Gear review: Around the house

When seasons start to change, I like to take more time attending to my home and body needs. Here are some natural products I’ve been using:

Coulée SWIRL System and Coffee

This might be the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had, besides a mocha latte at a specialty shop in Boston on a cold day. The Coulée coffee, in the form of pre-filled EcoPours, generates the most delicious cups of coffee, as they’ve dialed in the water temperature and amount of coffee for the best results.

The owner’s story is just as tasty as his coffee. He wanted to stop incessant plastics from pod-coffee machines. Besides the fact that plastic is polluting just about everything, including our bodies, this stainless-steel boiler and spigot circumvents contact between hot water and any plastic, and the EcoPour filters are completely compostable. And the ethically sourced coffee, which pays farmers fairly, tastes amazing.

Some coffeemakers can get moldy, but this coffee never contacts the SWIRL system. The pre-filled EcoPour coffee packages are also made for camping; they’re lightweight and protected by compostable wrap, and they fit neatly over a mug. That means you just pour hot water over the coffee, and voila: instant greatness with no need for any kind of machine. If you do buy the SWIRL machine, which I highly recommend because not only does it make excellent coffee, but it’s also really fun to watch as it goes through various steps and literally does swirl, it’s $174.99 with 20 coffee packs. A pack of 20 costs $27.99, or you can use your own coffee with 50 empty EcoPours for $19.99. The machine is nice and compact and incredibly fast and easy to use when sleepy; they originally designed it for hotel rooms so travelers could finally get a quality cup of coffee in their pjs. Couleecoffee.com.

Oil Divine Fragrance Free Body Oil and Rejuvenating Eye Serum

Oil Divine offers a collection of various natural skincare products that are plant-based and organic without useless fillers or toxic chemicals. Though the Body Oil is made for stretch marks, which I don’t have, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that it doesn’t just vaporize away like many skincare products do in our dry climate. It provides wonderful moisture that isn’t sticky or thick. I also appreciate how easy the eye serum is to use, thanks to its roller. And I love the very subtle rose scent and its ability to moisturize — it really does help fine lines under the eyes. Body oil, $26; serum, $34, Oildivine.com.

Canary Concentrated Hand Soap and Refill Bars

I was skeptical about how dissolvable slices of soap would hold up for months in the dispenser, but it truly is amazing. You can choose from various subtle scents like citrus grove, cedar mint, and even bourbon reserve. The magic comes from inserting a slice of soap into the bottle and filling it with water. It doesn’t strip my hands of moisture like antibacterial soaps, has no parabens or sulfates, is made in the U.S., and includes organic coconut oil, organic sunflower oil, and a few other simple ingredients. The best part is that it does reduce plastic use, since you reuse the soap bottle and just pop in a slice of foaming soap. So far, one slice has lasted three months, and I use it nearly on a daily basis. Prices range; a 24-slice pack is $40. canarycleanco.com.

Bloop Salt Air Natural Laundry Soap 

This laundry soap also avoids plastic, with its 32-ounce recyclable carton. One ounce cleans tough stains without toxins like chlorine, phthalates, phosphate, etc. As I note with the candles, I cringe at chemical fragrances, but these natural fragrant oils are subtle and quite delightful. They call it “salt air,” with hints of mandarin orange, clary sage, and spicy driftwood. Whatever it is, I love it. It could use a larger cap that measures one ounce, but that’s a tiny issue compared to how well this removes stains, cleans, smells, and protects people and the environment. $25, heybloop.com.

Sleep Oasis Water + Air Pillow

If you’re like Goldilocks, this pillow is just right. I’ve gone through so many pillows that are too high or too low or too mushy or too firm, but this one allows me to adjust the height with an air pump and water — and then decide if I like sleeping on the water or the air side. Water volume (which you change every six months) creates just the right firmness or softness, and a medical-grade foam pouch provides extra support and reduces any noise from the plastic. An ultra-thick, soft, and cozy pillowcase adds to the customized comfort. The 24×16-inch pillow plumps up anywhere from three to six inches high, depending on the amount of water, providing a great sleep. Plus, it has cooling technology on one side and warming on the other — and a QR code to listen to curated sleep music. $199, makelifeeasy.com.

Pillow Cube 5-inch Side Cube

Side sleepers, rejoice: No more scrunching of the shoulder. Pillow Cube measures five inches high for side sleepers to rest more comfortably, supporting your head and neck, so you don’t wake up with pains. The stretchy, soft, and breathable cover keeps you cool at night, as does the aero foam core inside, to regulate temperature. My challenge is I’m both a side and back sleeper, so now I sleep with this pillow on one side and another when I’m on my back; somehow my body has adapted without waking up fully, but they are coming up with a combo pillow, which I look forward to. $69.99 (The deluxe, which is bigger, has more antimicrobial properties and ventilation holes, and premium foam is $109.99), pillowcube.com.

Lumineux Ultimate Whitening Kit

I drink plenty of tea and coffee, which doesn’t help with white teeth. Though this didn’t quite achieve the results I got from my dentist, it certainly whitened my teeth many noticeable shades. It’s simple to use, and I do prefer that it incorporates more natural, gentle ingredients, as opposed to peroxide, which can irritate gums, so it’s great for sensitive mouths. The pack comes with whitening strips that stay put, a pen for extra brightening, whitening toothpaste, and whitening mouthwash. The toothpaste is refreshing, with aloe vera leaf juice, Dead Sea salt, citrus lemon peel oil, and other essential oils and ingredients. Additionally, the bamboo toothbrush, which is totally biodegradable, reduces bacteria and other nasties that can build up. $75.65, lumineuxhealth.com.

Guru Nanda Ready-to-Go Butter on Gums Pre-Pasted Toothbrushes

These pre-pasted toothbrushes are a lot shorter than typical ones, which is nice when it comes to packing compactly and keeping one in my purse and car, but it does take a little getting used to. I like having the option to pull one out and use it without water for fresh breath on the go — and the brushes are just right, not too soft or rigid. I even used it on my dog, which worked well because of the short handle. They’re made with 100% recyclable plastic, and the pick on the end works wonderfully as a toothpick or gentle gum massager. The downside is extra plastic generated after use. $2.49 for five brushes; $34.99, on sale for $29.99 for 70, gurunanda.com.

Aluminate Life Zodiac Candles

These candles, which come in each zodiac, are fun gifts for birthdays or to enjoy as a simple pleasure. I’m sensitive to chemical smells, but essential oils satisfy my olfactory system, and these candles emanate a soft yet natural aroma, lit or not lit. Each zodiac style provides specific crystals and essential oils. It was kind of weird: I ordered my zodiac and my husband’s, and for over a month I loved his Gemini scent, with its lemon and grapefruit, in addition to a hint of patchouli. Now, I tend to prefer my Scorpio scent, with sandalwood, patchouli, and cedarwood; maybe it’s the change of seasons. Each candle comes with specific crystals embedded; Scorpio’s is clear quartz, black tourmaline, and amethyst, and it’s designed to awaken passion in that intense, mysterious, and determined Scorpio way. $32, aluminatelife.com.