Making your own hand sanitizer can be a step towards a more eco-friendly approach, especially when using reusable containers and avoiding excessive packaging waste. Based on readily available ingredients, a simple DIY recipe involves combining rubbing alcohol with aloe vera.
Simple Recipe for DIY Hand Sanitizer
A straightforward way to make hand sanitizer at home is by mixing rubbing alcohol and aloe vera. This creates a gel-like consistency suitable for application.
Ingredients
You'll need just a few key ingredients for this recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing Alcohol | 2/3 cup | |
| Aloe Vera Gel | 1/3 cup | |
| Essential Oil | 8-10 drops | Optional |
Rubbing alcohol (typically isopropyl alcohol) is the key ingredient for disinfecting. Aloe vera gel helps to moisturize the skin and create a gel consistency, counteracting the drying effect of alcohol. Essential oils can add a pleasant scent, but are entirely optional.
Instructions
The process is quick and easy, requiring minimal effort.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera to a mixing bowl.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir or whisk the mixture until it is well blended and smooth.
- Add Essential Oil (Optional): If desired, add 8 to 10 drops of an optional essential oil to the mixture. Stir again to incorporate.
- Transfer: Pour the finished hand sanitizer into a clean, airtight container, preferably reusable bottles to enhance the eco-friendliness.
This method, as demonstrated in the provided reference (YouTube video snippet), allows you to create hand sanitizer in just a few simple steps.
Making it More Eco-Friendly
While the ingredients themselves have environmental considerations, making your own hand sanitizer contributes to eco-friendliness primarily through packaging.
- Reusable Containers: By refilling glass or durable plastic bottles you already own, you significantly reduce the demand for single-use plastic hand sanitizer bottles commonly sold in stores.
- Reduced Packaging Waste: DIY often means buying ingredients in larger quantities, which can result in less overall packaging waste compared to buying numerous small, pre-packaged bottles.
Choosing suppliers for your ingredients who prioritize sustainable practices or offer bulk options can further enhance the eco-friendly aspect of making your own hand sanitizer.
