In a previous post, I explained how we try to live by the 5R Rules to limit our wastes.
We were locked down in France for 3 months and we used this family time to organize a Zero Waste Challenge. The idea is simple: for each room of the house, we decided to Reduce, Reuse and/or Recycle thanks to a DIY activity.
In the following weeks, I’ll challenge you with 7 missions, all super-achievable activities you’ll love to share with your kids!
And to begin, our first mission will be for the bathroom by creating a zero waste solid body balm!
Transitioning to zero waste solid body balm
In winter, we use many kinds of creams : for the hands, the body, the lips… Some with perfumes, naturals, in a stick, in a jar… We have some in the bathroom and in our pockets or bags… And generally we forget them until the next winter where we have to throw them because they are out of date.
Such a waste! And I haven’t talked about the list of incomprehensibles or doubtful ingredients nor the plastic and hard to recycle packaging...
If there is a room you can declutter easily, it’s the bathroom ! Last year, I was “Marie Kondoing”the house and this was one of the easiest rooms to order.
And I’ve quickly realized I don’t need as many cosmetics. One vegan cream for my face (yep, the age asks this) and one for everything else (body, lips, hands). The idea to use a unique and solid natural balm (without any packaging) was there.
After several tests and experiments, here is my favorite recipe !
Your solid balm ingredients
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon of Org. Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Org. Shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of Org. Coco oil
- 1 tablespoon of Org. Avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon of Org. Jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoons BeesWax
- Some essential oil if you want to perfume your balm (lavender, tee tree, lemongrass, violet…)
- moulds (I use my smallest silicone muffins moulds)
All those ingredients are not cheap but you use them in such a small quantity you’ll be able to make plenty of balm with them. Let’s see this as an initial investment.
How to make the balm
What you do:
- Pour all the ingredients in a small pot
- Place it in a water bath to smoothly melt all the ingredients
- Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance
- Pour all the liquid balm in the moulds
- Let the balm cool off and harden for a few hours (this summer I put them in the fridge)
- Remove from the mould and store them in a box or a glass jar
Don’t hesitate to store them in the fridge in summer !
You can also choose to pour your balm in small individual glass jars (like the marmelade you can have in the hotels). That way, you’ll be able to transport your balm to use it as a lipstick !
Besides being fun and easy to do, it’s a very nice gift idea . We made some for the teachers and birthday parties, people loved them!
