The Barter Project

Purging: Personal Hygene Products

One of the first things I did when I started this project was to clean out my medicine cabinet and shower shelf. I noticed that of all the areas I was cleaning, this was the area where I had a lot of overlooked and unused products sitting around collecting dust. This was an important area, because on the road I’m sure I’ll be using showers in campsites, and I’d like to have a simple, small bag to carry what I need. It’s also just another easy way to streamline a daily activity and remove clutter, useless products, and choices, which free up thinking time.

I don’t know how else to put it, so I’ll just tell you what I did: I threw out everything except my razor, floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. I replaced it all with one product: castile soap. I chose Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, but there are many many kinds out there. I was skeptical at first, so I did some research and found lots of rave reviews. I went out and got a (very very large) bottle from Trader Joes for around $11 I think, and committed to trying it for every use I could imagine.

Dr. Bronner’s is about as close to a perfect simple product as you can get. It’s certified organic and fair trade, multi-use, inexpensive, isn’t tested on animals, and the company itself is very responsible. It’s biodegradable and natural too, so it doesn’t harm the environment at any point in it’s life.

I used it for everything it advertised, including (but not limited to):

Shampoo
Bodywash
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Laundry
Dish Washing
Pet Baths
Aftershave

The only thing I will not continue to use it for is toothpaste, as my teeth are so sensitive I need prescription toothpaste.

Beyond this product, personal hygiene is one of those areas we don’t think about much, but can really affect our routine. This really is a simple remedy. You don’t have to replace different products when you run out at different times, so you save time. You don’t need room to store these things when they’re not in use, so you eliminate the need for space. Most importantly you don’t need to wake up enough in the morning to differentiate between the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dumped body wash on my head), so you eliminate the risk of starting off the day on the wrong foot, and you eliminate and streamline one of the most important and under thought areas of your life. Basically, you just make your life that much easier, and make more time for doing important things. Oh! It also saves a whole lot of money, because castile soap is usually pretty inexpensive.

I understand that I’m a guy, and I have short hair and all of that, but I think this is a great example of simplifying. I urge you to look in your bathroom, pantry, and linen closet, and figure out what you can get rid of or replace with one or two multi-use products.