As we move into month three of the project, I’ve had time to familiarize myself with an array of Canadian-made household goods that I started using back in January. Here, then, are some encapsulated reviews of stuff I’ve tried thus far:
Soap Works body soap – I’ve actually used this soap on and off for a few years. It’s typically available at Choices and Whole Foods, and I like that it’s usually sold without any packaging. There’s novelty in just picking up a plain bar of sold and sticking it in your shopping basket. More than any of the other products I’m trying, their soap behaves and feels totally like ‘normal’ soap. Their soaps are made in Canada–I’ve emailed them to check if any are entirely sourced north of the border.
Green Beaver Frosty Mint natural toothpaste – Setting aside the peculiar brand name, I don’t love this toothpaste. Its minty smell somehow reminds me of the vinyl waiting room of a 1960s dentist’s office. Like a number of these natural products, it’s got an off-white colour which I’ve never associated with toothpaste. It’ll take some getting used to.
Green Beaver Tea Tree natural deodorant – I’ve discussed the deodorant question elsewhere, but in general I’ve found that if I re-apply the pit stick at least once later in the day, it’s sufficient. Mind you, we’re still in winter. I may need to become still more vigilant. The tea tree variety smells nice, though I’m slightly disappointed by the mechanics of the stick–the lid is overly tight, and the little increase-the-stick-height wheel doesn’t work as smoothly as I might like.
L’Olivier lavender foam bath – I had a guest tester for this bubble bath. She reports that it had a natural lavender odor and it produced a robust cloud of bubbles that lasted the entirety of her bath. I received this bath foam as part of a set of samples that L’Olivier sent me (they’re pictured above).
Abeego food storage sheets – These are peculiar, reusable food wraps “created with hemp/cotton fabric infused with a blend of beeswax and plant extracts” in Victoria, BC. They smell like beeswax, as you might expect, and they’re semi-moldable so a sheet fits fairly easily over a bowl or plate. There’s also a little tie-able sandwich holder that’s kind of nifty.
Natureclean dishwashing unscented liquid and automatic dishwasher gel – These two products get the rare gold-standard of being entirely sourced in Canada. They do an adequate job of washing dishes, but both are inferior to their more toxic and less local equivalents. Mostly I have to chip the occasional piece of dried food off a dish or two when I’m emptying the dishwasher, and scrub the pots and pans a little harder.
Cascades recycled bathroom tissue – There’s no getting around this: it ain’t Royale kitteny-soft.
Any grand conclusions thus far? These products are, on average, slightly inferior to the common brands I was using last year. It’s an acceptable compromise, though, for locally-made, more eco-friendly products.
There are plenty more reviews where that came from. Have you tried any of these products? If so, what did you think of them?
For personal care products, I love Rocky Mountain Soap Company. Soap, hand cream, foot butter, lipbalm, deodorant—you name it. I know they’re originally from Canmore, AB but I’m not sure if the manufacturing is there too. I know they are all-natural ingredients.
The deodorant is hit and miss—literally. If I miss a spot and/or don’t let it dry completely (liquid crystal) I don’t get the fighting power needed to sustain me through the day. I don’t want to have to reapply because I’m lazy/busy. But if you get good coverage and let it dry (don’t put on your shirt right away because it wipes off) then it’s great.
I recognized the little sandwhich wrap. Rachael gave me one which comes in very handy when I take a sandwhich with me when going to “town”. Easier to store than a lunch bag and at the end of the day, when empty, it can be folded flat. Plus, it looks a lot nicer than a sandwhich packed in plastic. Here is a picture of it while I had my snack break at a coffee shop: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sevenhills/5491482205/
As a soapmaker, I can pretty much guarantee that no soaps are 100% sourced in Canada. Mostly because we don’t grow a lot of olive, coconut or palm trees required for the olive oil, coconut oil & palm oil in most soaps.
These products are generally slightly inferior, as you say. Are the more or less expensive than the alternatives, or about the same?
Darren – Good on you – Check out buycanadianfirst.ca for many items – You may be suprised – Also Dollarama has many Canadian made goods especially in housewares and hygiene products.
I’ve been using Cascades (as well as other brands of) recycled toilet paper for years and I really want to say my butt just doesn’t give a crap but, well.. ahem. Ten years of using this “inferior” product and I have yet to recieve a letter of complaint from my nether regions. I have about 22 other highly inappropriate puns I really want to add but I’ll restrain myself.
I’ve noticed that all the products in this article are all a more eco-friendly, hippy dippy, crunchy granola (oh yes, restraint) than what is commonly used in households. Is this because most mainstream products aren’t Canadian made?
The buy Canadian First website is interesting but it is too darn difficult to join. I tried three different times and could not join up.
Hi there,
So i have some good silver type products that are entirely sourced canadian as it’s hard to grow an olive here.
Skin salve that is good for sunburn, windburn, frostbite and dry skin and all. Also a toothpaste powder (container-less) that can be sent easily in the mail. You transfer it to a container of your choice. Antibacterial, antibiotic properties for your gums with some tooth brightening.