Plastic Straws vs. Bamboo Straws

So I have been thinking about this for some time and decided to get on Amazon and look up reusable straws and there it was: Bamboo Straws. Bamboo is inexpensive, grows like crazy, and when it is hollowed out, makes the perfect straw! I was excited to purchase a bundle of six for about $9 from a company called "Jungle Straws" and it came with a carrying case so I can keep one in my purse. They clean well and came in multiple widths so they are good for iced coffee or a thick smoothie.
Bamboo for the win on this one!
Shampoo Bottle vs. Shampoo Bar

"Shampoo bars?? What in the world is that?"
It's a game changer... Let me explain.
Wanting to get this "ditch the plastic" challenge started ASAP, I got on Amazon once again to compare products and to have something to use within two days. I'm spoiled when it comes to two day shipping. I added lots of different products to my cart and then made my final decision. I decided on Reef Repair, a company who claims that their products are "all natural, chemical, detergent, preservative and sulfate free, making them extremely safe for use in and around delicate natural eco-systems like coral reefs, marine parks, and aquariums. Can be used in Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, The Caribbean, Maldives, Great Barrier Reef and all other marine parks where chemical shampoo use has been restricted or banned."
Okay, so I don't live anywhere near coral reefs and don't plan to wash my hair in the ocean, but I feel like if it's safe to use around delicate sea creatures, it's safe for my hair, my city drain pipes, and where ever the water in my drain goes. I might be going a little overboard on this one, but I like it. It's also vegan (didn't know that was a thing) and has no palm oil which has it's own awful environmental impacts that I honestly don't know enough about to sound like I know what I'm talking about. This shampoo bar isn't tested on animals, and can't we all agree that we live in an era where animal testing shouldn't even be a thing anymore? Yes. We all agree.
So I used the shampoo bar for the first time last night and it lives up to it's claim. My hair is clean, shiny, and smooth. It doesn't lather up like traditional shampoo because it is free of sulfates which is the main ingredient that makes things lather. It's what makes us say "This is cleaning something because I see bubbles." It's all in our head so get it out of your hair!!!
Want to know more about shampoo bars? (Yes, you do!) Check out this blog that goes into more details! Who knew these were popular in the 1940s? You learn something new every day...
What's next?
Our planet needs us to do better and be better. Help others by sharing what you do to make this world a better (cleaner) place. What are you doing to make a difference?