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.

Skin Care Products

Many of the substances that are bad for the environment are also bad for us. Unfortunately, many of the products we use on our skin and bodies contain unhealthy, dangerous chemicals, preservatives, and compounds.

TreeHugger's article Beyond Parabens highlights some of the most common harmful substances that make their way into your skin care products and cosmetics.

-Parabens
-Fragrances
-Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
-Nanoparticles
-Phenoxyethanol
-Triclosan
-Petrolatum/Petroleum jelly
-Quaternium-15

So check out the ingredient lists on your sunscreen, make-up, cologne/perfume, shampoo, lotions, soaps, etc. If you see any of these ingredients, please look them up, in the TreeHugger article or elsewhere, so that you may wisely weigh your options and consider ceasing your use of the products. If you are pregnant or hope to conceive in the future (whether you are male or female), or if a child uses the product with one of these ingredients, pay very close attention.