The production and use of disposable products has a negative impact on our environment, with serious consequences on air and water pollution, as well as the overconsumption of natural resources.
To reduce our environmental footprint, more and more people are choosing to make their own “homemade” products using natural ingredients and reusing or recycling their packaging.
But how do you know where to start and what are the best recipes to try?
In this article, we present to you the best "homemade" recipes for zero waste products, such as solid toothpaste, solid deodorant, laundry detergent and solid soap, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
We will also give you advice on how to integrate these products into your daily life and reduce your environmental footprint.
Summary :
- Solid toothpaste 1
- Solid toothpaste 2
- Multi-surface cleaner:
- Solid deodorant
- Floor care product:
- Solid laundry detergent
- Solid soap
- Solid shampoo
- Bubble bath
- FAQs
Solid toothpaste 1:
Solid toothpaste is a sustainable and ecological alternative to toothpaste in plastic tubes.
It is easy to use and can be made with simple, natural ingredients.
Here is a recipe for homemade solid toothpaste:
Ingredients :
- 2 teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the baking soda and coconut oil until smooth.
- Add peppermint essential oil if desired.
- Pour the paste into a toothpaste mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be abrasive for some people sensitive to the ingredients used
Solid toothpaste 2:
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate
- 1 tablespoon of calcium carbonate
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the baking soda, calcium carbonate and cornstarch.
- Add coconut oil and peppermint essential oil if desired.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Pour the batter into a small container or soap mold.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective for certain types of teeth and gums
- May be abrasive for some users
Multi-surface cleaner:
Our environment is constantly exposed to harmful chemicals, whether in the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the products we use to maintain our homes.
To reduce our environmental footprint and protect our health, it is important to choose healthy and ecological cleaning products.
Here is a multi-surface cleaner recipe to make at home:
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a spray bottle, mix white vinegar and water.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray the mixture on the surfaces to be cleaned and wipe with a clean cloth or mop.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective on stubborn stains
- May leave a vinegar smell in the room (which disappears quickly)
Solid deodorant:
Our skin is our largest organ and anything we apply on it can be absorbed into our body.
This is why it is important to choose healthy and natural body care products.
Deodorant is one of those products that we use every day, but many commercial deodorants contain chemical ingredients that are potentially harmful to our health.
Luckily, it's easy to make your own solid deodorant at home using natural, eco-friendly ingredients.
Here we present to you a simple and economical recipe for making your own zero waste solid deodorant.
Ingredients :
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and cornstarch until a paste forms.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Pour the batter into a soap mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective than commercial deodorants for some users
- May be irritating to some people sensitive to the ingredients used
Floor care product:
Floor care is crucial to maintaining a clean and comfortable home, but choosing eco-friendly and healthy cleaning products can be difficult.
Many commercial products contain chemical ingredients that are potentially harmful to our health and our environment.
To avoid these chemicals and take care of your floor in an eco-friendly way, why not try making your own floor care product?
In this article, we present to you a simple and economical recipe to create your own zero waste floor care product.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a spray bottle, mix white vinegar and water.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray the mixture onto the floor and wipe with a clean cloth or mop.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective on stubborn stains
- May leave a vinegar smell in the room (which disappears quickly)
Solid laundry detergent:
Powder or liquid laundry detergent is often packaged in non-recyclable plastic containers, and may contain chemical ingredients that are harmful to the environment.
A sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative is solid laundry detergent, which can be easily made at home.
Here is a recipe for homemade solid laundry detergent:
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of grated Marseille soap
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup sodium percarbonate
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the grated Marseille soap, sodium bicarbonate and sodium percarbonate.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Pour the mixture into a soap mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective on stubborn stains
- May be abrasive for some delicate textiles
Solid soap:
Bar soap is a basic personal hygiene product, but it can be made more sustainably and environmentally by using natural ingredients and using zero waste packaging.
Here is a recipe for homemade solid soap:
Ingredients :
- 500g olive oil
- 250g of caustic soda
- 125mL of water
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a glass bowl, mix the olive oil and lye until well combined.
- Add the water little by little, mixing constantly until a paste forms.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Pour the batter into a soap mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 24 hours before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be irritating to some people sensitive to the ingredients used
Solid shampoo:
Shampoo in a plastic bottle is another common product in most homes, but it can be replaced with a more durable and eco-friendly solid shampoo.
Here is a recipe for homemade solid shampoo:
Ingredients :
- 1 cup Castile soap
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the Castile soap and water until a paste forms.
- Add honey and essential oil if desired.
- Pour the batter into a soap mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective for certain hair types
- May be irritating to some people sensitive to the ingredients used
Bubble bath :
Bubble baths in plastic bottles are popular for their relaxing effect, but they can be replaced with a more durable and environmentally friendly solid bubble bath.
Here is a homemade solid bubble bath recipe:
Ingredients :
- 1 cup Castile soap
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions :
- In a bowl, mix the Castile soap, baking soda, and coconut oil until a paste forms.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Pour the batter into a soap mold or small container.
- Allow to harden for approximately 1 hour before using.
Benefits :
- Natural and inexpensive ingredients
- Zero waste packaging
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- May be less effective at creating foam than chemicals used in commercial bubble baths
FAQs
Why use zero waste products?
Aside from the environmental benefits, using zero waste products can also have benefits for your health by avoiding exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
How to choose the ingredients for your zero waste products?
It is important to select quality and preferably organic ingredients for your zero waste products to minimize exposure to chemicals and pesticides.
How to store and use your zero waste products?
It is recommended to store your zero waste products in glass or stainless steel containers to avoid contamination by chemicals contained in plastic. Also be sure to follow the instructions for use of each product to maximize its effectiveness.
What to do with your empty containers?
Rather than throwing away your empty containers, you can reuse them to make other zero waste products or recycle them depending on the options available in your area.
Where to buy the ingredients for your zero waste products?
You can buy the ingredients for your zero waste products online or in stores specializing in natural products. If possible, buy in bulk to reduce packaging usage.
How to make your zero waste products safely?
It is important to follow safety guidelines when manufacturing zero waste products, especially when using chemicals such as caustic soda. Wear protective gloves and glasses and work in a well-ventilated area.
Which zero waste products are the easiest to make?
If you are new to making zero waste products, you can start with simple recipes like solid soap, solid deodorant and multi-surface cleaner.
Are there zero waste alternatives to disposable products?
For some things, it can be difficult to find zero waste alternatives. For example, disposable tissues and sanitary napkins are difficult to replace. However, there are many zero waste alternatives to disposable products such as bamboo cotton swabs, stainless steel razors and cloth diapers.
How to integrate zero waste products into your daily life?
It can be difficult to change habits and switch to zero waste products, but it can be done gradually by starting with products that are easiest to replace and adding new products as you go. You can also try new recipes and find the ones that suit you best.
Conclusion :
By using “homemade” recipes for zero waste products, you can reduce your environmental footprint by using natural ingredients and reusing or recycling your packaging.
Although these products may not be as effective as their commercial counterparts, they are a sustainable and eco-friendly option that can be tailored to your personal needs and preferences.
Feel free to experiment and find the recipes that suit you best!
It is important to become aware of the impact that our consumption choices have on the environment and to find ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
Making our own “homemade” products is a great way to reduce our use of disposable products and choose natural and ecological ingredients.
Although these "homemade" zero waste products may be more expensive up front and may require a little more time and effort to make, they are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable products.
By using zero waste products, we can not only reduce our environmental footprint, but we can also improve our health by avoiding exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
So don’t hesitate to try these “homemade” recipes and integrate these zero waste products into your daily life!