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My foray into the natural health/DIY world began a few years ago when I really needed to cut our budget.
I was desperate to stay home with my kids and had the opportunity to do so, but first I had to reign in our spending and learn how to live on less than we made. It was a challenge that I was excited to take on.
Learning about the different ways to save money was interesting and sometimes pretty hysterical. (If you’ve read The Complete Tightwad Gazette, you know what I’m talking about).
One of the key things I learned about was substitutions. Now, much of what we used around the house before has been replaced with healthier, less expensive alternatives.
And the items that do cost a bit more than what they replaced have many different purposes and are purchased in bulk, so we really get our money’s worth.
Instead of …
Shampoo
I just use water. That’s it. If that’s too extreme for your scalp, start with baking soda and water.One tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water rubbed into my scalp will do the trick for a couple days.
Conditioner
Same ratio as the baking soda and takes away static and makes my hair super soft. (Remember, when using a vinegar hair rinse, CLOSE YOUR EYES! I’m not talking from first-hand experience or anything…)
Head tension relief
Now I use essential oils. Dab a bit of peppermint on your temples and forehead and/or rub it on the bottoms of your feet (especially on kids). Instant relief.
Feminine products
When I discovered the menstrual cup (thanks Tightwad Gazette!), it was like the clouds parted and angels sang down on me. Ok, maybe not, but it made having a period way better. Bye-bye bulky saddle pads. Hello super-comfy, eco-friendly, money-saving investment.
Diapers
We had four kids in five years. When I was pregnant with the third (and the second was still a wee little babe), I decided to switch over to cloth diapers. That decision ended up saving us thousands of dollars and reduced our kids’ exposure to harmful chemicals.
Paper towels/napkins
Okay, okay, sometimes I can be really … cheap. When I started paying attention to our budget and realizing how much I was spending on paper goods that we were just throwing away, I kinda freaked out a little.
I immediately went to using our dish towels to dry our hands and wash cloths or second-hand cloth napkins for everything else.
Body wash/face wash/hand soap
Castile soap is one of my favorite things ever. Not only can it be used for your body, but you can use it for your face, produce and dishes. It’s really awesome stuff. And you can find it in bulk in many natural food stores.
My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s baby mild. I put it in different dispensers at different sinks and give each one its own essential oil blend. Lemongrass + lavender = fruit loops smell. Not kidding.
Moisturizer/aftershave/skin healer
Coconut oil. This stuff is amazing – antifungal, antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing. Not only is it good for you to eat, but it’s great for your skin because it’s safe for you to use anywhere. Anywhere …
I’m sure you do this, but hankies instead of tissues! It was shocking how much money I saved(since I have some serious year-round allergies). Love this list!!! Will be implementing a few of these things!!!
What kind of cups do you use? The link showed several varieties. I’ve never used these but am curious.
Moon cup. I just ordered a new one (this time, I’m following the care instructions).
Yes! My sweet friend got me some pretty ones for Christmas. I also found some cute ones for the girls at a thrift shop. We also use bandanas or prefold diapers.
This is such a great list of ideas. Thanks for coming up with it and sharing it with all of us. The only thing I’d add is switching from buying store bought yogurt (which is expensive), to making your own a gallon at a time from your favorite milk source.
All great ideas. Most of these we have adapted. Some we are still working on 🙂
I tossed all cleaners and just use castile soap, as you do, and have vinegar in spray bottles that gets used for almost everything.
I’ve read that you can soak orange or lemon peels in white distilled vinegar for a couple week to make a nice smelling spray cleaner. Wish we could use citrus based things. My daughter has serious issues with citrus though so instead, I mix white distilled vinegar with thyme and lavender essential oil. I bet you could use almost any essential oil with vinegar to make a spray cleaner.
Vermont Soap Works has liquid Castille soap way heaper than Dr. Bronners. You can buy it wholesale in a 5 gallon bucket ($125 plus shipping). You can also get hand soap bars from them. http://wholesale.vermontsoap.com
Another money saver is using old tshirts cut up for cleaning rags. Buy in bulk to save money and try to buy when things are on sale… But be aware that sometimes something that is on sale is still cheaper if you buy in bulk! Borrow/share things that you don’t use/need all the time.
My favorite money saving experiment was flannel cloths or toilet paper!! Saves your butt and your wallet!
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Hello. Do you dilute the Dr. Bronner’s baby mild castile soap for the various uses? Could you please post or email your various “recipes” for the castile soap uses. Also, what recipe do you use for counter spray? white vinegar & water? Thx much! (Love your blog!)
Hi Shea, I saw the other comment you left, but I just wanted to make sure you got the link to this post if you didn’t already. https://shalommama.com/everyday-castile-soap-uses