Alternative Care Products

Each of the commonly used personal care items listed below contributes to household waste and to consumer spending. Many even contain hazardous chemicals. In this section, environmentally friendly, effective, and inexpensive alternatives are given. Like most "recipes", these alternatives may work better with some modification - try them out and see what works best for you!

Guide to Symbols:

SymbolUsage
Green Alternative green alternatives to common household products.
Take Note take note of the following remarks;
includes general information as well as
health warnings and usage tips.

1. Antiperspirant and Deodorant
2. Astringent
3. Bubble Bath
4. Dandruff Shampoo
5. Denture Cleaner
6. Disposable Diaper
7. Disposable Razor
8. Hair Dye
9. Hair Spray and Mousse
10. Mouthwash and Toothpaste
11. Talcum Powder
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ANTIPERSPIRANT AND DEODORANT

Green Alternative Apply baking soda under arms after drying off.
Add cornstarch or white clay if baking soda alone feels too abrasive.
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ASTRINGENT

Green Alternative Apply buttermilk with a cotton ball, wait 10 minutes, then rinse. A cotton ball dampened with rubbing alcohol will also work.
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BUBBLE BATH

Green Alternative Mix 1/2 to 1 cup of sodium hexametaphosphate to running water in tub. Swish the water to dissolve it, then add liquid soap, a few teaspoons at a time, to the churning water near the faucet.
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DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

Green Alternatives Use baking soda instead of shampoo.
Take Note At first, your hair will look like straw, but after a few weeks, your hairs' natural oils will return and your hair will look normal.
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DENTURE CLEANER

Green Alternative Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon trisodium phosphate (TSP) in 1/2 glass of water and soak overnight.
To avoid unpleasant taste, rinse your dentures well in the morning.
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DISPOSABLE DIAPER

Green Alternative Use 100% cotton cloth diapers.
If you clean them yourself, run the washer at the hottest setting, followed by the dryer at the hottest setting for at least 40 minutes. This should kill any bacteria.
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DISPOSABLE RAZOR

Green Alternative Use a rechargeable electric razor or a recyclable long-lasting razor blade.
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HAIR DYE

Green Alternative Wash your hair with one of the following rinses. Pour the selected rinse through your hair 15 times, re-rinsing with the same liquid. On the final rinse, wring hair, and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing with clear water. Blonde: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice in 1 gallon warm water. Brunette: Rinse hair with a strong black tea, or black coffee. Red: Make a strong tea of rosehips or cloves, or use strong black coffee. Covering Gray: Simmer 1/2 cup dried sage in 2 cups water for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours. Apply to hair and leave on until dried. Then rinse and dry. Repeat weekly, until desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.
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HAIR SPRAY AND MOUSSE

Green Alternative Hair Spray: Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated. Mousse: dissolve 1/4 teaspoon plain gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Let sit at room temperature until slightly set. Rub into dry or wet hair, and blow dry.
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MOUTHWASH AND TOOTHPASTE

Green Alternative Mouthwash: Very strong, cooled mint (or any other flavor) tea. Toothpaste: Use plain baking soda, or abrasive fruits such as mashed strawberries, pears, or apples.
Take Note
Because baking soda is most effective when dry, avoid too much water. Also, if bad breath is persistent, see your dentist.
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TALCUM POWDER

Green Alternative Use plain cornstarch, rice starch, oat flour, arrowroot, or powdered white clay.
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