Clean It Up

In this episode, Jess and Julie will discuss the household cleaning brands they use (because obviously they're both obsessed with the same brands). It's been quite a journey to find the cleaning products that are clean, eco-friendly, and actually work, and they could go on forever about how much they love these brands (or how much one of the brands they *thought* they'd love disappointed them).  They'll discuss how great it is to have a small amount of go-to companies to shop from (saving on shipping costs helllooooo) and how they love having just a couple of multi-use products at home versus a lineup of products that have limited uses.  Their favorite household cleaning brands are: Branch Basics (check out their full User Guide for tips and tricks for how to use Branch Basics Concentrate on EVERYTHING!) Whoa Nelli (the pod cleaning favs: the Natural Scouring Powder and Natural Cleaning Scrub. Note- you can buy refills for all of their products!) Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie will discuss how apple picking, decorating, pumpkin carving, and dressing up for Halloween can be incredibly wasteful. I mean, think about it- how many costumes have you purchased over the years and only used once?! They'll review how to make all of these fall activities a little more eco-friendly, from making the most of your pumpkin guts to re-using an old bridesmaid dress.  And here is an blog post about preserving fall leaves naturally! Why buy fall decor when you can just collect it from your backyard?! Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

You've heard about ~fragrance~ a lot on the Clean It Up Pod.....always in angered, distressed tones and with alarming sound effects. In this episode, Jess and Julie will go into more detail about the regulations (or lack thereof) around fragrance ingredients and why this is problematic for the consumer. They'll discuss the EWG and ThinkDirty ratings for fragrance (or "parfum") as an ingredient and how this can drastically change how "clean" a product is.  If you have a cosmetics ingredient (good or bad!) you'd like to learn more about, share it with us, and we can talk about it in a future episode! Here's information from the EWG about Fragrance as an ingredient.  Want to read more about the FDA's outlook on fragrance? Check this out.  Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com 

Sometimes, amongst all of the bad news in the world, it's just nice to focus on the positive. Though they're often harsh on mainstream companies, Jess and Julie devoted this episode to acknowledging efforts from ~corporate America~ to be more eco-conscious (some efforts are better than others....but it all counts). Stay tuned for more episodes like this, and feel free to pass along any good news you find to be featured in the future! Companies featured in this episode are: Olay Patagonia Trader Joe's Levi's Madewell McDonald's Coca-Cola Starbucks Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

Jess and Julie talk a lot about toxins in our skincare, makeup, cleaning products, and shower routines, but there are tons of toxins and pollutants in the air we breathe....yes, even the air in our houses!! In this episode, they'll discuss plants that not only act as beautiful decor in your home but actually filter out some of the most common indoor air toxins! The information in this episode is based on a 1989 study from NASA, called "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement", and you can read that publication here.  Jess and Julie have very different perspectives on plants- Julie loves collecting plants and they bring her endless joy and Jess is just trying hard not to kill another plant, but both of these BFFs can agree that low maintenance plants are the best. In the episode, they'll go through the list of plants that NASA studied but also give you some advice as to which of these air filtering indoor plants may be fit for a plant lover like Julie or a self-described black thumb like Jess.   Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

Your fave eco-conscious BFFs have spent a lot of time talking about environmentally friendly swaps that have been easy. It's way more fun to discuss the success story swaps than it is to talk about the failures. Jess and Julie will take it one step further in this episode by revealing which eco-friendly swaps they just can't even imagine themselves trying! With topics from reusable toilet paper to tongue scrapers being discussed, you can expect to hear the word "ew" a lot..... Some products mentioned in this episode are: Reusable ear cleaner LastSwab Bamboo Toilet Paper Smartliners Reusable Overnight Pad, Heavy Flow Pad, Daily Liner, and Thong Liners Tongue Scraper Organic Hankie LastTissue 24 Sheet Reusable Organic Cotton Toilet Paper Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

You've probably heard of maskne- it's the acne and irritation you get on the area of your face where your mask sits, and it can be hard to avoid especially when it's hot and humid out! In this episode, Jess and Julie will discuss one of their favorite ways to treat skin that needs a little TLC:  the other kind of face mask! They'll discuss some popular face masks and then they'll give you a list of some of their favs. Self-care can be hard, especially during this chaotic time, but the 10-15 minutes that a face mask requires is worth every second.  Some products mentioned in this episode are:  Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask  Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay  Herbivore Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial  Herbivore Blue Tansy Invisible Pores Resurfacing Clarity Mask  Brown and Coconut Healing Kale Mask  Acure Brightening Face Mask Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Mask  Cocokind Chlorophyll Mask  Cocokind Turmeric Stick  Biossance Squalane and Glycolic Renewal Facial  And here is the New York Times article entitled "Maskne Is the New Acne, and Here's What Is Causing It". Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, your fav clean beauty obsessed BFFs put on their masks and took a trip to Target for some research......I KNOW, the sacrifices they're willing to make for the pod!!!! They went through the cleaning, laundry, and beauty sections to find out if "Clean at Target" held up to their standards and discussed the spots that were great successes as well as those that use some improvement.  Along the way, they found some great clean and/or eco-friendly options available in other sections of the store like in the sunscreen or toothpaste aisle! The craziest part is that they both left the store with only items they needed........ Some products and brands mentioned in this episode: NBD W3ll People Mineral Fusion Cocokind (duh) Dr. Bronner's Shea Moisture Native Raw Sugar SunBum and BabyBum Zak! drinkware KleenKanteen metal straws Natural Home Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie will be discussing hair removal products, which can be incredibly wasteful and full of toxic chemicals. They'll discuss shaving products like shaving creams/gels and razors, as well as other methods like hair removal creams, waxing, and sugaring.  Some products mentioned in this episode are: Plastic Free Pursuit Shave Bar Soap Package Free Shop Shave Soap Bar Elevated Shave Cream Skintimate Shave Gel Billie Shave Cream Rose Gold Safety Razor from NoToxLife Leaf Razor Flamingo Wax Trio Sugar Me Smooth Hair Removal Kit Here is more information on the Terracycle and Gillette razor recycling partnership. And more details about how Nair works can be found in this Healthline article. Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie talk about a topic that stinks- literally! Switching to clean deodorants has not been easy for these two BFFs, and they'll share some of their fails.  They'll explain where B.O. comes from, and what the difference is between antiperspirant and deodorant.  While they admit that neither one of them has found their "forever deodorant", they're both able to offer some clean, eco-friendly options that may be worth a shot, and they'll talk about why switching to clean deodorant takes serious adjustment.  Some deodorants mentioned in this episode: Old Spice Tom's of Maine Pretty Frank (formerly Primal Pit Paste- this is news to us!) Schmidt's Myro Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant Native Acure Taos AER Next Generation Clean Deodorant by Vapour Rocky Mountain Soap Company Liquid Crystal Deodorant LOVEFRESH Super Strength Deodorant Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant Biossance Squalane and Bamboo Deodorant And here is a CNN article about the decrease in deodorant sales during quarantine! Working from home? Now may be the time to experiment with natural deodorants!! Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie discuss a topic they feel very passionate about: greenwashing! They talk about what is is, why it is bad for consumers, and they give some examples of greenwashing in the beauty industry.  Some products mentioned in this episode: Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Body Lotion Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Tide Free & Gentle Detergent All Free & Clear Detergent Gain Botanicals Plant Based Laundry Detergent And here is the post from organicallybecca.com about Greenwashing! Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie are starting with a listener e-mail about toothpaste missteps - is there a solution for the environmental nightmare that is toothpaste tubes? They'll talk about all things dental hygiene, including toothpaste/toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss, and a little bit about tooth whitening. Some products mentioned in this episode are: Hello Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free toothpaste Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste Tom's of Maine toothpaste JĀSÖN Toothpaste Zero Waste toothpaste tabs from NoToxLife Elevated Toothpaste powder from Plastic Free Pursuit quip electric toothbrush Bamboo toothbrush from Plastic Free Pursuit Tongue scraper from Zero Waste Store Georganics mouthwash tablets (also available from Plastic Free Pursuit) Georganics oil pulling mouthwash (also available from Plastic Free Pursuit) OLAS Mouthwash Humankind portable mouthwash system Georganics Natural Floss (also available from Plastic Free Pursuit) This link shows information on Fluoride from the American Dental Association More information on the Colgate x TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Program can be found here. Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Want your question to be featured on our next episode? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie talk about how easy it is to fall out of your "clean" routine when you are stressed about travelling. They'll discuss why you should stick to your clean beauty routine, especially when flying, and give some tips and tricks for remaining eco-conscious on vacation.  Here is a link to the Allure article about what happens to your skin when you fly and here is a link to the Trash Is For Tossers post about being an eco-friendly traveler. Some products mentioned in this episode are: Final Straw Ello Compact Fold and Store Silicone Straw Set Stasher bags Baggu bags Cocokind mymatcha all-over moisture stick Woodsy Warrior SPF and bug-repellant The Makeup Eraser Plaine Products travel size products Biossance travel size skincare products Package Free Shop silicone soft travel bottle Cocokind Macabeet stick and Mai-Light stick Plastic Free Pursuit 3-in-1 balmies Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie discuss laundry detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and bleach.  They deem most mainstream laundry products to be Clean It Up Double Whammies, since they're filled with harmful chemicals AND they're bad for the environment! They'll of course provide some examples of "dirty" laundry detergents (hint: this includes most that are "clean and clear" according to labelling) and they'll suggest some alternatives that are better for your skin and the environment.  Products mentioned in this episode: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Branch Basics Concentrate Attitude Living Laundry Detergent The Simply Company Laundry Detergent Powder Package Free Shop Stain Stick Woah Nelli Laundry Soap Buckaroo Organics Soapberry Suds Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets Buckaroo Organics 100% Wool Dryer Balls Downy Fabric Softener Ball (for vinegar!) Branch Basics Oxygen Boost And here's a Hunker article about how to recycle laundry detergent bottles! Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this follow-up to the daytime skincare episode, Julie and Jess discuss the products from their nighttime skincare routines. The discussion of their favorite products' best qualities - and ingredients to steer away from - will help inform decisions about your own routines!   Products mentioned in this episode:   Makeup Eraser Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil  Rachyl’s goatmilk soap makeup remover Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser Brown and Coconut Brightening Face Polish Herbivore Prism AHA/BHA mask Cocokind Tumeric Spot Treatment  Cocokind Chlorophyll Mask  Brown and Coconut Healing Kale Mask Cocokind Raspberry Vinegar Toner  Biossance 100% squalane oil  Cocokind all-over moisture My matcha stick  Shea Moisture 100% Coconut oil Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil  And here's an Allure article about bakuchiol! Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

Summer is finally here! In this episode and in preparation for 4th of July celebrations,  Jess and Julie talk about things you can do to be an eco-conscious part host or guest! Hear their favorite tricks for being eco-conscious without being annoying about it. Plus, discover some cool product swaps you might not have considered!  Products mentioned in this mini episode:  Mason jars Reusable bamboo plates (examples from Amazon and Wayfair) Yeti Tumbler Corkcicle Tumbler Igloo RECOOL biodegradable cooler (and a CNET review of the RECOOL) Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Julie and Jess go through the products they are currently using (whether they like them or not) in their daytime skincare routines. They'll talk about what to look for in each step of a skincare regimen and which ingredients to avoid.  Products mentioned in this episode:  Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser Biossance squalane + glycolic renewal facial Shea Moisture matcha green tea + probiotics soothing toner and hydrating mist Cocokind rosewater toner Cocokind Glow Essence with Sea Grape Caviar Biossance 100% Squalane Oil Juice beauty smoothing eye concentrate Loving Naturals Daily UV Cream - Unscented Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner Biossance squalane + rose vegan lip balm Cocokind all-over moisture my matcha stick Cocokind full brow balm Shea Moisture 100% coconut oil Rachel’s Goat Milk Soap Kinda Nutty Goat Milk Body Butter Some additional information:  Marie Claire article about the benefits of toner Allure article about what to look for in a toner based on your skincare concerns Elle Beauty article discussing face essence Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie discuss all of the shower products they love and all of the fragrance ingredients they hate. They discuss how making swaps to clean products in the shower can be tricky because you don't necessarily get that satisfying squeaky clean feeling that you get with more mainstream products. As a special treat, we get to hear what Julie's husband thinks about exfoliating body washes.   Some products mentioned in this episode:  Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo  Cocokind Calming Powder Dry Shampoo  Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo  Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo  Rachyl's Goat Milk Shampoo Bar  Attitude Shampoo Volume & Shine  Herbal Essences Birch Bark Extract Shampoo  Plaine Products Rosemary Mint Vanilla Conditioner  Old Spice Swagger Body Wash  Good Soap  Seaweed Bath Company Body Wash  Here's an article about Johnson & Johnson talc based baby powder. As a clarification from what was mentioned in the podcast, they did not remove talc from their formulation, but they have just stopped selling the talc based powder in the US and Canada.   Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com

In this episode, Jess and Julie are continuing their chat about sustainable kitchen swaps. They'll talk about some easy swaps that help you ditch the plastic (single-use or otherwise) in your kitchen and on-the-go food choices. From food storage to reusable shopping bags and travel coffee mugs that actually work for you, they'll give a bunch of suggestions of easiest swaps to make.  And wait until you hear what Julie is drinking out of at work... Some items mentioned in this episode:  Reusable Beewax Food Wrap Stasher Bag food storage bags Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags Evriholder Avo Saver UnPaper Towels Yeti Rambler Mug Corkcicle Classic Canteen que Collapsible Water Bottle Baggu Reusable Bags Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com 

In this episode, Julie and Jess share what they've learned on their clean sunscreen journey. They'll share the science about SPF, UVA/UVB rays, and all of the toxic ingredients commonly found in standard sunscreens- and of course, offer some alternatives to these products.  Jess's family of willing volunteers tested out a handful of mineral sunscreens and you'll get to hear details about these products as well as the feedback they shared on a vacation earlier this year.  Some products mentioned in this podcast: Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen, Aloe Vera lotion, SPF 30 Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for Face Want more clean sunscreen options? Here is EWG's 2020 Guide To Sunscreens Have a topic you’re dying to hear about? A product you want us to review? Let us know on Instagram.com/CleanItUpPod or by e-mailing CleanItUpPod@gmail.com