As the main shopper of the family, I usually make the choice to try new products. I also happened to be the person in my family that was convinced about 7 years ago that we should start purchasing more natural and organic personal care products and food. At the time, my husband, Rob, wasn’t quite as into the idea as I was. It took a bit of negotiating, encouraging, and even some all out fact sharing to get him on the green wagon. Over the past few years of writing on this blog I’ve gotten a few emails with the same theme… “How do I convince my husband to use cloth diapers?” and really I equate this question with any, including “How do I get my husband to go green?”. Today I’m sharing 4 easy tips that will hopefully help you get your husband on board, if he isn’t already.
As with anything, convince him it’s his idea.
I say this with a bit of a smile because, well, it’s how things work in my house. If my husband thinks something is his idea, he’s definitely going to jump on board sooner. Funny, that’s kind of how my kids are too – wonder where they get it from?!
You’ll want to start conversations that he can help you finish, if your husband is anything like mine!
Slowly add in more natural products.
If your husband is a bit slow to the idea of switching out his personal care products for more natural versions, start slow.
My husband is a creature of habit, so change can cause a bit of hesitation. If I just happen to have a new type of mouthwash in the cabinet when he runs out of his, then he’ll use it. Then, start to realize he likes it just as much. This is definitely a tip that I have used numerous times over the years of my family’s own green journey.
Share the money savings.
My husband is the one in the family that keeps up with the budget and boy does he ever. When he puts his budget hat on, I try to sneak out of the room on most occasions. But when it came to switching out for more natural products, he immediately thought they would cost more. But that’s not always the case!
My favorite example is the Made to Matter® Collection at Target. We live in a rural town where we don’t have any natural stores so the fact that one of my favorite retailers carries my favorite natural brands is amazing. In fact, that’s how I first found the Tom’s of Maine love for my family – because it was on the shelves at Target many years ago!
This year, Tom’s of Maine has 4 products that were handpicked by Target to be included in the Made to Matter line – Wicked Cool!™ Deodorants, Luminous White™ Toothpaste, and Men’s Naturally Dry North Woods™ Antiperspirant. For 46 years, Tom’s of Maine has been making personal care products that are made to matter… in the family’s lives that choose to purchase them. Each product has always had a purpose and it’s certainly a fun time for me to see the brand being recognized by Target for doing just that.
Hit him with the facts.
When all else fails, you hit your husband with all the facts. Ok, admittedly this is probably your first line of convincing him to choose more natural products, but now that you’ve done all the others, he’s more likely to listen. Again, this is all coming from my experience with my husband, which may be different from yours!
But if he’s like mine, telling him things like this will certainly get him excited…
With Tom’s of Maine®, there’s something for everyone in your family. No matter the Tom’s of Maine product you choose, you’ll know that it is free of artificial dyes, fragrances, flavors and preservatives, as well as never tested on animals. Tom’s of Maine products are good for the planet and are Made to Matter® – handpicked by Target.
My husband recently switched out his regular deodorant for the new Men’s Naturally Dry Antiperspirant in North Woods. It’s the first natural antiperspirant made for men that provides all day odor and wetness protection without petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, or irritation. Just like with many natural switches over the years, he’s happy with the results and continues to join me in choosing natural products when we go shopping!
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Amber Ludwig
Wednesday 19th of October 2016
Haha!! Thanks for the great tips!! I have been trying, begging and pleading lol! I swear...they are so stubborn!