My Best & Worst Eco-friendly Purchases in 2020
No matter the number of reviews you read and how conscious you are with your purchases, not everything you buy will do wonders for you and your lifestyle. Even when we’re talking about sustainable products. These were my best and worst eco-friendly purchases in 2020.
OK, 2020 was a strange year for everyone. At so many levels. I already wrote about having a hard time pursuing some of my eco-friendly goals and daily habits during the lockdown.
Given these unusual circumstances, I had to rely a bit more on online shopping than I wanted to. It was the only way to have access to eco-friendly supplies (like solid shampoo, dish soap, and soap scraps to do the laundry).
Not being able to see the product myself, before spending the money, led to some inevitable disappointments (and waste of money). But there were also some good surprises.
Without further ado, here are my best and worst purchases during 2020. So you don’t have to go through the same.
The best
2020 was such a rough year that I need to start this article with something positive. The best items I’ve purchased. The things that made a positive impact on my life and that were worth every single cent.
Photo credit: 24 Bottles
Travel Tumbler from 24 Bottles
OK, traveling was what I’ve done the least in 2020. But I couldn’t really see that coming at the beginning of the year when I purchased this tumbler at Ecomania.
I’ve tried a few coffee tumblers in the past and the result was always a disaster. From coffee spills to lids that weren’t as reliable as they should, and broken tumblers (yes, part of me is still recovering). Until I tried this one from 24 Bottles.
Is it cheap? No. Have I done a lot of thinking before purchasing it? Yes. Is it worth the money? Absolutely!
What did I like the most about it? It’s a super reliable lid and how well it maintains the temperature (whether it’s hot or cold).
What did I like the least? If I really have to say one, it would be the price. But considering how resistant it is, I wouldn’t consider it a problem - really.
What is perfect for? When you’re out and about and you want a coffee to go. When you go hiking and need your beverage to stay cold (or hot) for hours on end.
Where can you buy it? Ecomania, Amazon, and 24 Bottles
Essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! Volume Mascara
One of my absolute makeup staples is… mascara. It’s one of those products that do wonders for me, even when I am not using any other makeup product.
So when it stumbled across this low-cost clean beauty mascara… it was love at first sight. Feel free to read the review here.
Making this one of my most recommended products since I’ve tested it for the first time.
Essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! Volume Mascara is the perfect example that it is possible to come up with a good, clean beauty product (also vegan and cruelty-free) and a reasonable price.
Where can you buy it? Primor and Druni
Infinitebook
I made this purchase at the very end of the year, but it immediately became one of my best investments.
I am a writer for as long as I remember. Even though I’ve been creating content for digital platforms since 2008… I am still quite an analog girl.
The problem? I rarely go back to most of my notes. Especially those work-related notes, like briefings, brainstormings, and copywriting exercises. Which turns out to be a waste of resources and money.
That’s when the Infinitebook comes into the picture. It allows me to handwrite whatever I want, keep the essential (scan), erase what I no longer needed, and reuse it over and over again.
They have several models, formats, and different price tags.
Where can you buy it? Infinite Book, and Fnac
The Worst
Florence by Mills Products
2020 was the year that I got into makeup. As an eco-friendly enthusiast, I wanted to make this new habit of mine more conscious of the environment and with my health.
So I became excited when I found out about Florence by Mills products. Skincare and makeup products are made with natural ingredients, vegan and cruelty-free.
Unfortunately, it turned out as a complete waste of money. I haven’t enjoyed any of the products I purchased and these weren’t exactly cheap.
Love, Beauty & Planet Deodorant
Even though I’ve been making my own deodorant for some time now, but every now and then I like to try some products.
After reading some reviews and finding this deodorant at mainstream drugstores, I decided to give it a try. Natural ingredients, recycled package, easy to find, and at a lower price than most nasty-free deodorants.
Well, it was a disaster! Two hours after applying it, my armpits were already smelling. Without going outside or engaging in any sort of physical activity.
Photo credit: Natura stores
Natura’s Reusable Cotton Pads
I love when a relatively mainstream brand stocks up on eco-friendly goodies. Especially because, for many, this can be the perfect trigger to do a couple of sustainable swaps.
The last time I entered a Natura store (a few months ago), I was quite pleased to see how many eco-friendly items they were stocking these days.
As I needed a couple more reusable cotton rounds, I decided to give theirs a try. Instead of shopping online.
What happened? Applying a face toner or removing your makeup with these isn’t the most comfortable experience in the world. The rounds aren’t exactly gentle with your skin and don’t absorb the product quite well.
Even though I am not particularly happy with this purchase, I’ll keep using these reusable rounds as much as I can. To keep these from going to waste.
