The Bathroom: the first room I hesitated to return to my daily products I used before the surgery… starting with the shower this is what I’ve learned!

Tip: Don’t skip on soap trays (draining or ridged dishes/racks only) to preserve soap bars.

Trick: If you need to wait to order a tray, you can use a jar lid and rubber bands tied across to let the bar dry better than lying flat.

Tried:

1. ✅Viori Beauty Shampoo & Conditioner bars to replace bottles. We suggest start with the travel to try scents.

   Why we love: Plastic free, better for you and the environment. Softest my hair has ever been after a few months of using only Viori.

2. Kitsch shampoo & conditioner bars were also nice but my hair wasn’t as soft as with Viori.

3. ✅PlantPaper Toilet paper Why we love: I highly recommend the subscription, I really was able to set it and forget. I never run out of toilet paper now. Trying next: PlantPaper Facial Tissue

4. ✅LEAF Shave Leaf Kit Their brush had been out of stock, so I used the shave soap bar without it just fine. Refillable razor blades 50 cts is great, I can already tell it will last me so long. Trying next: LEAF Shave Dermaplaner

5. ✅ Bite Bamboo toothbrush Why we love: Plastic free, replaceable top/head. My teeth look whiter? Wasn’t expecting that!

   Trying next:

   Bite Toothpaste Bits Duo

Bite Floss

Bite Deodorant Set Refill Case

And

Natural Deodorant that actually works

1. ✅ Hibar Why we love: Sensitive scent has such a neutral fresh smell that still works to block odor; shorter sticks than…

2. ✅ HeyHumans Why we love: the banana aloe smelled so good yet naturally fragrant

3. 🚫 Fussy !* Why we don’t recommend!*: Plastic refill case, UK brand, greenwashed mistake…

My other daily switches I may try next:

1. 🚫 Wild Aluminum refill case Why we’re waiting for their newer products: The other brands above work great, have less or no plastic and from our research “Wild's deodorant cases are made primarily from aluminum with fittings made from post-consumer recycled plastic, and the company is transitioning to a new case design that uses even less material and plastic. Wild also uses a recycled plastic blend and has developed a plastic-free deodorant refill made from bamboo pulp”

Trying next:

1. ✅ Kalkedon bath towels

2. ✅ Raan 100% Cotton Wipes (biodegradable, for sensitive skin)

3. ✅ The Earthling Co. bars

4. ✅ Natracare

5. ✅ Tampon Tribe

6. ✅ LaVic Organics (soap)

7. Bamboo q tips (settling on a brand)

Heating pads:

Tried:

1. ✅ Fly Horse cordless heating pad (belt style)

   Only con is it lights up and I wish it could somehow be bigger or more flexible but its small size is great to wear under clothes on the go.

2. ✅ REB Relief “wearable” heating pad (bikini style)

Trying next: ✅

100% Organic Cotton Heating Pad (I’ve used similar heating pads before whatever was at Target or CVS and it was always polyester!)

Accessories: (choose what works for you, set it up before the operation!)

Adjustable Rotating Tablet Stand Holder - Portable Monitor Tablet Holder, Pad and Phone Clip Mount

Dual-Arm Desk Mount for Phones & Tablets

Gooseneck Tablet Stand for Bed – Flexible Arm Holder for iPad, Kindle, Phone

Tried:

✅ Pela (phone cases)

Trying next: ✅

Bluebonnet (chargers)

Paleblue (rechargable batteries)

Tried:

1. ✅ River Organics Beauty (USA)

   Why we love: my lips finally stopped getting that weird film and flakiness!

2. ✅ Scoop Whole Beauty (AUS)

   Beautiful pigment and the gloss is really moisturizing.

Trying next:✅

1. Laklak Beauty (when they launch!)

2. Hyssop Beauty Apothecary (salt scrub bars, kids bath bombs, dry body brush, shower steamer, all natural hand sanitizer)

3. Lily Hill Tallow Organics (face balm)

4. Oquist Cosmetics (ceramic containers!)

5. Esas NYC (organic fragrances, non toxic)

6. Its All Fluff Makeup (refillable, limited edition drops)

7. Ogee (healthier skin makeup, looks great, my mom uses it)

8. livetinted (Kajal Liquid Liner - 100% natural bamboo charcoal)

Cleanomics

Tried:

1. ✅ Cleanomics Zip Bags(compostable bags, replace ziplocs, trash bags and more)

2. Blueland

✅ Clean Suite Kit ($78.40)

What’s Included In Your First Order

• Foaming Hand Soap (1 Forever Bottle + 1 Refill Tablet)

• Dishwasher Detergent (1 Forever Tin + 60 Refill Tablets)

• Scented Laundry Detergent (1 Forever Tin + 60 Refill Tablets)

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner (1 Forever Tin + 14 Refill Tablets)

Our favorite pick as a first switch to start for less:

✅ Laundry tablets ($16.80)

Why we love: No adverse reactions, smells great, cleans so well! My clothes, sheets and towels feel so much better.

Tips: Let laundry tablet dissolve directly under water stream as much as possible in washer. Get the subscription for Autoship to save 20%!

June and December (kitchen towels, stationary)

Vermont Country Store (as featured on Instagram: Stainless Steel Nutmeg Grater and Holder, Self-Cleaning Garlic Press, Apple Core/Peeler, Marble Cheese Slicer, Stainless Steel IceCube Tray, Butter Churner, Stainless Steel Fruit and Vegetable Swivel Peeler, Stainless Steel Spring Whisk, Natural Peanut Butter Stirrer)

Fox Run Brands (Stainless steel kitchenware, mason jar attachments, our goal is to buy wholesale and provide for you in Drop 3 this winter)

Beeswax wraps!

• Bee’s wrap

• Bee Kind Beeswax Wraps

• Organic Outlaws

Trying next: ✅

1. Annie’s Pure and Simple (cleaning sprays glass bottles)

2. Betterway Natural Brown Paper Towels

3. Dish Block No Tox Life

4. Get Biom (wipes, biodegradable, refillable dispensers)

5. Brushes No Tox Life

Tried:

Pajamas / Loungewear

1. ✅ Industry of All Nations

Standard T-shirt (Undyed)

Cropped T-shirt (Undyed)

Why we love: Softest t shirt I’ve ever had. 100% Organic cotton and undyed. Machine washable. Hang dry or tumble dry low. Reminder to check this as you switch to natural materials and do laundry.

2. ✅ Under the Canopy

Organic Lounge Cami

Organic Short Lounge Robe

Why we love: Runs large. Loose and great for post operation recovery. Size down if want to fit snuggly. I got organic shorts too I don’t see on their site right now.

Intimates

3. ✅ Industry of All Nations

Bralette (Undyed)

Women’s Hip Brief (Undyed)

Trying next:✅

2. Ciao Buttercup

3. Any of the Coucou Intimates

4. Q for Quinn

5. This collection from Christy Dawn

6. Hara

7. Robelingerie.com (coming soon)

Day / Yoga / Date / Work / Vacation

Tried:

1. ✅ Not perfect Linen RIMINI cami linen topand linen wrap Skirt (I don’t see the one I ordered listed anymore so I linked another)

   Why we love: Actually healthy material that feels strong and I have already received compliments! Trying next: BAY cropped linen top (seems like a great everyday piece)

2. ✅ KOTN Great sweaters made from Egyptian Cotton.

3. ✅Villa Melina *Sold out mainly sorry, but if they restock- get it!

   Anya Top | Lucia Skirt |

   Isa Scrunchie | Lola Dress | Paz Skirt/Top

   Why we love: 100% Peruvian cotton with beautiful bright and neutral color options on adorable breezy designs.

4. Indigo Luna Paloma Longsleeve Cloud Cream and Skirt Why we love: Looks really cute and healthier than any other set I owned.

   Wish we noticed: 🚫There is some plastic as the acrylic is “Leftover” making it sustainable, but not plastic free… It is 60% cotton + 40% Leftover Acrylic. It even warns you to “Consider using a GUPPYFRIEND to minimise microfibre pollution” and “If you would prefer to only buy pieces from natural fibres we have multiple options in our collections” but I wasn’t reading the fine print so well that early on post op. Anesthesia brain! For my next purchase, I will get one of their natural fibre collection clothing items.

   Recommending instead: Sort by fabric! Trying next: ✅ Indigo Luna’s website has a filter with the following options we like: 100% Cotton, Cotton, LENZING Modal, Organic Cotton Yarn

Trying next: ✅

1. Pure ahi

2. Unbleached Apparel

3. Rawganique

4. Organic basics

5. Stonekin

6. Jungmaven

7. Colorful standard

8. Layere

9. Q for Quinn

10. Mate the Label

11. Pact

12. Christy Dawn

13. Naadam (100% cashmere basics starting at $78)

14. Hope Macaulay

15. Assemble

16. Lily Silk (baby cashmere!)* They have their own silk detergent they recommend…

17. Beachwood the Label (includes Maternity!)

18. World of Crow

19. Whimsy + Row

Tried:

✅ Miracle Brand (sheets, duvet, and towels)

Trying next: ✅

Pact Organic Sheets

Mynt Lab Bedding

Piana Sleep (eco-friendly mattresses)

Tried:

1. Quince

✅ 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

✅ 100% European Linen Wide Leg Pants(loose waist band for flare days)

✅ Ultra Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants(regular days)

✅ 100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

✅ 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater

Why we love: Replaced my all black uniform at work. Relatively affordable healthy alternative to Zara with price comparisons to make you feel better. They market items as being OEKO-TEX certified. I am not sure if every single one is yet.

2. All Wear

Socks:

✅ All wear Organic Crew Socks 5 Pack Bundle

Material: 95% Organic Cotton 5% BPA-free Elastane

Why we love: Non-toxic & sustainably sourced Certified by OEKO-TEX and Global Organic Textile Standard.

3. 🚫 OGL Sustainable Collection*!

Why we ordered but may not reorder*!: Sustainable intention, 92% Viscose, 8% Spandex. Eco-SunKiss” fabric makes Viscose out of wood instead of plastic but is a blend with nylon. Fabric includes nylon and spandex, may not reorder, feels like a lil greenwashing…*! Didn’t realize, for example, some products are 66% Viscose 28% Nylon and 6% Spandex. I don’t need that much nylon and spandex for the feeling they’re trying to sell.

Side Research - There is a better viscose, the pure LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose made from 100% wood cellulose and no nylon. This is a branded viscose where the pulp comes from sustainably managed forests, and the production uses less water and has lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional viscose. Eco-SunKiss by OGL is not that. Eco-Sunkiss from Summer and now Eco-Mousse in Fall has images of OEKO TEX, USDA Certified biobased product, and FSC but is half or more than half plastic (one example: 38% Viscose, 29% Acrylic, from the ultra-fine thermal fibers from Bayer, Germany, 29% Cotton, 4% Spandex) Ultra-fine thermal fibers make ultra-fine acrylic, not good!

Trying next: see bottom of Clothing

1. ✅ Namarie Plastic free, 30% Sports Bras ALL OCTOBER (91% hemp and 9% bio based elastane that is made from corn!)

2. ✅ Jacki Grace Brand (95% sustainable cotton matching yoga sets, 5% spandex, comes in bright colors too! Get 15% off with code ESSTHX)

3. ✅ All Wear (great hoodies with pockets and sets for everyone)

Trying next: ✅

1. Lilysilk just launched Silkerry“SILKERRY™ isn’t just terry—it’s a reinvention from the inside out. Engineered with natural silk fibers woven directly into cotton terry, it features 100% silk loops that touch the skin—delivering unmatched softness and instant cooling. The result is a breathable, frictionless fabric that regulates temperature, manages moisture, and cocoons the body in silk-infused comfort. Unlike conventional terry, SILKERRY™ holds its shape without stiffness and manages moisture without cling. Thoughtfully engineered for movement and indulgence, it brings functionality and quiet luxury together in one transformative textile.”*Recommends their own silk detergent they sell!

Maternity:

Beachwood the Label

Kids/Baby:

Katu (non toxic crib mattress)

Bears for Humanity (kids toys)

Raan (biodegradable baby wipes)

Treehouse Kids (clothes!)

Comfy Cubs (bedding & bath, furniture etc.)

Snuggle Me Organics (pacifiers 100% natural rubber, baby wrap, infant loungers, feeding, covers, accessories, safety, babywearing)

Bleu La La (pacifiers medical grade silicone, bibs, 100% organic cotton blankets etc.)

Tried:

1. ✅ Pads (eco sustainable bamboo, bleach free, dye free)

2. ✅ Polkadog (treats, try the bulk sizes to avoid the little plastic containers)

3. ✅ Viori Beauty (pet shampoo bars)

Trying next: ✅

1. Molly Mutt Dog Beds and Covers (organic cotton and wool)

2. Lil Luv Dog (dry shampoo, EWG Verified)

✅ Lorna Murray (hats, belts, bags)

I have the babylonia belt, great for flares as I can change how I tie the ribbon easily. (Not on sandrift as linked here, but an earlier style no longer on the site. I want sandrift now too though!)

Why we love: Artisinal, ethical and sustainable brand using 100% natural grass fibre with fabric trim

Holst + Lee (Handmade jewlery, charms- online charm builder)

Trying next: ✅

Hope McCauley (A splurge to save for… One of a Kind Irish Alpaca Chunky Knit Scarf - Clover)

Food

Snacks Kids/Baby: Once Upon a Farm

Cookies: Siete Foods Mexican Wedding Cookies, Mexican Shortbread (gluten free!)

Candy: Smart Sweets Peach Rings, Sour Blast Buddies (3g sugar, no artificial sweeteners), GOAT Gummies Sour Burst

Trying next: BEHAVE Low-Sugar Gummy Bears

Chocolate: Via Guatemala Chocolate, (Local to Lynn, woman owned business, she makes and sells coffee too! I think she also sells through Amazon now),

70%+ Lindt Chocolate, Dark chocolate has antioxidants, and they’re usually available in most stores. they do claim sustainability but I’m always on the hunt for more kinds to try!

Drinks

Water: Mountain Valley (Glass bottle with cap), Proud source (Aluminum bottle with cap), Liquid Death (Aluminum can), Boxed Water Is Better (92% renewable plant based materials with cap)

Matcha: Ito En, Kamifood,

Coffee: Via Guatemala Coffee

Juices/Teas:

Calypso Lemonade (glass bottle, sweet not as tart as Natalie’s, I’d mix with iced water or seltzer)

Harney & Sons Organic Lemonade (glass bottle, not a strong lemon like Natalie’s, if you can ever get your hands on the Maple Syrup one, get it.)

Matt Fee Tea (If you’re ever on Nantucket island, try to get it, not sure if you can order from this link to ship anywhere? Only recipe still reminiscent of how Nantucket Nectars used to be since they were around at the same time, luckily Matt Fee Tea never changed)

Up Next:

Cranberry Juice > TBA honestly looking still for a better glass bottled alternative…

Savory: Other than cheese / nuts, Need more time to suggest Brands… visit again later or leave your suggestions!