free bathroom/cosmetic items.

ITEM	PLASTIC-FREE PLAN
Shampoo & conditioner	Planning to move to bars. Ethiques and Lush look great and their products are available in Japan. Lush seems to be slightly cheaper.
Body soap	Currently using bars but they came in plastic packages. Move to Ethiques once we used up the current bars.
Hand wash	Currently using bottles with pumps. Move to bars.
Shaving cream	I don't use any.
Razor	I have a safety razor and and one more blade (packaged in plastic). This should be enough for now but I may not be able to get new blades for this particular razor in Japan, so I may consider moving to plastic-free waxing (e.g. MOOM) once moved to Japan.
Deodorant	I don't use it and don't need it much here, but I may in Japan. There are deodorant bars available in markets.
Sponge	Recently changed to biodegradable sponges made in UK.
Lipstick	Using an Australian vegan brand Inika for about two years now. I love them but I believe their packages are plastic and are not refillable.
Foundation	Same as above. Since it seems difficult to buy Inika's products in Japan, I may need to look into other options that use less plastic and refillable.
Other make-up products	I don't intend to buy any make-up tools as I am happy with what I have now, but if I need to replace any of them, remember to do a little internet search before buying! It's very unlikely that I can find any plastic-free ones in drug stores and 100-yen shops in Japan!
Toothbrush	Since my 6-7 year-old electric toothbrush is almost broken, recently ordered biodegradable ones from Georganics. Cannot wait to try them!
Toothpaste	Bought a plastic-free one from Georganics. I hope I will like it, thought their products may not be available in Japan.
Lip balm	Once used up the current ones, I shall move to plastic-free ones and they are easy to find.
Make-up removal	I don't use it nowadays as I rarely wear make-ups, but I shall consider a plastic-free one as well as reusable cotton pads if I need them in future.
Tampons	Don't use it all as I now use a menstrual cup, but I will probably need a reusable, plastic-free period pads for an extra safety..
Toilet paper	I have seen ads of toilet rolls that are wrapped in paper and posted to homes. I shall consider this option once we run out of the current massive stock.
Toilet brush	We have been using plastic ones and will continue to do so for now, but we shall buy plastic-free options in Japan.
Other	Change to plastic-free cotton buds (or even reusable ones) when purchasing next time. There are also contact lens solution, skin conditioner, massage oil..