BicycleB: I'm only a few years behind you, my friend. Given the chronic economic challenges and surging increase in undocumented and unregulated pollutants in our air, water, and foods, I don't have high confidence I will reach the average life expectancy in the U.S. (78.8 years). Still, while I'm kicking and breathing, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. I expect that trend to continue through the rest of my days and why I am not overly concerned about the effects of conventional products vs. "natural." We're surrounded by toxins - embrace what you cannot change.
Nothing beats the ease of use LA's Totally Awesome Cleaner at $0.015/oz. Switching to white vinegar and baking soda would see my costs rise to >$0.04/oz. Since I only perform one extensive cleaning each month, one moderate cleaning mid-month, and spot-clean as needed, one bottle of LA cleaner can last multiple years. Compared to competing conventional cleaners, it's no more carcinogenic than most (just cheaper).
I wear safety boots for a living - when I take them off, the stench is unbearable. Any thoughts on how I could use baking soda to resolve this issue? I know it's not my feet as the odor was never as prevalent as it has been since I switched boots in April.
Thank you for suggesting Early Retirement Extreme. I had not been aware of the forum and will register promptly at
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/ to begin a new dialogue on how to lead a more prudent and efficient life! But don't worry, I'll still be here - MMM is a way of life.
Linea_Norway: I, too, LOVE my short hair - no comb, gel, or mouse required! I shave my head every three weeks on the shortest setting.
To be honest, I shower daily out of habit, but I REALLY find it to be a waste of time and water. In theory, I should only need to wash my armpits, groin, feet, and face daily, though my long commute home in a hot, AC-free car causes me to sweat considerably. Perhaps it's just mental - the idea of going to bed "dirty" being uncivilized? I'm open to alternatives. I'm just not familiar with how to conduct a towel bath to be as effective as a traditional 8-min shower. Call me what I am: naďve.
Surprisingly, there are no threads in the MMM Forum dedicated to Mustachians sharing a common everyday product that far exceeds their expectations. So, being an open forum on personal efficiency, lets read what "normal" product you purchased and found the quality to far exceed your expectations. There are a number of products I could share with you, but one that I use everyday is a Sony alarm clock/radio (model ICFC-1). It was on clearance for <$15.00 when I bought it in 2014 and has traveled with me at each relocation. While I generally always rise before the alarm activates, it is the AM/FM radio that I am most impressed by. Not only is the reception solid, but the volume can broadcast into the open kitchen/dining room/living room of my current residence with absolute clarity. I absolutely love it for the hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of quality amusement it has brought to my life while so far from my family (and forbidden from volunteering in the community).