Are you ready to take your lip game to the next level? With DIY lip gloss, you can make your own luscious, custom-made lip product right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a bold pop of color or an ultra-glossy finish, this tutorial will show you how to create endless variations of homemade lip gloss that are perfect for any look. Get ready to pucker up with these easy steps!

Ingredients and Supplies to Make a Lip Gloss

Making your own lip gloss is a fun and easy way to customize the perfect pout. To make your own lip gloss, you will need a few basic ingredients and supplies. These items include beeswax or carnauba wax, petroleum jelly or coconut oil, flavoring (optional), coloring (optional) and an old lipstick tube for storage. You’ll also need measuring spoons, small pots for melting the ingredients in and a spoon for stirring them together. With these items on hand, you’re ready to make your very own custom-made lip gloss!

Creating a Base of Carrier Oil, Melting Waxes, and Butters

Creating a base for lip gloss may sound intimidating, but it’s actually really simple. All you need is a carrier oil such as jojoba or grapeseed oil, and then some waxes and butters like beeswax and shea butter to give the lip gloss its texture. Start by melting your waxes and butters in a double boiler over low heat. Once melted together, let cool down until just warm before adding the carrier oil of your choice. Mix everything together until evenly blended and voila! You now have an amazing base for making homemade lip gloss!

Adding Color & Shine and Natural Pigments

Adding color, shine, and shimmery effects to lip gloss is easier than you might think. Using mica powder is an easy way to create a wide range of shades and textures with no additional ingredients or tools needed. Mica powders come in many natural pigments that can be used to customize your lip gloss exactly the way you want it. Glitter is also available for those looking for something extra special – just add a few drops of glittering pigment into the mix for some sparkle! With these simple additions, you’ll be creating fabulous custom lip glosses in no time.

Flavoring Your Lip Gloss with essential oils

If you are looking for an all-natural way to add flavor to your lip gloss, essential oils are the perfect choice. With so many different scents available, there is sure to be one that will tantalize your senses. You can use just a few drops of essential oil in combination with other ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil to create a unique and delicious concoction. Be sure not to go overboard with the essential oils as they can be strong!

Packaging & Storage of DIY Lip Gloss

When it comes to packaging and storage of DIY lip gloss, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s best to store your homemade lip gloss in the refrigerator, especially if you make it without preservatives. This will help keep the product fresher for longer periods of time. As for packaging, glass jars work really well as they are airtight and light-proof (you don’t want sunlight ruining your lip gloss!). Also consider labeling each container with the date that you made the batch so that you know how long it has been sitting in your fridge!

Originally posted 2022-12-03 15:42:38.

The post How To Make Your Own Luscious Lip Gloss first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Are your feet feeling tired and achy? Do you need to relax after a long day of work? Rejuvenate your feet with this soothing foot soak! This natural, easy-to-make recipe will leave your feet feeling refreshed and invigorated. Not only is it an amazing way to relax, but it’s also great for relieving soreness and inflammation. So put up your feet, grab some essential oils, and get ready for an indulgent treat!

Ingredients of a Foot Soak

When it comes to a foot soak, there are several ingredients you can use to make an effective and soothing solution. Epsom salt is a popular choice for its relaxing properties – just one cup in warm water will do the trick! Adding essential oils such as lavender or peppermint is also beneficial for alleviating stress, while baking soda helps soften skin and reduce any odors. Finally, adding some herbs like chamomile or rosemary can give your feet an extra boost of relaxation!

Sea salt for a Foot Soak

Using sea salt for a foot soak is an easy and effective way to relax your feet after a long day. Sea salt contains minerals that can help soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation. Simply fill up a basin with warm water, add some sea salt, sit back, and enjoy the soothing sensation. Make sure to rinse your feet off afterwards as the minerals will dry out your skin if left on for too long!

Essential oils of a Foot Soak

Nothing beats the feeling of soaking your feet in a warm foot bath. And you can make it even better by adding essential oils! Lavender, tea tree and peppermint are some of the most popular essential oils used to soothe tired feet. Other great options include eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon and frankincense. Just add a few drops – usually around 5-7 – to the water before stepping in for maximum relaxation!

Instructions for a Foot Soak

To start your foot soak, you’ll need to gather up a bowl of warm water and some Epsom salts. Pour the salts into the water until it is saturated – about two cups for every gallon of water should do. Then, place your feet in the bowl and allow them to soak for 20 minutes or so before rinsing them off with cool water. Your skin will feel softer than ever after the treatment!

Benefits of a Foot Soak

A foot soak is a great way to relax and soothe your feet after spending long hours on them. Not only does it feel great, but it can also help improve circulation, reduce swelling, relieve muscle tension and provide many other benefits. Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salts or essential oils can make the experience even better. The minerals and oils will work together to soften rough skin and make tired feet feel rejuvenated again!

Improved Circulation of a Foot Soak

A foot soak is a great way to improve the circulation in your feet. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, reduce stress, and boost overall relaxation. To get the most out of your foot soak, make sure you use warm water and add Epsom salt or essential oils for added benefits. Soaking your feet for 20 minutes twice a week should be enough to give you maximum results in improved circulation.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety Levels of a Foot Soak

A foot soak is a luxurious way to relax and reduce your stress and anxiety levels. It’s relatively easy, too! All you need is a basin of warm water with some essential oils added. You can also add Epsom salt or baking soda for extra therapeutic benefits. Soaking your feet in this mixture helps to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and soothe tired feet. Plus, it just feels really nice!

Originally posted 2022-12-03 04:05:31.

The post Rejuvenate Your Feet with This Soothing Foot Soak! first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Over time, dreamcatchers get dusty and absorb nasty odors. If you’ve made a dreamcatcher with your feathers, you will need to clean it periodically. You could clean the feathers with some dishwashing soap or dry clean with salt or baking soda.

Cleaning Dreamcatcher Feathers With Water

Fill up a large container with water and mix in some dish soap. Wash a small area of the dream catcher in the water, and notice if dye starts to come off it.

If no dye comes off and the dreamcatcher does not appear damaged, dip it into the water and rub all its parts with your fingers. 

Rinse the dreamcatcher off and dry it with a dry towel or some tissue.

Cleaning Dreamcatcher Feathers Without Water

Put the dreamcatcher in a container or a bag. Pour in a cup of baking soda or salt, then shake the bag so the powder coats the entirety.

Let the dreamcatcher sit in the bag overnight. Remove it from the bag in the morning, and shake excess salt/baking soda off of it outdoors.

Alternatively, if you have a vacuum cleaner, wrap the hose with some cloth and use it to pull away all of the powder from the dream catcher. The powder will get stuck on the cloth, and you can throw it away with ease.

If the dream catcher still looks dirty or smells bad, repeat the process until it’s cleaner.

And that’s all there is to it! Follow the steps above to restore your dreamcatcher to it’s former glory.

Originally posted 2022-11-22 12:41:12.

The post How To Clean Feathers On A Dreamcatcher first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Fishing lines are some of the most useful threads out there! Of course, they are perfectly strong, thin, and flexible, making them ideal for angling, but they are also commonly used in crafts.

Be it for making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more, you can get some serious use out of a good piece of fishing line! But, do you know how to tie a knot in a fishing line for crafts?

If you’re new to making a monofilament knot, it’s as simple as grabbing a pair of pliers and keeping things extra-tight. Below, I’ll take you through how you can knot up a fishing line for a whole host of different craft ideas.

Tying a strong, long-lasting, fool-proof knot in a fishing line isn’t as difficult as you might think! 

Here’s my go-to guide to follow if you’re interested in using tough, strong lines for hanging decorations and more besides.

How to tie a slipknot in a fishing line – step by step

The best kind of knot to use in a fishing line is the slipknot. It is a strong knot commonly used by fishermen to hold all kinds of fish on the line – even the heaviest of beasts! The best part about this knot is that it is also very easy to perform. It doesn’t require any particular skill or fancy tools – just a simple pair of pliers and your own hands will do just the trick! 

Step one – get the right pliers

A good set of needle nose pliers is the first thing you will need to tie your knot. Make sure that they are strong and robust enough to handle fishing lines. Given that monofilament is so thin, it can easily slip through certain pliers. Shop around for a reliable pair – it’s worth it!

Step two – get bending

Now, start by bending the fishing line right where you want the knot to be. Then, fold the line until it forms a loop between your thumb and finger. Hold the loop tightly to push the line at the loop’s apex. This will ensure that the knot will form in that specific part of the line. It will also make it harder for the knot to untangle or slide! 

Step three – tying up

Now, you can tie the knot in the line. Slide the knot while it is still loose up to the bent point on the line. Once it has reached the perfect position, pull the line as tightly as possible until the knot is fully wrapped around. 

Step four – pull tight!

Take the pliers and pull the line even more to make the knot as tight as possible. Take the line by its ends – if you have two pairs of pliers to hand, use one set at each end to tug the line as hard as possible. You can also simply grip the line with the pliers at one end and use your finger at the other.

Once you’ve done one side, switch the pliers to the other side, and grab the other with your fingers, then repeat the process until it’s completely tight. You will know it is tight enough once you let go and the knot does not begin to loosen itself. 

You can repeat the process on different parts of the line should you wish for there to be multiple knots along the line. 

Step five – finishing up

Once you have finished, simply cut the ends of the fishing line with some scissors to remove any dented or damaged bits that the pliers may have caused. Voila – your fishing line should be nicely knotted and ready to go!

Why use fishing line for crafts?

Fishing line is very popular with many crafters simply because it’s amazingly strong and resolute when pulled taut. That makes it ideal for hanging certain crafts from and creating lovely banners for any occasion. Tying up a tough line is going to need more than a nimble pair of fingers, of course, so be sure to grab those pliers and start pulling.

I’ve often used fishing line to help hang seasonal decorations around my home, such as for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re crafting with the kids this holiday season, I’d strongly recommend you take care of the fishing line knotting yourself, mainly because there’s some pretty sharp equipment required!

Conclusion

Tying a slipknot in a fishing line is easier than it looks. All you need is a simple pair of pliers that’s tough enough for the task. I highly recommend fishing line if you’re looking for something considerably less flimsy than your average string or rope!

Give my techniques above a try and see what you can make with fishing line your way!

Originally posted 2022-11-01 16:11:47.

The post How to Tie a Knot in a Fishing Line For Crafts first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Bamboo is incredibly strong, versatile, quick to grow, and, let’s face it, it’s pretty, too! As the years go by, more of us are recognizing bamboo for its true potential and even finding ways to introduce it into our homes. From the general decor to the actual construction of our homes, bamboo can be used in so many ways! For example, do you know how to cut bamboo for crafts?

You don’t have to wait to find pre-made objects or grow bamboo of your own to introduce it into your home. I’ve been making many DIY bamboo items over the years – I’ve made hats, baskets, and even jewelry with my kids.

Crafting with bamboo is a cinch once you know how to cut the material properly. I’ll let you in on a few of my tips and tricks below – as well as guide you through some crafty bamboo projects you might want to try yourself!

Cutting your Bamboo – The Basics

Cutting bamboo for arts and crafts is likely to need sharp secateurs, clippers, or even a small hacksaw. Therefore, this is a side of arts and crafts that’s best left to the adults – kids can get involved a little further on in the process!

It’s also worth grabbing some mineral oil, too, if you can. This is to help make cutting a little easier on your wrists – I’ll go into more detail below!

Sourcing Your Bamboo

Before you start getting deep into your project, always opt for green bamboo where possible. This type of bamboo is generally easier to cut and more flexible to work with than most. However, many bamboo types work well for DIY crafts.

You should also carefully consider what you need the bamboo for to choose the perfect diameter for your project. It is important to remember that bamboo does not grow in completely uniform diameters – therefore, one stalk may not be enough for your project – don’t underestimate the supply you’ll need!

If you are sourcing bamboo from your garden, and it is cold outside, start heating the bamboo stem before cutting it. This will prevent it from splitting as you cut. 

Depending on the craft you are pursuing, it might be best to use thinner stalks of bamboo. These will be easier to maneuver and strong enough to hold your project together.

If your bamboo stalks are less than one inch in diameter, then you will need a strong, sharp pruner to cut the stalk. 

However, if the diameter is over an inch wide, you will need to use a good handsaw to complete the task. Ensure that the handsaw is sharp enough before cutting, as it will make your job a lot easier, quicker, and cleaner! 

Ideally, you will need a handsaw with straight teeth. Curved teeth will rip the fibers within the plant, so avoid using them at all costs! 

Cutting Bamboo by Hand – Some Helpful Hints

Bring together a few tools to ensure you’re ready and safe to start cutting. That includes the secateurs and a hacksaw as mentioned above, as well as mineral oil, masking tape, and safety goggles and gloves. You’ll normally need the safety equipment if you want to use a table saw, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Ensure that the bamboo is warm enough and that you’re working ideally in a dry and ambient to warm room. The tools should also be warm enough not to split the wood. Room temperature is perfectly fine for cutting; you just don’t want them to be cold! 

If you plan to cut the bamboo stalk in half, you will need different tools and safety measures to do the job. 

Before you start cutting the bamboo, locate the nodes on the stems. The nodes are the horizontal lines along the bamboo stem that sometimes create ridges. The nodes on the stem may seem like a pain to deal with, but they are essential to the plant! 

The nodes strengthen the plant, which is why the taller the bamboo, the more nodes it has. 

As you will see on the nodes, there is usually an upper and lower ring. The uppermost is known as the stem ring, and the lower one is the sheath ring. 

When you have decided how big you need the stem to be, pick the spot between the two nodes that you wish to cut. 

Before cutting, rub some mineral oil onto the area you plan on slicing into. This will make the area far easier to cut through. Just remember to dry your hands properly before cutting to avoid your hands slipping on the saw! 

Ideally, you will need to lubricate a relatively long area, as you will need to cut the bamboo at an angle of 45 degrees. 

To cut precisely and with a lower risk of the wood splintering, place some masking tape where you are about to make an incision.

Cutting Your Bamboo with a Table Saw

Assuming you want to cut your bamboo in half to begin with, start by laying the bamboo on the floor or a thick, strong work table. Find the center of the bamboo pole, then place a piece of masking tape around the middle to avoid splintering.

Then, put on safety goggles and gloves before putting a fine-toothed blade into a table saw. 

Turn on the saw and carefully secure the bamboo in your hands, with the tape mark in the center. Ensure that your hands are clear apart on either side – and do not get too close to the blade for obvious reasons!

Push the pole into the blade until you reach the masking tape. Then, you can slowly turn the bamboo so that the tip of the blade creates about a quarter-inch deep mark all around the tape. 

Then, turn the pole again so that the blade is right at the center of the score line. Push the pole towards the blade further until it has cut the bamboo in half. 

Remove the bamboo, then turn off the saw immediately. Then, you can remove your safety goggles and gloves before removing the tape from the bamboo and starting your craft! 

How to Store Your Unused Bamboo 

If, after all of your DIY projects are complete, you still have some bamboo left – don’t worry. You can keep it safe on one side for any future artwork and pieces! 

As quickly as bamboo grows, there’s no point in letting any of it go to waste, and you will likely have some perfectly usable pieces left over. They can be kept in storage and used for repairs, future DIY projects, or even as handy plant canes or thin poles to keep around for when you need them.

A dry and relatively warm room is all you really need to keep your bamboo safe. The room does not need to be kept hot, but you should avoid leaving your bamboo in the garage or shed. The cold can cause it to split and crack, ruining the strength, texture, and look of the stalks. 

Instead, opt for a relatively warm (even mild room temperature will do), and lay it horizontally on a table, support, or on the ground (if it isn’t too cold). Keep the bamboo dry, and it will be ready to use whenever you need it! 

Bamboo famously grows well in humid conditions (even in the bathroom), but don’t be tempted to store it anywhere too damp, or you’ll risk it spoiling. Keep it dry and ambient, and you’ll likely be able to come back to it in the months to come. If you’re like me, you’ll have a specific spot or case where you store all your materials – why not buy yourself a special case to keep bamboo offcuts in?

Why Use Bamboo For Crafts? 

It may seem a little bizarre to use bamboo for crafts, but it is an incredibly versatile and strong material that’s great for creating all kinds of eye-catching pieces.

The brilliant thing about bamboo is that it is also easy to buy or grow your own, too. You can buy it pre-cut in some hardware stores and gardening centers – but having your own little bamboo supply is ideal, especially if you enjoy growing plants in the first place.

Of course, having it growing tall and strong in your own garden is ideal, but not all of us have the gardens or, indeed, the climates that bamboo needs to grow well in. 

Thankfully, it’s easy to source bamboo in pots, even small varieties that can grow indoors. Even the smallest bamboo plants are great to use in crafts – it’s amazingly sustainable, no matter the size of the plant.

Bamboo grows very quickly, unlike other plants that can take centuries to mature, providing strong enough wood for crafting. Even smaller bamboo stalks can be strong enough to use in crafts and all sorts of DIY projects. Provided you’re using your bamboo correctly and are ensuring your crafts are tight and robust, you’ll benefit from crafty pieces that look wonderful for years to come.

Bamboo can be cured, bent, and shaped to suit whatever project you have in mind, making it an ideal replacement for plastic and other less sustainable materials. Like plastic, bamboo is also very durable, even when left outside. It can work perfectly for building garden furniture and outside structures. The choice is yours – bamboo items look just as appealing indoors as they do out.

On top of all of this, bamboo is biodegradable. This means that whatever you have left over from your project, or if you want to completely undo and throw out your creations in years to come, you can simply compost the bamboo or add it to a flower bed, ready to decompose. Just make sure that it is not covered with any kind of varnish or paint that could damage the environment! 

What Can You Make with Bamboo?

There are plenty of easy things to make with bamboo – but bamboo ideas don’t have to be super simple unless you really want them to be.

It’s flexible for use in artwork in any way you wish – on canvas, decorating, or even in sculpture. However, you can also use it to make more functional items for your home and garden. 

For example, thanks to its flexibility, bamboo is often used to make baskets and hats! While it wouldn’t make nice, warm, comfy winter headwear, it could certainly make a strong sun hat for when you’re out in the garden during the warmer months!

Bamboo is also commonly used to make all kinds of floor mats and placemats, room dividers, headboards, trellises, pet houses, fences, benches, bridges, and even tools and ladders. Some of these crafts with bamboo may take time to perfect – meaning it’s good to start small and work your way up to more complex projects.

Conclusion

Bamboo DIY is a lot of fun, and that’s mainly thanks to how versatile and flexible the material can be! After all, it can grow to be incredibly tall, thick, and strong. But, properly cutting material for DIY bamboo projects is a must – otherwise, one bad move could go terribly wrong for you and the stem! 

By taking the right precautions and ensuring that you cut the bamboo properly, there is nothing to worry about. You don’t need any special tools or prior knowledge. Just a good saw, some goggles, and patience. As always, keep your kids away from sharp tools – this is an intricate process that might not be much fun for them in the first place!

If you want to split your bamboo in half and do not have a table saw, then simply contact your local hardware store and ask if a professional there would be willing to help you. 

Soon enough, you should have all the bamboo you need for your crafts and some left over for future projects! Take a look at social media for some ideas, too.

Originally posted 2022-10-30 12:09:49.

The post How To Cut Bamboo For Crafts first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find crochet hugely comforting. However, one instance in which crocheting may not be so relaxing is during a flight. Or, rather, during the security checks! Can you bring crochet hooks on a plane with you?

You can bring crochet hooks with you on a plane, but you’ll need to make sure you prepare and cover them carefully before you board.

Since crochet hooks tend to be pretty long and pointed, there’s little wonder why there’s so much confusion over bringing them with you when you travel. Sadly, the same applies to many craft tools, such as knitting and sewing needles, pliers, scissors, etc. 

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before you take any kind of crochet equipment with you on a domestic or international flight.

Can I bring crochet hooks on a plane – and how should I prepare them?

Thankfully, yes, crochet hooks are generally allowed on planes! What’s more, you can carry them in either your checked-in luggage or your carry-on bags. 

Remember, however, that TSA requirements can vary from location to location and from airline to airline. Therefore, don’t be too shocked if you’re asked specific questions about your crochet hooks, or to take them out of your bags for a close inspection.

It is also worth noting that while they are allowed on flights, you must ensure they are stored correctly. 

The TSA specifically asks that sharp objects should be properly covered, wrapped, or even sheathed. This is simply to prevent any injury that could happen to those handling or even inspecting the bags.

So, when it comes to your crochet hooks, try wrapping them up, or even keeping them in a case, just to be safe. This will also ensure they do not get damaged during your journey, so it’s a win-win! 

When bringing them with you on board, keep them open and visible. This will help prevent the inspectors from getting harmed and show that you are open and willing to show they are there. 

These rules apply to most crochet hooks and tools – including specialist crochet hooks for arthritis sufferers – so be sure to follow them to the letter.

Can you take crochet hooks on international flights?

Whether or not you can take crochet hooks with you on international flights varies from case to case. As with TSA regulations, it’s typically safe for you to take crochet equipment with you in carry-on luggage. However, you must make sure to check these details with your airline going forward and back.

As with TSA checks, keep your hooks visible going through security, and wrap them up safely so no one risks injury or harm.

Can you bring knitting needles on a plane?

Knitting needles can be a little more tricky to bring through security, especially if they’re made from metal. Generally speaking, the TSA allows you to bring your knitting needles both in the cabin of the plane and in your luggage in the hold. 

Metal needles may be cause for concern. Even circular needles with metallic cabling can cause disruption at security checks as they can activate metal detectors on your way through.

To save yourself some time and trouble, it may be best to bring either plastic or wooden needles. But, should your metallic needles be absolutely necessary, then know that you are allowed to bring them; it may just take you a little longer to get through security! 

There are zero regulations regarding the size of your needles, so just be careful with material first, and size second. Again, as with crochet hooks, it’s worth packing your needles safely so they don’t cause any harm during checks.

Rules for knitting needles on international flights, again, may vary depending on the airline you travel with. Be sure to reach out to customer care for advice.

Can I bring other craft needles on a plane? 

Sewing needles are famously sharp and, in some cases, even long enough to cause concern for security personnel. Always make sure you follow the guidelines expected of you before you travel!

Generally speaking, you can bring sewing needles in your carry-on bag through security. Much the same as metallic knitting needles, the material is likely to set off the detector, so be ready to open the case or pouch in which they are to show them to the inspectors. 

Ideally, you should present needles to security when you arrive and make them perfectly visible in the TSA bin. This way, there shouldn’t be any further queries over what you’re carrying with you, and why.

Once again, rules will vary from flight to flight if traveling internationally, so always check before you board.

Other sewing tools

When it comes to other sewing tools, such as rotary cutters, for example, you will have to put them in your checked luggage. Blades on implements such as these are too dangerous to store via cabin on your plane and will, therefore, not make it through security. Instead, you may find some items are confiscated and destroyed.

So, before you get to security, either put the cutters in your checked luggage or throw them away yourself – or, save on wastage and leave them at home.

Can I bring a sewing machine on a plane?

If smaller craft tools won’t suffice, and you have to bring larger sewing equipment with you, then here’s the question to ask yourself: Will my sewing machine fit in the overhead locker? 

If the answer is yes, then the TSA will let you bring the sewing machine with you on the plane. However, you will need to check the size and weight restrictions of the airline you are using to ensure that it will indeed fit! 

It’s also essential to bear in mind that while it may fit, sewing machines tend to be pretty heavy – and they’re not exactly made for travel. So, you’ll have to carry around a big, heavy device with you, potentially for hours. You’ll also need to be able to lift the sewing machine safely into the overhead locker without letting it fall on or hurt anyone around you! 

So, maybe consider checking the sewing machine in with your luggage instead. That way, you should be able to pack it perfectly for the trip without having to carry it around all day by yourself! 

In the event of any kind of confiscation, always check that the airport you’ll be using has a mail facility. Should they confiscate your sewing machine, ask staff to send it back to you, straight to your home address. Just to make things go a little easier and quicker, it would also be wise to bring your own envelope with your address and postage on it.

Can I bring pliers on a plane with me?

Pliers can be difficult to bring into a plane cabin, as some are very long and sharp. Generally, if your pliers are longer than seven inches, then they will not be allowed in your carry-on luggage. They pose too much of a threat and will not be allowed through security. 

If they are smaller than seven inches (when fully extended), then they will be allowed in the cabin on the plane. However, you will likely have to explain them to security and be prepared to present them when checked. This is all in the name of preventing passengers carrying weapons with them on flights.

Again, to avoid any issues or concerns, it is best to present pliers to the TSA officers when you arrive and make them perfectly visible in the TSA bins.

Internationally, again – make a point to consult customer care before you board, so you can avoid any slowdown.

Can I bring scissors on a plane?

No, you can’t bring scissors with you into a plane’s cabin. no. If you try to bring scissors through security, then they will be confiscated and thrown away – they’re seen as a major security risk as they can be used as weapons.

However, when it comes to nail scissors, or those that are less than four inches long, you may be able to bring them into the cabin with you. You will have to place them in the bins at TSA so that they are fully visible. Honesty and transparency are key at airport security – if you can justify why you need your scissors mid-flight, you may be able to take them with you.

To avoid all unnecessary worry, it’s best just to pack your scissors in your luggage to go in the hold. There, they will be perfectly safe and ready to use when you land. You’ll just have to put your crafts away for a little while during your trip!

Conclusion

If you’d like to do a little bit of crochet or crafting mid-flight, in many cases, you’ll be able to bring crochet hooks, scissors and other tools with you on a plane according to TSA rules. However, it’s always worth checking these regulations with your chosen airline before you board.

Otherwise, you may find your tools are confiscated and may even get destroyed in the terminal. It’s all in the name of keeping you, other passengers, and airline staff safe. It’s a cause we can all get behind – and if it means leaving your hooks and loops in the hold for a few hours, it’s a sacrifice well worth making!

Originally posted 2022-10-26 18:55:40.

The post Can You Bring Crochet Hooks on a Plane? first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Hydro dipping is a form of painting that has taken the art world by storm – and like me, people all over the world are trying their hands at the craft. It is a unique form of creating art and involves an intricate and satisfying process that’s a feast for the eyes and many other senses. But, do you know how to hydro dip with acrylic paint?

Hydro dipping is a spectacular film-based painting activity that’s making waves on social media. In fact, if you search for #HydroDipping on Instagram and TikTok, you’re likely to find plenty of inspiration. In fact, check out this YouTube video to start!

But, is hydro dipping right for you – and is it as expensive as it looks? After all, art supplies alone tend to cost a lot – but thankfully, that isn’t the case with hydro dip projects. In fact, hydro dipping is so popular in part thanks to its easy set-up and cheap supplies. You do not have to be a trained or expert artist to make some fantastic hydro-dipped artwork, either – great news for newbies like me!

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what hydro dipping is and how you can do it yourself – even with acrylic paint.

What is hydro dipping, anyway? 

Hydro dipping, also known as water transfer painting, is the process of placing a hydro dip film onto an object. The film is usually covered with printed graphics, or a pattern and colors, depending on the artist’s choice (that’s you!).

As the name suggests, the process revolves around water. Hydro film is placed on top of a tub of water, dissolving to then release the pattern from the film. 

From here, the object to be painted is submerged, and as water surrounds it, the print is transferred onto its surface. Voila – leave to dry, and you’re done!

Hydro dipping is a great way of getting complex patterns onto objects, specifically those that would be difficult to decorate in any other way. Hydro dipping can be used on all sorts of 3D objects, providing eye-catching results in a short space of time.

Hydro dipping with acrylic paint – is it worth it?

Yes! You don’t need to buy any particularly fancy paints to get started with hydro dipping. Any acrylic paint standard and color will do the job perfectly. 

However, some painters worry that acrylic paint isn’t great for hydro dipping purely due to the weight of the paint. And, to some extent, those are worthy concerns! 

In most cases, acrylic paint is usually pretty heavy and, therefore, will not float properly on top of a tub of water. Therefore, the process of hydro dipping can become a little tricky, and can potentially end with disastrous results. That’s why it is so important to know how to prepare the acrylic paint properly before applying it to your water.

How to hydro dip with acrylic paint 

First of all, let’s address this weight issue – you will need to ensure that your acrylic paint floats on the water. 

If acrylic paint is left as is and just dabbed into the water, it could mix and blend, as opposed to forming a unified layer on top. This layer is crucial in the hydro dipping process as it is what will wrap around your object. 

Should the paint just mix with the water, you will simply be dipping your object into very runny paint and will not get the imprint of a design or quality paint job in the end! So, for the acrylic paint to be light enough to float on the water, you will need to mix the paint thoroughly with silicone oil or glycerin before adding it to your tub.

These components will reduce the density of the paint so that it can float without mixing and diluting.

However, if your acrylic paint is already very liquid, it could be worth mixing the water with some borax or cornstarch to make the paint thicker. 

Choose your dipping method!

You can use one of two easy methods for hydro dipping with acrylic paint. One is ideal for various objects, while the other is best suited to soft fabrics and textiles.

Method One

For the best all-around dipping experience, start by choosing the colors and paint you wish to use, bearing in mind all the different shades and hues you may need to mix up your pattern. Then, mix the water for the tub with equal parts of borax / cornstarch. 

Choose your first color and drop it into the water. Then, you can start to add as many different colors as you want. To make fun and super-intricate patterns, use a clean stick or toothpick to swirl the paint as you desire. Remember to use something you can clean or rinse down – or that you don’t mind staining permanently!

Carefully place your object into the water to let it mix, then slowly remove and leave it standing to dry. It can take a few hours to dry properly, so leave it in an open, undisturbed area. 

Method Two

Alternatively, a second paint dipping method I’ve tried recently might just be the ticket. This option is commonly used for fabrics, papers, and all kinds of flat and thin objects! While many consider hydro dipping with acrylic paint to be purely for solid, 3D shapes, you can also create wonderful paper, card, and fabric using a twist on the standard technique.

For paper marbling (hydro dipping with acrylic paint), start by mixing borax / cornstarch and water in a one-to-three ratio in a tray. An old baking tray will do, but remember not to use it for cooking after you’ve given this a try!

Then, prepare the colors you plan on using, ensuring they have the same consistency (to ensure that they float the same on the water). 

Use a toothpick, paintbrush, or other tools to dip the paint into the water. You can pour it, but with paper marbling, it is often best to introduce different paints slowly and in smaller parts to make more interesting designs. Try it out for yourself!

Now, you can start to swirl the colors and different sections of paint together to create interesting and original designs. 

When ready, take your paper or fabric and gently lay it onto the tray. The paint should cover the surface of your sheet, encompassing it entirely. 

Once the paint has covered your sheet, take both corners on one side and gently lift it out. Ensure that any excess paint drips away – but caution, if you use paper, avoid shaking it to remove any excess paint and water – otherwise, it’s likely to tear.

Once finished, lay your painted sheet on a dry, non-stick surface, or hang it up from the corners and leave it to dry. It should not take too long to fully dry out, but a piece of fabric may take a full day – patience is key.

This water dip painting technique can help you reinvent some of your favorite fabrics and create fun and pretty paper – ideal for using in greetings cards, as wrapping paper, for scrapbooking, or even for framing as your own art. You choose!

What are the benefits of hydro dip painting? 

Hydro dipping is becoming increasingly popular, especially with online videos prompting more people to try this innovative and efficient painting technique. 

Some of the biggest benefits of hydro painting include the fact that the print will not shrink, there are no cutting edges, and the applied print is weatherproof. It’s also amazingly cost-effective compared to other pattern painting techniques.

Many also enjoy hydro dip painting simply because it is ‘something different’ – and the process of dipping objects into paint to create whole new looks is incredibly satisfying!

Hydro dipping is also extremely safe and requires no special gear! You can also achieve fantastic results inside and outside without worrying about getting the paint everywhere. 

As more and more people are trying hydro dipping, it is also important to note that this kind of painting can be achieved at home. You do not necessarily need top-notch and expensive equipment in order to get fantastic hydro dipping results. 

In fact, as opposed to printing the graphics for the objects, another efficient way of hydro dipping appears to be using general acrylic paint. It’s a wonderful activity for you and the kids to bond over, too – and you may already have the materials you need at home right now!

Conclusion 

Hydro dipping with acrylic paint may sound like a complicated process, but, as you can see, there really isn’t too much to it! In fact, the hardest part can be getting the consistency right. It might take you a few goes before you get it just right, which is why it is always good to start with the corners of your tubs or trays, and a piece of fabric or small object you do not mind spoiling in case of mistakes.

Once you have found the perfect consistency, you’ll be set to make some incredible, unique looks – why not give it a try? It’s one of many craft ideas that’s only building in popularity.

Originally posted 2022-10-06 11:39:04.

The post How To Hydro Dip With Acrylic Paint  first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Nowadays, canning jars are used for more than just canning! Of course, many of us still use them for our pickles and preserves, but they are also great for packing lunches, drinks, leftovers, and general storage.

But, they can start to spoil over time – do you know how to remove rust from canning jar lids? 

As efficient as they are at keeping everything inside airtight and sealed, canning jar lids are also prone to rust. Sometimes, the rust can form through the environment they were left in, as a result of the contents inside of the jar, and so on.

Thankfully, it’s easy enough to clean them up with a little elbow grease – believe me, I’ve done so myself (many times)!

Let’s take a closer look at why canning jar lids rust, whether or not you can still eat with them, and how you can remove the rust yourself. 

Why do canning air lids rust in the first place?

If you are new to canning your own food, then it may be a shock to see your canning jar lids beginning to rust. Sadly, even if we look after them perfectly, clean them every day and dry them properly with a towel, they can still develop unsightly rust – it’s to do with moisture.

As is the case with all kinds of rust, the rust on your canning lids is caused by the build-up of dampness against the lid. The water reacts with steel on your lids when left for too long or if soaked repeatedly. This creates iron oxide, leading to those nasty orange patches!

As strange as that may seem, think of the moisture content in your salads, sauces, dressings, soups, and so on. Even a small amount of moisture can cause damage to a canning jar lid – even to the fanciest of mason jars, too.

Are rusty canning jar lids dangerous? 

Generally speaking, no, rusty canning jar lids aren’t dangerous. Iron oxide is not harmful to us – however, that doesn’t mean you will want to ingest metal lumps with your lunch!

The biggest issue with rusty canning lids is that the rusty patches tend to grow in size until cleaned off.

Eventually, they will damage the seals on the lids, making them less airtight and less likely to keep the contents safe and fresh – defeating the object of canning in the first place. 

Of course, if left for too long, rusty lids will begin to crumble away, leaving you without any seals for your canning jars. If you start to see rust on mason jar lids, it’s good to take care of it as soon as you can.

How to remove rust from mason jar lids

To get started, all you will need is a bowl, a cloth, and some distilled white vinegar. 

If the rust is emerging on your lid(s) in small patches, you can use the cloth to rub some distilled white vinegar over the surface. Ideally, the cloth should be soaked in vinegar for an easier job.

White vinegar is a natural substance that is completely safe to clean with – and the smell also won’t linger on the canning lids, so do not worry about it affecting your food! 

However, if you’re really not keen on having vinegar on your hands, then try wearing some dish gloves as you wipe to protect your skin. If you have sensitive skin like me, this is all the more worthwhile.

Once you have removed the rusty patches and any orangey traces that might be left on your canning jar lid(s), take a wet sponge and some warm and soaped-up water to clean them down. This should remove any excess vinegar and potential traces of rust that remain. 

Do not be tempted to leave your lids to air dry when you have finished washing up! Instead, take a clean, dry cloth, and buff them completely before putting them away.

Leaving them to air dry will encourage moisture, and thus, you’re back at square one again before you know it.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a canning jar lid that happens to have a lot of rust, or is even covered in it, then there’s no point wasting your energy with a vinegar cloth. However, that does not mean that the canning jar lid(s) in question aren’t salvageable. 

Place the lids in a bowl full of distilled white vinegar. Leave it to soak for a while, or at least until you see all of the rust disappear. 

If, even after a while, the rust is still persisting, then take a steel wool scrubber to scrub off any of the remaining orange. 

Then, again, once the lid is completely clean, wash it in a bowl of soapy water with a clean, wet sponge. Once it’s all done, dry it with a clean, dry towel, and put it away. 

If the rubber rings around your canning jar lids have also developed rust, then remove them from the lid and place them in a bowl of distilled white vinegar.

Wipe around them until the rust is gone, give them a good clean, then place them back inside the lids (once they, too, have been cleaned and dried), and put them away. 

Will clean canning jar lids be safe to use with food again? 

Yes, once your canning jar lids have had rust safely removed, they will be perfectly fine to use with all kinds of food and drink.

As mentioned, distilled white vinegar does not leave a smell, which is why it is increasingly used in home cleaning products. It is also completely natural, making it safe to eat after or even with.

So, if you happen to have some remnants of the vinegar in your canning jar lid, you won’t need to worry about lingering smells or tastes.

It’s also a common misconception that rusty lids need special sterilization. That’s not the case – while you’ll need to sterilize your jars themselves before use, cleaning the lids is just as easy as soaking them in a little vinegar before rinsing and drying clear.

Sadly, however, this solution is not a permanent one. It will not leave a protective film over your canning jar lids and will, therefore, not be the last time you have to get rid of rust!

One of the best ways you can stave off rust on mason jar lids in future is to avoid leaving them to dry in a drainer or similar. These lids will always need towel drying – otherwise, you run the risk of rust appearing time and time again.

On the bright side, vinegar-soaking is an incredibly affordable, natural, sustainable, and efficient way of cleaning your lids. So, as soon as your canning jar lids start to go a little orange or brown again, simply break out the distilled white vinegar, and you’ll be good to go! 

Can a canning jar lid be too rusty to clean? 

Yes, in some cases, even a bowl full of white distilled vinegar is not enough to save a canning jar lid! 

If the rust has spread over a large section of surface, or if even the entire lid has begun to chip away, then there is not much that the white vinegar can do. As you try to scrub it clean, you are more likely to keep removing pieces from the lid, which will cause irreparable damage. 

If your canning lid has reached this point, then it is time to throw it away. A lid that’s flaking away or even completely disintegrated is simply not going to do its job.

However, that doesn’t always mean it’s the end of the road for your rusted lids – you can use them elsewhere in the home, just not for canning!

Some people use rusty canning jar lids for art projects, so you can always ask around those you love to see if anyone would be interested in them as a more sustainable way of getting rid of them. It may even be worth diving into a few upcycling craft ideas yourself if you’re the creative type!

However, you should always keep the mason jar that the lid belonged to, as it can be used for plants, drinks, and general storage. Just because it doesn’t have a lid anymore doesn’t mean you have to cast it out to retirement!

Conclusion 

As dangerous and damaged as rusty metal may seem, it’s not necessarily ‘the end’ for your mason jar lids. We have all grown up thinking that something rusty was something unsalvageable, but that is simply not the case! 

As you can see, it could not be easier to save with canning jar lids. You can save a fortune on canning jars, reduce your waste, and have sheer pride in knowing that you have saved something that could have been thrown away just by using some vinegar and a cloth! 

Remember that it is always easier to clean a smaller patch of rust than it is a bigger one. So, the quicker you get on getting rid of the patches, the better. In fact, as soon as you see even the slightest discoloration or change in feel on your lid, it’s time to break out the vinegar.

Originally posted 2022-09-24 10:52:37.

The post How To Remove Rust From Canning Jar Lids first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Do you find yourself using wet wipes regularly? Regardless of your needs, they can prove to be pretty helpful – but not, unfortunately, to our environment. It’s a solid reason why more people are looking for sustainable alternatives to wet wipes.

For convenience and to help do your bit for the environment, it makes sense to swap out.

In this guide, I’ve lined up nine of the best sustainable alternatives to wet wipes available to buy in the US right now. These are kinder on the planet – and are just as kind on your skin. What’s more, your bank account is unlikely to complain, too!

What’s the deal with wet wipes, anyway?

Wet wipe usage has never been more rife. The purchase of wet wipes drastically increased during the course of the pandemic, which in turn led to a drastic increase in their disposal. 

Many wet wipes – on average – contain material that simply won’t degrade for centuries – and which produce carbon during their manufacture and use.

Sadly, many of us ignore just how important it is to dispose of your wet wipes responsibly, which has led millions upon millions of wet wipes to be flushed down toilets, thrown out with general refuse, and so on.

This leads to blocked sewers and more microplastics in the waters and ground than ever – as you can imagine, the planet simply can’t cope with this pressure.

So, what can we all do to help? Of course, the most obvious solution would be to just stop using wet wipes altogether. However, as you most likely know, that is not necessarily a sustainable option – at least for when it comes to our daily routines and convenience. 

Most of us use wet wipes on a daily basis, be it for cleaning, to take on trips, picnics, and of course, to help clean up babies during nappy changing. They are incredibly useful, hypoallergenic, and affordable.

They are also incredibly easy to find in most stores, pharmacies, and of course, online. These are all great benefits – but for the most part, the widely-available wet wipes you see in the tissue aisle aren’t going to be biodegradable.

That means they are likely to persist in the environment for decades to come – if not more. If you’re already cutting back on plastic bottles, why wouldn’t you cut back on wet wipes, too?

Rather than give up using wet wipes altogether, there is an easier way to keep you, your family and the environment happy. The best wet wipes should be made of all-natural ingredients, be fully biodegradable, and ideally, compostable. 

Of course, in order for them to be perfectly safe for you to use daily, they should also be hypoallergenic and for parents, safe to use on newborn babies. 

Thankfully, there are more and more eco-friendly wet wipe brands emerging – and I’m going to take a look at the best online right now.

The 9 best sustainable wet wipes you can buy right now

When looking for sustainable wet wipes, you should of course search for brands you know and love. However, be willing to read between the lines!

Not all leading makes and brands will provide 100% natural wipes – meaning you’re going to need to search for products that are free from parabens, alcohol and sulfates.

It’s also a good idea to buy wipes (and other products) that are certified as cruelty-free, too. That way, you’re being kind to as much of the planet as possible.

Moving on, here are my picks for the nine best sustainable wet wipes available for purchase through Amazon, with some also available on store shelves. Be sure to read verified customer reviews, too – don’t just take my word for it!

Jackson Reece Kinder by Nature Plant-Based Wipes 

Price: Varies

Link: Amazon  

If you’re already well-read on companies that focus on sustainability, you may have heard of Jackson Reece – they were actually the first company to produce fully biodegradable wet wipes! Therefore, as you can expect, this brand has a lot to live up to.

These particular wipes are completely plastic-free, are zero-chlorine, and have been made with naturally derived plant ingredients. They are hypoallergenic and vegan friendly, too. They also smell fantastic thanks to extracts of chamomile and aloe vera!

These wipes are pH balanced and aren’t tested on animals – making them a superb choice for anyone keen to protect the world around us.

Pros: Compostable, not tested on animals, aloe vera formula

Cons: Difficult to remove one wipe at a time, may be a little drier than others

Eco by Naty Unscented Baby Wipes

Price: $8.22 for 168 wipes

Link: Amazon

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, these baby wipes are fully certified as being organic in manufacture, and best of all, they are also completely compostable. You’ll also find that these wipes are free of any unnecessary chemicals, making them the ideal choice for any children or adults with skin complaints.

These wipes are made with plant fibers and water, and are independently certified. Eco by Naty is one of the longest-standing environmentally-focused brands in Europe, and their products are some of the most popular Earth-friendly solutions you’ll find in US stores, too. 

These wipes are some of the best-loved among parents and adults with sensitive skin alike – and there’s less guilt when you throw them away, too!

Pros: 100% compostable, very affordable, certified as completely natural

Cons: May clump together when you remove them from a packet

The Honest Company Wipes

Price: $35 for 576 wipes

Link: Amazon

The Honest Company is a go-to source for all kinds of beauty and healthcare products, and their stylish ranges of wet wipes are right up there with some of their most popular picks. In fact, you can buy these wipes in one of four different looks / styles!

The Honest Company has a strong commitment to providing eco-friendly wipes – these wipes in particular are made entirely from plant-based sources, with more than 99% water going into their manufacture. They’re also completely free from alcohol, chlorine or any other hidden nasties.

As an extra bonus, these wipes are never tested on animals, and are both verified and approved to the standards they propose.

Pros: Made entirely from plant source, over 99% water, no chemicals

Cons: Fairly expensive, no indication of composting in the marketing

Goodwipes Flushable & Biodegradable Wipes

Price: $17.49 for 180 wipes

Link: Amazon

Goodwipes’ natural wet wipe range takes things back to basics in a refreshing way. Available in either shea coco or rosewater scents, you can buy these sustainable alternatives in sets of three – great for keeping in your bathroom as well as on the go if your little ones need help while out and about.

These wipes are hypoallergenic, too, providing a balanced pH and a formula that’s free from the nastiest chemicals you’d find in average wet wipes on the market elsewhere. These wipes are also packed full of aloe, lavender, vitamin E, and chamomile – making them the perfect choice for sensitive skin, as well as for wiping baby.

Goodwipes are manufactured as biodegradable, which means they are not only kinder to the planet at landfill, but also when you flush via sewer or septic tank. No matter where you may be, you can set aside that eco-guilt.

Pros: Biodegradable, simple packaging, free from nasty chemicals

Cons: Quite expensive for the number of wipes you get

WaterWipes Biodegradable Original Baby Wipes

Price: Varies

Link: Amazon

WaterWipes is perhaps one of the most recognizable wet wipes brands online right now, and thankfully, they’ve gone the extra mile to produce wipes that won’t harm the environment. In fact, these wipes are manufactured and marketed as ‘the world’s purest baby wipes’. With a 99.9% water content, these certainly seem to be fairly unbeatable on promise.

Buying via Amazon, you can easily purchase packs of 60 in increments of three – meaning if you need to stock up in bulk, you can. These discrete wipes are free from scents and some of the nastiest chemicals out there, as well as unnecessary alcohol and plastics.

These wipes also seem to be some of the most popular online – and I’m with the verified buyers here, they wipe great and really lower some of that eco-guilt.

Pros: Easy to buy in bulk, known brand, highest water content online

Cons: None to really speak of!

Pipette Baby Wipes 

Price: Varies

Link: Amazon 

Pipette goes for the less-is-more marketing approach and offers packs of 72 baby wipes available for you to purchase in bulk via Amazon. These baby wipes are free from parabens, BPAs, fragrances and sulfates.

The best news, of course, is that they are made with 100% fiber from plant-derived sources, making for a guilt-free purchase. These wipes are also super-soft and kind on skin, and are manufactured cruelty-free.

Pipette is particularly meticulous when it comes to its testing and its market standards, meaning this is a brand you can trust – right down to the packaging.

Pros: Completely plant-derived, highly sensitive, available in bulk

Cons: None to really speak of

Mum & You Wipes 

Price: $34 for 12 packs of 56 wipes 

Link: Amazon 

Mum & You’s popular wipes are completely biodegradable and are made of more than 99% water – as well as plant-based materials. They are cruelty-free, vegan, and use fibers from sustainable forestry, too. They are scentless, hypoallergenic, and come in completely recyclable packaging. Great news all-around!

If you’re a parent, it’s worth noting that this company also makes eco-friendly nappies! Therefore, it makes serious sense to stock up on sustainable resources for all your baby cleaning needs if you can. This is a brand that gets quite a lot of love online, and if you’re willing to pay a little extra, it’s certainly worth saving the planet for.

Pros: Biodegradable, hypoallergenic, recyclable packaging 

Cons: Packaging may not be the easiest to use 

Eco Boom Baby Wipes

Price: $30 for 540 wipes

Link: Amazon

Free from fragrance and just as moist as the ‘real thing’, Eco Boom’s baby wipes do well online with parents looking for sensitive solutions for their little ones. Thankfully, these wipes are also made from non-woven bamboo to ensure complete sustainability – they are also made with 99.5% water, meaning there’s no hidden chemical nasties keeping them moist.

Bamboo wipes such as these are great for the environment as they use trees that grow back extremely quickly. Eco Boom’s wipes are also designed with a multi-filtration system in place – which to you and me basically means they work harder than most at helping you clean up.

Pros: Made from bamboo, easy to clean with, free from fragrance

Cons: Can be expensive, may not be biodegradable

Cheeky Panda Biodegradable Bamboo Baby Wipes

Price: Varies

Link: Amazon

Soft on skin and easy on the bank balance, Cheeky Panda’s 100% biodegradable wipes offer you the best of all worlds. They’re made from bamboo, which – again – is amazingly sustainable compared to the mainstream materials used for wet wipes. Great for babies, 99% of these wipes are made from water, with the remaining 1% being aloe vera and fruit juice. 

There’s even a little bit of antibacterial protection to these wipes, too – thanks to the minor amount of food preservative in the manufacture. Rest easy that you can throw these wipes away and not do any harm to the environment nor your baby’s skin.

Pros: Completely biodegradable, made from bamboo, kind on skin

Cons: None to add!

Are wet wipes bad for the environment?

On the whole, yes – as mentioned earlier in this guide, wet wipes – while being massively convenient for day to day use – are always likely to harm the natural world, no matter what we do with them. 

Crucially, many of us may not even realize just what effect traditional wet wipes can have on our environment – so let’s take a look at some of the more concerning issues at stake.

They’re clogging our sewers

Wet wipes are notorious for contributing to the biggest issue that we have in sewers today. You will likely have come across signs in public toilets asking you to not flush your wet wipes, and there is a good reason for it! 

Even when they appear to be flushable – and even if a packet tells you they are ‘toilet wipes’ – they’re not fit for toilet disposal. That’s simply because they don’t dissolve or break down in water.

Therefore, when they are flushed away, they simply clog up the waterways. These clogs have to be dealt with frequently further down the line – create monstrous mounts of rubbish known as fatbergs. 

This, as you can well imagine, can lead to some serious blockages. It’s messy work to get them unclogged – and given that they are not biodegradable in the main, they’re going to stick around for a long time to come.

They’re adding to the plastic problem

Most wet wipes also contain a lot of plastic – even if they don’t appear to! This makes their arrival in our waterways, then rivers, then oceans, that much bigger of a problem. Microplastics make their way into the water that we drink, and the food that we eat, not to mention causing severe harm to innocent animals and their habitats. 

They can’t be recycled

Not that you’d ever want to reuse a dirty wet wipe – but sadly, the majority of wipes you’ll find in the supermarket and online simply aren’t recyclable. Therefore, you don’t really have much of a choice – any traditional wipes you throw away will have to go to the landfill.

Why it’s worth investing in biodegradable wet wipes

If you really want to continue using wet wipes – but don’t want to continue causing harm to the planet where you can help it – then it’s time to look for sustainable, biodegradable and compostable alternatives. Thankfully, there’s a lot of choice out there – as you can see from our list!

By definition, biodegradable wet wipes will eventually break down. They will therefore cause less damage than other wipes on the market. That being said, eventually, all wet wipes will break down, so you have to be careful with what you buy! 

It is best to check the ingredients on your sustainable wet wipes packages to ensure that they are made of high quality, natural, truly biodegradable ingredients. The point of these being natural, too, is that when they do decompose, their ingredients will not cause serious damage to the world around us.

What are compostable wet wipes?

While it’s easy to assume that compostable and biodegradable wet wipes do the same thing, there is actually a distinction! A compostable wet wipe will quickly degrade in your compost pile, or a local system (providing you have permission to throw them away there!).

Compostable wet wipes break down quicker than the average thanks to their ingredients. They contain no harmful chemicals or added solutions that would otherwise be impossible to grow in. Compostable wet wipes are great for growing new plants from – meaning you can rest assured that they will break down quickly and cleanly.

In fact, even though nearly any kind of wet wipe can be deemed biodegradable, wet wipes can only be noted compostable if they do in fact compost within 180 days (so, around six months). Obviously, compared to the hundreds of years that it can take for certain other wet wipes to decompose, this is a fraction of the time they could sit idle for!

Can I flush biodegradable wet wipes?

No – regardless of whether or not you use sustainable wet wipes or traditional options, they will all clog up the waterways if you dare to flush them. Therefore, it’s simply not a good idea to cast them into the toilet at all.

Biodegradable and compostable wet wipes will simply degrade better in landfill compared to the average – and what’s more, they don’t contain nasty ingredients (in the main).

Therefore, when flushing, always make sure to use traditional toilet paper or tissue. Blockages can occur regularly both with traditional sewerage systems and with septic tanks, so just because you have waste disposal on-site doesn’t mean you can get away with giving your wet wipes a bath.

Are sustainable wet wipes worth the cost?

Wet wipes are ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Whether you’re a parent or not, it’s handy to just be able to clean up at short notice. During the pandemic, too, wipes have been proven useful to have to hand when it comes to cleaning up on the go. However, they can do serious damage to the world around us.

Yes – sustainable wet wipes will often cost more than the average, simply because it can cost more to manufacture them. However, as you can see from the list above, this never means you have to break the bank.

Cheeky Panda’s biodegradable wipes, for example, are brilliantly affordable and will break down in landfill far quicker than you’d expect the average toilet wipes elsewhere to manage.

What’s more, this is a quick and convenient change that many of us can make with very little hassle. It may take some trial and error to find a brand that you adapt to over time, however, the guilt of sending the same old wet wipes to landfill is out of the picture.

Therefore, if you are looking for new ways to do your part for the planet – and don’t want to invest too much money in the bargain – start swapping your wet wipes for more sustainable alternatives. It really isn’t hard!

Originally posted 2022-09-12 10:44:28.

The post 9 Of The Best Sustainable Wet Wipes (And Why To Use Them) first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.

Subscription boxes are more than just a fad! They are here to stay following the lockdowns of 2020, having made it easier for those of us at home to access all kinds of treats and daily perks.

However, quite rightly, there have been a few concerns regarding just how sustainable some boxes actually are. That’s why I’ve gone to the effort of sorting through the best sustainable subscription boxes available for you to get delivered right to your door, month after month.

These subscription boxes not only give you something nice to eat, something to help bolster your beauty regime, something new to explore – they all help us look after the planet.

In fact, many of them revolve around making simple, everyday swaps. It’s shocking to see how much money and carbon we actually waste through simple everyday activities. Therefore, a top eco-friendly subscription box or two might just start to change things around for you.

9 of the Best Eco-Friendly Subscription Boxes

I’ve gone to the effort of finding the best sustainable subscription boxes which give you everyday perks and the chance to upgrade your current lifestyle into something a little eco-friendlier. All of the following boxes and deals are well-rated by regular subscribers, and all strive to give something back to the planet. Let’s take a look at my top picks.

PublicGoods

Price: $59.00 per year (starting price)

Focus: Household / Personal Care

PublicGoods offers a fantastic subscription service at a low yearly rate, providing household members with stacks of household items and supplements that you can use to help transform your life in a waste-free way.

Their regular products use minimal packaging and are hand-picked to reduce the amount you throw away – and even your pets benefit, too!

With this subscription box, you can also top up on vitamins and minerals – and if you’re into CBD oil, there’s often a product or two heading your way in your box, too. Fine-tune what you want and pay minimal costs on the US mainland!

SimplyEarth

Price: $39 per month

Focus: Essential Oils

Essential oils have all kinds of wonderful benefits – but so many of us end up paying out hundreds for them each year! Thankfully, SimplyEarth presents completely natural options in a monthly box – and you’ll get the chance to make your own concoctions with guides provided. 

This fantastic essential oils package gives you the chance to explore a few new oils and scents you may have been meaning to try out – and what’s more, you get monthly food for thought with recipes and a handful of extra ingredients along the way. It’s impressively priced, too!

Rael

Price: $4+

Focus: Menstrual Health

Taking care of menstrual health shouldn’t mean playing into the hands of wasteful products and unnecessary chemicals. Rael presents a tailored subscription service that lets you add and remove skincare and period care products as you wish from month to month.

Their calming, affordable and non-toxic products are growing ever popular in a world where menstrual products are still priced at premium rates, and derived from non-friendly resources.

Rael provides products that are kind to you and the environment – helping to soothe and refresh from month to month, whenever you need them.

Daily Harvest

Price: Varies (Customizable)

Focus: Food

Moving onto meals, Daily Harvest focuses on providing a series of ingredients to your door that are fresh, tasty, and derived from organic, sustainable sources. The provider works closely with farmers who are en route to going ‘fully organic’ – helping them to continue business while on the way to full USDA certification.

Choose smoothies, soups and more – and at the same time, you’ll receive eco-friendly packaging, meaning there’s simply no guilt on the table, no matter the meal.

The Sill

Price: Varies

Focus: Home / Plants

If you’re keen to add a little bit of natural greenery to your home but are unsure where to start, why not subscribe to some monthly plants? The Sill offers exciting new specimens to members every month, even with planters included – meaning you really will have your own indoor garden ready to go. 

The Sill is one of my favorite sustainable subscription services largely because there’s not much like it out there online! Even once you’ve got your new plants up and watered, you can refer to their fantastic website, full of guides to help you make the most of your new friends.

At the time of writing, their subscription service is paused – but you can join a waiting list to learn more.

CleanCult

Price: $34.99+

Focus: Cleaning / Household

If you’re struggling to find effective cleaning products that are both sustainable and cruelty-free, CleanCult aims to cover all bases for you. There’s a variety of different subscription levels available, meaning you can top up on everything you need throughout the home, or just a handful of soaps and sprays.

Contents and packaging alike are developed with the environment in mind – and you can even top up with sustainable dryer balls and bar soap if you wish.

Great news if you’re keen to clean, but are struggling to get lasting results from other eco-friendly options out there.

GreenUp

Price: $49.95+

Focus: Cleaning / Household / Beauty

GreenUp offers sustainable subscription boxes that provide you with ample opportunities to ‘swap out’ your everyday items. For example, if you’d like to stop using the same old garbage bags – and prefer trying something a little kinder on the environment, your GreenUp subscription box has everything ready to go for you. 

Get your hands on seasonal swaps to suit the time of year – shampoo, toothbrushes, and more – helping you to keep your household running without the need to depend heavily on the environment around you.

TheVeganKind

Price: $10

Focus: Food / Health and Beauty

TheVeganKind is absolutely one of the biggest brands offering sustainable subscription boxes right now, at knock-down prices and working with some of the most popular names in vegan supplies. While UK-based, they willingly ship to the US.

They offer a food/snack box that provides popular goodies such as Hippeas, Miiro vegan chocolate and more. They provide a health and beauty pack, too, meaning you can choose multiple boxes from the service if you like!

You can set up monthly deliveries or can pay for just a single trial – and you can always cancel without contract.

Authentic House

Price: $19+

Focus: Household / Health and Beauty

As the name suggests, this subscription box focuses on household swaps, offering sub services as well as gift box packages should you know someone who wants to join you on your journey towards sustainability. 

From $19 per month, you’ll receive a lovely package full of laundry, cleaning, hair and beauty products, all of which are completely sustainable and which do away with that nasty plastic.

Authentic House will also plant a tree for every box they sell, adding an extra perk to your purchase.

A quick note – this is a UK-based service, meaning you will need to pay for international shipping.

Do You Have a Favorite?

Do you have a favorite of all the eco-friendly subscription boxes that I’ve not listed here? Be sure to reach out and let us know about your experience!

Originally posted 2022-08-16 11:11:27.

The post Best Sustainable Subscription Boxes 2023 first appeared on Becoming Homegrown.