When it comes to camping and hygiene, there are only two things you need to know. One: Hats and bandanas work wonders when it comes to covering greasy hair. Two: Everyone is going to get dirty; embrace it. If you’re having a hard time accepting either of these facts, fear not. It is possible to be a clean camper while following Unravel’s earth-friendly style of traveling. Take a look at this list of products that will help you stay clean and green.
Body Soap
A variety of organic soaps can be found at your local natural foods store or at many major retail and camping supply stores (such as Target or REI in the U.S. or MEC in Canada). Since these soaps are made from natural ingredients, they are easier for the earth to break down than soaps containing unnatural chemicals. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile is a top choice among organic soaps. When choosing between the liquid soap and the bar soap, go for the bar. It has less packaging, making it more eco-friendly and easier to carry while camping.
Shampoo
Not into greasy hair? You always have the option of using body soap to clean those lovely locks, but if you’d rather use shampoo go with Garnier Fructis Pure and Clean. This shampoo is 94% biodegradable and can be found wherever shampoo is sold.
If you don’t mind spending a little more, you can find organic shampoos in the same place you bought your soap. Check out your local whole foods store or major retail store for earth-friendly shampoos. You can Burt’s Bees makes a variety of shampoos that are among the top-rated natural hair products.
Toothpaste
When it comes to big name-brand toothpastes, companies seem to be more concerned about healthy teeth and gums than a healthy environment (go figure). But you can cut out many of the unnecessary chemicals found in toothpaste by brushing with baking soda. Yes, take the advice of the grandma in the Colgate commercials and just use baking soda. This is an effective and environmentally friendly way to maintain those pearly whites.
If you’re craving more than baking soda, you can look for Tom’s of Maine toothpaste at your local whole foods store or larger convenient store. Tom’s makes a variety of organic toothpastes sure to satisfy your craving for minty, fresh breath.
Laundry Detergent
If you’re going on a long camping trip or just enjoy wearing clean clothes, Clorox’s Green Works laundry detergent is a great choice. This detergent can be found at your local convenience store and is 98% biodegradable.
Want more options? Check out these links for more organic products:
http://www.botanicalearth.com/
http://www.ecos.com/index.html
http://www.livecofriendly.com/
Feeling crafty? The Web has a plethora of recipes to choose from in making any of the products listed above. Here are some sites to get you started:
http://hairrecipes.homestead.com/index.html
http://www.pureandnaturalsoaps.com/index.html
http://tinygreenmom.com/2011/01/make-your-own-organic-toothpaste/
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
Unravel Travel ~ the Blog 