DIY Deodorant: A Small Step Towards Sustainable Living
The other day, while wandering through Coles in Brunswick, I spotted something that caught my eye - refillable roll-on deodorant bottles from Thank You. It got me thinking about our ongoing battle with single-use plastics and the small changes we can make in our daily routines to reduce waste.
Looking at the $15 price tag, my bargain-hunting instincts initially made me hesitate. That’s quite a jump from the regular $4 options sitting right next to it. But sometimes we need to look beyond the immediate cost to see the bigger picture. The environmental impact of throwing away plastic deodorant containers every few weeks adds up significantly over time.
The online discussion about DIY deodorants has been particularly enlightening. Several people have shared their recipes and experiences, ranging from simple aloe vera-based solutions to more complex formulations with natural ingredients. What’s fascinating is how many of us are quietly experimenting with these alternatives in our homes, trying to find that sweet spot between effectiveness and sustainability.
Making your own deodorant isn’t just about saving the planet - it’s about taking control of what goes on your body. The recipe floating around using aloe vera gel, essential oils, and a bit of eucalyptus solution sounds promising. Being able to adjust the scent and consistency to your preference is a bonus that you don’t get with commercial products.
The challenge, though, lies in finding decent refillable containers. The market seems surprisingly limited for something that should be commonplace by now. While the Thank You brand offers a solution, it’s a bit small at 50ml. Their refill pricing structure also feels like it’s designed more for the premium market than everyday consumers.
The summer heat we’ve been experiencing lately really puts any deodorant to the test. Yesterday, while working from my home office with a somewhat temperamental air conditioner, I couldn’t help but wonder about the effectiveness of these homemade solutions during our notorious heatwaves. The feedback from the community suggests that natural alternatives can hold up surprisingly well, especially when using ingredients like eucalyptus, which we’ve got plenty of here.
Looking at the broader picture, this isn’t just about deodorant - it’s about the small choices we make every day that impact our environment. While big corporations and governments need to do the heavy lifting on climate change, these personal experiments with sustainable alternatives help us feel like we’re part of the solution rather than the problem.
The movement towards refillable personal care products is slowly gaining momentum. From the local bulk food store in Fitzroy to major retailers starting to stock refillable options, we’re seeing a shift in consciousness. It might be happening slower than we’d like, but it’s happening.
The next time you’re about to toss another empty deodorant container in the bin, consider giving the refillable options a go. Whether you choose the Thank You brand or decide to experiment with making your own, every small step towards reducing waste counts. And who knows? You might even discover a new hobby in the process of crafting your perfect deodorant blend.
For those interested in sustainable living, our local community groups often share tips and tricks for reducing household waste. It’s encouraging to see how many people are willing to share their experiences and help others make the transition to more environmentally conscious choices.