The personal products we use to clean and pamper ourselves can generate quite a bit of waste, as well as contain a long list of ingredients most of us don’t recognize. One way to tackle the waste from these products is to make sure you are recycling and composting what you can. Make it easy by adding collection containers in the bathroom so items like plastic bottles, boxes and tissues aren’t thrown in the trash.
You can also reduce or prevent the waste from being generated by simplifying and changing products. Some examples include buying fewer products, using cloth hankies instead of disposable tissues, and switching to reusable menstrual products, such as cloth pads, period underwear and menstrual cups.
And, consider making some of your own products. Sound daunting? It doesn’t need to be - there are lots of recipes that are easy and made from basic ingredients you can find at your local grocery store or co-op. Below are two recipes that are easy to pull together and perfect for pampering yourself during the long, dry Minnesota winter, without all the waste or questionable ingredients!
Moisturizing Beeswax Cream
This homemade cream is perfect for dry skin (and lips!).
Ingredients
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. beeswax – use either beeswax pellets, which can be found in the bulk section at many local stores, or bars, which can be purchased from a local honey vendor at the farmers market
1 tsp honey (optional)
10 drops essential oil of your choice (optional, for fragrance)
Directions
Place olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax and honey (if using) in a one cup sized or slightly larger glass jar. Create a double-boiler by placing the jar inside of a small saucepan and filling it up with water until it reaches an inch from the top of the jar. Make sure not to get any water into the jar. Heat over medium low and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let your mixture cool to room temperature, stirring every 15 minutes until it is cooled. Optional: stir in essential oils at this point.
Adapted from A Sonoma Garden
Honey Salt Scrub
A simple exfoliating and moisturizing scrub made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup sea salt or sugar
5-6 drops essential oil of your choice (optional, for fragrance)
Directions
Whisk together honey and olive oil until completely combined. Slowly whisk in salt. Add essential oil and mix well. Spoon mixture into wide mouth jar.
From Living Well Spending Less