NOTE: I have recently changed my preferred recipe. You can find it in the recipe section under the hygiene tab.

In my humble opinion, no zero waste experiment is complete without dipping your toes into DIY. While there are increasingly more companies and products coming to market based on zero waste principles, chances are there won’t be anything near to you. I’ve recently re-evaluated my hygiene products from the lenses of Veganism and health, but I hadn’t really been thinking about the waste stream. As I finished off my plastic deodorant tube, I knew this project was timely.

This all comes down to my resolution, of course: I will continue to use this (or another recipe) of deodorant instead of purchasing more plastic garbage.

So, I mixed up the following:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• optional: 5 drops essential oil of your choice (I chose doTERRA’s Balance Blend for a woodsie scent)

I kept mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl until the deodorant reached the consistency that I wanted. It does take awhile, but keep going! Then, I put the concoction into a 2 oz. Ball jar, a mini jelly jar. If you choose to use essential oils, please make sure that they are safe to apply topically. Never use a low grade essential oil that says “for aromatic use only”. I’ve linked to a good company above and below for your convenience.

To apply, I just stick my finger in, scoop a little out, and apply to my armpit.

Some Notes

The deodorant recipe will probably include less arrowroot powder when the seasons turn cold again because it is mostly present to solidify the deodorant. I live in a climate where the coconut oil is hard enough in the winter. Feel free to fiddle with the exact amounts of the ingredients to reach your ideal.

I find that directly after shaving, the deodorant isn’t pleasant, but otherwise it is fine for me.

If this recipe doesn’t suit you, there are dozens of recipes to try.

If you would like to purchase DoTERRA essential oils (and support me at no cost to you) click here: http://mydoterra.com/skytrombly

How About You?

Have you switched over to making your own? What’s your recipe? Or, have you found a brand that produces less waste? Do you have a story about trying to make your own? I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Until next time, keep that talk walking!

– Sky Trombly