As prices of goods go up, we can do ourselves a favor by making things instead of buying them. You will not only save money, but also keep your family and home and environment healthier, as you will avoid harmful chemicals in many commercial products.
In an article on the home improvement site thespruce.com, Amanda Hearn suggests some things you can do yourself, with materials you already have at home.
Hearn says air fresheners contain harmful hormone-disrupting chemicals that “can be especially harmful to children.” She suggests: “Instead of masking odors, consider trapping them! Use boxes or jars (you can make them really cute with a bit of twine, or ribbon and poke holes in the lid) around the home to absorb odors.”
Forget about microbeads— which are found in hand soaps, facial cleaners, moisturizers and many other things—to removing grime, exfoliating, etc. “The truth is, they aren’t good for our skin and are worse for the environment,” Hearn says.
Single-use mop pads may seem convenient, but Hearn says you can save money by buying reusable cloths “or even preemie-sized prefold diapers.”
Hearn says “bottled water is a waste of resources and money” If you have to go out and need to bring drinking water, fill a reusable water container, preferably stainless steel or glass so “they won’t leach toxins into your water like plastics can.”
Making your own cleaning supplies “is surprisingly easy and effective.” Her cleaning formula is a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, plus a few drops of essential oil.
Parents with babies should also start looking for eco-friendly alternatives to disposable diapers. Hearn says, “Today’s cloth diapers are trendy, highly functional and easy to use and care for.” They will also help reduce a child’s exposure to toxins.
Many commercial salad dressings, Hearn says, “are full of all sorts of unhealthy ingredients.” Hearn shares her own recipe: 1/3 raw apple cider vinegar and 2/3 organic olive oil, a dash of onion powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Antiaging supplement
Nutramedica, known for the hair regrowing product Novuhair, has launched what it described as a “revolutionary antiaging food supplement.” Novuskin Lift, the company says, combines 18 natural anti-aging and skin brightening extracts, mainly marine fish collagen, grape seed extract and L-glutathione.
Dr. Cecilia Catapang, aesthetics and rejuvenation expert, says the new product offers multiple dermatological and health benefits, including skin protection and restoration.
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