Being aware of our environmental footprint and making sustainable choices when possible – two things that require little sacrifice for a big payoff. Opting for organic or natural products may be associated with a higher price tag, but we’re here to tell you this doesn’t have to be the case. How? A little thing called DIY…
Making your own eco-friendly products is not only good for the environment but it can save you money in the long run. On top of that, it lessens your exposure to harmful chemicals, plus it’s pretty fun and extremely rewarding to do. A big green thank you to Marianne Zander – A health and wellness coach and one of our Short Course instructors – for these eco-friendly recipes.
Note: Be sure to patch-test all products to ensure no staining or discolouration of
surfaces or skin sensitivities occur.
Interested in more eco-friendly recipes? Download our free recipe book here!
Cleaning
Making your own affordable and effective cleaning products is as easy as pie! Using household ingredients and essential oils, these cleaning product swaps will leave your home sparkling clean and smelling fresh. Regarding storage, we recommend glass or stainless steel containers because they’re highly durable and easy to keep clean.
We acknowledge that in some environments and circumstances certain chemicals are needed, but natural ingredients hold their own when it comes to daily household cleaning!
You know those warning labels on standard cleaning products? Harmful if swallowed, DO NOT ingest, avoid contact with eyes, and so on – these alone make it clear how dangerous the chemicals in these products can be, especially if you’re exposed to them over a long period of time. Well, we’re not just all talk – we’ve got action as well! Instead of reaching for a chemical all-purpose surface spray, why not try this all-natural mixture?
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
500ml spray bottle
60ml white or cleaning vinegar
400ml water
30 drops total essential oil
Suggested oil combinations: Lemon and lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and orange.
Method:
2. Spray and wipe surfaces clean with a damp cloth.
3. Shake before each use.
Ingredients:
500ml spray bottle
500ml water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops each orange and peppermint essential oil
Method:
Relaxation
Having a self-care routine after a long day is key to maintaining good mental health. Whether that’s hitting the gym, going for a walk, tuning into your favourite show, cooking, or sinking into a hot bath – which leads us into our next eco-swap… Relaxation products, and in this case, relaxing bath salts.
Standard bath and relaxation products often contain chemicals, synthetic colours, fragrances and beyond. Why? Because synthetic ingredients are easier and cheaper to produce than all-natural ingredients. Well, not in this case and with this recipe! Buying natural ingredients in bulk (either online or from a store) is cost-effective and allows you to make products like relaxing bath salts on a budget. On top of that, there’s less chance of skin irritation and harmful side effects that often come with using synthetic products.
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
¼ cup pink Himalayan salt
¼ cup Epsom salt
3-5 drops lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon argan oil
2 tablespoons dried flowers
Method:
Suggestions:
Ingredients:
60ml glass spray bottle
30ml witch hazel
30ml distilled water
20-30 drops essential oils
Method:
Suggestions:
We hope that we’ve inspired you to stop, swap, and DIY – Home is where the heart is, so let’s keep it as natural as possible!
Interested in eco-living and sustainability?
Lighten your eco-footprint and make an impact on the environment around you through Eco Living: natural choices for a green lifestyle, one of our Natural Health Short Courses.
Endeavour College of Natural Health is Australia's largest Higher Education provider of natural medicine courses.
The College is known as the centre of excellence for natural medicine and is respected for its internationally recognised academic teams and high calibre graduates. Endeavour offers Bachelor of Health Science degrees in Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Acupuncture Therapies and Chinese Medicine, Undergraduate Certificates, a Diploma of Health Science and massage courses.
"It’s never too late to learn something new and incorporate it into your life."
- Lindy Smithies
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