 Despite all of the safety claims regarding commercial soap, EnviroCitizen.org has found that no one really knows what effect the countless chemicals will have on the environment as well as long-term on our systems. Moreover, some regular shower gels contain ingredients that take hundreds of years to biodegrade, so clearly the impacts of these are important to consider. The good news is that if you make your own soap and choose all natural ingredients! With the help of this guide, you can make 100% biodegradable soap!
To start with, here are a few things to get together: the herb of your choice (oatmeal, mint, tea leaves, etc.), one pound of vegetable soap base, one ounce of choice essential oil (lavender, tea tree etc.), a mold for your soap and rubbing alcohol. Choose a soap that uses vegetarian ingredients whenever possible. Get your herbs ready by selecting the parts you wish to use. Make sure they are the right size for gentle exfoliation by grinding them finely. Sharp herbs may be too scratchy on the skin, so do this carefully.
Now you are ready to being. First, cut the soap into 1 x 1″ cubes. Using a microwave, heat the soap in 30-second increments until the soap is fully melted. When the soap is liquefied, add 0.25 ounces to 0.50 ounces of essential oil at a time. After this, mix in your herbs. Stir until the herbs seem mostly suspended. When the consistency seems right, pour your scented and herbed soap into a mold. For a final touch, give it a thin coat of rubbing alcohol to give it a nice smooth surface. Then wait for the soap to harden. After this you can remove it from the mold, store it and enjoy!
Making your own soap is not only eco-friendly, but fun! You will remain aware of exactly what has gone into your soap, allowing you to avoid unwanted chemicals or even things you may be allergic to. The best part is, you don't have to stick to only making soap for your household. You can try making soap for your extended family, friends or co-workers. Homemade soap makes great gifts! You can customize each batch to suit the recipient's personal taste in scents, too. Simply make up a batch of customized soap, mold it into attractive shapes and gift it in recycled ribbon or wrapping! This is not only eco-friendly but easy on your wallet.
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