My Favorite Re-Use Websites

1. Freecycle

This site is run by Yahoo. People within a county post things they want and things they have to get rid of. All transactions are free. Volunteer moderators approve all posts and members. One gets an e-mail about once a day with the 25 most recent posts. Your e-mail address is not identified unless you choose to respond to someone. You can set up a specific pick up time, or leave an item for a 'porch pick-up.' You can have actual human interaction, or not.

I've gotten some awesome stuff and had a way to get rid of things I really don't want to throw away. Every couple of months I clean out my closet and give away a big bag of clothes. I've gotten clothes, a purse, cat things, and office supplies. Like Craigslist, except you're not entering into a contract with a stranger. And it's FREE!

2. Makeup Alley

Not just for makeup!! This is a swap site. Mostly, people swap bath/beauty items but also clothes, DVDs, books, and anything else. You provide feedback to one another to boost your credibility. If someone has no feedback, they ship their end of the swap first. I have mostly swapped for Lush, but other things as well. Also lots of reviews on make-up type items.

Try these out in an effort to re-use items that may be discarded and avoid buying new items. I have saved a bunch of money and trips to the landfill.

Deodorant Options

One of my favorite and a much more established vegan blogger Eco Vegan Gal recently made this blog post  regarding natural deodorants. I have been very curious about this myself and have been on the search for a natural deodorant that works for me.

For years, I used Dove deodorants. They worked very well for me and my sensitive skin. Because they don't mention being aluminum-free, I have to assume that aluminum is an ingredient. Can cross that off of the list.

Next, I tried Tom's of Maine deodorant for sensitive skin. Aluminum-free, check. Fragrance-free, check. This product gave me a horrible rash. It gave my sensitive skin a very painful reaction.

Then, I tried Lush's Aromaco. Aluminum-free with vegan and organic ingredients. However, it's the only Lush product that I deeply dislike. You take the solid in your hand and rub it over your pits. I expected it to soften from your body heat like a massage bar, but it stayed solid so you have to rub rub rub. Its harsh edges break off and are wasted and the friction starts to hurt. I also found it to be ineffective i.e. smelly pits. I was so disappointed!

Then, Eco Vegan Gal to the rescue! At her recommendation, I picked up a Crystal deodorant at my first trip to Whole Foods. So far, I love it! I got the rolly ball kind and it has kept my underarms smelling fresh. It applies easily and lasts throughout the day. 

I'm sticking with Crystal for now, happy to have one more carcinogen-free product on my body.