ECO-FY YOUR LIFE!

Our editorial department scoured the internet and found instructions on how to make your own homemade products; we even tried them out so you don’t have to experiment! Here is our selection of the best DIY projects, all of which are safe for you and the environment. Even better, most of these inexpensive items can be found in your home or from any of the health food/ eco-friendly stores on the Danforth!

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–HAIRSPRAY–

Standard: Alberto Hairspray 213g, $2.49, Loblaws

Natural: Aveda Witch Hazel Light Hold Spray 250 mL, $10.00, Aveda

Homemade:

- 2 organic lemon $0.99 each, Loblaws
- vodka 50mL, $3.25, LCBO
- 1 ¼ cups water

Directions:
1) Boil water in saucepan; while water is boiling, peel and finely chop lemons.
2) Add lemons over boiling water on low heat until lemons are soft.
3) Cool, strain and pour into a spray bottle.
4) Add 1 tbsp. of vodka and shake well.

Verdict:
Although not as strong as store bought sprays, it did hold the hair in place. Be cautious in the summer sun though— lemon causes your hair to lighten!

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–DANDRUFF SHAMPOO–

Standard: Head & Shoulders 200mL, $5.96 Loblaws

Natural: J-A-S-O-N Tea-tree Oil Shampoo 517 mL, $9.99, The Big Carrot

Homemade:

- Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps pure castile soap (in a 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottle): 8 Fl. Oz $7.99, The Big Carrot

- Stash herbal tea 1 box (18 bags) $3.49, The Big Carrot
- Holista Tea-tree Oil, 50 ml, $9.99

Directions:
1) Brew ¼ cup of your favourite herbal tea, then place in small saucepan.
2) Add 8 fl oz. of castile soap to the tea and a few drops of the tea-tree oil; stir on low heat until well blended.
3) Store in a capped bottle.

Verdict:
Our tester claims the shampoo worked great for her flaky scalp; it didn’t lather as much as the store-bought brands, but it left her hair feeling silky smooth. You can also add your own fragrance to the shampoo, as our tester did. She put in a few drops of her favourite peppermint essential oil and her hair smelled fantastic throughout the day.

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–HOUSEHOLD CLEANER–

Standard: Comet with Bleach 400g, $1.49, Loblaws

Natural: Citru-Solv Cleaner & Degreaser (Concentrate) 32 oz., $11.99, Grassroots

Homemade:

- Arm and Hammer Baking Soda 500g, $1.69, Loblaws

- White Vinegar 2.5L, $1.89, Loblaws

Directions:
The great thing about these ingredients is that they work by themselves, no mixing involved! Just grab your sponge, pour whatever product you choose, and scrub away knowing that you’re saving some cash as well as the environment.

Verdict:
Both the vinegar and baking soda worked well for basic kitchen and bathroom cleaning, although the store-bought cleaners fared better in terms of really tough jobs. If you’re concerned with the vinegar producing a smell in your home, try diluting it in a little bit of lemon water to get rid of the strong odor