Hand-Made Hand Sanitizers

So there are definitely huge problems with using hand sanitizers. However, certain situations more or less call for it. If you are going to use it, you might as well do it more sustainably, right?

I've written before about greener store-bought hand sanitizers. And choosing the right store-bought hand sanitizer is very important. As green is sexy says, "Many mainstream sanitizing gels...contain parabens and synthetic fragrances, which may contain phthalates." Remember, these substances can be allergenic, carcinogenic, and estrogenic/gender-bending. Therefore, if you're going to buy hand sanitizer from the store, make sure it's from a brand that has your health and the Earth's health in mind.

But there's an even better way: making your own. It's better because it doesn't require new packaging (often plastic), the product doesn't have to be shipped (using fossil fuels), and you know exactly what's in it (no funny chemicals with dubious records).

Here's the recipe from green is sexy, which I've modified for simplicity:

-2 tbs of grain alcohol (like Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol or even Everclear)
-1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel
-Optional: A few drops of pure essential oil (for the fragrance) -- witch hazel, tea tree oil, or peppermint have antiseptic and astringent properties; orange oil; lavender essence; etc.