Talking About Green

Think about the items you might generally find in a medicine cabinet: hygienical products (soap, toothpaste, etc.), feminine products, grooming products (razors and shaving cream, lotions, deodorant, hairspray, etc.), first aid supplies (Band-Aids, antiseptic sprays, rubbing alcohol, etc.), condoms (safety first!), and of course, plenty of medications, from OTC drugs like aspirin, Tums, and hydrocortisone to a variety of prescriptions.  Just about everyone has some or all of these items tucked away in the medicine cabinet.  What most people don’t realize is that each and every one of these products has an eco-friendly counterpart available on the market.

Here are just a few ways you can take the items you already have and make them greener.

1. Hygiene.  These are some of the easiest products to go green with because there has been an increase in demand for soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal hygiene items that are chemical-free and entirely natural.  With the high occurrence of cancers and other diseases that are potentially related to chemicals that come in contact with our bodies, many people are choosing organic alternatives to everyday products.  And if you want to take it a step further, look for items that come in recycled packaging.
2. Grooming. When it comes to ridding your body of unwanted hair and making it smell nice, there are numerous ways to go green.  First, you can stop buying disposable razors.  Using a straight razor (with a strop for frequent sharpening) means less waste, and this item works for both men and women.  For the ladies, dumping the toxic depilatory creams and opting for organic waxes might also be an option (one that is preferable to putting a straight razor near your bikini line, for example).  As for lotions and potions to make you smell good, there are plenty of organics that see to these needs and you can even find recipes online to make your own.
3. First aid.  This is a difficult area to adopt an eco-friendly attitude because sterility often requires items to be individually wrapped.  But there are some substitutions that you can make.  Instead of petroleum-based antiseptics like Neosporin, try natural products like tea tree oil or witch hazel to ward off infection.  Keep an aloe plant on hand for burns (instead of pre-packaged gels, which are mostly water anyway).  And when it comes to coverage for cuts and scrapes, try Latex-free alternatives like EcoGuard Bandages.
4. Condoms.  If you’ve decided to say no to hormonal birth control (like the pill) you’ve already made an eco-friendly choice.  And although many Latex condoms are now made to be biodegradable, the lubricants that accompany them may put a halt to the process.  So skip the lubricant or choose natural options like Lambskin.  At the very least, avoid polyurethane, which is non-biodegradable.
5. Medication. When it comes to medications, it’s not very easy to find green alternatives, especially for prescriptions.  But even here, there are steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.  Instead of OTC remedies for cold and flu, digestive problems, and skin conditions, seek natural alternatives provided by herbal remedies.  By ordering via US online pharmacy (rather than frequenting a real-world store) you can find a wider variety of alternative medications and cut back on the cost of purchase.  And instead of disposing of expired items by tossing them down the drain or into the trash, find take-back programs in your area that will safely dispose of unused medications.