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Eco Sarasota
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       Unbiased Product Reviews: Things we Like and Things we don't If you are like me, you have tried a variety of household and other products claiming to be more environmentally-friendly. Chances are some of you have a cupboard like mine full of old bottles and such from many of these "trials". In an effort to save you from the same fate, and hopefully save you a little cash in the process, here are some of the things we found that we liked and would recommend to others. We are not receiving any kick-backs from any of the brand names listed here. This is for information purposes only. However, some things we liked so well, that we are considering offering them in our "Eco Store". If you find something you like, and would like to share with others, please let us know. Cleaning Products/Pest Control General/All purpose cleaner: I am a big fan of Orange Clean. It is made from all natural ingredients and contains limonene derived from citrus, which also has the added benefit of repelling many household pests. Things we liked: Comes in a reusable bottle and a concentrate is available for refills. It is cheap compared to other brand cleaners (especially if you use the concentrate). Cleaner concentration can be adjusted according to dilution. Has a very pleasant citrus scent that is not too strong. Things we didn't like: I really don't have any cons on this one except perhaps that the bottle is made of plastic. (What cleaner isn't?) лллл Other general purpose cleaner notes: Water and vinegar works for a variety of applications. 1/4 cup regular household vinegar per 1 Cup of water. Works great for pet stains. Better than many other products we tried that were more costly and much less effective. (and we had plenty of tries after our poor kitty had surgery) Test fabrics and carpets in an inconspicuous area for color-fastness when using any product for the first time. Pest control: Orange Guard contains a strong concentration of natural limonene derived from citrus oil. Works for cockroaches and ants. Things we liked: Very effective contact product; limonene also functions as a deterant. Things we didn't like: The smell is simply too strong for me and gives me an almost instant headache. I am not certain that it would effect others in the same way. The rest of our household didn't notice it. ллл Laundry Detergent- Purex Natural is a great Phosphate free laundry detergent that contains no harsh chemicals. Safe for septic and grey water systems. Things we liked: It works. Between kayaking trips and tromping around in the swamp, we really get our clothes dirty. This detergent has worked as well for us as any other product we have tried, and it costs a lot less than other eco-friendly varieties. I also like that it comes in several natural scents that are not overpowering. Things we didn't like: Besides, the plastic container, not much. We burn through it pretty quickly, but that really isn't the fault of the detergent. Health/Beauty Toothbrush: Preserve brand toothbrush made from 100% recycled plastic. Things we liked: Toothbrush can be shipped back to the company for recycling. You can download the shipping label on line. (We plan to save several and ship them back all at once) Toothbrush comes in a container that duels as a travel case (great for backpacks), and comes in a variety of cool colors. Things we didn't like: If you are a hard brusher, the toothbrush may loose a few bristles. Mine held up well, however, and I will buy it again. лллл Razors: Like their toothbrushes, the Preserve razors are made from recycled plastic and can be shipped back for recycling. Things we liked: Came in a variety of colors. Has a moisturizing strip and a pivot head. Handle claims to fit other heads made by popular razor makers including Gillette. Things we didn't like: Seems fairly cheaply made compared to other reusables. I had a hard time getting the head to fit on properly the first time. Gave a pretty good shave, but didn't seem as sharp as some of my others. I will probably buy them again, since they are one of the best options out there; or consider using different heads with the reusable handles. лл Makeup: Signature Minerals found online at http://www.signatureminerals.com/ offers a pure mineral makeup in a variety types and shades. Products are much cheaper than other mineral makeups. Things we liked: None of the products are tested on animals! This is a biggie for me. You can order free samples of any product to try it out before hand. I loved the makeup itself. Colors are blendable and offer great coverage. (surprisingly so) Mineral make contains natural sun protection as well. I was able to throw away, or recycle, all my other bottles. Test products come in tiny containers which are great for 'travel size' makeup. Plus, because the products are all in powder form, you don't have the same problems with liquid makeup when trying to pack for air travel. Things we didn't like: No real cons here. I have recommended this to all my sisters and my mom (something I never do). The only other thing that I would note, is that it is important to get brushes that are designed to be used with mineral makeup. Other brushes don't work well. I bough two small brushes at a small extra cost. Considering that I am still using most of my free sample sizes a year later, that seemed a pretty reasonable investment. лллл Outdoors Electric Lawnmower: Wow! This was a fantastic idea. We bought a rechargeable, cordless electric lawnmower from Lowes a couple of years ago and have been very impressed. It makes mowing the lawn far more enjoyable. Things we liked: It is rechargeable and cordless so you don't have to drag a cord around with you everywhere. (A big improvement over earlier models.) It is amazingly quiet for a mower and does not emit the awful gas fumes of a typical mower. Most people don't realize how much pollution is generated by lawn mowers. (It is an alarming amount. Look it up.) Despite what we were told by everyone, including the guy at Lowe's who sold us the thing, the mower is powerful enough for use in a typical yard. It cuts nicely through tough weeds and crab grass. In fact, a larger mower would just be silly for our yard. (I am sure you have neighbors with a riding lawnmower for their 10 x 10 yard too.) Things we didn't like: Our first set of batteries had a problem holding a charge and we had to have the manufacturer send us a new set. They did this for free, however, and since that time we haven't had any problems. We can do our whole yard plus most of our neighbor's yard on one chare. лллл Copyright 2006-2008: All content and images property of EcoSarasota |