Question 1

what are the core values behind this company?

Accepted Answer

So glad you asked ;)

Everything - every decision, approach, ingredient, process, and more - stands on these three core values: health, sustainability and transparency.

I've written a blog post about each of these (follow the linked words above) to help you get a clearer picture of the deep commitment I have to each one and how they're not just trendy words used for marketing. I am fully committed to these values so that you can buy and use every one of my products with complete confidence.

Question 2

what are the easiest sustainable swaps to make?

Accepted Answer

Some sustainable swaps are simpler than others. Here are the 3 simplest pretty-much-no-learning-curve Searl Soap swaps you can make!

Solid Dish Soap - Not only is this a really simple swap, but it can also replace many of your household cleaners!

Stain Remover Laundry Bars - Again, not only a very easy swap - just rinse the stain, rub with the bar, then wash - but also very versatile! Beyond regular laundry, use this bar on shoes, carpet, upholstery, jackets, car seats, purses, curtains, and even old stains that have already gone through the dryer.

Conditioner Bars - These bars are very straightforward to use (and they work amazing!). Pretty much the only hiccup some people have with transitioning to conditioner bars is simply applying too much. Start small (even just a couple swipes) and add more if you find you need it.

All of these products will eliminate plastic bottles, harmful ingredients on your body and going down the drain, and most likely SAVE you money!

I've written a blog post on each of these products (and more) to help you get the very most out of them. Taking a few moments to read these posts will really help with the previously mentioned money savings :)

Question 3

how does local pick up work?

Accepted Answer

Once you receive the email confirming your order is ready for pick up, come by any day/time! All the details you'll need to know will be in the email.
 
Pick up is at our home, centrally located close to the old Downtown Duncan (a block from the Fishbowl Cafe) and only one minute off the highway if you're driving through. Your order can be found in the cooler by the front door.  Quick pick up is appreciated.

(Are you a visual person? Here's a little pick up reel!)

Question 4

how do you ship responsibly?

Accepted Answer

A handful of local stores pass along their boxes and packaging materials for me to reuse. Reuse is always better than recycle! Your box may look a little worn on the outside, but the inside will be full of your beautiful products.

Additionally, a tree is planted for every order shipped. This not only offsets well beyond the shipping carbon emissions for your order but also helps restore at-risk ecosystems, protect endangered species, improve soil stability and ultimately increase food supply and the overall well-being for us all!

Question 5

do you ship outside of canada?

Accepted Answer

At this time I'm unable to ship orders outside of Canada. Check back from time to time as this may change in the future.

Question 6

how do I use solid shampoo + conditioner?

Accepted Answer

Check out these two blog posts with detailed instructions and FAQs for both shampoo bars and conditioner bars. Don't hesitate to connect with me if you have any other questions!

Question 7

how do I use solid dish soap + how do refills work?

Accepted Answer

Check out this blog post which also includes tips to extend the life of your soap and how to refill it when the time comes. It is such a worthwhile read!

Question 8

how do I use laundry stain remover bars?

Accepted Answer

Check out this blog post and find out just how useful and versatile this little magic bar is! And please let me know if you have any other questions.

Question 9

how do I use dry shampoo powder + how do refills work?

Accepted Answer

Check out this blog post for a variety of different application techniques, how to refill and other really useful tidbits. As always, let me know if you have any other questions!

Question 10

what is the best way to store my soaps before using them?

Accepted Answer

It's best to store your soaps in a cool, dry place (so a bathroom that often gets hot and humid isn't actually ideal) and if possible keep them in a cardboard box. This helps preserve the scent but doesn't trap moisture as your bars will continue to release some moisture and become harder for a time, which also makes them last longer!
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Or, for great smelling clothes, use the age old trick of keeping a bar or two in your dresser drawers.

Question 11

how can I extend the life of my soap bar?

Accepted Answer

Here’s 5 easy ways to make your bar of soap last as long as possible:

Keep it as dry as possible between uses - The #1 goal is fast drying. Well-draining soap storage makes all the difference by keeping your bar out of standing water and allowing good airflow—this applies to shampoo and conditioner bars as well.

Keep bars out of direct water spray - In the shower, place them in the driest area you can—this is also helpful for shampoo and conditioner bars.

Cut frequently used bars in half - If your soap gets heavy use throughout the day, less surface area means less soap washing away or water pooling on the bar after use.

Use every last bit - When your bar gets small, pop the remnants into a soap bag or squish them onto the top of a new bar so nothing goes to waste.

Use your bar inside a soap bag or on a loofah - This helps reduce how much soap is used each wash while still giving a rich, satisfying lather. As a bonus, you get mild exfoliation and the soap bag easily hangs to dry.

Small changes, longer-lasting bars!

Question 12

will you be adding more products?

Accepted Answer

YES! I am continually working on new products and different scents. Check back from time to time to see what's new!
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Do you have an idea or natural scent you'd love to be made? Let me (Loni) know!

frequently asked questions