eco-friendly

Plastic-Free July 2024 & Blueland x Darphynia

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

*This post contains affiliate links that provide a commission at no cost to you.

As Plastic-Free July reaches its end, we are taking time to reflect on how much packaging and waste is placed on the consumer. Instead of manufacturers and corporations being responsible for how they package and produce their own goods, the consumer is left with the choices they are presented with. It is nearly impossible, depending on your area and situation, to find household products that are free from any sort of plastic. For some, the ability to choose more sustainable options is present, but it can come at a cost…and it’s not just monetary. One brand that has been providing planet-friendly and relatively plastic-free products since the beginning is Blueland. And, if you want to give them a try, you can purchase refill packs that won’t break the bank (plus, their packs are recyclable/compostable).

Continue Reading

Plastic-Free July 2022: Weeks 1-2

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

It is that time of year again. Plastic-Free July is in full-swing. Even though there aren’t many plastic-free package options, regarding food, available in my area I am going to do my best to limit the amount of plastic packaging brought in (as always, medical necessities do not count). I should note, while we’re on the subject of medicine, if you have a disability that requires you to use single-use plastic items, this may not be a challenge you can participate in. That is okay. You should never feel shame nor guilt, and you shouldn’t be bullied by ableists.

Continue Reading

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

Shouldn’t every day be Earth Day? Well, since it’s not, here are some things you can do (and use) to help keep this planet a little less littered. Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links (*). That means, if items are purchased, I get a small commission at no cost to you.

Continue Reading

Minimal (Zero) Waste Swaps & Repurposing

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

I am currently writing an opinion piece on the Zero Waste Movement and minimalism.  Until then, I thought I would post up some of the things I have purchased that help control the chaos in my tiny space.  While I have some issues with zero (I prefer minimal) waste, there are some things to be said for it.  Here are some products you may be interested in:

1.  Facekins

Image courtesy of Connie @ Facekins.


I really love these, and have purchased a few packs (7/pack).  Yes, they come packaged in plastic, but that’s okay.  Each pad is cut, hand-sewn, and packaged by hand in the USA by founder Connie and her team–no factory involved at all.  These reusable, washable face pads are ultra-soft and virtually stain-resistant.  They are perfect for travel, and will last ages.  Facekins will save you from having to buy cotton balls, and can be used twice before washing.  Use one side in the morning, the other at night, wash it, and let it dry.  You can also toss them in with your washing.

2.  Reusable Bags

image courtesy of badpickletees.com


We have been lucky to have received several reusable bags/totes from various events.  I have used them for shopping, as a purse, and while we travel.  I love how compact they are, and most are relatively durable.  When they get dirty, just pop them in the wash with your next load of clothes!

3.  Jars

I just love this jar from Mini Monster at the Anaheim Packing District!
It holds about the same amount of liquid as a Trenta at Starbucks.


Before hipsters popularized jars, we would keep and reuse the glass kind, especially if they had a metal cap.  We still do, but over time I have had to buy some to replace those that have broken.  I use them for drinks, picnics, and travel (except on airlines since some won’t allow them).  It’s a spill-proof way to take what you need.  They also take up less space, and they can be washed & reused after.

4.  Feminine Hygiene Products

Hopefully this helps to
show the capacity differences.
Large (green) and Small (clear).


Yes, I periodically purchase liners (I don’t like the feeling of reusable pads/liners.  They remind me of those huge bricks that we had before ultra thin pads came out), and I have tampons in case someone needs them since I no longer use them at all.  That being said, I prefer to use a period cup.  Years ago I had tried them (read more about that, here) and it was the worst experience ever.  I also dislike tampons in general– a plug that absorbs blood seems more gross to me than a cup that will hold it, plus, I was more prone to leaks with tampons.  For years I only used pads.  I figured I would just let it flow out, since that’s what nature intended anyway, but it’s not always easy to get to a restroom every 30 minutes or so.  The first 2-3 days are extremely heavy for me, so I am always in need of a restroom.  My favorite cup is Anytime (yes, they are manufactured in China, and have the testing reports if you want them).  I have four (4) total:  2 small and 2 large– it’s better to have a couple of extras in case of travel or they get lost.  The large cup holds more than the Lena, which I also have, and is the most comfortable for my body.  Menstrual cups will stain over time (it happens), but that doesn’t mean they need to be thrown out.

5.  BeautyBlender & Blotterazzi

Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com
Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com


Since BeautyBlender was introduced, I have been using them.  I love that they are reusable, washable, and perfect for personal.  you can use them in a professional setting, but for sanitary purposes, I recommend only using disposable.  If you have the extra disposable income, you can give the used one to your clients, which I have done in the past.  Depending on the set, it may be easier to use disposable sponges, but I’ve found that these little beauties last for ages, and provide a flawless finish.  They also work well in place of oil blotting papers.  They’ve recently launched Blotterazzi, which I like, but could have just used a sponge since they are essentially the same thing.

6.  Miscellaneous/Re-purposing

I also purchase drinks that come in packaging where I can get the CRV back. The packaging is recycled, and we get some money back in return.  I use LUSH knot-wraps as handbags, lunch sacks, and hair accessories.  Empty medication bottles are perfect for storing toothpaste tablets, Q-tips, and more when you travel.  They are also great for storing screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware in your toolbox.  Just don’t forget to label them.  It’s not a swap, but a repurposed item, which saves money.  I have also repurposed my letter trays for makeup and skincare, which stacks easily on the bathroom counter.

—–

What are your favorite zero-waste swaps?  Do you re-purpose?  Let me know in the comments.

Stay beautiful!

Taking Up a Little Less Space in the Landfill with Facekins

/ darphynia / Leave a comment
Image courtesy of Facekins.com

I was sent a sample of Facekins to try out, and I am in L-O-V-E!  For those of you who don’t know, Facekins are washable, reusable fabric facial pads.

I took these with me while I worked camp, and they were such a blessing!  I didn’t have to gauge the amount of cotton facial pads and cotton balls I would need, and the Facekins took up far less room in my kit!  Since I wash my face at least twice a day (morning, night, and in the shower of course!) and always use makeup remover and toner, I go through a ton of cotton.  Okay, not literally a ton, but you know what I mean.  It is one of the softest products to ever touch my face!  It reminded me of something that would be used during a luxury spa treatment.

I also found myself using less product.  At first, I thought it was too good to be true Facekins, but no.  I tested out how far one spray of toner would go on a cotton pad versus the Facekins.  Both items were the round-shape, and were about the same in width.  I tried to do things as error- and bias-free as possible.  I used the same amount of pressure on the spray nozzle, held the spray bottle at the same distance, and as I said, just one spray.  To make sure that the temperature didn’t affect the outcome, both products were used within a few minutes of each other.  My results were that the cotton pad, even though it distributed the product fairly evenly in the beginning, it was nearly gone by the time I was done.  The product on the Facekins pad, however, lasted throughout the application process, which was the same as the process for the cotton pad, and is most likely due to its composition.

Here is how my experience went (and I still do this at home):

–  Morning routine, side 1 used.
–  Night routine, side 2 used.
–  Wash after night routine.
–  Let it air dry while I slept.
–  Repeat.

Now, of course you can throw them in the washing machine.  Because of our location, I couldn’t do that, but it also wasn’t necessary.  I can see how useful having Facekins are.  For those with stubble, these are a wonderful option because you won’t have a bunch of cotton fibers hanging around.

I love that they are:

–  Ultra-plush
–  Reusable
–  Come in a variety of shapes & sizes
–  Multifunctional
–  Soft enough for those with very sensitive skin
–  Saves money (I won’t have to spend near that much on cotton anymore)
–  Saves landfill space
–  Handmade and packaged in Southern California

Ladies, they also make nursing pads!  They help to alleviate soreness, and even work for women who are sensitive before/during menstruation.

Thank you so much, Connie!

View their FAQ page and shop!

Clearer Skin with Nature’s Chemist Skincare

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

The older I get, the more my skin changes.  I went from never breaking out to breaking out (I guess my skin is making up for lost time), and I HATE it.  Nature’s Chemist provides high-quality, organic, 100% pure essential oils to combat skin concerns.  Dr.  Lori Culberson, founder of Nature’s Chemist, received her PhD in chemistry, and knows exactly what works.  She took the time to research the combinations and quantities of oils to create the most effective skincare.  

Image courtesy of Nature’s Chemist

I must admit that I am fairly new to face oils.  I always thought that it would just leave my skin feeling like an oil slick…boy, was I wrong!  Not only have the breakouts all but stopped, I also don’t have the dry patches that I did before, and the oils are very lightweight.  Prior to my absence, I was in the mountains, which completely dried out my skin (have you noticed that?).  These oils saved my face.  They also smell nice; I like the smell of tea tree and clove oils.  And no, you won’t smell like a spice rack all day long…and even if that were to happen, the efficacy makes it all worth it.  What makes these products even better is that purchasing them supports small business, everything is eco-friendly, and all items are made in the USA.

Cleanse your face, then use a cotton ball or pad to apply the toner.  I usually wait a bit and get other things going (like a cup of tea).  Then, I put a couple of drops of the moisturizer on my hands, and pat/swirl my hands around my face to make sure its applied evenly.  All-day moisture plus combative properties against breakouts, and there are no harsh chemical or additives!  What could be better?

Stay beautiful!