Instead of spending all that time and money going to the store to find your everyday items, use what you have in your house! These 5 simple recipes will save you time, money, and help the Earth from all that use less packaging going to waste!
Zero Waste ToothPaste:
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1.5 Tbsp Baking Soda
20-30 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together and add more coconut or peppermint oils for desired consistency.
It is definitely an acquired toothpaste from your everyday brands but you will get used to it and it helps reduce waste and does not have any chemicals added!
Body Scrubs:
Ingredients:
2 Cups Brown Sugar
1 Cup Soft Coconut Oil
Drops of essence (vanilla extract, peppermint oils, lavender etc.)
Directions:
Stir all the ingredients together until it looks like loose cookie dough but be sure if you use an electric mixer to not mix it too much or the coconut oil will liquify and separate. If you store it in the shower and the coconut oil separates, just mix it with your finger before use.
Face Masks:
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Raw honey
2 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and apply to your face for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off with a warm washcloth.
Honey and yogurt have many benefits, topical and in consumption, but you can expect your skin to be hydrated. Honey can kill a number of bacteria that can be causing acne and it acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory while removing dead skin cells. Many face masks also include lemon, as it does have brightening capabilities but if you use lemon please be cautious of the sun as you will be then prone to sunburns. If you do use lemon, apply sunscreen or avoid too much sun for 24 hours.
All Purpose cleaner:
Ingredients:
1 Cup distilled water
1 cup distilled white vinegar
½ lemon juiced
15 drops essential oil (lavender,peppermint, orange, Ect.)
Directions:
Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle (use funnel of needed) and gently shake the bottle. Store in the fridge between each use and shake before each use.
Do not use this on marble or granite. Instead mix 2 drops of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge and rinse completely with a warm washcloth. Vinegar, lemon, and acidic cleaners will eat into stone!
Air Freshener:
There are countless of scents you can make but here is a simple one you can make:
Ingredients:
2 sliced limes
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tsp peppermint extract
Directions:
Place limes in a pot or small saucepan. Add extracts and fill your pot ¾ of the way with water, cover, and boil. Once it is boiling, remove the lid and lower to a simmer. Add more water if needed. You can let the pot simmer for hours while adding liquid to prevent anything from burning. Once you feel good about your scent, allow it to cool and place it in a mason jar for reuse.
You can have your house smelling so nice with some simple recipes. Just think about your favorite scents and throw them into a pot with water. Some other suggestions include orange, cinnamon sticks, ginger, tea, basil, rosemary, lemon, coconut, and more! Feel free to play around with some mixtures to find your favorite scent!