• Oxygen Powder is a powerful cleaning agent with versatile uses, from removing organic stains on clothing to disinfecting items and tackling stains on carpets and upholstery.
• Oxygen Powder is formulated using sodium percarbonate, which releases oxygen ions that break down and remove dirt and stains when dissolved in water.
• It is an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine bleach as it breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash.
• Users should follow care label instructions when washing garments with Oxygen Powder - create a paste by combining a small amount of powder with hot water for light stain pre-treatment or mix 2 tablespoons of powder per gallon of hot water to soak heavily stained items for up to 12 hours, before adding the garment to the washing machine.

• Castile soap has a rich history that dates back to the era of the Crusades. It was inspired by an even older soap called Aleppo, made with olive oil, laurel bay oil, lye, and water.
• All-natural ingredients such as coconut and palm oils are used to make Castile soap. Olive oil is its main component
• Castile soap is 100% natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
• Versatile product can be used for personal care needs and household cleaning tasks - from floors to ceilings.
• Recipes for DIY Castile soap can be found online as well as many blogs that detail different uses for castile soap.

• Cleaning cast iron with a gentle dish soap that doesn't contain strong degreasers or detergents is recommended to maintain seasoning oils on the pan.
• Wiping it down with warm water or a paper towel and not applying soap each time is suggested by experts.
• Cleaning cast iron cookware with Castile Soap should be done in steps: cooling down the pan, scraping off excess food, applying Castile Soap, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing off any remaining soap particles, drying completely & re-seasoning if necessary.
• Too much use of soap can strip away the seasoning but it's okay to use sparingly.

Embracing Sustainability for a Better Future: The Rise of Refilleries

With pollution and environmental concerns on the rise, organizations like MamaSuds in Davisburg, Michigan are leading the charge towards sustainable living. As alarming amounts of plastic waste continue to wreak havoc on our oceans and ecosystem, a solution emerges: refilleries. Let's explore the concept of refilleries and highlight the importance of embracing these eco-friendly alternatives in daily life.

 

Understanding the Plastic Problem
Traditional shopping habits in America perpetuate the cycle of waste and contribute to the plastic pollution crisis. From single-use plastic bottles to packaging, our throwaway mentality contrasts starkly with cultures where bringing reusable bags and containers for shopping is standard practice. Over 200 million tons of plastic currently litter our oceans, posing severe threats to marine life and coastal ecosystems. The urgency to reduce this burden is palpable.

 

Refilleries: The Bridge to Sustainability
Writing a new chapter in sustainable consumption, refilleries are becoming increasingly prominent across nations. Last year witnessed the establishment of numerous zero-waste stores, where packaging is minimized, and safer product alternatives are advocated. Two such examples locally is The Red Oak Refillery—an inspiring refilling station concept in Northern Oakland County and 86 Plastic- a brick and mortar in Southern Oakland County. 

 

End Plastic Pollution at its Source:
By favoring these stations, patrons end the vicious plastic consumption cycle themselves. Instead of discarding empty containers, individuals can return with their own receptacles, purchasing liquid soaps, dish powder, or other necessary items by refilling. This practice ensures that plastic usage drastically reduces, aligning with the urgent need for environmental sustenance.

 

A Gateway to Safer and Sustainable Alternatives:
Beyond reducing plastic waste, another advantage of refilleries is the access to eco-friendly and organic products. MamaSuds specializes in producing natural and safe soaps and household cleaning alternatives. Collaborating with refilleries, MamaSuds ensures its products reach eco-conscious consumers at conveniently-located sustainable stores.

 

Simple Steps Each of Us Can Take
Making the transition to sustainable practices may initially feel unfamiliar or inconvenient, but individuals play a pivotal role in driving positive change. Referring to your own tote bags during shopping can profoundly reduce wasteful plastic bags. As stores often offer scan-and-pay options, personally bagging items using environmentally-friendly totes can streamline the process while minimizing impact.

 

Embarking on a Journey of Change
Setting sail for a sustainable future requires conscientiously introducing new practices into our routine. As we're reminded voluntarily taking our own bags and containers, refraining from defaulting to convenience can seem novel and challenging. An essential part of paving this eco-conscious path lies in proactively placing bags and containers within our daily grabs, forging lasting habits.

 

Take Action: Find Your Local Refillery
Discovering nearby sustainable outlets and experiences enhances our journey towards conscious consuming. Utilize resources like the Refillery Collective Directory to locate refilleries and zero-waste shops in your vicinity. By investing in such enterprises, we build a community reinforcing sustainable values and fostering environmental kinship throughout the neighborhood.

 

Conclusion:
MamaSuds and organizations like it exemplify spearheading establishments advocating sustainable living. Heightened awareness about the ramifications of plastic waste necessitates dire actions at all levels. Choosing to purchase goods at refilleries promotes economically viable solutions while incorporating sustainability into our daily lives. Remember, change begins small—an optimistic mindset and individual choices ripple into collective transformation, fostering thriving communities with a marked commitment to safeguarding our shared planet for generations to come.

 

 

Do you struggle with finding a safe and effective way to clean your menstrual cup? Worry no more – castile soap is here to the rescue! Castile soap is an all-natural, plant-based liquid made from oils like olive oil so it's gentle on skin and offers natural cleansing properties that make it perfect for cleaning your menstrual cup.

Let's see how you can use castile soap to keep your menstrual cup clean and sanitary every month. 

 

Is Castile Soap Safe for Cleaning Menstrual Cup?

Yes, castile soap can be used to clean menstrual cups. It is a mild and generally natural soap that can effectively clean menstrual cups without degrading the material or causing irritation when used appropriately.

Here are some points to consider:

Mildness: Castile soap is typically gentle and free of harsh chemicals, making it suitable for cleaning menstrual cups. 

Unscented and Oil-Free: Many sources recommend using an unscented, oil-free soap for cleaning menstrual cups. Castile soap, like Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, fits this description.

Effectiveness: Many users have reported that they use castile soap for cleaning their menstrual cups and find it effective.

However, always ensure that the soap is thoroughly rinsed off the cup to avoid any potential irritation. Also, while castile soap can be used for regular cleaning, it's recommended to sterilize the cup (usually by boiling) at the end of each menstrual cycle.

Please note that some specific brands, like DivaCup, may advise against the use of castile soap for their products, so it's crucial to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cup.

 

How to Use Castile Soap to Clean Your Menstrual Cup?

To clean a menstrual cup using castile soap, follow these steps:

1. Empty the Cup: First, empty the contents of your menstrual cup into the toilet or sink.
2. Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the cup thoroughly with warm water. This will help remove any residual material from the cup.
3. Apply Castile Soap: Apply a small amount of mild, oil-free, and fragrance-free castile soap like Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. It's important to use a soap that is gentle and free of harsh chemicals as these can degrade the silicone material of the cup over time.
4. Scrub Gently: Use your fingers to gently scrub the cup, paying special attention to the rim and any grooves where material might be trapped.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the cup thoroughly under warm water to ensure all soap residue is removed. Leaving soap on your cup could lead to irritation when you reinsert it.
6. Dry and Store: Allow the cup to air dry completely before storing it in a breathable cotton bag.

 

It's also recommended to boil your menstrual cup for 2-3 minutes at the end of each cycle to sterilize it. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cup as some may have different cleaning recommendations.

 

Sources:

Put A Cup In It & Little Urban Life

 

 

• Castile soap is an olive oil-based soap that is both mild and powerful - it's perfect for DIY recipes ranging from laundry detergent to facial cleansers.
• It can be used to make a baby wipe solution, shaving cream, shampoo, makeup brush cleaner, makeup remover, foot scrub, pet shampoo, natural pesticide and weed killer.
• When using it as a shampoo, remember everyone's hair is different and do a patch test first.
• For a homemade foot scrub mix 1 tablespoon of castile soap with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 cup of white sugar.
• To make a natural pesticide mix ½ teaspoon of castile soap with 1 quart of water and spray it on plants every few days if pests persist.

Castile soap is an all-natural, vegetable-based soap that can be used to help maximize your garden's potential by acting as a natural pesticide.

• Make laundry detergent from MamaSuds Castile Soap, with rubber / nitrile gloves, face mask, measuring cup, spoon and airtight container (Powdered Laundry Soap)
• For Powdered Laundry Soap: grate 1 cup of MamaSuds Castile Bar Soap, mix 2 cups of Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) and 1 cup of Borax (sodium borate), mix in soap flakes and store in airtight container
• Use 2-3 Tablespoons per load for regular washer; use 1 Tablespoon or less for HE Washer
• For Liquid Laundry Soap: dissolve 1/2 cup Borax and 1 cup of Soda Wash into warm water on a stove while stirring; add essential oils for scent if desired; add to 2 cups of MamaSuds Castile Soap; let cool completely
• Use 1/4 cup per load for regular washer; use 1-2 Tablespoons or less for HE Washer

Your home is your sanctuary, but over time, it can start to feel stale and uninviting. If you're feeling bored with your living space, it's time to shake things up by giving your home a refresh. From deep cleaning to adding new textures, there are plenty of ways to bring new life into your home. Here, MamaSuds discusses some tips on how to revive and refresh your home.

Give Your Home a Deep Cleaning

The first step in refreshing your home is to give it a deep cleaning. Remove all clutter and excess items, and thoroughly clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings. Dust and polish all furniture, and wash all linens and curtains. This not only makes your home look better, but it also makes it feel more pleasant to be in. Keep your family safe — shop for non-toxic eco-friendly cleaning products at MamaSuds.

Get Organized by Digitizing Your Documents

Another way to refresh your home is by digitizing your documents. Instead of keeping papers and receipts in drawers and cabinets, scan them onto your computer and store them as PDFs. If you want to combine documents and need help with how to add pages to a PDF, you can utilize a free online tool.

Give New Life to Old Furniture

Furniture is one of the cornerstones of your living space, so refreshing your home can involve revitalizing your old pieces. Take a look at your furniture, and consider refinishing or painting pieces to give them new life. You can also reupholster chairs or create new covers for sofas and cushions.

Add Depth by Mixing Textures and Fabrics

Mixing textures and fabrics can help bring more interest and depth to your living space. Consider adding a plush rug to the living room or adding a new throw pillow in a different color or pattern. Adding different fabrics can create more places for the eye to rest, making your home more visually interesting.

Choose Value-Enhancing Improvements

When refreshing your home, it's important to choose improvements that will enhance your property's value. This can include replacing outdated fixtures or appliances, refinishing flooring, and updating bathrooms or kitchens. Making these types of improvements not only breathes new life into your space but can also increase your home's resale value.

Introduce Indoor Plants

Plants are a great way to add life and color to your living space. Adding greenery can also help improve air quality and create a more relaxing atmosphere. Consider adding plants in different sizes and shapes to different rooms in your home. Plants also make excellent natural décor options.

Refresh Your Color Scheme With Paint or New Décor

One of the most effective ways to refresh your home is by changing up your color scheme. You don't have to paint a whole room to achieve this effect. Instead, you can introduce new colors and textures through decorative items like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork. Adding a new coat of paint to a single accent wall can also change the whole dynamic of a room.

Let in More Natural Light

Natural light can change the entire ambiance of your space. Seek to let in more light into your home through larger windows, skylights, or even adding mirrors in strategic places to reflect sunlight. If you need more privacy, seek translucent curtains to allow light to filter in while still giving you a sense of privacy indoors.

 

Refreshing your home can help create a more comfortable, inviting living space. By adding new textures and fabrics, mixing colors, or even digitizing documents, you can make your home feel brand new. Choosing improvements that enhance your home's value and bringing in natural elements can make the refresh more beneficial in the long run. So don't be afraid to experiment, and remember to have fun while creating a space that reflects your individual style.