FAQs

Why do you use reusable and compostable packaging?

    Honestly, it'd be much cheaper and more profitable for me to offer my products in plastic containers. However, such containers get tossed into the landfill and can take 450 to 1000 years to break down! No thanks! I believe in offering products that are packaged in containers that can break down in your home compost pile or be reused in a wide variety of creative ways.

    What are some of the ways I can reuse the .5 oz, 2 oz. and 4 oz. tins?

      The .5 oz. lip gloss tins are great for holding small mints, vitamins, pills, or a needle and thread for emergency garment repairs. The 2 oz. tin is great for organizing small objects such as paper clips, buttons, earrings, beads, etc. The 4 oz. tin is great for homemade spice blends or rubs.

      Are there any special considerations for "natural" products?

        I don't use any preservatives or stabilizers in my products as I want to keep the ingredients as simple and as close to nature as possible. Thus, products will have the longest shelf-life if kept in a cool, dark environment. Items such as the lip quench and deodorant will melt under extreme heat. Storing your products in a hot car would be a poor choice! In fact, we prefer to store our deodorant in the fridge in the Summer. If any of your products take on an unusual odor or discoloration, please discard.

        Is it normal for the "bummy cream" and "sun cream" to become grainy over time?

        If the product was exposed to heat and allowed to soften, this isn't uncommon. The zinc oxide in both products has a tendency to separate slightly from the cream both in response to heat as well as lengthened time. This doesn't, however, compromise the effectiveness of the item itself and as long as there is no unusual odor or coloring, it can simply be mixed up a bit prior to use and you're all set. As with all natural products, to increase the shelf life, be sure to keep in a cool, dry location.

        I just received my order and some of the items I ordered are softer than I expected. Is this normal?

          In warm weather, it isn't uncommon. Generally speaking, any product containing coconut oil (lip quenches, deodorant and lotion bars) has the potential to soften under high heat. Just place your product(s) in the fridge for an hour or so and the contents should solidify once more. At this point, you can choose to continue to refrigerate your items as it lengthens the shelf-life of each or remove from the refrigerator and store in a cool, dry location for daily use.

          My deodorant push-up is difficult to push up. Are there any tricks to using it?

          During the winter, especially, the deodorant sticks can become more difficult to push up. No worries! Just pop it in the microwave in 5 second increments; attempting to push it up every 5 seconds. Simply softening the deodorant allows it to push up with ease. Don't have a microwave? Just pop it in a warm oven; checking regularly to ensure that the contents don't completely melt and/or the packaging doesn't catch on fire. Simply push up when the contents have slightly softened. 

          I live locally (Dayton/ Springfield area) and would like to forego the shipping charges and pick-up or schedule a delivery. Is this possible?

            Indeed it is! I deliver to very nearby areas and schedule pick-ups on a case-by-case basis. Just contact me via phone (937-769-5060) or email (heythere@thehumblehive.com) and I will provide you with a coupon code that will bypass shipping charges.

            I see you live on a sustainable farm! Do you have a website for your farm and can I visit?

              Our sustainable family farm website can be viewed by clicking HERE. We offer monthly tours of our home and farm as well as workshops on various sustainable living topics (Keeping Chickens, Keeping Pigs, Vermicomposting, etc.) that can be attended both in-person and via Skype or FaceTime.

              Do you really make everything yourself in your own kitchen?

                Indeed I do! I have no employees and run the business out of our family home. I usually set aside one day a week to craft the items to fill that week's orders. I take great pride in making each individual product and strive to meet the lofty expectations I've set for every item that leaves this home. I don't usually keep inventory on-hand for longer than a week or so to ensure that each product ordered is made fresh for the customer.