Eco DIYs: Why Buy It When You Can Make It Yourself?
One of the most interactive and cost effective ways to switch out products in your home with more environmentally and health friendly alternatives is to make them yourself. DIYs give you control over what environmental exposures you put on your body and in your home as they allow you to control the ingredients, cost, and packaging of the product.
Some easy and common DIYs are listed below.
- Turn an old pasta jar into a drinking glass
- Need a cleaner free of environmental toxins? Try a vinegar-based cleaner for all-purpose cleaning
- Get free vegetable broth out of your foods scraps
- Stay fresh with this DIY deodorant
- Dry skin? Soften up with this DIY body butter. Omit coconut oil if you’re afraid of staining clothes and leather
- Make your own plastic free reusable tea bags
- Need a plastic wrap alternative? Try beeswax wraps
- Try out the Japanese art of Furoshiki
- Need dry shampoo? Try this chemical free alternative
- Shave? Try this shaving cream DIY
- Have wood counters or cooking utensils that need conditioning? Try this DIY
- Have a bunch of left over candles? Melt them together, put in some essential oils, and add a new wick for a new candle!
- Try a tooth powder for a once a week deep clean
Alane Ertel is a graduate from the MPH program at the University of North Florida, and was an Intern at their Environmental Center during the creation of this project. Alane’s goal in creating this project is to increase awareness of environmental issues, spread zero/low waste practices, and improve environmental and human health by utilizing her passions for the environment and for creating a healthier society.
