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?

Swap: Chemical for natural all-purpose surface spray

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:

1. Combine all ingredients and secure top. Shake to incorporate.

2. Spray and wipe surfaces clean with a damp cloth.

3. Shake before each use.

Swap: Synthetically fragranced for all-natural air freshener

Ingredients:

500ml spray bottle

500ml water

1 tablespoon witch hazel

10 drops lemon essential oil

5 drops each orange and peppermint essential oil

Method:

1. Add witch hazel and essential oils to bottle. Top with water.
2. Secure spray nozzle and shake to combine. Spray for a refreshing aroma.
3. Shake before each use.

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.

Swap: Artificially fragranced for natural bath salts

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:

1. Combine Himalayan salt and Epsom salt in a glass or stainless-steel mixing bowl.
2. Add essential oils and stir well.
3. Add argan oil and combine well.
4. Add dried flowers and stir to incorporate.
5. Pour bath salt blend directly into tub and use a mesh strainer to remove debris before emptying the bath water. Or put bath salts in a reusable

Suggestions:

• Avoid using plastic bowls or utensils, as high-quality essential oils can break down synthetic materials including plastic.
• If you aren’t using this recipe immediately, transfer to an air-tight container and store in a cool, dry location.

Swap: Artificially fragranced for all-natural pillow mist

Ingredients:

60ml glass spray bottle

30ml witch hazel

30ml distilled water

20-30 drops essential oils

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to spray bottle, tighten the cap and shake to combine.
2. Spray on pillow, sheets or pyjamas.

Suggestions:

• Choose relaxing essential oils like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, ylang ylang and vetiver. For respiratory support and to promote clear breathing, try adding eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils.
• If you’re pregnant or making this spray for children, reduce the amount of essential oil by half.

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.