How would you like to make your own soap? EnviroCitizen.org wants you to know that it is much simpler than you think! Many soap making individuals attest to its benefits and ease. Making your own soap, you will have control over what goes into your soap so that you can ensure that it is a safe product, both for you and for the environment. Another benefit is that you reduce your use of resources and your carbon footprint.
Soap making is a good example of a skill that modern Americans have lost. Many self-sustaining skills, such as soap making, cooking and farming, have been lost because companies take care of it for you. Indeed, running to the grocery store to buy a bar of soap, pancake mix and jarred spaghetti sauce saves time. Americans are very busy these days, and it seems that almost every American loves to take advantage of time-saving shortcuts whenever possible. However, if you choose to opt out of shortcuts, you might just learn that you can do just about anything that you set your mind to!
Soap is comprised of two main ingredients: lye and water. Lye is a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide and it gives soap its cleaning properties. Oils are also added to soap both to create a lathering effect, make the soap more solid and for its moisturizing properties. One thing to know about lye is that in powder form it shouldn't be inhaled or put on your skin. Use caution, wear goggles and work in a properly ventilated area. The process of making soap, while easy once you've got the hang of it, does require a few steps. Do your research and find a soap recipe that you're comfortable starting with. Read the directions carefully, work slowly and enjoy the process.
Making your own soap can also result in great gift ideas. Many environmentalists like to make their own gifts for many reasons. Homemade gifts add a personal touch, use far less packaging and create a whole lot less waste. Homemade gifts are also much more economical.
In the end, EnviroCitizen.org believes that soap making has many benefits. You can control the ingredients, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the accomplishment of creating your own soap. Homemade soap offers so many benefits to your family and the environment, you'll never want to buy store-bought soap again!
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