I've recently been into trying to switch over from the typical hazardous house-hold cleaners and solvents to much more earth friendly varieties. This is a long process since we don't realize how much we rely on Johnson & Johnson to help us clean our houses and our bodies. I want to be responsible and wise with the chemicals we put near/on/around our bodies as well as the negative side effects those same chemicals have on our environment.
I started making easy changes like switching over to a natural dish soap. Then it was on to natural body soap (our new favorite is Dr. Bonner's orange castille soap). I figured if it worked this good on us and also didn't harm the environment, then let's see what else I can do. I quickly switched over to also making my own laundry detergent. LOVE IT!!! It's very cost effective. And safe. The next logical step would be deodorant.
The only reason I even thought that was because I saw an article on the same site that I found the ingredients for my laundry detergent. I was all over that one. I've known for years that over the counter deodorant contained carcinogens, but I just couldn't find a good organic substitute. And I hate to smell anything less than nice. So, I just continued risking rubbing those cancer causing agents all over my skin every day, hoping I could dodge the bullet. But once I found this recipe there was no going back. IT WORKS!!!
The solution to my dilemma is here. The only problem is, where do you put it once you make it. It looks a lot like the coconut oil we use everyday for lotion. I actually decided to put it in one of the old coconut oil jars I had that was empty. Unfortunately, I forgot to tell Chuck about this. Oops.
You see, he uses the coconut oil to rub all over himself, especially in the winter months when the cold, dry air causes his skin to become scaly. It works like a charm. Both of us now have wonderfully soft skin thanks to the coconut oil. However, this is oil. It comes in a glass jar looking like a gelatinous mass when it gets too cold. But when it gets warm, it turns into liquid oil. We usually keep a spoon in the jar to help us apply the oil. I also keep a spoon in the deodorant jar to help apply it, since it too, has a very liquidy consistency.
It's amazing what a little mis- or non- communication can do. Chuck comes out to the kitchen after getting ready for work today and announces, "I just rubbed your deodorant all over my face and arms. Just thought you'd like to know."
I couldn't stop laughing. He is not going to sweat one bit today...and if he does...he needn't fear his head or arms stinking.
Come to think of it...this reminds me of another incident involving deodorant being used for other than it's original intent. Like father, like son.
