Spectacle Pond
Surely what makes the Outer Cape so delightful is a chance to live a bit closer to nature:
beaches and dunes that shift with the seasons,
barefoot walks on pine-needle paths,
sips of cool water from one’s own well…
As we try to keep our footprint gentle, here’s a list of the products we’re using to eliminate or drastically reduce harsh chemicals, needless packaging, and single-use plastic and paper. Suggestions welcome! (use booking form to comment)
For more tips, check out Protect Our Cape Cod Aquifer (POCCA), https://www.poccacapecod.org/.
To paraphrase Michael Pollan:
Use soap, not too much, mostly from plants.
Most items have been purchased in bulk from Pure-Vita (Eastham) and Green Road Refill (Brewster).
Day-to-Day Cleaning
Laundry Detergent Strips - Slight preference for Tru Earth, since they make larger packs and none of their other items come in plastic containers.
Tru Earth Laundry Eco-Strips (fragrance-free, 32-, 64- & 384-strip packs)
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Liquidless Eco Sheets (fragrance free, 30-sheet pack for up to 60 loads)
New things we’ve recently found out about but haven’t had a chance to research or try:
Eco-egg, which uses ceramic pellets, rather than detergent: this review is a strong endorsement!
Washing machine filter to catch micro-plastic fibers: given what’s now known, sounds like these should be standard on all washing machines. It will be hard for all of us to give up clothes with synthetic fibers.
Bulk Dish Liquid & Dish Soap Bars - We’re aiming to transition strictly to bars once the whole household is on board…
ECOS Free & Clear (unscented & clear) - decanted from a 19-liter barrel and brought home in our own 64oz & 14oz containers!
No Tox Life Vegan Dish Block (6oz; also 22.5oz!)
Concentrated Dishwasher Tablets - Preferred this brand to others that come in plastic bags or with metal box
Tru Earth Dishwasher Detergent Tablets (30-pack)
Compostable Sponges
ME Mother Earth Eco Dish Sponge (oval loofah without string, 3-pack)
Full Circle Beachy Clean Heavy-Duty Coconut Scour Pads (3-pack)
If You Care Reusable Sponge Cloths (5-pack)
Deep Clean
Tru Earth Toilet Bowl Cleaner (24- & 48-strip pack)
plain white vinegar
Personal Use
PFAS-Free & Septic-Friendly Toilet Paper
Emerald Tree Free Farm to Tissue American Made Toilet Paper (96 rolls per box) - made from crop waste, not bamboo
Traditional Soap
Sappo Hill Cucumber Soap (0.9oz travel size; also 3.5oz)
Shampoo Bars - These feel more effective than other brands because they lather up more. You definitely need a soap dish that drains well, especially for travel!
J.R. Liggett Original Formula Shampoo Bar (classic bar shape; 06.5oz & 3.5oz) - will prioritize their products going forward since they’re made nearby in New Hampshire
HiBAR Maintain Shampoo Bar (pear-shaped bar)
Lush “Honey I Washed My Hair” (round bar; 1.9oz) - this bar is not hard-milled like the others and is more prone to separate if not kept dry.
Compostable Dental Floss - These don’t catch and shred like some other brands.
ME Mother Earth Biodegradable Charcoal Dental Floss (30m, black)
Dental Lace Vegan Bamboo Charcoal Infused Synthetic Floss (33 yds, black)
Food Prep & Storage
Reusable metal filters for pour-over or machine-made coffee - and definitely kill the Nespresso-type capsule trend!
Pyrex glass storage containers
Various upcycled jars, containers, and rubber bands
No more plastic wrap and ziploc bags! Can’t really think of when they’re necessary…