I’ve been on a quest lately. It’s been an interesting journey, actually, and there is still a great distance to go, but I’ve been learning and trying to detox my life of man-made chemicals. They really are everywhere, and since I am not acutely aware of them, they are hiding everywhere. I know some people build up an allergic reaction to them, and it’s a hard struggle for them to get rid of them in their houses, etc. — but I’m sure that they are able to find them!

There are a few reasons for my great desire to remove the harmful chemicals, and beyond that, simplify and get back to basics with my life. Obviously, rubbing chemicals in your hair and on your skin which are known to cause health problems, cancer, etc. is a bad idea. Also, the world is getting more polluted, and I love nature, I love the woods and the trees and the animals. I want to cause as little harm as I can to the world around me. Also, God has made us stewards of His creation. As stewards, all of our actions matter, and reflect on our stewardship.

What I’m Doing

1. Wash my clothes in cold water.
2. Recycling papers, plastics, glass, ink cartridges.
3. Buying local, organic meats and vegetables by joining a local co-op at naturalfarms.
4. Buying organic food whenever possible.
5. Using phosphate free laundry and dish detergents.
6. Using natural beauty treatments, instead of store bought chemical ones.
7. Using natural cleaning treatments, instead of store bought chemical ones.
8. Avoiding plastics.
9. Bringing my own shopping bags.
10. Eating less beef.
11. Walking my dog outside more.

Honestly, having a dog is one of the best things that has happened to me. Because he needs to go outside and exercise, it necessitates my own exercise and fresh air. I also know that some freelancers don’t get dressed in the morning, and work in their pajamas and are basically slobs… but in essence, I can’t do that. I have to get up at the same time every day. I have to get dressed and presentable. I have to take my dog outside and exercise and enjoy the nature that surrounds me.

Since I am seeing nature, animals, birds and trees more than I had before, I am appreciating how much my own decisions effect the natural world. I am also growing to understand that God created the natural world to help and heal our bodies, as much as we are used to nurture it, and more.

I have started trying some natural beauty treatments, instead of the face cleansers that I had used up to now. I have tried using milk to wash my face, and tone with lemon juice (just by rubbing a slice of lemon over my face). I’m still working on the moisturizer part. I finally bought some aloe vera, but I don’t like the stickiness of it by itself, so I’ve been mixing it with my old chemical moisturizer. In Florida, I didn’t even need the moisturizer because it was warm and humid, but in the cold of Tulsa again, I need it more.

No matter what I tell you here, the only way to really know what a difference it can make is to try it yourself. After the first time, I was amazed at how different my face felt. Over time, the natural feeling has worn off… but I tried my cleanser again and it was horrible. I can’t believe I used it on my skin. They best way I can describe the difference between using natural cleansers that work with your body’s PH levels, and the company made chemical substitutes is to say that it is the difference between DEAD and ALIVE.

I also am on a quest for natural hair products (shampoo and conditioner). I tried the easiest recipe I found, which was wash with baking soda, and then do an apple cider vinegar rinse, but that didn’t do well in my books. My hair was oily by the afternoon. I’m going to buy something temporarily, for my RTW trip, and when I get home, I’ll probably try to mix up some of the other recipes I have.