Exorbitantly overpriced natural soaps, $30 jars of spices, ketchup that contains high fructose corn syrup… these are just some of reasons we convert to the DIY approach. Whether you’re taking the homemade route because of frugality, health, or the pure enjoyment of it all, there’s really no end to what can be produced at home.
But even people who’ve been whipping up weekly batches of homemade yogurt or their own natural shampoo for years might be surprised at some of the things we’re about to share with you below. As homespun as you might think you are, have you ever considered making these five things yourself?
#1: DIY KETCHUP
Ketchup is cheap, and once you see the lengthy list of ingredients below, you may wonder why anyone would make their own. The simple answer: it’s delicious. DIY ketchup is better for you too, since it doesn’t contain GMO tomatoes or high fructose corn syrup.
Here’s what you’ll need, according to a recipe from Allrecipes.com:
28 oz can of ground tomatoes
1/2 cup of water
23 cup of white sugar (this amount can definitely be lowered if you are sugar-sensitive)
3/4 cup of vinegar
spices to taste: celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, a whole clove, and black pepper
Toss it all in a slow cooker and let it sit for 12 hours. Done!
#2: DIY SUNSCREEN
One of the unexpected ironies of modern body care is that some sunscreens may actually be harmful to you. Some contain toxins that can cause terrible, unintended health problems like immune disorders, allergies, and maybe even cancer.
Making your own is easy. Simply add all the following ingredients to a jar and heat it up in a saucepan with a few inches of water in it: half olive oil and half an equal mixture of coconut oil and beeswax. Once it’s all blended together, add a few coffee scoops of Zinc Oxide.
#3: DIY HOMEMADE BABY WIPES
One area where you don’t want to take a chance on toxins is baby products. That’s why it’s a mystery as to why the big manufacturers include all sorts of dubious ingredients in theirs.
Huggies Naturally Refreshing Baby Wipes with Cucumber and Green Tea, for instance, scored a 7 out of 10 in the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. 10 represents the worst level of toxicity you could possibly have.
Luckily for you and for your baby, wipes can be made at home. Soak high quality, heavy-duty paper towels in a sealable container full of a liquid which consists of:
- water as your base (about 2 cups)
- equal parts witch hazel, liquid Castille soap and aloe vera (about 1 Tablespoon each)
any essential oils or almond oil you’d like to add, but these aren’t required.
#4: DIY BOTTLED WATER
Have you ever noticed that before any natural disaster, there’s always a big run on bottled water? Stores usually run out before a hurricane, and even online stores can increase their prices during such an event.
Good thing for people living in hurricane-prone areas that you can totally make your own bottled water. No, we’re not just talking about filling some old bottles with tap water. Just like everything else we consume, water needs to be preserved.
You’ll need a quality vessel, which can be a bit of an investment. It can be used over and over again, however. A well-cleaned (with bleach) polyethylene barrel can safely store purified or distilled water for years, provided it’s sealed. Use smaller jugs for everyday use if you’re not concerned with disaster preparation.
#5: DIY DRY SHAMPOO
For every brunette out there who’s tried the DIY approach to dry shampoo, we commiserate. Cornstarch is white, so using it to extend the life of your blowout can make you look like you’re playing an elderly person in the high school play.
To make brown DIY dry shampoo, go to a commercial food supply store and buy a large container of ground cloves. Mix the cloves with cornstarch and fait accompli: homemade dry shampoo for people with dark hair.
CONCLUSION
There is never really a true end to the list of products we can make at home. After all, what were our great-great-great grandparents doing but making their own products at home? We hope your eyes are a bit more opened to the possibilities after reading this, as these products you’ve just read about aren’t usually thought of as things you can make at home. Try them, and good luck!