Summer is here and plastic is everywhere! Since I was a kid I have always been big on bug spray. No matter where I go or what year it is, mosquitoes love me and leave me with deep utter regret. Although only out for a few hours, my legs & arms become covered with bites. This happens every single time I forget to grab my bug repellant, and it seems my kids are cursed the same. For years I would head to the store yearly in order to bulk up on the DEET forest sprays, not really understanding the waste it’s attached to. Unfortunately those are not only horrible to the environment, but to the skin as well. To top it off the smell is one of the biggest cons, I literally inhale toxic chemicals spewing from the aerosol cans. Fortunately for us its 2021 and we no longer have to waste our time on those toxic products. Below are some pretty well known brands in the Zero Waste Community and my top choice for my family. FYI I am no way affiliated or paid for any comments on the products these are my own opinion’s free of charge ;(***
#1 Chagrin valley soap and salve: Don’t Bug Me! Bug-Off Stick
This is by far my most favorite and convenient bug repellant! Formula worked great for all skin types. Awesome for little kids who cant stay still with the sprays or stand the strong smells. A great pro is the smell actually, compared to others this one has one of the most modest scents with the same full power to repel bugs. An easy roll on with minimal packaging you can toss in a compost bin at the end of its life. Its in solid form so no spilling or leaking anywhere. Organic and safe ingredients, I tested this to see how long it lasts and it seems to work great when rolled on all over the body and dabbed on the neck, only needing to reapply after several hours.
I Buy from Here: Unpacked Living – Plastic Free Products
#2 MEOW MEOW TWEET INSECT REPELLENT
Rave reviews over the internet, with this brand, products are sold in a majority of sustainable stores. It comes in a reusable/ refillable aluminum spray bottle. Clean Ingredients and best out of the whole thing its Palm Oil Free. Before I purchased this a friend had recommended it to me for a couple of months. Worked wonders on her & her kids, but it just did not do it for me. The smell is strong and over powering, it also seemed I had to reapply a bit to often. What did not work for me may in fact work for you, since I did not notice an allergic reaction or bad itch from this product. I like the message of the company and the fact it is expanding into more products.
Purchased here : Zero Waste Insect Repellent – Meow Meow Tweet | Sustain LA Online Store
#3 Chagrin Valley SOAP & SALVE : Don’t Bug Me! Natural Bug Spray
This company is pretty cool, not only does it offer solid but liquid as well. Clean organic ingredients, their website is very transparent with a guide to apply. Made in a reusable, sustainable aluminum spray bottle. Cons? Must be shaken before using, and comes with a small plastic hook in delivery process in order to hold nozzle so it doesn’t spill (optional though since it doesn’t spill with or without it). The pros? Works well and faster as an easy to go alternative instead of taking a few seconds to use the roll on. Probably covers more areas given the spray has a wider reach and the smell is not at all overwhelming or to strong.
Can be found here: Natural Bug Spray Oil | Chagrin Valley Soap (chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com)
Chagrin Valley Soaps & salves also offer two more options for a Sustainable Insect Repellant. They offer lotion bar repellant, & SOAP BAR. I will be trying the soap bar soon as to curious how strong it works for an all day wear and give an update!
Those products can be found here: Natural Organic Bug Repellent | Chagrin Valley Soap (chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com)
