@P – My plastic scrubbies last a year or more, as long as I disinfect them when they get dark in the middle. They’re a great way to get soap to last longer.

Also, I feel that uncluttering my life also encompasses buying simplified products. For instance, instead of falling prey to lots of chemicals, I use ONE simple all purpose cleaner: vinegar/water combo mixed with tea tree oil to disinfect, and lavendar oil for smell. I put this in a spray bottle that is unmarked and that’s it!

Apparently, with the resistent-germs we have today, chemical disinfectants actually aren’t working anymore like they should, so natural tea tree oil is being researched as a powerful ‘new but old’ solution!

Then, for personal cleaning, one bar or gel of soap without any chemicals. One shampoo without chemicals. A hemp washcloth (b/c the plastic scrubbies wear out quickly and then go to pollute). To find less toxic stuff, I go to skin deep’s database. (Google it; its really cool). Then, I put these products into clear glass pump bottles to simplify the overall look of my bathroom.

I find that removing the ‘clutter’ of chemicals in my life coincides perfectly with my overall love of de-cluttering. A lot less goes into my body. And a lot less goes out of my wallet in most instances too!

I’m still kicking myself for buying a bottle of shampoo at Sams in a formula I hadn’t tried. I really don’t like how it leaves my hair feeling, but I still want to use it up. I ended up giving it to a roommate, but she finally moved out and left it behind.

I bought another big bottle at Big Lots, but it’s a formula that actually works well for me. But I want to use up the other stuff, too, so I alternate when I use them.

But right now I’m using up shampoo that I got at a hotel weeks ago.

And I finally finished up all my free samples — for now.

I keep telling myself to never buy shampoo — or conditioner — again.

Don’t get me started on bar soap. My husband bought it in bulk years ago, then decided that he doesn’t like bar soap. Then we got some more as gifts. I finally bit the bullet and started using it in the shower. I don’t care if it dries out my skin; we have so much body lotion which we don’t even use, but people keep giving us.

No, i’ve never even considered that this would be a possibility. Like i said, i don’t get it, but if others do… *shakes head in a confused manner*

However, there are 2 things i do to save space in my shower, depending on what i’m buying:

Since i am not bored by these products:
1) To save money, i have a small refillable/usable container for my soap that i refill from the the bulk container at the Co-op. Many other non-coop stores have these things too. This saves you money, AND space. And, if you DO get bored, each time, you can just try a new bulk soap!

2) When that’s not an option, i buy the bigger bottle to save money, but keep that in the storage locker that’s part of my condo (yes, i know not all have this option, but it could be stashed in your linen closet, or something), and then just refil the smaller bottle as well.

I do subscribe heavily to the idea of giving unwanted products to women’s shelters, etc. I have also regifted lotions/soaps that are too scented for me, but that do smell nice (just too strong) in situations where I didn’t know someone was coming (i.e. extra family members at Christmas). Whenever that happens I look in my “I don’t love it, but somebody else will!” bag.

Make-up on the other hand…that tends to spoil before I’m halfway finished with it.