Eco Friendly Christmas Trees

christmas tree

There an interesting tradition in my family when it comes to finding a Christmas tree. We simply go to the backyard. I grew up on a Christmas tree farm in fact, planting and selling Douglas Firs and Scotch Pines, even Norway Spruce. Trees are a tradition coming from Germany and originally decorated with candles as well as a wealth of traditional edible nuts and berries.

 

Its origins indicate an older tradition springing from the Anglo-Germanic use of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, a symbol of life and spirit. Modern Christmas tree retains the decorative and hopeful spirit of its predecessor, but with the concern centered around today’s environment and the cutting of trees as well as the use of artificial trees, there are a number of question about how to celebrate an environmental Christmas, including the tree.
Some people opt for an artificial tree instead of cutting one down, but in reality, while real trees produce clean oxygen during growth, artificial trees are made with non-renewable plastics and require a manufacturing process that leaves excess environmental waste and pollution. Disposal is also hard since rarely can artificial trees be recycled, and they certainly cannot be mulched.
However, real trees can be recycled by using a wood chipper, making great ground cover and mulch for other outdoor plants. Pine chips are also great for naturally keeping that fresh-tree scent around your home even longer. You can also search for an organic Christmas tree farms for extra support of green.
If you’re not comfortable with cutting down a tree, balled ‘n baled trees are another way to save the tree you use. Balled trees include a burlap sack that holds the tree’s roots. By using a large tub, you can keep the tree in your home for the holidays and then plant the tree after the festivities are over. Balled trees can be a great family tradition when it comes time for planting and pines make great property screens, are always green, and last through all sorts of weather.
When it comes to decorating your tree you can also take a hint from the German tradition and use organic foodstuffs such as traditional popcorn, nuts, and berries. Paper ornaments and snowflakes are also a good option, and many times already a tradition. If you really want that sparkle though, some companies make recycled decorations that keep the tree bright.
But lighting might be the biggest part of the tree, and the most costly. Constantly keeping your tree lit uses up unnecessary energy and can raise your winter energy costs even more. Try avoiding electronic ornaments and if you still want the lights, try only lighting the tree on special occasions. Using a plug attached to a switch is an easy way to turn the tree off quickly, making energy-saving easier.
There are plenty of ways to keep the tree extra green this year. If you have any extra tips, please feel free to share! And have a very merry, and very green Christmas.

Take These Homemade Lip Balm Recipes For a Spin

Looking for a new project to do or
just simply want to make your own eco-friendly lip balm? Homemade lip
balm is a lot easier than one may think. To make these lip balms
(thanks to lemelange.com) recipes truly eco-friendly simply replace
the oils, such as almond oil with organic almond oil. Have fun
everyone!

Recipes For Making Lip Balm:

40% of your recipe should be any
cosmetic grade oil that is liquid at room temperature (sweet almond,
apricot kernel, avocado, grapeseed, hemp seed, macadamia, olive,
sunflower, etc.)

25% of your recipe should be any
cosmetic grade oil that is solid at room temperature (coconut,
lanolin, palm, mango butter, shea butter, etc.)

20% of your recipe should be cosmetic
grade Beeswax (white or yellow, pellets or solid blocks)

15% of your recipe should be any
cosmetic grade oil that is brittle at room temperature (cocoa butter,
palm kernel, etc.)

The above measurements are “weights”,
so you can calculate your own recipe in ounces, grams, or pounds.

Directions:

melt all carrier oils, honey, beeswax
and butters over low heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then
add the flavored oils, essential oils, vitamin E, etc. Stir until all
ingredients are blended well and pour into containers. The easiest
way to do this, is to purchase those inexpensive “pointy”
paper drink cups (like the kind on the side of a water cooler). Cut
off the point and use it as a funnel. Then you can just toss them out
when you’re finished!

You may have to “play around”
with these recipes by adding a tiny bit more or less of the beeswax
pellets. As with any of these recipes, if it comes out too soft, add
a few more beeswax pellets; if it’s too hard, add a little more
almond oil (or other oil). They’re really hard to mess up, so enjoy
yourself and have fun.

LIP BALM RECIPE #1:

2 Teaspoons Olive Oil

1/2 Teaspoon Grated Beeswax or Beeswax
Pellets

1/2 Teaspoon Shea Butter or Cocoa
Butter

Sweeten to taste, if necessary

Any Flavored Oil To Taste

1 Vitamin E Capsule (as a preservative)
(optional)

LIP BALM RECIPE #2:

3 oz. Almond Oil

Sweeten to taste, if necessary

1/2 oz. Beeswax or Beeswax Pellets

1 Vitamin E Capsule (as a preservative)

1-4 Drops Essential Oil (peppermint or
tea tree or sweet orange, etc.)

LIP BALM RECIPE #3:

2 Teaspoons Grated Beeswax or Beeswax
Pellets

3 – 6 Drops Flavored Oil

1 Teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba
Oil or mix 1/2 and 1/2

1 1/2 Teaspoon Cocoa Butter

1 Vitamin E Capsule (as a preservative)

LIP BALM RECIPE #4:

This one is positively excellent for
dry, cracked lips – even helps heal cold sores (it’s the emu oil….)

1 oz. Emu Oil

1 oz. Almond Oil

1 oz. Avocado Oil

1/2 oz. Shaved Beeswax or Beeswax
Pellets

6 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

2 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

3 Drops Lime Essential Oil

 

 

 

 

Top 7 Ways To Make Your Car More Eco Friendly

1. Replace Air Filter Regularly

Replacing
a clogged air filter in your car can improve your car’s gas mileage
by as much as 10%. What the air filter in your car does is it keeps
impurities from damaging the inside of your car’s engine. So, what
does this mean? It means that by replacing your air filter when it
needs to be changed will help cut down on the use of gas it needs by
up to 10% as well as helping to protect the engine in your car.

2. Use the Correct Motor Oil Grade

Using
the correct grade of motor oil in your car can increase efficiency by
up to 2%. If you user the incorrect grade of motor oil that should be
used in your specific type of car then it can actually lower your gas
mileage up to 2%. A good tip is to look for motor oil that says
“Energy Conserving” on the bottle, though this isn’t very easy to
find, so best of luck to you.

3. Keeping Your Tires Properly
Inflated

By
keeping your tires properly inflated with the proper amount of
pressure for your tires you can improve gas mileage up to 3%, which
means less gas is consumed. Properly inflated tires do not only
improve gas mileage up to 3% but also are much safer and last longer.

4. Wash Your Car the Eco Way

When
washing your car there is a way to go eco-friendly believe it or not.
You can make your own biodegradable car washing soap by mixing
together 1 cup of eco-friendly liquid dish soap, ¾ cup
eco-friendly powder laundry detergent, and 3 gallons of water. Use
this eco-friendly soap combination to wash your car.

5. Natural Car Air Freshener

This
wonderful project is by Elizabeth Seward:

“First you need some old fabric.
Think about the clothes you no longer wear and towels and blankets
you no longer use. If you’re not inclined to sewing, you can simply
cut out the shape you want from the fabric. Cut out two of whatever
shape you choose. Glue these shapes down to some cardboard (think
cardboard from old shoe boxes, cereal boxes, etc.). You should make
the cardboard the same shape and size as the fabric pieces. After
this is done, you can decorate how you wish. Add sequin, other layers
of fabric, paint, etc. When you’re totally completed, soak the fabric
with your favorite essential oil to your liking. These oils are
incredibly strong, so be cautious at first. The beautiful thing? When
the scent starts to run out, all you have to do is drop some more oil
onto the fabric.”

6. Avoid Excess Idling

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon
of gas. Over 30 seconds of idling in your car can use a lot more gas
than restarting the engine in your car. Try not to idle as often as
possible so that you reduce the use of fuel.

7. Observe Speed Limits

By observing the speed limit you
can increase your gas mileage up to 23% depending on how fast you
drive now. Not only does it help to conserve gas but it is also much
safer to drive the speed limit rather than to go over the speed
limit. Over 42,000 people die every year due to traffic crashes in
our nation. That doesn’t include those who were just injured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 –
33.

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Eco Friendly

environment-green-leaf-image

1. Change How You Light Things Up

Believe
it or not those little light bulbs that you are using consume a lot
of energy, so why not replace the light bulbs that consume a lot
less energy? Replacing regular light bulbs with CFL (Compact
Fluorescent Light) Bulbs you can make a huge difference. What kind of
a difference you ask? Look at these wattage stats of CFL bulbs
compared to regular bulbs and then you tell me:

Regular Bulb / CFL Bulb

60w /
13w-15w
75w / 20w
100w / 26w-29w
150w / 38w-42w

2. Reduce the Waste of Water

The
kitchen is one of the top rooms in a home where water is wasted. We
need to try and reduce this dramatically in today’s world. As
supplies of water drop due to rainfall patterns changing this have
become quite important. One of the easiest ways to reduce the waste
of water is by doing something as simple as not leaving the water
running when it isn’t in use. A lot of people tend to turn the water
on a lot higher than they need to as well. Simply reducing the
pressure of the water can sometimes help as well. Ever heard the
phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”? Try using your leftover water
from boiling rice, noodles, etc. to water the garden.

3. Buy Local Produce

Buying
local produce is a great way of making your kitchen more
eco-friendly. By bringing local produce into your kitchen you are
helping out the environment more than you will ever know. A lot of
the produce in the United States is shipped around an average of
1,500 miles or so before they are even sold. What makes that bad is
the fact that it takes so much fuel to make those trips. If you are
unable to visit your own local farmers market why not try growing
your own vegetable garden? Not only is it great for the environment
but growing your own vegetable garden can also be quite rewarding
knowing you grew your own vegetables.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
All the Way

Instead
of using chemical filled cleaning products in the kitchen use
eco-friendly cleaning products. Two well-known brands, Palmolive and
Clorox put out a great line of eco-friendly cleaning products. I
have used items from both lines and love them. Not only do they clean
quite well but they also smell good too.

5. Turn to Energy Efficient
Appliances

Choose
Energy Star appliances. Some appliances can be quite hefty when it
comes to the price so be sure to shop around and choose smartly.
Energy Star appliances are typically anywhere from 10% – 20% more
energy efficient than regular kitchen appliances.

Top 10 Eco Friendly Countries

Based on Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2008, which measures factors such as a country’s environmental health, air pollution, water resources and productive natural resources, ten countries have once again made it to the top of the charts as the most eco-friendly nations in the world.

  • 1. Switzerland:
    Thanks in major part to Switzerland’s tough legislation regarding pollution, they made it to number one on the world’s most eco-friendly nations. Their long-term plans target cooperation between organizations and individuals.Individual awareness is also a factor, since Switzerland charges for their water and waste management services as well as establishing a sever environmental taxes, promoting personal responsibility. Prevention is a third key tenet, shown by the 2006 development of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), meant to sustain natural resources and develop safety measures for natural hazards.

2. Norway:
Norway earns a high spot for being first home to the world’s largest solar production plant, owned by REC Group. They have also taken emissions seriously, now planning on becoming carbon neutral by 2030, not 2050 as originally expected, in major part by funding green projects abroad and reducing at home driving and flying.

  • 3. Sweden: Sweden’s mandate for a country free of fossil fuels by 2020 puts it in third. A majority of the country’s power is either nuclear or hydroelectric already. Solutions for automobile and flight transport include ethanol and animal waste conversion.Furthermore, the power of waves is in the process of being harnessed as well. Thanks to development at the University of Uppsala, Sweden is developing “wave power” which converts waves into 4x as much energy as solar power in the same amount of time, with no waste and no emissions.
  • 4. Finland: Finland is a country showing remarkable recovery from industrialization with its initiative to clean up water and air quality in industrial areas as well as land preservation. What’s more is that Finland’s forests are now growing at a greater rate than they are being deforested, showing an environmental gain even with the annual timber harvest.Finland can also be attributed with starting the United Nation’s Environmental Programme (UNEP) Task Force for Sustainable Building and Construction, which looks not only at the sustainability of the building, but of the resources and process used to construct it.
  • 5. Costa Rica:
    While there is a strong correlation between a country’s economic wealth and their environmental stewardship, Costa Rica still scores a five on the EPI scale. With 5% of the world’s biodiversity contained in one country, Costa Rica has always been on the forefront of environmental conservation. In fact, a full quarter of the nation is devoted to park preservation. But other developments such as the used on hydroelectric power in 80% of the country and the 5% gas tax which funds environmental programs put Costa Rica in fifth.
  • 6. Austria: Austria’s environmental conservation measures are enforced by all levels of government, from federal to municipal authorities. Waste disposal especially is a highly regulated department encompassing everything from individual waste to cooperate chemical, air and agricultural pesticide pollution.Water quality and forest preservation, however, is the highest priority. The quality level for Austria’s lakes and rivers is some of the highest in the world. The development of Austria’s National Protective Forest Plan has also helped in keeping the nations natural beauty pristine.
  • 7. New Zealand: This nation’s relatively small population in relation to land mass has helped preserve this nation’s natural resources. While automotive emissions do prove a real threat, as well as industrial pollutants, New Zealand is working hard to develop restrictive legislation and alternative energy sources.The nation was also host to the 2008 World Environment Day, as well as developing the Environmental Risk Management Authority, which regulates the introduction of non-native species and environmental components to determine their threat to New Zealand’s pristine atmosphere.
  • 8. Latvia: Latvia’s relatively small size is no indicator of their pride in their natural resources. By monitoring and reducing water pollution, their salmon and freshwater bodies are all in the range of “good.” Lativia has also begun dismantling unnecessary and pollutive farms to reduce fertilizer and insecticide chemicals and allow room for the return of natural forests.In fact, since 1990 Lativa has decreased stationary pollution by 46% and wastewater by 44%, devoting a major portion of environmental funds to water treatment and energy conservation techniques.
  • 9. Colombia: Beating Costa Rica, Colombia is home to 10% of the world’s species, with a wealth of ecological diversity. While Colombia has had problems in the past concerning deforestation, the detrimental effects of the coca trade, and political strife involving their natural oil deposits, all these factors have helped to move Colombia towards energy conservation and new, less politically tumultuous resources.Colombia has also begun programs for the cultivation of natural parks that support the growth of native medicinal plants. The Orito Igni-Ande Medicinal Flora Sanctuary is a 10,626 hectare preserve that may just show that Colombia is on the right track.
  • 10. France: The French government is very aware of the problem of climate change, and it is for this reason that France has made tenth of the list. Their strict environmental protection measures are incorporated into the national Constitution and reviewed every year with the eventual goal of 54 million tons of saved C02 by 2010, one of the few in the Kyoto agreement to cut such a large amount of emissions in so short a time.These laws are also comprehensive, covering every setup of production from supplier to producer to consumer, also helping to make them the number one producer of renewable energy sources in the EU, 78% of its energy being nuclear powered, which in turn has reduced nitrogen oxide and other hazardous emissions by 70%.
Perhaps these results will help the US in reducing both their enormous consumption of natural resources and in reliable initiatives to restore the environment.

 

 

Goodbye Styrofoam, Hello Clamshell

re-usable take-out containers
Styrofoam and paper boxes have always been a staple of my college dining hall. When exam rained down or the dining hall was a bit too crowded, to-go boxes have provided the best option. But unfortunately, they produce a large amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in the garbage can all across campus.

Luckily the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA) has started a new campaign to say goodbye to the Styrofoam and hello to reusable take-out containers.
Much like reusing other plastic food containers, made-for-reuse containers like the “Eco Clamshell” by G.E.T Enterprises help keep waste at a minimum. The Clamshell is a dishwasher safe, break-resistant food container ideal for college campuses such as my own, as well as corporate cafeterias or meetings. Surprisingly sturdy, the boxes are also stackable just like regular take-out trays, utilizing three separate sections and an attached lid.
The plastic is polypropylene, a recyclable plastic resin also used in packaging and various automobile components. While

There are a few inconveniences to the re-usable containers, such as the initial four dollar deposit in order to use a box. The system is set up so that an initial four-dollar purchase will allow you to use a container and bring it back at the next meal, clean or dirty. If it is clean it can be reused immediately. If it is dirty it can be exchanged for a clean container at no charge. At the end of the year, the container can also be returned for a complete four-dollar refund.

In addition to this, the dining hall no longer offers the option of any kind of cardboard to Styrofoam container, instead of forcing students who may otherwise decline the option due to minor inconveniences to either purchase a re-usable container or bring their own.

Other complaints center around the inconvenience of carrying the container constantly in case you might have to eat on the run. But it is a small inconvenience in comparison to the large portion of campus daily waste being reduced to zero.
For four dollars I have already gladly invested in my teal container, not only for the purpose of carrying food, but it’s a great way to store leftovers without the eventual disintegration of the cardboard container. On the whole, it’s well worth the money and the effort.

 

Homemade Deodorant To the Rescue!

So far we have seen how to make both eco-friendly toothpaste and mouthwash, which are two obviously useful items. Another useful item that comes to mind when thinking about our “Hygiene Health Week”. Not only is deodorant a great item to learn to make but it is also something that we use every day, which makes it an extremely useful item. If you are interested in learning how to make your own deodorant please keep reading…

Follow the following recipes to learn how to make your own deodorant:

Basic Recipe

Ingredients:
2 tsp. zinc-oxide powder
2/3 cup witch-hazel extract
2 tbsp. aloe-vera juice
30-40 drops essential oil(s)

Directions:
In a small bowl, stir the zinc-oxide powder into the witch-hazel extract, and add the aloe-vera juice and essential oil(s). Fill an 8-oz. dark-glass spray bottle with the fluid.

For Daily Use

Ingredients:
Basic Recipe
30 drops rose-geranium essential oil

Directions:
The rose geranium oil is high in terpene alcohol, which inhibits the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria.

For Sensitive Skin

Ingredients:
Basic Recipe
30 drops calendula extract
10 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:
Calendula and lavender oils are mild yet potent fighters of bacteria and odor.

For Excessive Sweating

Ingredients:
Basic Recipe
30 drops sage essential oil

Directions:
Sage oil inhibits sweat-gland activity by as much as 50 percent. It also is antiseptic and astringent and gently constricts pore size.

These recipes are by Natural Beauty. Please visit their website for the full article on these recipes along with other ideas.

Herbal Stick Deodorant

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbspn beeswax (yellow is best)
1/2 tbspn cocoa butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
15 drops white thyme essential oil
15 drops rosemary essential oil
25 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops castor oil

Directions:
Melt beeswax in a glass jar standing in hot water, add the cocoa butter,
and when it has melted, add the oils. Stir to mix thoroughly, then pour
into a clean, discarded deodorant stick case and leave to cool and set

This herbal stick deodorant recipe is by Snow Drift Farms.

 

 

How To Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Mouthwash

So, we’ve already taken a look at making your own homemade eco-friendly toothpaste so we will have a look at homemade eco-friendly mouthwash now, which not only helps to fight bad breath but is also great for promoting really good mouth and gum health. There are many great mouthwash recipes out there, so I hope that the ones you find here work out great for you.

Follow the following recipes in order to learn how to make your own eco-friendly homemade mouthwash:

Homemade Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups distilled or mineral water
1 tsp fresh mint leaves
1tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp anise seeds

Directions:
Boil the water, add herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash. If you wish to make up a larger quantity, double or triple the recipe then add 1 tsp of tincture of myrrh as a natural preservative.

Homemade Spearmint Mouthwash

Ingredients:
6 ounces water
2 ounces vodka
4 teaspoons liquid glycerine
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil

Directions:
Boil water and vodka, add glycerine and aloe vera gel. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into bottle, cap tightly.

Baking Soda Mouthwash

Mix 2 ounces of Water, 1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda or Sea Salt, 1 drop of Pure Peppermint Oil, and 1 drop of Tea Tree oil. This Homemade mouthwash recipe leaves a great refreshing minty taste in your mouth and helps prevent bad breathe.

These recipes can be found at Ultimate-Cosmetics.


Minty Mouthwash

Ingredients:
16 floz/450ml water
1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Directions:
Boil the water in a small saucepan and then remove it from the heat. Add the remaining ingredients and leave them to infuse in the water for 5-10 minutes. Strain off the liquid and keep it tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe is by Make Your Own.

 

 

Homemade Baby Lotion

homemade lotion

As this week comes to an end it is time to wrap up our eco-friendly baby week. In the ending of this eco-friendly baby week we are going to close things off with eco-friendly baby lotion. The two homemade lotions, which you learn to make yourself, featured in this article are both good to soothe your baby’s irritated skin. Not to mention, of course, you will be able to find out where to purchase eco-friendly baby lotion online if you prefer to buy it rather than make it.

To start figuring out how to make your own homemade baby lotion please follow the following recipes:

The Honey Milk Baby Lotion
For a lotion that you can refrigerate and use for up to a week, you will need ½ cup of honey and ½ cup of cream or milk (with the former being a better option). Pour the honey into the milk in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the two are completely blended. Allow the mixture to stand for five minutes before placing in a glass jar with a lid and refrigerating. When completely cool, it will be ready to use!

The Lavender Baby Lotion
Mix 225g of petroleum jelly with nine teaspoons of olive oil, thirty drops of lavender oil and the same amount of chamomile. You do not have to heat this at all, but simply mix it in a bowl. You may want to use a fork to mix because it does take some blending but always needs mixing by hand to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Again, refrigerate for a few hours and then use on your child. It will keep for up to two weeks so be sure to store it properly in the fridge.

These recipes are by babies online. Please visit their website for the full article on baby lotions, and also for more information on babies, pregnancy, etc.

For those of you who wish to purchase eco-friendly baby lotion instead try Aura Cacia Calming Baby Lotion and All Natural Moisturizing Solid Lotion Bar. I’m sure that a lot of you will find that eco-friendly baby lotion is quite rewarding.

Wash Your Hands With Homemade Liquid Soap

So, we’ve figured out how to go about making homemade eco-friendly laundry detergent, but what about homemade eco-friendly liquid hand soap? Liquid hand soap is something that some people may or may not take into consideration when it comes to greening their cleaning supplies and or personal care products. Just like laundry detergent liquid hand soap does in fact typically have ingredients in it that are not good for the environment whatsoever. Well, guess what? You are about to learn how to make your own homemade eco-friendly hand soap!

Follow the following recipes to learn how to make your own homemade eco-friendly hand soap. Don’t forget to get creative when it comes to making your own soap. Try adding a few drops of your favorite smelling essential oil to the mix.

Homemade Organic Liquid Hand Soap

Ingredients:
Organic Bar Soap
Distilled Water

Directions:
Chop the soap up super small or grate. Boil the water (start with 3-4 cups) and once hot, add the soap. Mix, let it sit on a low boil, and if needed add more soap and or water, let low boil, mix. Once it appears to be the right thickness, do a massive final mix, it needs to be completely blended or little soap hardened pieces will show up, which of course will clog your pump. After the final mix, run a test. Your test is to let it sit out overnight. If you come back and it’s too thick, heat and add more water.
Getting the thickness right is the hard part. It depends on the soap. If you add 3 oz of soap or so, start with 3-4 cups H2o and go from there. It will turn out different depending your soap, so this is a project you need to watch, at least the first time you do it. You can add a few drops of organic essential oils too.

This recipe is by Jennifer. Check out this recipe in her article online.

Homemade Organic Liquid Hand Soap

Ingredients:
1 cup distilled or filtered water
3 tablespoon liquid castile soap
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
Drops of lemon or orange essential oils-or your choice
Tea tree oil is antibacterial and antifungal, add some drops of that too

Directions:
Combine all ingredients, I used a blender stick. Funnel into a reused pump bottle. It cost a lot less than buying organic hand soap. I tried Kiss my Face , then realized it has parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl-).

This recipe is by Chari. You can view her recipe in her article online.