Most mouthwashes contain a lot of chemicals, sometimes even alcohol or another substance that some green product loving people fear: fluoride. But don't worry, there are lots of green alternatives, like this very easy mouthwash with clove.
Clove has antiseptic properties and clove oil was often used in the history of dentistry.
Depending on the amount of mouthwash you want to make you'll need 1 tablespoon of whole clove buds per cup of water. Of course you'll also need a clean container.
Boil the water, and get a nice jug or pan to put the cloves in. Poor the boiling water on the cloves and let it cool. Separate the cloves from the water and poor the water into the container.
The water might turn slightly brown, and you might think not much has happened. But don't worry, the taste will be quite strong. If you don't like the taste of cloves you can try adding a little cinnamon to the mixture. And just use it as a normal mouthwash. Personally I really like this recipe, it's something very different from most mint based mouthwashes and it makes your mouth feel fresh.
donderdag 31 januari 2013
dinsdag 22 januari 2013
Where to get what part II: Containers, jars etc
This is the second post about where to get supplies to start a green home made beauty routine. Containers, jars and such will be one of the first things you need to get started. You can't make anything if you have nothing to put it in. The solution can be simple and green.
Most containers for creams, balms and oils can be recycled cosmetics bottles and jars. Use old bottles and jars, wash them, disinfect them and they're ready for a second life. You can ask friends and family to collect bottles for you (and make them something in an old jar as a present in return!) this way you'll have enough material in no time. You can use both plastic and glass, although I prefer glass. It's easier to clean and disinfect. Plastic also tends to hold the smell of the previous product.
Thrift stores will often have a large collection of large glass jars, which can be used to make oils, and pans in case you don't want to prepare your food in the same pan (I can imagine you don't want to use your expensive pans for cosmetic purposes.)
Stores with household items will often sell new glass jars too, pyrex jugs and silicon molds with funs shapes for body butters and measuring equipment (scales, those cute little 1/4,1/2 tablespoon spoons.) You can also find tons of stuff on line, where you'll find stores specialized in supplies for making your own cosmetics.
I'll still advise you to look at thrift stores and collect your own stuff first, simply because it will save you money, it's greener and you don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. If you want to make more things you can always get on line and order stuff there.
Most containers for creams, balms and oils can be recycled cosmetics bottles and jars. Use old bottles and jars, wash them, disinfect them and they're ready for a second life. You can ask friends and family to collect bottles for you (and make them something in an old jar as a present in return!) this way you'll have enough material in no time. You can use both plastic and glass, although I prefer glass. It's easier to clean and disinfect. Plastic also tends to hold the smell of the previous product.
Thrift stores will often have a large collection of large glass jars, which can be used to make oils, and pans in case you don't want to prepare your food in the same pan (I can imagine you don't want to use your expensive pans for cosmetic purposes.)
Stores with household items will often sell new glass jars too, pyrex jugs and silicon molds with funs shapes for body butters and measuring equipment (scales, those cute little 1/4,1/2 tablespoon spoons.) You can also find tons of stuff on line, where you'll find stores specialized in supplies for making your own cosmetics.
I'll still advise you to look at thrift stores and collect your own stuff first, simply because it will save you money, it's greener and you don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. If you want to make more things you can always get on line and order stuff there.
woensdag 9 januari 2013
Tropical Lip balm
With winter coming up, lip balms are very welcome. This tropical lip balm will soothe your lips and make will take you on a trip to a tropical island.
What do we need?
*1 teaspoon of wax (beeswax,soy,hemp, anything will do)
*1 teaspoon of cocoa butter
*2 teaspoons of coconut oil
*1 teaspoon of avocado oil
*2 clean containers, this can either be old containers or maybe a cute little tin like I've used here
It's fairly easy. Just put the ingredients into a heat resistant bowl or Pyrex jug. Heat it bain marie (or in a microwave, but beware of getting burned since the bowl or jug will get very hot!) wait for all the ingredients to be molten into a nice consistent mixture.
Now here's the tricky part, getting it into the container itself. If you have a tin to put it into it will be a lot easier than when you're using a tube shaped container. It helps if your bowl or jug is still a little warm or hot (again, be careful not the get burned! ) so the balm doesn't solidify too much before you poor it into the container. After you get it into the container let it cool until it becomes solid. If you spill some wax you can easily rub it off with some paper towels. I was really surprised at how good that worked!
Enjoy the soft and soothing texture of this lipbalm. It's best not too put it in your pocket since there's not a lot wax in there it will get too soft.
What do we need?
*1 teaspoon of wax (beeswax,soy,hemp, anything will do)
*1 teaspoon of cocoa butter
*2 teaspoons of coconut oil
*1 teaspoon of avocado oil
*2 clean containers, this can either be old containers or maybe a cute little tin like I've used here
It's fairly easy. Just put the ingredients into a heat resistant bowl or Pyrex jug. Heat it bain marie (or in a microwave, but beware of getting burned since the bowl or jug will get very hot!) wait for all the ingredients to be molten into a nice consistent mixture.
Now here's the tricky part, getting it into the container itself. If you have a tin to put it into it will be a lot easier than when you're using a tube shaped container. It helps if your bowl or jug is still a little warm or hot (again, be careful not the get burned! ) so the balm doesn't solidify too much before you poor it into the container. After you get it into the container let it cool until it becomes solid. If you spill some wax you can easily rub it off with some paper towels. I was really surprised at how good that worked!
Enjoy the soft and soothing texture of this lipbalm. It's best not too put it in your pocket since there's not a lot wax in there it will get too soft.
woensdag 2 januari 2013
Where to get what part 1: Asian food store
Like I told in my last post, I'm going to try to write a new blog post every week. I will try to post a lot of new recipes, both easy and maybe a little harder. But if you want to make something you need supplies first. I will write a couple of posts about where you can find different items. If something is available around the corner or at your local mall it won't be such a big step to start making your own things.
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