10 Things You Should Make Yourself Instead of Buying (Your Wallet and Health Will Thank You!)

Being part of the do-it-yourself movement is a fantastically empowering thing. Not only do you save a lot of money by making your own stuff, but also you protect yourself from toxins big industry likes to stuff into the things we buy. And, my personal favorite is the new sense of ability — the I-can-do-this factor — of making your own anything. It’s completely contagious.

Don’t for a second think it’s too time-consuming or difficult! Most of the following DIY projects involve less than five ingredients, many of which are commonplace. They take little time and effort but rather just a change of habit. They often work better, have less negative environmental impact and are healthier alternatives to the status quo.

Here’s the even better part, while this article promises a mere ten things, by following the provided links below, you actually get access to twenty-plus things you can (and should) easily make yourself instead of buy.

Cleaning Products

From window washing to drain unclogging, it is easy to make your own green cleaning products. You can still disinfect. You can still smell the lemon-y fragrance you’re accustomed to. But, you’ll be saving lots of cash and providing a healthier environment for yourself and those around you. Learn How to Tackle 10 Home Cleaning Tasks With Just 5 Green Ingredients.

Hygiene Products

None of us like to have smelly pits, rotten teeth or oily hair, but that doesn’t mean we have to use evil industry products that test on animals, use secretly dangerous chemicals (fluoride!) or commercial monopolies. Make your own hygiene products with only a few ingredients. Make your own After-Shave Cream or Whipped Body Butter.

Spaghetti Sauce

Forget buying those pricey jars of spaghetti sauce. In the end, they take just as long to heat up, are full of additives and lack the kick of fresh veggies and herbs. Do it raw. Throw fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, peppers and a little olive oil in the blender. Simple and healthy! Try this Fresh Marinara Sauce and this Vegan Vodka Cream Sauce.

Seasoning/Spices

Who doesn’t like the convenience of one shaker cooking? That’s why we buy those seasoning and spice mixes. Unfortunately, they often have ingredients that are neither seasonings nor spices. So, make your own. Once you get a good pantry, it’s just measuring and combining. Try making your own seasoning mixes instead and try some DIY fajita seasoning.

Coffee

There is nothing wrong with a tasty coffee at a café, but to only drink coffee from cafes is absurd. First of all, you are spending way too much money and possibly making waste with take-out cups. Secondly, when you make your own coffee, you can be sure to go the fair trade, organic route. Even if fair trade, organic is more expensive than Folgers, it’s still exponentially cheaper than a coffee shop.

Compost/Mulch

For sure, all gardeners should compost all organic materials. It is a big deal because it provides you with the good soil for free and it decreases the amount of waste you send to the landfill. As for mulching, just use what’s in the yard: grass clippings, leaves and twigs. There’s no need to buy something wrapped in a plastic bag and labeled mulch.

Insect Repellant

Mosquitoes are a rough one. It’s tough to handle to the bites and annoying to live with itching. Not to mention thus buggers are far too insistent on buzzing in and around the ear area. But, DEET can’t be the answer. Try a little natural mixture and avoid the poisons. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreens are not only toxic to you, but they also pollute the lakes, rivers and seas we swim in. So, it’s better to find something natural. There are natural, vegan sunscreens out there, but why not save some funds and do it yourself: Make your own 15 SPF sesame sunscreen instead.

Toys

Ambitious readers might go in for making their own wooden cars, blocks and so on for their children, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. You know how we all wish children didn’t need cheap plastic toys and video games all the time? Well, they don’t. Remember playdough, finger-painting, bubbles, hula-hoops and crayons? They are all easy to make yourself.

Salsa

Fresh salsa taste way better than the jarred versions. Plus, they don’t have all that sodium, don’t have all the chemicals and are ridiculously easy to make. It’s tomatoes, spicy peppers and onions in a blender. Get fancy and add some roasted garlic or cilantro or whatever. But, why not make on the spot? You could even make your own black bean and corn chips to dip.

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