I tend to think in multiples. Every time I throw out an empty deodorant, or finish a bottle of lotion, or tube of toothpaste- I think of all the millions of applicators, lotion pumps, and tubes that are disposed of every minute- things that cannot be recycled. So I went on a hunt for alternatives to replace as many of these highly packaged items as I could and here is what I found:
- Lotion bars! I saw asked a friend who has a handmade soap and lotion company if she could make solid lotion bars and she came up with a blend of shea and cocoa butters, and natural oils in the shape of a massage bar. I think of them as big chapsticks that you apply all over. And they are much easier to use than traditional lotion because you rub them on and you’re done- no dispensing and applying. It’s just one step. (In stock at Go Lightly.)
- Soap for Teeth! I found this product made from olive oil and it is like shaved little pieces of soap you put in your mouth and as you brush it foams.* Or you can make your own toothpaste with this recipe**: 2 oz. calcium-carbonate (available at hardware stores), 1 oz. baking soda, pinch of stevia (for sweetness), vegetable glycerin, 5-6 drops peppermint, cinnamon, lemon or clove oil. Combine dry ingredients and oils in a jar with enough glycerin to make a paste. Put on brush with a little spoon or spatula.
- DIY Deodorant! Commercial anti-perspirants are not good for you or the planet. They are very heavily packaged and put heavy metals into your body. Plus, perspiring is a natural way your body rids itself of toxins- it’s a good thing, you should not fight it. I use this way of managing odors while allowing my body to sweat as need be: I keep baking soda in a small dish and scent it with essential oils. I use a damp deodorant crystal to apply the baking soda to my underarms. This works!
- Shampoo bars! It’s soap for you hair. My favorites are J.R. Liggetts*, and Lush.
- DIY Hand Sanitizer! A batch of cinnamon, clove, lemon, clary sage, and rosemary oil in a base of aloe gel will keep those germs away.
- Essential Oils! I use these for just about everything. I am always adding to my collection and use them in various ways: gentian violet for cuts, eucalyptus in a vaporizer for colds, lemon oil for cleaning, peppermint oil for pest control**. With a pantry full of essential oils, it is endless what you can do with them- and the packaging (and money) you will save from buying commercial products will be significantly less! I also revel in the fact that I am not supporting drug or chemical companies. Plus I feel like an apothecary, and I find that very cool.
* If you are interested in this product, please contact us, and we can order it for you.
** Recipes are from “Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills” by Raleigh Briggs. Available at Go Lightly. This is the bible of DIY home remedies, cosmetics, and household potions.
we have a small stevia garden at home and the dried leaves are very very sweet.*’