Being Environmentally Friendly On-Board

On board Sarean we strive to do our best to have a low environmental impact with our general living. We live on green energy, up-cycle, recycle, refurbish and buy second hand as much as possible.

We carry a tonne of spares and tools on board and we always look to repair items before we head down the road of throwing them out. (We are just about to upgrade our Anchor Chain as the Galv has worn off and we need to extend to 100metres, however we are keeping the old chain as it will serve as some form of Drogue, a Stern Anchor, or additional cyclone tie down).

We also carry a sewing machine on board, so that we can make running repairs to sails, clothing, linen and upholstery.

We Anti Fouled this year, so on the next haul out we hope to use one of the new Copper Free, Non-biocide Bottom Paints. This will further ensure little impact on reef systems and aquatic life.

Just as in a house, we use water sparingly, turn off lights and charge items during the day. If we use the washing machine or water maker, we do so during daylight hours, so as to give the batteries time to recharge. We run LED lights, take ocean baths when we can, then rinse off in the shower. We open hatches to the breeze and apply shade on deck to help keep our floating home cool.

At times it's difficult do due to location, however when doing a major provision I try to buy in bulk. We have a 'Nil Overboard' policy so we take most items out of their packaging prior to coming on board. The amount of unnecessary packaging disheartens me.

I make our own enviro friendly sunscreen, clothes wash, cleaning products, deodorant, toothpaste and lip balm. I am trying to reduce single use plastics on board, hence I am trialing Beeswax Wrap as a replacement for Glad Wrap. It's a much healthier way to store your food – and lasts for up to a year.

Check out my recipes below for healthier ways to protect your skin and home.

Healthy Body Products!

Chemical Free Sunscreen

Ever wondered what's in your sunscreen? Take a read sometime. The spray on's might be convenient, however for us boaties their excess makes life rather slippery – not to mention the cost to both my back pocket, our bodies and marine eco systems. Give this blend a try for a completely natural, no harm, effective option.

½ C Coconut Oil

1 C Shea Butter

1 C Cacao Butter

1 T Vitamin E Oil

1 ½ T Zinc Oxide Powder

- Melt Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Cacao Butter over a double boiler.

- As it cools, add Vit E Oil and Zinc Oxide Powder and mix well.

- Pour into tightly lidded jar.

Use liberally and re-apply after water-sports.

Chemical Free Toothpaste

We've all read about chemicals in toothpastes, and some of the 'natural' one's are not so natural. Make your own in a jiffy – save your dollars and reduce plastics to landfill.

3 T Baking Soda

½ C Coconut oil (Melted)

10 drops Essential Oil (Peppermint, Ginger, Cinnamon are tasty)

Glycerin (Plant Based)

Add until you make a soft paste.

Mix ALL together and store in a small airtight jar.

** Tip: Oil may go rancid if watered down, so dip toothbrush in when dry!

Chemical Free Deodorant – that really works!

It feels good, smells good and is free of nasty Aluminium.

Give it a go!

6 T Coconut Oil (or 3T Coconut Oil + 3T Shea Butter)

1 T Beeswax (Optional. Makes a firmer mix)

¼ C Baking Soda

¼ C Arrowroot or Cornstarch

30 drops Essential oils (Tea Tree, Peppermint or Lavender)

- Melt Oils and Beeswax over double boiler.

- Mix in remaining ingredients to form a paste.

- Pour into an old roll up deoderant stick, cupcake molds, or a favourite jar.

** Tip: If you don't go with recycling an old deo stick, simply apply with fingers – rub any excess into your hands – they'll feel great!

All Natural Facial Cleanser

Avocado Oil is very healing for the skin

with antibacterial properties of honey

will feed your skin and give it a natural glow!

½ C Avocado Oil

3 T Honey (Raw)

2T Castile Soap

Whisk together then pour into a small pump bottle.

All Natural Face Care Cream

1 T Coconut Oil

2 T Shea Butter

1 T Beeswax

½ tsp Vit E Oil (Avocado works also)

8 drops Essential Oil (Lavender or Rose)

- Melt Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Beeswax over double Boiler.

- Mix in Vit E and chosen Essential Oil as it cools.

- Pour into container and allow to set.

Rosemary Shampoo

So easy - this shampoo will strengthen and add a natural shine to your hair. Rosemary is also beneficial for those with drier scalps.

1 Shampoo Bar (with Rosemary, Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oils)

3 C Water

1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary (or 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil added upon

cooling)

- Grate Shampoo Bar into saucepan with water and rosemary. (If using essential oils, add

when cooling).

- Cook on low until completely blended.

- Allow to cool.

- Pour into old pump bottle

** Note: This mix is more liquid than normal shampoo's. You can add ¼ tsp Xanthum Gum if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Homemade Hairspray

Forget expensive and chemically blended Salt Sprays. Use this to keep fly-a ways under control.

1 ½ C Water

2 T White Sugar

2 T Alcohol 40% (Vodka or Gin)

4 drops each Rosemary, Orange, Lemon & Grapefruit Essential Oils

- Dissolve White Sugar in Boiled Water.

- Cool, then add Alcohol and Essential Oils.

- Pour into Pump Bottle.

- Shake before each use.

All Natural Beeswax Lip Gloss

I make a bundle of these each year and I wouldn't put anything else on my lips!

15 g Beeswax

1 tsp Anhydrous Lanolin

1 T Wheat Germ Oil

3 T Olive Oil

1 tsp Glycerin (Plant Based)

2 x 250 IU Vitamin E Capsules

10 drops Jojoba Oil (if you like your lip balm quite soft)

20 drops Essential Oils (Lemon, Peppemint, or Kanuka)

- Melt Beeswax and Lanolin over double boiler.

- Stir in Wheat Germ and Olive Oils, then remove mixture from the heat.

- Blend Glycerin until no droplets are apparent.

- Let mixture cool just a little, then add Vit E capsules.

- Add remaining Oils, Mix thoroughly.

- Pour mix into small tightly lidded jars.

Use liberally for lip smackingly gorgeous lips!

** Note: Zinc Oxide powder can be added to this mixture for an SPF rating. My personal experience in all my years in the sun and sea, is that I have not suffered dry or cracked lips from this formula.

Healthy Planet, HEALTHY HouseHold Products!

Enviro Care Washing Powder

16 C Baking Soda (13.5 lb Bag)

12 C Washing Soda (Lectic Soda)

8 C Grated Castile Soap (I Bar = 2C)

30 drops Essential Oils (Peppermint, Tea Tree or

Eucalyptus)

Blend until fine.

** Note: This makes about a 3 month supply. I buy in bulk from Blants Online and Dr Bronners. (Australia)

Citrus Spray Cleaner

This is so easy.

Simply ¾ fill an old spray bottle with water, then add:

10-15 drops of either Lemon or Orange Essential Oil.

Smells great, is antibacterial and a great cleaner to boot!

Clove Spray Cleaner & Mould Preventer

Another Easy way to rid your house of chemically made brands.

¾ fill a spare cleaning spray bottle with water, then add:

- 10 drops of Clove Essential Oil

- 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil (If you don't have it, use Orange, or extra Clove)

I use this as an everyday cleaner also, as I just love the scent. However, for mould prevention, simply spray affected area, leave sit for 30 minutes or so, wipe off, then give a light spray.

Bee Eco Cling Wrap

I love this concept! Beeswax has natural anti- bacterial properties and forms a great seal around food.

Simply mold your wrap around your food and rinse with cool water to clean. It will last 6 months to a year (depending on use), saves plastics to landfill, your precious dollars - and keeps those nasty BPA's out of your food.

You can easily make these yourself- here's how:

- Simply cut your fave pure cotton fabric into rectangles or dinner plate rounds.

- Lay on baking tray lined with tin foil, and grate beeswax lightly over the top.

- Pop in oven which is set to approx 150 degree's for 3-4 minutes.

- This will melt the beeswax into your cotton.

- Now, just hang to dry.

**Note: The beeswax will firm up pretty quickly. When dry, simply roll onto cardboard inner of your old Glad Wrap roll for easy storage. When needed, take a piece off to use and simply form a shape over or around your item. Allow the warmth of your hands to create a good seal.

So there you go. I used to spend hundreds on top of the line Organic products - which I loved. However I enjoy making these, look just as young ;) and am even happier that these products are healthy for us and the environment.

I give thanks to my Sailing Sisters at Women Who Sail Australia for tips on some of these blends. I have played around with the mixes and am pretty happy with the results – so I encourage you to give them a go!

You will note much of the same products are used in a few of the recipes. I buy in bulk which saves a bundle. And for those on boats, I simply store the ingredients in a large lidded tub until I need to make my next batch.

You can make these recipes in less than half an hour, reduce your plastic to landfill, save precious pennies and do no harm to the environment - or yourself!

Thanks for reading and if you think this article would help others, I would be grateful if you would share via the links below - and as always feel free to ask me any questions through the comment box!