Several people have been surprised when they learn that I don’t use much in the way of beauty products. It’s getting where I don’t even use shampoo so much any more, and I don’t spend the money on special Proactiv acne cream, or foundation other make-ups, skin facials and all the rest of it. The closest I come to pampering is occasionally painting my nails black, and having a massage every now and then. Every third or fourth time I rinse my hair I might put a little bit of conditioner on it, but I’ve found that it’s in just as decent a condition just cleaning it with water and spritzing it with rosemary and cider vinegar every once in a while, than spending $40 a month on shampoos and conditioners.

While the not shampooing does have the added bonus that my funky colored hair dye lasts longer than it would otherwise, it also saves us money and reduces the amount of chemicals that we are leeching into the environment, there are lots of other ways we’ve been cutting back on that as well, including the cleaning products that we use on the floor, dishes and laundry.

Strange but true? I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks this way. We can clean the floor just as well with a brush followed by a steam mop as I could spraying the place with bleach that my son might then be rolling around in…the answer is clear, and so is my conscience.