Reviews by Saffia Farr, Rosalind Howard, Jess Hazel and Alice Farrell
English Peppermint Natural Tooth Soap
I was excited to try this new tooth soap from Georganics, as the packaging is completely biodegradable/compostable. You apply the soap to your toothbrush by rubbing the bristles (preferably wet) onto the stick in a circular motion before brushing as normal. The soap foams naturally and a little goes a long way. The soapy texture takes a bit of getting used to, but the subtle peppermint flavour is pleasant and familiar. I find that this product cleans my teeth just as well as regular toothpaste. It is much more economical, as only a small amount is needed. Georganics has a wide range of natural dental products, including tooth powders and pastes in glass jars as well as plastic-free dental floss, so there is plenty of choice. JH
£6.90 for a 60ml stick
Re-Sack Organic Produce Drawstring Bags
This set includes two net bags, which are perfect for buying loose fruit and vegetables, and a larger voile bag to fit a loaf of bread. The bags are made in India using certified organic cotton, with fair wages paid to workers. It’s best to weigh produce before placing it into the bags, as each weighs approximately 40g. Produce can be stored without removing it from the bags, as they are breathable. The net bags can also double up as laundry bags for things like make-up pads. When the bags need a wash, simply put them in the washing machine on a gentle 30 ° wash and hang them to dry – but please note that they might shrink. Packaged in a recyclable cardboard sleeve. JH
£8.65 for a pack of three
EcoStardust biodegradable glitter
This glitter, which is made from non-GMO eucalyptus trees, is very easy to use, and it makes a huge impact for special occasions. I found it really easy to apply and it looked amazing, with bigger pieces than other glitters I have used, so it gave a much more sparkly and reflective look. It is vegan, environmentally friendly and not tested on animals. Perfect for sparkly festival-goers, mermaids swimming in the sea, or unicorns riding rainbows! RH
£6.00 for a 6gm tin
Moon Sponge
These natural sponges are hand picked from the Mediterranean so that the ocean beds continue to restock themselves. Moon sponges are my greatest discovery – much more comfortable than tampons and easy to use. At first I was put off, as they seem hard and large, but once wet they are soft and malleable and therefore, I found, more comfortable to insert than tampons. At no time have I been aware I’m wearing one. As necessary, you rinse out the blood and re-insert. You receive a kit containing two unbleached sponges, a red storage pouch and full instructions, including how to wash the sponges between bleeding. SF
From £9.50
Ecoffee Cup
This cup is made from naturally organic, rapidly renewable bamboo fibre. It is dishwasher safe, is available in a range of fantastic bright designs, and there is no taste residue. The lid and sleeve are made from food-grade silicone and are not dishwasher safe. I really liked using this cup – the sleeve meant I could hold it straight away and the drink remained hot, with the lid on, for approximately half an hour. It is comfortable to hold and felt safe to use out and about because all the elements of it feel sturdy. It holds 400ml and when you have finished with it you can crush it and put it in the compost. SF
£9.95
Lunette Cup
Menstrual cups are a fantastic way to cut down on single-use plastic when you bleed. There are two sizes of Lunette cup, and the (smaller) Model 1 is softer than the Model 2. On the website there is a helpful detailed list of considerations to help you choose your size. There is a great range of bright colours, and each cup comes with a pretty satin bag. The Lunette cup is easy to fold and insert, with air holes to aid release, and it can remain in for up to 12 hours, making it very practical. Designed and manufactured in Finland. SF
£23.35
Pop-in Swim Nappy
This is a great swim nappy, made from a special laminate that is softer and more flexible than neoprene. The nappy was soft and seemed comfortable, and with a lovely bright pattern it also looked great. The seal-to-skin binding at the legs and waist meant I was confident any little accidents would be safely contained. It was nice knowing that although the nappy itself is not plastic-free it is reusable, which means fewer disposables going to landfill. AF
Nappy from £8.50
Liner £4.99
Cotton Bowl Covers
These covers are my current favourite discovery! With an elasticated edge, they fit easily over a range of bowls and containers, which I can then store in the fridge. I have used them for pasta, salad, sauces and vegetables, and all have kept well. I find them practical and easy to use, and they can be machine washed, although I have not had to do so yet. They are made using 100% unbleached cotton and are screenprinted by hand, the handiwork of Rouve Hembling, of The Edgy Moose Designs, whose beautiful illustrations make them striking as well as useful. SF
From £4.50 for a small (6.5″) bowl cover
Red Moon Organic Cotton Velour Maxi Pad
This is an excellent pad for heavy flow days. It is made with four layers of thick organic cotton fleece plus an optional layer of waterproof PUL, all backed with red polyester fleece. It is a long pad, measuring 11″. There are two sets of poppers, so you can adjust fit, and the pad is also now available with a wool backing. It is machine washable and I have found that it washes well. I find these pads very practical, reliable and comfortable to wear. SF
From £9.30
First published in Issue 55 (Summer 2018) of JUNO:
A natural approach to caesarean section