Every Soviet pioneer collected waste paper and searched for all iron items that were not nailed down to turn in for scrap metal. This tradition has disappeared, and we are surrounded by garbage, plastic, and clothing made from low-quality materials. However, our mothers and grandmothers, unknowingly, lived very ecologically. Necessity is the mother of invention — this can describe Soviet life. Here are some eco-tips from the past that can still be useful. What Was Used for Beauty There was not a wide selection of cosmetics in the USSR. Makeshift means and materials were used to help remain young and beautiful. Instead of balms and lip products, petroleum jelly was used. It is still popular today and sold in tin cans. It could also be used for eye makeup as a base for eyeshadow to make it brighter and shinier. There were no makeup brushes. Instead, thin artistic brushes made of squirrel fur were bought. They were perfect for drawing eyeliner. Modern stores have a variety of makeup brushes, but when choosing, prefer natural bristles and a wooden handle. Any cosmetic oil served as a hair conditioner. It helped to reduce frizz along the length, strengthen the hair structure, and soften the ends. Today, the selection of oils is vast — this is an eco-friendly product sold in glass containers. There is also a great alternative to plastic combs: a wooden comb or a brush with natural bristles. How Teeth Were Whitened For a long time, the familiar plastic tube of toothpaste was unknown to Soviet citizens. They used tooth powder in tin cans, which not only effectively removed dirt but was also suitable for washing windows, cleaning shoes, and polishing skates. Tooth powders are still available today, and they have a gentler formula for enamel compared to toothpaste. Choose those sold in metal or cardboard containers. You can also find pressed powder — in tablet form. Where to Get Fashionable Clothing In the eco-movement, there is a trend called “upcycling,” or giving items a second life. If you cut off the bottom of your pants and made fashionable shorts, you have joined the eco-ranks. A Soviet woman had to know how to sew; otherwise, it was almost impossible to find clothing. Old dresses were altered — the graduate's dress became a wedding dress. Old skirts were shortened. Lace was sewn onto plain blouses. All this was done due to the lack of available clothing, but now it is a fashionable trend that makes good money. People are willing to buy unique items while conserving the planet's resources at the same time. How to Decorate the Home One of the most popular eco-hobbies today is the craft technique known as patchwork. From pieces of different fabrics, scraps from sewing, old towels, sheets, and unnecessary items, one can sew a bright quilt, pillowcase, duvet cover, reupholster a chair, and other interior items according to specific patterns. This technique is not new; it has roots going back to the 1970s. In Russia, patchwork sewing has existed since time immemorial and was widely used in the frugal Soviet household. What Was Used to Clean Dirt “Pemolux” appeared on store shelves not long ago and proved to be no more effective than regular baking soda, which was used everywhere in the USSR. It was used to wash dishes, scrub grease off the stove and table after holidays, and clean baking sheets and carpets. Today, baking soda has not lost its cleaning properties and helps save money. By the way, it is usually sold in cardboard packaging, which can be recycled. Another popular cleaning agent from Soviet times is white vinegar. It effectively tackles stains and leaves no streaks. Mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and add 15 drops of essential oil of mint, orange, or lavender. This solution can easily remove grime from sinks, door handles, tables, mirrors, and toilets. What Was Used for Cleaning There were no special mops or sponge pads for dishes in the USSR. Dishes were washed with rags, most often repurposed from some item of clothing. Sponges were made from nylon tights, knitted from twine or string. Metal sponges were in high demand, which scrubbed all burnt food off pans. If you want to continue this tradition, you can sew dish rags from old clothing. Or buy affordable sponges made from natural and coarse fibers (jute, hemp). Another option is to crochet a small circle from any dense rope. How Purchases Were Carried Soviet life is often associated with “avoskis.” These woven nets easily fit in a pocket but could carry half a store's worth of goods. Today, avoskis have received a second life — they have become shoppers, serving as an alternative to plastic bags. You can sew a shopper yourself or buy one in a store, but make sure it is made from natural materials: linen, cotton, or canvas. Paper wraps for sausage have also retained their relevance. Kraft paper is recyclable and reusable. Products are no longer wrapped in it, but it is an excellent option for wrapping paper for other purposes. Instead of transparent plastic bags for vegetables and fruits, you can use fabric bags of various sizes. They should also be made from natural materials. They can be easily sewn by hand, without even needing a sewing machine. What Was Done with Waste Not throwing away food was a rule followed in every Soviet home. At the same time, housewives knew many culinary tricks that allowed them to serve delicious and inexpensive dishes on any family budget. Everything was used — scraps, breadcrumbs, slightly spoiled products. Many of these traditions are still alive today. Sour milk is still used as a base for pancakes and pies, expired cottage cheese for syrniki. Kefir is dried and replaces expensive feta cheese in salads. Leftover vegetables and grains can be added to omelets, soups, or pizza. A hearty compote can be made from leftover fruits or berries. Overripe bananas can be turned into delicious cookies or banana bread. Carrot pulp can make tasty muffins. Stale bread becomes the base for croutons in soup. A “green” lifestyle is far from a new concept. Our ancestors have long figured everything out for us; we just need to remember and start using it. But it is better to gradually introduce new habits into life so that they do not cause discomfort to you or those around you.