Eco Friendly Products: Tips and Tricks

Last time, we talked about becoming eco friendly and how several regular household products can be damaging to the environment. But how do we put that in action? How can we handmake all these products ourselves and how do we know we’re buying eco friendly products? Well, you’re in luck, today I’m going to tell you how to make key household and personal hygiene products that you use, or at least should use, regularly. Let’s talk recipes!

Why Make It Yourself?

First and foremost, it’ll cost you less to make it yourself than it costs to purchase the items regularly. Making it yourself also ensures that you know exactly what’s being put in and you can customize it to your own tastes. I personally use it in my practice to incorporate herbs of protection and cleansing. A lot of people use it just because it’s more sustainable or they just like making the products themselves.

You can read more about why you should create an eco friendly house, here.

As I’m writing this, we’re in a quarantine. Making your own eco friendly products can also take up your time, teach you a new skill, and give you an appreciation for the natural material around you. If you’re a regular to this page then you know how much I love knowing about the environment around me.

But how do I make all these products that I need?

Let’s talk about that next.

Making Eco Friendly Soap

Back in the old old days, people used to make soap all by themselves. Bar soaps that didn’t hurt the environment or expose people to harmful components. Let me break down exactly what you need to create homemade soap bars.

A Soap Base

A lot of recipes call for an agent named lye. It’s what creates that soapy effect when interacting with oils. It is a natural ingredient but not a completely non-toxic one. If used in high doses lye is extremely corrosive, so much so that it can cause skin damage. That’s not great. Alternatives include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and Aloe Vera. The following soap is a melt and pour type of soap since we’re excluding lye.

Supplies:

• Soap Base from above

• A Pyrex bowl

• Silicone Mold or loaf pan

• Parchment paper

• Herbs

• Essential Oils

Directions:

1. Use one pound of your chosen soap base and chop it up, put it in the bowl, and microwave until melted (I use a double boiler)

2. Add 30 drops of your chosen essential oil and half a teaspoon of your chosen herbs per pound of soap base

3. Mix well then carefully pour it into your mold or pan

4. Let cool for several hours

5. Use once congealed

Yes, it’s that easy.

Making Eco Friendly House Cleaners

We all need to be clean. We all SHOULD be clean. But you do not need the chemicals and you especially don’t need those disposable and environmentally unfriendly containers. I’m going to share a few recipes for eco friendly cleaning products that will most definitely be helpful. You can put these mixtures in reusable spray bottles.

#1: Multipurpose Cleaner:

• 1 part White Vinegar

• 1 part Water

• Essential oils (optional)

Mix all these together in a bottle, spray and clean. White vinegar cuts grease, removes mildew & nasty odors, and prevents/removes wax build up.

#2: Wood Polish:

• Lemon oil

• Vegetable or olive oil

Make your wood smell fresh and shine with this mixture.

#3: Grease Clean Up:

• Citrus Solvent

• Water

Citrus Solvent cuts grease, oil, and even some stains. It’s used to clean paintbrushes and other grease stains. Be careful though because it is intense so cut it with water.

#4: Window Cleaner:

• Cornstarch

• Little water

Cornstarch can clean windows, polish furniture, and shampoo carpets/rugs. Just add some water and elbow grease.

#5: Clothing Stains:

• White Vinegar

• Baking Soda

This is a super common duo that, when used together correctly, can work wonders on shirt stains and carpet stains.

Natural Toothpaste

Not only do store bought toothpastes contain sweeteners and many controversial ingredients, but the packing damages the environment. So let’s make our own.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup: coconut oil

• 2-3 TBSP: baking soda

• 2 small packets: Stevia Powder

• 15-20 drops: Peppermint or cinnamon essential oil

• 10 drops: Myrrh essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt coconut oil

2. Mix all ingredients well until fully incorporated

3. Put in small jar (one for each person)

4. Let cool

To use this, dip your toothbrush in and scrape a bit onto the brush or use a spoon to apply.

Deodorant Recipe

Yes, I know the stigma about how natural deodorants don’t work and only make you smell worse. But, trust me, this one will work. It’s worth a try anyways.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 TBSP: Unrefined coconut oil

• 2.5 TBSP: Unrefined shea butter

• 1/4 cup: Arrowroot Starch Flour

• 1.5 TBSP: Baking soda

• 6 drops: Lavender Essential Oil

• 6 drops: Grapefruit Essential Oil

• 1 drop: Tea tree oil (optional)

Note: Essential Oils can be interchanged depending on the scent you‘re going for

Directions:

1. Put coconut oil and shea butter in a glass container and place in a medium sized sauce pan

2. Add enough water to surround the container (not overflow) and bring to a boil, stir as it heats

3. Once melted, add arrowroot starch, baking soda, and essential oils

4. Pour into 3 ounce jar and allow to cool

5. Cover with lid between uses

How To Use:

1. Wet underarms slightly

2. Spoon out pea-sized amount and rub between fingers before applying to underarms

3. One application should work but if engaging in sweaty activity, reapply when needed.

These are only a few recipes among thousands out there so feel free to experiment. If you aren’t one to make your eco friendly products then search up local vendors that make them. Shampoo and conditioner bars are not hard to come by anymore. Remember to do your research, look at the ingredients, and shop smart. Love this Earth like she’s trying to love you. You deserve that love.

Announcement:

Svanah Beauty is giving out free masks during these times of struggle. Visit our Instagram page linked below to find out how to get them.

Eco Friendly Products: Tips and Tricks was researched, written, and edited by Emmalie Roberts. For more articles, check out our blog page, here, and don't forget to follow us on social media, here, for daily tips, tricks, and reminders for your path to holistic health.

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