Hiraeth Cynefin

How to make your bars last longer

If you have started to use solid soaps, shampoo bars and conditioner bars you are probably conscious that you want them to last as long as possible. Many of these can last for nearly six months but you need to make sure you store them properly in order to preserve their life.

The most important thing to do is to store them on a slatted soap dish, this is one that is actually able to drain (like those shown). Avoid any soap dish that doesn't have holes or slats for the water to drain away. Doing this means that your bar isn't sat in its own juices (ewwww so gross) which not only preserves the bar but also reduces the build up of bacteria or mould which can happen if there is just a pool of damp water sat there for months (that is actually disgusting please don't do this 🤢)

Obviously we would always prefer a wooden dish but plastic and resin ones are also fine (or even china if you are super fancy) as long as it can easily drain. Always make sure to clean your dishes regularly and make sure they have a chance to dry to preserve the dish and ensure it also lasts!

That way you should keep your bars going for months and months, which will be a lot more cost effective than buying liquid soaps, shampoos and conditioners :D

Why should you focus on a zero waste lifestyle as a Christian?

There is an age old debate in Christianity, a battle between environmental dominion and environmental stewardship. Those who focus on the dominion argument say that God gave us the world and we can do what we want, if we want to destroy it we can, it is ours to use as we wish.

But is this really what God wanted? Is this really how a Christian should live?

In Numbers 35:33-34 it says "You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell for I the Lord dwell in the midst of the people of Israel." (ESV)

The beginning of this verse "You shall not pollute the land in which you live" is often cited as evidence that Christians should care for the land and avoid pollution. However, this removes the entire context of the verse and ignores the main point. This is a verse about justice, it is about shedding human blood unlawfully and failing to provide justice to those who are harmed. Despite the fact that it does not relate to environmental protection directly it can still be used as strong evidence for the Christian duty to care for the environment.

Firstly let us think of the shedding of unlawful blood. This most obviously refers to murder, the unlawful killing of another human being, but that is not the only way that we can shed blood. Is climate change not shedding the blood of the innocent? Are people not dying of starvation or due to environmental disasters, many of which are directly linked to climate change? Is pollution of our oceans not destroying food sources and people's livelihoods? Is it not the case that the least amongst us are those that suffer most so that we can enjoy the privileges of a wealthy society? This is still bloodshed and it is a bloodshed that defiles God's creation. We have a duty to ensure that nobody dies unlawfully, that nobody suffers unjustly, protecting the environment is part of that.

Secondly, this verse focusses on justice. It encourages us to fiercely protect those around us and the world in which we live and prevent injustice from happening. Is the rapid consumerism of the 'West' at the expense of poorer nations who produce these goods not unjust? Is it not unjust that we through away tonnes of food every day whilst others starve? Is this not unjust? We have a duty to uphold the sanctity of life for all people, and we cannot do that without creating a safe world for the current generation and future generations to live in.

Thirdly, this verse makes it clear that when you harm the land you harm God. It makes it clear that he resides amongst us. At the time of writing this would have been in the tabernacle but now we know that the Holy Spirit is amongst us always. If we are harming the land around us with our pollution are we not also harming our God who lives and dwells on earth with us?

I am absolutely in love with these round soap dishes from the Natural Spa

They fit your shampoo bars perfectly and because they are a unique shape it is so obvious which are your shampoo bars and which is your soap! No more accidentally washing your hair with soap (not that I've ever done that of course...)

They are also slatted which is essential in a soap dish as it allows the bar to drain properly and so have a longer life. No more sitting in your own juices for our shampoo bars!

Can we also all just appreciate how amazing these shampoo bars smell for a second? They make my bathroom smell amazing. Everytime I walk in there I just smile 😊

We are pleased to say that we have restocked on interdental brushes so you can all go back to having perfectly clean brushes.

This brilliant brushes are made from sustainably sourced bamboo with completely plastic free packaging. They go perfectly with our bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tabs to ensure your dental routine is fully plastic free.

Back in stock are:

🦷 Interdental Brush - Size 0 - Pink
🦷 Interdental Brush - Size 3 - Blue
🦷 Interdental Brush - Size 1 - Orange
🦷 Interdental Brush - Size 4 - Yellow
🦷 Interdental Brush - Sample Pack
🦷 Fabulous Four Toothbrush Pack (Firm)
🦷 Stupendously Soft Toothbrush Pack (Soft)
🦷 Glorious Green Toothbrush (Firm)
🦷 Funky Fuchsia Toothbrush (Firm)
🦷 Magnificent Mauve Toothbrush (Soft)

If you are not sure what size interdental brush you need I highly recommend the sample pack. The sample pack contains one of each size so you can experiment and find the perfect size for you.

Remember we have free UK shipping over £20 and all of our orders are fully carbon offset. Collection at markets is also available, just message us to arrange.

We are super excited to have lots of shampoo, conditioner and soap back in stock following a delivery from our favourite zero waste cosmetics company, The Natural Spa

Soap scents back in stock:

🍄 Citrus Blossom
🍄 Lemon Sorbet
🍄 Himalayan Promise
🍄 Into the Night
🍄 Woodland Daydream
🍄 Breathe
🍄 Wildflower Wisp
🍄 Eve's Garden
🍄 Cosy
🍄 Patchouli Rose
🍄 Matcha Mysteries

Shampoo scents back in stock:

🍂 Rose, Lavender & Grapefruit
🍂 Eucalyptus Spearmint
🍂 Lavender Lime
🍂 Lemon Eucalyptus
🍂 Patchouli Rose

Conditioner scents back in stock:

🪴 Rose, Lavender & Grapefruit
🪴 Lemon Eucalyptus
🪴 Lavender Lime
🪴 Lemon
🪴 Eucalyptus Spearmint
🪴 Rosemary Lime
🪴 Spiced Cedar
🪴 Cedar Pine

New in stock:

🌺 Charcoal Face Wash

Shop now at: https://hiraethcynefin.co.uk/collections/bathroom

I love a restock day especially when it's a product that I love as much as these deodorants.

Honestly, I cannot emphasise enough how good these are, I am so happy to be able to stock and sell a product that I know truly works but is also working to help the planet :D

There are loads of gorgeous scents. My favourite is definitely Minty but The Rose is also beautiful. There is also an unscented version (Angelic) for those who would prefer no scent.

P.S. Don't forget we offer free UK shipping over £20 so you might as well grab a couple and save yourself a few pounds!

Deodorant Welcome. Home. Hiraeth Cynefin helps you to find yourself. Amazing hand made products from across the world, working with hundreds of small businesses who are creating a better world. Plastic free, zero waste, sustainable and most of all, you.

We are super excited to be starting 2024 right by introducing carbon neutral shipping on all our orders

Partnering with planet we are now carbon offsetting all delivery carbon emissions that come with your order. Planet works with a variety of awesome companies to help remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The technologies we support will remove carbon for at least 1,000 years, which is pretty cool.

So now not only are you saving the planet by using less plastic we are also trying our best to remove damage caused by emissions as well :)

You can learn more about Planet and the project we are supporting here: https://hiraethcynefin.co.uk/pages/climate-commitment

Here at Hiraeth Cynefin we believe in doing things properly. That means if we are going to do Black Friday we are going to do it old school, the way it should be. Now whilst we cannot allow you to fight over a flat screen TV in Asda at midnight we can at least create a bit of a challenge.

Now let's start with what we are not going to do:

🦇 Give you a discount or offer code
🦇 Only discount old stock we want to get rid of
🦇 Offer tonnes of discounts across all products
🦇 Offer small discounts that are pretty meaningless
🦇 Make your life easy

To help replicate the full fun of the flat screen TV fight we have hidden all of our deals. Because modern life can just be too easy sometimes. We have discounted 10 products across our store by 50%. That's some pretty good savings. But that is all we are going to tell you. Ten products, 50% off. The rest is up to you.

The discounts will go live at midnight on Friday 24th of November 2023 and will end midnight Saturday 25th November 2023.

What products have we discounted? Well telling you that would make it far too easy. You are going to have to figure that out by yourself.

10 products.
50% off.
24 hours.

It is up to you.

✨ Lea Christmas Market ✨

We will be at Lea Christmas Market this Saturday from 10am - 2pm

The market is in Lea Village Hall (postcode = HR9 7LH)

This is your chance to start to fill those stockings for Christmas. We will have an amazing selection of products that are just perfect for Christmas. From zero waste vegan chocolate to our incredibly popular cuddly axolotls, made from recycled plastic bottles!

We also have a cute selection of lucky dip products priced at just £2.00 this is a fun chance to get yourself a little early Christmas present 🎄

See you there :)

We are very excited that the shed we keep our stock in is being renovated with work starting next week but definitely less excited that all the stock has to now live in our house. This is a totally normal place to keep cleaning refills right?

Did you know you can shop our awesome range of zero waste and eco friendly products here on Facebook? Just look in the Facebook 'Shop' or look out for product tags in our posts! Just like this one here for this gorgeous fleecy headband with a cute succulent design.

When everyone keeps getting excited about the large axolotl plush but you want attention too 🥹

Gullibility is self-loathing

Why does this make so little sense and yet also makes so much sense?

That moment when you realised what castoreum is....

It's very important that all the Axolotls we sell are cuddle tested first. Can confirm that the new electric blue Axolotls are super cuddly and adorable 💖

Our website contains an amazing selection of zero waste and eco friendly products.

We offer free shipping over £20.00 and international shipping.

With such an incredible range of items you are bound to find something you need (or just want).

https://hiraethcynefin.co.uk/

Shown is Bug Off Butter a great bug repellent for summer! Designed for horses it also works great for humans and is my go to choice for both me and the horse!

🪱 Five Days Zero Waste Challenge 🪱

🐛 Day 1: Find a local zero waste shop
🐛 Day 2: Clear out your cupboards & organise your storage containers and jars
🐛 Day 3: Buy no plastic!
🐛 Day 4: Find plastic free alternatives to your hair care and cosmetics. Purchase when your current ones run out
🐛 Day 5: Take a reusable shopping bag out shopping

Let us know how you get on with the challenge. Zero waste doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be hard, small steps and changes are all that are needed :)

Looking for a cute and colourful new toothbrush?

We are delighted to say that we have restocked on these awesome bamboo toothbrushes from F.E.T.E. These are incredibly popular and come in three different firmnesses, firm, medium and soft. We also have children's sizes available!

Each brush is cute and colourful and there is a wide range of colours available.

Priced at just £3.99 each there are also packs of four that are just £15.00!

Remember we have free shipping over £20.00 so stock up on what you need and you'll make savings :D

🦋 WIN WIN WIN 🦋

This month we are giving you the chance to win a Shampoo Bar in travel case, perfect for your Summer holidays!

For your chance to win all you need to do is:

Caption this photo

Post your caption in the comments below

Winner will be chosen at random from all hilarious captions on July 31st.

Terms and Conditions

🦋 Prize = Shampoo Bar
🦋 Only comments on the original post will be accepted
🦋 Winner will be chosen at random on July 31st
🦋 International winners are responsible for postage costs
🦋 One entry per person
🦋 For full terms and conditions please email: [email protected]

This cute sticker is going off to a customer today. I love the pride colours on this variation.

Naughty word covered for social media 😉

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading The Winter Garden by Alexandra Bell, which is not in this photo because I left it in the car after last weekend's market!

You have the power to bring about social change. Use your power, speak up, vote and create a better world for future generations to come

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/12/reintroductions-of-rare-butterflies-to-uk-a-risk-to-other-species

Illegal reintroductions of rare butterflies to UK ‘a risk to other species’ Conservation scientists warn releases of rare or extinct species may spread diseases and harm attempts to save other butterflies

The statistics on plastic pollution are genuinely shocking. Are you surprised by any of these?

https://earth.org/plastic-pollution-statistics/ #:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20plastic,according%20to%20a%202021%20report.

✨ WIN WIN WIN ✨

This month's prize is a little different, you basically get to pick the prize!

To win all you have to do is tell us what zero waste product you would like us to stock.

Comment your suggestion below.

The winning guess will be chosen at random and the winner will receive a sample of the new product!

🔮 Entry Deadline: June 30th 2023
🔮 Post your suggestion in the comments below
🔮 Prize = Sample of suggested product

✨Terms and Conditions ✨

🔮 Entries must be received by June 30th 2023
🔮 The winner will be chosen at random from all suggestions below
🔮 Only comments on this post will be counted
🔮 For full terms and conditions please email [email protected]
🔮 Entries are open to all excluding German postal address
🔮 International winners are responsible for postage

If you too have an annoying younger sibling that likes to slobber all over your face Brandy highly recommends carrying a small cloth with you at all times to clean up said slobber.

Do you know what our company name means?

It is one of the most common questions we are asked, which isn't always great because it doesn't have a translation into English.

Which raises an interesting point, does it need to have a translation or a meaning, sometimes things can just be. Sometimes things can just exist. We do not always need to understand.

Our conditioner bars are a brilliant plastic free option that are also great for your hair!

🍁 Available in a variety of scents
🍁 Plastic free
🍁 Last up to 80 washes
🍁 Vegan friendly
🍁 Cruelty free
🍁 Made with sustainable materials

At just £9.00 each they work out at just 11p per wash! Each bar lasts me over a year! I have made real savings since swapping from conventional conditioner to these awesome bars

Try them today: https://hiraethcynefin.co.uk/collections/hair-care