If you are just joining us, I recommend starting with week #1. You can find it here:
Survival Kit Series Week #1
Once you’ve completed that, just jump in on this week’s focus. I will cycle through each week again once we are done. You can do the earlier weeks last instead of first! You can also read the intro to this series here:
Survival Kit Ideas: a week by week approach.
I hope all of you were able to finish adding all the tools you may need to your kit last week.
This week’s focus:
Hygiene
Hygiene relates quite closely to some of the other weeks we’ve had as part of this series such as:
But there are also many things that fall under “hygiene” that aren’t in any of the above categories. Some of them have been mentioned during past weeks by many of you. Hopefully, I will get them all listed here, but if not, just leave a comment and I will add it to the list!
Suggestions:
- Soap
- Washcloth(s)
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Feminine needs – thanks to reader Saira for reminding us that these also make great wound dressing (also, see this linkfrom reader Linda for a great re-usable option and please leave a comment if you have experience with these. I don’t but I’ve had many readers
Photo Credit: SCA
ask about them)
- Chapstick
- Contact needs
- Old pair (old prescription maybe) glasses
- Tissues
- Wet Naps
- Waste Bags (completely biodegradable; neutralize odors, breaks down waste into Enviro-Friendly material)
- Brush / Comb
- Razor
And since I’ve had a few of you ask recently, you can support this blog, and my family by purchasing many of these items right here on my Shelf Reliance Consultant Website. (this week, most are cheaper elsewhere though). Of course, to be clear, I will be compensated if you choose to do that! You can read more about that here.
Anything I forgot?
What we have done in our family:
The kids kits have a toothbrush and past in them and some wet naps. Our main adult kit has everything on this list but the waste bags and razor (although I may add that after reader Scarlet’s comment last week). My husband’s kit has everything but the waste bags, a razor, brush / comb (he has no hair), contacts, glasses and feminine needs.
This week’s focus:
Hygiene
And don’t forget….
Add at least $1 per person to your survival kit this week. Make sure you use $1 bills and / or quarters.
This week’s winner:
I’m so thrilled to announce the winner of week #18′s drawing: I had 9 entries. According to Random.org commenter #8 was the winner:
Scarlet said:
Congrats Scarlet!
Want to win?
I am giving away 1 prize per week for 26 weeks. All you have to do to enter the drawing each week is leave a comment on THIS POST before 9:00 am next Wednesday, January 11th. Simple. Just tell me what you are going to do to round out the first aid supplies in your kit.
This is open to anyone and everyone: my family members, friends, those I’ve never met, other Shelf Reliance consultants: anyone! Below are the 4 prizes each winner can choose from:
- A 55 gallon water barrel,
- A Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter, or
- A Featherlite zero degree sleeping bag
- A $70 credit to purchase any emergency supplies you want from Shelf Reliance
That’s right! I will be giving away something EACH WEEK for 26 weeks!
Want to guarantee winning one of the above?
If you want to earn a prize instead (or in addition) to winning one all you have to do is share this series 50 times., fill out the form at the bottom of this post each week. Once you reach 50 entries (an average of just over 2 per week), I will contact you about which free product you want.
You can share it:
- using the buttons at the very bottom of this post. This is the quickest and most painless way:…just click on each button! Each click counts as one entry!
- on your own on facebook (each post counts as one entry, so post often),
- on your own on twitter (each tweet counts as one entry),
- on your own on pinterest (each pin counts as one entry)
- by phone (each phone call counts as one entry),
- by email (each person you email counts as one entry), or
- on your blog / website (each post / mention counts as one entry).
- by actually speaking to someone in person about the series (thanks to reader Rachel, for reminding me to add this)
The following form will be available at the end of each weeks post. Simply submit your info each week. Once you reach 50 entries, I will contact you about which product you’d like. Please be honest!
Saw the Gladrags site a few months ago. just googled reusable feminine products and clicked on images. seems there are alotta choices available and instructions pages for DIY…. which is speaking my language since i am able, and the ones for sale seem very expensive. even found the instructions for making knit or crochet reusable tampons. Sounds ewwwwwy…. but it would actually work.
read somewhere recently that the reusable products are better for your health than the commercial ones due to the chemicals in them. also said they found that their monthly cycle was shorter and milder. we know that our skin absorbs chemicals. haven’t worked on making them yet…. but researching and intend to do so.
also found a blog site about going green… and not buying anymore of the throw away products… “Paper towels, tissues, sponges, swiffer pads, diapers, wipes, feminine products, toilet paper, the list keeps going.” she has some great ideas. Can i post the link to the blog here?
Of course you can post the link! Thanks for asking, but the more info the better!
That is very interesting!
Is this the category that would include condoms, KY, etc?
Yep.
I was able to get a box of Combination toothbrushes with the toothpaste built in to the handles. They will be very easy to use. Tried one and the toothpaste was fine. I also save the hand wash things you get from KFC as they always throw a bunch in the bag when you get anything there. They are sealed and do not go dry like the diaper wipes can do.
Yes, KFC is great for that!
As for personal hygiene products, my grandfather was in a work camp in Shanghai during WW2 and occasionally would tell me stories from camp. He always said, “a cake of soap was very dear”. This totally resonated with me and it seems like every time I’m at the grocery store I pick up another 3 pack of Kirks Castile Soap, just in case.
(Sorry… if there are any guys reading this, they may want to stop now) I LOVE my mama cloth! They’re super easy to sew and very comfortable. Mine are flannel on the top and bottom and the inside is a thin old quilt with cotton batting. Then I sew “wings” on with button closure. I’ve made 3 sizes and never leaked through. My periods have even shortened down to 2 1/2 days from 5. I’ve even converted my sister and a few of my girlfriends. I highly recommend them to everyone!
Thanks for the info Anna! Since I haven’t used them, I can’t give much honest feedback. I’m so glad to have readers that can!
We are good with all the above except waste bags. Need to pick up a outside or portable toilet…not sure if I want the old person toilet chair or camping one or bucket with lid. Will probably add more of the things we do have as we can….hygiene things are important. Also want to add distilled water. I am sure there will add razors (straight edge, knives, and shaving razors as I can).
I need to get some sort of portable toilet as well Linda. Now if I could only find one that would fit in my kit! (-:
Go Girl… about the size of a roll of life savers but fatter around for the backpack. It’s a new version on a Jane. I keep one in the glove box too.
We used our HSA acnt to buy the Bedside Toilet at the drug store. guess it’s Medical Equipment/Supplies so it was approved. It’s a metal four legged chair w a toilet seat and removable bucket. Think it was about $80 but will make life alot better in the house if the water supply is out for any length of time. Still plan to get the camping potty bucket that can be tossed in the bk of the truck if we have to evac and can go by vehicle.
We keep a portable potty in the back of the car for the kids. It has bags with absorbent things in the bottom and if we run out I’ll just use old grocery sacks and a piece of paper towel. I have every single thing on that list! I found powdered toothpaste and shaving cream on Amazon.com and ordered some with a gift card I had. Our toothpaste leaked in the kit somehow so I think powder is a better option and it doesn’t go bad.
Love the idea of powdered toothpaste. I keep my in a plastic bag in case it leaks, but powdered would be much better!
Baking soda or salt is a good toothpaste replacement.
Luckily this category is almost completely covered! I do have plans to purchase the disposable waste bags and one of those portable potties (the 5 gallon bucket with the seat top, etc). Looking forward to finding out more about the homemade versions of feminine products…I learn something new everyday!
THanks Lisa!
Found this site that has lots of info about reusable fem products. Even the history of….
I’m more of a crocheter/knitter than i am a sewer. so am working on the tampons as well as the Interlabia Pads. Interesting concept…. hope to have a stack ready for… next week.
http://labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/index.html
This seems to be the “easiest” reusable pad to make. and her thoery here about easier to wash and quicker to dry seems very logical to me.
http://sites.google.com/site/shewhorunsintheforest/0011
good tampon pattern i found for any crocheters out there.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=178151.0
http://www.google.com/search?q=reusable+tampons&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=cFw9T-jfD-Wn0AHa3uzvBw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CFcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1391&bih=712
“Keep an eye on all the disposable stuff you throw away. For any one-time-use item, there’s always a reusable option. Paper towels, tissues, sponges, swiffer pads, diapers, wipes, feminine products, toilet paper, the list keeps going. What do you spend money on that you just throw away?”
http://pathtogreen.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/disposing-of-paper-products/
http://pathtogreen.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/ditching-disposable-feminine-products-part-2/
There’s alotta info out there on the web about reusable fem products. Lots of people making and selling as well as patterns avail for DIY. Google image searches are great to use to see a variety of options. Have FUN!
http://www.google.com/search?q=reusable+feminine+products&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&ei=YEA9T82NB8WM0QHisrTrBw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CEkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1391&bih=712
WOW……. just found some NO SEW options for reusable tampons (baby socks) as well as pads. no need to get fancy…
http://www.borntolove.com/d-list7-make.shtml
“A No-Sew Alternative
If your sewing skills are lacking, or you simply do not want to go through the trouble of sewing your own pads you can try this instead. Purchase absorbent terry-cloth dishtowels. Wash them before using. Fold them into rectangles about 3 or 4-inches by 10 or 12 inches. Use safety pins to pin them into your underwear at both narrow ends (the front and the back). These are a bit bulkier than home-sewn pads. They are quite comfortable though, and are a legitimate alternative. They may be washed the same as home-sewn pads. I’ve also seen washcloths recommended. Fold them into thirds, or quarters (long ways) and fit them into your underwear. Apparently they stay in place without pinning because of the friction between the terry-cloth and underwear. For heavier flows fold together 2 or more wash cloths.”
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
Thanks Rachel!
I love my Diva Cup!
http://lunapads.com/divacup.html
I am due for a new one soon (get a new one every few years), may put the old one in my emergency kit. it should be washed out, but in a pinch, it is fine if it is just wiped out.
Hope that helps!
We have most of the items listed. The things we do not have are the waste bags and razors.
Question… most of my posts from yesterday w the links still say they are awaiting moderation. just wonderin if they are viewable by everybody.
I’ve approved them all, so they should be.