What other Non-food changes are you making since going Raw

[Wendy]

I have found that now that I am trying to eat more raw, that I finally gave up some of my old habits that in theory, I really hated. For example, I got rid of my old plastic containers and subsituted glass. I think that the plastic leaching into food is just not good.

I also got rid of my stand by cleaners that I knew were harsh. Ordered a slew of non-toxic cleaners (for example, I used to have to use a regular toilet bowl cleaner, just geeked me out not to).

Stopped drinking diet soda not too long ago because it bloated me too.

I just felt like why would I eat raw foods and not get clean the rest of the way? To eat raw foods and place them in plastic, well didn't make sense to me.

[caramba]

I did away with our microwave (We're not close to 100% raw so still eat "cooked" but now use pots on the stove) That microwave was evil... ;)

Always take my own shopping bag instead of using plastic bags from the store...

Before even knowing about Raw I'd already replaced cleaning stuff with bi-carb & vinegar...

Just a few steps in the "tread lightly on the earth" direction...

[RawNaturale]

Started filling up our water containers from our local artesian well instead of buying it. Not microwaving stuff anymore. Organic gardening/sprouting.

[golfngardennut]

My understanding was plastic leached into food when it was heated. It is stable through a large range of temperatures.... since I am not heating anything, I still use a lot of ziplocs and disposable plastic.

[Wendy]

Maybe the heating is an element in the leaching process. However, I heard distilled water leached plastic from the bottles too.

I do use a Simple Green cleaner but there were other cleaning products that weren't as great. I am not much of a cleaner since I became disabled, but they were still hanging around.

Thanks for the answers!

I am not using my microwave as much either, got a nice teapot for making tea. I will always have to drink tea, I love it, and it has health benefits too.

[Amethyst_Rain]

i'm also substituting glass for plastic now...although tupperware doesn't leach toxins (my mom sells it:) so i still use that...i started buying organic...natural household cleaners...wanna get back into yoga and breathing...i've been using natural beauty products for a long time now and i haven't used shampoo or conditioner or soap in like two years (except, i need to use soap at work...i work at a tattoo shop, so i have to use antibacterial stuff...which i hate, but it's neccissary) hmmmmmm...what else...i'm just trying to live more mindful in general :)

[leslie]

So what do you use to clean your hair?

The greatest thing I've noticed in the kitchen is the lack of the need to use soap to clean up the dishes. If all you are working with is raw, I've found there is little need for soap - hot water is it.

[Amethyst_Rain]

leslie...i just use water and sometimes lavendar oil when i'm in the steamroom...i go for a steam every second day or so and what i do is i take pure lavendar oil in with me and massage it into my skin and scalp...it's awesome...lavendar oil is very good for you...and the smell is awesome, too :)

[heather]

does it leave your hair greasy?

[Amethyst_Rain]

well...when you first stop using shampoo you feel very gross and dirty...you feel like your hair smells and it does get really greasy for a little while...but that passes very quickly...the shampoo and conditioner industry is like so many other industries...a big fat scam...like think about it for a second...so you use an artificial "cleanser" to strip your hair and scalp of it's natural oil (which acts as a moisturizer, protector and cleanser) and then artificially put that protective layer back by using a "conditioner"...i mean seriously...that's just stupid...why go through all that time and money and waste and toxins, if you can just have it naturally? it's a very big brainwash...nobody needs shampoo and conditioner...even if you roll around in dirt all day (and i've been there)...your natural oil coats the hair and keeps it from getting dirty...once you wash it with water or go swimming, the dirt just comes off by itself...it's really quite amazing...but ya, to answer your question...the only reason your hair gets greasy at first is because your scalp is so used to having to produce so much oil all the time cause it keeps getting washed away (artificial conditioner doesn't even compare with natural oil) my hair has never been as nice as it is now...it's way stronger and thicker...it grows faster and styles easier...stop throwing money out the window for crap you don't need :) i'm rambling...it's the chocolate :)

[Juan, Judy & Alex]

Amethyst_Rain, how much lavender oil do u use and do u rinse afterwards?

I've been trying to convince my WW that the oil is a natural conditioner and not to wash with store-bought shampoo/conditioner.

Thanx for this post.

[FEELIN'GOOD]

I have noticed that when I go outside, I actually find myself taking deep breaths to smell the fresh air... I can smell the grass, I can smell the pine trees, and the jasmine is just amazing! Before Raw, I couldn't smell anything! It is so amazing what my senses can pick up now... my hearing has gotten better too. My screaming kids remind me of that everyday... :eek:

Melissa

[RawTruth]

Amethyst_Rain ... chocolate? You're driving me crazy, here!

Ya know, Victoria Boutenko mentioned in her talk last week that she doesn't use soap anymore. I'm trying to remember what she uses, but I'm coming up blank this late. I know they dont' use toothpaste because of the evil fluoride added to commercial brands and even the natural ones have abrasives in it. They use castile soap (Dr. Bronner's). They said that the foaming takes getting used to, but now their teeth are fantastic.

Anyway --- I've reduced my use of plastic storage and today bought some vintage glass to add to my own collection. The crockpots are ready to be listed on freecycle.org or craigslist.org. The nonstick cookware went to hazardous waste disposal because of the Teflon stuff -- but, of course, I wasn't using it anymore since I'm raw now and plan to stay that way.

Also, I'm walking every day and rejoining a gym, but this time I'm going with my friend so I'll be sure to work out. I'll do it if I'm meeting someone. I don't want to let them down, ya know.

Also, I've been making sure to drink lots and lots of water.

[Amethyst_Rain]

good for you Feelin Good and Raw Truth...there are so many changes hey?

Juan, Judy and Alex...when i use lavender oil (in the steamroom) i just put a little on my hands and rub them together and just rub it on my face and body, then take a little more and massage your scalp with it...i usually massage it in well (into my face and body too)...i usually do this in my first steaming session...what i do is i steam for 5 minutes, then have an ice cold shower, then stem again...have another cold shower, steam again and finish off with another cold shower...so the only rinsing i do is the cold showers...but a lot of it actually stays on your hair (it smells really nice after)...when i take a bath, i just add a little to the water...then when you lie down in the water, the lavender oil naturally settles in your hair...massage your scalp a little if you want and voila :) anyways...works for me...try different oils like spearmint, peppermint, tee tree, grapfruit, rosemary...some of these have to be diluted first cause their too strong :) hope that helps :)

[Andrew]

Here are some changes for me...

Journal my thoughts for 3 pages every morning before I do anything else.

Meditate each day.

Spend a small part of every day in gratitude and thankfulness.

Clearing massive amounts of clutter from my life (this includes papers, stuff that's in storage that I don't need and haven't used in years, clothes I don't absolutely love, furniture...etc.).

Celebrating every day as a new opportunity to consciously live my life with passion and authenticity. Another 24 hours to be BOLD, FREE and TRUTHFUL!

Here's an odd one: I suppose it was kindof a SUBconscious choice though...I was doing my laundry last night and for the first time realized all the vibrant colors I have added to my wardrobe in recent months--bright reds and greens and yellows and oranges! In the past I had a TON of greys and blues and blacks and whites...colorwise, my laundry basket reminded me of the produce department at the coop where I shop! Such fantastic colors!

Peace,
Andrew

[yeahbethany]

Let's see...

We are using more natural household cleaners (laundry detergent, citra-solve for mopping, vinegar, etc).

We are buying more organic food.

We are enjoying being outdoors more.

We sleep with the windows open so we breathe fresh air while we sleep.

We sleep on the floor, for our backs!

[RawTruth]

Oh yeah, I've been decluttering big time, too.

Also, I've been paying more attention to my doggies.

[Wendy]

Great everyone! It's nice to see that our diet has more to do with life than just food!

[karotw]

So far I have stopped using the microwave, working on replacing the plastic with glass containers, replacing the cleaning chemicals with natural products. I have yet switch all my health and beauty products, but I have been reading up on the various really cool natural products and I think I'm ready to take that plunge, too. I've been using the Dr. Bronner's soap instead of toothpaste. . does take getting used to, but my teeth are really sparkly!

Karen

[rawgrrl]

I've been shopping for a camping shovel so I can bury my compost.

I don't know what's wrong with me. But it feels great. :)

[zeeraw]

I'm gradually phasing out chemical cleaners/beauty products and replacing with natural ingredients

Growing my own herbs and sprouts and hopefully one day some veges

Taking my own calico bags shopping. When I do need plastic bags for produce such as grapes, I wash and reuse them as many times as possible

I sleep with the bedroom window open in the middle of winter (I've always been such a cold frog).

Looking for more plants to have 'inside' the house

Being more mindful of electricity - turning off appliances and unplugging them when not in use.

[Jackie1995]

Well, let's see:

I've been washing my hair with honey/lime or lemon and using an apple cider vinegar rinse for about 4 weeks now. It's great! Hair feels thicker, looks great, and I feel good not using that fragrance laden poison on my head anymore.

I quit using soaps, I use baking soda instead, and it leaves me feeling silky and super clean, plus it really removes any odor better than soap ever did!

And baking soda for brushing my teeth, it really cleans, makes my mouth alkaline, and from what I understand it will allow my teeth to naturally replace the enamel on my teeth. Glycerine in toothpastes prevent your teeth from replacing enamel. Plus toothpaste has a lot of other toxic crap I want to avoid...

I also dumped a lot of spices and stuff from my cabinets, after seeing they contain bad stuff. I replaced them with organic versions, for example, dumped the Costco version of chili powder with the fillers, the preservatives, the anti-caking agents etc. and instead got organic cayanne pepper.

My wonderful spouse still eats cooked stuff and uses spices and other stuff like that, but now he gets Himalayan salt instead of the white poison, and Sucanat instead of white sugar, and I banned tuna because of the mercury, so it's back to sardines for him, and I still sneak in stevia in the muffins I make for him, coz if I only use a little he can't tell the difference.

I'm working on the rest of the stuff, but a bit at a time.

Jackie

[ljcoolj]

...coconut oil for a body moisturizer. Can't even begin to tell you how many bottles of lotions I've pitched.

....no more foundation on the face, don't need it anyway anymore ;)

....no more shampoo/conditioner, I use a baking soda/lavender rinse and an ACV rinse.

...no more Depo-Provera birth control shots

...no more feminine hygiene products, been using the Diva Cup (WONDERFUL)

...no more nail polish

...no more hairspray

...no more deodorant, use Crystal now.

I know there's more but thats all I can think of at the moment.....

[levamssg]

ljcoolj ... Where do you get your crystal deoderant?

I've been reading this thread with interest. Lots of great ideas.

I'm slowing getting rid of (in not replacing anything when it's gone) of my shampoos, conditioners, face creams etc. I'm on the last of the shampoo, and am going to try the lavender, rosemary, avc, etc, and see how it goes. My hair is really dry, so I've cut it back to shoulder length. I'm curious to see if it improves.

I no longer use any makeup at all -- except chapstick in the winter time.
I'm changing my cleaning products out gentler, natural products.

I no longer use prepared body lotions, instead I use olive oil with a bit of rosemary oil mixed in. Sometimes I add lavender. I use a tiny bit after every shower and my skin is so much nicer!

[sport]

you can get the crystal deoderant in the health food shop. The one I use is called crystal spring. I think that it is very effective and it lasts forever

[PixieGreen]

Almost all plastic containers have been replaced with glass canning jars and a glass corningware dishes w/ lids

Got an air ozonator and ionizer for my home, next on the list is a water ozonator for drinking, cleaning, water pic and washing produce

Use a portable infrared sauna almost every single day.

Bought a yoga mat, and I'm actually using it

Switched to natural shampoo, using dilluted liquid Dr Bronners for hand and body soap, a little goes a *long* way [I bought an 8 oz container 6 months ago still half full]. When I run out will experiment with "no soap" alternatives

Moisturizing with coconut oil for body, face and conditioner for hair [recommended for those with dry hair]. Also using co for deoderant [works!]

Brushing teeth with food grade hyd peroxide

Gave up ChapStick [was addicted], switched to Burt's Bees lip balm

Will be switching my cat to raw pet food within the next week or so, found a source of pre-prepared organic

I've started phasing in a business that reflects intentional healing and balance and *helping people*, phasing out the one that required dealing with energy vampires :)

Looking at this list it doesn't seem like I've made that many changes in the last seven months. Switching to raw foodism and was the real biggie, but a lot of internal changes have been made without a lot of external fanfare.

Christa

[Callie]

I've started eliminating harmful products such as hair spray, and searching for more healthful makeup options.:)

[pizda]

Jackie,
I just take a shower without any soaps or anything. Then just spray apple cider vinegar solution (50/50 with distilled water) all over my body and just rub in. Very refreshing and I feel very clean. ACV is a strong natural anti-inflamatory agent. Yesterday dermatologist (a regular visit) complimented the state of my skin. I swim long distances (2 miles) in the pools 4-5 times per week. So cleaning is not an issue ,-))))))).

[solarliving]

quit drinking soda and coffee

Cut back on meat consumption by 75%

wash my hair every 4 days.

Eat more organic food

use natural toothpaste

no deoderant most of the time, occasionally use baking soda

walking and riding my bike more

Making my parents think I am obsessed with my health and dangerous products!

Thinking about the environment more and helping others.

[tames]

No longer using soap for body. I really only bathe once or twice a week. I know that sounds icky but really I don't need it. After I exercise, I will take a shower with warm water and a wash cloth. That seems to get all the toxins off from sweat. I take one or two baths a week with 2 cups Epsom salts and two cups apple cider vinegar. If I feel really dirty, I will use honey on skin. I wash my face, hair and arm pits daily with honey. I still need deodorant (not anti-perspirant). I have tried apple cider vinegar and the crystal salt. It works for a while, but not all day. Still need shave cream for face. I tried honey, but my beard is tough and just did not work well. I am only 5 weeks raw, and hopefully this will get better too.

Using natural toothpaste. I really like Jason Sea Fresh. This is very high quality.

Using aloe vera gel for insect bites and occasional dry skin (hands, face)

Using much less dish soap. Just rinse in warm water where possible. Using a lot less paper towels. Using more dish cloths or reusable handi wipes.

I have a lot less trash going to the curb since going raw. No more fast food containers! All plastic containers that contain fruit and plastic bags from store go in recycling bin. All food waste goes into compost bin.

My sense of smell is much better. I love growing herbs, and have them growing in pots. I like walking by and smelling them. After it rains, it is really intense.

Going to the beach and sun tanning (at least for summer) again. I now realize how much energy and life we get from sunlight. I had stopped tanning because I thought I would get skin cancer and damaged skin before raw. I live very near lake Erie, and I can't believe I haven't been going to the beach. The Great Lakes are just beautiful.

Stopped using air conditioning - mostly. It does get hot on some days, but I seem to be tolerating it better now. I did use it a couple days of 90 degrees and 100% humidity.

What I want to do:

Get dog and cats on raw meat diet.
Want to try more eco-friendly cleaners.
Have a food garden next year using the layer method. I am going to pile most of the leaves up this fall on the garden bed.
Want to get a tent and go primitive camping. Have been researching hiking too.

--Tim

[sport]

Tim
Are you sure that you meant to put the word meat in there when you were talking about your cats and dogs. There was an article in the news recently about a vegan dog aged 22 and I know that you can get vegan food for cats as well. If they can be healthy on cooked vegan surely they will be healthier on raw vegan

[sweetgoddess]

So beautiful Tim.
Bless you~ :)

[sean lee]

Hi. yeah I stopped using shaving cream about two weeks ago, just dump my head into some hot water and then shave. My skin feels better. I wonder if that why some men who are still using shaving creams,gels etc, get shaving rashes?
Stopped using soap at least two years ago, as I also read it gets rid of your natural oils. Thank the lord for pure, natural water.

[autumn4596]

I started using J/a/s/o/n toothpaste and I'm looking into changing my soap, lotion, lip balm/gloss, and today I bought new chewing gum.

[deedub]

I find myself slowly changing the personal items that I use. I used to use Irish Spring soap. Now I use this cucumber soap from the health food store. Everthing else just smells so harsh.
I used to use an anti-perspirant now an organic deordorant. These things are just happening gradually. I'm sure in a years time I won't recognize myself. I learned alot reading this thread and it really makes sense to me that our bodies would become cleaner and fresher as we stop putting all these things on our skin. Since I started eating raw I feel cleaner and fresher after a long day at work in construction. Some of the changes are so subtle that it takes me a while to notice what I'm doing different.

Subdermal is suppose to be one of the best delivery systems into the blood stream. Which is why the patch is so effective.

[kiwilime]

I switched to a natural deodorant. I tried the organic shampoo/conditioner but did not like it. Maybe I will go back to the organics again. I switched over to almost all organic produce. I'm planning on making more changes but it still hard for me to give up my cleaning products. It makes sense but I'm scared to feel all dirty and icky.

[ljcoolj]

You can find Crystal Deodorant at any Wild Oats store if you have one near you. I happened to find mine at a local mart here in town. It was 7 bucks but will probably last me well over a year....cheap if you ask me. I'm finding that all the old commercial products now smell so funny to me...they don't smell real? Does that make sense? We went out last night for a company function so I sprayed on some perfume...YUCK! I had a headache all night! Pitched it this morning.

[delerium]

I started using J/a/s/o/n toothpaste and I'm looking into changing my soap, lotion, lip balm/gloss, and today I bought new chewing gum.


what kind of gum?
Also those of you who use honey for your shampoo how much do you use, any particular brand, and it rinses out easily and isnt greasy?
Is there anything else besides honey you can use for shampoo?