Little Seed Farm

I found out about Little Seed Farm from my cousin who got me some products from them as a Christmas gift a few years ago. After using their soaps, I now consider them a great addition to any zero waste bathroom.

They haven't been around a very long time (started in 2012), and in 2014 they received a $25,000 West Elm Small Business Grant.  Since then it appears business has been going well, and they've stuck to the core principle that they started with: sustainability.

- As of 2015 they run 100% on solar power.

- They package and ship their products with recyclable or reusable materials.

- Their goats are raised humanely. They are 100% grassed and raised using intensive rotational grazing on 84 acres of pasture lands.

- Their soaps are nontoxic and use only essential oils and herbs for fragrance

- And, zero waste of all, they implement strict recycling policies for all excess cardboard, paper, plastic, and metal on their farm

Their Geranium Rose Bar, currently calling my shower home.

LUSH

Those of you who read this blog make a lot of DIY body products. However, I know that not everyone enjoys or has the time to make these. So, if it's not something you feel up to, Lush has your back.

I've used Lush body products for a while, though I've phased out of it since I've started making my own products.  However, since dying my hair I haven't had success with any of my new shampoo recipes. So while those are still in the works I went back to Lush for some shampoo bars

Even though I don't use them like I used to, I would consider Lush to be an awesome example of a zero-waste friendly company!

Many of their products can be purchased without any packaging like their: bath bombs, bubble bars, shampoo bars, deodorants, and too many more to list.  They even have reusable tins you can buy to take your product home in, and come back with when you're ready for another one!

Even their products that come packaged are zero waste friendly, and here's why:

1. All of Lush's plastic "pots" are made with 100% post consumer recycled plastic (plastic #5)
2. Every part of a Lush plastic package is recyclable (even the tops!)
3. Not only are their pots recyclable, but they'll personally take them back.  Their "5 pot program" will give you a free face mask for every 5 pots you bring in for recycling!
4. The paper bags they use in store if you didn't bring a reusable one are made from 100% recycled paper and are recyclable themselves

If you don't have a store near you, you can order online and they will wrap your online order with minimal, recyclable packaging!

Gifting:

Lush is an awesome resource for zero waste gift giving! I've given my mom Lush products several years in a row for Mother's Day and she is so into it, and my cousin loves their bath bombs too much for words!

Luckily, Lush supports zero waste yet again but supplying "knot-wraps" which are basically adorable bandanas to wrap your gift in.  You can re-use them for more gift wrapping, scarf, headband, etc. They even have a DIY on making it into a drawstring bag!

Makeup:

Since going zero waste, I've been nervous about what to do about makeup. I'm still going through what I had already (I previously used bare minerals).  I've stopped using foundation and just using coconut oil as a moisturizer.  I rarely wear makeup during the day, and It's not necessary for my work.  However, even I like throwing on some eyeliner and lipstick for a concert or evening out.

Again, I haven't run out yet but I am definitely intimidated by making my own.  With makeup color and texture are so important, and while I'm ok homemaking deodorant, toothpaste, and shaving cream, none of those are entirely dependent on exact proportions or color matching.  And I don't really feel like going through the awkwardness of my tween years with non-matching foundation.

However, I feel that Lush may be my saving grace here.  They have a line of eye makeup, lipstick, and light bases all in reusable and recyclable packaging.  I'll keep this post updated as I start experimenting with their makeup line.