Alice started Authentic House when she realised that ethical living wasn't all solar panels and eco-homes. A lot of it was in the small stuff - our everyday decisions. Authentic House delivers a a box of ethical living and eco friendly products. Authentic House was launched in 2018, so its still a fledgling company - but they are pioneering way in making a difference to the peoples lives and the environment, month by month!
First of all, the box that the items came in was beautiful. The design is so intricate, and its the perfect size to fit the items in - not like a lot of companies that use unnecessarily massive boxes and lot of ridiculous packaging! I will reuse this box to keep stationary or pictures in! The box comes with a well designed information sheet which tells you all about each product - who created it and how to best use it! The box came with 4 different items, with 2 cosmetic/health items and 2 kitchen items - a good mix!
Metal Straws and Cleaner
Plastic straws take up 3% of all plastic waste found in ocean cleanups! The box comes with 2 straws so you can give one to a friend. These are perfect for keeping in your bag, even if they get crumbs in you can give them a good clean with the metal cleaner! Bamboo straws are fab but these metal ones last for much longer! I like having the choice of a curved or straight straw - one for every occasion. I used one to drink cocktails with, after it got all sticky I just washed it and its ready to use again, amazing!
Natural Sunscreen
Normal suncream can contain lots of nasty chemicals and even micro plastics! (I didn't know the part about micro plastics but I learned it from the useful information sheet). This organic suncream is made of 4 simple natural ingredients including shea butter to keep you moisturised. Its a small pot which is perfect for carrying in your bag and reapplying when you need it. It doesn't smell like conventional suncream - instead it doesn't really have any smell. Sadly there hasn't been any sun recently so I haven't had chance to use it yet but I look forward to it!
Aloe Vera Plasters
These plasters are made from organic bamboo with no plastic or chemicals. They are also biodegradable so its a win for your skin AND the environment! Its such a nice touch that they have aloe vera in, perfect for relieving burns/cuts. Some friends stayed this weekend and there were a few accidents which meant at least 5 of the plasters were used! All good feedback, they stay on well and feel soft! The only thing I would change about these is having different size plasters for when you have a bigger cut! These are my favourite product in the box - I will definitely never be buying plastic plasters again!
Snack Pouch
This is something I haven't come across before... the pouch is made of vegan leather - made of latex and cellulose. The pouch is a good size for taking snacks on the go! Apparently if you put it in the washing machine, over time the material will soften making it easy to mould into the shape best for you. The creator of this product is experimenting on new products made out of clever materials even repurposed plastic waste. I am excited to see what they come up with next!
Final thoughts
For each box sold, Authentic House donates a some of the money to 2 charities. First is Trees for Cities which works to improve lives by planting trees in cities in the UK and across the world, creating healthy spaces that involve and are cared for by locals. Next is Rewilding Britain which aims to reverse the loss of land and sea habitats in Britain and to help reconnect people with nature in a way that benefits both.
If you want to look at the previous boxes that Authentic House have done head over to their website . Their instagram is full of tips on how to live a zero waste life with all the latest sustainable living products! Authentic House also offer gift parcels which can be tailor made depending on what that person into - such a nice idea, I look forward to using this service in the future!
