Whether they’re full of harmful chemicals or packaged in plastic, it’s no secret that many household cleaning products aren’t great for the planet. But “taking a more sustainable approach to washing and cleaning doesn’t have to be inconvenient”, said Hannah Rochell in her recent roundup of the best sustainable subscriptions. From vegan washing detergent in a natty recyclable tin to compostable scourers, her guide is full of delivery services that make greener living less effortful.
Her list wasn’t exhaustive, though, so we asked you for the subscription services you swear by for cutting costs, reducing household waste and making your life easier. (And no one has any commercial links to these companies – we always check.)
‘Changed my life for the better’
Some of you seconded Hannah’s suggestions. One reader said they also use Fussy deodorant and appreciates that you can choose either one-off or subscription options. And Judy Bailey also opts for Smol’s dishwasher tablets (and adds its washing-up liquid, bathroom cleaner and laundry detergent to her basket).
Others wrote in to recommend ingenious subscriptions. Charlotte told us about Phox refillable water filters that are delivered in letterbox-friendly, plastic-free packaging. “As someone who previously fretted about single-use plastic filters, Phox has definitely changed my life for the better.” She also recommends Gentle Dog Food: “It has good nutritional value, isn’t cripplingly expensive, and comes in brown paper bags in a cardboard box.”
Binita Walia loves Pärla’s “incredible” toothpaste tablets. “When you travel, you take the number of tablets you’ll need for your holiday and it barely takes up any space. They come in the post every 90 days and are really effective,” she told us.
Alexandra shouted out Kit & Kin for its eco-friendly nappies and wipes. “The baby products are so gentle,” she said. Another reader recommends Wild’s deodorant, hand wash, body wash and lip balm. “Citrus Burst is a beautiful hand-wash fragrance.”
And finally, another reader wrote in to tell us about some greener supermarket alternatives, for those times when you need it right now. “Tesco does a little glass bottle (in a cardboard box) of hand soap, to which you add half a litre of water and use your own bottle. Similarly, Aldi does a concentrated liquid for a household disinfectant spray. Both are cheap to buy.”
This week’s picks
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The best fake tan for a sunkissed, streak-free glow – tested
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Ditch power tools, build a hedgehog highway: how to create a nature-friendly garden
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How I Shop with Anya Hindmarch: ‘I would label everything if I could’
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The best hair straighteners for foolproof styling, tried and tested by our expert
Editor’s pick
Feeling inspired by April’s London Marathon, but too daunted by the training and kit you’d need to complete one? Charlie Allenby – one of the 56,640 runners taking part last year – has put together a beginner’s guide to all the kit you need (and don’t) for your first marathon, from anti-chafe balm to hydration vests. And whether you’re running an ultramarathon or just starting out with Couch to 5k, our tried-and-tested guide to the best running shoes will have a recommendation for you.
Monica Horridge
Deputy editor, the Filter
In case you missed it …
Tequila, according to a new report from M&S, is overtaking gin for the first time as a British summer tipple of choice (Waitrose also reported a boom in sales last year). Spicy margaritas – a twist on the classic tequila, lime and triple sec cocktail – have taken the UK by storm in recent years, and many people are ordering a tequila and tonic instead of a G&T. The Filter’s drinks expert Joanne Gould is ahead of the curve; she has sipped and slammed her way through 40 of the best tequilas and mezcals. T&T, anyone?
Get involved
Have you ever bought something – a kitchen gadget, a dress, a piece of exercise kit – that changed your life so much, you wished you’d bought it sooner? If so, let us know what – and why you love it so much – by replying to this newsletter, or emailing us at thefilter@theguardian.com.