The winner for this giveaway HAS BEEN CHOSEN! But…I’ve decided that January will be an ENTIRE MONTH of GIVEAWAYS! Keep stopping by for MORE freebies all month!
Before I started eating more naturally, I basically relied on Kashi, SoyNut Butter, Turkey Bacon (which is not bacon), and anything low-fat, low-sodium, or low-taste for my fuel.
When I realized that this was neither the way to stay healthy nor happy, I got a little pissed. I wondered how the heck I just accepted, as a matter of course, that something out of a box, bag or a capsule – something with an ingredient list longer than my list of favorite Wallace Shawn quotes – was good for me.
INCONCEIVABLE!
My disdain for much of Big Profits Business now invades my life. I can barely stand to watch television because every commercial is a reminder that 99% of companies think we’re stupid. OH. Mah. Gahd. Does this tick me off. Disposable everything (god forbid we use the same dust cloth twice). McDonalds’ ridiculous “small farmer” ad campaign. Ads for Statins (see this article). Commercials that demonize stomach acid. (News Flash: You want more stomach acid, not less!)
So in the interest of pulling my hard-earned money from the coffers of large corporations who sell us (whether intentionally or ignorantly) chemical-laden, preservatice-laced, health-degrading junk, I – like many others in this community – have started seeking not only different foods, but a different way to care for my body and home. (I write a column for Paleo Magazine about this very topic!)
There are so many simple substitutions when it comes to cleaning, soaping and scrubbing – you don’t need chemicals, SLS, “fragrance” or any other manmade, cheap, potentially toxic chemical to get your home, body hands and clothes clean! What you can’t do with vinegar, you can do with coconut oil, lye soap, castille soap, soap nuts, or baking soda.
So, yeah. My basic philosophy is “Damn the Man.” (Save the Empire).
(See my Body Care tab and my Favorite Things Post for more on homemade deodorant, Soap Nuts for laundry care, and how to NOT look like Archie Bunker.)
But if your aversion to wearing Birkenstocks being Crunchy overwhelms your desire to mix your own kitchen cleaner, you’ve got another option.
Tropical Traditions, my favorite company for coconut oil, soy-free eggs, Atchara and virgin palm oil, also produces home cleaners that preeet-ty much kick ass.
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions sent me a few products to review recently. They sent me hair oil and hand soap, at my request. I’m not going to talk much about the hair oil, because I didn’t like the smell (although it did make my hair very soft). But I am going to talk about the hand soap in this post, as well as three other products that I bought for myself and loved so much that I’m going to GIVE SOME AWAY!
First, the hand soap. Because the EWG would have you don a hazmat suit before you use a hand soap with Triclosan (check yours), I’m really loving the foaming hand soap. While I have a bar of lye soap at each sink, let’s face it – houseguests probably prefer an alternative. So I’m keeping Tropical Traditions’ unscented hand soap in the kitchen and lavender in the bathroom. It’s simply saponified coconut oil and essential oil.
Next, the dish detergent. While I’ve got laundry detergent covered (I LOVE soap nuts!) I had trouble finding a good, pre-made substitute for traditional dish detergents (my homemade stuff just didn’t do the job). Tropical Traditions’ powdered detergent doesn’t contain phosphates or chlorine, and I’ve been really happy with it.
Last, the all-purpose cleaner. Originally I bought this cleaner because I needed to clean my car, and I couldn’t stand the smell of my homemade vinegar-based cleaner in that small space. This works for laundry soil, car, and household surfaces. Not too shabby.
So I’m giving away the lot! One all-purpose cleaner, one 5-lb powdered dish detergent, and one unscented liquid soap (foam pump)! It’s a $40+ value (when you include shipping)!
All you have to do is:
FIRST, follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter OR sign up for their sales newsletter
(I highly recommend this – you’ll get early notification of sales and free shipping!)
Remember – you’re on your honor! I’m trusting you to do this!
(If you already subscribe, just say so in your comment!)
THEN, let me know you did it by commenting below OR
on this post on the Cave Girl Eats Facebook page!
(Also feel free to share your own crap-free home & body care tips!)
Contest ends TOMORROW, Friday the Thirteenth, at noon ET (when the NEXT giveaway begins!)
Want EXTRA-extra help with body & skin care? I wrote an all-digital, comprehensive guide from my years of research into healing my own skin through nutrition, digestive healing and the right body care routine. My other (always FREE) body care posts are here!
I love tropical traditions. I already like them on fb!
I get the tr newsletter!
I get their newsletter, it’s great!
i signed up for the newsletter! thanks for letting me know about it!
I already sign up for the newsletter, follow them on twitter and facebook! I’ve only tried their coconut oil and butter so far though…
Been using their lotion for awhile but I’m excited to try some other products. I follow them on twitter. If you like this stuff so much, why are you giving them away?! :p
I get their newsletter! I love their products, but haven’t tried the soap yet…
Just started following them on twitter.
We’re big fans of Tropical Traditions (have already liked them on Facebook and receive their newsletter)! I have yet to try their home products but that is next on my list. Thanks, as always, for the entertaining and informative read.
Already get Trop Traditions newsletter, good stuff comes from there!
I followed Tropical Traditions on Twitter!
I already get TT’s newsletter and have liked them on FB. I’m just beginning to look more into natural body and home cleaning supplies. Thanks for including links to your tips in this post! : )
I signed up for the newsletter.
I make my own laundry detergent, but my dish soap attempts have not gone well so thanks for the review.
I get the newsletter!
Hooray! I followed Tropical Traditions on Twitter AND signed up for their newsletter. I didn’t know they also had self/home care products, I just always assumed it was strictly edible stuff. Good to know!
Argan Oil!
Following! Thanks, Liz. Hope I win!
I followed Tropical Traditions on Twitter and signed up for their newsletter. Thanks for the post!
I nabbed the newsletter and they now have another Twitter follower. Thanks!
I signed up for the newsletter, I love their products! Thanks for the giveaway
Just signed up for the newsletter! I would love to try their stuff out, we still use conventional laundry & dish cleaners (even though everything else I use is homemade) just because of the price, but when I see the residue left on our dishes sometimes I shudder…
OMG I so want to win to try these things out! I’m a recent convert to soap nuts – thanks to you! – and I hope to make more transitions like these as our budget allows. I actually think I’m already saving money on using soap nuts over traditional detergent/fabric softener. I’ve already shared with two friends who love them too! Thanks so much for everything you do and for the opportunity to win some goodies.
Sorry, forgot to mention I signed up for the newsletter. lol
Already get the Tropical Traditions newsletter and have tried some of their products
Hoping to place my next order with them in the coming week. I need some dark chocolate, but can’t have it until The 21-Day Detox that I’m doing is done 
Now follow TT on Twitter and signed up for there newsletter.
I start your No-Poo this week, I’m adjusting….Love Soap nuts because of you and I toss in 1/4c baking soda to ALL white loads because bleach is BAD!
PS…Love the Podcasts!
I currently follow TT on FB and did sign up for their newsletter when I placed my first order this week! Can’t wait to try the coconut cream and coconut chips! I would absolutely love to try their cleaning products too!
As a side note, when I found your blog and was reading through your “No Poo” section, you totally inspired me to start using the OCM to clean my face. Though it takes slightly more time than my old regime, it’s waaay cheaper, better for my skin/environment and I don’t think my skin has looked or felt better! Thanks so much!
That is SO great to hear Alicia!
Clearly I meant regimine, not regime
I signed up for the sales newsletter! I’m totally with you on your Damn the Man mantra. I work in the frozen food industry and the lengths companies go to make their super processed products seem “wholesome” or “natural” is disgusting.
I like Tropical Traditions on FB!
done, thanks!
I already get the sales newsletter & follow them on Twitter. Thanks for the tips – I didn’t know they had a deodorant!
Signed up for the newsletter! Thank you so much for the info on these products! I have recently switched to soap nuts as well and would love to try some additional products! Thanks for the opportunity to win!! Rock on!!
I signed up for the newsletter….and I have been making a list of things I need to get. Thanks for the cleaning supplies suggestions. I was only focused on coconut oil & butter! I’m also following them on twitter so I don’t miss out.
I too started the OCM and am loving it!
I’m going to give the no poo a shot this friday night and through the weekend to give a couple of days of adjustment.
Would love to try the new products.
For cleaning, I have been using “Red Juice” from The Clean Team for years. It’s natural, non-toxic, odor-free, and kicks dirt and grease to the curb. I haven’t purchased a cleaner from the store in a very long time. BUT, I’m always looking for new and better ways to clean!
I signed up for the newsletter! Thanks for the chance to win these great products!
I am a huge fan of Tropical Traditions, I already get the newsletter. I totally agree with your comments in the first couple of paragraphs. I am with you “Damn the Man!”
I already subscribe to tropical traditions on twitter and thru their newsletter that’s how I got the apocalypse sized coconut oil on sale!
I already liked them on facebook, receive their newsletters, AND order from them
In fact, I ended up with a gallon of palm oil shortening not fully understanding how much a gallon of shortening is. Oh well, lots of baking to do! But I’ve never tried their cleaning supplies (and of course free goodies never hurt anyone)
I subscribe to their newsletter. I’ve been using liquid Dr. Bronner’s soap in my foaming soap dispensers, but I would love to give TT’s soap a try.
I did it; I subscribed to the newsletter
I get their newsletter.
Actually just started getting their newsletters 2 days ago after my first order with them. Very excited for this giveaway!
I signed up for the newsletter!
I already subscribe to their newsletter. This would be a great way to try out some new products from them.
Signed up for the newsletter! Don’t know why I wasn’t already doing that… Doh! Great giveaway!
I already get their newsletter. I love their coconut oil and body lotion
Yay for newsletters!!!
I get the Tropical Traditions newsletter!
I signed up for the newsletter! Awesome giveaway!
I would love to try some of the Tropical Traditions products. Just signed up for their newsletter. Seriously, I should just get my butt in gear and order. Thanks for the reviews!
Already receive their newsletter. Love Tropical Traditions and order from them regularly.
subscribed to the newsletter! Looks super!
I get the tropical traditions newsletter.
Liz – First thank your for the Kombucha Concentrate that I won. It arrived today. I’ve finally discovered a little market here that sells Kombucha (not easy!) and started sipping today.
Too cold in the house (midwest) to make my own yet so I’m saving up to get Kombucha Kamp’s kit with a warmer. Tropical Traditions – love them. Discovered them a month ago, signed up and received my first order of coconut oils and red virgin palm oil last week. Really looking forward to trying homemade mayo with the palm oil! Thanks for a great blog!
I’ve been subscribed to the newsletter for a while. I think my favorite trick is using a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and water to clean around the kitchen and bath. The smell disappears after a couple minutes and it takes any stains right off.
I have been subscribe alreafy to all and yours to. Love it!
I get the tr sales newsletter
I subscribed to the newsletter! Yay!
I subscribed! Thanks.
Excited about these products! Following them on twitter now!
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Just signed on to follow them on Twitter. I am about to start making my own laundry soap, and all of these products sound great! Thanks
Love Tropical Traditions & I was already signed up for their newsletter!
I singed up for their newsletter!
Just signed up for the newsletter. I love tropical traditions:)
xoxox Timini
Already signed up for the newsletter!!