Whether you are staying home in quarantine or are looking for an afternoon DIY project, making your own bathroom essentials is always a good idea. Stocking up on these hygiene items can be useful for your everyday use or the next time you forget to run to the store. Not only are these projects fun, they can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Many of the items in your bathroom are stored in plastic containers and are labeled with paper labels. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that containers and packaging make up a major portion of waste, accounting to 80.1 million tons! By repurposing jars and making your own toothpaste, shampoo, and more, you can greatly diminish this amount of waste. You can also reduce energy use. Creating these products in a factory and delivering to them stores contributes to pollution and climate change. Additionally, your carbon footprint increases every time you visit the store for a last minute purchase.
There are many recipes online to create various bathroom essentials. Below are just a few ideas, but feel free to create your own!
Toothpaste:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 10 drops essential oil
Mix all ingredients together until you get a smooth consistency. If you want a whitening toothpaste, add a bit of turmeric.
Body Soap:
- ⅔ cup liquid castile soap
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 50 drops essential oils
Combine all ingredients in a bottle and shake to mix. Be sure to shake before use, too!
Lotion:
- 2 tbsp grated beeswax
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp vitamin E oil
- 2 tbsp cocoa butter
- ¾ cup water
Melt the beeswax, olive oil, and cocoa butter. Add the vitamin E and pour into a blender. Add water and blend slowly.
Bath Salts:
- 2 cups Espon salt
- 1/2 cups sea salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 15 drops of essential oils
- Optional: food or soap coloring
Stir the salts and baking soda together in a bowl. Add the essential ils and coloring. Be sure any clumps are broken before transfering into a jar.
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Written by Emily Su, Class of 2022