A few months ago, I watched a documentary about plastic wastes in our oceans and I realized how a very useful product for us humans is very damaging to the planet. It is very alarming that soon there will be more plastic than fish in our ocean.
Good thing, there are entrepreneurs who are starting to sell eco-friendly products. Berde is a passion project that houses local and eco-friendly products launched in April 2018. Aliyah, the owner, simply wanted to make eco-friendly products accessible and affordable. The idea started when she wanted to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle but got discouraged because it seemed like it's a very expensive lifestyle.
The mission of Berde is to make these eco-friendly products accessible and affordable because Aliyah truly believe that going green shouldn't be expensive. She wants to get rid of the notion that living a sustainable lifestyle is only for those who can afford. She also wants to tap those who are skeptical about switching to a bamboo toothbrush, for example, so that if they try it and really don't feel comfortable using a plant as the handle of their brushes, then at least they didn't spend a fortune on it.
Honestly, I am one of those skeptics. I am concerned about the environment but I just want to live a "comfortable" life. While I have totally gave up using plastic straws and I've been using eco-bags, I have yet to try more earthly-friendly products like bath bars, bamboo toothbrush and reusable cotton rounds.
Bath bars (soap and shampoo)
These bath bars from Berde are exactly what I need right now. I just ran out of the imported facial soap I bought from an online store. I've been using Berde's activated charcoal soap for three days and I must say I like it. This variant detoxifies and treats oily skin, exfoliates and minimizes pores and stops premature aging. If you are having dandruff problems (always my concern during summer!), you can use this bar instead of your usual shampoo.
The turmeric variant treats acne, moisturizes, exfoliates, revitalizes and moisturizes skin, stimulates blood circulation, and is anti-bacterial. I'm using this bar for the body.
Bamboo toothbrush
I change my toothbrush every three weeks. Imagine how many plastic toothbrushes I've been throwing every year! Like the bamboo drinking straws, households are now switching to an eco-friendly option.
Bamboo toothbrush will naturally decompose compared to a plastic toothbrush that will just add up to the pile of garbage on landfills. If you are concerned about taking care of your bamboo toothbrush, you just have to make sure that it is air dried. After using your toothbrush, pat dry it with a face towel to remove excess water and then air dry it for a few minutes. It is best to place your bamboo toothbrush in an open-air toothbrush holder.
BTW, the dentist recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3 months so it seems I change way too often. I think Berde's bamboo toothbrush will reduce the number of times I change toothbrush.
BTW, the dentist recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3 months so it seems I change way too often. I think Berde's bamboo toothbrush will reduce the number of times I change toothbrush.
Reusable Cotton Rounds
I use at least two cotton rounds a day for my skincare routine. I've mentioned that I just want to live a "comfortable" life (read: convenient and somehow not earth-friendly) so this resusable cotton rounds is a major adjustment for me. There's 14 rounds in one set that I can use for a week. I have to hand wash and air dry by mid-week the used cotton rounds. This requires a bit of getting used to but it's a welcome change for me. These reusable cotton rounds are actually the best discovery for me.
To know more about the products of Berde, check out https://www.facebook.com/Berde4Mama/