The result of the investigation was that many period pants manufacturers treat their period pants with silver (in various forms), which has anti-microbial properties. If you're concerned about smell, anti-microbial period pants do sound like they make sense - right up until you remember that anti-microbial treatments do not distinguish between "good and bad" bacteria, and period pants tend to live very near the vulva and vagina which have a delicate microbial balance. Also, many of these treatments are toxic to aquatic life, and so when you wash your period pants, or - ultimately - dispose of them, there's a risk that these treatments make their way into our oceans. So, nice thought, but you can see why this isn't ideal.
I feel the need to stop here and contextualise this however. In case this discussion is making you think twice about making a switch to period pants, please read this excellent editorial in the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics about the harm caused globally by disposable menstrual products, which can be up to 90% plastic.
Reduce, reuse, recycle is a hierarchical message. Reducing consumption is the very best of these. Reusing what we consume is next best, and this is where reusable menstrual products exist. Recycling is less effective again in our journey towards sustainability than the first two, and typically not possible with menstrual products.
It is important that we do not ignore potential toxins in products marketed as sustainable, but it is equally important that we address these concerns within the context of a world where the default for so many is primarily plastic, overly packaged, disposable period pads and tampons.
This 2022 review of studies into harmful chemicals in (mostly disposable) menstrual products concludes that we don't even have reliable models to determine how much gets absorbed from these products into our bodies through contact with our vulvas and vaginas. Many of the chemicals detected are not intentionally added, but are remnants of the manufacturing process. While single use plastics can seem very clean (bleach will do that), that doesn't mean they're at all kind to our bodies, or to our planet.
The best we can all do is to make better choices, and I'm glad you are on this journey with us. Please keep asking us questions - we're here to help!
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I'm Em. I'd met Ann over the years at baby and cloth nappy events, and now she has graciously allowed me to take over Anniepooh. It's been a couple hectic months of logisitics, but I've have counted all the stock and crossed all my fingers, so we're ready to make better choices for our planet and global community with all of you in 2024.
To start the year right, please use NEWANNIEPOOH for 20% OFF on all products.
I live in Mullingar with my wife and son, so the business has moved from the Irish Sea to the beautiful lakes of the Midlands. Please say hello to the swans of Lough Ennell now gracing our home page.
The first big change is that "local" has moved. We cannot offer local pickup, but we do offer free local delivery in Mullingar. If your delivery address is within 5 kilometres of us, you'll be shown this option in checkout. Local delivery attempts to reduce resource usage, so we will be doing local deliveries once a week, and as often as possible, on two wheels. Mullingar is a great town for cycling and we want to take advantage of that. Shipping using An Post is also available locally and nationally (ROI only for now - we're working on NI!), but we won't be doing international deliveries for now.
We've spent many years trying to make better choices in our home, and we're excited to help carry on Anniepooh's contribution to growing the sustainable options available in Ireland.
We are currently working with existing stock, but will be starting to look at making orders with suppliers, so if you have product requests, please get in touch. We will do our best!
We all know the best time to make changes to live more sustainably was years ago but the next best time is now!
Zero waste living is a journey, it doesn't have to be all or nothing, start small and go form there.
Cloth nappies- just buy one and see what you think, no biggy!!
Mooncup-try it, you’ll wish you did moons ago!!
Shampoo bar-they work!!! Give one a go! Three Hills and Airmid are my faves.
Conditioner bar- these are amazing, you will love them. Three hills one last ages and conditions my hair beautifully!
Food refills- grab a few containers and head to your local refill shop, they’ll help you out! It’s a really nice way to shop too!!
Beeswax wraps- forget about single use cling film, give beeswax wraps a go! We love our Bee-natural wraps which also come in a vegan option
Plastic free skincare- you’ll be amazed at how fab natural skincare is and how much choice there is out there, you won’t miss your old stuff!
Toothpaste tablets- give them a try! Each brand is different so find the one you like. Pop into AnniePooh and we’ll happily give you a couple of tablets to try!
Natural cleaning - beware you may become obsessed like me!! But it works and you’re not breathing in nasty chemicals!
❓What is it for you? What is the thing you know you need to change but have been putting off? If there's something you're stuck on and don't know how to change, or a sustainable alternative to, get in touch and Ill help if I can.
AnniePooh sells 6 different brands and 4 types of nappies.
Our brands:
1. Blueberry
2. Buttons
3. Alcmena
4. Monarch
5. Baba+Boo
6. Pukunui (made in Ireland)
Cloth nappy types at AnniePooh:
1. Pockets nappies
2. Snap & Wipe nappies.
3. All in ones
4. Fitteds
1. A pocket nappy is simply the water proof part of the nappy attached to the inner liner with an opening at one end like a big pocket where you pop the absorbency (inserts) into.
They are very handy, you can put anything in the pockets; inserts, folded Muslim cloth, folded terrys even a folded face cloth!
With pockets the whole nappy goes in the nappy bucket each change. (Baba+Boo, Alcmena V1.5 and Monarch Classic)
2. Snap & Wipe has a water proof cover that you clip the inserts into. With these you can take a wet insert out, wipe the waterproof cover and pop another insert in so there’s less washing as you reuse the cover. (Buttons, Alcmena V3.5 and Monarch Ultimate)
3. All in ones have the absorbency sewn in but they also have a pocket if you need to add more absorbency. The whole nappy is changed each time. (Blueberry Simplex)
4. A fitted nappy is a nappy without a waterproof outter so you need to put a waterproof cover (also called wrap) or a wool/fleece pants over the fitted nappy. These are a great night or heavy wetter option. (Pukunui)
Any cloth nappy questions just get in touch or pop into AnniePooh in Greystones.
Click here for our cloth nappy section
August, already? How did that happen?
With all of the drama that 2020 has given us so far, we could all do with as little hassle as possible as we prepare for the unknown of getting back to school post pandemic. With plenty of time during lockdown to reassess what is really important, many parents are looking to more sustainable options when selecting back to school essentials this month.
We have pulled together a mix of best sellers and new comers to make it easy for you to choose zero waste going back to school in 2020.
Sustainable lunch bags, boxes & tins.
Sustainable drinks bottles.
Sustainable pencils.
We told you we would make it easy!
And when September hits and everyone is back to school, you can chill out on one of our super slick cork yoga mats - you can namaste us later!
]]>Having lost both of my glass keep cups (to a toddler on tiles) during lockdown, I was back on the hunt for 'a decent reusable'. I use mine everyday and it goes everywhere with me so needs to be just right!
If you are time poor, you might want to grab our reusable lunch kit and go straight to the check out. https://anniepooh.ie/collections/eco-bottles-cups/products/zero-waste-on-the-go
Here's the Goldilocks guide to getting it 'just right' when choosing your reusable tipple transporter.
What will be going into it?
- for coffee only, choose a cup that you will enjoy drinking out of. no one likes a clout in the snout while trying to extract coffee through a miniscule hole (no matter how environmentally friendly it is!) The clear winner here and made from recycled coffee cups to boot: https://anniepooh.ie/collections/eco-bottles-cups/products/rcup-black-and-teal-8oz
- for a cold flow whilst exercising, you will most likely want to go with a smaller opening or something like a 'quench cap' from one green bottle.
- for hot & cold beverages, a cup will work for both but check the insulation to make sure it will keep hot & cold for as long as you need.
- for soup, a wide neck bottle will serve you well. (Hot minestrone on your mid way hike break is the bomb!)
Where will it be going?
- if it's going to live on your desk, you will be safe with most options we have available. this one pips it for me, sparking joy at every glimpse https://anniepooh.ie/collections/eco-bottles-cups/products/brew-keep-cup-8oz
- If you are planning on dragging it over hills and down through vales, metal is best - light weight and resistant to knocks and drops.
- If you will be using it in your car or on your bike, you will want to make sure it fits in your cup or bottle holder
How often will I use it?
- Washing your cup every day is no problem. Washing your cup when you're trying to do 6 other things and get out the door on time is another matter completely. If your cup is a hassle to put together or is dirty when you need it, you won't use it. Choose one that fits your lifestyle. For me, dishwasher safe is a priority!
- If you are using your cup or bottle every day, choose the best one you can within your budget. It will pay off. Make sure it feels great in your hand and that it is easy to grab & go.
Check out our full range of on the go cups and bottles, visit us here: https://anniepooh.ie/collections/eco-bottles-cups
In case you're wondering.....my Goldilocks vestibule turned out to be the Quench bottle from One Green Bottle. Wide enough for soup if needed, easy to clean due to the wide neck, I can get a replaceable top if I lose or break one and I have to admit, I am a little bit smitten with the colour too! https://anniepooh.ie/collections/eco-bottles-cups/products/one-green-bottle-500ml
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As with anything that you will be putting on your skin, you may need to try & test a couple of options to get the right soap for you. Here to make the zero waste soap switch less daunting is our at a glance guide to lathering up!
Sensitive/Dry skin
Oily skin
Combination skin
For all the family
The all rounder!
I couldn’t write a guide to soap without including our Organic Marseille Olive Oil soap cube. A sterling all rounder which will certainly earn its keep! Hair, body, shaving, laundry, dishes, insecticide and stain remover….you get the gist!]]>Hands up who has a bazillion bottles of lotions, potions and miracle products? The ‘might use’ (but haven’t in 6 months), the ‘favourite shade of lipstick’ that never seems to suit or the miracle cream that had it’s fortnight in the spotlight before being consigned to the bathroom shelf in favour of a newer product in a more attractive bottle? Guilty as charged?
Well, the good news is that the lockdown of 2020 has got to be your biggest chance to clear those cupboards and make peace with your own make up and beauty routines. My top tip is to keep it simple. Find what works for you and stick to it. (And keep clear of shiny packaging and wild promises of eternal youth!)
My top 6 easy zero waste swaps. (Click on a header to investigate more!)
The first commercially available sanitary pad (as we know it) was launched by kotex in 1921. Although convenient at the time, it has taken us almost 100 years to twig that sanitary pads can take 500-800 years to biodegrade! Yuck!
As with many ‘developments’ over the years, the environmental impact was not high on the agenda at the time of inception. Luckily for us, not only do we now have the knowledge but we also have plenty of sustainable sanitary options. These cloth sanitary pads are one of our best sellers. Once thought to be the domain of hippy types with dubious hygiene practices, cloth sanitary pads are now favoured by smart CEO’s, sassy school teachers and eco conscious mums around the world. Plastic free, bleach free and sustainable. Kind to you and kind to the world!
Deodorant
Sugarloaf Botanics All Natural Deodorant - If this one hasn’t found its way into your life yet, you are really missing out. Tried and tested, this really works! 100% natural, vegan, made at the foot of the Sugarloaf and completely eco-friendly. Click here to learn more
Teeth - Paste, powder, tablets & brushes!
One of the easiest swaps for our house has been our toothbrushes. Bamboo brushes are now widely available for all the family. If you’ve tried one in the past and didn’t like it, do try again, they have upped their game since becoming mainstream. Choose different colours for each member of the family for less bathroom drama! Once you’re done with them, use them to label seeds, clean the bathroom grout or scrub mucky runners.
There are so many options now for tooth care and going zero waste no longer means whipping up a hydrogen peroxide tincture each morning to keep your gnashers gleaming. Here at EcoAnniePooh HQ, we stock all kinds of zero waste toothpaste replacements. If you’re unsure which one will suit, drop us a note here or you can read all you need to know here.
We are spoilt here in Ireland with the amount of great quality zero waste soap options available. In the past decade, convenience has overtaken common sense and shop shelves are now bursting with plastic pump bottles of every colour but what could be more convenient than the humble soap bar?
Package free, palm oil free, natural & packed with oats, chia seeds, charcoal and essential oils to beat the band, it ticks a lot of boxes but is it really as convenient? Just like anything that you will use on a daily basis, it might take a couple of goes to get it right.
Start with your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, well you’re on the right track. Cutting out nasty chemicals is going to be a hit with your skin. If you have oily skin, you might want to opt for a charcoal bar. We’ve put together a handy guide to give you a headstart on choosing the right soap for you. The low down on lathering up!
Organic cotton make up remover pads are simply great. Larger than standard cotton pads, there is no messy leakage. Whether it's micellar water or coconut oil, you won't end up with sticky fingers. IWe have 3 designs to choose from and ImseVimse's reusable cotton pads come in a pack of 10 in a handy little mesh bag for washing them in. Easy Peasy!
Now this one was new to me and not sure I was ready to rock & roll with a ‘cut throat razor’ I did dilly dally alot before taking the plunge. I’m going to be honest, it may have been the rose gold colour that swung it for me but it also comes in gunmetal grey to make his ‘n’ hers identification easier. It is soooo easy to use, it comes with 10 blades (and refills are only .40c a blade!), there are no plastic bits anywhere and it sparks joy every time I see it on the shelf! I teamed it up with Airmid’s Green Man Shaving soap (on insider advice) and haven’t looked back.
Where is it all? Who still has some and how can I get my bakers' hands on it? EcoAnniePooh explains why organic flour is up on a pedestal right now and why stoneground flour is the holy grail of flours.
]]>Larger mills are reporting that they do in fact have plenty of flour, it is however the packing that is causing delays as mills along with countless other businesses struggle to adapt at breakneck speed to social distancing measures on their factory floors.
In the case of Ballymore Organics, things are a little different. James and his team over in Kildare, mill and dispatch their flour on the same day. As is often the case with organic producers, their product is single source so once it’s gone, it really is gone.
Ballymore Organics have temporarily halted sales on their own site in order to mill and dispatch a backlog of orders but the good news is it can still be found at &keep by EcoAnniePooh Greystones.
What’s the big deal with stoneground flour?
Ballymore flour and oats are single-varietal, single-origin, and have uniquely nutty flavour. The flour is unbleached and without additives or preservatives. In stone-ground flour the endosperm, bran, and germ remain in their natural, original proportions and are more nutritious.
If you are looking to try something new, why not try your hand at Pasta making with James’ recipe which involves no fancy pasta making machines!
‘’You can make pasta at home with my semolina. Put 400g of semolina in a bowl, make a well, crack in four eggs, mix well, knead and let rest for half an hour. Then roll into sheets and cut into strips for tagliatelle or lasagna. A pizza cutter will do the job well, and it’s an activity the whole family can get involved in. You don’t need a pasta-maker.’’ James Kelly, Founder & Owner, Ballymore Organics.
Head over to Ballymore organics for more great recipes.
Whether you are searching for bakers flour, plain flour or some of the wonderful Ballymore Organics flour, EcoAnniepooh has you covered.
If Zero waste is your bag and you’re looking to up the ante on saving the world, start small, start with Eco AnniePoohs great range of zero waste food refills and zero waste solutions. All deliveries will be made in brown paper bags. Please give us a shout here if we can help with anything. ]]>I used cloth nappies on my 3rd and 4th. I didn't know about them on my first and I'd say they were pretty primitive back then anyway!! I used eco disposables on my second baby. When number 3 came along I decided to give eco friendly cloth nappies a try and never looked back.
I bought a few different types of nappies to see what I liked best. Now there is the Cloth Nappy Library Ireland so you can get a 2 week loan to give cloth a try. So handy, see which nappies suit your baby and you. They also host nappuccinos where you can meet other parents, some new to cloth and some experienced. Your local library meets once a month. Hosted by a volunteer who is an experienced cloth nappy user and a kit of at least 10 different nappies for you to borrow and compare.
This is how it works! You need a nappy bucket with a mesh liner to line the bucket or a large wet bag. No liquid is put in the bucket to soak the nappies like years ago. When your baby needs a change, you take off their nappy, knock any poo into the loo and throw your nappy into your bucket. After 2-3 days (depending on how many nappies you have) you grab the mesh bag full of nappies and throw it in the washing machine. Do a cold rinse, then wash at up 60 degrees. I usually washed at 40 degrees and every now an then did a 60 degree wash. When washed pop them on the line. You can use a low heat setting on the drier but if you've space, a line or clothes horse is better for environmental reasons.
It’s an extra couple of washes a week, that’s all. You don’t have the poosplosions you get with disposables, you can’t run out of nappies and have to run to the shop when you just don’t have time, they save you a lot of money........
So that's it! I have to mention how cute they are and how great it is not to have nasty chemicals near your baby's delicate skin. Never mind that they save you a lot of money.
If you want more info come email me or pop into our shop in Hillside Road, Greystones and have a look at our nappies, we sell Baba+Boo one size pocket nappies , Button diapers, Blueberry, Pukunui, Alcmena and Monarch cloth nappies
Check out our Cloth Nappy section
For all your sustainable baby needs, including eco-friendly nappies, zero waste solutions and beautiful baby balms, visit our online store today.
]]>I'm a Mum of 4 and a bit obsessed with trying to cut out our plastic use! Its been easy so far but I've a long way to go.For those of you who don't know where to start, I say just start!! Pick one thing and go for it!
]]>I'm Ann and I run Eco AnniePooh. I'm a Mum of 4 and a bit obsessive about trying to cut out our plastic use! Its been easy so far but I've a long way to go. I set up Eco AnniePooh to make it easier for you and me to reduce our waste, it doesn't have to be inconvenient.
For those of you who don't know where to start, I say just start!! Pick one thing, like those little plastic bags for weighing fruit and veg. Refuse to use them!! Buy or make little produce bags to use instead.
Or tea bags, switch to tea leaves. You can get a little reusable metal ball that you put the tea leaves in and make a cup of tea just as easily as using tea bags.
Take a lunch box or any container with a lid that you have in the house,to the butcher or meat counter to buy your meat. It’s about new habits and thinking a bit differently, using whatever you have at home and reusing again and again!
Our new Zero waste shop “&Keep” has opened on Hillside Road in Greystones, Co.Wicklow. You’ll find all our reusable products and dry foods package free so bring your clean container to refill. We also have refillable detergents, shampoos, conditioner, shower gels.
See you soon.
Ann (AnniePooh!!)
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