4 all natural summer healthy living solutions
With summer in full swing, you’re probably spending more time outside. As you drink in the fresh air, perhaps it has you thinking about the effect that products you use everyday have on Mother Nature, from your household cleaners to your laundry detergent. Have you ever considered the toxins that they release into the world—or, maybe more importantly, the toxins that they expose you to? Make this summer the season that you commit to healthy living. Start by DIYing these simple stand-ins for common household and skincare products.
Homemade Deodorant [Wellness Mama]
By now, you’ve probably caught onto the fact that most store-bought deodorants contain aluminum, a component that has been linked to several health issues (including cancer). Avoid iffy ingredients all together by whipping up a batch of all-natural deodorant at home.
This surprisingly simple recipe from Wellness Mama mostly contains ingredients that you may already have in your cupboard: coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch (or arrowroot), and shea butter. After you melt the coconut oil and shea butter, then add the baking soda and cornstarch, toss in a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a sweet-smelling deodorant.
Homemade 5-Minute Powder Laundry Soap [Live Simply]
With an increase in outdoor adventures (and related perspiration), you’re likely to go through more laundry in the summer than you would at other times of year. This means you’re also going through more bottles of laundry detergent, which is loaded with harsh chemicals.
Instead, create a powdered alternative using only a bar of castile soap, washing soda, borax, and an antibacterial essential oil such as lemon or orange. Start by cutting your castile soap into chunks and then pulverizing it in the food processor, then add the washing soda and pulse. Incorporate borax and essential oils, stirring by hand. Then you’re ready to start some laundry. See the recipe for instructions on how to add the powder to your laundry, depending on your washing machine.
DIY Homemade Moisturizer [Root + Revel]
So far, you’ve shown some love to your armpits and your laundry. Doesn’t your skin deserve the same all-natural treatment? Show your complexion how much you care by crafting a batch of this DIY moisturizer using plant-based ingredients. The recipe is actually pretty similar to that of the homemade deodorant, starting with a base of shea butter and coconut oil. But then, for an extra boost of moisturizing power, you incorporate extra virgin olive oil. If you want to add an essential oil, see this guide to select the right one for your skin type.
Homemade Glass Cleaner [Crunchy Betty]
If you want to enjoy those beautiful summer sunrises, you’ll need a window cleaner that can keep the season’s abundant pollen and dust at bay. Instead of resorting to a chemical-laden product, try this four-ingredient recipe. If you have rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, cornstarch, and water at home, then you already have everything you need to shine up the windows in your apartment. Just combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and spray.