Make your own ecofriendly DIY deodorant
DEODORANT is usually sold in packaging that’s not exactly easy to recycle. But instead of having to decide between being smelly and the environment, a German association recommends making your own.
Deodorant sold in bottles made out of aluminium or tinplate with plastic pieces can’t be recycled. And spray deodorants can explode when they’re crushed, punctured or subjected to temperatures above 50ºc, says the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND). Recyclers worry about a fire risk.
Another reason you should make your own deodorant: You don’t need many ingredients. For a spray deo, you need 100ml of boiled water, a teaspoon of baking soda and two to 10 drops of essential oil. Mix it all together in a bottle with a pump attachment, shaking well so that the baking soda dissolves and won’t clog the bottle.
For a deodorant that’s rolled on, you need 100ml of boiled water and two tablespoons of baking soda, as well as a tablespoon of starch and two to 10 drops of essential oil, whatever you prefer.
First mix the starch and baking soda with a little lukewarm water to avoid clumps, advises BUND. Then add the rest of the water and oil.
If you prefer to use coconut oil or cocoa butter instead of water, it’s best to make a deostick. Simply liquefy the oil or butter before adding it to the other ingredients. It’ll firm up again if you place it in a lotion container or deodorant holder and let it cool down.