5 Non-Toxic Summer Essentials

There are many things we use during the summer months that can have negative effects on both us and the environment. This article will hopefully provide some good information on what toxins to look out for, and some healthier alternatives. Below you’ll find a list of non-toxic summer essentials found at Refillism, some of which may surprise you!

1. Aloe

We’ll start off the list with aloe vera gel. When looking at major ingredients in popular brands of aloe, you might notice a component referred to as benzophenone-4, benzophenone-3, or oxybenzone. This is a known carcinogen that’s actively being sold in these aloes, among other harmful ingredients. The aloe sold in Refillism is a non-toxic and all-natural option. Make sure to stay safe and read up on the chemicals you put on your skin!

2. Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles

Did you know if a reusable plastic water bottle is left in a hot car it will release microplastics and a chemical that mimics a toxic hormone? This is an alarming fact considering plastic reusable water bottles make up 36% of reusable water bottle sales. One study actually found that these plastic bottles absorb chemicals from dishwasher detergent (see non-toxic detergent options here).

Metal reusable water bottles are a better choice as they don’t absorb or release harmful chemicals. The brand we carry is Klean Kanteen, which provides a stainless steel bottle with a bamboo lid. It’s perfect to bring along with you to your summer activities!

3. Sunscreen

There are generally two types of sunscreen you can purchase: physical (or mineral) and chemical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays, the downside being their ingredients are also absorbed into your bloodstream. Mineral sunscreens work by repelling UV rays and are not absorbed into the skin. This is why we sell a mineral-based zinc sunscreen lotion made by a company committed to using all natural ingredients to help protect you and the environment.

4. Veggie Wash Concentrate

In the coming summer months the farmer’s market will be selling some staple vegetables, and some of us might even have our own gardens growing. Refillism’s all-natural veggie wash concentrate can be used to wash off any dirt, pesticides, or other contaminants. You can mix a ¼ teaspoon of our concentrate in a bowl of water or a spray bottle to make sure your veggies are clean and ready for eating!

5. Sud Nugs

So what are sud nugs? Our homemade sud nugs are soap pellets that come in a little tin, each the perfect amount for one wash in the sink. They are made from castile soap with a refreshing orange cedarwood scent. While traveling they can be a convenient way to get a good wash while not touching the soap dispenser, act as a great swap to avoid bringing liquids through airport security, and are a healthier option than most mainstream soaps used in airports. Because they are made out of natural, non-toxic materials, our sud nugs are also a great option to take camping or to use at places that might not have soap. 

Let us know if you try any of these eco-alternatives, and make sure to leave other ideas/thoughts in the comments! We love hearing tips and tricks from you all.

References:

Benzophenone. State of California. https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/benzophenone

K, Sudiksha. Fact check: Plastic water bottles left in hot cars don't release dioxins, do leach other chemicals. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/10/15/fact-check-plastic-water-bottles-leach-chemicals-but-not-dioxins/6048788001/

R, Arabella. 15 Fascinating Reusable Water Bottle Statistics & Facts. TheRoundUp. https://theroundup.org/

Reusable plastic bottles release hundreds of chemicals, study finds. Science News. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220211102618.htm

M, Carrie. Is My Sunscreen Safe? Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-sunscreen-safe

R, Tik. The Safest Sunscreens to Buy-and Which Ingredients to Avoid. TIME. https://time.com/6193896/safest-sunscreen-to-buy/