Natural Living may look different depending on who you are. Through the years there are some things I have found work for my family. We are not a hundred percent perfect. We still own some plastic toys and bowls /cups, we have a large family, but I am always gradually replacing things little by little. Recently I switched out our toy containers for eco- friendly ” woven baskets. I’ve been wanting to do this for a really long time, but just finally found the ones I love. The look alone paired with a few house plants has made my home have a more serene feeling. I love natural materials like bamboo, jute, glass, wood. Next step this. Check out your local thrifting store to find great prices on natural ways to organize your home.
We already eat a whole foods diet except for the occasional treat and I’ve been cooking out of stainless steel for 17 years. We drink mainly from glass cups. This is easy for anyone to achieve, simply save your glass jars from foods like spaghetti sauce or pickles and viola …glass cups! I like to save small jelly and fruit jars too. That way my little ones have a smaller glass cup that is easier to hold plus they are good for storing homemade deodorant (recipe here) elderberry syrup (recipe here) and garlic salve (recipe here). Natural remedies for natural living that you can make and enjoy for your family too!
I make most of our cleaning supplies with basic ingredients like dish Liquid, baking soda, and vinegar. It’s fun to add essential oils when I have them like spearmint, lavender, or citrus like orange and lemon. Here are a few recipes to try.
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water plus a squirt or two of dish liquid to create an all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant. Don’t use this cleaner on marble, but it can be used on most other kitchen and bathroom surfaces. If you are not sure the cleaner will be safe, test it in an inconspicuous area before using it. You can also add essential oils for an uplifting smell. I use this on my windows and also a quick clean on surfaces like our tables and counters.
Scouring Cleaner:
Mix three-fourths cup baking soda and one-fourth cup water to create a paste for cleaning sinks, tubs, toilets, ceramic, aluminum, chrome and stainless steel. By by soft scrub ! This same paste can be used to polish silverware.
Alternatively, mix one-fourth cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon liquid detergent and enough white vinegar to make a creamy texture. You can also add a squeeze of lemon into the paste to add a fresh and clean smell. I usually just sprinkle my tub with baking soda, squirt some dish liquid and pour some white vinegar then scrub away. I don’t always have time for mixing.
Drain Cleaner:
Pour one-fourth cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down drains. The combination of the two will create a fizzy cleaner that will scour the inside of your drain pipes. Rinse with hot water. Use weekly to help prevent clogs and leave drains smelling fresh.
Floor Cleaner:
Add one-fourth cup vinegar to a bucket of warm water to clean tile or slate floors. Don’t use the mixture on marble or hardwood floors. you also can mix one-fourth cup non-toxic dish soap with half a cup of white vinegar and 2 gallons warm water.
Dishwasher Cleaner:
Pour a half cup of vinegar into the reservoir of your dishwasher and run an empty cycle to disinfect and clean the interior of the dishwasher.
Garbage Disposal Cleaner:
Grind peels from oranges, lemons, and limes in the garbage disposal with a handful of ice. The ice will sharpen the disposal blades while the citrus peels will clean and freshen the air. Alternatively, make ice cubes of vinegar and grind those in the disposal to deodorize the disposal.
Wall Cleaner:
Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to create a paste. Use on white walls and let dry. Brush off with a clean cloth to remove crayon marks and other scuffs on your walls. Test in an inconspicuous spot prior to using this in affected area.
These ingredients are cheap and safe they help our environment and are a great option for anyone that suffers from allergies.
Beauty supplies are not always cheap, and with a large family you do your best. I DO try and avoid parabens/sulfites and silicon whenever possible. Here are my top 3 shampoo picks from cheapest to most expensive #1,#2,#3.
If i cant get one of the above I buy one of these #4,#5
Can you tell I LOVE COCONUT!!!
Trim Healthy Mama carries a Gourmet Skin Food Collection that is AMAZING! you can buy here
I make our deodorant from baking soda and coconut oil. For a while it was irritating but a friend gave me a tip (adding a little fresh lemon juice) this brings it into balance. I always store ours in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and lasting longer. here is a simple recipe.
Toothpaste is something that most people are comfortable with. I do not prefer fluoride. Instead I will buy a more natural toothpaste like this one or make some homemade. Here is a recipe I like.
Lotions and moisturizers, we simply use olive oil and coconut oil. Or try coconut hydration this one from Trim Healthy Mama! Total skin hydration with organic ingredients. Don’t forget to grab a couple of these all natural lip balms!! the smell!!! this also come is a lotion (here)!
Living in the country we are naturally connected to nature daily. I love nature so much! From Sunrise to sunset, Spring to Winter, Rain to Sunshine, its all beautiful. Planting a garden is always so rewarding. I am in love with HERBS and Flowers. I could just sit and stare at them all day. So many different plants to enjoy. Connecting with Gods creation is so important for living a natural healthy life.
A few practical things:
Consume unprocessed in season whole foods like, vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, nuts, meats or meat replacement like GMO free tofu or Tempe. Grow some of your own food when possible, even ingredients for an everyday salad can be grown in buckets on a patio. Shop locally if possible supporting your local farmers and CSA shares. Try making homemade healthy versions of packaged foods like oatmeal, cookies, granola etc.. Drink lots of clean fresh purified water. If you take a vitamin or supplements, make sure they are pure and free from additives.
Some ways to replace toxic products with a little safer until you can afford the expensive stuff. Look for products that are Paraben free, Silicon free and Sulfate Free. Above I listed 3 types of shampoo I prefer. Also remember to check your baby and children’s products. Sunscreens have so many names you can not pronounce. Try your hand at making soaps for your family and homemade deodorant. They are healthier for you and save money. Cleaning products can be found in natural eco-friendly ingredients at most local stores or online. ” this one is pretty cheap
Make Eco-friendly choices. We have grown up with abundance, but there is a downside to having everything at our fingertips. We become wasteful and ungrateful. We do not appreciate food and what it took to get to the table, we throw so much good food away. We also buy clothing and household items we do not need throwing more stuff away into the landfill! This excess is bad for the planet. We should reexamine our habits and look to conserve resources. Learn to shop thrift stores and garage sales or online like craigslist. Re-purpose your spaghetti jars for cups and keep yogurt cups for storage containers. Use glass, wood, and metal instead of plastic. Use stainless steel instead of toxic non-stick. Old t-shirts and towels are great for cleaning. Ask yourself, “do I really need it?” check out my resource link for natural living links.
Slowing down and getting back to basics is all it takes to shift into a more natural and earth-friendly lifestyle!
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