Here in Los Angeles, it looks like we are on the verge of another shutdown after recently opening everything back up again. The virus, for now, is here to stay.
We all know the importance of washing your hands and that is also the best sanitizing option as far as Zero Waste goes (water, bar of biodegradable soap, cloth hand towel= no waste, doesn't hurt the planet or you). But sometimes, hand washing isn't an option, so let's talk about DIY Hand Sanitizer.
Most conventional Hand Sanitizers have synthetic scents in them, which can be very toxic to the human body (as discussed here ), synthetic dyes, and other chemicals to help extend the shelf life of the product. Why deal with all of that when you can make your own without those toxins and for a fraction of the cost?
Here is a simple DIY Hand Sanitizer recipe that I'm super jazzed about because it's extremely basic and made from ingredients you most likely already have in your home. Plus personally, I'm always looking for an excuse to utilize the native aloe that grows wild in our front yard.
1) Cut and peel chunks of Aloe Vera (like in the pictures- you want to remove the skin and get to the meat!) and blend in a food processor until you have 1/3 cup.
2) Pour into a spray or squeeze bottle.
3) Add 2/3 cup of Rubbing Alcohol and 15-20 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Tea Tree Oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory) and shake the bottle until everything is well mixed.
4) You can also add some drops Vitamin E Oil if you would like some extra moisturizing power. I also added Lavender Essential Oil for the scent and because it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Keep this in your refrigerator when you aren't out and about to prolong the life as there are no preservatives in this recipe and the aloe vera is raw.
Rubbing Alcohol only comes in plastic bottles to the best of my knowledge so this recipe isn't perfectly Zero Waste (the plastic bottle most likely won't be recycled due to our current recycling system) but I have to believe that this recipe creates less waste overall as you can forage or grow your own aloe vera (composting the skin that you discard), essential oils come in glass bottles (and can be recycled or upcycled for fun projects) and then reuse plastic or glass bottles you already own for the finished product.
Keep healthy and stay safe, my friends and always, thanks for reading!
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