From the May 2010 J.R.LIGGETT’S Soapbox Newsletter:  I’ve recently introduced a few people to J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar, and I thought this article by J.R. would be a terrific addtion to the information I’ve given them…

This is all about respect for our resources, and ultimately respect for ourselves. My guess is that there are very few bars of J.R.LIGGETT’S Bar Shampoo that don’t get completely used up. Not left sitting on a shelf with a myriad of bottled products to wait for its turn to be used. This unassuming bar of shampoo stands by itself and most people recognize that fact.
 
J.R.LIGGETT’S has received so many letters from excited users exclaiming it is the only shampoo they now use, when their showers used to support 3,4,5 or more different “bottles” of shampoos and conditioners. It’s not only a great shampoo; it in most instances eliminates any need for even a “bottle” of conditioner. In this, it creates a transformation in people, once they notice the economy of using a single product for their hair, that concept can actually extend to other venues. Simplifying one’s life.
 
Simple is better, and it proves out every time. For example just reading the ingredients list you don’t have to be a nuclear scientist to see just what is in this shampoo. Try going to the store, picking up a bottle of shampoo and having the slightest idea of what they are putting in it (actually that might be the idea). J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo just contains simple edible vegetable oils, sodium hydroxide (which is lye that used to come from wood ashes), and pure spring water. Maybe some essential oils for fragrance and there you have it – simple isn’t it.
 
Simple also extends to the way you conduct your life. For instance with all the headaches and problems associated with traveling anymore, just bringing along J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo is all you have to do to take care of all your personal cleaning needs. Wash your hair, wash your body, shave, and even wash your socks and undergarments at night so they are ready to wear again the next day, clean and smelling wonderful! You also can pack fewer clothes to take with you, think of the exertion you are saving not having to carry the added weight! Just either pack a full size bar in your carry on or slip one of our new Mini Travelers with a couple of Mini Travel Bars in it, slip it in your pocket and off you go – simple isn’t it.
 
Saving time, also is simple when you use J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo bar. It takes no time to run it through your hair a couple of times, create a terrific lather and wash it out. Presto! You’re done. And yet one more time saving sidelight, it seems that most people who use the shampoo would agree that the longer you use it, the less often you have to wash your hair. Why? The oils produced and supplied by your scalp after awhile realize that they are not going to be completely removed (by a detergent) and start to regulate the amount secreted. Thus people with oily hair or dry hair conditions often simply normalize, meaning that the oils are regulated to give your hair just the amount it needs to keep it healthy and vital.

Now there is one last labor, cost, and time saver related to J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo. Giving it away as gifts to friends and family for their birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, going away on a trip, away to college, or “simply” because you like them and want the best for them.

One thing it may not save on though is haircuts. In fact J.R.LIGGETT’S has gotten letters from dedicated users proclaiming the fact that their hair had started to grow again. We can’t testify to this, but it does save you money, time, and trouble in most all other arenas. With life being complicated enough, you can count on J.R.LIGGETT’S to “keep it simple”

J.R.LIGGETT

If you argree…share! It’s worth repeating!

We all come to J.R’s “table” with different needs…  some have curly hair, some long hair, scalp issues, environmental issues such as a need for minimal packaging, and no plastic bottle to add to the landfills.  Many seek natural ingredients; no harsh, stripping detergents such as the to be avoided at all costs SLS.  Some are concerned about health issues; finding a shampoo that is safe for children and adults.  Some have tried the “no-poo” shampoo, and are not quite satisfied with the outcome, and some folks are looking to simplify their life by purchasing and consuming less product. 

I have seen a kaleidoscope of needs; all across the country and around the world, we humans have the same desire to take special care of our bodies and to enjoy the privilege of being clean and healthy.  The cool part about that is J.R.LIGGETT’S  brings together all the people, all their wishes and desires, and fulfills them with one uniquely made product: a shampoo bar. And not just any shampoo bar as you may find there are several on the market–this one is different in so many ways with a story like no other.         

For a “no-frills” product, this shampoo bar seems to be an anomaly… few ingredients, simply made, minimally wrapped, yet it encompasses and comes to the rescue of so many.

As one who enjoys sewing a patchwork quilt: a combining of patterns, colors, and design. A meshing of unique people,  searching for answers, in harmony  and finding  a single solution, a single answer… J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar.

Hand made in America, but shaped to meet universal needs. 

Joy Richter

If you agree, please share! It’s simple!

J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar: one beautiful, 100% handmade, creamy white, rectangle of healthy-for-you-and-the-environment-bio-degradable-goodness that can simplify your day–your life!

For the past few weeks, I’ve had a great deal of moving experiences…the physically re-locating type. It’s been stressful, exciting, nerve-wracking and enlightening. First piece of advice: if a move is anywhere in your future, start cleaning and clearing out right now!  A year ahead of time is not too soon. I’m finding it amazing all the “stuff” a house holds, and I’m finding much of it (maybe half?) is unnecessary. We’ve been sorting, pitching, and donating for a good month, and still, I think more divesting of possessions is in the near future at a new home.

The final clear-out day was Saturday morning and for the past two days, we’ve been subsisting on the bare minimum, which we are finding is testing our creativity. Two knives, two forks, two spoons, and a couple of bowls and drinking glasses. The basics are gone from the fridge, the dishes are packed away, and we’ve been wearing clothing out of a duffel bag. Two chairs and a destined-for-the-trash folding table is where we sit and count down the minutes until closing and then, we will be on our way on a new adventure and new chapter in our life.

Who would have thought that I’d find another instance that J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo bar would be indispensable? Sure, I knew it was terrific for the great outdoors during my trip in the Ozarks last fall, and it’s great for traveling and vacations–none of this over-loading of carry-ons, no problem with the TSA or devastating spills and messes (not to mention another plastic bottle to add to the scheme of things),  but for camping out in your own home with most of your belongings in a moving van?  To be sure, our in-home camping has virtually morphed into a regular “glamping” experience  Okay, maybe a bit of an over-statement considering we feel like we are living in an empty shell of a home, but still, this more-than-adequate bar of shampoo has pretty much saved the day(s)!

To be sure, a shampoo, but we never missed the body soap, nor found a conditioner necessary. The absence of the shaving foam was moot, likewise any moisturizers for my skin. You see, (just incase I haven’t shared this before) J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar is free of harsh, stripping detergents, so not only is your scalp able to maintain it’s natural healthy balance, the shampoo bar when used on your body also keeps it moisturized. It’s perfect for shaving–men or women–it doesn’t discriminate!  And wouldn’t you know, the dish detergent packed away caused nary an issue–the bar works great for a quick and easy wash-up. Ditto in the case of an emergency like we had– oops, needed one more pair of fresh socks… we still have the solar-powered clothes line, and glory be, we hold in our hands a multi-tasking shampoo bar that doesn’t know any limitations! No wallflower this bar, it’s got moxie!

There’s so much to be said for living simply, and I’ve also realized, the same goes for staying in one place–nothing to be ashamed of, makes life easier, more stable, put down roots, raise a family, become part of a community, make a difference.  But it’s also exciting and empowering to see that you can make a change in your life if you want… that you can dream a dream (whatever your dream may be) and see it come together.  I like the idea of not staying stagnant, and being available and in a position to help someone.

Change can open your eyes to possibilities that you didn’t see before, to things that you thought you couldn’t do.  Same goes for something as simple as a shampoo choice–make a change for the better, reach out and try J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar… it’s really pretty easy. It’s been my go-to product ever since the first day I tried it. It’s the last thing I pack, and the first thing I unpack. Once you’ve used it, you’ll be amazed at all the products you thought you couldn’t live without!

Quick Update:  We’re  in our new home…  and wow, has J.R.’s shampoo bar ever come in super handy… the rest of our clothing is in a box (somewhere!), the sugar bowl has gone missing, we can’t locate the light switches and figure out the heat pump controls, the sprinkler system is a mystery, but thank goodness, we know where the shampoo bar is! What a lifesaver!

Joy Richter

If you agree, share this!

Earth Day… a new idea?    Let’s travel back a generation when plastic didn’t encase and guard nearly everything we bought. When people knew where their food on their plates came from, and family farms were large enough to produce and make a fair profit, but not so large that they became big business.   Life just seemed more simple and safe, the air fresher and cleaner, and kids had rosy cheeks and healthy bodies as a result of plenty of outdoor play.

“Paper, plastic or box?”  I think food store baggers must say that in their sleep. As I place my items in my tote, I think of when I was a child and even though we didn’t use the word “Green”, we put that philosophy in action every day in nearly every way, from diapering baby to knowing that the proper place for trash was in the trash can, not along highways, country roads, streams, and the lakes of America.

Babies wore cloth diapers, either washed at home and hung out in the sunshine to sanitize and dry, or a diaper service delivered clean, cloth diapers to your home once a week.  Disposables?  We had never heard of them.  Soda bottles, milk bottles, and beer bottles–all glass–were returned empty to the store (a few cents back!) and sent to a factory where they were washed, sterilized, and then refilled with product. I actually don’t remember much of anything being made out of plastic, but when it was, somehow, it just seemed to last longer.   When we mailed a package, we wrapped it up in yesterday’s newspaper to prevent breakage; no Styrofoam packing peanuts, no bubble wrap. We re-used cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, or even a paper sack cut open, print side down, plain brown on the outside.  I didn’t know anyone who owned an automatic dishwasher–the “dishwasher” was the mom, or whoever’s turn it was that week to stand on a chair in front of the kitchen sink, and scrub away.  Bonus: garden dirt under little fingernails was whisked down the drain.

My mother washed off aluminum foil and re-used it. My job was to grab my father’s flat carpenter pencil and smooth out the creases–I sometimes got a little carried away and smoothed it into a few smaller pieces.  We kept a water jug in the fridge; if the water line was below a certain mark on the side of the jug, it was that person’s job to refill before placing it back in the fridge.  We rarely went out to eat–only on an occasional vacation, otherwise, all meals were cooked at home with fresh from the backyard garden vegetables. 

Most families had only one TV, and usually, just one radio, which by the way, were controlled by the parents. Homes weren’t over-loaded with multiple, electric-guzzling appliances.   Mom patched our hand-me-down clothing, sewed popped buttons back on, and darned holes in our socks. Our shoes were of the Made In America quality which were actually repaired, not thrown out.   No drink boxes– our metal school lunch boxes were packed with a thermos full of hot soup or cold milk. That same thermos was brought back home, washed and re-used.  If by chance we used a paper sack, we had orders from Mom to “Bring your sack back home!”  And we didn’t carry around a plastic water bottle that ended up in the trash–if you wanted a drink, you found the nearest public water fountain.   People rode on public buses, kids rode bikes or walked. It was the norm for the family to own only one car, and teens had to ask for the privilege of using it.  And here’s one that may very well bring you to tears… I remember gasoline being 32 cents a gallon. 

Much has changed over time, but one idea is as relevant today as when the phrase was first coined…  “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”.  J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar is a fresh, healthy and smart choice each day for you and the world. Containing no unpronounceable chemicals, biodegradable, multi-tasking, and thrifty. To put it plainly, using this shampoo bar just makes all around good sense now and for future generations.

If you agree with Green, share this!

Joy Richter

Kermit the Frog had some issues with being green, starting out all bluesy-like, thinking it dull and boring, but after a few moments upbeat and wise:  “But green’s the color of spring/And green can be cool and friendly like/And green can be big like an ocean, or important/Like a mountain, or tall like a tree.”   (Lyrics by: Joe Raposo).      

And green can be simple; as simple as switching from your usual liquid, petroleum-based shampoo in a plastic bottle, to J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo bar, made with 100% natural ingredients, plant-based oils, pure spring water, and completely bio-degradable–the wrapper too!  No bottles in the landfills, won’t harm the fish in the streams, rivers, or lakes, and no animal testing nor by-products. What could be more fresh, more important to you and the environment?                   

Green is not only cool and friendly like, it’s smart too. It’s multi-tasking, doing the job of several products: shampoo, shaving, body cleanser and sometime cleaning clothing in a pinch.  One product; not 3 to lug around, or purchase, or store, good and healthy for all.  And sure it’s friendly: no harmful Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, and I’ve never found anything threatening about the creamy white, fresh-scented, soft lather. It’s like everyday is a green, a spring day when I smell that fantastic fragrance as I lather up my hair. Rinses clean, ready to meet the day, “head on”!

And green can be as big like an ocean… it can be as big as you and me– we are the ones who are called upon to make a difference in life, in our world for our friends, family, future generations.  Green is important, like a mountain–a mountain to climb, to conquer, or a tall tree, green, leafy, full of life, leaves dancing on a cool breeze.

Green isn’t difficult, actually its simple choices. Change some habits, use less, use wisely, think before acting. Throwing it out? Maybe someone else could use it.  It’s broke?  Can you fix it and save some much-needed dollars?  Grow a garden and eat healthier and fresher–kids absorb a basket full of knowledge in the process too.  Put trash where it belongs… trees and fences don’t look pretty with plastic bags as decorations, and road-sides shouldn’t need to be adopted.  And as my dad used to (constantly) remind me, “Turn the lights off when you leave the room!”

Learn and remember what previous generations did;  laundry on the line… nothing smells fresher than when you lay your head down at night on sheets that bring you dreams of honeysuckle and sunshine. Or toss a solar-dried patchwork quilt over your bed when a spring night turns a tad cool.  Mail a package in yesterday’s newspaper and a recycled cardboard box.  Use a thermos instead of a drink-box or plastic water bottle, or better yet, use the drinking fountain. Grandma didn’t have plastic wrap, she used over-turned dinner plates to cover bowls of leftovers stashed in her fridge.  Pass down clothing from kid to kid, or friends to friends. And if the clothing has seen its last useful days, create a masterpiece quilt for memories to treasure.

See Kermy, Green can be big, beautiful, important, fun, special…  And green is as easy as ordering from J.R.LIGGETT’S.  Devoted to using good-for-you and the earth ingredients, for now, for future generations, always green, always true and right.

Joy Richter

If you agree on being GREEN, share this!  It’s the GREEN thing to do!

Sometimes you’ve just gotta take charge… I’ve noticed from some comments on Facebook that J.R.LIGGETT’S products are a bit difficult to locate, and you’re not pleased with that. In fact, some of you are actually a tad miffed, and I can’t blame you for feeling that way–I would feel the same way too! Oh sure, they’re readily accessible on-line, no problem there, but what about finding them when you’re out and about doing your food shopping, running errands, or just looking for a unique, special, and environmentally friendly gift? Wouldn’t finding JR’s product line, especially his fantastically popular shampoo bar conveniently located on the shelves of stores you shop at everyday, be a great concept? I mean, it sounds like a no-brainer, right?

Well, here’s the Battle Cry… Here’s the Call to Arms (so to speak): “We won’t be a victim anymore!” We refuse to be held hostage to what ‘They’ think we should be buying, and wimp out by settling for, “I’m sorry, we don’t carry that product.”

J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo bar is an all around, top to bottom, can’t be beat, hands down, ‘bar-none’ wonder and your favorite retailer doesn’t carry it? Is this acceptable? Is this American? I think not! Now, I know you’re not scratching your heads and saying, What to do? What to do?” You’re smarter than that, but I’m still going to give you some ideas, because, well… because I like to give advice. Especially good advice. Even at that, we need you. We need ALL of you… every one of you who has ever purchased J.R.’s shampoo bar, who has ever given it as a gift, who has ever received it as a gift, used it, wanted to use it, read about it, swiped it from a friend’s shower, or even admired it from afar… now is the time to act.

It can be this simple… you can start out with one basic question directed to that employee who asks if you need any help or if they could direct you to a certain product. You, feigning innocence, ask, “Could you please tell me where to find J.R. LIGGETT’S shampoo bar?” They, with a blank look on their face, will be momentarily puzzled, and then will begin searching the aisle looking for the product. You’ll be describing the unique packaging, that it’s made in the USA, that it’s been around for years. Finally, while looking apologetically at you, you hear that tired, old refrain… “I’m sorry, I guess we don’t carry that product…” These should be fighting words to the shampoo bar obsessed!

You see, we’re going to start a revolution here, but a peaceful one… maybe even a stubborn one–one where we stand our ground for what we want. We are going to march into our local Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Sprouts, and Mother’s Markets and while we fill the cart, we’re going to be asking for J.R.’s products. When we select our fishing gear and outdoor supplies at Bass Pro Shops, REI, or EMS, we’ll demand to know where J.R.’s products are. At Cabella’s, we’ll whip out our “ammo” (“‘The Question”) and make them squirm… when we hear that old refrain, we’re going to raise our eyebrows in disbelief and astonishment and then directly and enthusiastically launch into why they should carry J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo bar and body products. We’re going to tell them how we love the products, what they do for us, how great they are, and why their store should carry them. We can have an empty shampoo bar wrapper handy, or simply jot down the web site and hand it to the manager. 

But don’t stop there… no… we’re going to get bold and brazen here. Take it to the top…to the Big Kaunas. In this day and age, with our current economy, and the abundance of purchasing options out there, and the Power of the People (you), the Big Guys have to listen to us. It just makes cents–and dollars–mucho dollars. Never before have customers had such power to change the way a company does business. Embrace your Inner Rebel!

And don’t forget the small stores. Your local grocery, the Mom and Pop stores, beauty supply stores, country supply stores, gift shops… anywhere you shop, locally or otherwise. Tell your favorite retailer about the product and ask them to carry it. Tell them why you love it and why you know others will love it too. And as you travel, tell the shop owners in the tourist hot spots about J.R’s shampoo bar. Let’s get J.R.LIGGETT’S awesome products into the hands, camps, airline carry-ons and bathrooms all across the land–and the world! Let freedom ring!

Now is not the time to be shy… I would imagine that after only a few requests for J.R.’s shampoo bar were heard, a store owner or ‘Corporate’ would experience a light bulb moment and realize that this might be something to check out. After all, the stores are in business to meet your needs! No brick and mortar location? Phone ‘em! Send an e-mail to Customer Service and request J.R.’s products! Let’s get a ‘mass-emailing’ campaign started here! Let’s crash the system with our requests!  Grab your friends and fellow shampoo bar converts and spread the message! We can do it! Charge!

And just to show you how easy this all is, when I had planned a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma last fall, I called ahead to the local Whole Foods Health & Beauty department and asked if they carried J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar–no, but not a problem! They ordered it in and now all of Tulsa can now enjoy the best shampoo bar made in America!  It’s that simple!

If you agree, share this!

Joy Richter

Winter was vamoosed! It happened in the blink of an eye–mild as it was for many of us.  You knew this was on the horizon and you thought you had plenty of time.  A look in the mirror revealed an extra inch here and there, and you’re well into the weight loss and exercise regime.  Now it’s warmed up across the country and we’re seeing more and more skin showing. The store racks are packed with skimpy pieces of fabric passing for swimwear, and the catalogs are featuring sun, sand, and skin. Ready? 

Until you’ve tried J.R.LIGGETT’S Moisturizing Body Scrubs, you had best hold off  on the swimsuit and open sandles. Rough patches don’t just crop up in our lives, they appear on our skin too, and not in places that we’re able to hide.  Last week I tried the Western Slope fragrance of J.R.’s Body Scrub–always, always my favorite scent.      It also comes in that luscious and light Lemon & Lime fragrance, fresh White Sage for Men, and Unscented if you don’t want competion with your other bathing fragrances.  No matter which scent you choose, this is a luxurious exfoliating experience essential for smooth, softened skin.

13 ounces of smoothing sensation; pure sea salt, safflower oil, moisturizing almond oil, hemp seed oil, nourishing Vitamin E, walnut shell powder—(not those horrendous shell pieces like I’ve found in other skin scrubs), essential oils and natural fragrance.  (White Sage and Unscented also contain jojoba oil).

• Sea salt has healing and cleansing properties that clean the skin pores and detoxify the body.  Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, discovered the therapeutic qualities of seawater by noticing the healing effects it had on the injured hands of fishermen. The seawater not only restricted infection risks, but patients who followed treatments involving the use of seawater found that it also promoted pain relief. It is now known that sea salt therapy is an effective treatment that assists in the rejuvenation of the cells and also induces a healthy exchange of minerals and toxins between the blood and the water.¹
• Safflower oil acts as a protective barrier to prevent water from leaving your skin. It works with your skin to soften dryness, smooth roughness, and soothe some skin problems.  Safflower oil contains linoleic acid which provides a softening effect in conditioners, and is great for normal to dry skin.
• Almond oil is an excellent emollient and moisturizer which softens and keeps skin smooth to the touch. Hemp seed oil heals skin lesions, balances dry skin, and fights skin inflammations.  It’s an non-greasy emollient and moisturizing compound with excellent anti-aging and balancing properties. 
• Vitamin E is vital in protecting  skin cells from ultra-violet light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell-damaging free radical. It  also has anti-aging properties and is useful in sun protection and sun burn products.

I dropped a spoonful of the body scrub on a soft cloth and thought I’d first try it on my feet–all soon as it warms up, the athletic shoes go in the closet and the cute sandles appear. We tend to neglect our feet, but after using this for the first time, it’s become a regular part of my skin pampering routine. It feels wonderful; the sea salt and walnut shell powder scrubbed away caullouses, rough skin, and the oils and scent left my feet wonderfully fragrant and soft. I was amazed at how perfectly this worked. I’ve tried other abrasive products on rough patches of skin, but J.R.’s body scrubs worked better immediately and left my feet soft and lightly scented.  Same results with other rough skin areas–knees, elbows.  This stuff is terrific. I was pleasantly surprised at it’s effectiveness.  It is in a glass jar so take care not to have it in the tub or shower area, simply drop a spoonful or small scoopful onto the lid or a soft cloth or wash sponge and have it within easy reach. No problem. Quite simple.

It takes a good amount of time to get your body in shape, but only a few moments to use J.R.LIGGETT’S Moisturizing Body Scrubs. You’re going to like this.

If you agree, share this!

Joy Richter

¹http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/si_WaterTherapy.asp

I stumbled upon a few bits of Early American folk wisdom the other day, and remembering how the recipe for what eventually became J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar was first found in an old New England cookbook, I thought there might be a bit of interest in how things were done in “simpler” times, although their concept of “simple” is debatable.  

“Try the oldest recipe for fine hair shampoo and softener. Just beat up a fresh egg and rub into the hair.  It sounds messy and takes four washes to complete the shampoo, but it is effective.”

Four washes?  Ummm… I think I’ll stay with J.R. LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar; not messy at all— save the eggs for breakfast.

“Take an air bath. Benjamin Franklin rose each morning at daybreak, got out of bed and passed half an hour in his chamber without any clothes. This, he said, refreshed as much as a complete bath in water.”

Perhaps in a day and age when you had to haul water from a stream, or use an indoor hand pump, fire up a wood stove, heat the water, and then pour into a large tub; yes, an air bath was easier and better than nothing.  Fortunately, in modern times we can be clean, refreshed and moisturized without all the fuss of preparations Early Americans faced.   I vote for J.R.LIGGETT’S Foam Face & Body Wash and his Moisturizing Body Scrubs. 

Times have changed and J.R.LIGGETT’S has changed right along with it.  While the Early Americans may have thought an egg shampoo was the way to go, and a bath sans water would suffice, we now know better.  J.R. LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar is the go-to product for hair, skin, and shaving. It contains such mild ingredients–unlike many products now on the market— a person may very well not even need any added moisturizers.  The shampoo bar cleans, conditions, softens (with only one wash!), and is completely bio-degradable.  The Foam Face & Body Wash contains natural plant-based oils, and no harsh detergents.   All of J.R.LIGGETT’S products are truly an example of  “old-time quality in today’s world”.

A reminder:  Coming up on March 31, 2012…     

J.R.LIGGETT’S is committed to cruelty-free products and has generously donated Fergie’s Dog Shampoo to the Fishkill Cares for Cats event to be held on March 31, 2012 in Fishkill, New York at the Fishkill Town Hall, 807 Route 52.  Fishkill Cares for Cats is a community event with music, face painting, humane education materials, balloon sculpting, vendors, food, and raffles.  Plan to attend to learn about the over-population of domestic animals, adoption, spay/neuter, animal testing and vegan food options.  For more information, please visit this website.

Share this if you agree!

Joy Richter

Who would think I’d get so excited over a commenter’s question? Last month I received a question from Jennifer Ward-Pelar of militaryzerowaste as to how J.R.LIGGETT’S products were packaged for mailing. Jennifer’s goal is to eliminate wasteful practices in all areas of her life, (“Attempting zero waste lifestyle in a military household”) and she was curious as to whether or not J.R.LIGGETTS uses Styrofoam peanuts or plastic bubble wrap when packing and shipping out their products.

I had never really thought too much about this issue until Jennifer posed the question, and I’m glad she did because it gives me the opportunity to share the good news of how J.R.LIGGETT’S is committed to and strives to eliminate the excess use of plastic and throw-away packaging whenever and wherever possible.

What J.R. does use for packing: recyclable cardboard, cardboard boxes, and newspaper–newspaper from J.R.’s neck of the woods–New Hampshire.  (Personally, I enjoy smoothing out said newspapers and reading… I know, sounds like I’m desperate for adventure, doesn’t it?)   I save the cardboard boxes and after marking out any identifiable numbers or information, I re-use them to send off items from my house.  The newspapers are also saved and re-used for my packaging (after I check out the latest happenings at the Claremont Public Library), but both newspapers and cardboard can be recycled.

We know the shampoo bars arrive in biodegradable wrappers–no problem there, and as for the shampoo bar itself, that disappears with use (no plastic shampoo bottle–that is one of my favorite reasons to use the bar.) J.R.LIGGETT’S provides a 16 ounce refill bottle for the Foam Face & Body Wash– purchase the body wash once, and then, use the 16 ounce refill–there is a refill for every Foam Face & Body Wash scent.  The body scrubs (I’m going to be trying these out and reporting my findings) arrive in clear glass jars which can be recycled through your local center, or washed and reused for items around the house, such as storing screws and nuts in the garage, paperclips on your desk,  loose change, or whatever your little heart desires.

Being a good steward of resources is not a new-fashioned idea. My Grandma Ruby, my mother, and now I use the phrase, “Waste not, want not”. In essence, don’t waste what you do have, and when you need it, you won’t have to purchase again.  Being a good steward of resources is not a new-fashioned idea. Grandma and Mom were totally into what I’ll call the “Three R’s”:  Reusing, Recycling, Respecting.  If you are given something, take care of it! Whether it’s the earth’s resources–land, air, water–or an item.  An excellent way to save your hard-earned money is to re-use what has come into your hands and home. Navy wife Jennifer is becoming a pro at that!  (And while I’m thinking of it, I’d like to remind everyone that J.R.LIGGETT’S offers a 30% discount on each APO order.)  Take a look at Jennifer’s blog–she’s becoming a master at reuse and recycling in our disposable-oriented world, and that knowledge is worth a lot more than (Styrofoam) peanuts!  (I know, I know… sounds corny–apologies all around.)

Joy Richter

Share this if you agree! 

Introductions all around …   ”Fergie’ here and I’m the inspiration behind the perspiration and dedicated noggin work by J.R.LIGGETT for his terrific invention, “My Dog Fergie’s Shampoo”.  As with all of J.R.’s products, there is a story to share, and Joy has graciously invited me to tell my side of the events…

“It was a dark and stormy night…”   Actually, it didn’t start out quite like that, but you know how we terriers are; quick as lightning, faster than a tail wag, able to leap tall fences in a single bound… and lovers of mud puddles. We’re a free-spirited type, and while living life in excess, we tend to get a tad ummm… un-fresh, so J.R. thought he’d try the liquid version of his bar shampoo on not just me, but his other pets too; horses, cats, dogs, all except for the chickens and ducks as he didn’t think they would have much of an appreciation for it.  The animal’s hair would turn out so soft, smooth, and all glistening… there never was a question as to using it on all of us as we loved it, and loved the feeling of being really clean yet not itchy from the residue of a detergent shampoo. You should have seen us, not a healthier looking coat of hair could be found in all of Cornish, New Hampshire!

Of course Fergie’s is a tad different than human shampoo… sure it’s got the good stuff that you’ll find in J.R.LIGGETT’S Shampoo Bar, but ours has Neem Oil added which keeps me flea, tick, and biting insect free!   And since it’s detergent-free, it does not strip  all of our skin’s natural oils–a real bonus for you water dogs out there.  And here’s a little something that matters a lot… Fergie’s contains no animal by-products and is not tested on animals–I give a hearty paws-up to that!

It wasn’t long and I suggested to J.R. that we should be sharing this goodness with my furry friends. Daisy, a Corgie, and my closest buddy, had many bouts with itchy, flaky skin brought about by using detergent shampoos. She would scratch, itch, and chew her poor self constantly.  Finally Daisy’s owners used my special shampoo on her and were amazed when she no longer had her itching problems, but she also had a much healthier, cleaner, and more beautiful coat of hair.  We passed the goodness on to Toby, the fearless Police Dog, Levi a herding Border Collie, and Abbey, our neighborly Golden Retriever.   Abbey had many allergies and skin problems that were soon cleared up once she started using J.R.LIGGETT’S Dog Shampoo.  Now all my friends have healthier and more beautiful coats!

The icing on the dog treat was when J.R. graciously added my photo and name to the label on the dog shampoo bottle. You wouldn’t believe the mileage I’ve gotten from that… I can attest that fame and notoriety aren’t all that bad! Yep, I’m the official poster girl for the best dog shampoo in the world, and if I put my paw print of approval on a product, you know it has to be terrific!  So here’s to a round of friendly face-licks for smart owners who care enough to use Fergie’s on their best furry friends!

Oh, by the way, this interview wouldn’t be complete without clueing you in on a few of my favorite things:*

• Favorite Hobby:  Sailing with J.R.
• Favorite Food:     Corn on the cob.
• Favorite Sport:     Ball, of course.

Fergie Liggett

J.R.LIGGETT’S is committed to cruelty-free products and has generously donated Fergie’s Dog Shampoo to the Fishkill Cares for Cats event to be held on March 31, 2012 in Fishkill, New York at the Fishkill Town Hall, 807 Route 52.  Fishkill Cares for Cats is a community event with music, face painting, humane education materials, balloon sculpting, vendors, food, and raffles.  Plan to attend to learn about the over-population of domestic animals, adoption, spay/neuter, animal testing and vegan food options.  For more information, please visit this website.

*Are there any Fergie users out there willing to share their pet’s story?  Just let me know by leaving a comment here or on Facebook!

Joy Richter