3 toiletry products that you can make at home

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Although the list can be endless, experimenting in its manufacture will not only allow you to reduce costs, but you can also help the planet

A report from the Andi (National Association of Businessmen of Colombia) revealed that for the year 2016 sales in cleaning and personal hygiene products reached 4 billion dollars. Likewise, in Mexico, it is estimated that on average 366 million dollars are destined to this industry, while for the year 2017 in Uruguay, 87 million dollars were produced.

Leer en español: 3 productos de aseo que puedes fabricar en casa

Although the cosmetics and cleaning products industry can become very profitable, reaching points in the GDP of some countries, the truth is that they are dangerous for human beings and the environment suffers due to their use.

Some cosmetic articles have toxic chemical components, such as parabens, aluminum, propylene glycol, and endocrine disruptors – currently banned by the European Commission – which, according to the manual of the Pangea Permaculture Garden on bio-friendly cleaning and personal hygiene products, can affect the endocrine system and be carcinogenic.

However, and in the words of the doctor Andrés Rojas, "it is very difficult to demonstrate a clear causality between a single agent and the late appearance of a cancer". What it is certain is the repercussions of this type of product on the environment, since it is not a secret that the use of aerosols affects the ozone layer and that the phosphates of the soaps act as fertilizers of algae, which enhances the growth of them and depletes the amount of oxygen in the water.

Therefore, consuming products of personal cleanliness that are friendly to the planet, that do not contain glycerins derived from oil and that come packaged in reusable packaging such as glass, has become a trend. The alternatives are increasingly more varied .

On the one hand, these cleaning products can be purchased at specialized stores and on the other hand, they can be prepared at home. However, its acquisition is increasingly more at the hands of users because "there are new ventures that make their access possible. In this way it stands out that nowadays there are more energy-efficient and biologically handmade products", says David Palacios, founder of Huerto Pangea, who has dedicated workshops on permaculture and the manufacture of artisanal cleaning products.

Thus, the knowledge behind their manufacturing is not only less harmful to the planet, but also allows the empowerment of families and communities over the economy and energy.

To know more about the workshops click here

1. Ash bleach

It is ideal for washing utensils and for all the cleaning of the house, from the kitchen to the furniture, the floor and disinfecting toilets. Bleach also serves to remove traces of chemicals in vegetables and fruits.

Ingredients and utensils:

• ¼ of white ash of sifted wood
• ¾ of water
• 1 pot and stove (to heat the water)
• 1 large plastic or ceramic container (DO NOT use aluminum)
• 1 wooden spatula
• 1 cloth strainer (optional)
• Protective goggles and gloves

Process

1. Boil water in a pot. Turn off the stove and pour the liquid IGNORE INTO the ceramic or plastic container

2. Add the ash carefully to the water as it will release vapors

3. Leave the mixture at rest and cover it with a cloth or lid, 24 to 48 hours. Stir once or twice during this time

4. Strain the liquid with a cloth or colander and container

Note

* The liquid is slippery to the touch, indicating its power as a detergent

* The way to know if it is ready is with a potato or an egg (both raw), if this fleet, it means that it is ready, and if it sinks more ash should be added and you have to wait  from 1 to 2 days.

2. Liquid Floor-cleaner

Ingredients :

• 1 liter of hot water
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• ½ tablespoon of vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon of essential oil or essences

Process:

Add the baking soda, vinegar, and essences to the water. Mix and save. This liquid is a multi-purpose disinfectant that can be used for floors and other surfaces of the house.

3. Gel washes frets

Ingredients:

• 500ml of water
• 65-70gr of soap given in bar (neutral)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon vinegar
• Essential oil (optional)

Process:

Melt the soap in the water. When it is all liquid, add the baking soda and the vinegar. You can add 5-7 drops of essential oil of lavender, rosemary, citrus, to taste. Mix slowly and let it cool until it has a solid consistency.

LatinAmerican Post | María Alejandra Gómez
Translated from "3 productos de aseo que puedes fabricar en casa"